Acathiste à la Mère de Dieu
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- Acathiste à la Mère de Dieu ≅ The Akathist Hymn
- Lucernaire ≅ Φῶς ἱλαρὸν
- Prière du cœur ≅ Jesus Prayer
- Ô Vierge Pure ≅ O Virgin Pure
Un ange, parmi ceux qui se tiennent devant la Gloire du Seigneur, fut envoyé dire à la Mère de Dieu : " Réjouis-toi ! Il incline les cieux et descend, Celui qui vient demeurer en toi dans toute sa plénitude. Je le vois dans ton sein prendre chair à ma salutation ! " Avec allégresse, l'ange l'acclame :
Réjouis-toi en qui resplendit la joie du Salut
Réjouis-toi en qui s'éteint la sombre malédiction
Réjouis-toi en qui Adam est relevé de sa chute
Réjouis-toi en qui Ève est libérée de ses larmes
Réjouis-toi Montagne dont la hauteur
dépasse la pensée des hommes
Réjouis-toi Abîme à la profondeur insondable même aux anges
Réjouis-toi tu deviens le Trône du Roi
Réjouis-toi tu portes en ton sein Celui qui porte tout
Réjouis-toi Étoile qui annonce le Lever du Soleil
Réjouis-toi tu accueilles en ta chair ton enfant et ton Dieu
Réjouis-toi tu es la première de la Création Nouvelle
Réjouis-toi en toi nous adorons l’Artisan de l’univers
Réjouis-toi Épouse inépousée !
La Toute-Sainte répondit à l'ange Gabriel avec confiance : " Voilà une parole inattendue, qui paraît incompréhensible à mon âme, car tu m'annonces que je vais enfanter, moi qui suis vierge. "
Alléluia, alléluia, alléluia !
Pour comprendre ce mystère qui dépasse toute connaissance, la Vierge dit au Serviteur de Dieu : " Comment, dis-moi, me sera-t-il passible de donner naissance à un fils alors que je ne connais pas d'homme ? " Plein de respect, l'ange l'acclame :
Réjouis-toi tu nous ouvres au secret du Dessein de Dieu
Réjouis-toi tu nous mènes à la confiance dans le silence
Réjouis-toi tu es la première des merveilles du Christ Sauveur
Réjouis-toi tu récapitules la richesse de sa Parole
Réjouis-toi Échelle en qui Dieu descend sur la terre
Réjouis-toi Pont qui unit la terre au ciel
Réjouis-toi Merveille inépuisable pour les anges
Réjouis-roi Blessure inguérissable pour l’adversaire
Réjouis-roi ineffable Mère de la Lumière
Réjouis-toi tu as gardé en ton coeur le Mystère
Réjouis-toi en qui est dépassé le savoir des savants
Réjouis-toi en qui est illuminée la foi des croyants
Réjouis-toi Épouse inépousée !
La puissance du Très-Haut reposa sur l'Inépousée et comme un jardin au beau fruit, elle porta le Salut pour tous ceux qui désirent le cueillir.
Alléluia, alléluia, alléluia !
Portant le Seigneur dans son sein, Marie partit en hâte chez Élisabeth. Lorsqu'il reconnut la salutation de Marie, l’enfant se réjouit aussitôt, bondissant d’allégresse comme pour chanter à la Mère de Dieu :
Réjouis-toi Jeune pousse au Bourgeon immortel
Réjouis-toi Jardin au Fruit qui donne Vie
Réjouis-toi en qui a germé le Seigneur notre Ami
Réjouis-toi tu as conçu le Semeur de notre vie
Réjouis-toi Champ où germe la Miséricorde en abondance
Réjouis-toi Table qui offre la Réconciliation en plénitude
Réjouis-toi tu prépares l'Espérance du Peuple en marche
Réjouis-toi tu fais jaillir la Nourriture d'Éternité
Réjouis-roi Parfum d'une offrande qui plaît à Dieu
Réjouis-toi en qui tout l'univers est réconcilié
Réjouis-toi Lieu de la bienveillance de Dieu pour les pécheurs
Réjouis-toi notre assurance auprès de Dieu
Réjouis-toi Épouse inépousée !
Joseph le Sage se troubla, secoué par une tempête de pensées contradictoires. Il te vit inépousée et te soupçonna d'un amour caché, toi l'Irréprochable. Mais, apprenant que ce qui avait été engendré en toi venait de l'Esprit-Saint, il s'écria :
Alléluia, alléluia, alléluia !
Quand les bergers entendirent les anges chanter la venue du Christ en notre chair, ils ont couru contempler leur Pasteur reposant sur le sein de Marie en Agneau Immaculé. Ils exultèrent en chantant :
Réjouis-toi Mère de l'Agneau et du Pasteur
Réjouis-toi Maison des brebis rassemblées
Réjouis-toi Protection contre le loup qui disperse
Réjouis-toi en ta chair s’ouvre la Porte qui conduit au Père
Réjouis-toi en qui les cieux se réjouissent avec la terre
Réjouis-toi en qui la terre exulte avec les cieux
Réjouis-toi tu donnes l'assurance à la parole des Apôtres
Réjouis-toi tu donnes la force au témoignage des Martyrs
Réjouis-toi inébranlable soutien de notre foi
Réjouis-toi tu sais la splendeur de la grâce
Réjouis-toi en qui l'Enfer est dépouillé
Réjouis-toi en qui nous sommes revêtus de gloire
Réjouis-toi Épouse inépousée !
Les Mages ont vu l'astre qui conduit à Dieu. Marchant à sa clarté comme on saisit un flambeau, ils ont trouvé la Lumière véritable. Tout proches de Celui que personne n'a jamais vu, ils acclament sa Mère :
Alléluia, alléluia, alléluia !
Ceux qui savent lire les signes des astres ont reconnu dans les bras de la Vierge le Créateur des hommes ; dans les traits de Celui qui a pris condition d'esclave ils ont adoré leur Maître. Avec empressement ils l'honorèrent de leurs présents en chantant à la Toute-Bénie :
Réjouis-toi Mère de l'Astre sans déclin
Réjouis-toi Reflet de la clarté de Dieu
Réjouis-toi en qui s’éteint la brûlure du mensonge
Réjouis-toi en qui s'illumine pour nous la Trinité d'Amour
Réjouis-toi en qui l'inhumaine puissance est défaite
Réjouis-toi tu nous montres le Christ Seigneur Ami des hommes
Réjouis-toi en qui les idoles païennes sont renversées
Réjouis-toi tu nous donnes d’être libérés des oeuvres mauvaises
Réjouis-toi en qui s’éteint l'idolâtrie du feu païen
Réjouis-toi en qui nous sommes affranchis du feu des passions
Réjouis-toi tu conduis les croyants vers le Christ Sagesse
Réjouis-toi Allégresse de toutes les générations
Réjouis-toi Épouse inépousée !
Les Mages s'en retournèrent à Babylone en témoins, porteurs de Dieu. Là ils annoncèrent la Bonne Nouvelle et accomplirent les Écritures en te proclamant devant tous comme Messie. Hérode resta seul, livré à sa sottise, incapable d'entrer dans la louange :
Alléluia, alléluia, alléluia !
Ô Sauveur, tu as porté en Égypte l'éclat de la vérité et tu en as chassé les ténèbres du mensonge. Les idoles du pays de l'esclavage se sont placées sous ta puissance et ceux que tu as ainsi délivrés du péché se tournent vers la Mère de Dieu pour lui chanter :
Réjouis-toi en qui l'homme est relevé
Réjouis-toi en qui les démons sont défaits
Réjouis-toi tu foules au pied le maître du mensonge
Réjouis-toi tu démasques le piège des idoles
Réjouis-toi Mer où trouve sa perte 1e Pharaon
qui se tient dans l'esclavage du péché
Réjouis-toi Rocher d'où jaillit la Source
qui abreuve les assoiffés
Réjouis-toi Colonne du Feu
qui illumine notre marche dans la nuit
Réjouis-toi Manteau aussi vaste
que 1a Nuée pour ceux qui sont sans recours
Réjouis-toi tu portes le vrai Pain du ciel
qui remplace la manne
Réjouis-toi Servante du Festin
où nous avons part aux réalités du ciel
Réjouis-toi Belle terre de la foi où s'accomplit la Promesse
Réjouis-toi Pays ruisselant de lait et de miel
Réjouis-toi Épouse inépousée !
Lorsque Siméon fut au seuil de la mort, Seigneur, tu lui fus présenté comme un enfant mais il reconnut en toi la perfection de la Divinité. Plein d'admiration pour ton Être qui n'a pas de fin, il chanta :
Alléluia, alléluia, alléluia !
Le Créateur a fait une Oeuvre Nouvelle lorsqu'il se rendit visible à nos yeux. Il a pris chair dans le sein d'une vierge en la gardant dans son intégrité, pour qu'à la vue de cette merveille nous chantions :
Réjouis-toi Fleur de l'Être inaltérable de Dieu
Réjouis-toi Couronne de son amour virginal
Réjouis-toi Figure qui resplendit
de la Résurrection du Seigneur
Réjouis-toi tu partages avec les anges la clarté du Royaume
Réjouis-toi Arbre dont le Fruit splendide nourrit les croyants
Réjouis-toi Feuillage dont l'ombre procure
la fraîcheur aux multitudes
Réjouis-toi tu enfantes la rançon des captifs
Réjouis-toi tu portes dans ta chair le Guide des égarés
Réjouis-toi notre Avocate auprès du Juge juste et bon
Réjouis-roi en qui arrive le pardon pour la multitude
Réjouis-toi Tunique d'espérance pour ceux qui sont nus
Réjouis-toi Amour plus fort que tout désir
Réjouis-toi Épouse inépousée !
Quand nous contemplons cet enfantement inhabituel nous devenons étrangers à notre monde habituel et notre esprit se tourne vers les réalités d'en haut. Car le Très-Haut s'est révélé aux hommes dans l'abaissement pour élever ceux qui croient en lui.
Alléluia, alléluia, alléluia !
Le Verbe que rien ne contient a pris chair dans notre condition humaine sans cesser d'être Dieu. En venant habiter le monde d'en-bas, il n'a pas quitté pour autant les réalités d'en-haut, mais il est descendu tout entier dans le sein d'une Vierge qu'il a habitée de sa divinité :
Réjouis-toi Temple du Dieu de toute immensité
Réjouis-toi Porche du Mystère enfoui depuis les siècles
Réjouis-toi incroyable nouvelle pour les incroyants
Réjouis-toi Bonne Nouvelle pour les croyants
Réjouis-toi Vaisseau choisi où vient à nous
Celui qui surpasse les Chérubins
Réjouis-toi Demeure très sainte de Celui
qui siège au-dessus des Séraphins
Réjouis-toi en qui les contraires sont conduits vers l'Unité
Réjouis-toi en qui se joignent la virginité et la maternité
Réjouis-toi en qui la transgression reçoit le pardon
Réjouis-toi en qui le Paradis s'ouvre à nouveau
Réjouis-toi Clef du Royaume du Christ
Réjouis-toi Espérance des biens éternels
Réjouis-toi Épouse inépousée !
Tous les anges du ciel ont été frappés de stupeur devant la prodigieuse oeuvre de ton Incarnation, Seigneur, car toi le Dieu que nul n'a jamais vu, tu t'es rendu visible à tous et tu as demeuré parmi nous. Tous nous t'acclamons :
Alléluia, alléluia, alléluia !
Devant toi, ô Mère de Dieu, les orateurs bavards sont muets comme des poissons, incapables de dire comment tu as pu enfanter et demeurer vierge. Remplis d'étonnement, nous contemplons en toi le Mystère de la Foi :
Réjouis-toi Trône de la sagesse éternelle
Réjouis-toi Écrin du dessein bienveillant de Dieu
Réjouis-toi tu conduis les philosophes
aux limites de leur sagesse
Réjouis-toi tu mènes les savants aux frontières du raisonnement
Réjouis-toi devant qui les esprits subtils deviennent hésitants
Réjouis-toi devant qui les littérateurs perdent leurs mots
Réjouis-toi devant qui se défont
les raisonnements les plus serrés
Réjouis-toi car tu montres Celui
dont la Parole agit avec puissance
Réjouis-toi en qui nous sommes tirés de l'abîme de l'ignorance
Réjouis-toi en qui nous accédons à la plénitude
du Mystère de Dieu
Réjouis-toi Planche de salut pour ceux
qui aspirent à la pleine vie
Réjouis-toi Havre de paix pour ceux
qui se débattent dans les remous de leur vie
Réjouis-toi Épouse inépousée !
Dans sa volonté de sauver toute sa création, le Créateur de l'univers a choisi d'y venir lui-même. Pour refaire en nous son image à sa ressemblance divine, il est devenu l'Agneau, lui notre Dieu et notre Pasteur.
Alléluia, alléluia, alléluia !
En toi Vierge Marie, Mère de Dieu, trouvent refuge ceux qui ont fait choix de virginité et qui se tournent vers toi. Car le Créateur du ciel et de la terre t'a façonnée, ô Immaculée, en venant demeurer dans ton sein. Tous, il nous apprend à t'acclamer :
Réjouis-toi Mémorial de 1a virginité
Réjouis-toi Porte du Salut
Réjouis-toi premier fruit du Royaume Nouveau
Réjouis-toi en qui resplendit la merveille du don gratuit
Réjouis-toi en qui sont régénérés les esprits accablés
Réjouis-toi en qui sont fortifiés ceux que leur passé a blessé
Réjouis-toi car tu enfantes Celui qui nous délivre du Séducteur
Réjouis-toi car tu nous donnes la Source de la chasteté
Réjouis-toi Chambre nuptiale où Dieu épouse notre humanité
Réjouis-toi tu confies au Dieu d'amour
ceux qui se donnent à lui
Réjouis-toi Nourriture du Seigneur pour ceux
qui ont pris le chemin de virginité
Réjouis-toi tu conduis les croyants à l’intimité avec l'Époux
Réjouis-toi Épouse inépousée !
Toutes nos hymnes de louange sont impuissantes à chanter, Seigneur, la profusion de ta miséricorde infinie. Seraient-elles aussi nombreuses que le sable de la mer, jamais elles ne parviendraient à égaler la richesse du don que tu nous as fait.
Alléluia, alléluia,, alléluia !
Nous contemplons dans la Vierge sainte le flambeau qui a porté la Lumière dans les ténèbres. Embrasée par la flamme du Verbe de Dieu qu'elle accueille dans sa chair, elle conduit tout homme à la connaissance de Dieu, illuminant l'intelligence de sa Splendeur. Joyeusement nous l'acclamons :
Réjouis-toi Aurore du Soleil levant
Réjouis-toi Flambeau qui porte la Lumière véritable
Réjouis-toi Éclat de Celui qui illumine notre coeur
Réjouis-toi devant toi l'Ennemi est frappé de terreur
Réjouis-toi Porte de la Lumière étincelante
Réjouis-toi Source d'une Eau jaillissant en Vie éternelle
Réjouis-toi Image vivante de la piscine du baptême
Réjouis-toi en qui nous sommes lavés de la souillure du péché
Réjouis-toi Bassin où nous est donné un esprit renouvelé
Réjouis-toi Coupe où nous puisons la Joie
Réjouis-toi en qui nous respirons le parfum du Christ
Réjouis-toi Source intarissable d'allégresse
Réjouis-toi Épouse inépousée !
Il a voulu faire grâce des anciennes dettes à tous les hommes. De lui-même il est venu habiter chez les siens, parmi ceux qui vivaient loin de sa Grâce et déchirant leurs billets de créance, il entendit de toutes les bouches sortir cette acclamation :
Alléluia, alléluia, alléluia !
Nos voulons, ô Mère de Dieu, chanter ton enfantement, te louer comme le Temple vivant que le Seigneur a sanctifié et glorifié en demeurant dans ton sein, lui qui tient tout dans sa Main :
Réjouis-toi Tabernacle du Dieu vivant
Réjouis-toi Sanctuaire qui contient le Seul Saint
Réjouis-toi Arche de la Nouvelle Alliance dorée par l'Esprit
Réjouis-toi Trésor inépuisable de la Vie
Réjouis-toi Diadème de grand prix pour les gouvernants
Réjouis-toi Gloire vénérable des prêtres de Dieu
Réjouis-toi Solide Tour qui garde l’Église
Réjouis-toi Rempart inébranlable de la Cité
Réjouis-toi en qui surgit le Trophée de notre victoire
Réjouis-toi en qui sonne la déroute de notre Ennemi
Réjouis-toi Guérison de mon corps
Réjouis-toi Salut de mon âme
Réjouis-toi Épouse inépousée !
Ô Mère bénie entre toutes, toi qui as enfanté le Verbe de Dieu, le Seul Saint, reçois l'offrande de notre prière. Garde-nous de tout malheur et de toute menace, nous qui te chantons d'un même coeur :
Alléluia, alléluia, alléluia !
I shall open my mouth, and the Spirit will inspire it, and I shall utter the words of my song to the Queen and Mother: I shall be seen radiantly keeping feast and joyfully praising her wonders.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Beholding thee, the living book of Christ, sealed by the Spirit, the great archangel exclaimed to thee, O pure one: Rejoice, vessel of joy, through which the curse of the first mother is annulled.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, Virgin bride of God, restoration of Adam and death of hell. Rejoice, all-immaculate one, palace of the King of all. Rejoice, fiery throne of the Almighty.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, O thou who alone hast blossomed forth the unfading Rose. Rejoice, for thou hast borne the fragrant Apple. Rejoice, Maiden unwedded, the pure fragrance of the only King, and preservation of the world.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Rejoice, treasure-house of purity, by which we have risen from our fall. Rejoice, sweet-smelling lily which perfumeth the faithful, fragrant incense and most precious myrrh.
O Mother of God, thou living and plentiful fount, give strength to those united in spiritual fellowship, who sing hymns of praise to thee: and in thy divine glory vouchsafe unto them crowns of glory.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
From thee, the untilled field, hath grown the divine Ear of grain. Rejoice, living table that hath held the Bread of Life. Rejoice, O Lady, never-failing spring of the Living Water.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O Heifer that barest the unblemished Calf for the faithful, rejoice, Ewe that hast brought forth the lamb of God Who taketh away the sins of all the world. Rejoice, ardent mercy-seat.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice brightest dawn, who alone barest Christ the Sun. Rejoice, dwelling-place of Light, who hast dispersed darkness and utterly driven away the gloomy demons.
Both now, and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Rejoice, only door through which the Word alone hath passed. By thy birthgiving, O Lady, thou hast broken the bars and gates of hell. Rejoice, Bride of God, divine entry of the saved.
He who sitteth in glory upon the throne of the Godhead, Jesus the true God, is come in a swift cloud and with His sinless hands he hath saved those who cry: Glory to Thy power, O Christ.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
With voices of song in faith we cry aloud to thee, who art worthy of all praise: Rejoice, butter mountain, mountain curdled by the Spirit. Rejoice, candlestick and vessel of manna, which sweeteneth the senses of all the pious.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, mercy-seat of the world, most pure Lady. Rejoice, ladder raising all men from the earth by grace. Rejoice, bridge that in very truth hast led from death to life all those that hymn thee.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, most pure one, higher than the heavens, who didst painlessly carry within thy womb the Fountain of the earth. Rejoice, sea-shell that with thy blood didst dye a divine purple robe for the King of Hosts.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, Lady who in truth didst give birth to the lawgiver, Who freely washed clean the iniquities of all. O Maiden who hast not known wedlock, unfathomable depth, unutterable height, by whom we have been deified.
Both now, and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Praising thee who hast woven for the world a Crown not made by hand of man, we cry to thee: Rejoice, O Virgin, the guardian of all men, fortress and stronghold and sacred refuge.
The whole world was amazed at thy divine glory: for thou, O Virgin who hast not known wedlock, hast held in thy womb the God of all and hast given birth to an eternal Son, who rewards with salvation all who sing thy praises.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, most immaculate one, who gavest birth to the Way of life, and who savedst the world from the flood of sin. Rejoice, Bride of God, tidings fearful to tell and hear. Rejoice, dwelling-place of the Master of all creation.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, most pure one, the strength and fortress of men, sanctuary of glory, the death of hell, all-radiant bridal chamber. Rejoice, joy of angels. Rejoice, helper of them that pray to thee with faith.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, O Lady, fiery chariot of the Word, living paradise, having in thy midst the Tree of Life, the Lord of Life, Whose sweetness vivifieth all who partake of Him with faith, though they have been subject to corruption.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Strengthened by thy might, we raise our cry to thee with faith: Rejoice, city of the King of all, of which things glorious and worthy to be heard were clearly spoken. Rejoice, unhewn mountain, unfathomed depth.
Both now, and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Rejoice, most pure one, spacious tabernacle of the Word, shell which produced the divine Pearl. Rejoice, all-wondrous Theotokos, who dost reconcile with God all who ever call thee blessed.
As we celebrate this sacred and solemn feast of the Mother of God, let us come, clapping our hands, O people of the Lord, and give glory to God who was born of her.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O undefiled bridal chamber of the Word, cause of deification for all, rejoice, all honorable preaching of the prophet; rejoice, adornment of the apostles.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
From thee hath come the Dew that quenched the flame of idolatry; therefore, we cry to thee: Rejoice, living fleece wet with dew, which Gideon saw of old, O Virgin.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Behold, to thee, O Virgin, we cry: Rejoice! Be thou the port and a haven for all that sail upon the troubled waters of affliction, amidst all the snares of the enemy.
Both now, and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Thou cause of joy, endue our thoughts with grace, that we may cry to thee: Rejoice, unconsumed bush, cloud of light that unceasingly overshadowest the faithful.
The holy children bravely trampled upon the threatening fire, refusing to worship created things in place of the Creator, and they sang in joy: 'Blessed art Thou and praised above all, O Lord God of our Fathers.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
We sing of thee, saying aloud: Rejoice, chariot of the noetic Sun; true vine, that hast produced ripe grapes, from which floweth a wine making glad the souls of them that in faith glorify thee.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, Bride of God, who gavest birth to the Healer of all; mystical staff, that didst blossom with the unfading Flower. Rejoice, O Lady, through whom we are filled with joy and inherit life.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
No tongue, however eloquent, hath power to sing thy praises, O Lady; for above the seraphim art thou exalted, who gavest birth to Christ the King, Whom do thou beseech to deliver from all harm those that venerate thee in faith.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
The ends of the earth praise thee and call thee blessed, and they cry to thee with love: Rejoice, pure scroll, upon which the Word was written by the finger of the Father. Do thou beseech Him to inscribe thy servants in the book of life, O Theotokos.
Both now, and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
We thy servants pray to thee and bend the knees of our hearts: Incline thine ear, O pure one; save thy servants who are always sinking, and preserve thy city from every enemy captivity, O Theotokos.
The Offspring of the Theotokos saved the holy children in the furnace. He who was then prefigured hath since been born on earth, and he gathers all the creation to sing: O all ye works of the Lord, praise ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Within thy womb thou hast received the Word; thou hast carried Him who carrieth all; O pure one, thou hast fed with milk Him Who by His beck feedeth the whole world. To Him we sing: Sing to the Lord, all ye His works, and supremely exalt Him unto the ages.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Moses perceived in the burning bush the great mystery of thy childbearing, while the youths clearly prefigured it as they stood in the midst of the fire and were not burnt, O Virgin pure and inviolate. Therefore do we hymn thee and supremely exalt thee unto the ages.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
We who once through falsehood were stripped naked, have by thy childbearing been clothed in the robe of incorruption; and we who once sat in the darkness of sin have seen the light, O Maiden, dwelling-place of Light. Therefore do we hymn thee and supremely exalt thee unto the ages.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Through thee the dead are brought to life, for thou hast borne the Hypostatic Life. They who once were mute are now made to speak well; lepers are cleansed, diseases are driven out, the hosts of the spirits of the air are conquered, O Virgin, the salvation of men.
Both now, and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Thou didst bear the salvation of the world, O pure one, and through thee we were lifted from earth to heaven. Rejoice, all-blessed, protection and strength, rampart and fortress of those who sing: O all ye works of the Lord, praise ye the Lord and supremely exalt Him unto the ages.
Let every mortal born on earth, radiant with light, in spirit leap for joy; and let the host of the angelic powers celebrate and honor the holy feast of the Mother of God, and let them cry: Rejoice! Pure and blessed Ever-Virgin, who gavest birth to God.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Let us, the faithful, call to thee: Rejoice! Through thee, O Maiden, we have become partakers of everlasting joy. Save us from temptations, from barbarian captivity, and from every other injury that befalleth sinful men because of the multitude of their transgressions.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou hast appeared as our enlightenment and confirmation; wherefore, we cry to thee: Rejoice, never-setting star that bringest into the world the great Sun. Rejoice, pure Virgin that didst open the closed Eden. Rejoice, pillar of fire, leading mankind to a higher life.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Let us stand with reverence in the house of our God, and let us cry aloud: Rejoice, Mistress of the world. Rejoice, Mary, Lady of us all. Rejoice, thou who alone art immaculate and fair among women. Rejoice, vessel that receivedst the inexhaustible myrrh poured out on thee.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Thou dove that hast borne the Merciful One, rejoice, ever-virgin! Rejoice, glory of all the saints. Rejoice, crown of martyrs. Rejoice, divine adornment of all the righteous and salvation of us the faithful.
Both now, and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Spare Thine inheritance, O God, and pass over all our sins now, for as intercessor in Thy sight, O Christ, Thou hast her that on earth gave birth to Thee without seed, when in Thy great mercy Thou didst will to take the form of man.
Then the Choir chants the Kontakion:
(Tone 8)
To Thee, the Champion Leader, we Thy servants dedicate a feast of victory and of thanksgiving as ones rescued out of sufferings, O Theotokos: but as Thou art one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be do Thou deliver us, that we may cry to Thee: Rejoice, Thou Bride Unwedded!
O Victorious Leader of Triumphant Hosts! We thy servants, delivered from evil, sing our grateful thanks to thee, O Theotokos! As thou possessest invincible might, set us free from every calamity so that we may sing: Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!
A Prince of the Angels was sent from Heaven to say to the Theotokos, Rejoice!
A Prince of the Angels was sent from Heaven to say to the Theotokos, Rejoice!
A Prince of the Angels was sent to the Theotokos, Rejoice!
And seeing Thee, O Lord, take bodily form at the sound of his bodiless voice, filled with amazement he stood still and cried aloud to Her:
Rejoice! For through thee joy shall shine forth:
Rejoice! For through thee the curse shall cease.
Rejoice! Recalling of fallen Adam:
Rejoice! Deliverance from the tears of Eve.
Rejoice! Height hard to climb for the thoughts of men:
Rejoice! Depth hard to scan even for the eyes of Angels.
Rejoice! For thou art the throne of the King:
Rejoice! For thou holdest Him Who upholds all.
Rejoice! Star causing the Sun to shine:
Rejoice! Womb of the Divine Incarnation.
Rejoice! For through thee the creation is made new:
Rejoice! For through thee the Creator becomes a newborn Child.
Rejoice! O Unwedded Bride!
The Holy Maiden, seeing herself in all her purity, said boldly unto Gabriel: “Strange seem thy words, and hard for my soul to accept. From a conception without seed dost thou speak of childbirth, crying: Alleluia!”
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Seeking to know what passes knowledge, the Virgin said to the ministering Angel: “From a maiden womb how can a son be born? Tell me.” And to her in fear he answered, crying:
Rejoice! Initiate of God’s secret counsel:
Rejoice! Faith in that which must be guarded by silence.
Rejoice! Beginning of Christ’s wonders:
Rejoice! Crown and fulfillment of His teachings.
Rejoice! Heavenly Ladder by which God came down:
Rejoice! Bridge leading men from earth to Heaven.
Rejoice! Marvel greatly renowned among the Angels:
Rejoice! Wound bitterly lamented by the demons.
Rejoice! For ineffably thou shalt bear the Light:
Rejoice! For thou hast reviled the Mystery to none.
Rejoice! Wisdom surpassing the knowledge of the wise:
Rejoice! Dawn that illumines the minds of the faithful.
Rejoice! O Unwedded Bride!
Then the power of the Most High overshadowed her that knew not wedlock, so that she might conceive: and He made her fruitful womb as a fertile field for all who long to reap the harvest of salvation, singing: Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Bearing God within Her womb, the Virgin hastened to Elizabeth; whose unborn child, knowing at once the salutation of the Theotokos, Rejoiced and, leaping as if in song, cried out to her:
Rejoice! Vine whence springs a never-withering branch:
Rejoice! Orchard of Pure Fruit.
Rejoice! For thou tendest the Husbandman who loves mankind:
Rejoice! For thou hast borne the Gardener who cultivates out life.
Rejoice! Earth yielding a rich harvest of compassion:
Rejoice! Table laden with mercy in abundance.
Rejoice! For through Thee the fields of Eden flower again:
Rejoice! For thou makest ready a Haven for our souls.
Rejoice! Acceptable incense of intercession:
Rejoice! Propitiation of the whole world.
Rejoice! Loving-kindness of God unto mortal man:
Rejoice! Freedom of the approach for mortals unto God.
Rejoice! O Unwedded Bride!
Tossed inwardly by a storm of doubts, prudent Joseph was troubled: knowing thee to be unwedded, O blameless Virgin, he feared a stolen union. But when he learnt the Thy conceiving was from the Holy Spirit, he said: Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Kontakion to the Mother of God
O Victorious Leader of Triumphant Hosts! We Thy servants, delivered from evil, sing our grateful thanks to thee, O Theotokos! As thou possessest invincible might, set us free from every calamity so that we may sing: Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!
The shepherds heard the Angels glorify Christ’s coming in the flesh. Quickly they ran to the Shepherd, and beheld Him as a Lamb without spot, that had been pastured in the womb of Mary; and they sang praises to her, saying:
Rejoice! Mother of the Lamb and Shepherd:
Rejoice! Fold of spiritual sheep.
Rejoice! Protection against unseen enemies:
Rejoice! Key to the Door of Paradise.
Rejoice! For Heaven exults with earth:
Rejoice! For things on earth :Rejoice with the Heavens.
Rejoice! Never-silent voice of the Apostles:
Rejoice! Unconquered courage of the victorious martyrs.
Rejoice! Firm Foundation of the Faith:
Rejoice! Shining Revelation of Grace.
Rejoice! For through thee hell is stripped bare:
Rejoice! For through thee we are clothed in glory.
Rejoice! O Unwedded Bride!
Seeing the star pointing to God, the Magi followed its radiance. Keeping it before them as a beacon, with its help they sought the mighty King; and attaining the Unattainable, they rejoiced and cried to Him: Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
The children of the Chaldaeans saw the Virgin holding in her hands Him Who with His hands fashion mankind. Though He had taken the form of a servant, yet they knew Him as their Master. In haste they knelt before Him with their gifts and cried out to the Blessed Virgin:
Rejoice! Mother of the Star that never Sets:
Rejoice! Bright Dawn of the mystical day.
Rejoice! For thou hast quenched the furnace of deception:
Rejoice! For thou dost illumine all who love the Mystery of the Holy Trinity.
Rejoice! For thou hast cast down from his dominion the tyrant that hates man:
Rejoice! For thou hast made known the Lord Christ Who loves mankind.
Rejoice! Liberation from the filth of pagan idols:
Rejoice! Liberation from the filth of sin.
Rejoice! For thou hast quenched the worship of fire:
Rejoice! For thou hast released us from the flames of passion.
Rejoice! Guide of the faithful to chastity:
Rejoice! Joy of all generations.
Rejoice! O Unwedded Bride!
Becoming God’s messengers, the Magi returned to Babylon. Having fulfilled the prophecy concerning Thee, and preaching Thee to all as Christ, they left Herod to his own raving, for he known not how to sing: Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Shining upon Egypt with the light of truth, Thou hast dispelled the darkness of falsehood; for the idols of that land fell down, unable to endure Thy power, O Savior, and all who were from them cried unto the Theotokos:
Rejoice! Restoration of men:
Rejoice! Downfall of demons.
Rejoice! For thou hast trampled on the delusion of error:
Rejoice! For thou hast exposed the snare of idols.
Rejoice! Sea that hast drowned the invisible pharoah:
Rejoice! Rock that gives drink to all who thirst for life.
Rejoice! Pillar of fire, guiding those in darkness:
Rejoice! Protection of the world, wider than the Cloud in the wilderness.
Rejoice! Food that takes the place of manna:
Rejoice! Minister of Holy Joy.
Rejoice! Promised Land:
Rejoice! Source of milk and honey.
Rejoice! O Unweddded Bride!
As Simeon drew near to the time of his departure from this world of error, he received Thee as an infant in his arms, but he knew Thee to be perfect God; and, struck with wonder at Thine ineffable wisdom, he cried: Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
O Victorious Leader of Triumphant Hosts! We Thy servants, delivered from evil, sing our grateful thanks to thee, O Theotokos! As thou possessest invincible might, set us free from every calamity so that we may sing: Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!
A new creation has the Creator revealed, manifesting Himself unto us His creatures. From a Virgin’s womb He came, preserving it inviolate as it was before: that, beholding the miracle, we might sing her praises, crying:
Rejoice! Flower of incorruption:
Rejoice! Crown of chastity.
Rejoice! Bright foreshadowing of the Resurrection glory:
Rejoice! Mirror of the Angels’ life.
Rejoice! Tree of glorious Fruit on which the faithful feed:
Rejoice! Wood of shady leaves where many shelter.
Rejoice! For thou hast conceived a Guide for the Wanderers:
Rejoice! For thou hast borne a deliverer for the captives.
Rejoice! Intercessor for the righteous Judge:
Rejoice! Forgiveness for many who have stumbled.
Rejoice! Robe for the naked and bereft of hope:
Rejoice! Love surpassing all desire.
Rejoice! O Unwedded Bride!
Seeing this strange birth, let us become strangers to the world, fixing our minds in Heaven. To this end has the Most High God appeared on earth as a lowly man, because He wishes to draw heavenward all who cry aloud to Him: Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
The Word uncircumscribed was wholly present here below, yet in no wise absent from the realm on high: God descended to earth, yet underwent no change in place. He was borne of a virgin, overshadowed by divine Power, and unto her we sing:
Rejoice! Enclosure of the God Whom nothing can enclose:
Rejoice! Gate of the hallowed Mystery.
Rejoice! Tidings doubted by unbelievers:
Rejoice! Undoubted glory of the faithful.
Rejoice! Most holy Chariot of Him Who rides upon the Cherubim:
Rejoice! Best of all dwellings for Him Who is above the Seraphim.
Rejoice! For thou bringest opposites to harmony:
Rejoice! For thou hast joined in one childbirth and virginity.
Rejoice! For through Thee our sin is remitted:
Rejoice! For through Thee Paradise is opened.
Rejoice! Key of Christ’s Kingdom:
Rejoice! Hope of eternal blessings.
Rejoice! O Unwedded Bride!
All the ranks of Angels marveled at the great work of Thine Incarnation. For they saw God, Whom none can approach, as a man approachable to all, dwelling in our midst, and hearing from our lips: Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Eloquent orators we see dumb as the fishes in Thy presence, O Theotokos, for they are at a loss to say how thou remainest virgin and yet hast power to bear a child. But we, marveling at the mystery, cry aloud with faith:
Rejoice! Casket of God’s Wisdom:
Rejoice! Treasury of His Providence.
Rejoice! For thou revealest lack of wisdom in the lovers of wisdom:
Rejoice! For thou provest devoid of reason those skilled in reason’s art.
Rejoice! For the cunning disputants are shown to be fools:
Rejoice! For the myth-makers have withered into silence.
Rejoice! For thou hast torn asunder the tangled web of the Athenians:
Rejoice! For thou hast filled the nets of the fishermen.
Rejoice! For thou dost draw men from the depths of ignorance:
Rejoice! For thou dost illumine multitudes with knowledge.
Rejoice! Ship of all who would be saved:
Rejoice! Haven for the seafarers of life.
Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!
Wishing to save the world, the Fashioner of all things came to it of His own free choice. As God He is our Shepherd, yet has He appeared for our sakes as a man like us; and calling like be means of like, as God He hears our cry: Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Kontakion to the Mother of God
O Victorious Leader of Triumphant Hosts! We Thy servants, delivered from evil, sing our grateful thanks to thee, O Theotokos! As thou possessest invincible might, set us free from every calamity so that we may sing: Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!
For the virgins and for all who flee to thee thou art a Wall, O Virgin Theotokos undefiled: for the Creator of Heaven and earth has made thee ready and adorned thee, dwelling in thy womb, and teaching all to sing to thee:
Rejoice! Pillar of virginity:
Rejoice! Gate of salvation.
Rejoice! Beginning of the new and spiritual creation:
Rejoice! Provider of God’s mercy.
Rejoice! For thou hast given new birth to those conceived in shame:
Rejoice! For thou hast given good counsel to those robbed of understanding.
Rejoice! For thou bringest to naught the corrupter of man’s mind:
Rejoice! For thou bringest to birth the Sower of purity.
Rejoice! Bridal Chamber of a marriage without seed:
Rejoice! For thou joinest in union the faithful to their Lord.
Rejoice! Fair nursing-mother of virgins:
Rejoice! Bridal escort of holy souls.
Rejoice! O Unwedded Bride!
No hymn can recount the multitude of Thy mercies. For though we offer unto Thee, O holy King, songs as numberless as the sand upon the seashore, yet we do nothing worthy of the blessings Thou hast given us, who cry to Thee: Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
We see the Holy Virgin as the lamp of living light, shining upon those in darkness. Kindling the immaterial Fire, she guides all men to divine knowledge; she illumines our minds with radiance, and we sing these praises in her honor:
Rejoice! Beam of the Spiritual Sun:
Rejoice! Ray of the Moon that never wanes.
Rejoice! Lighting-flash that shines upon our souls:
Rejoice! Thunder that brings terror to our enemies.
Rejoice! Dawn that makest the manifold splendor to arise:
Rejoice! Spring that makest the River with many streams flow.
Rejoice! For thou dost prefigure the baptismal font:
Rejoice! For thou takest away the filth of sin.
Rejoice! Water washing clean the conscience:
Rejoice! Cup wherein is mixed the Wine of mighty joy.
Rejoice! Scent of Christ’s fragrance:
Rejoice! Life of mystical feasting.
Rejoice! O Unwedded Bride!
Wishing to grant release from ancient debts, the Redeemer of all men came of His own will to those who were exiled from His grace; He has torn up the record of our sins, and from all He hears the cry: Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
We all sing in honor of thy Son, O Theotokos, and praise thee as a living temple. For the Lord Who holds all things in His hand made His dwelling in thy womb; He hallowed and He glorified thee, teaching all to cry to thee:
Rejoice! Tabernacle of God the Word:
Rejoice! Greater Holy of Holies.
Rejoice! Ark made golden by the Spirit:
Rejoice! Never-empty treasure-house of life.
Rejoice! Precious crown of Orthodox kings:
Rejoice! Honored boast of Godly priests.
Rejoice! Unshaken fortress of the Church:
Rejoice! Unconquered rampart of the Kingdom.
Rejoice! For through thee the standards of victory are raised on High:
Rejoice! For through thee our enemies are cast down.
Rejoice! Healing of my body:
Rejoice! Salvation of my soul.
Rejoice! O Unwedded Bride!
O Mother worthy of all praise, who hast borne the Word, the Holiest of all Holies:
O Mother worthy of all praise, who hast borne the Word, the Holiest of all Holies:
O Mother worthy of all praise, who hast borne the Word, the Holiest of all Holies:
accepting this our offering, deliver from every ill and from the punishment to come all those who cry aloud to thee: Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
A Prince of the Angels was sent from Heaven to say to the Theotokos, Rejoice! And seeing Thee, O Lord, take bodily form at the sound of his bodiless voice, filled with amazement he stood still and cried aloud to her:
Rejoice! For through thee joy shall shine forth:
Rejoice! For through thee the curse shall cease.
Rejoice! Recalling of fallen Adam:
Rejoice! Deliverance from the tears of Eve.
Rejoice! Height hard to climb for the thoughts of men:
Rejoice! Depth hard to scan even for the eyes of Angels.
Rejoice! For thou art the throne of the King:
Rejoice! For thou holdest Him Who upholds all.
Rejoice! Star causing the Sun to shine:
Rejoice! Womb of the Divine Incarnation.
Rejoice! For through thee the creation is made new:
Rejoice! For through thee the Creator becomes a newborn Child.
Rejoice! O Unwedded Bride!
O Victorious Leader of Triumphant Hosts! We Thy servants, delivered from evil, sing our grateful thanks to thee, O Theotokos! As thou possessest invincible might, set us free from every calamity so that we may sing: Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!