The Value of the Compline Prayer to the Theotokos

 By Metropolitan Chrysostomos III of Mani

The Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos, which we read and chant during Small and Great Compline, and was written by the scholar Venerable Paul, the founder and builder of the Sacred Monastery of the Theotokos the Evergetidos in Constantinople in the eleventh century, has great value and importance for its spiritual content.

It consists of five parts. The first is about the Most Holy Theotokos. The second contains the awareness of the sinfulness of the praying believer. The third refers the Prayer to the Panagia, while the fourth is about the situations of human life, and the fifth closes the Prayer, referring to the Panagia's mediation to Christ, her Only Begotten Son.

Priest in Greece Weeps While Reciting the Salutations of the Akathist Hymn

This video shows Fr. Demetrios Loupasakis reading the Salutations of the Akathist Hymn on Friday 16 April 2021 at the Church of Saint Isidore on Lycabettus Hill in Athens, Greece. This took place during a strict Covid-19 lockdown across Greece and in the Athens region.

Elder Savvas Lappas and the Celestial Light of the Theotokos

Hermitage of the Honorable Cross in Kalymnos

 

Monk Nikephoros Lappas (1903-1992), who was later named Savvas, had been a disciple of Saint Savvas of Kalymnos and then Saint Amphilochios Makris, and for the last 32 years of his life lived alone in asceticism in the Hermitage of the Honorable Cross towards the western part of the island of Kalymnos, to the left of the coast of Kantouni.

Father Pavlos Nikitaras (1912-1999) reported that on one moonless night he had gone out with Father Nikephoros for fishing in the bay of Kouvari.

When at 11 o'clock in the evening they pulled out the nets and had to gather the fish, Fr. Pavlos asked Elder Nikephoros a question:

The Power of Saying the Salutations to the Mother of God

Many years ago there was a pious family that lived in a rural area. Because they were not very well educated, they used to pray aloud in the house with the Archangelic Salutation (Hail Mary Full of Grace), and this very Salutation was heard by the youngest son of the family from his childhood, who kept repeating it, whether he was in the house or playing out in the field.

One day when he was a little older, he went to play with the other children near the river that passed by their village.

Careless as he was he slipped and fell into the river.

The Panagia, our True Mother (Archimandrite George Kapsanis)

 By Archimandrite George Kapsanis,
Former Abbot of Gregoriou Monastery on Mount Athos

Among the blessed and holy traditions of our Church is this beautiful typikon that we have: To read the Salutations of the Panagia every Friday night during the period of Great and Holy Lent and to gather all the Orthodox in the churches and to say "Rejoice" to our Panagia, a "Rejoice" that is not only a "poetic license", but mainly expresses the deepest gratitude of our soul to the Mother of God and Mother of us all, to whom we owe so much.

And if we did not have the holy and blessed Theotokos, we would not have our Lord and God and Savior. That is why our Church, as you know, pays great homage to our Panagia, and where Christians gather to praise the Savior Christ, they praise together with Christ our Panagia also.

Thousands of Cypriots Chant the Akathist Hymn From Their Balconies

Orthodox Christians in Limassol, Cyprus went out on their balconies Friday evening, 3 April 2020, holding candles and chanting the Akathist Hymn, accompanied by a live radio broadcast of the service from the Cathedral Church of Agia Napa.

Thousands of worshipers accepted the call of a group of Limassol citizens who took the initiative for this group prayer and sent the message that "this virus will not defeat us, it will not shake our faith."

Only a priest and chanters and a sexton are allowed in churches of Cyprus during the coronavirus pandemic. This event took place with the blessing of Metropolitan Athanasios of Limassol.

The Theotokos as a "Star"

By Metropolitan Seraphim of Kastoria

"With hymns we magnify you, Immaculate One, 
who has been magnified by our race.
Beseeching I beseech you, All-Hymned One, 
to ever beseech your Son."1

We once again sing hymns to the Most Holy Theotokos within the atmosphere of the worship of our holy Church, especially within the blessed period of Great Lent, with this wondrous Service of Salutations, which moves and attracts the hearts of Christians.

We sing hymns to our Panagia with all the angelic hosts, together with the Saints, Martyrs and Venerables, for, as Saint Andrew the Bishop of Crete chants, the Panagia is "God after God, who is second to the Holy Trinity."2 All the Saints, said Venerable Ephraim of Katounakia, sing to the person of the Most Holy Theotokos, since she became the Mother of God and the Mother of all people.

Akathist to Saint Juliana the Merciful of Lazarevo

Kontakion I

O righteous and merciful Juliana, who wast chosen by God, and amidst worldly cares didst in thy soul live in Christ, as in heaven; and who didst abide in great stillness, loving silence within thy heart! Glorifying the Lord Who hath glorified thee, with compunction we sing to thee a hymn of praise. Do thou, who endured grievous sorrows in thy life, pray for us, who are tempest-tossed by perils and sins, and entreat the merciful Savior to grant us salvation of soul and deliverance from misfortunes, that, giving thanks unto God, we may glorify thee, saying: Rejoice, O merciful Juliana, boast of Murom and adornment of women!

The Akathist Hymn "Glory to God for All Things", or the Akathist of Thanksgiving

Metropolitan Tryphon of Turkestan

This Akathist, also called the "Akathist of Thanksgiving," was found among the belongings of Protopresbyter Gregory Petrov upon his death in a prison camp in 1940. The title is from the words of Saint John Chrysostom as he was dying in exile. It is a song of praise from amidst the most terrible sufferings attributed to Metropolitan Tryphon of Turkestan.

Who is the Author of the Akathist Hymn?

By John Sanidopoulos

The Akathist is a Kontakion, which is basically a homily set to poetry. This style of hymnography is mostly associated with Romanos the Melodist who lived at the end of the fifth to the mid-sixth century. We have no way of determining the exact date of its composition. When comparing the Akathist to the kontakia of the various hymnographers, it is most akin to that of Romanos the Melodist. For example, Romanos was interested in Christology, and the defense of the Orthodox view against the Monophysites, Nestorians, Arians, Docetists, Apollinarians and Manichaeans. The Akathist Hymn reflects this.

The Theotokos as the Incense of Intercession

By Metropolitan Seraphim of Kastoria

The Akathist Hymn, which is chanted on the Fifth Friday of Great Lent, remotely reminds us of the reverence of our people for the person of the Panagia. It further reminds us of the salvific intervention of the Theotokos in the Queen of Cities, when in 626 the Avars and the Persians attempted to occupy Constantinople, as well as her continuous miraculous interventions in difficult times.

We would not sing hymns to the Panagia, if the Son and Word of God was not incarnated in her all-immaculate womb. She is not only the mother of Christ, but at the same time our own mother. She offered us the greatest gift, the Savior of our souls. And her Son and God gave her the greatest gift, by taking human nature from her, divinizing and renewing it. This is why in the Christmas Service we chant: "God has appeared to mankind from the Virgin, taking our likeness and deifying our nature."

Akathist to the Theotokos Resource Page

Rejoice, Bride Unwedded.

 

About the Akathist and Salutations 

 

Synaxarion for the Fifth Saturday of Great Lent 

 

Fifth Saturday of Great Lent (The Akathist Hymn): Epistle and Gospel Reading 

 

Saturday of the Akathist Hymn 

 

Fifth Saturday of Great Lent: The Akathist Hymn 

 

Introduction to the Akathist Hymn

 

Akathist Hymn: The History of a Hymn in Honor of the Panagia

 

Liturgical Clarifications Concerning the Akathist Hymn

 

The Theotokos and the Akathist 

 

"I am a Wall, and My Breasts Like Towers": The Theotokos as Protectress of Constantinople 

 

The Akathist Hymn: A Masterpiece of Unsurpassed Perfection, With a Byzantine Flavor

 

Who is the Author of the Akathist Hymn? 

 

THE AKATHIST HYMN (Its Historical - Doctrinal - Symbolic Elements)

 

All 1508 Greek Words of the Akathist Hymn in Alphabetical Order 

 

Three Miraculous Athonite Akathist Icons 

 

Akathist Vigil At Dionysiou Monastery On Mount Athos  

 

Homily on the Akathist to the Theotokos (Archimandrite Kirill Pavlov)

 

The Salutations and the Role of the Theotokos in Great Lent

 

The Panagia, our True Mother (Archimandrite George Kapsanis) 

 

The Music of the Akathist Hymn 

 

The Value of the Compline Prayer to the Theotokos

 

Interpreting the Name of the Virgin Maria 

 

A Miracle That Took Place Every Tuesday in Constantinople 

 

The Thief Who Prayed Daily To the Theotokos 

 

When Eugenios Voulgaris Was Healed of an Abscess by the Theotokos

 

Saint Cleopa of Sihastria on the Akathist to the Theotokos 

 

How the Theotokos Raised and Saved a Fornicating Priest 

 

Elder Savvas Lappas and the Celestial Light of the Theotokos

The Power of Saying the Salutations to the Mother of God

 

Thousands of Cypriots Chant the Akathist Hymn From Their Balconies 

 

"We Stay at Home" Children's Choir of the Greek-English Training School Sing the Akathist Hymn 

 

Priest in Greece Weeps While Reciting the Salutations of the Akathist Hymn

 

Patriarchal and Synodal Encyclical on the Occasion of the Celebration of the 1400th Anniversary of the Solemn Chanting of the Akathist Hymn While Standing for the Deliverance of the Queen of Cities from the Siege of the Avars and the Persians 

 

The Icon "Life of Jesus – Akathist Hymn – Second Coming" at the Benaki Museum 

 

The Boundless Motherly Embrace of the Akathist Hymn 

 

Byzantium and the Panagia (Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Mani) 

 

The Theotokos in the Orthodox Tradition and in the Worship of Great Lent (1 of 2) 

The Theotokos in the Orthodox Tradition and in the Worship of Great Lent (2 of 2)

 

The Canon 

 

The Theotokos as a "Star" 

 

The Theotokos as the "Secret Rod" 

 

The Theotokos as the "Throne of God"

 

The Theotokos as the "Fleece of Gideon" 

 

The Theotokos as "Fabric"

 

 

The Salutations 

 

The First Salutations To The Theotokos 

 

The Theotokos as a Harbor 

 

The Theotokos as the Living Table 

 

The Theotokos as the Incense of Intercession 

 

The First Salutations To The Theotokos: Through the Holy Spirit We Are Given Words To Praise Her

 

The Second Salutations To The Theotokos 

 

The Theotokos as the Rectification of Humanity 

 

The Second Salutations To The Theotokos: "Rejoice Treasury of Purity"

The Third Salutations To The Theotokos  

 

The Theotokos as the Ark Gilt by the Spirit 

 

The Third Salutations To The Theotokos: "Rejoice, Tender Love That Defeats Every Longing"

 

The Fourth Salutations To The Theotokos 

 

The Theotokos as the Light-Bearing Lantern 

 

The Panagia, the Holy One of the Holies (Metr. Hierotheos of Nafaktos)

 

O All-Praised Mother 

 

 

Other Feasts on the Saturday of the Akathist Hymn 

 

Synaxis of Panagia Theoskepasti in Andros  

 

Synaxis of Panagia Akathist in Schinousa 

 

Synaxis of Panagia Platsanis in Oia of Santorini 

 

Synaxis of Panagia of the Unfading Rose in Piraeus 

 

The Amazing Voyage of a Paper Icon of the Theotokos from Crete to Mount Tabor

Akathist to the Honorable Cross

Kontakion 1

Thrice-blessed and all-worshipful Cross of Christ, we the faithful venerate and magnify you being joyous at your divine Exaltation. But since you are the trophy and unconquered weapon, by your grace protect, cover, and shelter those who cry to you:

Rejoice, O Wood most blessed.

Ikos 1

Angels from Heaven invisibly circle the life-bringing Cross in fear, and seeing it now brilliantly shedding light-bestowing grace upon the faithful, amazed they stand and cry to you such words as these:

Rejoice, O Cross, guardian of the world;

Rejoice, the glory of the Church;

Rejoice, you that bountifully gush forth with healings;

Rejoice, you that enlighten the ends of the earth;

Rejoice, Wood fragrant with life, and treasury of wonders;

Rejoice, fitly-joined, thrice-blessed, and bestower of graces;

Rejoice, for you are the divine footstool;

Rejoice, for you were ordained for the worship of all;

Rejoice, bowl of nectar, full to the brim;

Rejoice, torch of the radiance above;

Rejoice, you through whom the creation is blessed;

Rejoice, you through whom the Creator is worshipped;

Rejoice, O Wood most blessed.

Kontakion 2

Perceiving the longing within her Queen Helen spoke to the Emperor boldly: "The great desire of your soul corresponds to my zeal; therefore, seeking for you that most excellent trophy, the Most Holy Cross, I cry,

Alleluia!

The Fourth Salutations To The Theotokos

Theotokos, O Virgin, you are the fortress for virgins and all who to you run for refuge. For the Maker of heaven and earth, O immaculate Maiden, thus constructed you. He inhabited your womb and instructed all how to address you:

Rejoice, O pillar of the virgin station.

Rejoice, O portal of man’s salvation.

Rejoice, initiator of interior renaissance.

Rejoice, administrator of God’s beneficence.

Rejoice, for you regenerated those who were shamefully conceived.

Rejoice, for you reeducated those whose intellects had been seized.

Rejoice, incapacitator of the deflowerer of sanity.

Rejoice, procreator of the Sower of chastity.

Rejoice, of ungamic union the bridal room.

Rejoice, who unite believers to the Lord as Groom.

Rejoice, O beautiful nursemaid of virgins.

Rejoice, O bridesmaid of souls that are holy.

Rejoice, O unwedded Bride.

Unsuccessful is every hymn that hastens to pay tribute to the multitude of Your tender mercies. For even if we offer You odes in number equal to the sands, O holy King, yet we do nothing worthy of what You have given us who cry to You: Alleluia.

Viewing the holy Virgin, we see a light-bearing lantern that shone upon those who were in darkness. For she lit the immaterial light, and to divine knowledge thus conducts everyone, enlightening the intellect, and honored by such acclamations:

Rejoice, the ray of the intelligible daystar.

Rejoice, the beam of the unwaning luster.

Rejoice, flash of lightning that brightly illumines souls.

Rejoice, who like thunder have stunned our enemies.

Rejoice, for you cause the rising up of the light that brightly glows.

Rejoice, for you cause the gushing up of the stream that mightily flows.

Rejoice, who illustrate the baptismal font’s image.

Rejoice, who eliminate the stain of sin’s stigma.

Rejoice, the laver washing out consciences.

Rejoice, the krater serving what gladdens hearts.

Rejoice, the fragrance of Christ’s aroma.

Rejoice, the life of mystical feasting.

Rejoice, O unwedded Bride.

Wishing to grant remission of ancient obligations, He who cancels the debts of all people came himself as a stranger and dwelt among those who were from His divine grace estranged; and tearing up the bond of sin, He hears from everyone, Alleluia.

Extolling your birthgiving with songs, we all praise you as a live temple, O Theotokos. For the Lord who encompasses all in His hand, having made His abode in your womb, sanctified you and glorified you and taught all people to cry to you:

Rejoice, O tabernacle of God the Logos.

Rejoice, O holier than the holies.

Rejoice, ark that was gilt by the Spirit.

Rejoice, life’s inexhaustible treasure.

Rejoice, exquisite diadem of kings with true beliefs.

Rejoice, reverential pride of profoundly pious priests.

Rejoice, the Church’s unshaken citadel.

Rejoice, the Empire’s fortress that never fell.

Rejoice, through whom rise trophies of victory.

Rejoice, through whom fall enemies utterly.

Rejoice, my bodily health’s restoration.

Rejoice, my soul’s everlasting salvation.

Rejoice, O unwedded Bride.

You, all-laudable Mother who gave birth to the Logos Who is holiest of all who are holy: (thrice; in a low voice by a chanter: “Most Holy Theotokos, save us.”) O accept this offering now, and from calami­ties all deliver everyone, and redeem from the future torments of hell those who cry out with zeal: Alleluia.

Source

Greek

The Third Salutations To The Theotokos

New creation was shown by the Creator in showing Himself unto us whom He created, sprouting up from an unseeded womb, while preserving it just as it was, inviolate, so that beholding the miracle we might extol her, exclaiming:

Rejoice, O flower of incorruptness.
Rejoice, O crown of laurel for continence.

Rejoice, for in you resurrection is typified.
Rejoice, for angelical life you exemplified.

Rejoice, fertile tree with luscious fruit, by which believers are sustained.
Rejoice, foliaged tree beneath which are many sheltered in its shade.

Rejoice, for you were pregnant with the Guide for the errant.
Rejoice, for of the Freer of captives you are the parent.

Rejoice, who plead till the just Judge surrenders.
Rejoice, forgiveness for many offenders.

Rejoice, the vesture of those stripped of confidence.
Rejoice, the tender love that conquers every longing.

Rejoice, O unwedded Bride.


On seeing the strange childbirth, let’s be estranged from the mundane, transporting our mind unto heaven. For this purpose the supernal God as a humble human being appeared down on earth, intending to attract unto the summit those who cry out to Him, Alleluia.


Present below completely and above nowise absent was the uncircum­scribable Logos. For it was no migration through space, but divine con­descension that had taken place, and childbirth from a God-possessed Virgin who hears this that follows:

Rejoice, the uncontainable God’s container.
Rejoice, the magnificent mystery’s doorway.

Rejoice, for unbelievers a doubtful story.
Rejoice, for the believers the doubtless glory.

Rejoice, all-holy vehicle of Him who rides the Cherubim.
Rejoice, exquisite domicile20 of Him who mounts the Seraphim.

Rejoice, who integrate in yourself a contradiction.
Rejoice, who incorporate both virginity and parturition.21

Rejoice, through whom the trespass was nullified.
Rejoice, through whom was Paradise opened wide.

Rejoice, the opener to Christ’s kingdom.
Rejoice, the hope of eternal blessings.

Rejoice, O unwedded Bride.


Quite amazed by the great deed of Your incarnation was the entire nature of Angels. For the once inaccessible God they beheld accessible to all as a man, with us together sojourning while thusly hearing from everyone: Alleluia.


Richly eloquent rhetors we see speechless as fishes when they contem­plate you, O Theotokos. For at a loss are they to explain how you managed childbirth and a virgin yet remain. But we, in marveling at the mystery, cry out with conviction:

Rejoice, God’s Wisdom’s repository.
Rejoice, His providence’s depository.

Rejoice, who prove the philosophers wisdomless.
Rejoice, who reprove the sophists as ridiculous.

Rejoice, for the fierce debaters becoming fools lost their taste.
Rejoice, for the creators of the myths have faded away.

Rejoice, you who rend the webs of the Athenians.
Rejoice, you who fill the nets of the Fishermen.

Rejoice, who drag out from the deep of ignorance.
Rejoice, who illumine many with cognizance.

Rejoice, the barge for those seeking salvation.
Rejoice, the harbor for life’s navigators.

Rejoice, O unwedded Bride.


Set on saving the cosmos, He who set all things in order came down to it of His own volition. And though being the Shepherd as God, for us He appeared like us, as a man; and having called His own, like by like, as God He hears, Alleluia.

Source
Greek

The Second Salutations To The Theotokos

Gloriously extolling the incarnate appearance of Christ did the shepherds hear the Angels. And running as though to a shepherd, they perceived Him to be as it were a blameless lamb that had been pastured in the womb of Mary whom they lauded saying:

Rejoice, O Mother of the Lamb and Shepherd.
Rejoice, O sheepfold of sheep with reason.

Rejoice, who ward off invisible enemies.
Rejoice, who open the portals of Paradise.

Rejoice, for the things of heaven are now exulting with the earth.
Rejoice, for the things of earth along with heaven dance for joy.

Rejoice, indefatigable voice of the Apostles.
Rejoice, undefeatable valiance of the Martyrs.

Rejoice, the mighty foundation of faith.
Rejoice, the bright indication of grace.

Rejoice, through whom is Hades divested.
Rejoice, through whom we are vested in glory.

Rejoice, O unwedded Bride.


Having visibly sighted the star proceeding Godward, the Magi followed after its brightness; and thereto clinging as to a light did they search thereby for a mighty King; and reaching the Unreachable they rejoiced and shouted to Him: Alleluia.


In the hands of the Virgin saw the Chaldeans’ children Him who fashioned mankind with His own hand; and perceiving that He was the Lord, even though He had taken the form of a slave, they hastened to pay tribute with gifts and salute the blessed Maiden:

Rejoice, O Mother of the unsetting Star.
Rejoice, O dawn of the mystical Day.

Rejoice, who extinguished the furnace of fallacy.
Rejoice, who enlighten initiates of the Trinity.

Rejoice, for you have deposed the inhuman tyrant from his reign.
Rejoice, for you have disclosed Christ the Lord who is humane.

Rejoice, O redeemer from the Magian18 religion.
Rejoice, who deliver from the clay of the burdens.19

Rejoice, for the cult of fire you terminate.
Rejoice, from the flame of passions you liberate.

Rejoice, the guide of believers to temperance.
Rejoice, the gladness of all generations.

Rejoice, O unwedded Bride.


Keeping to the oracles that bore on You, the Magi, having now become God-bearing heralds, proclaimed to all that You are the Christ as they journeyed back to their own country Babylon, abandoning Herod as a babbling king who knew not how to sing, Alleluia.


Lightening in Egypt the true illumination, You dispelled the darkness of delusion; O Savior, for the idols thereof, unable to endure Your might, tumbled down, while they who were delivered from them shouted to the Theotokos:

Rejoice, man’s rehabilitation.
Rejoice, the demons’ ruination.

Rejoice, who crushed the delusion of fallacy.
Rejoice, who uncovered the ruse of idolatry.

Rejoice, sea that caused the spiritual Pharaoh to drown.
Rejoice, rock that gave those thirsting for life to drink.

Rejoice, pillar of fire that guides those in darkness.
Rejoice, shelter of the world that is wider than the cloud was.

Rejoice, supplanting manna as edibles.
Rejoice, supplying holy delectables.

Rejoice, for you are the land of promise.
Rejoice, from you flow the milk and the honey.

Rejoice, O unwedded Bride.


Master, You were presented as a babe unto Symeon on the threshold of being transported out of this present beguiling age, but also perceived by him to be perfect God; for which cause did he marvel at Your ineffable wisdom, crying: Alleluia.





Source

The First Salutations To The Theotokos

An Angel of supreme rank was sent down from heaven to say to the Theotokos, Rejoice. (Thrice) And perceiving You take bodily form at the sound of his bodiless voice, O Lord, he was astounded and he stood shouting to her such salutations:

Rejoice, through whom is the joy to shine forth.
Rejoice, through whom is the curse to vanish.

Rejoice, restoration of Adam the fallen one.
Rejoice, liberation of Eve from tears.

Rejoice, height to which the thoughts of men are hardly able to ascend.
Rejoice, depth which for the Angels’ eyes is very hard to apprehend.

Rejoice, for you are a throne for the King.
Rejoice, for you hold the One who holds everything.

Rejoice, the star causing the Sun’s manifestation.
Rejoice, the womb of the divine incarnation.

Rejoice, through whom is creation re-created.
Rejoice, by whom is the Creator procreated.

Rejoice, O unwedded Bride.


Beholding herself wholly kept in chastity, boldly says to Gabriel she who is holy: The exceptional tidings of your voice seem difficult for my soul to accept. For what do you mean, pregnancy by unseeded conception, crying, Alleluia.


Curious to know knowledge that is knowable to no one, the Virgin cried to the serving Angel: How is it possible for a son to be born of inviolate loins? Tell me please. And he with fear replied to her, albeit shouting thusly:

Rejoice, initiate of secret counsel.
Rejoice, assurance of what calls for silence.

Rejoice, introduction to the miracles of Christ.
Rejoice, consummation of His articles of faith.

Rejoice, heavenly ladder by which did God himself descend.
Rejoice, bridge that conveys unto heaven earthborn men.

Rejoice, the wonder most renowned among Angels.
Rejoice, the wound greatly bemourned by the demons.

Rejoice, who bear the Light inexplicably.
Rejoice, who declare the manner to nobody.

Rejoice, transcending the knowledge of scholars.
Rejoice, illumining minds of believers.

Rejoice, O unwedded Bride.


Divine power of the Most High, to effect her conception, overshadowed the unwedded Damsel; and it made her luxuriant womb to appear as a luscious field for everyone who desires to reap salvation while chanting, Alleluia.


Eagerly did the Virgin, hosting God in her body, then hasten to visit Elizabeth, whose own infant recognized the voice of her greeting at once and rejoiced in the womb; and with leaps and bounds for songful sounds, he shouted to the Theotokos:

Rejoice, the branch with its shoot unwithered.
Rejoice, the ranch with its fruit unblemished.

Rejoice, for the man-loving Husbandman you cultivate.
Rejoice, for the Gardener of our life you germinate.

Rejoice, arable land yielding tender mercies hundredfold.
Rejoice, banquet table whereupon has forgiveness overflowed.

Rejoice, for the meadow of delight you make flourish.
Rejoice, for a haven of our souls do you furnish.

Rejoice, accepted incense of intercession.
Rejoice, the universe’s expiation.

Rejoice, the good pleasure of God unto mortals.
Rejoice, the confidence of mortals before God.

Rejoice, O unwedded Bride.


Fraught within with confusion brought about by doubtful thoughts, the temperate Joseph was troubled as he looked upon you the unwed and suspected adultery, O blameless one. But when he learned that your concep­tion was by the Holy Spirit, he uttered, Alleluia.