The Akathist to the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos is a prayerful hymn read on the day of the Annunciation to honor the Theotokos and seek her intercession. This akathist helps to deepen one’s understanding of this sacred event and receive spiritual guidance in one’s life.
Кондак 1
Thou, chosen in the pre-eternal Council, O Theotokos, to serve the great mystery of the Incarnation, shining with a virgin’s purity surpassing the highest heavenly purity, we offer to thee, O Mother of God, hymns of reverence, inasmuch as thy joyful announcement from the Archangel Gabriel is a source of joy for all humanity. Thou, who art able to bestow joy upon fallen men, deliver us from all afflictions and the sorrow of sin, and raise us up to heavenly joy, that with Gabriel we may cry to thee:
Rejoice, O Blessed One, the Lord is with thee.
Икос 1
The Archangel Gabriel, standing before the Divine Throne, beheld the inaccessible Divine Glory, when the time of the salvation of humanity had come. He received the command of the Lord: “Be a servant of the awe-inspiring wonder and the secret mystery: by My mercy, I have hastened to seek out the lost Adam. Come, therefore, to the city of Nazareth, where the Virgin Mary dwells, that thou mayest behold the lovely beauty of her virginity. Come to this dwelling-place of My Incarnation, which is the second Heaven on earth. Go to this Tabernacle of My dwelling, and proclaim the imperishable coming of Mine from her. But beware, lest thou trouble or affright the soul of the Virgin, that she may be in joy, not in sorrow, at thy announcement. For this reason, approach her gently, and with thy first voice, bring her joy, and cry to her thus:
Rejoice, O Blessed One, whose joy shall shine forth.
Rejoice, O Gladdened One, whose oath shall be abolished.
Rejoice, O Blessed One, by whom all creation is renewed.
Rejoice, O Most Glorified One, by whom the whole world is saved.
Rejoice, O Chosen Maiden, by whom the call to fallen Adam is given.
Rejoice, O Immaculate Virgin, by whom the tears of Eve are wiped away.
Rejoice, O Blessed One, the Lord is with thee.
Кондак 2
When the Archangel Gabriel saw this, the Lord, who is a Lover of Mankind, was moved with compassion for the perishing human race. He was amazed at the great wonder, how the God, Whom the heavens cannot contain, desires to be contained in a virgin’s womb, how He, who is not to be approached by Cherubim and Seraphim, desires to appear on earth in the form of a servant, that He may live among men. Astonished by this ineffable mystery, the Archangel cried to God with fear and wonder:
Alleluia
Ikos 2
Unfolding the unfathomable understanding of the awesome mystery, the Lord of Angels said to the Archangel: “Why art thou troubled, Gabriel, at the news of such a thing? If the fire did not consume the burning bush in the wilderness without being consumed, so shall not the Fire of My Deity utterly consume the womb of the Virgin, but rather it shall moisten it and sanctify it by My grace. For where God wills, the laws of natures are overcome.” And Gabriel, hearing this, was filled with divine joy, and went to Nazareth, fulfilling the command of the Lord, considering within himself how he might enter the Virgin and how he might announce to her the wondrous mystery, so that her Virgin thought might not be troubled; and said to himself: “I shall first announce unto her joy, and with kissing I shall sing such as:”
Rejoice, Joy of the whole world, for thee alone it is fitting to rejoice.
Rejoice, Sweetness of Angels, for by thee alone the Lord willed to incarnate.
Rejoice, Unwithered Flower of purity, for thou hast revealed the celestial fragrance to the whole world.
Rejoice, snow-white lily of virginity, for thou hast planted the heavenly virginity upon earth.
Rejoice, Treasure more precious than all things, for the King of Heaven desiredst thy goodness.
Rejoice, Brightest morning to the whole world, for by thy light the darkness of sins shall be dispelled.
Rejoice, Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee.
Kontakion 3
Validated by divine power, the great Archangel descended from the celestial heights and came to the city of Nazareth, and found the Holy Virgin in her inner chamber, not concerned with worldly cares, but abiding in prayer and the reading of scripture. For having opened the book of the prophet Isaiah, he was reading his words: “Behold, the Virgin shall conceive and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel.” And he was kindled with seraphic love, not only to hasten to Christ who is coming, but also to that Virgin who is to give birth to Him; and he pondered how inutterable this mystery is and how great is the dignity of thy Virgin, and prayed to see her, and, if possible, to be her servant at the very last, so that with joy we might sing to God:”
Alleluia
Ikos 3
Possessing great fear and reverence toward the God-otokos whom God chose to be the Mistress of heaven and earth, the great Archangel drew near the inner doors of thy chamber; and suddenly, without fear, stood before the Most Blessed with great meekness; the Immaculate Heavenly Messenger stood, to bring glad tidings to the whole world; he stood before the Bodeless Pure Virgin, to transform feminine shame into honor, and to create awe between the Creator and the created; and with a clear voice suddenly spoke to the Untouched-by-Marriage:
Rejoice, Full of Grace, rejoice now and be glad, for the Lord is with thee.
Rejoice, Blessed, hear now and incline thine ear, for the King of goodness desiredst thy mercy.
Rejoice, Rejoiced, for blessed art thou thou among women.
Rejoice, Highly Exalted, for how great is thy glory in the heavens.
Rejoice, God-chosen Virgin, for by thee the whole human race shall be saved from delusion.
Rejoice, Preeminent Virgin, for the whole highest angelic assembly shall rejoice over thee.
Rejoice, Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee.
Kontakion 4
Having a storm of doubtful thoughts within her, the Most Holy Virgin was troubled; but having heard such heavenly annunciation, and musing within herself what this kiss would be, she said to the Archangel: “Eve, my forfress, having received the reason of the serpent, was deprived of divine food and was cast out of Paradise; therefore, I too fear thy strange kiss, fearing the creeping-thing. For this reason, depart from my doors, and speak no words whose fulfillment thou canst in any way show, lest I be deceived, that thou art perturbing my mind and soul… But I, in the silence of my spirit, shall sing:”
Alleluia
I’os 4
Hearing the height of the humble words of the Most Holy Virgin, the Archangel said to Her: “Why dostest thou fear me, All-Pure, more than He who fears Thee? Why dostest thou fear me, O Lady, who reverest Him with honor? Do not marvel at my strange appearance, nor be terrified, for I am an Archangel. The serpent at times deceived Eve, but I am sent as the representative of God to declare to thee the Eternal Divine Counsel. Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found boundless grace with God for the sake of thy virgin purity. For this reason thou shalt begin in thy womb and give birth to a Son, and shalt call Him Jesus. He shall be Great and called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God shall give Him the throne of David His father, and He shall reign in the house of Jacob forever, and of His Kingdom there shall be no end. Announcing this great mystery of piety, I cry out to thee with fear saying:”
Rejoice, unsetting star, leading into the world the Great Sun Christ.
Rejoice, ever-shining dawn, revealing to the whole world the Creator.
Rejoice, brighter than the morning, crowning with the light of grace all who sit in the darkness of sin.
Rejoice, more precious than gold, showing the treasure of faith to all who know not God.
Rejoice, Heavenly Ladder, by which God descends from the heavens.
Rejoice, bridge leading to the heavens, by which the world is filled with wonders.
Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee.
Kontakion 5
Having heard the God-inspired words of the Archangel, the Most Holy Virgin was troubled more than before, for these foretold the Birth to Her. For this reason she said to the Archistrate: “Speak to me more clearly how I shall begin, being a Virgin unparticipating in marriage? How shall this be, where I know no husband? And how sayest thou, that I shall give birth? I fear lest thou speakest in deceit.” She said this not because of unbelief, but as not knowing how one might give birth, having transcended the laws of nature. For this reason she said to the Angel: “Tell me the manner of the birth in which my virginity shall not be harmed,” and then she did find her heart ready to the divine will, that with joy she might sing to God:”
Alleluia
Ikos 5
Beholding the great majesty of thy faith, O Most Pure One, the Archangel said unto thee: “Thy words, which thou dost reveal unto me, are the established ordinances of the birth of mortal men, yet the Law of Nature doth not apply to Jesus, the Witness of Nature, the Virgin’s Son. Thou dost seek to behold the image of thy conception, but it is ineffable: the Holy Spirit shall find thee, and the Power from on high shall overshadow thee, whereby the one born of thee shall be called the Son of God. From thee, O Most Holy Virgin, shall He take flesh, and He shall accomplish the unknown conception in thee, O Most Holy Virgin. For this reason, I hymn thee thus:
Rejoice, O Bride of the Most Holy Spirit, and the Elect of God.
Rejoice, O Daughter of the Most High, beloved and most dear.
Rejoice, O Divine Tabernacle, wherein the Father’s Finger writes the divine Word.
Rejoice, O Golden Lampstand, wherein the Fire of Divinity shall shine forth upon all the world.
Rejoice, O Depth, unfathomable and unsearchable, and inaccessible to angelic eyes.
Rejoice, O Height, unutterable and inaccessible to human thought.
Rejoice, O Blessed One, the Lord is with thee.
Kondak 6
Thou dost believe the divine Messenger and the heavenly Herald, O Most Holy Virgin, saying unto the Angel: “I behold thee, radiant with angelic light, yet I am ashamed to believe thy words, which are not known to me beforehand. I have heard of a certain Holy Virgin, who shall bear Emmanuel, foretold by the prophets of old. For this reason, I desire to understand how human nature shall endure the dissolution of Divinity, that I may know the power of the mystery and hymn God with faith:
Alleluia
Ikos 6
Now, O Most Holy Virgin, the great mystery of the Incarnation of God is revealed unto all the world, saying unto thee, O Archangel: “Thou art that Holy Virgin, concerning whom Isaiah did prophesy. Thou art the Gate of Divinity, sealed with purity and preserved by virginity, foreseen by Ezekiel. The Lord shall pass through thee, as the sun’s ray passes through glass or crystal, enlightening and sanctifying thee with divine glory, that thou mayest be the true Mother of God, bearing the Perfect God and the Perfect Man, and a Virgin, unharmed and uncorrupted, even as before thy birth, so also in thy birth and after thy birth, thou shalt bear the Son, preserving thy virginity unbroken. For this reason, hymning the greatness of thy mystery, I hymn thee thus:
Rejoice, O Immaculate One, who shall not be scorched by the fire of Divinity, foreseen by Moses.
Rejoice, O Door, closed and sealed, through which the Lord shall pass, foretold by Ezekiel.
Rejoice, O Tent, wondrous and divine, which shall not be too small to contain the Unapproachable God, foreshadowed by Abraham.
Rejoice, O Field, watered and irrigated, upon which the Lord shall gently descend, as a gentle rain, foretold by Gideon.
Rejoice, O Land, unplowed and untrodden, wherein the heavenly Word shall be sown, like a fruitful seed, and shall grow and flourish.
Rejoice, O Field, unplowed and untrodden, wherein the Son of God shall be sown, like a divine seed, and shall grow and flourish.
Rejoice, O Blessed One, the Lord is with thee.
Condak 7
Although the mystery of the Archangel’s announcement is more terrifying, the All-Pure One, pondering the heights of this grandeur, and all those who are ashamed, said: “Say to me, Gabriel, the most truthful, how can the uncorrupted purity of mine give birth to the flesh of the Incorrupt One?” The wonders of the divine power have always been numerous, but the virgin has never given birth without pain. Therefore, how can the one who is impossible to contain and invisible to all be incarnate in the womb of a maiden, which He Himself created? Say to me this, that I may sing to God with faith:
Alleluia
Icos 7
The new and terrifying and wondrous mystery, the Angel said to the Mother of God, and showed a new creation through you, O Lord, the Creator of all. For you, O Virgin, have received the Incarnate King within your womb, and you have been called the Mother of God. Therefore, do not be amazed at the wonders and do not be astonished: “God, where He wills, is overcome by the order of nature,” for all things are possible for the Almighty. And just as Eve was created from Adam’s rib without a mother in the ancient creation of God, so now the Lord is incarnate from your virginity without a father. And may the rod of Aaron, which has not withered, and the fleece of Gideon, assure you, for, like dew, you have conceived, O Immaculate Virgin. And just as the papyrus has remained unscorched in the fire, may it proclaim to you that you have received the fire of divinity, O All-Pure Virgin, and that you will remain pure after the Incarnation. Therefore, receive my kiss, that all the peoples of the earth may sing to you with joy:
Glorify, O rod of Aaron, the uncorrupted one, who has sprouted for all the world.
Glorify, O palm tree of David, the immortality that has flourished for fallen humanity.
Glorify, O Heavenly Tabernacle, which is anointed and glorified by the Cherubim.
Glorify, O Great Holy of Holies, who is revered and eternally praised by the Seraphim.
Glorify, O Chalice of the Immortal King, in which the joy of the whole world is dissolved by the Holy Spirit.
Glorify, O Table of the Divine Manna, from which an unspeakable sweetness is prepared for the faithful.
Glorify, O Blessed One, the Lord is with you.
Condak 8
This wondrous birth fills me with wonder, the All-Pure One said to the Angel, for the All-Beneficent One has willed to dwell in me beyond human understanding, that I may be a temple kept pure in soul and body for Him, receiving the voice of your glad tidings, and fulfilling the divine joy, that the ancient condemnation of Eve may be abolished by me now, and that the debt of humanity may be paid by me today, that all may rejoice at this radiant Annunciation and give thanks to God:
Alleluia
Ikos 8
Now, all creation rejoices in thee, O Blessed One, the Angelic Host and the human race, as the Archangel says, “For thou hast received divine joy and hast accepted the promise of God, whereby thou dost bring to an end all the promises of God: by thee, O blessed one, Abraham is blessed in his seed. By thee, O blessed one, Eve is freed from the ancient sorrow. By thee, O blessed one, Adam rejoices, for today the first good tidings are fulfilled for fallen humanity: the seed of the woman shall crush the head of the serpent. By thee, O blessed one, all creation now begins to be freed from the slavery of corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. By thee, O blessed one, all humanity now receives every joy and eternal gladness, that all may praise thee thus:
Rejoice, O Maiden Enraptured, fore-ordained by the ancient patriarchs.
Rejoice, O Holy Mother of God, fore-announced by all the prophets of old.
Rejoice, O Enclosed Garden, in whom the King of Heaven desired to dwell.
Rejoice, O Sealed Fountain, from whom no one can drink.
Rejoice, O Divine Garden, in whom the heavenly fragrance of the Holy Spirit has spread throughout the world.
Rejoice, O Newly-Planted Paradise, in whom the divine tree of life has been prepared for growth.
Rejoice, O Blessed One, the Lord is with thee.
Kondak 9
Now, all the Angelic Host is amazed at thee, O Immaculate One, hearing thy wondrous conversation with the Archangel Gabriel and thy prayer, especially this one: “Purify my soul, sanctify my body, create a temple for me worthy of God, and make me a habitation for the Holy Spirit, that I may be a living temple.” When, by this prayer, thou didst say from thy humble heart, “Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word, that the God may dwell in me,” all the heavenly powers praised God, seeing that thy heart was prepared to receive the divine, and with fear and joy, they sang to Him:
Alleluia
Ikos 9
The blessed Archangel Gabriel appeared in the air and in deep silence, and ceased his words, when, O Immaculate Virgin, thou didst say from thy humble heart, “Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” At the beginning of the creation of the world, by the creative word, “Let there be,” the Creator created all visible and invisible things. Now, by thy word, O Virgin, the Creator of the universe comes into the world, and thus is revealed the great mystery of all ages: the Son of God is the Son of the Virgin, and becomes the God of Adam. The co-eternal Word of the Father, not separated from the heavens, comes down to earth and becomes flesh, and dwells in us, and is ineffably poured out, and dwells in the Virgin’s womb. Let heaven and earth therefore rejoice, and with the Archangel, let the Immaculate Virgin sing thus:
Rejoice, O Earthly Heaven, which hast humbly ascended to the heights.
Rejoice, O Heavenly City, which hast ineffably received the Word of God.
Rejoice, O Blessed One, who hast received the eternal God in thy womb.
Rejoice, O Blessed One, who hast preserved the sanctuary of thy virginity.
Rejoice, O Chaste Virgin, who hast triumphantly overcome the laws of nature in the incarnation of God.
Rejoice, O Holy Mother of God, who hast wonderfully delighted the Angelic Host in thy Annunciation.
Rejoice, O Blessed One, the Lord is with thee.
Condak 10
Save the world, O Lord, who loves humanity, descend upon me as rain upon the fleece in the immaculate womb of Your Mother, O Theotokos, and by the unutterable influence of the Holy Spirit, bring about the unknown conception and the eternal Word of God became flesh and dwelled in You, receiving it from Your immaculate blood without the pleasure of the flesh, but not without the pleasure of the spirit: then Your Virgin heart was filled with divine desire and Your spirit was set aflame with the love of the Seraphim, and Your mind, as if outside of itself, was plunged into God. And thus, being filled with the unutterable love of God and the wise vision of God, You bowed down to the incarnate Lord from You and joyfully sang to Him:
Alleluia
Icos 10
You are a wall for virgins, O Theotokos, because You conceived the Eternal God by the Holy Spirit and remained a virgin, and thus You freed Eve from the ancient sorrow. Today is the joy of the Annunciation, the virgin’s triumph, and the great mystery, the beginning of our salvation. Today, heaven rejoices and the earth is glad. For this reason, the great Gabriel, the first of all creation, who understood the great mystery of the divine incarnation with his spirit, bowed down with great fear to the Savior of the world, who was incarnate in the womb of the virgin, and to the immaculate Virgin, with a fitting veneration, as Queen of heaven and earth, and with great reverence, sang to Her thus:
Rejoice, O wondrous fulfillment of the great mystery of the divine incarnation.
Rejoice, O wondrous manifestation of the glorious flesh of Christ.
Rejoice, O tabernacle of the divine incarnation, in which the Creator of the universe dwells today.
Rejoice, O ark of the divine incarnation, by which great joy has been given to the whole universe today.
Rejoice, O Virgin, who has woven the purple of God’s Word from Your immaculate flesh.
Rejoice, O maiden, who has given the unspotted purple to the Lamb of God from Your virgin blood.
Rejoice, O blessed one, the Lord is with You.
Condak 11
You brought the hymn of all praise, O Immaculate One, when You visited the righteous Elizabeth, Your kinswoman, after the departure of the Archangel, and announced to her the joy of the Annunciation, with the spirit’s joy, saying: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden, for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.” This visit of Yours gladdened the righteous Elizabeth and the infant John leaped in her womb with joy, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and said: “Where did this come from, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” May our spirit be stirred up today, feeling the joy of Your visit on the day of the Annunciation. For this reason, we will sing to You with Elizabeth: “Blessed are You among women, and blessed is the fruit of Your womb,” and to Him, let us all sing:
Alleluia
Ikos 11
The Great Light and the Divine Glory shone forth in Your soul, Most Pure One, when, at the voice of the Archangel, the Holy Spirit descended upon You and the Power of the Most High overshadowed You, and when You, a Virgin, conceived in Your womb the Creator of the ages, the Light that shines in darkness and is not overcome by it. He enlightened You, as the sun, with the light of His Divinity, and You were altogether glorified and deified by Him, for this reason Your goodness shines forth, Your purity’s radiance blazes, as the Holy Spirit foretold of You in the Psalms: “All good things are Yours, My Spouse, and there is no wickedness in You.” You, the Chosen One, the Ever-Venerable One, have appeared, who was loved by God, the Pure One, and filled with Divine Glory. By this Divine Light of Yours, we are enlightened, and we sing Your praise, O Mother of the Light, thus:
Rejoice, Radiance of the Divine Light, who bore the Eternal Light in Your womb.
Rejoice, Ray of the All-wise Sun, who illuminated the whole world with the light of God’s countenance.
Rejoice, Heavenly Lamp, kindled on the lampstand of the earth, shining throughout the universe.
Rejoice, Fountain of Life, abundantly irrigated by the abundance of the Holy Spirit’s grace.
Rejoice, Illuminating Maiden, whose radiance has shone forth to us all, that we may behold the light of God’s knowledge.
Rejoice, Chosen One, the Treasure of God, whose presence has filled the whole world with unspeakable joy.
Rejoice, Blessed One, the Lord is with You.
Kondak 12
May the Divine Grace and great joy flourish today throughout the world, O Most Pure One, on the radiant day of Your Annunciation, for it was on this day that ancient sorrow ceased and the beginning of human salvation was established: the Son of God, the Son of the Virgin, appeared, and the earth, cursed by Eve, was blessed anew by You, O Maiden. The Cherubim withdraw from the tree of life, and the gates of paradise are opened anew to the faithful, and the whole world is filled with joy, for the great Gabriel, rejoicing in You, O Maiden, proclaimed the good tidings from on high. For this reason, the heavens are worthy to rejoice today, the earth to be glad, and every breath and creature to sing to You, O God:
Alleluia
Ikos 12
Singing the joyful hymn of the Archangel’s Annunciation, we all extol the awe-inspiring, glorious, and wondrous mystery of Your pure and Virgin conception by the Holy Spirit, we venerate the incorruptably conceived Son of Your womb, our God, and from the heart we believe and confess that You, O Virgin, remained a Virgin both in the Divine Conception and in Your Birth. For this reason, we bring to You the Archangel’s triumphant hymn:
Rejoice, Blessed One, clothed in the Sun, shining forth with the light of grace and glory throughout the universe.
Rejoice, Blessed One, blessed from the rising of the sun to its setting, and extolled and glorified throughout the heavens.
Rejoice, Great Wonder of the Angels, who astonished the Archangel Gabriel with the beauty of Your Virginity.
Rejoice, Good Tidings to the whole world, who, by the joy of Your Annunciation, have lifted up the fallen and rejoiced.
Rejoice, Humble Handmaid of the Lord, who, by the humility of Your heart, have brought God down to earth.
Rejoice, Merciful Mother of the Most High God, who have led many sinners to Christ by Your maternal intercession.
Rejoice, Blessed One, the Lord is with You.
Condak 13
O, All-Pure Paraclete, Virgin Bride, untouched Maiden! Thou hast astonished the Archangel by the beauty of thy Virginity and hast today given to the Word of God a Body that is incorruptible. Accepting our present offerings, as thou didst receive them in thy most joyful Annunciation by the Archangel Gabriel, preserve those betrothed to Christ in their Virginity, strengthen all in purity, and deliver them from affliction, that, freed by thee from eternal torments, we may find paradise, where all may sing to God of thee:
Alleluia
[This condak is repeated three times.]
[We then repeat the first ikos and condak:]
Ikos 1
The Archangel Gabriel, standing before the Throne of God, beheld the inaccessible Divine Glory. When the time came for the deliverance of humanity, he received the Lord’s command: “Be a servant of the awe-inspiring wonder and the secret mystery. By My mercy, hasten to seek out the lost Adam. Come to the city of Nazareth, where the maiden Mary dwells, that thou mayest behold the lovely beauty of her Virginity. Come to this dwelling place of My Incarnation, which is the second Heaven on earth. Go to this Temple of the Living God and proclaim the incorruptible coming of My Incarnation from her. But beware, lest thou trouble or frighten the soul of the Maid, that she may be in joy, not in sorrow, at thy message. Therefore, approach her gently and, with the first sound of thy voice, bring her joy, and cry out to her thus:
Rejoice, O Blessed One, in whom the joy of all will shine.
Rejoice, O Gladdened One, in whom the oath will be abolished.
Rejoice, O Blessed One, in whom all creation is renewed.
Rejoice, O Preeminently Glorified One, in whom the whole world is saved.
Rejoice, O Chosen Maiden, by whom the call to fallen Adam is proclaimed.
Rejoice, O Immaculate Maid, by whom the tears of Eve are abolished.
Rejoice, O Blessed One, the Lord is with thee.
Condak 1
O, Mary, chosen in the eternal counsel of God, to serve the great mystery of the Incarnation, shining with a Virginity more radiant than the highest heavenly purity, we offer to thee, O Mother of God, hymns of reverence, on account of thy most joyful Annunciation by the Archangel. Thou, as one who can bring joy to the fallen and who can give comfort to the sorrowful, deliver us from all afflictions and from the sorrow of sin, and raise us up to the heavenly joy, that, with Gabriel, we may cry out to thee:
Rejoice, O Blessed One, the Lord is with thee.
Meditations of the Most Holy Theotokos on the Feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos
Meditation 1
Receive, O All-Encompassing, Most Pure Lady, Sovereign Theotokos, these holy gifts, applied solely to Thee by us, Your unworthy servants, from all tribes, chosen above all heavenly and earthly creatures. For it was through Thee that the Lord of Power was with us, and through Thee we came to know the Son of God, and were made worthy of His Holy Body and His Most Pure Blood. Therefore, blessed are You in the generations of generations, O God-Blessed One, shining brighter than the Cherubim and more revered than the Seraphim. And now, O All-Pure, Most Holy Theotokos, do not cease praying for us, Your unworthy servants, that we may be delivered from every counsel of the wicked and from every situation: and that we may be preserved unharmed from every poisonous snare of the devil. But even to the end, keep us uncondemned through Your prayers: that, being saved through Your intercession and aid, we may render glory, praise, thanksgiving, and worship to the One God in the Trinity, and to the Creator of all, now and forever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.