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
Praise to the Blessed Virgin Mary
(Saturday of the fifth week of Great Lent)
Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos is a hymn of praise in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, composed in Byzantium, according to various assumptions, between the 5th and 7th centuries, or, in any case, in the early Byzantine era. The authors could be Rev. Roman the Sweet Singer (VI century), George of Pisidia (VII century), Patriarch Sergius (VII century), etc. The Greek word “Akathistos” literally means “unsaddled,” i.e., a song during which one does not sit, which indicates its original liturgical use. However, the term “akathist” did not immediately become a designation for the hymnographic liturgical genre (like troparion, stichera, canon, etc.). This happened after, following the example and in imitation of the first and for a long time the only one of its kind, “Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos,” others began to compose hymns repeating its formal structure, which also began to be called akathists - to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Mother of God in connection with various Its icons and holidays, as well as saints, are very different in their theological and poetic value. Especially akathist creativity developed in the 2nd Christian millennium, including in Orthodox Russia, retaining its significance to this day.
In the modern liturgical life of the Orthodox Church, the Byzantine Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos continues to occupy a primary and exclusive position, as evidenced by the fact that it, the only one of all the akathists, is included in the liturgical charter. Its firm place is in the Lenten Triodion, on Saturday morning of the fifth week of Great Lent, which is why this Saturday is called “Saturday of the Akathist” or “Praise of the Most Holy Theotokos.”
Compositionally, the Akathist is a large and complex, but at the same time very harmonious work. It consists of thirteen kontakia (shorter, somewhat complete stanzas) and twelve ikos (more extensive stanzas, the beginning of which is similar to kontakia). Kontakia and ikos alternate with each other. The main feature and main content of the ikos lies in twelve different addresses to the Mother of God each time, beginning with the word “Rejoice” - the Greek greeting “haire” (or “here”). These addresses are prayerful and poetic variations on the theme of the greeting with which the Archangel Gabriel addressed the Blessed Virgin Mary on the day of the Annunciation: “Rejoice, full of grace! The Lord is with you” (Lk. 1:28). The poet puts them into the mouth of one of the participants in the gospel or church history: the Angel Gabriel, the baby John the Baptist, who is still in the womb of Elizabeth, shepherds, wise men, believers, the Church, etc. Each ikos ends with the same refrain “Rejoice "The bride is not a bride." The kontakia ends with “Alleluia” (Hebrew: “Glory to Thee, O God”), with the exception of the first kontakion, which ends with an ikos: “Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.” It was precisely this scheme that was taken by subsequent poets as an object of imitation, which is why it became a form of the genre, filled with different content.
The inner richness and beauty of the Akathist - both in theological and dogmatic, and in prayer and liturgical, and in artistic and poetic relations - are appreciated only in the superlative degree. We can say that it represents an amazing combination of seemingly difficult things to combine: dogmatic accuracy and depth, comparable to the accuracy and depth of the creeds of the Ecumenical Councils, and amazing poetic grace, making the Akathist a literary and artistic masterpiece. In general, this combination is characteristic of the best works of Christian hymnography of the Byzantine era, which are used in the worship of the Church right up to the present day.
At the same time, all this at the same time makes it somewhat difficult to perceive the meaning of the Akathist - especially for someone who is new to the doctrine of the Church, and even considering that the Akathist, like all prayers in the Russian Orthodox Church, is read or sung in Church Slavonic . Plus, the Church Slavonic text of the Akathist, being a literal translation of the Greek original, accurately reproduces its complex, ornate syntactic structure, characteristic of early Byzantine poetry.
True, during the translation a number of integral features of the original, i.e., the Greek text of the Akathistus could not help but be lost - features associated with its rhythm and phonetic correspondences (alliterations) within each pair of hayretisms (i.e., greetings beginning with “Rejoice "), and they are actually grouped in pairs, so that there are six pairs in each ikos, not counting the repeated final "Hail, Unbrided Bride." In terms of the number of syllables, the first and last pair are always the shortest, and towards the middle they lengthen. By the way, the indicated paired structure of khayretisms in the Russian liturgical tradition is expressed, at least musically: all kontakia, except the first and sometimes the thirteenth, as well as all the beginnings of ikos, are usually read by the priest, and the khayretisms themselves are sung by the choir, and in two (or four) all time repeated melodic lines.
But the most amazing feature of the Greek text of the Akathist is probably the phonetic play on words. Of course, it turns out to be completely impossible to preserve it during translation, so only the ideological correspondence of the hairetisms within the pairs is retained. For example, already the first pair of hairetisms of the first ikos, which is translated in Slavic as “Rejoice, whose joy will shine forth;
Rejoice, even the oath will disappear,” in Greek (in Russian transcription) it will sound like this: “Khaire, di hes he hara eclampsei; Haire, di hes he ara ekleipse" (stressed syllables are underlined), where "hara" (joy) ara" (oath) and "eclampse" (will shine) "ekleipse" (disappear) form alliterations, and hairetisms generally correspond rhythmically to each other . Similar correspondences are found in abundance in the Greek text of the akathist (some of them will be indicated).
In addition, the Akathist in the Greek original has an alphabetical acrostic, according to which the alternating kontakia and ikos begin each time with a new letter of the Greek alphabet in their strict order - from alpha (“Representative Angel…”) to omega (“O all-sung Mother…” - according to - in Slavic this can be seen only in the example of the first ikos and the last, thirteenth kontakion).
The main, repeated hiretism is the greeting “Hail, Unbrided Bride” - an expressive example of how difficult it can be to translate into modern language a Church Slavonic phrase, the meaning of which is generally clear, but which is almost impossible to convey, while maintaining the height of style and reverent respect. And yet, we are talking about the ever-virginity of the Mother of God - one of the most dear mysteries for the Church, associated with the Incarnation, about which the symbol of faith says: “and became incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary...” The Virgin Mary is the Bride Who has no groom , or husband, in the carnal sense (this is precisely the meaning of the word “Unbride”), but who without a husband, without seed, became the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Akathist has great apologetic significance for the Church - both for the Orthodox and, by the way, for the Catholic Church. The fact is that the veneration that surrounds the personality of the Most Holy Theotokos in the Orthodox Church directly stems from the main, original and unique Christian dogma - the dogma of the Incarnation, that the Word (Son of God) became flesh, man (John 1: 14). The Incarnation occurs with the free participation of the Virgin Mary, more precisely, with her humble but conscious consent to contribute to the “eternal council,” that is, to the implementation of God’s eternal plan: “Behold, the Servant of the Lord; Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). The apostle and evangelist Luke was one of the first to draw attention to this important aspect of the coming of Christ - that is why only in the Gospel of Luke we read the story of the Annunciation to the Virgin of Nazareth, “betrothed to a husband named Joseph, from the house of David; and the name of the Virgin is Mary” (Luke 1:27). Following St. Luke, the Church expresses its joy at God’s condescension to man in the veneration of the Most Holy Theotokos, with whose person and ministry it is so logical to connect all, without exception, aspects of the Christological mystery of the Incarnation. The Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos is a vivid and, perhaps, unsurpassed example of how, with all the extensiveness of praise, which seems to be addressed exclusively to the Virgin Mary, everything in it is subordinated to the mystery of human salvation in Christ and in no one else.
AKATHIST
Kontakion 1
To the chosen Voivode, victorious, as having been delivered from the evil ones, let us write thanks to Thy servants, the Mother of God, but as having an invincible power, free us from all troubles, let us call Thee: Rejoice, Unmarried 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, depth unfathomable and angelic in the eye. 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, for we worship the Creator. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 2
Seeing the Holy One in purity, he says to Gabriel boldly: the glorious voice of yours is inconvenient to my soul: the birth of the seedless conception is like saying, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
The misunderstood mind is understood by the Virgin, seeking, cry out to the servant: from a pure 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 asking for faith. Rejoice, the beginning of the miracles of Christ; Rejoice, His commands 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 the 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, thou illuminating meanings for the faithful. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 3
The power of the Most High autumn 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, always sing to your heart: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having the womb of the God-pleasing Virgin, she came to Elizabeth: and the baby aby knew this kiss, rejoiced, and cried out to the Mother of God with songs like songs:
Rejoice, branches of unfading rose; Rejoice, acquisition of immortal fruit. Rejoice, O worker who makes the lover of mankind; Rejoice, Thou 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 prepare 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 inside with doubtful thoughts, the chaste Joseph was confused, to You in vain, unmarried, and thinking about the stolen marriage, Immaculate; Having taken away Your conception from the Holy Spirit, he said: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing the shepherd angels singing the carnal coming of Christ, and flowing as if to the Shepherd they saw this one, like a blameless lamb, fallen in Mary’s womb, and decided to sing:
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 resemble the heavenly ones. 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 with the hands of men, and the Master who understands Him, even if a slave has accepted the form of a slave, they strive 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, enlightener of the mysteries of the Trinity. Rejoice, thou who destroyest the inhuman tormentor from the authorities; Rejoice, you who showed Christ as the Lord and 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 God-bearing, formerly wolves, returned to Babylon, having finished Your prophecy, and preaching Your Christ to everyone, leaving Herod as if she were unspoken, unable to sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Having shone forth in Egypt the enlightenment of truth, Thou didst drive away the darkness of lies: for his idols, O Savior, did not tolerate Thy strength, falling, and those who were delivered cried out 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 idolatrous 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, broadening the clouds. Rejoice, receiver of food and manna; Rejoice, sweets to the holy servant. Rejoice, land of promise; Rejoice, honey and milk flow from nothing. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 7
I want Simeon from this present age to pass away from the charming one; you were like a child to him, but you also became known to him as a perfect God. I was also amazed at Your ineffable wisdom, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
A new creation has appeared, the Creator has appeared to us from Him, from the seedless vegetative womb, and having preserved You, as if it were imperishable, and having seen a miracle, let us sing 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, for the sake of the high God, a humble man appeared on earth, although he would attract to the heights of Him crying: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
All in all, in the lower and higher, the indescribable Word departed: the descent was divine, not a local passing away, and the birth of the Virgin of the Pleasant God, hearing this:
Rejoice, God is the inconceivable container; Rejoice, honorable sacrament of the door. Rejoice, doubtful hearing of the unbelievers; Rejoice, well-known praise for the faithful. Rejoice, O holy chariot of Jehovah upon Cherubim; Rejoice, glorious village of Existence on Seraphimekh. 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; unapproachable as God, a Man who is visible to all, abides for us, hearing from everyone: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The prophets of many things, like dumb fish, see about You, Mother of God, they are perplexed to say that the Virgin also abides, and was able to give birth. We, marveling at the mystery, truly cry out:
Rejoice, friend of God's wisdom, Rejoice, treasure of His providences. Rejoice, you who reveal the wise to the unwise; Rejoice, you who denounce the cunning and 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
To save the world, Who is the Decorator of all, has come to this self-promise, and this Shepherd, like God, has appeared for us for our sake: having called upon like like, as if God hears: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Thou art a wall to the virgins, the Virgin Mother of God, and to all who come running to Thee: for the Creator of heaven and earth made Thee, O Most Pure One, dwell 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, 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-dyeer of the souls of the saints. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 11
All singing is conquered, striving to meet the multitude of Thy bounties: songs equal to the sand of the sand that we bring to Thee, the Holy King, 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 in the darkness, we see the Holy Virgin, the immaterial one, who burns fire, instructs everything to the Divine mind, enlightening the mind at dawn, and revered by the title, with these:
Rejoice, ray of the intelligent Sun; Rejoice, shining light of the never-setting Light. Rejoice, lightning, enlightening souls; Rejoice, for the thunder of the enemy is terrifying. 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 repaying the desires of the ancient debts, of all debts, the Solver of man, who came with Himself to those who departed from His grace, and dismantled the handwriting, hears from everyone: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing Your Nativity, we all praise You, like an animated temple, the Mother of God: for in Your womb, the Lord holds everything with His hand, sanctify, glorify and teach everyone to cry out to You:
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, honest one, crowned with pious people; 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 the enemies fall. Rejoice, healing of my body; Rejoice, salvation of my soul. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 13
Oh, All-Singing Mother, who gave birth to all the saints, the Most Holy Word! Having accepted this present offering, deliver everyone from all misfortunes, and remove future torments from those who cry out for You: Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos and 1st kontakion)
PRAYER FIRST
Oh, Most Holy Lady Lady Theotokos, you are the highest Angel and Archangel of all, and the most honorable of all creatures, you are 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 have made us worthy, Thy sinful servants, of the Kingdom of Thy Son, Christ our God; for His power is blessed and glorified, with His Originless Father, and with His Most Holy, and Good, and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
PRAYER TWO
Oh, Most Holy Virgin Mother of the Lord, Queen of Heaven and earth! Hear the much-painful sighing of our soul, look down from Thy holy height upon us, who with faith and love worship Thy most pure image. We are immersed in sins and overwhelmed by sorrows, looking at Your image, as if You were alive and living with us, we offer our humble prayers. The imams have no other help, no other intercession, no consolation except You, O Mother of all who mourn and are burdened. Help us the weak, satisfy our sorrow, guide us, the erring, on the right path, heal and save the hopeless, grant us the rest of our lives to spend in peace and silence, grant us a Christian death, and at the Last Judgment of Your Son the merciful Intercessor will appear to us, and always We sing, magnify and glorify Thee, as the good Intercessor of the Christian race, with all those who have pleased God. Amen.
CANON
(Praise to the Blessed Virgin Mary)
Troparion, tone 8
The secretly commanded reception in the mind, in the blood of Joseph, with diligence, appeared incorporeal, saying in the most unartful manner: bowed by the descent of Heaven, the whole is invariably contained in Thee. And seeing Him in Your wombs I have taken on the form of a slave, I am horrified to call You: Rejoice, Unmarried Bride.
Canon, voice 4
Song 1
Irmos:
I will open my mouth, and be filled with the Spirit, and I will vomit the word to the Queen Mother, and I will appear brightly triumphant, and I will sing, rejoicing, of Her miracles.
Chorus:
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The book of Christ, animated, sealed by Thee by the Spirit, the great Archangel, Pure, in vain proclaimed to Thee: Rejoice, friend of joy, Whose 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 Incense Apple; Rejoice, you 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, fragrant censer of the faithful, fragrant censer and valuable myrrh.
Song 3
Irmos:
Thy hymns, O Theotokos, living and unenvious source, spiritually establish the face of thyself: in Thy Divine glory grant crowns of glory.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Vegetated Divine class, like an unearthed field, rejoice, animated Trapezo, containing animal bread; Rejoice, inexhaustible source of animal waters, 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 who bears Christ the light of the dwelling; Rejoice, you who destroyed the darkness and drove away the dark demons.
And now:
Rejoice, One Door, Whose Word passed through One, the faiths and gates of hell, Lady, Who crushed with Your Nativity; Rejoice at the Divine entrance of those being saved, Bride of God.
Lord have mercy.
(
Three times
)
Sedalen, voice 1st
The great warrior of the immaterial Angels, having appeared in the city of Nazareth, proclaims Thy King, O Pure One, and the Lord of the ages: Rejoice, saying to Thee, blessed Mary, incomprehensible and ineffable Depth, the proclamation of men.
Glory, And now:
The same.
Song 4
Irmos:
Seated in glory, on the throne of the Divine, the Divine Jesus came in a light cloud, with an incorruptible hand, and those who called for salvation: glory, O Christ, to Thy power.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
In the voice of singing, Virgin, we cry to You, All-Singing: Rejoice, fat Goro and drenched in the Spirit; Rejoice, Candlebearer, and Stamno, bearing manna, delighting all pious feelings.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Purgatory of the world, Rejoice, Most Pure Lady; Rejoice at the Ladder, who has raised everyone from the earth with grace; Rejoice at the Bridge, truly lead 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 falsehood, Most Pure One, who easily bore it; Rejoice at the Chervlenitsa, who has moistened 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, ineffable Height, unskillful, by which we adore.
And now:
We hymn to You, who has woven the world’s unbraided crown, Rejoice, The Virgin calls to You: the repository of all, and the fence, and the affirmation, and the sacred refuge.
Song 5
Irmos:
Everyone was terrified of Your Divine glory: You, the Unartificed Virgin, had God in your womb above all and gave birth to a flightless Son, giving peace to all who sing Your praises.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
You who gave birth to the path of life, rejoice, Most Immaculate One, who saved the world from the sinful flood; Rejoice, Bride of God, terrible hearing and speaking; Rejoice in the presence of the Lord of creation.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Fortress and affirmation of men, Rejoice, Most Pure One, place of consecration of glory, mortification of hell, O all-bright Hall; 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 rich life of the Lord, whose sweetness revives with faith those who partake, and aphids who bow down.
Glory:
Strengthened by Thy power, we truly cry out to Thee: Rejoice, City of all the King, glorious and well-heard of It was spoken in reality, Insectless Mountain: Rejoice, immeasurable in depth.
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.
Song 6
Irmos:
This divine and all-honorable celebration, God-wisdom, Mother of God, come, let us clasp our hands and glorify the God who was born from Her.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Devil of the Word, Undefiled, wine of all deification, Rejoice, Most Pure One, announcement of the prophets; Rejoice, fertilizer of the apostles.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
From You I will drop the dew, extinguishing the flame of polytheism; thus we cry to Ti: Rejoice, animated Fleece, hedgehog Gideon, Virgin, foreseen.
Glory:
Behold, O Virgin, rejoice, we call you: be a refuge for us who love you, and a refuge in the abyss of sorrows and temptations for all warriors.
And now:
Joy of wine, grace our thoughts, calling to You: Rejoice, burning Bush, all-bright Cloud, constantly overshadowing the faithful.
Lord have mercy.
(
Thrice
)
Glory, And now:
Kontakion, tone 8
To the chosen victorious governor, as if we were delivered from the evil ones, let us write thanks to Thy servants, the Mother of God, but as having an invincible power, free us from all troubles, let us call Thee: Rejoice, Unmarried Bride.
Ikos
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, unfathomable depth and angelic eye. 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, for we worship the Creator. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.
Song 7
Irmos:
Having not served the creation of God's wisdom more than the Creator, but the fiery rebuke manfully trampled, rejoicing and singing: blessed are the Lord and God of the fathers.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
We praise Thee blatantly: Rejoice, Thou Chariot of the clever Sun, the true Vine, cultivating the ripe grape, flowing wine, gladdening the souls of those who glorify Thee with faith.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Who has given birth to the physician of all people, Rejoice, Bride of God, Secret Rod, Blooming unfading flower, Rejoice to the Lady, With Her joy we are filled, and we inherit life.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The florid tongue, O Lady, cannot sing songs about You, even more so than the Seraphim you exalted yourself, having given birth to the King Christ; Pray to this city to get rid of many temptations.
Glory:
The ends praise You blessedly, and they call You with love: Rejoice, Switch, in whom the Father’s Word was written with a finger, O Pure One; Pray to Him, in the books of the living, to be written by Your servant 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 those ever immersed in sorrow, and preserve Thy city from captivity to the Theotokos from every enemy.
Song 8
Irmos:
The pious youths in the cave saved the Nativity of the Theotokos; Then what is formed, now in action, raises up the entire universe to sing to You: Sing to the Lord’s deeds and exalt Him to all ages.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou hast received the false Word, thou hast carried all that is worn, thou hast nourished with milk, thou hast nourished the entire universe with mania, the Pure One, to Him we sing: Sing unto the works of the Lord, and exalt ye unto all ages.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Moses understood in the bush the great mystery of Thy 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 previously been exposed by delusion, we have clothed ourselves in the robe of incorruption with Your Nativity, and those who sit in the darkness of sins, we have seen the Light, the dwelling of Light, the Maiden; therefore we sing to Thee forever.
Glory:
The dead are revived by You, You gave birth to Hypostasis Life, you are silent before, you are gracious, lepers are cleansed, sicknesses are driven away, many aerial spirits are defeated, Virgin, the salvation of men.
And now:
Who gave birth to Salvation for the world, Who was taken from the earth to the heights, Rejoice, O All-Blessed One, Protection and Power, Wall and Confirmation of those who sing, Pure: Sing to the Lord’s deeds and extol to all ages.
Song 9
Irmos:
Let every earth-born leap, let us be enlightened by the Spirit, let the nature of the disembodied minds triumph, honoring the sacred triumph of the Mother of God, and let it cry out: Rejoice, All-Blessed Mother of God, Pure Ever-Virgin.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
May you be faithful, we rejoice, we call you, the joy of the former ever-present participant, deliver us from misfortunes, barbaric captivity, and all other wounds, for the multitude, O Maiden, of sins that occur to a sinning person.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
You have appeared as our enlightenment and affirmation; We also cry out to Ti: Rejoice, never-setting Star, introducing the great Sun into the world; Rejoice, We are coming, opening the prisoner, Pure; Rejoice, O Vessel, who received the inexhaustible ointment poured out upon Thee.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Let us stand reverently in the house of our God and cry out: Rejoice, Lady of the world; Hail Mary, Lady of us all; Rejoice, One Immaculate and Good among women; Rejoice, Pillar of Fire, leading humanity into the higher life.
Glory:
Dove, who gave birth to the Merciful, rejoice, Ever-Virgin; saints of all, rejoice Praise, wedding of the sufferers; Rejoice to all the righteous, Divine fertilizer, and salvation to us faithful.
And now:
Spare, O God, Thy inheritance, having despised all our sins now, for this we have You praying to us, who on earth gave birth to You without seed, for the great mercy of the One who wished to be imagined, Christ, into humanity.
Icon of Praise to the Mother of God
“Praise of the Most Holy Theotokos” (Novgorod icon, 15th century)
The events of the holiday and the Akathist to the Mother of God formed the basis of the “Praise to the Mother of God” icon, which became widespread in the 14th-15th centuries. The Virgin Mary is depicted surrounded by prophets, each of whom holds scrolls with predictions of the coming of the Messiah into the world and objects symbolizing this event. In their prophecies, they spoke allegorically about the Blessed Virgin, for example, as a ladder connecting Heaven and earth, as a blossoming rod and as a gate through which Christ will come... It happens that next to the Mother of God saints-hymnographers are depicted, praising her in their prayer works. The marks of the icon can depict events in the life of the Mother of God and cases of Her intercession and help to believers.
Praise to the Blessed Virgin Mary; XVIII century; Russia. ruicon.ru
The icon “Praise to the Mother of God” is truly a “hymn in colors”: it visually reflects poetic images associated with the Mother of God and found in the Akathist dedicated to Her.
Dionysius. Praise to the Mother of God. Painting of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in the Ferapontov Monastery
The development of the theme of Praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary can be seen in church paintings of the 16th-17th centuries. In the Ferapontov Mother of God-Nativity Monastery, a cycle of frescoes “Praise to the Mother of God”, created by the famous icon painter Dionysius and his sons, has been preserved. This plot can also be found in the paintings of the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. There, in the Assumption Cathedral, the oldest icon in Russia, “Praise of the Virgin Mary with Akathist,” is kept, dating back to the second half of the 14th century.
As for the icon in front of which the inhabitants of Constantinople prayed in the Blachernae Church, this image of the Most Pure One with the Child, called Hodehydria (Guide), became one of the most widespread in Orthodox iconography. It is believed that after the fall of Byzantium, the Blachernae icon was transferred to Athos, and later sent to Moscow and is now in the Assumption Cathedral.
On the holiday, the Akathist can be read in front of any icon of the Mother of God.
Kontakion 13 Akathist
Oh, All-Singing Mother, who gave birth to all the saints, the Most Holy Word! Having accepted this present offering, deliver everyone from all misfortune, and from future torment, those who cry out for You: Alleluia.
The singing of Akathists has become a familiar part of liturgical life for us. Matins are performed with the singing of Akathists, and prayer services with the singing of Akathists. However, in the Charter we have only one example of singing the Akathist. This is the only Akathist provided for by the Charter, the only Charter form of connecting the ordinary service with the Akathist. This connection is such that this day becomes a completely unforgettable holiday, so solemn and beautiful is the Praise of the Most Holy Theotokos. The beauty of this service simply cannot be compared.
From the book: M.L. Krasovitskaya "Liturgics". M., 2001
Service of Praise to the Virgin Mary
The service of the feast of the Praise of the Virgin Mary is unlike any other service of the year. It happens that at the request of believers or according to parish tradition, akathists are read in church, but only once a year an akathist is heard on the same day in all Orthodox churches during services.
On Friday evening at Matins, after the usual beginning, psalms and prayers, the Akathist begins . It consists of 12 ikos (stanzas of praise containing the refrain “Rejoice”) and 12 kontakia (smaller verses than ikos, verses ending with the refrain “Hallelujah”), but during the service it is divided into four parts - 3 kontakia and 3 ikos . To read fragments of the Akathist, the clergyman goes out through the royal doors and stands in front of the icon of the Mother of God placed in the center of the temple.
On Akathist Saturday, as on all Saturdays of Great Pentecost, the Liturgy of John Chrysostom is served. A fragment of the Gospel dedicated to the Mother of God is added to the Gospel of the day.
Temples of Praise of the Virgin Mary in Moscow
Praise of the Mother of God is the patronal feast of one of the boundaries of the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin . It was in the Pokhvalsky chapel, according to historians, that the naming of metropolitans and patriarchs took place in the 16th-17th centuries. There, in the Kremlin, there is also an inactive, but externally partially restored, Church of the Praise of the Virgin Mary in the building of the Commandant's Office. Once upon a time it was a house church in the residential boyar chambers.
The first and only church in Moscow accessible to all believers in honor of the Feast of the Praise of the Virgin Mary was built in the 15th century on the banks of the Moscow River not far from the place where the Cathedral of Christ the Savior is now located. After a fire in the 17th century, the wooden church was replaced by a stone one. In the 30s of the twentieth century, the ancient Church of the Praise of the Virgin Mary was demolished following the nearby cathedral - both churches interfered with the construction of the Palace of the Soviets, which, by the way, was never completed. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior was restored in the 90s of the twentieth century.
A few years ago, the Church of the Praise of the Virgin Mary appeared in Moscow . In July 2012, the first prayer service was served at the construction site of the Pokhvalskaya Church in the Moscow district of Zyablikovo. Now between Orekhov and Borisovsky passages, on the outskirts of the apple orchard, there is a temporary church, but the parish actively lives with it, there is a Sunday school and choral singing classes, there is a social service... Parishioners hope that over time a permanent church will appear in this place in honor of the Praise of the Mother of God.
What is the holiday about?
The events took place approximately in the VI-IX centuries from the Nativity of Christ. The position of Constantinople Christians in those days was not enviable. Every now and then the city was attacked by different nations. Arabs, Persians, Scythians, and barbarians repeatedly tried to capture the city. But each time this was avoided thanks to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin.
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