Akathist icon of the Mother of God: history and veneration, what they ask for and the texts of prayers

The history of the appearance of the icon

An akathist icon is an icon of the Mother of God in front of which a solemn prayer song is read - an akathist. There are only two such images in the Orthodox Church - Zografsky and Hilandarsky.

The Akathist Zograf Icon of the Mother of God, also called the “Forerunner,” appeared in the 13th century. This happened in the Assumption Church, which belongs to the Zograf Monastery, located on Holy Mount Athos. According to legends that have survived to this day, the image of the Virgin Mary with a baby in her arms was in the cell of one elder, who constantly read an akathist dedicated to the Mother of God in front of him. One day, while reading this prayer song, the hermit heard a voice that supposedly came from the icon.

He warned the elder that the Latins would soon attack the monastery and that all the monks inhabiting this monastery would face martyrdom. Also, a voice from Heaven instructed the hermit to notify all monks about the approaching disaster, saying that those who are weak in faith or afraid of temptation should leave the monastery, and only those monks who feel the spiritual strength to withstand the test and accept the crown of martyrdom will remain.

After the elder told the brethren about what he had heard, most of the monks hastened to take refuge in another place and wait out the enemy’s attack. There were only 26 people left in the monastery, who locked themselves in the tower and refused to accept the union. The Latins set fire to the tower along with the monks in it, and they were burned alive. After the smoke cleared and the enemies left, the monks found an icon of the Mother of God on the ashes, which had not been damaged by the fire. Today, the image of the Virgin Mary is in the iconostasis of the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It belongs to the “Hodegetria” iconographic type, the Virgin Mary holds the Divine Child on her left hand, and with her right hand points to Jesus as the only way of salvation for man.

Another icon of the Mother of God, bearing the name Akathist, is located in the iconostasis of the cathedral Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary of the Serbian Hilandar Monastery on Athos. Unlike the Zograf image, its history is less known. According to some legends, the appearance of the icon dates back to the end of the 12th century. It is also believed that it was through revelations received from the image of the Mother of God that Saint Sava of Serbia found treasures that helped complete the construction of the monastery.

However, nowhere in the biographies of the saint is such information mentioned.

The only fact about this image, which is documented from an eyewitness, is the miraculous salvation of the Akathist image of the Queen of Heaven during a severe fire in 1837. It belongs to the “Tenderness” iconographic type, the Divine Child is depicted on the left hand of his Mother, in his left hand there is a scroll, and his right hand is raised in a blessing gesture. Local monks gave the image another name - “Quick to Hear”, due to the fact that requests made in front of it are quickly fulfilled by the Queen of Heaven.

Icons of Athos: Akathist

The oldest miraculous icon on Mount Athos is included in the iconostasis of the left side chapel of the “Praise of the Most Holy Theotokos” of the cathedral church of the Dionysia monastery.
According to ancient monastic tradition, this is one of the 70 icons painted by the Evangelist Luke. It is made not with paints, but with wax mastic; the facial features are blurred due to the expiration of the world. Its dimensions are small: 33 cm high and 27.5 cm wide. This icon was held in the hands of the Patriarch of Constantinople Sergius I, walking around the walls of Constantinople besieged by the Avars (624). Through the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, the enemy fleet was scattered by a storm, and the city was saved. The Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos was performed for the first time in front of this icon.

Also, during the liberation of Constantinople from the crusaders, the Akathist Icon preceded the troops of Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos. The icon was presented to the monastery by Emperor Alexei III of Trebizond (1337-1390) in honor of its founding.

Many miracles are associated with the Akathist Icon. Kidnapped by pirates (1592), she was returned by them to Dionysiatus after the Most Holy Theotokos appeared on the high seas to the captain of a ship and said menacingly: “Why did you put me in prison, you wicked man? Take Me to My dwelling!” The pirate did not pay attention to the dream and continued on his way. Suddenly a terrible storm arose at sea, threatening the destruction of the ship. Then the pirate remembered the icon, rushed to the box where it was, and, to his horror, saw it broken into several parts, and the holy icon all drenched in myrrh. The pirate took the icon in his hands, and the storm immediately stopped. Then the pirates hastened to return to the monastery, gave the icon to the monks and told about the former miracle. 2 pirates (according to other sources there were more) repented and became monks.

Another miracle happened to the head of the Athos Academy, the famous church and public figure of the 18th century, Eugene Voulgaris. He described in detail his healing from a tumor in his chest in 1758 from this icon.

In 1767, the Akathist Icon was stolen again, this time by Turkish robbers. They were detained by Greek shepherds and transferred the icon to the island of Skopelos.

Local residents did not want to return the icon to the monastery, for which they were subsequently punished. The island, which opposed the will of the Queen of Heaven, was struck by an ulcer, and the inhabitants themselves gave the icon to the Dionysiata monastery. In addition, as a sign of repentance, they donated land to the monastery on the island of Skopelos.

The Liturgy in the chapel where the Akathist Icon is located is served daily, and every evening before the Miraculous Icon the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos is read. On great holidays (Easter, Christmas, Epiphany and the Nativity of John the Baptist), the icon is transferred to the catholicon and placed in the icon case in front of the left column. The silver gilded robe, according to the inscription on it, was made by “Master George” in 1786 and donated to the monastery by “Bishop Jeremiah.” Its reverse side depicts the presentation of the icon to the Monk Dionysius by Emperor Alexios III Komnenos.

The celebration in honor of the Akathist Icon takes place on Saturday in the fifth week of Great Lent.

Miracles of the image

The Zograf Akathist Icon of the Mother of God is known for saving the monastery from a fire that occurred on July 28, 1873. In honor of this, a daytime service is held glorifying the Mother of God, with a procession of the cross around the monastery.

The Hilandar image also became widely known thanks to the fire that happened in 1837 due to the fault of the ecclesiarch. Because of his carelessness, the iconostasis, which was located in the main church, caught fire. And although almost the entire iconostasis burned down, the icon of the Mother of God remained unharmed. Since an akathist was read before this image during a disaster, it received the name Akathist.

What do they pray for in front of the icon?

Before the akathist icons of the Mother of God, the Heavenly Patroness is addressed with the following requests:

about strengthening faith and getting rid of doubts;
about protection from various kinds of temptations sent by dark forces;
about sending down the understanding of the will of the Lord;
about protecting children from diseases and evil people;
before planning a long and dangerous journey;
to protect against accidents and natural disasters.

Since both images are located outside of Russia, prayers can be performed not only in front of the original, but also in front of the lists. Such icons can be purchased at any church shop and pre-illuminated in the nearest church. When turning to the Queen of Heaven with requests and reading a solemn prayer song, you must do this with a pure heart, without plotting harm against your neighbor.

Texts of prayers

Since the text of the akathist itself is quite long, there is no need to learn it from memory; it is enough to read from the prayer book. The main thing is to pronounce each word thoughtfully and with sincere faith.

The akathist is read either early in the morning or in the evening, so that household affairs and family do not distract from the prayer rule. In the event that the Virgin Mary answered the request and blessed the resolution of the situation, you should not forget to thank the Heavenly patroness. They visit an Orthodox church and order a special thanksgiving prayer service to the glory of the Mother of God. It is also worth demonstrating Christian virtues towards the poor and disadvantaged by giving alms from a pure heart.

Akathist

Kontakion 1

Chosen by the Eternal King for the salvation of the Christian race of Heaven and earth, to the Queen, as our undoubted Representative and all-powerful Intercessor, with love and tenderness we offer this akathist song: Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Ikos 1

To the heavenly angel who became like a certain elder in his life, in the seclusion on the holy Mount Athos, conducting his life and before the icon of the Mother of God, every day an akathist singing with the words “Rejoice” ascending, there was sometimes a voice emanating from that icon: “Rejoice, you too, elder of God! " Hearing this wondrous voice, the pious elder and I sing to the Lady of Heaven: Rejoice, destined by God to be His Bride from the creation of the world. Rejoice, raised in His holy temple in unearthly purity. Rejoice, foretold by the prophets as the Savior of the world. Rejoice, thou who hast been worthy to become the Mother of God. Rejoice, having brought us the joy of deliverance from eternal death through the birth of Your Most Glorious Son. Rejoice, predestined to be the Mother of the entire Christian race by Your Son. Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 2

Seeing the Most Holy Theotokos, as if the elder was overcome with great horror, she said to him in a meek voice: Do not be afraid, otherwise, having flowed into your monastery, announce to the brethren and the abbot about those who are close to you. If anyone is weak in the spirit of patience, let him hide until the temptation passes, but let those who seek the crowns of suffering remain and, having received a reward from the Lord, sing to Him in heaven: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

It is impossible for the elder to comprehend with his mind that the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, in front of her he is an akathist in the cell reading, was quickly transferred by an unknown force to the gates of the monastery. Having fallen before the image with reverent prayer, the elder also appeared with the most pure image in his arms to the abbot, chanting to the Pure Virgin: Rejoice, protecting Your children from the invasion of the enemy. Rejoice, Thou who tirelessly bestows Thy mercy upon them. Rejoice, you who lead us away from the destruction of our eternal soul. Rejoice, you who prevent great troubles with your strong hand. Rejoice, you who constantly care for our salvation. Rejoice, you who lead righteous souls to the heavenly kingdom. Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 3

Strengthened by the power from above and flowing with faith to Your all-merciful intercession, our irresistible Protectress, twenty-six strong-spirited monks, including the abbot himself, remained in the monastery. The elder, who received a heavenly revelation, was also with them, being for them a comforter in the upcoming temptation, tirelessly crying out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having the intention of converting Orthodox Christians to Catholicism, they came to the monastery and came to the tower, while courageous monks stayed in it, approached, and tried to persuade them to renounce Orthodoxy with flattering admonitions. Exhorting them to recognize the pope as the head of the universal church, the Latins promised all mercy for this champion of Orthodoxy. Both the faithful sons of their Orthodox Church remained adamant and prayed before the icon of the Mother of God: Rejoice, our undoubted Protection from the Latins. Rejoice, in the Orthodox faith is our irresistible Strength. Rejoice, our strong protection from heresies and false teachings. Rejoice, our sweet Consolation in grave troubles. Rejoice, our wise Leader into the Kingdom of God. Rejoice, our merciful Intercessor before the Lord. Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 4

With a storm of hatred for the Orthodox faith, obsession, attack the tower with arrogance and wood and, without hesitation, set it on fire. In a fiery prayer, having given thanks to the Lord, as if I were worthy to receive martyrdom, the bright crowns, the foreigners offered to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Hearing Your mercy, O Theotokos, through Your miraculous icon, You warned the elder about the disaster, returning to great joy, as Your icon was also found unharmed under the ruins of the monastery. We, marveling at such great mercy of Yours, cry out to You: Rejoice, for once again You appeared in Your icon to the joy of people. Rejoice, for with that icon you have wrought great miracles. Rejoice, for through You we are strengthened in virtues. Rejoice, for we boast of Your intercession before the infidels. Rejoice, for we magnify You before the whole world. Rejoice, for we place our complete trust in You. Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 5

Your icon, the Ever-Virgin Mary, appeared like a more divine star, for the consolation and strengthening of the brethren of the Zograf monastery, and before it the lamp glows unquenchably. During the Liturgy, the monks proclaim an akathist chant before it, which is why it is called the “Akathist” event. And having recognized the power You showed in it, they offer a song of thanksgiving to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Having shown great love for people, You, like a tender and caring Mother, showed another of Your icons called “Hilendarskaya”, which was in the Athos Hilendarskaya monastery, where Your icons “Mammal” and “Popish” reside. For such Your care for Your people, we praise You: Rejoice, Guide of pious ascetics to the Heavenly Kingdom. Rejoice, you who lead desert-loving monks to the Heavenly Jerusalem. Rejoice, thou who filled Mount Athos with fragrance. Rejoice, having shown Thy favor at the monastery of the Hilendars. Rejoice, who quickly heals mental and physical illnesses with Your icon. Rejoice, Thou who bestowed Thy icon as a pledge of Thy mercy. Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 6

The Church of Christ preaches Your miracles, Mother of God, especially because through Your icons You pour out streams of mercy and generosity to all those in need and in need of Your help. For this reason, in praise of Thee, we cry out to Thy Son and our God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Your icon has risen to us, Ever-Virgin, by a new miracle that has flowed from it, when, through the negligence of the ecclesiarch, the iconostasis, which was in the cathedral church and in it was Your miraculous icon, was kindled. And even though the entire iconostasis almost burned to ashes, your holy image, Mother of God, was not harmed by the fire, remaining unharmed to the consolation of the believers who sing to Ti: Rejoice, you who made your honorable icon unburnable into fire. Rejoice, thou who by the Divine power destroyed the fiery power. Rejoice, Thy wonder-working icons, who multiplied the stars in the land of Athos. Rejoice, you who have sanctified the whole world with Your icons. Rejoice, showing Your mercy to us through the outpouring of peace from Your icons. Rejoice, wonderfully shining with grace and glory of miracles. Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 7

Although the Lover of Mankind, Christ showed His love for people redeemed by His Honest Blood, giving to You, His Mother, the Christian race as protection and protection. Do not deprive us of Your warm intercession, who glorify Your most honorable name and worship Your miraculous image, calling Your Son: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

Reveal a new and wondrous miracle, Your Akathist Icon, Most Holy Theotokos, from it came a revelation to Saint Sava of Serbia about the treasure that was near his holy monastery. Having found this treasure, the elder improved the monastery, glorifying his wonderful Helper: Rejoice, who quickly helps in our needs. Rejoice, you who generously send funds for the improvement of monasteries. Rejoice, you who do not abandon the holy monasteries under Your care. Rejoice, you who always supply what is lacking in them. Rejoice, you who once again call the faithful to prayer. Rejoice, you who tirelessly help them strive in piety. Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 8

We see a strange miracle about You, Mother of God, for from Your miraculous icon You give quick help to the faithful. For this, the monks of the Hilendar monastery, magnifying Your Akathist icon and also the Quick to Hear, offer thanks to the Lord: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

Envelop the whole world in Your love, Ever-Virgin, in Your ever-worshipped icon flowing around the whole of heaven. For you, like Your Son, do not want the sinner to die, but rather turn and live for him. For such Your mercy, we appeal to You: Rejoice, temporarily punishing and eternally merciful. Rejoice, you who teach us true repentance. Rejoice, you who do not leave us in our earthly destiny. Rejoice, you who joyfully greet us in the heavenly abodes. Rejoice, thou who admonishes us with saving truth. Rejoice, you who preserve us from the path of destruction. Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 9

Giver of all mercies and generosity, our hearts silently praise You, Most Holy Theotokos. Become our Intercessor to Your Son on the day of the Last Judgment, remembering then the prayers of sinners and worthy to sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The branches of multi-proclamation will not be able to worthily glorify Your sweet face, nor explain below the power of Your miracles for every benefit of man, but we sing praises to You: Rejoice, who reveals to us the mysteries of God's will. Rejoice, you who mercifully soften His righteous anger. Rejoice, you who enlighten us with the rays of your miracles. Rejoice, thou who covert widows and orphans with Thy veil. Rejoice, most luminous Divine beauty. Rejoice, God-wise kindness. Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 10

Seeking salvation, we resort to Your merciful intercession, Merciful Mother, and we honor Your miraculous icons with reverence and faith. Moreover, remembering Your countless miracles, we cry out to Almighty God: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

You are an insurmountable wall for all people, O Most Holy Virgin. You wipe away our tears, giving peace to our troubled souls. You do not abandon us in times of hard trials, strengthening our spiritual and physical strength with Your grace. For this reason, hear us calling Ti: Rejoice, you who do not leave us on earth. Rejoice, you extend a helping hand to all who call upon You. Rejoice, Who constantly helps You by calling the Mother of God. Rejoice, you who strengthen us in the troubles that come our way. Rejoice, for You show us everything is possible. Rejoice, you who show us the path to salvation. Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 11

We offer all-contrite singing before Thy icons to Thy servants, the Mother of God. Do not despise us, O All-Merciful Lady, but be kind to us, who with faith and reverence worship Your Divine image and praise Your Son with a divine song: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

With the bright rays of Your miracles, O Virgin Mother of God, you lightly enlighten our souls, snatching them away from the darkness of destruction. We lovingly honor Thee, as the Mother of the Son of God and the Christian race, crying out to Thee: Rejoice, for the Lord is with Thee and Thee with us. Rejoice, for You have extended Your Holy protection over us. Rejoice, for the Burning Bush remains incorruptible. Rejoice, for the Life-Giving Source quenches the thirst for eternal truth in people. Rejoice, for the unfading color of our souls fills with fragrance. Rejoice, for the Indestructible Wall protects us from the storms of life. Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 12

Do not take the Divine grace clearly abiding in Your miraculous icons from us, O Most Holy Virgin, for our sins and iniquities. Do not forsake us by Your wonderful intercession, and at the Last Judgment of Your Son, seek forgiveness from the Lord for us, so that in ineffable glory we will see Christ our God and sing to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing songs of praise and thanksgiving to You, All-Singing Virgin, we all praise You, as a steadfast intercessor for us sinners, and we worship You with love, praying for us before the Lord, we believe and hope that You will ask Him for salvation and eternal life, crying Ti sice: Rejoice, thou who united God and man. Rejoice, you who have arranged human salvation. Rejoice, adorning the flowers of the faithful virtues. Rejoice, covering them with Your robe with maternal love. Rejoice, thou who protectest thee of the same blood from domestic strife and enmity with peace. Rejoice, you who always help us with good intentions. Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 13

O All-Singing Mother, Heavenly Queen and Lady, Virgin Mother of God, having graciously accepted this akathist chant, deliver us from all misfortune, illness and sudden death, and like the Elder of God there is no time to “Rejoice!” You shouted, so shout to us: “Rejoice, you too, children of God!”, crying to Your Son and our God: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

This kontakion is read three times. Then Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1.

Prayer

O Most Wonderful and Highest of all creatures, Queen and Mother of God, Mother of the Heavenly King Christ our God, we fall down and worship You before Your holy and most honorable icon, with which You work wondrous and glorious miracles! We humbly pray to Thee, O omnipotent Intercessor of our race, hear us and surprise us with Thy rich mercies, and fulfill our petitions brought to Thee as a good One who is quick to hear. Sanctify our souls with Your grace and do not take Your protection from us, always remaining under it, as if by the Indestructible Wall we will remain protected from all troubles and misfortunes, from every enemy and adversary, from all the evil machinations of the enemy that ever come upon us. Fill our souls with the fragrance of Your immaculate soul, so that our hearts may rejoice, for there is no one in this world dearer and more beautiful than You, Most Holy Virgin! You are our Wealth, You are our Treasure, You are our Hope and our Protection! We flow to You alone in our sorrows and from You alone we can receive consolation with tea. O All-Sung Virgin Mother of God, do not cease to pray for us, Your unworthy servants, who glorify You and honor You, and have hope in You, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Akathist icon of the Mother of God

Hilandarskaya

(12 / 25 January)

This icon is located in the Hilendar monastery on Mount Athos. In 1837, due to the carelessness of the ecclesiarch, the iconostasis in the main cathedral church, in which stood the miraculous Akathist icon, caught fire. And although the entire iconostasis almost burned to ashes, the holy image of the Mother of God did not suffer at all from the fire and, to the consolation of the believers, remained unharmed. Since an akathist was read in front of this icon during the fire, it received the name Akathist.

There is a legend that Saint Sava of Serbia, during the construction of his Hilendar monastery, when a need arose, received from this icon a revelation about a treasure that was located near the monastery he was building, and, having found it, he greatly accelerated the work. The akathist icon stands in the cathedral iconostasis.

The monks of the Hilendar Monastery also call this icon of the Mother of God the Quick to Hear for Her quick help to the faithful.

AKATHIST

Kontakion 1

Chosen by the Eternal King for the salvation of the Christian race, Heaven and earth, to the Queen, as our undoubted Representative and all-powerful Intercessor, with love and tenderness we offer this akathist chant:

Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Ikos 1

To the heavenly angel who, through his life, became like a certain elder, in the seclusion on the holy Mount Athos, conducting his life and before the icon of the Mother of God, every day an akathist singing with the words “Rejoice” to the one lifting up, there was sometimes a voice emanating from that icon:

“Rejoice, you too, Elder of God!” Hearing this wondrous voice, we, together with the pious elder, sing to the Lady of Heaven:

Rejoice, destined by God to be His Bride from the creation of the world.

Rejoice, raised in His holy temple in unearthly purity.

Rejoice, foretold by the prophets as the Savior of the world.

Rejoice, thou who hast been worthy to become the Mother of God.

Rejoice, having brought us the joy of deliverance from eternal death through the birth of Your Most Glorious Son.

Rejoice, predestined to be the Mother of the entire Christian race by Your Son.

Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 2

Seeing the Most Holy Theotokos, as if the elder was overcome with great horror, she said to him in a meek voice: Do not be afraid, otherwise, having flowed into your monastery, announce to the brethren and the abbot about those who are close to you. If anyone is weak in the spirit of patience, let him hide until the temptation passes; otherwise, let those who seek the crowns of suffering remain and, having received a reward from the Lord, sing to Him in heaven :

Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Rejoice, protecting Your children from the invasion of the enemy.

Rejoice, Thou who tirelessly bestows Thy mercy upon them.

Rejoice, you who lead us away from the destruction of our eternal soul.

Rejoice, you who prevent great troubles with your strong hand.

Rejoice, you who constantly care for our salvation.

Rejoice, you who lead righteous souls to the heavenly kingdom.

Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 3

Ikos 3

Rejoice, our undoubted protection was protected from the Latins.

Rejoice, in the Orthodox faith is our irresistible Strength.

Rejoice, our strong protection from heresies and false teachings.

Rejoice, our sweet Consolation in grave troubles.

Rejoice, our wise Leader into the Kingdom of God.

Rejoice, our merciful Intercessor before the Lord.

Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 4

Ikos 4

Rejoice, for once again you appeared in Your icon to the joy of people.

Rejoice, for with that icon you have wrought great miracles.

Rejoice, for through You we are strengthened in virtues.

Rejoice, for we boast of Your intercession before the infidels.

Rejoice, for we magnify You before the whole world.

Rejoice, for we place our complete trust in You.

Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 5

Ikos 5

Rejoice, Guide of pious ascetics to the Heavenly Kingdom.

Rejoice, you who lead desert-loving monks to the Heavenly Jerusalem.

Rejoice, thou who filled Mount Athos with fragrance.

Rejoice, having shown Thy favor at the monastery of the Hilendars.

Rejoice, who quickly heals mental and physical illnesses with Your icon.

Rejoice, Thou who bestowed Thy icon as a pledge of Thy mercy.

Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 6

Ikos 6

Rejoice, Thou who hast made Thy venerable icon into flames.

Rejoice, thou who by the Divine power destroyed the fiery power.

Rejoice, Thy wonder-working icons, who multiplied the stars in the land of Athos.

Rejoice, you who have sanctified the whole world with Your icons.

Rejoice, showing Your mercy to us through the outpouring of peace from Your icons.

Rejoice, wonderfully shining with grace and glory of miracles.

Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 7

Ikos 7

Rejoice, you who quickly help us in our needs.

Rejoice, you who generously send funds for the improvement of monasteries.

Rejoice, you who do not abandon the holy monasteries under Your care.

Rejoice, you who always supply what is lacking in them.

Rejoice, you who once again call the faithful to prayer.

Rejoice, you who tirelessly help them strive in piety.

Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 8

Ikos 8

Rejoice, temporarily punishing and eternally merciful.

Rejoice, you who teach us true repentance.

Rejoice, you who do not leave us in our earthly destiny.

Rejoice, you who joyfully greet us in the heavenly abodes.

Rejoice, thou who admonishes us with saving truth.

Rejoice, you who preserve us from the path of destruction.

Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 9

Ikos 9

The branches of multi-proclamation will not be able to worthily sing Your sweet face, nor explain below the power of Your miracles for every benefit of man, but we sing praises to You:

Rejoice, you who reveal to us the mysteries of God's will.

Rejoice, you who mercifully soften His righteous anger.

Rejoice, you who enlighten us with the rays of your miracles.

Rejoice, thou who covert widows and orphans with Thy veil.

Rejoice, most luminous Divine beauty.

Rejoice, God-wise kindness.

Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 10

Ikos 10

Rejoice, you who do not leave us on earth.

Rejoice, you extend a helping hand to all who call upon You.

Rejoice, Who constantly helps You by calling the Mother of God.

Rejoice, you who strengthen us in the troubles that come our way.

Rejoice, for You show us everything is possible.

Rejoice, you who show us the path to salvation.

Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 11

Ikos 11

With the bright rays of Your miracles, O Virgin Mother of God, you lightly enlighten our souls, snatching them away from the darkness of destruction. We, with love, honor Thee, as the Mother of the Son of God and the Christian race, crying out to Thee:

Rejoice, for the Lord is with You and You with us.

Rejoice, for You have extended Your Holy protection over us.

Rejoice, for the Burning Bush remains incorruptible.

Rejoice, for the Life-Giving Source quenches the thirst for eternal truth in people.

Rejoice, for the unfading color of our souls fills with fragrance.

Rejoice, for the Indestructible Wall protects us from the storms of life.

Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 12

Ikos 12

Rejoice, thou who united God and man.

Rejoice, you who have arranged human salvation.

Rejoice, adorning the flowers of the faithful virtues.

Rejoice, covering them with Your robe with maternal love.

Rejoice, thou who protectest thee of the same blood from domestic strife and enmity with peace.

Rejoice, you who always help us with good intentions.

Rejoice, Most Holy Theotokos, who endlessly gives us spiritual joy.

Kontakion 13

(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)

PRAYER FIRST

Oh, Most Wonderful and Highest of all creatures, Queen and Mother of God, Heavenly King Christ our God Mother, we fall and worship You before Your holy and most honorable icon, with which You perform wondrous and glorious miracles! We humbly pray to Thee, O omnipotent intercessor of our race, hear us and surprise us with Thy rich mercies and our petitions brought to Thee. Like the good One who is quick to hear, fulfill. Sanctify our souls with Your grace and do not take away Your protection from us, always remaining under it, as if by an indestructible wall we will be protected from all troubles and misfortunes, from every enemy and adversary, from all the evil machinations of the enemy that ever come upon us. Fill our souls with the fragrance of Your immaculate soul, so that our hearts may rejoice, for there is no one in this world dearer and more beautiful than You, Most Holy Virgin! You are our Treasure, You are our Hope and our Protection! We flow to You alone in our sorrows and from You alone we can receive consolation with tea. Oh, All-Sung Virgin Mother of God, do not cease to pray for us, Thy unworthy servants, who glorify and honor Thee, and have hope in Thee, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Next >