The Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos (chanted in every spiritual sorrow and trial) is a beautiful intercessory prayer to the Mother of God, traditionally recited on the evening before Holy Communion. In it, believers petition the Blessed Virgin Mary for defense against temptations, the calming of passions, and inner peace.
Canon of Supplication to the Theotokos
Ode 1
Irmos: Having crossed the water as on dry land, escaping the evil of Egypt, the Israelite cried: ‘Let us sing unto our Deliverer and our God!’
Refrain: Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Beset by many temptations, I flee to Thee, seeking salvation. O Mother of the Word and Virgin, deliver me from heavy and grievous trials.
Refrain: Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Passions agitate me, filling my soul with great sorrow; calm it, O Pure Virgin, with the peace of Thy Son and God, O All-Blameless Mother.
Ode 3
Irmos: O Lord, Creator of the vault of heaven and Builder of the Church, establish me in Thy love, O summit of desire, foundation of the faithful, O sole Lover of mankind.
Refrain: Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
I consider Thee, Virgin Theotokos, as the protector and shelter of my life. Guide me to Thy harbor, O source of blessings, foundation of the faithful, O sole All-Praised One.
Refrain: Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
I pray Thee, O Virgin, to disperse my spiritual confusion and the storm of my sorrow, for Thou, O Bride of God, hast borne Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Ode 6
Irmos: I will pour out my prayer unto the Lord and to Him will I declare my sorrows, for my soul is filled with evils and my life has drawn near to hell, and like Jonah I pray: ‘Raise me up from corruption, O God!’
Refrain: Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
We know Thee, O Virgin, as a fortress of salvation and an unbreakable wall, dispersing clouds of temptations and driving away evil assaults. We pray to Thee always: deliver us from the corruption of passions.
Refrain: Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
On the bed of sickness I lie now, and there is no healing for my body; but I pray to Thee, O Good Mother, who didst bear the Savior of the world: raise me up from my illness.
Ode 9
Irmos: Truly we confess Thee as the Theotokos, we who are saved by Thee, O Pure Virgin, magnifying Thee with the bodiless hosts.
Refrain: Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Despise not the streams of my tears, O Virgin, who didst bear Christ, Who wiped away every tear from the faces of men.
Refrain: Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Fill my heart with joy, O Virgin, who didst receive the joy of the annunciation, and disperse my sinful sorrow. Be a refuge, shelter, and defense for all who run to Thee with faith. Amen.
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos
O Most Holy Sovereign Lady Theotokos, higher than the angels and more honorable than all creation! Accept this hymn of prayer from Your unworthy servant. Calm my passions, heal my illnesses of body and soul, protect me from the designs of enemies, and deliver me from all distress. Be my defender and protection in this life, and at the hour of my death, entreat Your Son and our God to grant me forgiveness of my sins and entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen.
References (Canonical Links and Literature)
1. Orthodox Prayer Book of the Orthodox Church — Complete liturgical texts of the pre-communion canons and rules. Available online: parafia.org.ua.
2. The Service Book of the Orthodox Church — Holy Canons and Prayers of Preparation. Available online: kyrios.org.ua.