The Akathist to The Mother of God
Priest: Blessed is our God, always now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Reader: Amen.
O Heavenly King the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth who are everywhere and fills all things. Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life: Come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our Souls, O Good One.
Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us! (3x}
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us! Lord, cleanse us from our sins! Master, pardon our transgressions! Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your namesake!
Lord, have mercy! (3x)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For yours is the kingdom of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Kontakion 1
O Queen of the Heavenly Host, Defender of our souls, we your servants offer to you songs of victory and thanksgiving. For you, O Mother of God, have delivered us from dangers. But as you have invincible power, free us from conflicts of all kinds that we may cry to you: Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride.
Song 1
An Archangel was sent from heaven to greet the Mother of God, and as he saw you assuming a body at the sound of his bodiless voice, O Lord, he stood rapt in amazement and cried to her in these words:
People: Rejoice, O you through whom joy will shine forth!
Rejoice, O you through whom the curse will end!
Rejoice, O restoration of fallen Adam!
Rejoice, O redemption of the tears of Eve!
Rejoice, O peak above the reach of human thought!
Rejoice, O depth even beyond the sight of angels!
Rejoice, O you who have become a kingly throne!
Rejoice, O you who carries him who carries all!
Rejoice, O star who manifests the Sun!
Rejoice, O womb of the Divine Incarnation!
Rejoice, O you through whom creation is renewed!
Rejoice, O you through whom the Creator becomes a babe!
Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!
Kontakion 2
Priest: Knowing that she was a virgin, the Blessed One courageously answered the Angel: “Your astonishing words seem hard for my mind to comprehend. Yet you speak of a birth that is to come from a seedless conception while crying: Alleluia!
People: Alleluia! (3x)
Song 2
Priest: Trying to grasp the meaning of this mystery, the Virgin asked the holy messenger: “Tell me, how is it possible that a son be born from a virginal womb?” And he answered her with awe crying aloud:
People: Rejoice, O initiate of God’s ineffable plan!
Rejoice, O belief of what must stay silent!
Rejoice, O forecast of the marvels of Christ!
Rejoice, O Fountainhead of the truths concerning him!
Rejoice, O heavenly ladder by which God came down!
Rejoice, O bridge leading earthly ones to heaven!
Rejoice, O Wonder, ever thrilling to the angels!
Rejoice, O Wound of the demons!
Rejoice, O you who, ineffably gave birth to the Light!
Rejoice, O you who told no one how it came to pass!
Rejoice, O you who surpasses the wisdom of the wise!
Rejoice, O you who enlightens the minds of the Faithful!
Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!
Kontakion 3
Priest: When the power of the Most High overshadowed the one who had never known wedlock, her fruitful womb conceived. She became a blossoming meadow for all those who wished to reap salvation by singing: Alleluia!
People: Alleluia! {3x}
Song 3
Priest: Pregnant with the Divine, the Virgin hastened to Elizabeth whose unborn child recognized her embrace at once, and leaped for joy as if crying out:
People: Rejoice, O Blossom whose bud shall not wilt!
Rejoice, O Soil bearing incorruptible fruit!
Rejoice, O you who labors for him whose labor is love!
Rejoice, O Gardener of the Gard’ner of our life!
Rejoice, O Field who yielded abundant mercies!
Rejoice, O Table bearing a wealth of forgiveness!
Rejoice, for you have nourished the pastures of delight!
Rejoice, for you have prepared a haven for our souls!
Rejoice, O acceptable incense of prayer!
Rejoice, O purification of the universe!
Rejoice, O Favor of God to mortal man!
Rejoice, O Access of mortals to God!
Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!
Kontakion 4
Priest: Filled with a storm of contradictory thoughts, the wise Joseph was greatly disturbed. Until then, he had seen you a virgin, and now he suspected you of secret guilt, All-Blameless One! Learning that your conception was of the Holy Spirit, he cried out: Alleluia!
People: Alleluia! {3x}
Song 4
Priest: The shepherds heard the angels singing hymns of praise to the coming of Christ in the flesh. And running to him as to a shepherd, they saw him as a spotless lamb feeding at Mary’s breast. They sang a hymn to her and said:
People: Rejoice, O Mother of the lamb and shepherd!
Rejoice, O fold of rational sheep!
Rejoice, O Protection against unseen foes!
Rejoice, O Key to the Doors of Paradise!
Rejoice, for the earthly rejoice with the heavenly!
Rejoice, for the earthly join in heavenly song!
Rejoice, Unsilenced Voice of the Apostles
Rejoice, Invincible Courage of the Martyrs!
Rejoice, O Steadfast Foundation of Faith!
Rejoice, O Shining Emblem of Grace!
Rejoice, O you through whom hell was stripped bare!
Rejoice, O you through whom we are clothed with glory!
Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!
Kontakion 5
Priest: When they saw the star moved by God, the Magi followed its glittering light. Using it as a beacon, they found through it the Mighty King: and reaching the One Beyond All Reach, they rejoiced and cried out to him: Alleluia!
People: Alleluia! (3x}
Song 5
Priest: The sons of Chaldea saw in the Virgin’s hands the One whose hands had fashioned mankind, and acknowledging him as the Master, although he had taken the form of a servant, they hastened to honor him with their gifts, and cried out to the Blessed One:
People: Rejoice, O Mother of the Never-Setting Star!
Rejoice, O Radiance of the Mystical Day!
Rejoice, O you who quenched the flame of error!
Rejoice, O Light of those who search the Trinity!
Rejoice, O you who dethroned the enemy of mankind!
Rejoice, O you who showed forth Christ the Lord, the Lover of Mankind!
Rejoice, O you who cleansed us from the stain of pagan worship!
Rejoice, O you who saved us from the mire of evil deeds!
Rejoice, O you who stopped the worship of fire!
Rejoice, O you who dispelled the flames of passion!
Rejoice, O you who guides the Faithful towards wisdom!
Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!
Kontakion 6
Priest: The Magi, having become God-bearing couriers, returned to Babylon, conforming to your command, announcing you, the Christ, to all, and leaving Herod as a fool who did not know how to sing: Alleluia!
People: Alleluia! {3x}
Song 6
Priest: Illuminating Egypt with the light of truth, you cast away the darkness of error. For idols, unable to stand your might, fell down, and those who had been delivered from them cried out to the Mother of God:
People: Rejoice, O Resurrection of Mankind!
Rejoice, O Downfall of the demons!
Rejoice, O you who crushed the error of deceit!
Rejoice, O you who exposed the fraud of idols!
Rejoice, O you who drowned the symbolic Pharoah!
Rejoice, O Rock who quenched those who thirst for Life!
Rejoice, O Pillar of fire who guided those in darkness!
Rejoice, O Shelter of the World, broader than all the clouds!
Rejoice, O Food who took the place of Manna!
Rejoice, O Servant of Holy Delight!
Rejoice, O Land of Promise!
Rejoice, O you who flow with milk and honey!
Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!
Kontakion 7
Priest: As Simeon was about to leave the present deceitful world, you were entrusted to him as an infant, but you made yourself known to him as the Perfect God. Wherefore, he marveled at your wisdom beyond words, and cried out: Alleluia!
People: Alleluia! (3x}
Song 7
Priest: The Creator displayed a new creation to us who had come from him. He came forth from a womb that had received no seed, and he left it intact as it had been, so that at the sight of this marvel, we would sing to her and cry out:
People: Rejoice, O Blossom of Incorruption!
Rejoice, O Crown of Self-mastery!
Rejoice, O you who shone forth as a sign of Resurrection!
Rejoice, O you who displayed the life of angels!
Rejoice, O Fruitful Tree from which believers feed!
Rejoice, O Shady Glen where many are sheltered!
Rejoice, O you who have borne the Guide of the Lost!
Rejoice, O Source of Life to the Liberator of Captives!
Rejoice, O you who pleads before the Just Judge!
Rejoice, O Indulgence of many who have fallen!
Rejoice, O Robe of Freedom for the naked!
Rejoice, O Love that vanquishes all desire!
Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!
Kontakion 8
Priest: Now that we have seen this strange birth, let us estrange ourselves from the world and turn our minds to heaven. Indeed, it is for this that God Most High appeared on earth as a lowly man, desiring to draw up to heaven those who cry out to him: Alleluia!
People: Alleluia! {3x)
Song 8
Priest: While fully present amid those below, the Uncontainable Word was in no way absent from those above. For what happened was a divine condescension, and not merely a change of place. It was a birth from a virgin inspired by God, who heard these words:
People: Rejoice, O Space of the spaceless God!
Rejoice, O Gate of the Solemn Mystery!
Rejoice, O Message unsure to those without faith!
Rejoice, O Glory most certain to Believers!
Rejoice, O Holy Chariot of him who rides on the wings of the Cherubim!
Rejoice, O Perfect Dwelling of the One above the Seraphim!
Rejoice, O you who has reconciled opposites!
Rejoice, O you who combined virginity with motherhood!
Rejoice, O you through whom sin has been absolved!
Rejoice, O you through whom paradise was opened again!
Rejoice, 0 Key to the Kingdom of Christ!
Rejoice, O Hope of Eternal Blessings!
Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!
Kontakion 9
Priest: The whole order of angles marveled at the great work of your becoming a man. For they saw the One inaccessible as God become a man accessible to all, living among us and hearing all cry: Alleluia!
People: Alleluia! {3x}
Song 9
Priest: O Mother of God, we see the best of speakers become as mute as fish in your regard, for they could not explain how you could give birth while remaining a virgin. As for us, while marveling at the mystery, we cry out to you with faith:
People: Rejoice, O Container of God’s wisdom!
Rejoice, O Treasury of his providence!
Rejoice, O Reproof of foolish philosophers!
Rejoice, O Confusion of Speechless Wise Men!
Rejoice, for you have perplexed the clever critics!
Rejoice, for you dried up the inventors of myths!
Rejoice, for you ripped the Athenians’ meshes!
Rejoice, for you filled the Fishermen’s nets!
Rejoice, O Retriever from the abyss of ignorance!
Rejoice, O Lamplight of Knowledge to many!
Rejoice, O Ship for those who seek salvation!
Rejoice, O Harbor for the sailors on the sea of Life!
Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!
Kontakion 10
Priest: Desiring to save the world, the Creator of All came down to it of his own will. Being at the same time our Shepherd and God, he appeared among us, a man like us. And so the like called upon the like, and as God we heard: Alleluia!
People: Alleluia! (3x}
Song 10
Priest: O Virgin Mother of God, you are the strength of Virgins and of all those who have recourse to you. For the maker of heaven and earth covered you with his shadow, O Pure One, and came to dwell in your womb, and taught us all to cry out to you:
People: Rejoice, O Pillar of Virginity!
Rejoice, O Gateway of Salvation!
Rejoice, O Principle of New Creation!
Rejoice, O Dispenser of God’s bounties!
Rejoice, for you restored those born in shame!
Rejoice, for you gave sense to those who had lost it!
Rejoice, O you who stopped the corruptor of minds!
Rejoice, O you who bore the Sower of Chastity!
Rejoice, O Holy Chamber of Virginal Wedlock!
Rejoice, O you who joins the Faithful with God!
Rejoice, O gracious Protector of Vir- gins!
Rejoice, O Bridesmaid of Holy Souls!
Rejoice O Unwedded Bride!
Kontakion 11
Priest: Every hymn falls short when it attempts to sing the multitude of your mercies. We could sing to you as many songs as there are grains of sand, O Holy King, without ever doing anything worthy of what you have given to those who cry out to you: Alleluia!
People: Alleluia! {3x}
Song 11
Priest: We see the holy Virgin as a brilliant luminary enlightening those who live in darkness; for having kindled the Immaterial Light, she leads men to the knowledge of God and fills their minds with radiance, so that she is worthily praised in these words:
People: Rejoice, O Beam of the Mystical Sun!
Rejoice, O Radiance of the Light Without Setting!
Rejoice, O Lightning flash that brightens the souls!
Rejoice, O Thunder Clap that strikes down the foes!
Rejoice, for you have raised the Many-Lighted Star!
Rejoice, for you have opened the Many-Coursed stream!
Rejoice, O Living Image of the Font!
Rejoice,O you who erased the stain of sin!
Rejoice, O Flowing Water that cleanses the conscience!
Rejoice, O Holy Vessel overflowing with joy!
Rejoice, O Fragrance of the Sweetness of Christ!
Rejoice, O Life of the Mystical Banquet!
Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!
Kontakion 12
Priest: Because he wished to grant release from all the ancient debts, the One who pays men’s dues came down himself to those who had spurned his grace. He tore up their obligations, and heard from all of them this cry: Alleluia!
People: Alleluia! {3x}
Song 12
Priest: By singing praise to your maternity, we exalt you as a Spiritual Temple, O Mother of God! For the One who dwelt within your womb, the Lord who holds all things in his hands, sanctified you, glorified you and taught all men to sing to you:
People: Rejoice, O Tabernacle of God the Word!
Rejoice, O Holy One, more holy than all the Saints!
Rejoice, O Ark that the Spirit has gilded!
Rejoice, O Inexhaustible Treasure of Life!
Rejoice, O Precious Crown of Rightful Authorities!
Rejoice, O Sacred Glory of Rev’rent Priests!
Rejoice, O Unshakeable Tower of the Church!
Rejoice, O Unbreachable Wall of the Kingdom!
Rejoice, O you through whom we obtain our victories!
Rejoice, O you through whom the enemies are expelled!
Rejoice, O Healing of my body!
Rejoice, O Salvation of my soul!
Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!
Kontakion 13
Priest: O Mother worthy of all praise, you who have given birth to the Word, the Holiest of the Holy, accept this present offering, deliver all mankind from every affliction, and save from the future punishment those who cry out to you: Alleluia!
People: Alleluia! (3x)
Song 1
Priest: An Archangel was sent from heaven to greet the Mother of God, and as he saw you assuming a body at the sound of his bodiless voice, O Lord, he stood rapt in amazement and cried to her in these words:
People: Rejoice, O you through whom joy will shine forth!
Rejoice, O you through whom the curse will end!
Rejoice, O restoration of fallen Adam!
Rejoice, O redemption of the tears of Eve!
Rejoice, O peak above the reach of human thought!
Rejoice, O depth even beyond the sight of angels!
Rejoice, O you who have become a kingly throne!
Rejoice, O you who carries him who carries all!
Rejoice, O star who manifests the Sun!
Rejoice, O womb of the Divine Incarnation!
Rejoice, O you through whom creation is renewed!
Rejoice, O you through whom the Creator becomes a babe!
Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!
Kontakion 1
Priest: O Queen of the Heavenly Host, Defender of our souls, we your servants offer to you songs of victory and thanksgiving. For you, O Mother of God, have delivered us from dangers. But as you have invincible power, free us from conflicts of all kinds that we may cry to you: Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride.
Priest: Wisdom!
People: More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim. Remaining virgin, you gave birth to God the Word, true Theotokos we magnify you!
Priest: Glory to you, O Christ our God and our hope; glory to you!
People: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy! (3x}
Father Bless!
Priest: May Christ our true God, through the prayers of his All-pure Mother, of the holy, glorious and All laudable Apostles, of {Saint of Temple}, of {Saint of the day} of the blessed Father Herman of Alaska, the Holy Hierarch Innocent and the New Martyrs Peter and Juvenally, of Saint Tikhon, Patriarch of All Russia and Enlightener of America, of the holy righteous grandparents of God Joachim and Anna and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, for he is good and the loves mankind.
People: Amen!