The Temple of Blachernae, during the onslaught of huge Saracen forces in the tenth century, became a refuge for the inhabitants of Constantinople. The temple was of great importance for the locals, because it was in it that the robe of the Virgin Mary (including the headdress) was then kept - relics that, according to legend, belonged to the Virgin Mary. Needing help and salvation from advancing enemies in difficult times, people prayed to God together. It is this event that the icon “Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos” tells about, which captured the miracle.
Saint Andrew, raising his gaze upward during prayer, saw the Most Holy Virgin surrounded not only by saints, but also by angels, walking together across the sky, passing the vaults of churches. For a long time, the Mother of God prayed with the people, trusting in God's help. Afterwards, the Mother of God stood at the throne and covered all the worshipers with her head veil, saving them from the Saracens. Based on this incident, the icon “Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos” was painted, which still helps Orthodox Christians when protection is needed. With the arrival of dawn, the Saracens were defeated and Constantinople was saved.
Icon of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Of the many icons that exist in the Orthodox Church, the most important are the images of Jesus Christ and the Mother of God, because these are the original symbols of Christianity. These icons, to which you offer sincere and fervent prayers, can become miraculous, penetrate deep into your heart, and prompt you to think about spiritual values and the meaning of life. Every believer should have them, showing him the image of the Kingdom of Heaven, devoid of the shortcomings and sorrows of the earth, purifying the souls of those who pray to them. The images are imbued with inner, spiritual beauty, holiness and belonging to God, which master icon painters were able to convey. A large number of different icons were created dedicated to a particular event or locality, but always, when planning to buy an icon, we should remember that we are asking for help not from the image, but from a higher power acting through it, therefore believers venerate icons, but not worship them.
Icon of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos: what it helps with
The Virgin Mary prays not only for every person, but also for peoples and even states. Her mercy is constant, but extends only to those whose actions are imbued with kindness and nobility. She is lenient towards weaknesses, therefore, having repented of actions to which anger, condemnation, envy or irritation push us, every person has the right to hope for Her help. According to church covenants, veneration of the Blessed Virgin should be accompanied by the performance of good deeds that please the Mother of God, aimed at helping and supporting one’s neighbors, cleansing of conscience, and spiritual reflection on one’s life and its meaning. If you turn to Her only with your mind, without being imbued with feelings of reverence and admiration for the transfiguration of the Lord, the prayer will be empty and formal.
There are many known cases of the appearance of the Mother of the Lord to people who are healed after prayers at the icons and holy places indicated by Her, which once again confirms Her mercy and condescension towards humanity. And the icon of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the most famous. This image first appears in art around the 13th century, in the paintings of churches and cathedrals in Suzdal, Novgorod, Eastern Galicia and Pskov. There are many variations of the image, made in the Orthodox icon painting manner or in the “Cossack” style, in the form of icons, frescoes, mosaics and paintings. But the history of this icon and the holiday associated with it is much older than even the oldest surviving images.
The most famous Intercession Church
The Church of the Intercession on the Nerl is part of the cultural heritage of our country, located in the Vladimir region, in a village with the telling name Bogolyubovo. Historians give different dates for construction - either 1165 or 1158. The world-famous stone poem was designed by foreign masters - presumably the Romans. Many are surprised by the very fast pace of construction. The church was ready in a year, although it usually took three times longer.
Andrei Bogolyubsky, the ruler of those lands, erected a temple in honor of his deceased son. Perhaps there were Churches of the Intercession before this, but nothing is known about their history. The holy prince greatly revered the icons of the Most Holy Theotokos, but at that time the Intercession was not a particularly well-known holiday. At first there was also a monastery on the Nerl, but it existed only until the end of the 18th century. Two decades later, they wanted to destroy the church too, dismantling it for building material (this is what the builders of antiquity did).
The location of the church is unique - it is an artificially erected hill several meters high. Previously, there were other monastic premises here. River waterways passed by the temple. To prevent flooding from destroying the structure, an underground foundation was made for it, going several meters deep into the ground.
The Church of the Intercession has been preserved almost unchanged, including unique reliefs on the facade. Who is depicted there? This is King David, symbolizing wisdom and justice. The surrounding lions speak of the strength of the ruler. This is also a symbol of the Vladimir princes, which even today adorns the coat of arms of the city of Vladimir. There are also doves on the facade - a sign of the Holy Spirit and a meek disposition. The women's heads probably symbolize the Queen of Heaven.
Our Lady of the Intercession: the meaning of the icon
The image depicting the appearance of the Mother of Jesus Christ depicts Her appearance in the temple. She is depicted as an oranta (with outstretched arms and open palms facing the viewer) or with an omophorion. Sometimes the composition is supplemented with the faces of Andrei the Fool, John the Baptist and John the Theologian, other saints and angels who accompanied the appearance of the Mother of God. There may also be figures of Roman the Sweet Singer and kneeling people on the pulpit of the temple (in the lower third of the icon).
The meaning of the icon of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos is Her sensitivity and responsiveness to everyone who needs her. This icon is designed to help us realize the great mercy of the Mother of God, who everywhere forgives the shining sacred cover over the world, overshadowing all living with God's light. Although the vision of the outstretched omophorion has disappeared, it continues to remain invisibly over humanity, giving believers a feeling of security and grace. The Virgin Mary's love for people is undeniable; it helps to withstand the most unfavorable circumstances, illnesses or difficulties. Therefore , believers who add this image to their home iconostasis soon notice that a special sublime joy, quiet calm and confidence in support appears in their souls, because invisibly Her protection continues to be with each of us.
Events that led to the establishment of the Holiday
There are many versions, an event of long ago, it is difficult to establish the truth. Researchers "who cares what".
But the main version tells about the year 910. The situation is critical - the Saracens (maybe the Bulgars or someone else) are besieging Constantinople. There is an all-night vigil in the Blachernae church, people are crying, praying, asking for salvation from enslavement.
Among the worshipers were two fools for Christ: Andrei and Epiphanius. Somewhere in the middle of the night, at about four o'clock, Andrei saw the Mother of God and her retinue enter through the air through the royal gates. Nearby, on the one hand, was John the Baptist.
On the other hand, John the Theologian. Saints were walking around. Taking off the omophorion from her head, She stood in front of the altar. Then she spread it over everyone present. According to legend, the omophorion was like cosmic fire. The protection of the Mother of God forced the enemies to flee the invaders from the city.
The meaning of the vision was that the inhabitants would be saved and the enemy would retreat.
What do they pray for in front of the icon of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary?
Like other similar images, this icon helps everyone who turns to it with fervent and sincere prayer coming from the heart, regardless of the content of the request.
It is turned to during an external threat, when the country is in danger from invaders. This tradition has developed historically, because the event that led to the appearance of the icon was connected precisely with the request for the protection of the city. Believers walked around the fortifications with a list of icons - and help came, and the enemy troops were defeated, even if their number exceeded the number of defenders. It is believed that such a religious procession seems to spread an invisible cover over the area, preventing any invasion.
Also, prayer in front of the image supports a person in overcoming internal temptations, because the veil of the Mother of God becomes a kind of spiritual shield that protects us from all sorts of temptations and seductive things. She saves a person’s soul from dark forces trying to take possession of it, and does not allow herself to be lost in the vanity of the world.
Young girls traditionally pray in front of the icon for a quick marriage, because it is after the holiday that the season of weddings and vespers - gatherings of young people - begins. According to legend, on the day of this holiday (October 14) the first snow fell, and popular rumor compared the snow cover to a white wedding veil.
In addition, you can buy an icon of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos to ask Her for help in every business and endeavor. Thus, those suffering from any bodily illness can pray for healing, and those who are in a position of material shortcomings can pray for the acquisition of property. But its main purpose is to protect the soul of the believer, show it the right path and shelter it from sorrows, troubles, temptations and adversity.
Lyrics
Contents of prayer requests and glorification of the Intercession of the Mother of God.
Prayer
The image of the “Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos” is prayed to on the Feast of the Intercession, October 14.
First
Oh, Most Holy Virgin, Mother of the Lord of the highest powers, Queen of heaven and earth, our city and country, Almighty Intercessor!
Accept this singing of praise and gratitude from us, unworthy Thy servants, and lift up our prayers to the Throne of God Thy Son, that He may be merciful to our iniquities, and add His grace to those who honor Thy all-honorable name and with faith and love worship Thy miraculous image.
We are not worthy of being pardoned by Him, unless You propitiate Him for us, the Lady, for everything is possible for You from Him. For this reason, we resort to You, as to the undoubted spark of our Intercessor: hear us praying to You, cover us with Your all-powerful protection, and ask God Your Son: zeal and vigilance for our souls as our shepherds, wisdom and strength as city rulers, truth and impartiality for judges, the mentor is reason and humility, the spouse is love and harmony, the child is obedience, the offended is patience, the fear of God is offended, the sorrowful is complacency, the rejoicing is abstinence, but for us all is the spirit of reason and piety, the spirit of mercy and meekness, the spirit of purity and truth.
To her, Most Holy Lady, have mercy on Your weak people; Gather those who are scattered, guide those who have gone astray to the right path, support old age, raise young ones to be chaste, raise infants, and look upon us all with the gaze of Your merciful intercession, raise us from the depths of sin and enlighten our heartfelt eyes to the vision of salvation, be merciful to us here and there, in the land of earthly arrival and at the terrible judgment of Your Son; Having ceased in faith and repentance from this life, our fathers and brethren began to live in eternal life with the Angels and with all the saints. For you are, Lady, the Glory of heaven and the Hope of earth, You, according to God, are our Hope and Intercessor of all who flow to You with by faith. We therefore pray to You, and to You, as the Almighty Helper, we commit ourselves and each other and our whole life, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Second
My Most Blessed Queen, my Most Holy Hope, friend of the orphaned and strange Intercessor, help for the needy and protection of the embittered, behold my misfortune, behold my sorrow: I am possessed by temptation everywhere, but there is no intercessor.
You yourself, help me as I am weak, feed me as I am strange, guide me as I am lost, heal and save me as I am hopeless. There is no other help, no other intercession, no consolation except You, O Mother of all who grieve and are burdened!
Look down on me, a sinner and in bitterness, and cover me with Your most holy omophorion, so that I will be delivered from the evils that have befallen me, and I will praise Your revered name. Amen.
Short prayer
Most Holy Theotokos, accept these prayers with great hope and faith in Your immeasurable mercy, have mercy, intercede, save, preserve and protect me, the servant (servant) of God (his) (name), from all evil and cover me and my family ( home) with your honest Prayer Protection from all misfortune, misfortune and witchcraft in this year.” (Next you can add your sincere requests: for marriage, good luck in business, etc.).
Troparion
Voice 4
Today, people of good faith brightly celebrate, overshadowed by Your coming, O Mother of God, and looking to Your most pure image, we tenderly say: Cover us with Your honorable Protection and deliver us from all evil, praying to Your Son, Christ our God, to save our souls.
Kontakion
The Virgin stands today in the Church, and from the faces of the saints she invisibly prays to God for us: the angels and the bishops bow down, the apostles and the prophets rejoice: for for our sake the Mother of God prays to the Eternal God.
Greatness
We magnify You, Most Holy Virgin, and honor Your honest Protection, for Saint Andrew saw You in the air, praying for us to Christ.
Akathist
Kontakion 1
Chosen by the Eternal King, who exceeded every creation of Heaven and earth, the Queen, who sometimes came to the Blachernae Church to pray, offers worthy worship with thanksgiving, as if in the darkness of existence, we resort under Your luminous omophorion with faith and tenderness. You, who have an invincible power, free us from all troubles, so we call You: Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Ikos 1
The Archangel and Angel in multitude, with the Forerunner, the Theologian and all the saints in the face, co-presented You, His Queen, in the Church of the Blachernae and, having heard Your prayers for the whole world, touched with surprise, cried out the following: Rejoice, eternal favor with God the Father without beginning; Rejoice, most pure receptacle of God, the flightless Son. Rejoice, chosen dwelling place of God the All-Holy Spirit; Rejoice, never-ending wonder of the angelic ranks above. Rejoice, all-threatening deterrence of the dark forces of hell; Rejoice, the multitude of cherubim are met in the air. Rejoice, She who is praiseworthy will be ascribed to the Seraphim’s hexacrylation; Rejoice, even as we, earthlings, gratefully bow to Her most blessed cover. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 2
Saint Andrew and Epiphanius saw You in the church in the air, praying for Christians to God, knowing that You are the Mother of Christ our God who ascended into Heaven, and, falling to earth, I joyfully bowed to Your all-blessed protection, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
You have no understanding, O Virgin Mother of God, in protecting Orthodox people, for the sake of our enemies they do not understand, so long as the prayer of God to the Mother is strong. We, knowing well about Your all-powerful intercession, call to You with tenderness: Rejoice, most merciful Comforter of all who mourn and are burdened; Rejoice, never-sleeping Teacher of all the lost and blinded. Rejoice, thou who quickly quenches the righteously driven wrath of God against us through Thy prayer; Rejoice, taming our evil passions with an omnipotent wave. Rejoice, strong awakening of sleeping consciences; Rejoice, easy overcoming of lawless skills. Rejoice, for whose sake hell groans and the souls of malice tremble; Rejoice, even for the sake of it the gates of Paradise are opened to all of us. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 3
The power of the Most High overshadows with faith and reverence those who resort to Your all-honorable protection: You alone, the Most Holy and Most Pure Mother of God, have come, that every request of Yours may be fulfilled. Therefore, every age of the faithful praises You and Your Son, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having an infinite wealth of mercy, you extend your helping hand to the whole end of the earth, O Lady: healing to the sick, to the weakened, to the blind, to the blind, and to everyone according to their every need, giving thanks to those who cry out with gratitude: Rejoice, indestructible fortress and fence of Orthodoxy; Rejoice, the first adornment of holy temples and altars. Rejoice, the surest protection of piety; Rejoice, merciful city rulers, ever-growing Helper. Rejoice, invincible Commander of the leaders and armies of the Christians; Rejoice, holy mirror of truth to the unbearable judges. Rejoice, perfect mind of teachers and teachers; Rejoice, blessing of the homes and families of the pious. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 4
Through the storm of many troubles, you help us, O Lady, who are possessed: stand before the altar of the Lord, lifting up your hand, and praying that the Lord, the King of Glory, will look upon our unworthy prayer, and listen to the petitions of those who call on your holy name, and those who call to your Son: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Having heard the Lord God of Joshua, praying and commanding the sun, he will take revenge on the enemy. The Lord Jesus, the chosen Chamber of the Holy Spirit, also hears Your prayers now. In the same way, we, sinners, trusting in Your protection, like the Mother of God, dare to say to You: Rejoice, illuminated by the mental Sun and enlightening us with an unstoppable light; Rejoice, having enlightened the whole earth with the radiance of Your most pure soul. Rejoice, who made all heaven rejoice with the purity of Your body; Rejoice, protection and supply of the holy abodes of Christ. Rejoice, cheerfulness and admonition of the faithful shepherds of the Church; Rejoice, God-fearing monks and nuns, Teacher. Rejoice, undisturbed calm of the reverent elders; Rejoice, secret joy of pure virgins and widows. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 5
Moses, the seer of God, is sometimes in the army against Amalek, when he lifts up his hand, Israel prevails, and when he lets down his hand, then Amalek is victorious, strengthened by those who support him, defeat the enemy. But You, O Mother of God, having raised Your hand in supplication, even though you are supported by no one, You always defeat the enemies of the Christians and You are an invincible shield for us, crying out: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen Thee, the saints gathered in the air in the Church of the Blachernae, extending prayers to the Son and God, joyfully with the Archangels and Angels a grateful song was sung to Thee. We, stronger than Moses’ hands, strengthen Your hand, touchingly crying out: Rejoice, Whose hand will support for all of us, Her love and mercy for us; Rejoice, we cannot stand before the enemy, visible and invisible. Rejoice, you who drive away the dark horde of our passions and lusts; Rejoice, Divine Fire - holding Christ in His hand and igniting us, cold ones. Rejoice, for those who wage war on the flesh through chastity have been crowned with a fair amount; Rejoice, those who strive in fasting and silence for ever-present conversation. Rejoice, speedy Comforter to those who are exhausted from despondency and sadness; Rejoice, you who provide the grace of humility and patience. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 6
Saint Roman the Sweet Singer appeared as a preacher of Your inexhaustible grace and mercies, when in a dream he received from You a scroll of books for consumption: therefore he became wise to begin to sing intelligently to Your glory, and to write praiseworthy words to the saints, crying out with faith: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Thou hast shone forth from the true Sun of Truth, the Dawn, the Virgin of the Virgin Mary, enlightening all with the wisdom of God Thy Son and bringing into the knowledge of the truth those who call Thee: Rejoice, O God's Power and God's Wisdom - who gave birth to Christ in the flesh; Rejoice, thou who has put to shame the foolish wisdom of this age and taught those blinded by it to the right path. Rejoice, guardian of the holy faith and Orthodox dogmas, Teacher; Rejoice, Eradicator of wicked heresies and pernicious schisms. Rejoice, foreseen secret and inconvenience, leading all the good and telling it as it should; Rejoice, you who disgrace false seers and vain fortune-telling. Rejoice, in the hour of perplexity you put a good thought in your heart; Rejoice, you who redeem yourself from harmful undertakings and meaningless wishes. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 7
Although the long-suffering All-Seer, the Lord, revealed the unsearchable abyss of His love for mankind, He chose You as His only Mother and created You for people’s insurmountable protection: so that even if someone from them is worthy of condemnation by the righteous judgment of God, Your sovereign protection is still preserved for repentance, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
Thou didst show wondrously Thy deeds in Thy Most Pure Mother, O Lord, when the most wonderful omophorion in Her hand, shining more than a ray of sunshine, appeared, covering the people who are in the Church of the Blachernae. Having heard such a sign of Her merciful intercession, I was overcome with horror and joy and kept saying: Rejoice, omophorion not made by hands, like a cloud, spread out over the whole world; Rejoice, O Eternal Bishop, Your Son, holding the sign on Your hand. Rejoice, you who manifest this new mercy and new grace in the Orthodox Church; Rejoice, pillar of cloud covering us all from the temptations and enticements of the world. Rejoice, pillar of fire, showing us all the path of salvation in the darkness of sin; Rejoice, obvious strengthening of the apparent piety of the ascetics. Rejoice, secret admonition of God’s servants in the midst of the world; Rejoice, and me, naked of good deeds, not leaving behind Your cover and grace. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 8
It is marvelous that the angels, hastening from heaven to the Blachernae church, appeared to you, glorifying the apostles, praising the face of the saints and saints and the holy wives of the class. The Forerunner bowed down with the Theologian, and the people in the church cried out with joy: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
The Lord rules over all above and below, having seen You in the church, His Mother stands and prays to Him with tenderness, saying: “Ask, My Mother, I will not turn away from You, but I will fulfill all Your requests and I will teach You all to sing in gratitude to You: Rejoice, Ark The covenant, in which the sanctification of the entire human race is kept; Rejoice, most holy one, in whom the Bread of Eternal Life is preserved for those who hunger for righteousness. Rejoice, all-golden vessel, in which is prepared for our sake the flesh and blood of the Divine Lamb; Rejoice, you who accept those left by doctors into your all-powerful hands. Rejoice, you who lift up those weakened in body, but not in spirit, and by faith from the bed of illness; Rejoice, you who give new and better meaning to those who are destroying their minds due to illness. Rejoice, you who wisely trouble us on the obstinate path of sin and passions; Rejoice, touching cruelty of our unrepentant heart. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 9
All praiseworthy angelic nature brings to You, the true Mother of God and Intercessor of all who flow to You, leading, as with Your indestructible protection you have made the righteous glad, interceded for sinners, delivered the needy and prayed for all the faithful, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The prophets of many things, like dumb fish, are perplexed as to how to praise the great feast of Thy all-honorable Protection according to their heritage: everything that is said about You from them is not sufficient for a single calculation of Thy bounties. We, seeing Your countless good deeds, cry out with joy: Rejoice, you who keep us from the plague and all-destruction of mortals; Rejoice, preserving the cities and weights from sudden vibrations of the earth. Rejoice, you who raised up from the flooding of waters and from drowning with a strong hand; Rejoice, thou who deliverest from the fiery dew of Thy prayers. Rejoice, who supplies you with the Bread of Life from hunger of soul and body; Rejoice, you who take away the strikes of lightning and thunder from our head. Rejoice, thou who savest from the invasion of foreigners and secret murderers; Rejoice, thou who protectest half-blooded ones from domestic strife and enmity with peace and love. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 10
To save any human race from the charms of the enemy, the Lover of Mankind, the Lord, has given to You, His Mother, to help, protect and protect us on earth, so that you may bring comfort to the sad, joy to the sorrowing, an Intercessor to the offended, and may you raise everyone from the depths of sin, singing: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
“O Heavenly King,” the all-immaculate Queen standing with the Angels said in prayer in the air, “receive every person who prays to You and calls on My name for help, so that he may not depart from My face empty-handed and unheard.” Having heard this all-good prayer, the congregation of saints cried out in gratitude: Rejoice, thou who crownest farmers with pure hands and hearts with blessed fruits; Rejoice, I will buy help and righteous rewards for all who do. Rejoice, nationwide denunciation of perjury and unrighteous acquisitions; Rejoice, sudden help to those in need along the way, on land and waters. Rejoice, you who gladden childless parents with the fruits of faith and spirit; Rejoice, invisible teacher of motherless orphans. Rejoice, strong Intercessor of those in captivity and exile; Rejoice, ever-watchful Guardian of those who live in bondage and prison. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 11
We hear the all-tender singing and warmly listen to Your prayer for us, we ask You, Virgin Mother of God, do not despise the voice of Your servants: for we run to You in adversity and sorrow and before You in our troubles we shed tears, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Like a light-receiving light, burning in prayer, seeing Thee in the air, the Blachernae Church, in agreement with the many people who were in it, exclaimed: “Where does this come from for me, so that the Mother of My Lord may come to me?” Saint Andrew and Epiphanius warmly pray to You, calling: Rejoice, unenvious Giver of all spiritual and physical gifts; Rejoice, faithful Representative of sinners who begin the repentance of sinners. Rejoice, ever-present Companion to those who fight the passions and attacks of the enemy; Rejoice, invisible taming of the cruel and bestial rulers. Rejoice, secret peace and joy for the meek and suffering slaves; Rejoice, all-desired accomplishment of good marriages. Rejoice, quick and painless resolution for mothers giving birth; Rejoice, at the hour of death, one Helper to all of us. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 12
Ask us for Divine grace from Your Son and God, extend a helping hand to us, drive away from us every enemy and adversary and pacify our lives, so that we do not perish in cruelty without repentance, but accept us into eternal shelter, our Patroness, so that we joyfully call You: Alleluia .
Ikos 12
Singing Your sovereign protection, we all praise You, as our steadfast Representative, and we worship You, who prays for us: we believe and hope that You have asked Your Son and God for the eternal and temporal goodness of all who cry out to You with love: Rejoice, strong for the whole universe intercession; Rejoice, sanctification of all earthly and heavenly elements. Rejoice, blessing of all seasons; Rejoice, all slander and temptations that come from the world, the flesh and the devil are trampled underfoot. Rejoice, unforeseen reconciliation of bitterly warring people; Rejoice, unknown correction of unrepentant sinners. Rejoice, you who do not reject the despised and rejected by all; Rejoice, you who snatch away the desperate from the pit of destruction. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 13
O All-Sung Mother, Most Pure Lady, Virgin Mother of God! I lift up my spiritual and physical eyes to You, I stretch out my relaxed hand to You and cry out from the depths of my heart: look upon the faith and humility of my soul, cover me with Your all-powerful omophorion, so that I may be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes, and at the hour of my death, O All-Blessed One, appear to me and deliver the torment prepared for the sake of my sins, so that I may take out the call of worship: Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
