Paraklesis to the Most Holy Theotokos
The service of the Small Paraklesis is typically done during the Dormition fast (August 1-14) in alternation with the Great Paraklesis. Small Paraklesis may also be offered on many other occasions, especially in times of distress and sorrow of soul.
The service presented here is for when there is no priest.
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Verse. 1: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; for His mercy endures forever.
God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Verse. 2: All the nations have surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord, I have overcome them.
God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Verse. 3: This has been done by the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.
God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
(Repeat the hymn above, or sing the Apolytikion of the church.)
Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
O Theotokos, we shall never be silent * of your mighty acts, all we the unworthy; * had you not stood to intercede for us, * who would have delivered us, * from the numerous perils? * Who would have preserved us all * until now with our freedom? * O Lady, we shall not depart from you; * for you always save your servants, * from all tribulation.
With many temptations surrounding me, * searching for salvation, * I have hastened unto you; * O Mother of the Word, and ever-Virgin, * from all distresses and dangers deliver me.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
Assaults of the passions have shaken me, * my soul to its limits * has been filled with much despair; * bring peace, O Maiden, in the calmness, * of your own Son and your God, all-blameless One.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
To God and the Savior you've given birth; * I ask you, O Virgin, * from the dangers deliver me; * for now I run to you for refuge, * with both my soul and my reasoning.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Diseased is the body and the soul; * deem me truly worthy * of divine guidance and your care; * for you alone are God's Mother, * as the good and the birthgiver of the Good.
A protection and shelter, * I have with you in my life, * You, the Theotokos and the Virgin, * pilot me towards your port; * for you are the cause, * the cause of that which is good, * support of the faithful, * the only all-praised One.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
I entreat you, O Virgin, * disperse the storm of my grief, * and the soul's most inward confusion, * scatter it far from me; * you are the Bride of God, * for you have brought forth the Christ, * the Prince of Peace; * only, all-blameless One.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Having brought forth unto us * the cause and giver of good, * from your great abundance of kindness, * pour forth upon us all; * for all is possible, * for you who carried the Christ, * who is mighty in power; * You, who are blessed of God.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
With most serious ailments, * and with the passions so dark, * I am being tested, O Virgin, * come and bring help to me; * for I have known of you, * that you are without fail * the endless treasure of cures, * only all-blameless One.
Deliver us, * all of your servants, from danger, O Theotokos; * after God, we all flee to you, * for shelter and covering, * as an unshakable wall and our protection.
Turn to me, * in your good favor, all praise-worthy Theotokos; * look upon my grave illnesses, * which painfully sting my flesh * and heal the cause of my soul's pain and suffering.
Lord, have mercy. (12)
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Come to us * and from all dangers now deliver us * the only protection who speeds to us.
Still the darkest of passions, * calm the sea of errors * in your great peacefulness; * it was you who bore the guiding Lord, * and you who are the blessed bride of God.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
Your depth of compassion * grant unto me * As one beseeching you; * you have carried the Compassionate * the Savior of those praising you.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit
We are thankful for all the gifts * which we have been given * by you the Spotless One; * and to you, we sing a hymn of praise, * knowing you to be the Mother of God.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
As a hope and foundation, * and a wall unshaken * of our salvation; * having you, the all-lauded One, * from afflictions do you rescue us.
Pure one, fill my heart * with a merriment, a happiness; * bestow on me your spotless joy, * for you have given birth * to Him Who is the cause of joy.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Deliver all of us * from the dangers, Theotokos, most pure, * for you bore the timeless deliverer, * and you bore the peace, * the peace which has surpassed all thought.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Dissipate the cloud * of my sinfulness, O bride of God, * with the brightness of your eminence; * for you brought forth the Light, * the Divine, which was before all time.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Heal me from the ills, * O Most Pure One, which the passions bring, * make me worthy of your guiding care, * and unto me grant health, * through your intercessions and your prayers.
From death and corruption He has saved * my nature, held by death and corruption; * for unto death * He Himself has surrendered; * for which reason, O Virgin, please intercede * with Him who is your Lord and Son, * from the enemies' evils deliver me.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
I know you as the protection of my life, * a steadfast shelter and refuge, O Virgin; * disperse the host * of my many temptations, * and force away the demonic attacks from me; * I pray to you unceasingly, * from corruption of passions deliver me.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
We have you as a wall of refuge, * and our soul's most perfect salvation; * you are an aid, * in affliction, O Maiden, * and in your light we rejoice to eternity; * O Lady, also now, * from the passions and dangers deliver us.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
I lie now on a bed of infirmities, * and there is no healing at all for my body * except for you, * who has brought forth our Savior, * God, the healer of all our infirmities; * of your goodness, I pray to you, * from corruption of sicknesses raise me.
Deliver us, * all of your servants, from dangers, O Theotokos; * after God, we all flee to you, * for shelter and covering, * as an unshakable wall and our protection.
Spotless one, * who by a word, did bring to us the Word eternal, * in the last days ineffably; * do you now plead with him * as the one with the motherly favor.
Lord, have mercy. (12)
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Verse:Listen, O Daughter, and see, and incline your ear, and forget your people and your father's house and the King will desire your beauty.
I shall remember Your name from generation to generation.
Father, Word, and Spirit, Trinity in oneness, wash away my many personal offenses.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, merciful One, wash away my many personal offenses.
Verse: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgressions.
No one is turned away from you, * ashamed and empty, who flee unto you, O pure virgin Theotokos; * but one asks for the favor, and the gift is received from you, * to the advantage of their own request.
The transformation of the afflicted, * you are the cure of those in sickness, Theotokos, O Virgin; * save your people and your town. * You are the peace of those in conflict, * the calm of those in turmoil, * the only protection of the faithful.
Lord, have mercy. (12)
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
As You willed, O our Savior, * to dispense our salvation through Your economy * inside the Virgin's womb; * you showed to all the people * that she was our own guardian; * O the God of our fathers, * blessed are You, our God.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The bestower of mercy * that you bore, O pure Mother, entreat on our behalf; * from sins deliver us, * and from the soul's defilement, * we who cry out most faithfully: * O the God of our fathers, * blessed are You, our God.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
A fountain of pureness * and a tower of safety is she who carried You, * a treasure of salvation * and the door of repentance, * she has been shown to those that cry; * O the God of our fathers, * blessed are You, our God.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The illnesses of body, * and the soul's ailing sickness, of those who run to you. * For divine protection, * As God's holy Mother, * make them worthy of remedy: * for the Savior Christ *
was born from you.
Do not neglect those who seek the help you grant * they hymn you, O Virgin Maiden, * and they do exalt you * throughout the many ages.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
O Virgin, you pour a wealth of healing * on those who faithfully hymn you, * and those who exalt your * childbearing wonder.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The infirmities of my soul are healed by you, * and the pains of my body, O Virgin, * so that I may praise you, * O Lady, in God's favor.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
You drive away the assaults of temptations, * and attacks of the passions, O Virgin, * therefore do we praise you * throughout the many ages.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The streams of my many tears, * reject not, Holy Virgin; * for you gave birth to the One who dried all the tears, * from all the faces of people; * the Christ was born of you.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
With gladness fill my heart, * most holy Virgin lady, * for you are she who received the abundant joy; * take the grief of my sinfulness, * and make it disappear.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
A shelter and protection * and a wall unshaken, * become, O Virgin, for those who flee to you, * a sheltered cover and refuge, * and a place of joy.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
O Virgin, from the brightness * of your light illumine * the ones who call you most piously Mother of God, * take all the gloom of our ignorance * and banish it away.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Oppressed I am, O Virgin; * in a place of sickness, I have been humbled; * I ask you: bring remedy, * transform my illness, my sickness, * into a wholesomeness. *
Mother of our God, the Theotokos,
You the ever blessed one, and all blameless one,
And the Mother of our God.
You are honored more than the Cherubim,
And you have more glory, when compared, to the Seraphim;
You, without corruption,
Did bear God, the Logos;
You are the Theotokos;
You do we magnify.
Higher than the heavens above are you,
And you are much purer
Than the radiance of the sun;
You who have redeemed us
From the curse which is upon us;
The Lady of all people,
In hymns, do we honor you.
From the great multitude of my sins,
Ill am I in body, Ill am I also in my soul;
I am fleeing to you,
The one who is all-blessed,
The hope of all the hopeless,
Please come bring help to me.
Lady and the Mother of Him who saves,
Receive the supplications
Of the lowly who pray to you;
Mediate between us
And the One you brought forth;
O Lady of all people, Intercede for us.
Now with zeal we chant this Ode to you;
You, the all praised Lady,
Theotokos, we hymn with joy;
With the saints most holy,
Together with the Baptist,
Beseech, O Theotokos,
For God's mercy on us
Speechless be the lips of impious ones,
Those who do not reverence
Your great icon, the sacred one
Which is called Directress,
And was depicted for us
By one of the apostles,
Luke the Evangelist.
(The Megalynarion of the church is chanted. Then:)
With the hosts of Angels, God's messengers,
With the Lord's Forerunner,
And Apostles, the chosen twelve,
With the saints most holy,
And with you, the Theotokos,
We seek your intercession
For our salvation.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All-holy Trinity, have mercy upon us. Lord, be gracious to our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Your name's sake.
Lord have mercy. (3)
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Lord, have mercy on us, for in You we have put our trust; be not exceedingly angry with us, nor remember our many iniquities; but look upon us now as the Compassionate, and deliver us from our enemies; for You are our God, and we Your people, we are all the work of Your hands,
And upon Your name we have now called.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The doors of caring do now open unto us, O most blessed Theotokos, so that hoping in you we shall not fail; through you we may be delivered from adversities, for you are the salvation of the Christian race.
Lord have mercy. (12)
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
The following troparia are chanted while we venerate the icon of the Theotokos.
For those * in great sorrow you are joy, * and for the oppressed, a protection, * and for the hungry, their food, * comfort unto those estranged; * you are a staff to the blind, * visitation of all those sick, * and to those held by pain * shelter and a comforting, * and to the orphaned, an aid; * Mother, of our God in the highest, * you who are the Spotless One, hasten, * save your servants from their sin, we ask of you.
Lady, do you receive, * from your servants, their many prayers; * and deliver all of us, * from all sadness and necessity.
My numerous hopes are placed * before you, most holy One; * Mother of our God, * guard me with care, within your sheltered arms.
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
The service presented here is for when there is no priest.
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Psalm 142
O Lord, hear my prayer; give ear to my supplication in Your truth; answer me in Your righteousness; do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for no one living shall become righteous in Your sight. For the enemy persecuted my soul; he humbled my life to the ground; he caused me to dwell in dark places as one long dead, and my spirit was in anguish within me; my heart was troubled within me. I remembered the days of old, and I meditated on all Your works; I meditated on the works of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a waterless land. Hear me speedily, O Lord; my spirit faints within me; turn not Your face from me, lest I become like those who go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Your mercy in the morning, for I hope in You; make me know, O Lord, the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord, for to You I flee for refuge. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your good Spirit shall guide me in the land of uprightness. For Your name’s sake, O Lord, give me life; in Your righteousness You shall bring my soul out of affliction. In Your mercy You shall destroy my enemies; You shall utterly destroy all who afflict my soul, for I am Your servant.God is the Lord
God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.Verse. 1: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; for His mercy endures forever.
God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Verse. 2: All the nations have surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord, I have overcome them.
God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Verse. 3: This has been done by the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.
God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Troparia
To the Theotokos, let us run now most fervently, * as sinners and lowly ones, let us fall down in repentance, * crying from the depths of our soul: * Lady, come and help us, * have compassion upon us; * hasten now for we are lost in the host of our errors; * do not turn your servants away, * for you alone are a hope to us.Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
(Repeat the hymn above, or sing the Apolytikion of the church.)
Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
O Theotokos, we shall never be silent * of your mighty acts, all we the unworthy; * had you not stood to intercede for us, * who would have delivered us, * from the numerous perils? * Who would have preserved us all * until now with our freedom? * O Lady, we shall not depart from you; * for you always save your servants, * from all tribulation.
Psalm 50
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my lawlessness, and my sin is always before me. Against You only have I sinned and done evil in Your sight; that You may be justified in Your words, and overcome when You are judged. For behold, I was conceived in transgressions, and in sins my mother bore me. Behold, You love truth; You showed me the unknown and secret things of Your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; You shall wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow. You shall make me hear joy and gladness; my bones that were humbled shall greatly rejoice. Turn Your face from my sins, and blot out all my transgressions. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your guiding Spirit. I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness. O Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. For if You desired sacrifice, I would give it; You will not be pleased with whole burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built; then You will be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with offerings and whole burnt offerings; then shall they offer young bulls on Your altar.The Canon
Ode 1
Most Holy Theotokos save us.With many temptations surrounding me, * searching for salvation, * I have hastened unto you; * O Mother of the Word, and ever-Virgin, * from all distresses and dangers deliver me.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
Assaults of the passions have shaken me, * my soul to its limits * has been filled with much despair; * bring peace, O Maiden, in the calmness, * of your own Son and your God, all-blameless One.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
To God and the Savior you've given birth; * I ask you, O Virgin, * from the dangers deliver me; * for now I run to you for refuge, * with both my soul and my reasoning.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Diseased is the body and the soul; * deem me truly worthy * of divine guidance and your care; * for you alone are God's Mother, * as the good and the birthgiver of the Good.
Ode 3
Most Holy Theotokos save us.A protection and shelter, * I have with you in my life, * You, the Theotokos and the Virgin, * pilot me towards your port; * for you are the cause, * the cause of that which is good, * support of the faithful, * the only all-praised One.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
I entreat you, O Virgin, * disperse the storm of my grief, * and the soul's most inward confusion, * scatter it far from me; * you are the Bride of God, * for you have brought forth the Christ, * the Prince of Peace; * only, all-blameless One.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Having brought forth unto us * the cause and giver of good, * from your great abundance of kindness, * pour forth upon us all; * for all is possible, * for you who carried the Christ, * who is mighty in power; * You, who are blessed of God.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
With most serious ailments, * and with the passions so dark, * I am being tested, O Virgin, * come and bring help to me; * for I have known of you, * that you are without fail * the endless treasure of cures, * only all-blameless One.
Deliver us, * all of your servants, from danger, O Theotokos; * after God, we all flee to you, * for shelter and covering, * as an unshakable wall and our protection.
Turn to me, * in your good favor, all praise-worthy Theotokos; * look upon my grave illnesses, * which painfully sting my flesh * and heal the cause of my soul's pain and suffering.
Lord, have mercy. (12)
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Kathisma
A fervent prayer, and wall most unshakable * a merciful spring And shelter of all mankind; * fervently, we cry to you: * Theotokos, our Lady,Come to us * and from all dangers now deliver us * the only protection who speeds to us.
Ode 4
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.Still the darkest of passions, * calm the sea of errors * in your great peacefulness; * it was you who bore the guiding Lord, * and you who are the blessed bride of God.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
Your depth of compassion * grant unto me * As one beseeching you; * you have carried the Compassionate * the Savior of those praising you.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit
We are thankful for all the gifts * which we have been given * by you the Spotless One; * and to you, we sing a hymn of praise, * knowing you to be the Mother of God.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
As a hope and foundation, * and a wall unshaken * of our salvation; * having you, the all-lauded One, * from afflictions do you rescue us.
Ode 5
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.Pure one, fill my heart * with a merriment, a happiness; * bestow on me your spotless joy, * for you have given birth * to Him Who is the cause of joy.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Deliver all of us * from the dangers, Theotokos, most pure, * for you bore the timeless deliverer, * and you bore the peace, * the peace which has surpassed all thought.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Dissipate the cloud * of my sinfulness, O bride of God, * with the brightness of your eminence; * for you brought forth the Light, * the Divine, which was before all time.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Heal me from the ills, * O Most Pure One, which the passions bring, * make me worthy of your guiding care, * and unto me grant health, * through your intercessions and your prayers.
Ode 6
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.From death and corruption He has saved * my nature, held by death and corruption; * for unto death * He Himself has surrendered; * for which reason, O Virgin, please intercede * with Him who is your Lord and Son, * from the enemies' evils deliver me.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
I know you as the protection of my life, * a steadfast shelter and refuge, O Virgin; * disperse the host * of my many temptations, * and force away the demonic attacks from me; * I pray to you unceasingly, * from corruption of passions deliver me.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
We have you as a wall of refuge, * and our soul's most perfect salvation; * you are an aid, * in affliction, O Maiden, * and in your light we rejoice to eternity; * O Lady, also now, * from the passions and dangers deliver us.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
I lie now on a bed of infirmities, * and there is no healing at all for my body * except for you, * who has brought forth our Savior, * God, the healer of all our infirmities; * of your goodness, I pray to you, * from corruption of sicknesses raise me.
Deliver us, * all of your servants, from dangers, O Theotokos; * after God, we all flee to you, * for shelter and covering, * as an unshakable wall and our protection.
Spotless one, * who by a word, did bring to us the Word eternal, * in the last days ineffably; * do you now plead with him * as the one with the motherly favor.
Lord, have mercy. (12)
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Kontakion
A protection of Christians unshamable, * intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering, * please reject not * the prayerful cries of those who are in sin. * Instead, come to us, for you are good; * your loving help bring unto us, * who are crying in faith to you: * Hasten to intercede * and speed now to supplicate, * as a protection for all time, * Theotokos, for those who honor you.Prokeimenon
I shall remember Your Name from generation to generation.Verse:Listen, O Daughter, and see, and incline your ear, and forget your people and your father's house and the King will desire your beauty.
I shall remember Your name from generation to generation.
Gospel Reading
In those days Mary arose and went in haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zachariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed, for there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the lowly estate of his handmaiden. For behold henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name." And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.Post-Gospel Hymns
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.Father, Word, and Spirit, Trinity in oneness, wash away my many personal offenses.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, merciful One, wash away my many personal offenses.
Verse: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgressions.
Troparia
Put me not into the hands * of any human protection, * O our Lady, most holy, * but do now receive the prayers of your supplicant; * sorrow has taken me, * and I am unable * to withstand and bear the demon's darts; * shelter I do not have, * nor a place to go, worthless that I am; * Lady of humanity, * the shelter of the faithful and their hope, * do not reject my prayers to you, * do the things that profit me.No one is turned away from you, * ashamed and empty, who flee unto you, O pure virgin Theotokos; * but one asks for the favor, and the gift is received from you, * to the advantage of their own request.
The transformation of the afflicted, * you are the cure of those in sickness, Theotokos, O Virgin; * save your people and your town. * You are the peace of those in conflict, * the calm of those in turmoil, * the only protection of the faithful.
Lord, have mercy. (12)
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Ode 7
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.As You willed, O our Savior, * to dispense our salvation through Your economy * inside the Virgin's womb; * you showed to all the people * that she was our own guardian; * O the God of our fathers, * blessed are You, our God.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The bestower of mercy * that you bore, O pure Mother, entreat on our behalf; * from sins deliver us, * and from the soul's defilement, * we who cry out most faithfully: * O the God of our fathers, * blessed are You, our God.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
A fountain of pureness * and a tower of safety is she who carried You, * a treasure of salvation * and the door of repentance, * she has been shown to those that cry; * O the God of our fathers, * blessed are You, our God.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The illnesses of body, * and the soul's ailing sickness, of those who run to you. * For divine protection, * As God's holy Mother, * make them worthy of remedy: * for the Savior Christ *
was born from you.
Ode 8
Most holy Theotokos, save us.Do not neglect those who seek the help you grant * they hymn you, O Virgin Maiden, * and they do exalt you * throughout the many ages.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
O Virgin, you pour a wealth of healing * on those who faithfully hymn you, * and those who exalt your * childbearing wonder.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The infirmities of my soul are healed by you, * and the pains of my body, O Virgin, * so that I may praise you, * O Lady, in God's favor.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
You drive away the assaults of temptations, * and attacks of the passions, O Virgin, * therefore do we praise you * throughout the many ages.
Ode 9
Saved through you, O pure Virgin, * hence we do confess you * to be most truly the birthgiver of our Lord; * with choirs of bodiless Angels, * you do we magnify.Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The streams of my many tears, * reject not, Holy Virgin; * for you gave birth to the One who dried all the tears, * from all the faces of people; * the Christ was born of you.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
With gladness fill my heart, * most holy Virgin lady, * for you are she who received the abundant joy; * take the grief of my sinfulness, * and make it disappear.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
A shelter and protection * and a wall unshaken, * become, O Virgin, for those who flee to you, * a sheltered cover and refuge, * and a place of joy.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
O Virgin, from the brightness * of your light illumine * the ones who call you most piously Mother of God, * take all the gloom of our ignorance * and banish it away.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Oppressed I am, O Virgin; * in a place of sickness, I have been humbled; * I ask you: bring remedy, * transform my illness, my sickness, * into a wholesomeness. *
Megalynaria
Truly you are worthy to be blessed,Mother of our God, the Theotokos,
You the ever blessed one, and all blameless one,
And the Mother of our God.
You are honored more than the Cherubim,
And you have more glory, when compared, to the Seraphim;
You, without corruption,
Did bear God, the Logos;
You are the Theotokos;
You do we magnify.
Higher than the heavens above are you,
And you are much purer
Than the radiance of the sun;
You who have redeemed us
From the curse which is upon us;
The Lady of all people,
In hymns, do we honor you.
From the great multitude of my sins,
Ill am I in body, Ill am I also in my soul;
I am fleeing to you,
The one who is all-blessed,
The hope of all the hopeless,
Please come bring help to me.
Lady and the Mother of Him who saves,
Receive the supplications
Of the lowly who pray to you;
Mediate between us
And the One you brought forth;
O Lady of all people, Intercede for us.
Now with zeal we chant this Ode to you;
You, the all praised Lady,
Theotokos, we hymn with joy;
With the saints most holy,
Together with the Baptist,
Beseech, O Theotokos,
For God's mercy on us
Speechless be the lips of impious ones,
Those who do not reverence
Your great icon, the sacred one
Which is called Directress,
And was depicted for us
By one of the apostles,
Luke the Evangelist.
(The Megalynarion of the church is chanted. Then:)
With the hosts of Angels, God's messengers,
With the Lord's Forerunner,
And Apostles, the chosen twelve,
With the saints most holy,
And with you, the Theotokos,
We seek your intercession
For our salvation.
Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy upon us. (3)Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All-holy Trinity, have mercy upon us. Lord, be gracious to our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Your name's sake.
Lord have mercy. (3)
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Apolytikia
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we are empty of all defense, as sinners we offer this supplication to You; O Master, have mercy on us.Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Lord, have mercy on us, for in You we have put our trust; be not exceedingly angry with us, nor remember our many iniquities; but look upon us now as the Compassionate, and deliver us from our enemies; for You are our God, and we Your people, we are all the work of Your hands,
And upon Your name we have now called.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The doors of caring do now open unto us, O most blessed Theotokos, so that hoping in you we shall not fail; through you we may be delivered from adversities, for you are the salvation of the Christian race.
Lord have mercy. (12)
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
The following troparia are chanted while we venerate the icon of the Theotokos.
Troparia
All those * do you shelter, O Good One, * those who in their faith flee unto you, * with your strong hand, you protect; * we who sin have no one else, * who intercedes for us * before God, praying endlessly, * in ills and all dangers, * for us who are laiden with * our many sins and mistakes; * Mother, of our God in the Highest * therefore, we fall down to you, humbly; * from all the misfortunes, keep your servants safe.For those * in great sorrow you are joy, * and for the oppressed, a protection, * and for the hungry, their food, * comfort unto those estranged; * you are a staff to the blind, * visitation of all those sick, * and to those held by pain * shelter and a comforting, * and to the orphaned, an aid; * Mother, of our God in the highest, * you who are the Spotless One, hasten, * save your servants from their sin, we ask of you.
Lady, do you receive, * from your servants, their many prayers; * and deliver all of us, * from all sadness and necessity.
My numerous hopes are placed * before you, most holy One; * Mother of our God, * guard me with care, within your sheltered arms.
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.