Praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Saturday Akathist) in 2021

Icon "Praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary"

Praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary
is a holiday of the Orthodox Church in memory of the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The celebration is also known as Akathist Saturday
Celebration on Saturday of the fifth week of Lent

The holiday was established in the century to praise the Mother of God for the repeated deliverance of Constantinople from enemy invasions. Among the victories that led to the establishment of the holiday was the miraculous deliverance of the city from the combined forces of the Hagarians and Persians, who approached Constantinople from the sea and from land, but were scattered in large numbers and drowned by a sudden night storm. The remaining enemies fled in shame. Then, all that night, the grateful people who were in the Blachernae church proclaimed to the Defender of the city a victorious, all-night and non-sedal (“akathist” in Greek) hymn: “To the chosen Voivode, victorious, as having gotten rid of the evil ones, let us sing thanksgiving to Thy servants, the Mother of God!”

The holiday also became a commemoration of the lifting of the siege of Constantinople in the summer of 626. At that time the city was besieged by Avars and Slavs. Patriarch Sergius of Constantinople walked around the city walls with an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. The people sought protection in the churches of God, day and night begging the Zealous Intercessor to save their city, and the danger was averted. On this occasion, a prayer of gratitude was added to the already compiled Great Akathist to the Mother of God.

The Feast of the Praise of the Most Holy Theotokos was celebrated by the solemn singing of the Great Akathist on Saturday of the fifth week of Great Lent. Joseph the Studite wrote a canon for Akathist Saturday, and some other persons added prayers of thanks to the all-powerful governor of the Mother of God.

At first, the Akathist holiday was celebrated only in Constantinople itself, in the Blachernae Church, where the miraculous icon of the Mother of God and the sacred objects of Her earthly life - Her robe and belt - were kept. Later, the holiday was included in the statutes of the monasteries of St. Sava of Studium and then in the church liturgical books, thus becoming common to the entire Eastern Church.

During the celebration of the Praise of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Church confirms the penitents in the hope of the Heavenly Intercessor, who, by delivering the faithful from visible enemies, is all the more ready to help in the fight against invisible enemies.

In modern liturgical practice, the Great Akathist on Saturday of the fifth week of Great Lent is sung at matins (usually the day before, on Friday evening) - not all at once, but separately, in between other songs, in four different exits.

Canon of prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos on Saturday Akathist, tone 2

Song 1

Irmos: Having passed through water like dry land, and having escaped the evil of Egypt, the Israeli cried out: Let us drink to our Deliverer and our God.
Contained by many misfortunes, I resort to You, seeking salvation: O Mother of the Word and the Virgin, save me from heavy and cruel things.

Passions trouble me and many despondencies fill my soul; die, O Young Lady, with the silence of Your Son and God, All-Immaculate.

Having given birth to You and God, I pray, Virgin, to be delivered from the cruel ones: for now, running to You, I stretch out both my soul and my thoughts.

Sick in body and soul, grant the visitation of the Divine and providence from You, the only Mother of God, as the good Mother of the Good.

Song 3

Irmos: O Supreme Creator of the heavenly circle, O Lord, and the Creator of the Church, Thou strengthenest me in Thy love, the desires of the land, the true affirmation, the only Lover of Mankind.

I offer the intercession and protection of my life to Thee, the Virgin Mother of God: Thou feed me to Thy refuge, the good one, the affirmation of the faithful, the only All-Singing One.

I pray, Virgin, to destroy the storm of my spiritual confusion and sorrow: You, O Blessed One of God, gave birth to the ruler of the silence of Christ, the only Most Pure One.

Having given birth to good and guilty benefactors, pour out riches of good deeds to all, for all you can, as you have given birth to the mighty one in the strength of Christ, O blessed One.

To those who are tormented by fierce ailments and painful passions, O Virgin, help me: for healings I know You are an inexhaustible treasure, Immaculate, inexhaustible.

Troparion, tone 2

A warm prayer and an insurmountable wall, a source of mercy, a refuge for the world, we diligently cry out to Ti: Mother of God, Lady, advance us and deliver us from troubles, the only one who will soon intercede.

Song 4

Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, Your mystery, I have understood Your works and glorified Your Divinity.

The confusion of my passions, the helmsman who gave birth to the Lord, and the storm of my sins calmed, O Bride of God.

Grant me the abyss of Thy mercy, Who gave birth to the Blessed One and the Savior of all who sing to Thee.

Enjoying, O Most Pure One, Your gifts, we sing in thanksgiving, Our Lady leading Thee.

On the bed of my illness and infirmity, help those who lie down, as if you are gracious, help the Mother of God, the only Ever-Virgin.

Hope and affirmation and salvation are the wall of the immovable property of You, the All-Singing One, we get rid of every inconvenience.

Song 5

Irmos: Enlighten us with Your commandments, O Lord, and with Your high arm grant us Your peace, O Lover of Mankind.

Fill, O Pure One, my heart with joy, Thy incorruptible joy that gives birth to joy, which gave birth to the guilty.

Deliver us from troubles, O Pure Mother of God, having given birth to eternal deliverance and peace, which prevails over all minds.

Resolve the darkness of my sins, Bride of God, with the enlightenment of Your Grace, Who gave birth to the Divine and Eternal Light.

Heal, O Pure One, the infirmity of my soul, worthy of Thy visitation, and grant me health through Thy prayers.

Song 6

Irmos: I will pour out a prayer to the Lord and to Him I will proclaim my sorrows, for my soul is filled with evil and my stomach is approaching hell, and I pray like Jonah: from aphids, O God, lift me up.

As if He saved death and aphids, He Himself gave birth to death, corruption and death my former nature, Virgin, pray to the Lord and Thy Son, to deliver me from the enemies of crime.

We are Your representative of life and your steadfast guardian, O Virgin, and I resolve misfortunes, and drive away the taxes of demons, and I always pray to deliver me from the aphids of my passions.

Like a wall of refuge for money-grubbers, and the all-perfect salvation of souls, and space in sorrow, O Maiden, and we always rejoice in Your enlightenment; O Lady, save us now from passions and troubles.

I now lie on my bed sick, and there is no healing for my flesh; but, having given birth to the God and Savior of the world and the Savior of illnesses, I pray to You, O Good One: raise me from aphids and illnesses.

Kontakion, tone 6

The intercession of Christians is shameless, the intercession to the Creator is immutable, do not despise the voices of sinful prayers, but advance, as the Good One, to the aid of us who faithfully call Thee: hasten to prayer and strive to supplicate, ever interceding, the Mother of God, those who honor Thee.

Kontakion, tone 6

There are no imams of other help, no imams of other hope, unless You, Lady, help us; We hope in You and boast in You, for we are Your servants, let us not be ashamed.

Stichera, tone 6

Do not entrust me to human intercession, Most Holy Lady, but accept the prayer of Thy servant: for sorrow will support me, I cannot endure demonic shooting, I have no protection, below where I will resort to the accursed, I am always defeated and I have no consolation, unless You, the Lady of the world, have hope and intercession of the faithful, do not despise my prayer, do it usefully.

Song 7

Irmos: The youths who came from Judea, in Babylon, sometimes, by the faith of the Trinity, quenched the fire of the cave, singing: God of the fathers, blessed art thou.

Just as you wanted to create our salvation, O Savior, you moved into the Virgin’s womb, and you showed the world a representative: our father, God, blessed are you.

The Commander of mercy, Whom you gave birth to, Pure Mother, beg him to get rid of sins and spiritual impurities by faith: our father, God, blessed are you.

Thou hast shown the treasure of salvation and the source of incorruption to thee who gave birth to thee, and the pillar of affirmation, and the door of repentance to those who call: our father, God, blessed art thou.

Bodily weaknesses and mental ailments, O Theotokos, with the love of those who approach Thy blood, O Virgin, vouchsafe to heal, Who gave birth to us the Savior Christ.

Song 8

Irmos: Praise and extol the Heavenly King, Whom all the angels sing, praise and extol to all ages.

Do not despise those who demand help from You, O Virgin, who sing and extol You forever.

You heal the infirmity of my soul and bodily illnesses, Virgin, may I glorify You, Pure, forever.

You pour out a wealth of healings faithfully to those who sing of Thee, O Virgin, and to those who extol Thy ineffable Nativity.

You drive away adversity and the onset of passions, O Virgin: therefore we sing of You forever and ever.

Song 9

Irmos: Truly we confess Theotokos, saved by You, Pure Virgin, with disembodied faces magnifying You.

Do not turn away from the current of my tears, Even though you have taken away every tear from every face, the Virgin who gave birth to Christ.

Fill my heart with joy, O Virgin, who accepts the fulfillment of joy and consumes sinful sadness.

Be refuge and intercession for those who come running to You, O Virgin, and an indestructible wall, refuge and cover and joy.

Enlighten Your light with the dawnings, O Virgin, driving away the darkness of ignorance, faithfully confessing Theotokos to You.

In the place of the bitterness of the infirmity of the humbled one, O Virgin, heal, transforming ill health into health.

Stichera, tone 2

Let us honor the highest of the heavens and the purest lordships of the sun, who delivered us from the oath, the Lady of the world with songs.

Because of my many sins my body is weak, my soul is also weak; I resort to You, Most gracious, the hope of the unreliable, You help me.

Mistress and Mother of the Deliverer, accept the prayer of Your unworthy servants, and intercede with Him who is born of You; O Lady of the world, be the Intercessor!

Let us diligently sing a hymn to You now, O All-Sung Mother of God, joyfully: with the Forerunner and all the saints, pray to the Mother of God to be generous to us.

All the angels of the army, the Forerunner of the Lord, the twelve apostles, all the saints with the Mother of God, say a prayer that we may be saved.

First prayer

Blessings to my queen, my hope to the Mother of God, friend of the orphans and strange intercessors, those who grieve with joy, those who are offended by the patroness! See my misfortune, see my sorrow, help me as I am weak, feed me as I am strange. Weigh my offense, resolve it as you will: for I have no other help, except for You, no other intercessor, no good comforter, except You, O Mother of God, for you will preserve me and cover me forever and ever. Amen.

Second prayer

To whom shall I cry, Lady? To whom shall I resort in my sorrow, if not to You, Queen of Heaven? Who will accept my cry and my sighing, if not You, Most Immaculate, the hope of Christians and refuge for us sinners? Who will protect You more in adversity? Hear my groaning and incline Your ear to me, the Lady Mother of my God, and do not despise me who requires Your help, and do not reject me, a sinner. Enlighten and teach me, Queen of Heaven; do not depart from me, Thy servant, O Lady, for my grumbling, but be my Mother and intercessor. I entrust myself to Your merciful protection: lead me, a sinner, to a quiet and serene life, so that I may weep for my sins. To whom shall I resort when I am guilty, if not to You, the hope and refuge of sinners, inspired by the hope of Your ineffable mercy and Your bounty? Oh, Lady Queen of Heaven! You are my hope and refuge, protection and intercession and help. My most blessed and speedy intercessor! Cover my sins with Your intercession, protect me from enemies visible and invisible; soften the hearts of evil people who rebel against me. O Mother of the Lord my Creator! You are the root of virginity and the unfading color of purity. Oh, Mother of God! Give me help to those who are weak with carnal passions and sick at heart, for one thing is Yours and with You the intercession of Your Son and our God; and through Your wonderful intercession may I be delivered from all misfortune and adversity, O most immaculate and glorious Mother of God, Mary. In the same way I say and cry out with hope: Rejoice, full of grace, rejoice, full of joy; Rejoice, most blessed one, the Lord is with you.

Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos. Praise to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Kontakion 1

To the chosen Voivode, victorious, as having been delivered from the evil ones, let us sing thanksgiving to Thy servants, the Mother of God; but, as if you have an invincible power, free us from all troubles, let us call to You:

Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Ikos 1

A representative angel was sent from Heaven and quickly said to the Mother of God: Rejoice, and with an incorporeal voice, You were incarnated in vain, Lord, horrified and standing, calling to Her like this:

Rejoice, whose joy will shine forth; Rejoice, Her oath will disappear.

Rejoice, proclamation to fallen Adam; Rejoice, deliverance of the tears of Eve.

Rejoice, height beyond the reach of human thoughts; Rejoice, depths beyond comprehension and angelic eyes.

Rejoice, for you are the King's seat; Rejoice, for you bear Him who bears all.

Rejoice, Star that reveals the Sun; Rejoice, womb of the Divine Incarnation.

Rejoice, even the creation is being renewed; Rejoice, we worship the Creator.

Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 2

Knowing the Holy One to Himself in purity, He says to Gabriel boldly: Your glorious voice is not pleasing to My soul; The seedless birth of Christmas is like a verb, calling: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

The misunderstood mind is understood by the Virgin, seeking, cry out to the servant: from a pure side, how can a Son be born powerfully, O Lord? He speaks to Neyzha with fear, both calling to her:

Rejoice, ineffable advice to the Mystery; Rejoice, silence of those who ask for faith.

Rejoice, the beginning of the miracles of Christ; Rejoice, His commandments are supreme.

Rejoice, heavenly ladder, from which God descended; Rejoice, bridge, lead those who are from earth to Heaven.

Rejoice, prolix miracle of angels; Rejoice, much-lamentable defeat of demons.

Rejoice, who gave birth to the Light inexpressibly; Rejoice, you who have taught not a single person.

Rejoice, thou who surpassest the understanding of the wise; Rejoice, illuminating meanings for the faithful.

Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 3

The power of the Most High autumn is then for the conception of the Brakoneskil, and the fertile Toya is false, like a sweet village showing, to all who want to reap salvation, never sing to her: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having the God-pleasant womb, the Virgin came to Elizabeth; And the baby, Abiye, having known this kiss, rejoiced, and played like songs, crying out to the Mother of God:

Rejoice, branches of unfading rose; Rejoice, acquisition of immortal fruit.

Rejoice, Worker of Work, Lover of Humanity; Rejoice, you who gave birth to the Gardener of our life.

Rejoice, O field, growing the bounty of bounty; Rejoice, table, bearing abundance of purification.

Rejoice, for you are flourishing as a food paradise; Rejoice, for you are preparing a haven for souls.

Rejoice, pleasant censer of prayer; Rejoice, purification of the whole world.

Rejoice, God's favor towards mortals; Rejoice, mortals have boldness towards God.

Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 4

Having a storm inside with doubtful thoughts, the chaste Joseph was confused, to You in vain, unmarried, and thinking about the stolen marriage, Immaculate; Having taken away Your conception from the Holy Spirit, he said: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Hearing the shepherd angels singing the carnal coming of Christ, and, flowing as if to the Shepherd, they see Him, like a blameless lamb, fallen in Mary’s womb, and singing:

Rejoice, Lamb and Shepherd Mother; Rejoice, courtyard of verbal sheep.

Rejoice, torment of invisible enemies; Rejoice, the doors of heaven are opening.

Rejoice, as those in heaven rejoice in those on earth; Rejoice, for the earthly things rejoice in heavenly things.

Rejoice, silent lips of the apostles; Rejoice, invincible boldness of the passion-bearers.

Rejoice, firm affirmation of faith; Rejoice, bright knowledge of grace.

Rejoice, even hell has been laid bare; Rejoice, You are clothed with Her glory.

Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 5

Having seen the divine star, it followed the dawn, and like a lamp holding it, I tested the mighty King, and having reached the Incomprehensible One, rejoicing, crying out to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Seeing the youths of Chaldeystia at the hand of the Maiden Who created with the hands of men, and the Master who understands Him, even if a slave has accepted the form, they strive to serve Him freely and cry out to the Blessed One:

Rejoice, Mother of Never Setting Stars; Rejoice, dawn of the mysterious Day.

Rejoice, thou who has extinguished the delights of the furnace; Rejoice, enlightening the mysteries of the Trinity.

Rejoice, thou who destroyest the inhuman tormentor from the authorities; Rejoice, you who showed Christ the Lord the Lover of Mankind.

Rejoice, deliverer of barbaric service; Rejoice, timenia that takes away matters.

Rejoice, you who extinguished the fire of worship; Rejoice, thou who changest the flame of passions.

Rejoice, faithful teacher of chastity; Rejoice, joy of all kinds.

Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 6

The former God-bearing preachers returned to Babylon, having finished Thy prophecy and preached Thy Christ to everyone, leaving Herod as if she were unspoken, not able to sing: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Having shone forth the enlightenment of truth in Egypt, you drove away the darkness of lies; idolize him, O Savior, not tolerating Your fortress, falling, having delivered these, I cry to the Mother of God:

Rejoice, correction of men; Rejoice, fall of demons.

Rejoice, thou who hast corrected the charms of the empire; Rejoice, you who have exposed idolatry flattery.

Rejoice, sea that drowned the mental Pharaoh; Rejoice, stone, who gave water to those thirsty for life.

Rejoice, pillar of fire, guide those who are in darkness; Rejoice, cover of the world, covering the clouds.

Rejoice, receiver of food and manna; Rejoice, holy sweets to the servant.

Rejoice, land of promise; Rejoice, honey and milk flow from nothing.

Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 7

I want Simeon from this present age to pass away from the charming one; you were like a child to him, but you also became known to him as a perfect God. I was also amazed at Your ineffable wisdom, calling: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

A new creation has appeared, the Creator has appeared to us, who came from Him, from the seedless vegetative womb and having preserved You, as if it were incorruptible, but leading a miracle, let us sing to You, crying out:

Rejoice, color of incorruption; Rejoice, crown of abstinence.

Rejoice, thou who shinest the image of the resurrection; Rejoice, you who reveal the life of angels.

Rejoice, bright-fruitful tree, from which the vernias feed; Rejoice, blessed-leaved tree, with which many trees are covered.

Rejoice, you who bear in your womb the Deliverer to the captives; Rejoice, you who gave birth to a Guide to the lost.

Rejoice, Judge of the righteous supplication; Rejoice, forgiveness of many sins.

Rejoice, clothing of the naked of boldness; Rejoice, beloved, conqueror of every desire.

Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 8

Having seen a strange Christmas, let us withdraw from the world, turning our minds to Heaven: for this reason, for the sake of the high God, a humble man appeared on earth, although he would attract to the heights of Him crying out: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

All in all, in the lower and higher, the indescribable Word departed: the descent was divine, not a local passing away, and the birth of the Virgin of the Pleasant God, hearing this:

Rejoice, God is the inconceivable container; Rejoice, honest sacrament of the door.

Rejoice, doubtful hearing of the unbelievers; Rejoice, well-known praise of the faithful.

Rejoice, O holy chariot of Jehovah upon Cherubim; Rejoice, glorious village of Existence on Seraphimech.

Rejoice, you who gathered the opposite in the same way; Rejoice, you who combined virginity and Christmas.

Rejoice, for the crime was resolved; Rejoice, heaven has already opened.

Rejoice, key of the Kingdom of Christ; Rejoice, hope of eternal blessings.

Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 9

Every angelic nature was amazed at the great work of Your incarnation: for the unapproachable Man, like God, who is visible to all, is present to us, hearing from everyone: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The oracles of many things, like fish, we see mute about You, Mother of God: they are perplexed to say that the Virgin abides, and was able to give birth. We, marveling at the mystery, truly cry out:

Rejoice, friend of the wisdom of God; Rejoice, His providences are His treasure.

Rejoice, you who reveal the wise to the unwise; Rejoice, thou who accusest the cunning of the wordless.

Rejoice, for you have conquered the lute seeker; Rejoice, for the creators of fables have faded away.

Rejoice, tearer of the Athenian weaving; Rejoice, fulfiller of fishermen's waters.

Rejoice, you who draw forth from the depths of ignorance; Rejoice, you who enlighten many in their understanding.

Rejoice, ship of those who want to be saved; Rejoice, haven of worldly voyages.

Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 10

To save the world, Who is the Decorator of all, has come to this self-promise, and this Shepherd, like God, has appeared for us for our sake: having called upon like like, as if God hears: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

Thou art a wall to the virgins, the Virgin Mother of God, and to all who come running to Thee: for the Creator of Heaven and earth created Thee, the Most Pure One, dwelling in Thy womb, and teach all to invite Thee:

Rejoice, pillar of virginity; Rejoice, door of salvation.

Rejoice, director of the mental creation; Rejoice, giver of Divine goodness.

Rejoice, for you have renewed those who were conceived in cold; Rejoice, for you have punished those who were stolen by their minds.

Rejoice, thou who exercisest the cultivator of meanings; Rejoice, you who gave birth to the Sower of Purity.

Rejoice, Devil of seedless disgrace; Rejoice, you who united the faithful of the Lord.

Rejoice, good nurse of young virgins; Rejoice, bride-blesser of the souls of the saints.

Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 11

All singing is conquered, striving to meet the multitude of Thy bounties: songs equal to the sand of the sand that we bring to Thee, the Holy King, do nothing worthy of what Thou hast given to us, crying out to Thee: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

The light-receiving candle, which appears to those in the darkness, we see the Holy Virgin, the immaterial one who burns the Fire, instructs all to the Divine mind, enlightening the mind in the dawn, and revered by these titles:

Rejoice, ray of the intelligent Sun; Rejoice, shining light of the never-setting Light.

Rejoice, lightning, enlightening souls; Rejoice, for the thunder is terrifying to enemies.

Rejoice, for you have shone with many lights of enlightenment; Rejoice, for you are a multi-flowing river.

Rejoice, image-painting font; Rejoice, you who take away sinful filth.

Rejoice, bath that washes the conscience; Rejoice, cup that draws joy.

Rejoice, smelling the fragrance of Christ; Rejoice, belly of secret joy.

Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 12

Grace granted, having rejoiced the debts of the ancients, all debts, the Decider of man, came with Himself to those who had departed from His grace and, dismantling the handwriting, hears from everyone: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing Your Nativity, we all praise You, like an animated temple, the Mother of God: for in Your womb, the Lord holds everything with His hand, sanctify, glorify and teach everyone to cry out to You:

Rejoice, village of God and the Word; Rejoice, great holy of holies.

Rejoice, ark, gilded by the Spirit; Rejoice, inexhaustible treasure of the belly.

Rejoice, honorable one crowned with pious kings; Rejoice, honest praise of the reverent priests.

Rejoice, unshakable pillar of the Church; Rejoice, unbreakable wall of the Kingdom.

Rejoice, victories will arise from her; Rejoice, from where enemies fall.

Rejoice, healing of my body; Rejoice, salvation of my soul.

Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 13

This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “Representative Angel...” and the 1st kontakion “To the Chosen Vodevoda...”.

Prayer

Oh, Most Holy Lady Lady Theotokos, you are the highest of all Angels and Archangels and all honest creatures, you are the Helper of the offended, the hopeless hope, the poor Intercessor, the sad consolation, the hungry Nurse, the naked robe, the healing of the sick, the salvation of sinners, the help and intercession of all Christians. Oh, All-Merciful Lady, Virgin Mother of God and Lady, by Your mercy save and have mercy on the most holy Orthodox patriarchs, the most Reverend metropolitans, archbishops and bishops and the entire priestly and monastic rank, and all Orthodox Christians through the robe of Your honest protection; and pray, Lady, from You, without seed, Christ our God, incarnate, may gird us with His power from above against our invisible and visible enemies. Oh, All-Merciful Lady Lady Theotokos! Raise us from the depths of sin and deliver us from famine, destruction, from cowardice and flood, from fire and sword, from the presence of foreigners and internecine warfare, and from vain death, and from the attacks of the enemy, and from corrupting winds, and from deadly plagues, and from all evil. Grant, O Lady, peace and health to Thy servant, all Orthodox Christians, and enlighten their minds and the eyes of their hearts, leading to salvation; and we, Thy sinful servants, have been made worthy of the Kingdom of Thy Son, Christ our God, for His power is blessed and glorified, with His Beginning Father and with His Most Holy and Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

CELEBRATION - April 16, 2021 (rollable)

Icon “Rejoices in You” The composition of the icon “Rejoices in You” illustrated the words of the chant: “In you the grace-filled, every creature, the angelic council and the human race, the consecrated temple and the verbal paradise rejoices...” In the upper half of the composition, in the arch formed by the semicircle of the heavenly vault, there is a five-domed temple. In front of the temple, the icon painter placed angels in a close crowd; they surrounded the throne of the Mother of God. Mary and the child were the shining sun in a tight blue circle of glory with a graphic image (thin brush, whitewash) of the seraphim. Below, against the backdrop of the hills, are rows of saints glorifying the Mother of God. At the foot of the throne of the Mother of God stands John of Damascus, they wrote him with a scroll in which you can read the original text “He rejoices in you.”

Praise of the Most Holy Theotokos On icons of the 15th-17th centuries, iconography similar to “She rejoices in you” became widespread. In this episode, the Mother of God and Child were also depicted on the throne (throne), but surrounded by the apostles, in their hands the disciples of Christ held scrolls with chants praising Mary. The short chants were called praises, hence the name of the icons.

On Saturday, the fifth week of Great Lent, the Holy Church solemnly proclaims the prayer singing of the akathist, or thanksgiving praise to the Most Holy Theotokos. This holiday was established in the 9th century for the repeated deliverance of Constantinople with the help and intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos from the invasion of enemies. Under Emperor Heraclius, when Patriarch Sergius, carrying in his arms the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos along the city walls, begged the Lord for protection from the Persian and Scythian troops besieging Constantinople, then the people sought protection in the churches of God, day and night begging the Zealous Intercessor to save their city. Emperor Constantine the Great, the founder of Constantinople, dedicated the city to the Mother of God and revered the Blessed Virgin as his patroness and his new capital. Many churches in honor of the Mother of God were erected in Constantinople. Her icon, painted by the holy evangelist Luke, was kept in the Blachernae Church. On the night when the combined forces of the Hagarians and Persians moved towards the city from sea and land, a terrible storm suddenly arose, which scattered and sank the ships of the attackers. The remaining enemies fled in shame. Then, all that night, the grateful people who were in the Blachernae church proclaimed to the Defender of the city a victorious, all-night vigil and non-sedal (akathist - Greek lit. non-sedal) song: “To the chosen Voivode, victorious, as if we had gotten rid of the evil ones, let us sing a thank-you note to Thy servants, the Mother of God! » And from that time, in remembrance of such a great miracle, the Orthodox Church established the Feast of the Praise of the Most Holy Theotokos. At first, the feast of the Akathist was celebrated in Constantinople in the Blachernae Church, where the miraculous icon of the Mother of God and the sacred objects of Her earthly life - Her robe and belt - were kept. But later the holiday was included in the typikons (statutes) of the monasteries of St. Sava of Studium and then in the church liturgical books, and from that time on it became common to the entire Eastern Church.

Praise to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Canon of prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos on Saturday Akathist, tone 2

Song 1

Irmos: Having passed through water like dry land, and having escaped the evil of Egypt, the Israeli cried out: Let us drink to our Deliverer and our God. Contained by many misfortunes, I resort to You, seeking salvation: O Mother of the Word and the Virgin, save me from heavy and cruel things. Passions trouble me and many despondencies fill my soul; die, O Young Lady, with the silence of Your Son and God, All-Immaculate. Having given birth to You and God, I pray, Virgin, to be delivered from the cruel ones: for now, running to You, I stretch out both my soul and my thoughts. Sick in body and soul, grant the visitation of the Divine and providence from You, the only Mother of God, as the good Mother of the Good.

Song 3

Irmos: O Supreme Creator of the heavenly circle, O Lord, and the Creator of the Church, Thou strengthenest me in Thy love, the desires of the land, the true affirmation, the only Lover of Mankind. I offer the intercession and protection of my life to Thee, the Virgin Mother of God: Thou feed me to Thy refuge, the good one, the affirmation of the faithful, the only All-Singing One. I pray, Virgin, to destroy the storm of my spiritual confusion and sorrow: You, O Blessed One of God, gave birth to the ruler of the silence of Christ, the only Most Pure One. Having given birth to good and guilty benefactors, pour out riches of good deeds to all, for all you can, as you have given birth to the mighty one in the strength of Christ, O blessed One. To those who are tormented by fierce ailments and painful passions, O Virgin, help me: for healings I know You are an inexhaustible treasure, Immaculate, inexhaustible.

Troparion, tone 2

Song 4

Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, Your mystery, I have understood Your works and glorified Your Divinity. The confusion of my passions, the helmsman who gave birth to the Lord, and the storm of my sins calmed, O Bride of God. Grant me the abyss of Thy mercy, Who gave birth to the Blessed One and the Savior of all who sing to Thee. Enjoying, O Most Pure One, Your gifts, we sing in thanksgiving, Our Lady leading Thee. On the bed of my illness and infirmity, help those who lie down, as if you are gracious, help the Mother of God, the only Ever-Virgin. Hope and affirmation and salvation are the wall of the immovable property of You, the All-Singing One, we get rid of every inconvenience.

Song 5

Irmos: Enlighten us with Your commandments, O Lord, and with Your high arm grant us Your peace, O Lover of Mankind. Fill, O Pure One, my heart with joy, Thy incorruptible joy that gives birth to joy, which gave birth to the guilty. Deliver us from troubles, O Pure Mother of God, having given birth to eternal deliverance and peace, which prevails over all minds. Resolve the darkness of my sins, Bride of God, with the enlightenment of Your Grace, Who gave birth to the Divine and Eternal Light. Heal, O Pure One, the infirmity of my soul, worthy of Thy visitation, and grant me health through Thy prayers.

Song 6

Irmos: I will pour out a prayer to the Lord and to Him I will proclaim my sorrows, for my soul is filled with evil and my stomach is approaching hell, and I pray like Jonah: from aphids, O God, lift me up. As if He saved death and aphids, He Himself gave birth to death, corruption and death my former nature, Virgin, pray to the Lord and Thy Son, to deliver me from the enemies of crime. We are Your representative of life and your steadfast guardian, O Virgin, and I resolve misfortunes, and drive away the taxes of demons, and I always pray to deliver me from the aphids of my passions. Like a wall of refuge for money-grubbers, and the all-perfect salvation of souls, and space in sorrow, O Maiden, and we always rejoice in Your enlightenment; O Lady, save us now from passions and troubles. I now lie on my bed sick, and there is no healing for my flesh; but, having given birth to the God and Savior of the world and the Savior of illnesses, I pray to You, O Good One: raise me from aphids and illnesses.

Kontakion, tone 6

There are no imams of other help, no imams of other hope, unless You, Lady, help us; We hope in You and boast in You, for we are Your servants, let us not be ashamed.

Stichera, tone 6

Song 7

Irmos: The youths who came from Judea, in Babylon, sometimes, by the faith of the Trinity, quenched the fire of the cave, singing: God of the fathers, blessed art thou. Just as you wanted to create our salvation, O Savior, you moved into the Virgin’s womb, and you showed the world a representative: our father, God, blessed are you. The Commander of mercy, Whom you gave birth to, Pure Mother, beg him to get rid of sins and spiritual impurities by faith: our father, God, blessed are you. Thou hast shown the treasure of salvation and the source of incorruption to thee who gave birth to thee, and the pillar of affirmation, and the door of repentance to those who call: our father, God, blessed art thou. Bodily weaknesses and mental ailments, O Theotokos, with the love of those who approach Thy blood, O Virgin, vouchsafe to heal, Who gave birth to us the Savior Christ.

Song 8

Irmos: Praise and extol the Heavenly King, Whom all the angels sing, praise and extol to all ages. Do not despise those who demand help from You, O Virgin, who sing and extol You forever. You heal the infirmity of my soul and bodily illnesses, Virgin, may I glorify You, Pure, forever. You pour out a wealth of healings faithfully to those who sing of Thee, O Virgin, and to those who extol Thy ineffable Nativity. You drive away adversity and the onset of passions, O Virgin: therefore we sing of You forever and ever.

Song 9

Irmos: Truly we confess Theotokos, saved by You, Pure Virgin, with disembodied faces magnifying You. Do not turn away from the current of my tears, Even though you have taken away every tear from every face, the Virgin who gave birth to Christ. Fill my heart with joy, O Virgin, who accepts the fulfillment of joy and consumes sinful sadness. Be refuge and intercession for those who come running to You, O Virgin, and an indestructible wall, refuge and cover and joy. Enlighten Your light with the dawnings, O Virgin, driving away the darkness of ignorance, faithfully confessing Theotokos to You. In the place of the bitterness of the infirmity of the humbled one, O Virgin, heal, transforming ill health into health.

Stichera, tone 2

Let us honor the highest of the heavens and the purest lordships of the sun, who delivered us from the oath, the Lady of the world with songs. Because of my many sins my body is weak, my soul is also weak; I resort to You, Most gracious, the hope of the unreliable, You help me. Mistress and Mother of the Deliverer, accept the prayer of Your unworthy servants, and intercede with Him who is born of You; O Lady of the world, be the Intercessor! Let us diligently sing a hymn to You now, O All-Sung Mother of God, joyfully: with the Forerunner and all the saints, pray to the Mother of God to be generous to us. All the angels of the army, the Forerunner of the Lord, the twelve apostles, all the saints with the Mother of God, say a prayer that we may be saved.

First prayer

Second prayer

Praise to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos. Praise to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Kontakion 1

Ikos 1

A representative angel from Heaven was sent quickly saying to the Mother of God: Rejoice, and with an incorporeal voice, You were incarnated in vain, Lord, terrified and standing, calling to Her like this: Rejoice, Her joy will shine forth; Rejoice, Her oath will disappear. Rejoice, proclamation to fallen Adam; Rejoice, deliverance of the tears of Eve. Rejoice, height beyond the reach of human thoughts; Rejoice, depths beyond comprehension and angelic eyes. Rejoice, for you are the King's seat; Rejoice, for you bear Him who bears all. Rejoice, Star that reveals the Sun; Rejoice, womb of the Divine Incarnation. Rejoice, even the creation is being renewed; Rejoice, we worship the Creator. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 2

Knowing the Holy One to Himself in purity, He says to Gabriel boldly: Your glorious voice is not pleasing to My soul; The seedless birth of Christmas is like a verb, calling: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

The misunderstood mind is understood by the Virgin, seeking, cry out to the servant: from a pure side, how can a Son be born powerfully, O Lord? He spoke to Neizha with fear, both calling to her: Rejoice, ineffable counsel to the Mystery; Rejoice, silence of those who ask for faith. Rejoice, the beginning of the miracles of Christ; Rejoice, His commandments are supreme. Rejoice, heavenly ladder, from which God descended; Rejoice, bridge, lead those who are from earth to Heaven. Rejoice, prolix miracle of angels; Rejoice, much-lamentable defeat of demons. Rejoice, who gave birth to the Light inexpressibly; Rejoice, you who have taught not a single person. Rejoice, thou who surpassest the understanding of the wise; Rejoice, illuminating meanings for the faithful. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 3

Ikos 3

Having the God-pleasant womb, the Virgin came to Elizabeth; the baby, having known this kiss, rejoiced and played like songs, crying out to the Mother of God: Rejoice, branches of unfading branches; Rejoice, acquisition of immortal fruit. Rejoice, Worker of Work, Lover of Humanity; Rejoice, you who gave birth to the Gardener of our life. Rejoice, O field, growing the bounty of bounty; Rejoice, table, bearing abundance of purification. Rejoice, for you are flourishing as a food paradise; Rejoice, for you are preparing a haven for souls. Rejoice, pleasant censer of prayer; Rejoice, purification of the whole world. Rejoice, God's favor towards mortals; Rejoice, mortals have boldness towards God. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 4

Ikos 4

Hearing the shepherd Angels singing the carnal coming of Christ, and, flowing as if to the Shepherd, they see Him, like a blameless lamb, fallen in Mary’s womb, and singing: Rejoice, Lamb and Shepherd of the Mother; Rejoice, courtyard of verbal sheep. Rejoice, torment of invisible enemies; Rejoice, the doors of heaven are opening. Rejoice, as those in heaven rejoice in those on earth; Rejoice, for the earthly things rejoice in heavenly things. Rejoice, silent lips of the apostles; Rejoice, invincible boldness of the passion-bearers. Rejoice, firm affirmation of faith; Rejoice, bright knowledge of grace. Rejoice, even hell has been laid bare; Rejoice, You are clothed with Her glory. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 5

Having seen the divine star, it followed the dawn, and like a lamp holding it, I tested the mighty King, and having reached the Incomprehensible One, rejoicing, crying out to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Seeing the youths of Chaldeystia at the hand of the Maiden Who created with the hands of men, and the Master who understands Him, even if the servant has accepted the form of a slave, they endeavored to serve Him freely and cry out to the Blessed One: Rejoice, Mother of the never-setting Stars; Rejoice, dawn of the mysterious Day. Rejoice, thou who has extinguished the delights of the furnace; Rejoice, enlightening the mysteries of the Trinity. Rejoice, thou who destroyest the inhuman tormentor from the authorities; Rejoice, you who showed Christ the Lord the Lover of Mankind. Rejoice, deliverer of barbaric service; Rejoice, timenia that takes away matters. Rejoice, you who extinguished the fire of worship; Rejoice, thou who changest the flame of passions. Rejoice, faithful teacher of chastity; Rejoice, joy of all kinds. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 6

The former God-bearing preachers returned to Babylon, having finished Thy prophecy and preached Thy Christ to everyone, leaving Herod as if she were unspoken, not able to sing: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Having shone forth the enlightenment of truth in Egypt, you drove away the darkness of lies; idolize him, O Savior, not tolerating Your fortress, fallen, but having delivered these, I cry to the Mother of God: Rejoice, correction of men; Rejoice, fall of demons. Rejoice, thou who hast corrected the charms of the empire; Rejoice, you who have exposed idolatry flattery. Rejoice, sea that drowned the mental Pharaoh; Rejoice, stone, who gave water to those thirsty for life. Rejoice, pillar of fire, guide those who are in darkness; Rejoice, cover of the world, who rustled the clouds. Rejoice, receiver of food and manna; Rejoice, holy sweets to the servant. Rejoice, land of promise; Rejoice, honey and milk flow from nothing. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 7

Ikos 7

A new creation has appeared, the Creator has appeared to us, who came from Him, from the seedless vegetative womb and having preserved You, as if incorruptible, and leading a miracle, let us sing You, crying out: Rejoice, flower of incorruption; Rejoice, crown of abstinence. Rejoice, thou who shinest the image of the resurrection; Rejoice, you who reveal the life of angels. Rejoice, bright-fruitful tree, from which the vernias feed; Rejoice, blessed-leaved tree, with which many trees are covered. Rejoice, you who bear in your womb the Deliverer to the captives; Rejoice, you who gave birth to a Guide to the lost. Rejoice, Judge of the righteous supplication; Rejoice, forgiveness of many sins. Rejoice, clothing of the naked of boldness; Rejoice, beloved, conqueror of every desire. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 8

Ikos 8

All in all, in the lower and higher, the indescribable Word departed in no way: the descent was divine, not a local passing, and the Nativity from the Virgin of God, hearing this: Rejoice, God is the inconceivable container; Rejoice, honest sacrament of the door. Rejoice, doubtful hearing of the unbelievers; Rejoice, well-known praise of the faithful. Rejoice, O holy chariot of Jehovah upon Cherubim; Rejoice, glorious village of Existence on Seraphimech. Rejoice, you who gathered the opposite in the same way; Rejoice, you who combined virginity and Christmas. Rejoice, for the crime was resolved; Rejoice, heaven has already opened. Rejoice, key of the Kingdom of Christ; Rejoice, hope of eternal blessings. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 9

Every angelic nature was amazed at the great work of Your incarnation: for the unapproachable Man, like God, who is visible to all, is present to us, hearing from everyone: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The oracles of many things, like fish, we see mute about You, Mother of God: they are perplexed to say that the Virgin abides, and was able to give birth. We, marveling at the mystery, truly cry out: Rejoice, friend of the wisdom of God; Rejoice, His providences are His treasure. Rejoice, you who reveal the wise to the unwise; Rejoice, thou who accusest the cunning of the wordless. Rejoice, for you have conquered the lute seeker; Rejoice, for the creators of fables have faded away. Rejoice, tearer of the Athenian weaving; Rejoice, fulfiller of fishermen's waters. Rejoice, you who draw forth from the depths of ignorance; Rejoice, you who enlighten many in their understanding. Rejoice, ship of those who want to be saved; Rejoice, haven of worldly voyages. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 10

To save the world, Who is the Decorator of all, has come to this self-promise, and this Shepherd, like God, has appeared for us for our sake: having called upon like like, as if God hears: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

Thou art a wall to the virgins, the Virgin Mother of God, and to all who come running to Thee: for the Creator of Heaven and earth has built Thee, O Most Pure One, dwelling in Thy womb, and teach all to invite Thee: Rejoice, pillar of virginity; Rejoice, door of salvation. Rejoice, director of the mental creation; Rejoice, giver of Divine goodness. Rejoice, for you have renewed those who were conceived in cold; Rejoice, for you have punished those who were stolen by their minds. Rejoice, thou who exercisest the cultivator of meanings; Rejoice, you who gave birth to the Sower of Purity. Rejoice, Devil of seedless disgrace; Rejoice, you who united the faithful of the Lord. Rejoice, good nurse of young virgins; Rejoice, bride-blesser of the souls of the saints. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 11

Ikos 11

The light-receiving candle, which appears to those in the darkness, we see the Holy Virgin, the immaterial one who burns Fire, instructs all to the Divine mind, enlightening the mind at dawn, and honored by these titles: Rejoice, ray of the intelligent Sun; Rejoice, shining light of the never-setting Light. Rejoice, lightning, enlightening souls; Rejoice, for the thunder is terrifying to enemies. Rejoice, for you have shone with many lights of enlightenment; Rejoice, for you are a multi-flowing river. Rejoice, image-painting font; Rejoice, you who take away sinful filth. Rejoice, bath that washes the conscience; Rejoice, cup that draws joy. Rejoice, smelling the fragrance of Christ; Rejoice, belly of secret joy. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 12

Ikos 12

Singing Your Nativity, we all praise You, like an animated temple, the Mother of God: for in Your womb, uphold everything with the hand of the Lord, sanctify, glorify and teach everyone to cry out to You: Rejoice, village of God and the Word; Rejoice, great holy of holies. Rejoice, ark, gilded by the Spirit; Rejoice, inexhaustible treasure of the belly. Rejoice, honorable one crowned with pious kings; Rejoice, honest praise of the reverent priests. Rejoice, unshakable pillar of the Church; Rejoice, unbreakable wall of the Kingdom. Rejoice, victories will arise from her; Rejoice, from where enemies fall. Rejoice, healing of my body; Rejoice, salvation of my soul. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kontakion 13

O All-Singing Mother, who gave birth to all the saints, the Most Holy Word! Having accepted this present offering, deliver everyone from all misfortune and remove future torment from those who cry out for You: Alleluia. This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “Representative Angel...” and the 1st kontakion “To the Chosen Vodevoda...”.

Prayer

PRAYERS Troparion Saturday Akathist

voice 8 The commanded secretly received in the mind, / in the blood of Joseph, the bodiless one appears with diligence, the verb is more unskillful: / bowed down by the descent of Heaven, the whole is invariably contained in Thee, / Him and seeing Him in the bed I have received Your slave form, / I am horrified to call You // Rejoice, Bride Not a bride.

Kontakion of Saturday Akathist

voice 8 To the victorious Voivode, having been delivered from the evil ones, let us sing thanksgiving to Thy servants, O Mother of God; but as you have an invincible power, free us from all troubles, and let us call to You: Rejoice, Unbrideless Bride.

Akathist to Our Lady

In the 17th and especially in the 18th centuries, icon painters were commissioned to create large hagiographic icons based on the Akathists. The Russian word “akathist” comes from the Greek, literally meaning “to sit.” During the performance of the solemn hymn - Akathist - everyone present in the church had to stand (unlike “kathisma” - excerpts from the Psalter, which could be listened to while sitting). One of the popular akathists of the Russian church is “Akathist to the Mother of God,” written by Patriarch Sergius of Constantinople. In 626, Constantinople was under siege by hordes of Avars. Hunger and panic began in the city. Patriarch Sergius became the spiritual leader of the capital; he managed to prevent the impending explosion of discontent among the townspeople. On his orders, artists painted an image of the Mother of God on the gates of Constantinople. Obviously, this event gave rise to the legend that claimed that the Mother of God herself inspired Sergius with the idea of writing a hymn of gratitude at the end of the siege. The Akathist of Sergius has been the subject of countless imitations. His bright colorful images were understood and close to people of the Middle Ages. Icon painters must have felt its musical and poetic essence especially subtly; They interpreted musical and poetic lines in their own way in painting.

Orthodox Church Holidays.

Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God - June 3, July 6, September 8. Bogolyubskaya Icon of the Mother of God - July 1.

Prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary.