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Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos

anonymous tr., 1919

Chapter 10

Hymn

Reader. “Those who meditated on holiness worshipped not created things but the Creator, and they bravely despised the threats of fire, and rejoiced and sang: O all-praised Lord and God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.”

Most holy Mother of God, save us.

Verses

We praise thee and cry: Hail, Chariot of the Living Sun; true Vine that produced the ripe cluster of grapes, dropping wine to gladden the souls of those who in faith glorify thee.

Most holy Mother of God, save us.

Hail, Bride of God, who didst engender the Healer of mankind; the mystic Staff whereon the Unfading Flower blossomed; hail, Lady, through whom we are filled with joy, and inherit life.

Most holy Mother of God, save us.

The tongue of rhetoric fails to praise thee fittingly, O Lady, for thou wast raised higher than the Seraphim when thou didst bear Christ, the King; supplicate Him that all who faithfully reverence thee may now be delivered from every hurt.

Glory be to the Father . . .

All the earth doth praise and bless thee, and crieth out to thee: Hail, pure Maiden, volume in which the Word of the Father with His finger has written; supplicate Him, O Mother of God, that thy servants may be enrolled in the Book of Life.

Both now, and for ever . . .

We, thy servants, bend the knees of our hearts and supplicate thee. Bend down thine ear, O pure Mother of God, and save us who are sunk down in afflictions, and guard thy City from all assaults of the enemy.