Victorious to the elected governor: text of the prayer in Russian with accents

Why do we need the prayer “To the chosen victorious governor”?

This prayer opens the reading of the festive akathist in honor of the Mother of God on Saturday, the fifth week of Lent. Her words are familiar to all parishioners, and the hymnic character inspires the choir to perform with inspiration. Although the original Greek text of the kontakion speaks of a military event from early Christian times, the bright, enthusiastic verse reminds us of the Annunciation.

The words of the Archangel Gabriel, completing the chant: “Rejoice, unbridled Bride!”, reveal the true meaning of the power of the Mother of God. Having not experienced earthly temptations, Mary became the Queen of Heaven and the protector of Orthodox Christians. With this majestic exclamation, the clergy and flock praise the Mother of God.

When was this text written?

The exact date of creation of this anthem is unknown. The siege of Constantinople in the 7th century can be considered a certain starting point.

Augusta

626

The Avars with their allies the Persians and other tribes (including the Slavs), after a long assault, were forced to stop hostilities and then hastily leave Byzantium.

This happened after the miraculous icon of the Mother of God was carried along the walls of the city, with the singing of this hymn. Thus, it turns out that the chant was created at least several decades earlier. But it is more or less precisely known that his first kontakion, “The Chosen Voivode,” appeared precisely in 626, supplementing the previously existing text.

Who is the author of Akathist

The medieval Christian, who created inspired texts or beautiful icons, did not dare to consider himself an “author,” understanding Who inspired the words, thoughts, Who moves the hand of the hymnographer. That is why it is now so difficult to determine who wrote this or that chant.

For a long time, the author of this hymn to the Mother of God was not identified. Among the possible creators of the anthem were:

St. Appolinaria from Laodicea (IV century)
St. Roman Sladkopevets, clergyman of the Blachernae Church;
Patr. Sergius of Constantinople, under whom the siege of 626 took place.

Yet by now most liturgists believe:

Akathist appeared from the end of the 6th – beginning of the 7th centuries;
Most likely, it was written by St. Roman the Sweet Singer, so called because he had the special blessing of the Mother of God to glorify Her and the Lord with hymns.

What does an akathist consist of?

The hymn to the Mother of God consists of 24 kontakia and ikos, according to the number of letters of the Greek alphabet. The original Greek text is structured so that each chant begins with a specific Greek letter in alphabetical order. The 13th kontakion is the final, most solemn one.

The names of the chants themselves are also Greek. In ancient times, a large scroll was called “Kondakion”. Many authors therefore say that before the 10th century. Kontakion as a chant was quite a large work. Kontakia as short doxologies dedicated to the celebration of a day or saint appeared after the 9th-10th centuries. The kontakion is followed by ikos, a longer hymn.

The kontakion ends with the ancient prayer cry “Hallelujah.” The peculiarity of ikos is the so-called “hairetisms” (from the Greek “haire”, or “rejoice”).

Brief explanation of the main themes

Ikos and kontakion are usually combined:

a single rhythm of verse;
dedicated to the same event.

A definite exception is the Great Akathist, where the first kontakion glorifies the Most Pure One as the “Climbed Governor.” Its main topics are:

Annunciation;

Nativity of Christ, glorification of the Most Pure One as the One who gave birth to Christ.

Interesting fact

Many modern authors believe that originally St. The Roman Sweet Singer intended his hymn either for the feast of the Annunciation or for Christmas.

It is not for nothing that the words “Rejoice, Unbrided Bride” are repeated in every ikos, that is, the Bride who remained a Virgin - and yet gave birth to the Lord.

Gratitude to the Deliverer (kontakion 1)

It is believed that this was the first chant added after the siege of Constantinople in 626. It is dedicated to the help of the Most Pure One, glorifying Her as the deliverer of Christians. At the same time, it contains hope for the help of the Mother of God all the days of our lives. Kontakion is often sung during divine services, for example, it often ends the all-night vigil after the reading of the First Hour.

Annunciation and anticipation of Christmas (from 1 Ikos to 4 Kontakion)

Here are the events of the Gospel to which these hymns are dedicated:

Annunciation, when “The Representative Angel was sent to quickly say to the Mother of God: Rejoice!..”; the chants glorify the Most Pure One with the words of the Archangel, who was “horrified” at the sight of Her purity, humility, and holiness.
Meeting of the Virgin Mary from right. Elizabeth, who was also expecting her Firstborn, St. John Preddechu; if St. Luke only says that Preddecha “jumped” for joy in the womb of Elizabeth, then the author puts it into the mouth of the saint. John’s whole hymn (3 ikos): “Rejoice, branches of the unfading rod; Rejoice, immortal fruit acquisition... Rejoice, God's favor towards mortals; Rejoice, mortals have boldness towards God..."
Very little space is devoted to the embarrassment of rights. Joseph (4 Kontakion), who, at first doubting as a man whether someone had corrupted the virginity of Mary, being enlightened by the Holy Spirit, saw the truth, inexpressible in human language, not understood by the mind. And therefore, the creator of the chant, as if on behalf of Joseph, pronounces only “Hallelujah!”, the ancient one. glorifying God for everything.

Nativity of Christ and Presentation (from 4 Ikos to 7 Kontakion )

This part poetically describes:

the shepherds' worship of the Born Christ; this contains the understanding of the Born as the Shepherd of the verbal sheep, and the Mother of God as the “heavenly doors of opening”, which the shepherds saw with their own eyes when the Angelic Host appeared to them;
greeting to the Lord of the Magi, whom the star leads to the place of His Incarnation;
6 Kontakion and Ikos also tell about the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt, its providential significance; the words of the song are based on the legend about the fall of idols in this then pagan country, when the Mother of God and Christ with the righteous Joseph entered its borders;

from the 7th kontakion, the hymnist comprehends the Presentation of the Lord, again paying the main attention to the Mother of God, although the elder Simeon, who accepted Christ into his arms, is mentioned here; Mary is seen by the hymn writer as “the Judge of the righteous supplication... forgiveness of many sins... love, conquering every desire.”

Theology of the Nativity (8th and 9th kontakia and ikos)

Seeing the Incarnate God, believers are called to “get away from the vanity of the world” and “place their minds on the Divine.” The 8th kontakion with ikos is dedicated to the theological explanation of the Birth of the Savior - His “Divine Descent”, when “all the indescribable Word in the lower and the highest departed,” that is, having become Man, Christ remained God. Therefore, how great is His Mother, who became the receptacle of the “incontainable God”! From the depths of a heart shocked by this mystery, words of praise, thanksgiving and love burst forth.

9 ikos is evidence that the miracle of the Incarnation leads to the silence of the “multi-prophecies” who are trying to understand what happened with their human mind. The Mother of God, by Her very existence and life, is “tearing apart the Athenian weaves” (Athens is the center of pagan learning), silencing the “cunning”, “enlightening many in the mind.”

Protection of the faithful (10-12 kontakia and ikos)

This part of the hymn glorifies the intercession of the Mother of God for the human race:

The hymn praises the Most Pure One as the guardian of virginity, the helper of the chaste, the intercessor who helps to walk this path;
The Most Pure One is also called salvation for all sinners - “the bath that washes the conscience”, “the cup that draws joy”;
finally, She is a helper to all the faithful, without distinction of age, rank - priests, simply pious people; The Mother of God is protection from enemies, external and internal, the conqueror of sins, unclean thoughts, and illnesses.

The culmination of the doxology is the last, 13th kontakion, which is traditionally repeated three times: “Oh, All-Sung Mother, who gave birth to all the saints, the Most Holy Word! Having accepted this present offering, deliver everyone from all misfortune, and from future torment, those who cry out to You: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.”

History of appearance

The authorship of this Orthodox prayer is not known for certain. The Venerable Roman the Sweet Singer, George of Pisidia, and Patriarch Sergius could have been involved in the original Byzantine text.

The Orthodox Encyclopedia says that the verse was written after the defense of the capital of the Byzantine Empire from the siege of 626. According to legend, Patriarch Sergius I of Constantinople walked around the walls of the city, holding an icon of the Mother of God in his hands, after which the city miraculously escaped danger. The victory song is also associated with a legend that tells how a barbarian fleet was defeated by a storm after the robe of the Mother of God was lowered into the sea.

Saturday of the Akathist, the reading of which opens the glorification of the Mother of God, was once the pre-celebration of the Annunciation. Initially, the akathist was read on the day of the Annunciation, and only after the 10th century a separate service was appointed for this.

The prayer to the Mother of God “The Victorious Voivode Elected” in musical presentation was included in the “Circle of Ancient Church Singing” - the first music book published in Russia.

In addition to music and beautiful poetry, this prayer was embodied in one of the variations of the icons of Our Lady of Czestochowa.

This icon depicts the image of the Mother of God in chain mail and a heroic helmet, with the Savior and an Orthodox cross in her hands. The icon is known as “The Mounted Voivode” or “Russian Invincible Victory”. There is a lot of controversy surrounding this image of the Mother of God regarding its compliance with the canon. However, in the early 2000s, the icon became widespread in monarchist circles.

Akathist to the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Great Akathist, read on Saturday Akathist)

Icon of the Mother of God

Kontakion 1.

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

Rejoice, Unbride-less Bride.

Ikos 1.

A representative angel from Heaven was sent quickly saying to the Mother of God: Rejoice, and with a disembodied voice you were incarnated in vain, Lord, terrified and standing, calling to Her like this:

Rejoice, her joy will shine forth; Rejoice, the oath will disappear.

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

Rejoice, height unattainable by human thoughts; Rejoice, depth unfathomable and with angelic eyes.

Rejoice, for you are the seat of the King; Rejoice, for you bear the One who bears everything.

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

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

Rejoice, Unbride-less Bride. Kontakion 2.

Seeing the Holy One in purity, he boldly says to Gabriel: the glorious voice of yours is inconvenient to my soul, appearing: the birth of the seedless birth, as the verb says, calling: Alleluia.

Ikos 2.

The misunderstood mind is understood by the Virgin, seeking, crying out to the servant: clean from the side, How can a Son be born powerfully, O Lord? He spoke 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 commands are supreme.

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

Rejoice, verbose miracle of the angels; Rejoice, demons' many-weeping defeat.

Rejoice, O Light that inexpressibly gave birth; Rejoice, even though you have taught not a single person.

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

Rejoice, Unbride-less Bride.

Kontakion 3.

The power of the Most High Autumn will then bring forth the unskillful and fertile Toya, who is fertile, like a village showing something sweet, to all who want to reap salvation, always sing in your throat: Alleluia.

Ikos 3.

Having the womb of the God-pleasing Virgin, she was born to Elizabeth: and her baby, having known the kiss, rejoiced, and cried out like songs to the Mother of God:

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

Rejoice, O worker who makes the Lover of mankind; Rejoice, you who gave birth to the Gardener of our life.

Rejoice, O field, who increases the supply of bounty; Rejoice, table, bearing abundance of cleansing.

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

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

Rejoice, God has good will towards mortals; Rejoice, mortals have boldness towards God.

Rejoice, Unbride-less Bride.

Kontakion 4.

Having a storm within, having doubtful thoughts, the chaste Joseph was dismayed, to You in vain, unmarried, and thinking about the marriage that was stolen, Immaculate; Having taken away your conception from the Holy Spirit, he said: Alleluia.

Ikos 4.

Hearing the shepherd of Angels singing the carnal coming of Christ, and as they came to the Shepherd they saw Him like an immaculate lamb, fallen in the womb of Maryna, 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 things on earth resemble those in heaven.

Rejoice, silent mouth of the apostles; Rejoice, invincible insolence of the passion-bearers.

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

Rejoice, hell has been laid bare to the south; Rejoice, we are clothed with glory.

Rejoice, Unbride-less Bride.

Kontakion 5.

Having seen the bountiful star that followed the dawn, and holding it like a lamp, he tested the mighty King, and having reached the Incomprehensible, rejoicing, he cried out to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 5.

Seeing the youths of Chaldea in the hand of the Maiden who created Him with the hands of men, and the Lord who understands Him, even if the slave’s eye is accepted, they strive to serve Him, 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 hidden places of the Trinity.

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

Rejoice, deliverer of the barbaric ministry; Rejoice, time that takes away matters.

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

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

Rejoice, Unbride-less Bride.

Kontakion 6.

The preachers of God-bearing, formerly Volsvi, returned to Babylon, having finished Your prophecy, and preached Your Christ to everyone, leaving Herod as if he was talking, not leading the song: Alleluia.

Ikos 6.

Having shone forth in Egypt the enlightenment of truth, you drove away the darkness of lies: for his idols, O Savior, did not tolerate Your fortress, fallen, but those who were delivered cried out to the Mother of God:

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

Rejoice, thou who trampled down the charms of the empire; Rejoice, you who exposed idolatry’s flattery.

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

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

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

Rejoice, land of promise; Rejoice, honey and milk flow from here.

Rejoice, Unbride-less Bride.

Kontakion 7.

I want Simeon from this present age to cease from the charming one, who was seen as a child to him, but he also knew the perfect God. Moreover, I was amazed at Your ineffable wisdom, calling: Alleluia.

Ikos 7.

Showing a new creation, the Creator appeared to us from Him, from the seedless cold of the womb, and having preserved Yu, as if he were incorruptible, and having seen a miracle, let us sing to Yu, crying out:

Rejoice, flower of incorruptibility; Rejoice, crown of abstinence.

Rejoice, you who shine upon the image of the resurrection; Rejoice, you who manifest the life of angels.

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

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

Rejoice, Judge of the righteous supplication; Rejoice, many sins have been forgiven.

Rejoice, naked garment of boldness; Rejoice, beloved, conqueror of every desire.

Rejoice, Unbride-less Bride.

Kontakion 8.

Having seen a strange Christmas, let us withdraw from the world, turning our minds to heaven: for this reason, the high God appeared on earth, a humble man, although he would draw to the heights those who cry: Alleluia.

Ikos 8.

All the indescribable Word in the lower and the highest departed: for the descent was Divine, not a local passing away, and the Nativity from the Virgin Accepted of God, hearing this:

Rejoice, God is not a container that cannot be contained; Rejoice, holy sacrament of the door.

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

Rejoice, O holy chariot of Jehovah upon Cherubimech; Rejoice, glorious village of Existence on Seraphimekh.

Rejoice, you who gathered the opposite together; Rejoice, you who combined virginity and Christmas.

Rejoice, the crime has now been resolved; Rejoice, paradise has opened to the south.

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

Rejoice, Unbride-less Bride.

Kontakion 9.

Every angelic nature was amazed at the great work of Your incarnation; unapproachable for God, in sight of the approachable Man, who abides for us, hearing from everyone: Alleluia.

Ikos 9.

The branches of many things, like voiceless fish, we see about You, Mother of God, they are perplexed by the words, even though the Virgin abides and you were able to give birth. We, marveling at the mystery, truly cry out:

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

Rejoice, you who show the foolish to everyone who is wise; Rejoice, you who accuse the cunning and the wordless.

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

Rejoice, thou who tearest apart the Athenian weave; Rejoice, thou who fulfillest the fishermen's dreams.

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

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

Rejoice, Unbride-less Bride.

Kontakion 10.

Although I have come to save the world, the Decorator of all, I have come to this self-promise, and this Shepherd, like God, has appeared for us for our sake: He has called like for like, for God will hear. Shit: Alleluia.

Ikos 10.

Thou art the wall of the virgins, O Virgin Mother of God, and of all who come running to Thee: for the Creator of heaven and earth made Thee, O Most Pure One, dwell in Thy womb, and teach all to invite Thee:

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

Rejoice, mistress of the mental building; Rejoice, giver of Divine grace.

Rejoice, for you have renewed those who were conceived in cold; Rejoice, You have punished those who were robbed of their minds.

Rejoice, exerciser of meanings; Rejoice, you who gave birth to the sower of purity.

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

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

Rejoice, Unbride-less Bride.

Kontakion 11.

All singing is conquered, striving to strive towards the multitude of Your bounties: equal in number to the sand of the songs we bring to You, the Holy King, we do nothing worthily that You have given. To you who cry: Alleluia.

Ikos 11.

The light-receiving light, who appears in the darkness, we see the Holy Virgin, the immaterial one, burning fire, instructs everyone to the Divine mind, enlightening the dawn of the mind, revered by the title, with this:

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

Rejoice, lightning, enlightening souls; Rejoice, for the thunder of the enemy is terrifying.

Rejoice, for you have shone with much light of enlightenment; Rejoice, for you are the source of a multi-flowing river.

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

Rejoice, bath, washing conscience; Rejoice, cup that draws joy.

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

Rejoice, Unbride-less Bride.

Kontakion 12.

The grace to grant the desires of the ancient debts, the Solver of all debts by man, came with Himself to those who had departed from His grace, and having torn the handwriting, he hears from all: Alleluia.

Ikos 12.

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

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

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

Rejoice, honest one, crowned with pious people; 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, to the south the enemies fall.

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

Rejoice, Unbride-less Bride.

Kontakion 13.

Oh, 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 from future torment, those who cry out for You: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos and the 1st kontakion.

Ikos 1.

Rejoice, her joy will shine forth; Rejoice, the oath will disappear.

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

Rejoice, height unattainable by human thoughts; Rejoice, depth unfathomable and with angelic eyes.

Rejoice, for you are the seat of the King; Rejoice, for you bear the One who bears everything.

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

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

Rejoice, Unbride-less Bride.

Kontakion 1.

Rejoice, Unbride-less Bride.

Prayer

My Most Holy Lady Theotokos, through Your saints and all-powerful prayers, drive away from me, your humble and accursed servant, despondency, oblivion, foolishness, negligence, and all that is unclean, evil and blasphemous thoughts from my damned heart and from my darkened mind, and extinguish the flame my passions, for I am poor and damned: and deliver me from many and cruel memories and enterprises, and free me from all the actions of evil: for blessed art thou of all generations and glorify Your most honorable name forever and ever. Amen.

How to read correctly

The text of the prayer to the Mother of God is read or sung in Church Slavonic or Greek. During services in cathedrals, it is usually performed by the right choir: in the form of a spiritual concert or singing kontakion in the 2nd or 8th tone. Everyday, Kiev, Greek and Byzantine chants are often used. In small churches, this duty is performed by the choir; in this case, the prayer is performed in unison or in 2-3 voices; as a rule, the 8th voice is taken as the melodic basis.

During the service, it is better to join in the chants mentally, so as not to disturb the harmonious sound of the choir. If you know the liturgy well, you can receive a blessing and join the choir or readers. You can sing along with the choir or read a prayer over the sound only if this does not violate the traditions of your temple.