First prayer
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 our undoubted and speedy Intercessor: hear us praying to You, cover us with Your all-powerful protection, and ask God for 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; for all of us 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 with the Angels and all the saints in eternal life. 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 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.
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Rejoice, our Joy!
Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion
Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos In the glorious city of Constantinople there is the Church of Blachernae - the House of God.
People serve in it for God's sake, They cry out to the Father of Heaven in it. They bend their backs in prostration and pray fervently in tears, so that the soulless enemy - the Saracens - does not turn their land to dust. The Greeks clearly realized that there were fewer of them than Muslims. They cried out to God every hour, so that the tyrant would retreat back. They came together in a common prayer, and everyone sincerely asked that the Lord would not allow an unequal battle into the holy city. At the all-night vigil, late at night, at about four o'clock, at the gate, the Vision of the Immaculate Virgin opened the firmament to two people: Andrei the holy fool was in the cathedral with his disciple. He soon asked him a question: “Do you see who entered our house? Do you see the Queen of Heaven, my brother? Mary came here to us!” And Epiphanius, a noble by birth, replied: “I see, father, yes!” Like the sun, the Hope of Christians entered with a fiery dawn. And it was illuminated with a bright light, and the Blachernae temple began to shine. She entered this temple at the call of the Forerunner of Her Son and John the Theologian - She held him by the hand. She slowly approached the pulpit with a light gait, and with a tearful and meek prayer called upon the Creator for help. She stood on her knees and with maternal warmth, among the cold days of autumn, warmed up the simple people. The entire royal retinue was nearby, in white, unearthly robes, Andrei saw the Apostles with his spiritual gaze at the gates of the saints. The Queen stood up, having prayed, walked up to the Throne at the altar, and bowing her head towards it, began to pray again. She prayed for the people, for the entire vast earthly world. And everyone knew - the words reach the Divine Holy Palace. Then she took the omophorion that shone with light from the most pure head, and immediately spread it out over the entire praying cathedral. And over the people a blanket, shining with lightning, lay down. It saved me from troubles, as if it were an angel's wing. For a short time this miracle could be contemplated with delight - It passed away like night with dawn, But grace reigned. Having learned about this, the Saracens fled from those places in fear. They are persecuted by the Holy Bride, Most immaculate of all brides. Since then, a blessed mantle has lay over Orthodoxy. The people cherish his unchanging protection with love. And on this holiday he praises the Queen of Heaven - the Mother of Christ. With reverence he praises the One who is beautiful and pure. Greatness is exalted to her: “You are the Decoration of churches!”, “Wonderful Protection,” they tearfully ask, “Hide from grief and sorrow!” “A benefit for kings in battle, and a reliable shield for soldiers. A living balm on fresh wounds, Your Protection will protect sinners!” Together with everyone we cry on this solemn day - on the Intercession: Protect, O dear Lady, from winter blizzards and evil winds. Cover us with the imperishable omophorion of Your immeasurable kindness, so that Your Son does not condemn us from above with a silent reproach. You stand before us with an outstretched, Holy Divine scarf, With one firm intention - To cover every house with protection. You will surround everyone who doesn’t even ask with Your care. Prayers merged into polyphony, And You are in a hurry to help us all. Let the easily vulnerable soul, in Your reliable hands, forget the pain of all anxious thoughts, soar and circle above the troubles. Thank you, Mother Queen, For the revelation of prophetic dreams, For the fact that the holy cover lay over the world, bright and sparkling. Because She covered us, Your children, with a pure omophorion. For the fact that you quickly deliver from evil, illness and passions. Take a bow to the ground, dear, accept love and the beating of hearts. Let the crown shine forever above your head for the glory of the Mother! Elena Mizyun On the Feast of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, we ask the Queen of Heaven for protection and help: Remember us in Your prayers, Lady Virgin Mary, may we not perish for the multiplication of our sins, protect us from all evil and cruel misfortunes; We trust in You and, honoring the holiday of Your Protection, we magnify You. Post author: Demetra_Crimea
Error in understanding the symbol "omophorion"
On some icons, the object with which the Queen of Heaven and Earth covers the believers is depicted in the form of a kind of ribbon. This is mistake. Incorrect translation led to a misunderstanding of the symbol not only in iconography. In the service texts, in the same Akathist to the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, there are the words: Cover us with Your omophorion. It sounds strange. For example, the attribute of clothing for others is expressed by the symbol:
- The Greeks have Skele, which means: Protection, Cover.
- Catholics have Pallium, that is, Cloak.
- We have Omophorion, but correctly: Maforion.
The Mother of God is not a bishop and does not have any other rank to offer the omophorion in her arms. Someone characterizes it as a symbol of Christ’s ministry according to the order of Melchizedek. But why is the Virgin Mary holding him? This raises many questions and a number of confusion. They will disappear by themselves if you turn to the original source.
Note: Most people do not go into theological research, looking for errors, looking for the meaning of symbolism. For ordinary believers, Intercession is a calendar date indicating the approach of winter. Time for weddings and celebrations in search of a good groom.
In the Greek version of the description of the life of St. Andrew, in connection with the mentioned events in the Blachernae temple, there is a different meaning (Greek: μαφόριον), that is, maphorion. And this is a special cape, a large cloth covering the head and shoulders, in which the Mother of God is depicted on most icons.
Conclusion: The Most Pure Mother of God was taken to Heaven. In glory she surpassed the Cherubim and Seraphim (the rank of angels). Instead of a joyful stay with the Son, he prays with tears for the salvation of Christians. Angels, holy prophets, apostles, and martyrs help man with Her. Through her care we are cleansed from sins in order to abide with Christ. She extends the Veil over all believers so that not a single soul perishes. The deification of everyone is the goal of Heavenly care for us.
History of appearance
On the fourteenth of October, believers remember the events that took place in the middle of the tenth century. Then Andrei the Holy Fool and his disciple saw a vision in which the Mother of God was present. This happened in Constantinople in the Blachernae Church, in which the robe of the Mother of God and the head cover were kept for many years. Many people came there to pray to Her and ask for help.
During one of the night prayers, Andrei the Fool saw with his own eyes the Mother of God walking towards him from the Royal Doors. Next to her were John the Theologian and the Baptist. They were all dressed in light robes. At first Andrei did not believe his eyes and turned to his student Epiphanius. He asked if he saw the same thing. Epiphanius replied that he also sees the Mother of God. After that, they bowed before her and began to read a prayer. Our Lady prayed with them. She came closer to the throne and began to pray for the people who visit the Blachernae temple.
After finishing the prayer, the Mother of God took off the veil that she used as a headdress and spread it over herself. For a long time Epiphany and Andrey looked at the outstretched blanket. It was visible as long as the Mother of God remained in the temple. After She left, the veil disappeared, but the grace She left behind remained inside the temple.
Immediately after seeing the vision, Andrei and his student decided to tell all the people about what they had seen. After hearing their story, many people went to the temple to pray. On this day, everyone left there filled with hope and joy. Then the hope of the residents of Constantinople was completely justified. After all, the enemies who had kept it under siege for a long time retreated from the city.
However, the holiday appeared much later than these events. On the territory of Kievan Rus it began to be celebrated in the twelfth century. At the beginning of 1165, in honor of the Intercession of the Mother of God, Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky built the Intercession on the Nerl, which is considered one of the most beautiful and unique Orthodox churches.
Prayer for every need, Akathist to the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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The historical event that formed the basis of the text of the akathist to the Intercession of the Mother of God occurred in the 10th century and is associated with the life of St. Andrew the Fool and his disciple Epiphanius. At that time, Constantinople was threatened by an attack from the Turks, and one night the entire city prayed in the Blachernae Church, asking God and the Virgin Mary for protection from the deadly enemy offensive. And so, at four o'clock in the morning, blessed Andrew saw the Most Holy Virgin emerging from the altar through the Royal Doors, surrounded by Saint John the Baptist, John the Theologian, and other saints. As it is said in the Akathist to the Protection of the Mother of God, the Most Pure Virgin prayed to Her Son for all the people, after which she extended her omophorion (a head covering) over those standing in the temple.
Orthodox akathist protects the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary from enemies
The text of the akathist to the Intercession of the Mother of God testifies that through the prayers of the Mother of God the Lord delivered Constantinople from the threat of a military attack, and in honor of this event, supported by the miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary, the annual holiday of the Intercession, celebrated on October 14, was established. On this day, Orthodox Christians around the world sing praises to the Mother of God, who never abandons those who trust in Her. In honor of the event in Constantinople, an icon was painted depicting the Virgin Mary in full height, holding an outstretched cloth in her hands. Since ancient times, this icon has been revered as miraculous, and the akathist of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary is a miraculous prayer that helps in a variety of cases.
When should one read the holy akathist and troparion to the Intercession of the Mother of God?
Ancient Russian tradition has long determined that the Mother of God of the Intercession, whose akathist is brought to your attention at the end of the article, is the patroness of brides. After the Intercession in Rus', the time for weddings began, and the girls who were unlucky enough to find a betrothed this year prayed to the Most Holy Theotokos to send them a good groom. You can read and listen to the church akathist to the Protection of the Mother of God in other cases - the sick can ask for healing, the grieving for consolation, those who have nowhere to lay their heads for their housing, the unemployed for work. Numerous testimonies confirm that prayer coming from the heart is always heard by the Most Pure Lady.
Read the text of the prayer to the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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 our undoubted and speedy Intercessor: hear us praying to You, cover us with Your all-powerful protection, and ask God for 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; for all of us 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 with the Angels and all the saints in eternal life. 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 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.
Prayer to the Protection of the Mother of God, 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.
Listen to the video akathist to the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Read the Orthodox text of the akathist and troparion to the Intercession of the Virgin Mary
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/
Text of the troparion to the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Troparion, tone 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.
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.
