The Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos before the Icon of ‘Comfort of All the Afflicted’ is a prayer read before the miraculous icon located in the church. This icon is considered particularly blessed for those suffering from physical or spiritual pain.
Reading this akathist helps to receive peace and support from the Theotokos, who is considered the intercessor of all afflicted and sick.
Condak 1
We, your humble servants, give thanks to you, O Victor, Commander of the Heavenly Host, who has delivered us from eternal death through the grace of your birth, Christ our God, and through your maternal intercession before Him. You have freed us from all troubles and afflictions, and we call out to you:
Glorify, O Blessed Virgin Theotokos, the Joy of all who suffer.
Icos 1
An angel was sent from heaven to intercede before you, O Virgin Theotokos:
Glorify, for you are announcing the divine incarnation of Christ, the joy of the whole world, which is perishing in sorrow. Therefore, we, who are burdened by sin, having found hope of salvation in you, humbly cry out to you:
Glorify, O God’s benevolence towards sinners;
Glorify, the strong intercession of those who repent before the Lord God.
Glorify, the call to fallen Adam;
Glorify, the deliverance from Eve’s tears.
Glorify, the one who takes away the stain of sin;
Glorify, the one who washes away the conscience.
Glorify, the one who gave birth to the Savior, who cleanses our transgressions;
Glorify, the wonderful reconciliation of all to God.
Glorify, the bridge, truly leading us from death to life;
Glorify, the peace that saved us from the flood of sinful passions.
Glorify, the heavenly ladder, by which the Lord descended to us;
Glorify, the wine of all spiritual gifts.
Glorify, O Blessed Virgin Theotokos, the Joy of all who suffer.
Condak 2
Beholding the streams of your holy icons, pouring forth wonders, O good and gracious Theotokos, we know that you are a good helper to those who pray, a defender of the oppressed, a hope of the hopeless, a consolation of the sorrowful, a nourisher of the hungry, a clothing for the naked, a teacher of the chaste, a guide for the strangers, a helper for the toilers, a sight for the blind, a hearing for the deaf, a healing for the sick, and we give thanks to you, O God:
Alleluia
Icos 2
We, who are seeking comfort, approach you, O Mother and Virgin, with a humble heart. You, O good one, teach us to understand in them the merciful providence of your Son, for the salvation of our souls and the cleansing of many transgressions, so that we may cry out to you with joy:
Glorify, the peaceful refuge of those who are troubled;
Glorify, the certain establishment of those who are uncertain.
Glorify, the one who is the embodiment of mercy;
Glorify, the swift helper of those who are in trouble and affliction.
Glorify, the one who cleanses our sins through sorrow;
Glorify, the one who heals our spiritual infirmities.
Glorify, the one who teaches us to despise the fleeting joys of this world;
Glorify, the one who raises our minds to the eternal joys of heaven.
Glorify, the one who draws us from earthly love to the love of God;
Glorify, the one who gives us comfort and spiritual life in the midst of our sufferings.
Glorify, the promise of eternal blessings;
Glorify, the intercessor of eternal joys.
Glorify, O Blessed Virgin Theotokos, the Joy of all who suffer.
Condak 3
By the power from above, strengthen me, O benevolent Mistress, afflicted in body and soul, and grant me the visitation of Your presence and the consideration of my supplication, dispelling the darkness of despair and sorrow that besets me, that I, being saved by You, may incessantly cry out to God:
Alleluia
Icos 3
Having an inexhaustible treasure of mercy, You extend to all who suffer the hand of aid, healing the sick, and curing the passions. Do not despise me, O benevolent Mistress, lying on the bed of my weakness and crying out to You:
Rejoice, O treasure of boundless mercy;
Rejoice, O hope of the desperate.
Rejoice, O healing of my body;
Rejoice, O salvation of my soul.
Rejoice, O stronghold of the weak;
Rejoice, O helper and support of the fainting.
Rejoice, O one who quickly appeases the wrath of God by Your prayer;
Rejoice, O one who by the power of Your prayers tames our passions.
Rejoice, O sight to the blind;
Rejoice, O hearing to the deaf;
Rejoice, O walking for the lame;
Rejoice, O speech for the mute.
Rejoice, O comforting visitation of the afflicted;
Rejoice, O O blessed one, through whom are bestowed upon the weak according to the measure of faith, the healing gifts of God.
Rejoice, O Blessed Virgin Theotokos, Hope of all the sorrowful.
Condak 4
A tempest of many afflictions and troubles besets me, and I endure no calm; but You, O merciful Mother of my Savior and God, raise Your hands to Your Son, praying Him, that He may look upon the bitter sorrow of my heart and raise me up from the abyss of despair, crying out to Him:
Alleluia
Icos 4
Having heard, O Most Holy Virgin and Mother, the prophecy of the righteous Simeon: “A sword shall pierce through your own soul also,” you have placed in your heart all these words, understanding that the joy of a mother’s heart is often accompanied by many sorrows in this world. Therefore, as one who has been tried by all manner of sufferings and has been able to sympathize with maternal sorrow, I cry out to You:
Rejoice, O joy of Christ the Savior’s birth;
Rejoice, O bringer of peace from troubles.
Rejoice, O one who endured blasphemy and slander against Your Son;
Rejoice, O one who suffered with Him in His sufferings.
Rejoice, O consolation of the sorrowful;
Rejoice, O blessed one, who preserves the children of God.
Rejoice, O swift help in troubles;
Rejoice, O correction of those who err.
Rejoice, O nourishment of infants;
Rejoice, O guidance of the young.
Rejoice, O Mother of the orphans;
Rejoice, O helper of the widows.
Rejoice, O Blessed Virgin Theotokos, Hope of all the sorrowful.
Condak 5
O Most-holy Blood of Thy Son, which Thou didst pour out upon the Cross for our salvation, we behold Thee, as the Handmaid of the Lord, humbly submitting to the will of the Father, Who is in heaven, and revealing to us the image of Thy suffering and patience, that we, who are in the darkness of temptations and afflictions, may cry out to Thee with humility:
Alleluia
Icos 5
Beholding Thee, O Son of God, standing at the Cross with Thy beloved disciple, and Thy heart pierced with sorrow, He said: “Woman, behold Thy son!” and to the disciple: “Behold, Thy mother!” and thus, Thou didst adopt all believers in Him as Thy children. We, who are partakers of Thy Son’s sufferings and afflictions, having Thee as our good Mother, place all our hope in Thee in times of sorrow, and cry out to Thee:
Rejoice, O Mother of the Christian race;
rejoice, who hast adopted us at the Cross of Thy Son.
Rejoice, who hast united God with man;
rejoice, who hast joined the faithful to God.
Rejoice, O Burning Bush, who hast given birth to the Lamb who taketh away the sins of the world;
rejoice, O Chalice, who dost give us joy from the Fountain of Immortality.
Rejoice, O Co-redeemer of sinners;
rejoice, who dost seek out the lost.
Rejoice, O Unforeseen Joy of sinners;
rejoice, who dost bring to life those who have fallen.
Rejoice, O Healer of all infirmities;
rejoice, who dost comfort all sorrow.
Rejoice, O Blessed Virgin, Thou Mother of God, Thou Comfort of all who sorrow.
Condak 6
Thy mercies, O Mother of God, are preached throughout all the ends of the earth, for Thou dost cover the whole Christian race with Thy chaste veil, and dost pray unceasingly to Christ our Savior, and dost deliver from all afflictions the faithful who cry out to Thee with faith:
Alleluia
Icos 6
The radiant grace of Thy wondrous icons, O Mother of God, shines forth before us, and we, falling down before it with tears, pray to Thee: drive away the clouds of temptations that have beset us, that we may cry out to Thee with joy:
Rejoice, who dost bring the prayers of the faithful to Thy Son and God;
rejoice, who dost pray unceasingly for us at the Throne of Thy Son.
Rejoice, O Intercessor to God, who dost bring peace from afflictions;
rejoice, O Defender of the Christian race, who hast been given to us by God.
Rejoice, O Tree of blessed fruit, upon which many find shelter;
rejoice, O Tree of fruitful light, upon which the faithful find nourishment.
Rejoice, O Shelter of the world, wider than the clouds;
rejoice, O Land of promise, from which flows honey and milk.
Rejoice, O Radiant Cloud, who dost enlighten the faithful unceasingly;
rejoice, O Pillar of fire, who dost guide the elect to their heavenly inheritance.
Rejoice, O Field, which dost bring forth an abundance of Thy mercies;
rejoice, O Giver of all blessings.
Rejoice, O Blessed Virgin, Thou Mother of God, Thou Comfort of all who sorrow.
Condak 7
Although You have ordained the manifestation of wonders from Your icon, O All-Comforting Mistress, You have commanded that the prayerful hymns be performed before it by the afflicted Evephmia, and having received healing, to proclaim the mercy shown through this icon, that the source of healing may not be hidden from those seeking it. Therefore, we do not conceal Your mercies, but, giving thanks, we glorify God, and cry out to Him:
Alleluia
Icos 7
Your new Siloam pool has appeared, O Immaculate Mistress, Your temple, in which we worship Your miraculous icon: For You do not grant healing to the body alone, nor only to those who first enter, but You heal every disease and every spiritual and bodily affliction with faith and love for You, those who approach You. Therefore, we cry out to You:
Rejoice, pool, in which all our sorrows are immersed;
Rejoice, cup, from which joy and salvation are received.
Rejoice, stone, which quenches the thirst of those seeking life;
Rejoice, tree, which provides refreshing waters for the weary traveler.
Rejoice, life-giving waters, inexhaustible source;
Rejoice, bath, which washes away the stain of sin.
Rejoice, comfort of our sorrows;
Rejoice, consolation of our grief.
Rejoice, healing of our diseases;
Rejoice, deliverance from our afflictions.
Rejoice, destruction of demons;
Rejoice, humiliation of our enemies.
Rejoice, O Blessed Virgin, Mother of God, All-Comforting Mistress.
Condak 8
We are all strangers and travelers on this earth, as the apostles have taught us: We suffer from the afflictions of enemies, from the afflictions of relatives, from the afflictions of false brethren, in many hardships and sorrows. You, O Mistress, as the Good Mother of God, guide us to the quiet harbor, and pray to Your Son to grant us forgiveness of our sins before the end, that we may cry out to God without ceasing:
Alleluia
Icos 8
Our life on earth is filled with sickness and sorrow, from calumny, from harassment, from slander, and from many other afflictions and troubles: The body is weakened, and our spirit is exhausted. We therefore turn to You, O Mother of God, approaching Your immaculate icon, fill our sorrowful hearts with joy and gladness, that we may cry out to You:
Rejoice, guide, who leads us to the heavenly homeland;
Rejoice, Queen of heaven and earth, who opens the gates of paradise for us.
Rejoice, merciful one, who has mercy on us;
Rejoice, builder of our life, who constructs it well.
Rejoice, field, which Gideon foresaw;
Rejoice, blessed womb, which received the God who cannot be contained by all.
Rejoice, unburnable bush;
Rejoice, unshakeable fortress.
Rejoice, life-giving fountain;
Rejoice, imperishable flower.
Rejoice, softening of hard hearts;
Rejoice, soothing of good souls.
Rejoice, O Blessed Virgin, Mother of God, All-Comforting Mistress.
Canon 9
For all earthly joys are transitory and subject to sorrow: glory is fleeting, wealth is ephemeral, beauty and health wither away, friends and true companions are taken from us by death. Have mercy, therefore, on our sorrows, O Lord, and grant us the eternal joy that comes from You, as we cry out to You:
Alleluia
Ikos 9
The multitudes of the ages are perplexed, seeking words to comfort those who are sorrowing, but You, O Lady, have Yourself spoken to our hearts, granting us comfort through Your grace, dispelling the cloud of our sorrow and the darkness of despair, that we may cry out to You:
Rejoice, O Comforter of all Christians with the hope of You;
Rejoice, O Joy and Salvation of the world.
Rejoice, O Dispenser of divine blessings;
Rejoice, O Hope of eternal blessings.
Rejoice, O Refuge of those who seek salvation;
Rejoice, O Harbor of the voyages of this life.
Rejoice, O Faithful Guardian of those who trust in You through God;
Rejoice, O Cloak of boldness for the naked.
Rejoice, O Guardian of all and Firm Foundation;
Rejoice, O Protection and Sacred Refuge of all the faithful.
Rejoice, O Help of those who pray to You with faith;
Rejoice, O Illumination of the knowledge of Your grace.
Rejoice, O Blessed Virgin Theotokos, Comfort of all who are sorrowing.
Canon 10
Desiring to save the human race from eternal torment and unceasing sorrow, the Lord, who is lover of humanity, dwelt in Your womb, O Virgin, and gave You to the perishing as a help, a shelter, and a defense, that You may be a comfort to the sorrowful, a joy to the sorrowing, a hope to the despairing, and through Your intercession, deliver all who cry out to Your Son and our God from eternal torment and bring them to heavenly joy:
Alleluia
Ikos 10
You are a wall of defense for virgins, O Virgin Theotokos, and a refuge for all who flee to Your protection. Therefore, we beseech You: defend, cover, and preserve all the poor and helpless from temptations, outbursts, and afflictions, those who call out to You with love:
Rejoice, O Pillar of virginity;
Rejoice, O Chosen Vessel of purity and chastity.
Rejoice, O Crown of those who wage war against the flesh with chastity;
Rejoice, O Giver of eternal joy to those who toil in asceticism.
Rejoice, O Flame that transforms passions;
Rejoice, O Dispeller of the darkness of temptations.
Rejoice, O Instructor in chastity;
Rejoice, O Guardian of purity.
Rejoice, O Corrector of human nature;
Rejoice, O Restorer from the fall.
Rejoice, O Firm Foundation of faith;
Rejoice, O Fragrant Incense of prayer.
Rejoice, O Blessed Virgin Theotokos, Comfort of all who are sorrowing.
Kontakion 11
We offer unto Thee an all-mindful song, O my servant, Theotokos, as the most mightpowerful intercessor of our race: soothe the infirmities of our sighing souls, propiti the wrath of God, justly moved toward us for the sake of our sins, deliver us from every cruel sorrow and sickness, crying out to Thee, O God:
Alleluia
Ikos 11
A light-receiving candle, kind by the coal of God’s grace, has appeared to us as Thy holy icon, O Lady, for our sanctification and comfort. We therefore, honoring it with love and approaching it with faith, cry out to Thee:
Rejoice, delivering us from all woes by Thy mighty intercession;
rejoice, protecting us from cowardice and deluge.
Rejoice, providing for us spiritual and bodily hunger;
rejoice, quenching the fire with the dew of Thy prayers.
Rejoice, saving us from mortal destruction;
rejoice, a steadfast helper in the battles.
Rejoice, warding off us the invasion of foreigners;
rejoice, preserving us from civil strife.
Rejoice, the easy passage over waters for those floating;
rejoice, the good guide of travelers.
Rejoice, the liberation of the captives;
rejoice, the swift deliverance from the coming just punishment of God.
Rejoice, O Gracious Virgin Theotokos, Joy of all those who mourn.
Kontakion 12
Having desired to give a pledge of grace to our race, Thou hast revealed unto us Thy goal-bearing icon, O Mother of God, from which streams of miracles flow to those who come with faith; infirmities are healed and sorrows soothed. For this reason we joyfully cry out to God unto Thee:
Alleluia
Ikos 12
Singing of Thy mercies and wonders, O Mother of God, we all praise Thee as our firm intercessor, and with reverence bow down before Thee, prayeth for us, and we ask: lift Thy hands unto Thy Son, that always, in this life and after our death, His mercy may never depart from us, who call out to Thee:
Rejoice, our unashamed hope in life and after our departure;
rejoice, bestowing upon those who trust in Thee a peaceful end of this life.
Rejoice, our hope and protection on the day of judgment;
rejoice, the supplication to the just Judge.
Rejoice, deliverance from eternal gehenna;
rejoice, the hope of eternal salvation.
Rejoice, the key to the Kingdom of Christ;
rejoice, the gate of Paradise.
Rejoice, the bridge leading us to the heavens;
rejoice, the refuge of all repentant sinners and the good intercessor.
Rejoice, joy of the Angels;
rejoice, the glory and comfort of all the righteous.
Rejoice, O Gracious Virgin Theotokos, Joy of all those who mourn.
Condak 13
Oh, All-Pure and Most Holy Mother of God, who hast given birth to Christ, our God, for the joy of heaven and earth! Hear the supplications of Thy sorrowful servants, and, receiving this our humble prayer, deliver us from all afflictions, sorrows, and calamities; heal our infirmities, and render vain the calumnies against us; expel from us all malice and enmity, and grant us deliverance from the future torments of those who cry out to Thee: Alleluia.
[This condak is repeated three times.]
Then we repeat the 1st Ikos and Condak:
Ikos 1
An angel was sent from heaven to thee, O Virgin, saying:
Rejoice, for thou art announcing the divine incarnation of Christ, who is to be born of thee, the joy of the whole world, in the midst of sorrow.
Therefore, we, who are burdened with sins, having found hope of salvation in thee, humbly cry out to thee:
Rejoice, thou who art the blessing of God towards sinners;
Rejoice, thou who art the strong intercession of those who repent before the Lord God.
Rejoice, thou who art the call to fallen Adam;
Rejoice, thou who art the deliverance from the tears of Eve.
Rejoice, thou who art the one who removest the stain of sin;
Rejoice, thou who art the bath that cleanses the conscience.
Rejoice, thou who hast given birth to the Savior, who cleanses our transgressions;
Rejoice, thou who art the wonderful reconciliation of all to God.
Rejoice, thou who art the ladder, truly leading us from death to life;
Rejoice, thou who hast saved us from the flood of sinful corruption.
Rejoice, thou who art the heavenly ladder, by which the Lord hath descended to us;
Rejoice, thou who art the wine of all blessings.
Rejoice, O Blessed Virgin, thou who art the Comfort of all who are sorrowing.
Condak 1
O Invincible Leader, Victor over the enemy, we, Thy servants, give thanks to Thee, as Thou hast given birth to Christ, our God, who hath delivered us from eternal death, and through Thy maternal intercession before Him, hast freed us from all afflictions and sorrows, crying out:
Rejoice, O Blessed Virgin, thou who art the Comfort of all who are sorrowing.
Prayer
O Most Holy Theotokos, thou who art higher than the Cherubim and more glorious than the Seraphim, thou who art the Elect of God, the Comfort of all who are sorrowing! Grant us consolation, and have mercy on us, who are in sorrow: for we have no other refuge or help but thee. Thou art our sole comfort, O Mother of God, and thou art the Mother of Mercy, standing before the Throne of the Holy Trinity, and thou canst help us: for none who come to thee are put to shame. Hear us, therefore, who are now in this day of sorrow, and who are praying to thee with tears: remove from us the sorrows and griefs that befall us in this mortal life, and do not deprive us of the eternal and endless joys in the Kingdom of Thy Son and our God. Amen.