We invite you to place your prayer request

before the Icon of the Virgin Mary, who,

as the Mother of our Creator,

is the Mother of all and intercedes

for the salvation of the world.

As she has shed tears for humanity,

she will hear you.

You are welcome to write a

short prayer or hymn

to the Theotokos.

Submit Your Prayer Request

Hymns to the Theotokos

The Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos

The masterpiece of hymnography to the Theotokos, composed by St. Romanos the Melodist (6th century).

“The Champion General, we your servants offer hymns of victory…”

Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos – Orthodox Christian Chants

To Thee the Champion Leader – Maureen Lokos

To Thee, the Champion Leader (Взбранной воеводе) – Nikolai Diego

Τῇ Ὑπερμάχῳ Στρατηγῷ – O Champion General – Μουσικά Ενθύμια

The Akathist Hymn – Fr. George Papadeas (Full Text)

O Pure Virgin (Αγνὴ Παρθένε)

A beloved Orthodox hymn dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos, composed by Saint Nektarios of Aegina. Often chanted for its purity, beauty, and prayerful power. The hymn begins:

O Pure and Virgin Lady,
O spotless Theotokos
Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!

Agni Parthene – Divna Ljubojević

O Virgin Pure – Mary & Jim Fass

Agni Parthene – Sacred Chants to Holy Virgin Mary (OrthodoxPraises)

“Axion Estin” Hymn – It is Truly Meet

A profound and ancient hymn honoring the Most Holy Theotokos. “Axion Estin” (Ἄξιόν Ἐστιν) is chanted in every Orthodox Divine Liturgy and services, praising the Virgin Mary as
“More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim.”

Axion Estin – Divna Ljubojević ~ Kyrie Eleison – Ortodox4Life

It is Truly Meet – Monastery Choir of St. John of San Francisco

Panagia Axion Estin – OrthodoxWiki

The Paraklesis (Supplicatory Canon)

A deeply moving hymn of supplication to the Theotokos, traditionally chanted by the faithful, but during times of distress or illness by the suffering and their loved ones.

Paraklesis, Small Supplicatory Canon to Theotokos – Orthodox Christian Chants

Παρακλητικός Κανών Παναγίας Πορταϊτισσας – Rev. George Antoniou

Great Paraklesis – Holy Trinity Holy Cross GOC

English Paraklesis to the Theotokos – Greek OCS Sydney

The Service of the Small Paraklesis – GOAA

St. Gregory Palamas on the Theotokos

“She is the gateway of salvation, the intercessor for all, the Mother of the Light!”

Homily on the Entry of the Ever-Virgin Mary into the Temple

Saint John Maximovitch of Shanghai & San Francisco

“The Orthodox Church teaches about the Mother of God that which Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture have informed concerning Her, and daily it glorifies Her in its temples, asking Her help and defense.”

The Orthodox Veneration of Mary, the Birthgiver of God

St. John of Damascus’ Three Homilies on the Dormition of the Virgin

“Rejoice, O Mother of Life! The angels stand in awe, and the faithful rejoice!”

Three Sermons on the Dormition of the Virgin

St. Nektarios: Prayer to the Virgin Mary

“Rejoice, O Mother of Life! The angels stand in awe, and the faithful rejoice!”

St. Nektarios: Prayer to the Virgin Mary

Mark Kern, The Life of the Virgin Mary

Mark Kern, The Life of the Virgin Mary

ΧΑΙΡΕΤΙΣΜΟΙ ΕΙΣ ΤΗΝ ΥΠΕΡΑΓΙΑΝ ΘΕΟΤΟΚΟΝ

ΧΑΙΡΕΤΙΣΜΟΙ ΕΙΣ ΤΗΝ ΥΠΕΡΑΓΙΑΝ ΘΕΟΤΟΚΟΝ

Ἀπολυτἰκιον

Τὸ προσταχθὲν μυστικῶς λαβὼν ἐν γνώσει, ἐν τῇ σκηνῇ τοῦ Ἰωσὴφ σπουδῇ ἐπέστη, ὁ Ἀσώματος λέγων τῇ Ἀπειρογάμῳ· Ὁ κλίνας τῇ καταβάσει τοὺς οὐρανούς, χωρεῖται ἀναλλοιώτως ὅλος ἐν σοί· Ὅν καὶ βλέπων ἐν μήτρᾳ Σου, λαβόντα δούλου μορφήν, ἐξίσταμαι κραυγάζειν Σοι·

Χαῖρε Νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.

SALUTATIONS TO THE MOST-HOLY THEOTOKOS

SALUTATIONS TO THE MOST-HOLY THEOTOKOS

Dismissal Hymn

When the bodiless one learned the secret command, in haste he came and stood before Joseph’s dwelling, and spake unto the Maiden who knew not wedlock: The One Who hath bowed the Heavens by His descent is held and contained unchanging wholly in thee. Seeing Him receiving the form of a servant in thy womb, I stand in awe and cry to thee:

Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded.

Α

Ἄγγελος πρωτοστάτης, οὐρανόθεν ἐπέμφθη, εἰπεῖν τῇ Θεοτόκῳ τὸ Χαῖρε (τρίς)·

καὶ σὺν τῇ ἀσωμάτῳ φωνῇ, σωματούμενόν σε θεωρῶν Κύριε, ἐξίστατο καὶ ἵστατο, κραυγάζων πρὸς αὐτὴν τοιαῦτα·

Χαῖρε, δι᾽ ἧς ἡ χαρὰ ἐκλάμψει· χαῖρε, δι᾽ ἧς ἡ ἀρὰ ἐκλείψει.

Χαῖρε, τοῦ πεσόντος Ἀδὰμ ἡ ἀνάκλησις· χαῖρε, τῶν δακρύων τῆς Εὔας ἡ λύτρωσις.

Χαῖρε, ὕψος δυσανάβατον ἀνθρωπίνοις λογισμοῖς· χαῖρε βάθος δυσθεώρητον καὶ Ἀγγέλων ὀφθαλμοῖς.

Χαῖρε, ὅτι ὑπάρχεις Βασιλέως καθέδρα· χαῖρε,ὅτι βαστάζεις τὸν βαστάζοντα πάντα.

Χαῖρε, ἀστὴρ ἐμφαίνων τὸν Ἥλιον· χαῖρε, γαστὴρ ἐνθέου σαρκώσεως.

Χαῖρε, δι᾽ ἧς νεουργεῖται ἡ κτίσις· χαῖρε, δι᾽ ἧς βρεφουργεῖται ὁ Κτίστης·

Χαῖρε Νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.

Α - 1

An Angel, and the chiefest among them, was sent from Heaven to cry to the Mother of God: Rejoice! (thrice)

And beholding Thee, O Lord, taking bodily form, he stood in awe, and with his bodiless voice he cried aloud to her such things as these:

Rejoice, thou through whom joy shall shine forth.

Rejoice, thou through whom the curse shall be blotted out.

Rejoice, thou the Restoration of fallen Adam.

Rejoice, thou the Redemption of the tears of Eve.

Rejoice, Height hard to climb for human thought.

Rejoice, Depth hard to explore, even for the eyes of Angels.

Rejoice, for thou art the Throne of the King.

Rejoice, for thou sustainest the Sustainer of all.

Rejoice, Star that causest the Sun to appear.

Rejoice, Womb of the divine Incarnation.

Rejoice, thou through whom creation is renewed.

Rejoice, thou through whom the Creator becometh a babe.

Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded.

Β

Βλέπουσα ἡ Ἁγία, ἑαυτὴν ἐν ἁγνείᾳ, φησὶ τῷ Γαβριὴλ θαρσαλέως. Τὸ παράδοξόν σου τῆς φωνῆς, δυσπαράδεκτόν μου τῇ ψυχῇ φαίνεται· ἀσπόρου γὰρ συλλήψεως τὴν κύησιν πῶς λέγεις; κράζων·

Ἀλληλούϊα.

B - 2

Beholding herself in chastity, the holy one spake boldly unto Gabriel: The strangeness of thy words seemeth hard to my soul to receive; for how speakest thou of a seedless conception? crying aloud:

Alleluia.

Γ

Γνῶσιν ἄγνωστον γνῶναι, ἡ Παρθένος ζητοῦσα, ἐβόησε πρὸς τὸν λειτουργοῦντα· Ἐκ λαγόνων ἁγνῶν Υἱόν, πῶς ἐστι τεχθῆναι δυνατόν; λέξον μοι· Πρὸς ἣν ἐκεῖνος ἔφησεν ἐν φόβῳ, πλὴν κραυγάζων οὕτω·

Χαῖρε, βουλῆς ἀπορρήτου μύστις· χαῖρε, σιγῆς δεομένων πίστις.

Χαῖρε, τῶν θαυμάτων Χριστοῦ τὸ προοίμιον· χαῖρε, τῶν δογμάτων αὐτοῦ τὸ κεφάλαιον.

Χαῖρε, κλῖμαξ ἐπουράνιε, δι᾽ ἧς κατέβη ὁ Θεός· χαῖρε, γέφυρα μετάγουσα τοὺς ἐκ γῆς πρὸς οὐρανόν.

Χαῖρε, τὸ τῶν ἀγγέλων πολυθρύλητον θαῦμα· χαῖρε, τὸ τῶν δαιμόνων πολυθρήνητον τραῦμα.

Χαῖρε, τὸ Φῶς ἀῤῥήτως γεννήσασα· χαῖρε, τὸ πῶς μηδένα διδάξασα.

Χαῖρε, σοφῶν ὑπερβαίνουσα γνῶσιν· χαῖρε, πιστῶν καταυγάζουσα φρένας·

Χαῖρε Νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.

Γ - 3

Seeking to know knowledge unknown, the Virgin cried to him who ministered unto her: From a chaste womb how can a Son be born? Tell thou me! Then spake he to her in fear, yet crying aloud thus:

Rejoice, thou Initiate of the ineffable counsel.

Rejoice, thou Faith in that which demandeth silence.

Rejoice, Prelude of the miracles of Christ.

Rejoice, Pinnacle of His doctrines.

Rejoice, heavenly Ladder whereby God came down.

Rejoice, Bridge leading those of earth to Heaven.

Rejoice, Marvel far-famed of Angels.

Rejoice, wounding much-bewailed of demons.

Rejoice, thou who ineffable gavest birth to the Light.

Rejoice, thou who didst reveal the mystery to none.

Rejoice, thou who oversoarest the knowledge of the wise.

Rejoice, thou who enlightenest the minds of the faithful.

Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded.

Δ

Δύναμις τοῦ Ὑψίστου, ἐπεσκίασε τότε, πρὸς σύλληψιν τῇ Ἀπειρογάμῳ· καὶ τὴν εὔκαρπον ταύτης νηδύν, ὡς ἀγρὸν ὑπέδειξεν ἡδὺν ἅπασι, τοῖς θέλουσι θερίζειν σωτηρίαν, ἐν τῷ ψάλλειν οὕτως·

Ἀλληλούϊα.

Δ - 4

The power of the Most High then overshadowed her who knew not wedlock, that she might conceive, and showed forth her fruitful womb as a sweet meadow to all who desire to reap salvation, by chanting thus:

Alleluia.

Ε

Ἔχουσα θεοδόχον, ἡ Παρθένος τὴν μήτραν, ἀνέδραμε πρὸς τὴν Ἐλισάβετ· τὸ δὲ βρέφος ἐκείνης εὐθύς, ἐπιγνὸν τὸν ταύτης ἀσπασμόν, ἔχαιρε· καὶ ἅλμασιν ὡς ᾄσμασιν, ἐβόα πρὸς τὴν Θεοτόκον·

Χαῖρε, βλαστοῦ ἀμαράντου κλῆμα· χαῖρε, καρποῦ ἀκηράτου κτῆμα.

Χαῖρε, γεωργὸν γεωργοῦσα φιλάνθρωπον· χαῖρε, φυτουργὸν τῆς ζωῆς ἡμῶν φύουσα.

Χαῖρε, ἄρουρα βλαστάνουσα εὐφορίαν οἰκτιρμῶν· χαῖρε τράπεζα βαστάζουσα εὐθηνίαν ἱλασμῶν.

Χαῖρε, ὅτι λειμῶνα τῆς τρυφῆς ἀναθάλλεις· χαῖρε, ὅτι λιμένα τῶν ψυχῶν ἑτοιμάζεις.

Χαῖρε, δεκτὸν πρεσβείας θυμίαμα· χαῖρε, παντὸς τοῦ κόσμου ἐξίλασμα.

Χαῖρε, Θεοῦ πρὸς θνητοὺς εὐδοκία· χαῖρε, θνητῶν πρὸς Θεὸν παῤῥησία·

Χαῖρε Νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.

Ε - 5

Carrying God in her womb, the Virgin hastened to Elizabeth, whose unborn babe straightway perceiving her salutation rejoiced; and with leaps as it were with songs, he cried out to the Theotokos:

Rejoice, Vine bearing the unfading Bloom.

Rejoice, Land yielding the untainted Fruit.

Rejoice, thou who dost tend the man-befriending Husbandman.

Rejoice, thou who dost blossom forth the Sower of our life.

Rejoice, Field bearing a bounty of compassions.

Rejoice, Table laden with an abundance of mercies.

Rejoice, for thou revivest the meadow of delight.

Rejoice, for thou preparest a haven for souls.

Rejoice, acceptable Incense of intercession.

Rejoice, Oblation for all the world.

Rejoice, Favour of God to mortals.

Rejoice, Access of mortals to God.

Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded.

Ζ

Ζάλην ἔνδοθεν ἔχων, λογισμῶν ἀμφιβόλων, ὁ σώφρων Ἰωσὴφ ἐταράχθη, πρὸς τὴν ἄγαμόν σε θεωρῶν, καὶ κλεψίγαμον ὑπονοῶν Ἄμεμπτε· μαθὼν δέ σου τὴν σύλληψιν ἐκ Πνεύματος ἁγίου, ἔφη·

Ἀλληλούϊα.

Ζ - 6

Having a tempest of doubting thoughts within, the chaste Joseph was troubled; for he suspected a secret union as he beheld thee unwed, O blameless one; but when he learned of thy conception through the Holy Spirit, he cried:

Alleluia.

Η

Ἤκουσαν οἱ Ποιμένες, τῶν Ἀγγέλων ὑμνούντων, τὴν ἔνσαρκον Χριστοῦ παρουσίαν· καὶ δραμόντες ὡς πρὸς Ποιμένα, θεωροῦσι τοῦτον ὡς ἀμνὸν ἄμωμον, ἐν τῇ γαστρὶ Μαρίας βοσκηθέντα, ἣν ὑμνοῦντες εἶπον·

Χαῖρε, ἀμνοῦ καὶ ποιμένος Μήτηρ· χαῖρε αὐλὴ λογικῶν προβάτων.

Χαῖρε, ἀοράτων ἐχθρῶν ἀμυντήριον· χαῖρε, Παραδείσου θυρῶν ἀνοικτήριον.

Χαῖρε, ὄτι τὰ οὐράνια συναγάλλεται τῇ γῇ· χαῖρε, ὅτι τὰ ἐπίγεια συγχορεύει οὐρανοῖς.

Χαῖρε, τῶν Ἀποστόλων τὸ ἀσίγητον στόμα· χαῖρε, τῶν Ἀθλοφόρων τὸ ἀνίκητον θάρσος.

Χαῖρε στεῤῥὸν τῆς Πίστεως ἔρεισμα· χαῖρε, λαμπρὸν τῆς χάριτος γνώρισμα.

Χαῖρε, δι᾽ ἦς ἐγυμνώθη ὁ ᾅδης· χαῖρε, δι᾽ ἧς ἐνεδύθημεν δόξαν·

Χαῖρε Νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.

Η - 7

On hearing the Angels praising the incarnate presence of Christ, the shepherds hastened as to a Shepherd, and beholding Him as a spotless Lamb, pastured in Mary’s womb, her they hymned, and said:

Rejoice, Mother of the Lamb and Shepherd.

Rejoice, Fold of the rational sheep.

Rejoice, Bulwark against invisible foes.

Rejoice, Opener of the gates to Paradise.

Rejoice, for the things of Heaven rejoice with the earth.

Rejoice, for the things of earth join chorus with the Heavens.

Rejoice, never-silent Voice of the Apostles.

Rejoice, never-conquered Courage of the Martyrs.

Rejoice, firm Support of the Faith.

Rejoice, shining Token of grace.

Rejoice, thou through whom Hades was laid bare.

Rejoice, thou through whom we are clothed with glory.

Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded.

Θ

Θεοδρόμον Ἀστέρα, θεωρήσαντες Μάγοι, τῇ τούτου ἠκολούθησαν αἴγλῃ· καὶ ὡς λύχνον κρατοῦντες αὐτόν, δι᾽ αὐτοῦ ἠρεύνων κραταιὸν Ἄνακτα· καὶ φθάσαντες τὸν ἄφθαστον, ἐχάρησαν, αὐτῷ βοῶντες·

Ἀλληλούϊα.

Θ - 8

Beholding the Godward-pointing Star, the Magi followed in its splendour; and holding it as a lantern, they sought thereby the mighty King. And as they approached the Unapproachable, they rejoiced and cried to Him:

Alleluia.

Ι

Ἴδον παῖδες Χαλδαίων, ἐν χερσὶ τῆς Παρθένου, τὸν πλάσαντα χειρὶ τοὺς ἀνθρώπους· καὶ Δεσπότην νοοῦντες αὐτόν, εἰ καὶ δούλου ἔλαβε μορφήν, ἔσπευσαν τοῖς δώροις θεραπεῦσαι, καὶ βοῆσαι τῇ Εὐλογημένῃ·

Χαῖρε, ἀστέρος ἀδύτου Μήτηρ· χαῖρε, αὐγὴ μυστικῆς ἡμέρας.

Χαῖρε, τῆς ἀπάτης τὴν κάμινον σβέσασα· χαῖρε, τῆς Τριάδος τοὺς μύστας φωτίζουσα.

Χαῖρε, τύραννον ἀπάνθρωπον ἐκβαλοῦσα τῆς ἀρχῆς· χαῖρε, Κύριον φιλάνθρωπον, ἐπιδείξασα Χριστόν.

Χαῖρε, ἡ τῆς βαρβάρου λυτρουμένη θρησκείας· χαῖρε, ἡ τοῦ βορβόρου ῥυομένη τῶν ἔργων.

Χαῖρε, πυρὸς προσκύνησιν παύσασα· χαῖρε, φλογὸς παθῶν ἀπαλλάττουσα.

Χαῖρε, πιστῶν ὁδηγὲ σωφροσύνης· χαῖρε, πασῶν γενεῶν εὐφροσύνη·

Χαῖρε Νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.

Ι - 9

The sons of the Chaldees beheld in the hands of the Virgin Him Who by His hand fashioned man; and perceiving Him as Master, though He had taken the form of a servant, they hastened with gifts to do homage, and they cried out to her who is blessed:

Rejoice, Mother of the never-setting Star.

Rejoice, Dawn of the mystic Day.

Rejoice, thou who quenchest the fiery furnace of error.

Rejoice, thou who enlightenest the initiates of the Trinity.

Rejoice, thou who didst cast down from power the inhuman tyrant.

Rejoice, thou who didst show forth Christ, the man-befriending Lord.

Rejoice, thou who redeemest from the creeds of barbarism.

Rejoice, thou who dost rescue from the works of mire.

Rejoice, thou who makest the worship of fire to cease.

Rejoice, thou who makest the flame of the passions to be allayed.

Rejoice, Guide of the faithful to chastity.

Rejoice, Rejoicing of every generation.

Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded.

Κ

Κύρηκες θεοφόροι, γεγονότες οἱ Μάγοι, ὑπέστρεψαν εἰς τὴν Βαβυλῶνα· ἐκτελέσαντές σου τὸν χρησμόν, καὶ κηρύξαντές σε τὸν Χριστὸν ἅπασιν, ἀφέντες τὸν Ἡρώδην ὡς ληρώδη, μὴ εἰδότα ψάλλειν·

Ἀλληλούϊα.

Κ - 10

God-bearing heralds did the Wise Men become, when they returned to Babylon; and fulfilling Thy prophecy, they preached Thee to all as the Christ, and they left Herod as a trifler, who knew not how to chant:

Alleluia.

Λ

Λάμψας ἐν τῇ Αἰγύπτῳ, φωτισμὸν ἀληθείας, ἐδίωξας τοῦ ψεύδους τὸ σκότος· τὰ γὰρ εἴδωλα ταύτης Σωτήρ, μὴ ἐνέγκαντά σου τὴν ἱσχύν, πέπτωκεν· οἱ τούτων δὲ ῥυσθέντες, ἐβόων πρὸς τὴν Θεοτόκον·

Χαῖρε, ἀνόρθωσις τῶν ἀνθρώπων· χαῖρε, κατάπτωσις τῶν δαιμόνων.

Χαῖρε, τῆς ἀπάτης τὴν πλάνην πατήσασα· χαῖρε, τῶν εἰδώλων τὸν δόλον ἐλέγξασα.

Χαῖρε, θάλασσα ποντίσασα Φαραὼ τὸν νοητόν· χαῖρε, πέτρα ἡ ποτίσασα τοὺς διψῶντας τὴν ζωήν.

Χαῖρε, πύρινε στῦλε, ὁδηγῶν τοὺς ἐν σκότει· χαῖρε, σκέπη τοῦ κόσμου, πλατυτέρα νεφέλης.

Χαῖρε, τροφὴ τοῦ Μάννα διάδοχε· χαῖρε, τρυφῆς ἁγίας διάκονε.

Χαῖρε, ἡ γῆ τῆς ἐπαγγελίας· χαῖρε, ἐξ ἧς ῥέει μέλι καὶ γάλα·

Χαῖρε Νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.

Λ - 11

Shining in Egypt the illumination of truth, Thou didst dispel the darkness of falsehood; and unable to bear Thy strength, O Saviour, her idols fell; and they that were set free therefrom cried to the Theotokos:

Rejoice, Uplifting of men.

Rejoice, Downfall of demons.

Rejoice, thou who hast trampled upon the delusion of error.

Rejoice, thou who hast censured the deceit of the idols.

Rejoice, Sea which drowned the noetic Pharaoh.

Rejoice, Rock which refreshed those athirst for Life.

Rejoice, Pillar of fire, guiding those in darkness.

Rejoice, Protection of the world, more spacious than a cloud.

Rejoice, Sustenance, successor to manna.

Rejoice, Minister of holy joy.

Rejoice, Land of promise.

Rejoice, thou from whence flow milk and honey.

Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded.

Μ

Μέλλοντος Συμεῶνος, τοῦ παρόντος αἰῶνος, μεθίστασθαι τοῦ ἀπατεῶνος, ἐπεδόθης ὡς βρέφος αὐτῷ, ἀλλ᾽ ἐγνώσθης τούτῳ καὶ Θεὸς τέλειος· διό περ ἐξεπλάγη σου τὴν ἄῤῥητον σοφίαν, κράζων·

Ἀλληλούϊα.

Μ - 12

When Symeon was nigh unto departing from this age of deception, Thou wast presented to him as a new-born Babe, but Thou wast recognized by him as perfect God. Wherefore, he marvelled at Thine ineffable wisdom, and cried out:

Alleluia.

Ν

Νέαν ἔδειξε κτίσιν, ἐμφανίσας ὁ Κτίστης, ἡμῖν τοῖς ὑπ᾽ αὐτοῦ γενομένοις· ἐξ ἀσπόρου βλαστήσας γαστρός, καὶ φυλάξας ταύτην, ὥσπερ ἦν, ἄφθορον· ἵνα τὸ θαῦμα βλέποντες, ὑμνήσωμεν αὐτήν, βοῶντες·

Χαῖρε, τὸ ἄνθος τῆς ἀφθαρσίας· χαῖρε, τὸ στέφος τῆς ἐγκρατείας.

Χαῖρε, ἀναστάσεως τύπον ἐκλάμπουσα· χαῖρε, τῶν Ἀγγέλων τὸν βίον ἐμφαίνουσα.

Χαῖρε, δένδρον ἀγλαόκαρπον, ἐξ οὗ τρέφονται πιστοί· χαῖρε, ξύλον εὐσκιόφυλλον, ὑφ᾽ οὗ σκέπονται πολλοί.

Χαῖρε, κυοφοροῦσα ὁδηγὸν πλανωμένοις· χαῖρε, ἀπογεννῶσα λυτρωτὴν αἰχμαλώτοις.

Χαῖρε, Κριτοῦ δικαίου δυσώπησις· χαῖρε, πολλῶν πταιόντων συγχώρησις.

Χαῖρε, στολὴ τῶν γυμνῶν παρρησίας· χαῖρε, στοργή, πάντα πόθον νικῶσα·

Χαῖρε Νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.

Ν - 13

New was the Creation which the Creator showed to us His creatures, when He sprang forth from the seedless womb; and He preserved it incorrupt, even as it was, that we, seeing this marvel, may praise her as we cry out:

Rejoice, Flower of incorruption.

Rejoice, Crown of continence.

Rejoice, thou who flashest forth the type of the Resurrection.

Rejoice, thou who showest forth the life of the Angels.

Rejoice, Tree of goodly Fruit whereby the faithful are nourished.

Rejoice, Wood of leafy branches whereby many are sheltered.

Rejoice, thou who bearest the Guide of those astray.

Rejoice, thou who engenderest the Redeemer of captives.

Rejoice, Supplication before the righteous Judge.

Rejoice, Forgiveness for many transgressors.

Rejoice, Robe of confidence for the naked.

Rejoice, Tenderness vanquishing all desire.

Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded.

Ξ

Ξένον τόκον ἱδόντες, ξενωθῶμεν τοῦ κόσμου, τὸν νοῦν εἰς οὐρανὸν μεταθέντες· διὰ τοῦτο γὰρ ὁ ὑψηλὸς Θεός, ἐπὶ γῆς ἐφάνη ταπεινὸς ἄνθρωπος, βουλόμενος ἑλκῦσαι πρὸς τὸ ὕψος, τοὺς αὐτῷ βοῶντας·

Ἀλληλούϊα.

Ξ - 14

Seeing a strange childbirth, let us estrange ourselves from the world by transporting our minds to Heaven; to this end the Most High God appeared on earth a lowly Man, that He might draw to the heights those who cry to Him:

Alleluia.

Ο

Ὅλως ἧν ἐν τοῖς κάτω, καὶ τῶν ἄνω οὐδόλως ἀπῆν, ὁ ἀπερίγραπτος Λόγος· συγκατάβασις γὰρ θεϊκή, οὐ μετάβασις δὲ τοπικὴ γέγονε, καὶ τόκος ἐκ Παρθένου θεολήπτου, ἀκουούσης ταῦτα·

Χαῖρε, Θεοῦ ἀχωρήτου χώρα· χαῖρε, σεπτοῦ μυστηρίου θύρα.

Χαῖρε, τῶν ἀπίστων ἀμφίβολον ἄκουσμα· χαῖρε, τῶν πιστῶν ἀναμφίβολον καύχημα.

Χαῖρε, ὄχημα πανάγιον τοῦ ἐπὶ τῶν Χερουβείμ· χαῖρε, οἴκημα πανάριστον τοῦ ἐπὶ τῶν Σεραφείμ.

Χαῖρε, ἡ τἀναντία εἰς ταὐτὸ ἀγαγοῦσα· χαῖρε, ἡ παρθενίαν καὶ λοχείαν ζευγνῦσα.

Χαῖρε, δι᾽ ἧς ἐλύθη παράβασις· χαῖρε, δι᾽ ἧς ἠνοίχθη παράδεισος.

Χαῖρε, ἡ κλεὶς τῆς Χριστοῦ βασιλείας· χαῖρε, ἐλπὶς ἀγαθῶν αἰωνίων.

Χαῖρε Νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.

Ο - 15

Wholly present with those below was the Uncircumscribable Word, yet in no way absent from those above; for this was a divine condescension and not a mere change of place; and His birth was from a Virgin chosen of God, who heard such words as these:

Rejoice, Closure of the Uncontained God.

Rejoice, Portal of the solemn mystery.

Rejoice, doubtful Rumour of the faithless.

Rejoice, undoubted Boast of the faithful.

Rejoice, all-holy Chariot of Him Who rideth upon the Cherubim.

Rejoice, choicest Dwelling-place of Him Who sitteth upon the Seraphim.

Rejoice, thou who makest things that differ to agree.

Rejoice, thou who yokest together motherhood and virginity.

Rejoice, thou through whom transgression is annulled.

Rejoice, thou through whom Paradise is opened.

Rejoice, Key of the Kingdom of Christ.

Rejoice, Hope of eternal blessings.

Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded.

Π

Πᾶσα φύσις Ἀγγέλων, κατεπλάγη τὸ μέγα τῆς σῆς ἐνανθρωπήσεως ἔργον· τὸν ἀπρόσιτον γὰρ ὡς Θεόν, ἐθεώρει πᾶσι προσιτὸν ἄνθρωπον, ἡμῖν μὲν συνδιάγοντα, ἀκούοντα δὲ παρὰ πάντων, οὕτως·

Ἀλληλούϊα.

Π - 16

All angel-kind was amazed by the great deed of Thine Incarnation; for they saw the inaccessible God as Man accessible to all, dwelling among us and hearing from all:

Alleluia.

Ρ

Ῥήτορας πολυφθόγγους, ὡς ἰχθύας ἀφώνους, ὁρῶμεν ἐπί σοι, Θεοτόκε· ἀποροῦσι γὰρ λέγειν τό, πῶς καὶ Παρθένος μένεις καὶ τεκεῖν ἴσχυσας· ἡμεῖς δὲ τὸ μυστήριον θαυμάζοντες, πιστῶς βοῶμεν·

Χαῖρε, σοφίας Θεοῦ δοχεῖον· χαῖρε, προνοίας αὐτοῦ ταμεῖον.

Χαῖρε, φιλοσόφους ἀσόφους δεικνύουσα· χαῖρε, τεχνολόγους ἀλόγους ἐλέγχουσα.

Χαῖρε, ὅτι ἐμωράνθησαν οἱ δεινοὶ συζητηταί· χαῖρε, ὅτι ἐμαράνθησαν οἱ τῶν μύθων ποιηταί.

Χαῖρε, τῶν Ἀθηναίων τὰς πλοκὰς διασπῶσα· χαῖρε, τῶν ἁλιέων τὰς σαγήνας πληροῦσα.

Χαῖρε, βυθοῦ ἁγνοίας ἐξέλκουσα· χαῖρε, πολλοὺς ἐν γνώσει φωτίζουσα.

Χαῖρε, ὀλκὰς τῶν θελόντων σωθῆναι· χαῖρε, λιμὴν τῶν τοῦ βίου πλωτήρων·

Χαῖρε Νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.

Ρ - 17

Orators most eloquent do we behold mute as fish before thee, O Theotokos; for they are at a loss to explain how thou couldst remain a virgin and yet gave birth. But as for us, marvelling at this mystery, we cry with faith:

Rejoice, Vessel of the Wisdom of God.

Rejoice, Treasure of His providence.

Rejoice, thou who showest forth philosophers fools.

Rejoice, thou who provest logicians illogical.

Rejoice, for the subtle disputants are confounded.

Rejoice, for the inventors of myths are faded away.

Rejoice, thou who dost break the webs of the Athenians.

Rejoice, thou who dost fill the nets of the Fishermen.

Rejoice, thou who dost draw us from the depths of ignorance.

Rejoice, thou who dost enlighten many with knowledge.

Rejoice, Raft for those who desire to be saved.

Rejoice, Haven for those who fare on the sea of life.

Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded.

Σ

Σῶσαι θέλων τὸν κόσμον, ὁ τὸν ὅλων κοσμήτωρ, πρὸς τοῦτον αὐτεπάγγελτος ἦλθε· καὶ ποιμὴν ὑπάρχων ὡς Θεός, δι᾽ ἡμᾶς ἐφάνη καθ᾽ ἡμᾶς ἄνθρωπος· ὁμοίῳ γὰρ τὸ ὅμοιον καλέσας, ὡς Θεὸς ἀκούει·

Ἀλληλούϊα.

Σ - 18

Wishing to save the world, to this end did the Ruler of all come of His own will; and, though as God He is the Shepherd, for us He appeared as a Man like unto us; for by this likeness He called those of like kind, yet as God He doth hear:

Alleluia.

Τ

Τεῖχος εἰ τῶν Παρθένων, Θεοτόκε Παρθένε, καὶ πάντων τῶν εἰς σὲ προστρεχόντων· ὁ γὰρ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ τῆς γῆς, κατεσκεύασέ σε Ποιητὴς Ἄχραντε, οἰκήσας ἐν τῇ μήτρᾳ σου, καὶ πάντας σοι προσφωνεῖν διδάξας·

Χαῖρε, ἡ στήλη τῆς παρθενίας· χαῖρε, ἡ πύλη τῆς σωτηρίας.

Χαῖρε, ἀρχηγὲ νοητῆς ἀναπλάσεως· χαῖρε, χορηγὲ θεϊκῆς ἀγαθότητος.

Χαῖρε, σὺ γὰρ ἀνεγέννησας τοὺς συλληφθέντας αἰσχρῶς· χαῖρε, σὺ γὰρ ἐνουθέτησας τοὺς συληθέντας τὸν νοῦν.

Χαῖρε, ἡ τὸν φθορέα τῶν φρενῶν καταργοῦσα· χαῖρε, ἡ τὸν σπορέα τῆς ἁγνείας τεκοῦσα.

Χαῖρε, παστὰς ἀσπόρου νυμφεύσεως· χαῖρε, πιστοὺς Κυρίῳ ἁρμόζουσα.

Χαῖρε, καλὴ κουροτρόφε παρθένων· χαῖρε, ψυχῶν νυμφοστόλε ἁγίων·

Χαῖρε Νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.

Τ - 19

A Rampart art thou for virgins and all that have recourse to thee, O Theotokos and Virgin; for the Maker of heaven and earth prepared thee, O Immaculate One, and dwelt in thy womb, and taught all to cry out to thee:

Rejoice, Pillar of virginity.

Rejoice, Gate of salvation.

Rejoice, Leader of spiritual restoration.

Rejoice, Bestower of divine goodness.

Rejoice, for thou didst regenerate those conceived in shame.

Rejoice, for thou didst admonish those despoiled in mind.

Rejoice, thou who dost bring to nought the corrupter of hearts.

Rejoice, thou who dost give birth to the Sower of chastity.

Rejoice, bridal Chamber of a seedless marriage.

Rejoice, thou who dost join the faithful to the Lord.

Rejoice, fair Nursing-mother of virgins.

Rejoice, bridal Escort of holy souls.

Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded.

Υ

Ὕμνος ἅπας ἡττᾶται, συνεκτείνεσθαι σπεύδων, τῷ πλήθει τῶν πολλῶν οἰκτιρμῶν σου· ἰσαρίθμους γὰρ τῇ ψάμμω ᾠδάς, ἂν προσφέρωμέν σοι, Βασιλεῦ ἅγιε, οὐδὲν τελοῦμεν ἄξιον, ὧν δέδωκας ἡμῖν, τοῖς σοὶ βοῶσιν·

Ἀλληλούϊα.

Υ - 20

Defeated is every hymn that striveth to pay homage to the multitude of Thy many compassions; for even should we offer Thee, O holy King, odes of praise numberless as the sands, we should still have done nothing worthy of what Thou hast given unto us who cry to Thee:

Alleluia.

Φ

Φωτοδόχον λαμπάδα, τοῖς ἐν σκότει φανείσαν, ὁρῶμεν τὴν ἁγίαν Παρθένον· τὸ γὰρ ἄϋλον ἅπτουσα φῶς, ὁδηγεῖ πρὸς γνῶσιν θεϊκὴν ἅπαντας, αὐγῇ τὸν νοῦν φωτίζουσα, κραυγῇ δὲ τιμωμένη ταῦτα·

Χαῖρε, ἀκτὶς νοητοῦ Ἡλίου· χαῖρε, βολὶς τοῦ ἀδύτου φέγγους.

Χαῖρε, ἀστραπὴ τὰς ψυχὰς καταλάμπουσα· χαῖρε, ὡς βροντὴ τοὺς ἐχθροὺς καταπλήττουσα.

Χαῖρε, ὅτι τὸν πολύφωτον ἀνατέλλεις φωτισμόν· χαῖρε, ὅτι τὸν πολύῤῥητον, ἀναβλύζεις ποταμόν.

Χαῖρε, τῆς κολυμβήθρας ζωγραφοῦσα τὸν τύπον· χαῖρε, τῆς ἁμαρτίας ἀναιροῦσα τὸν ῥύπον.

Χαῖρε, λουτὴρ ἐκπλύνων συνείδησιν· χαῖρε, κρατὴρ κιρνῶν ἀγαλλίασιν.

Χαῖρε, ὀσμὴ τῆς Χριστοῦ εὐωδίας· χαῖρε, ζωὴ μυστικῆς εὐωχίας.

Χαῖρε Νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.

Φ - 21

As a brilliant beacon-light shining to those in darkness do we behold the holy Virgin; for she kindleth the supernal Light and leadeth all to divine knowledge; she illumineth our minds with radiance and is honored by these our cries:

Rejoice, Ray of the spiritual Sun.

Rejoice, Beam of the innermost Splendour.

Rejoice, Lightning, enlightening our souls.

Rejoice, Thunder, striking down the enemy.

Rejoice, for thou dost cause the many-starred Light to dawn.

Rejoice, for thou dost cause the ever-flowing River to gush forth.

Rejoice, thou who dost depict the image of the font.

Rejoice, thou who dost wash away the stain of sin.

Rejoice, Laver purifying conscience.

Rejoice, Wine-bowl pouring forth joy.

Rejoice, sweet-scented Fragrance of Christ.

Rejoice, Life of mystic festival.

Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded.

Χ

Χάριν δοῦναι θελήσας, ὀφλημάτων ἀρχαίων, ὁ πάντων χρεωλύτης ἀνθρώπων, ἐπεδήμησε δι᾽ ἑαυτοῦ, πρὸς τοὺς ἀποδήμους τῆς αὐτοῦ χάριτος· καὶ σχίσας τὸ χειρόγραφον, ἀκούει παρὰ πάντων οὕτως·

Ἀλληλούϊα.

Χ - 22

Wishing to bestow His grace, He that forgiveth the ancient debts of all men came of His own will to dwell among those who had departed from His favour; and having rent asunder the handwriting against them, He heareth from all:

Alleluia.

Ψ

Ψάλλοντές σου τὸν τόκον, ἀνυμνοῦμέν σε πάντες, ὡς ἔμψυχον ναόν, Θεοτόκε· ἐν τῇ σῇ γὰρ οἰκήσας γαστρί, ὁ συνέχων πάντα τῇ χειρὶ Κύριος, ἡγίασεν, ἐδόξασεν, ἐδίδαξε βοᾷν σοι πάντας·

Χαῖρε, σκηνὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Λόγου· χαῖρε, Ἁγία Ἁγίων μείζων.

Χαῖρε, κιβωτὲ χρυσωθεῖσα τῷ Πνεύματι· χαῖρε, θησαυρὲ τῆς ζωῆς ἀδαπάνητε.

Χαῖρε, τίμιον διάδημα, βασιλέων εὐσεβῶν· χαῖρε, καύχημα σεβάσμιον, Ἱερέων εὐλαβῶν.

Χαῖρε, τῆς Ἐκκλησίας ὁ ἀσάλευτος πύργος· χαῖρε, τῆς βασιλείας τὸ ἀπόρθητον τεῖχος.

Χαῖρε, δι᾽ ἧς ἐγείρονται τρόπαια· χαῖρε, δι᾽ ἧς οἱ ἐχθροὶ καταπίπτουσι.

Χαῖρε, χρωτὸς τοῦ ἐμοῦ θεραπεία· χαῖρε, ψυχῆς τῆς ἐμῆς σωτηρία.

Χαῖρε Νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.

Ψ - 23

Whilst hymning thine Offspring, we all praise thee, O Theotokos, as a living temple; for the Lord, Who holdeth all things in His hand, dwelt in thy womb, and He hallowed and glorified thee, and taught all to cry to thee:

Rejoice, Tabenacle of God the Word.

Rejoice, Holy one, holier than the Holies.

Rejoice, Ark made golden by the Spirit.

Rejoice, inexhaustible Treasury of Life.

Rejoice, precious Diadem of godly kings.

Rejoice, venerable Boast of faithful priests.

Rejoice, unshakable Tower of the Church.

Rejoice, impregnable Bulwark of the Kingdom.

Rejoice, thou through whom trophies are raised up.

Rejoice, thou through whom enemies are cut down.

Rejoice, Healing of my flesh.

Rejoice, salvation of my soul.

Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded.

Ω

Ὦ πανύμνητε Μῆτερ, ἡ τεκοῦσα τὸν πάντων Ἁγίων ἁγιώτατον Λόγον (τρίς)· δεξαμένη τὴν νῦν προσφοράν, ἀπὸ πάσης ῥῦσαι συμφορᾶς ἅπαντας· καὶ τῆς μελλούσης λύτρωσαι κολάσεως, τοὺς σοὶ βοῶντας·

Ἀλληλούϊα.

Ω - 24

O all-hymned Mother, who didst bear the Word Who is more holy than all the Saints, (thrice) as thou receivest this our offering, rescue us all from every calamity, and deliver from future torment those who cry with one voice:

Alleluia.

Κοντάκιον Πλάγιος Δ

Τῇ Ὑπερμάχῳ στρατηγῷ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοι ἡ πόλις σου, Θεοτόκε. Ἀλλ᾽ ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων μὲ κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοι·

Χαῖρε, Νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.

Kontakion Plagal 4th Tone

To thee, the Champion Leader, we thy flock dedicate a feast of victory and thanksgiving, as ones rescued out of sufferings, O Theotokos. But as thou art one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be do thou deliver us, that we may cry to thee:

Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded.

Τροπἀριον

Τὴν ὡραιότητα τῆς παρθενίας σου,

καί τό ὑπέρλαμπρον τό τῆς ἁγνείας σου,

ὁ Γαβριήλ καταπλαγείς, ἐβόα σοι, Θεοτόκε·

Ποῖον σοι ἑγκώμιον, προσαγάγω ἑπάξιον;

τί δέ ὀνομάσω σε; ἀπορῶ καί ἐξίσταμαι.

Διό ὡς προσετάγην, βοῶ σοι·

Χαῖρε, ἡ Κεχαριτωμἐνη.

Troparion

Awed by the beauty of thy Virginity, and the exceeding radiance of thy purity, Gabriel called out unto thee, O Theotokos: “What worthy hymn of praise can I offer unto thee? And what shall I name thee? I am in doubt and stand in awe. Wherefore, as commanded, I cry to thee: