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The Akathist
Hymn to the Theotokos
The
first 5 Fridays of Great Lent are marked with a very beloved
service of the Orthodox faithful, dedicated to the Theotokos. The
Salutations of the Theotokos,
together with a supplicatory canon,
are
incorporated to the Small Compline service (this
is the only time of the week the Small Compline is held).
If we
wanted to get to know the Mother of God a little better, all we have
to do is listen to the hymns of this service—it’s like her
biography, “in poem form”.
This
service is also called the
“Akathist Hymn”
(Ακάθιστος
Ύμνος) because, when it was written (as thanks to God for keeping
the City of Constantinople safe from the invaders), the people did
not sit during the service.
This
Canon speaks of the Mother of God as the “living and abundant
fountain”, our “Mother and Queen”, and the “Virgin Bride of God”.
The climax of the service takes place when the Bishop or Priest
comes and recites the “Salutations” (or Χαιρετισμοί) in front of the
icon of the Theotokos (placed on the
soleas
of the
Church). On the first 4 Fridays, each respective
stasis
(or
section) is recited, while the entire Akathist Hymn is recited on
the fifth Friday of Lent.
Each
stasis
has a particular theme.
The first deals with the Annunciation of the Theotokos. The second
one deals with the Birth of Christ, and the events surrounding His
birth. The third deals with the New Creation and how we lift our
minds to the Omnipresent God. The fourth deals with the Theotokos
being our protector, and how we are unable to praise God
sufficiently for the blessings He has given us.
No one
knows who exactly wrote the Akathist, but one thing is for sure: it
is a wonderful way to give honor to our Lord’s Mother, who is our
Mother, our Lady, our fervent intercessor before God.
The
Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos is chanted together with the Small
Compline and the Canon to the Theotokos. Below is
the Akathist Hymn itself.
Kontakion
Unto you, O Theotokos, invincible Champion, your
City, in thanksgiving ascribes the victory for the deliverance from
sufferings. And having your might unassailable, free us from all
dangers, so that we may cry unto you:
Rejoice, O
Bride Ever-Virgin.
1
The Archangel was sent from Heaven to cry 'Rejoice!'
to the Theotokos. And beholding You, O Lord, taking bodily form, he
stood in awe, and with his bodiless voice he cried aloud to her such
things as these:
Rejoice, you through whom joy
shall shine forth. Rejoice, you whom the curse will vanish.
Rejoice, the Restoration of fallen Adam. Rejoice, the Redemption of
the tears of Eve.
Rejoice, O Height beyond human logic. Rejoice, O depth invisible
even to the eyes of Angels.
Rejoice, for you are the King's throne. Rejoice, you bear Him, Who
bears the universe.
Rejoice, O Star revealing the Sun. Rejoice, O Womb of divine
Incarnation.
Rejoice, you through whom creation is renewed. Rejoice, you through
whom the Creator is born a Babe.
Rejoice, O
Bride Ever-Virgin.
2
Beholding herself in purity, the holy one
courageously said to Gabriel: Your strange voice seems almost
unbelievable to my soul; for how do you speak of birth-giving
without seed? crying aloud:
Alleluia.
3
Seeking to know the incomprehensible knowledge, the
Virgin cried to him who ministered to her: How many a Son be born
from a virginal womb? Tell me! To her he answered in fear, yet
crying thus:
Rejoice, O seer of the ineffable
Will. Rejoice, O surety of those praying in silence.
Rejoice, you the Preface of Christ's miracles. Rejoice, you the
Pinnacle of His commandments.
Rejoice, O heavenly Ladder, by which God descended. Rejoice, O
Bridge leading those from earth to Heaven.
Rejoice, O Miracle, much marveled of Angels. Rejoice, O trauma, much
dirged of demons.
Rejoice, you who ineffably gave birth to the Light. Rejoice, you who
revealed the mystery to none.
Rejoice, O knowledge superceding the wise. Rejoice, You who
enlightens the minds of the faithful.
Rejoice, O
Bride Ever-Virgin
4
The power of the Most High then overshadowed the
Virgin, that she might conceive; and her fruitful womb He made a
fertile meadow for all those desiring to reap salvation, as they
chant:
Alleluia.
5
Carrying God in her womb, the Virgin hastened to
Elizabeth, whose unborn babe forthwith recognizing Mary's salutation
rejoiced, and with leaps as it were with songs, he cried out to the
Theotokos:
Rejoice, O branch of the
unwithering Vine. Rejoice, O Land yielding the untainted Fruit.
Rejoice, O Husbandry of the merciful Husbandman. Rejoice, O
birthgiver to the Planter of our life.
Rejoice, O Field bearing abundant compassion. Rejoice, O Table laden
with an abundance of mercies.
Rejoice, for you make the meadow produce contentment. Rejoice, for
you prepare a haven for souls.
Rejoice, acceptable Incense of intercession. Rejoice, Oblation for
all the world.
Rejoice, Favour of God to mortals. Rejoice, Access of mortals to
God.
Rejoice, O
Bride Ever-Virgin.
6
Having doubtful thoughts, the righteous Joseph was
troubled; for he suspected a secret union as he beheld you unwed, O
blameless one; but when he learned of your conception through the
Holy Spirit, he cried:
Alleluia.
7
On hearing the Angels praising the incarnate presence
of Christ, the shepherds hastened as to a Shepherd, and beholding
Him as a spotless Lamb, pastured in Mary's womb, her they hymned,
and said:
Rejoice, Mother of the Lamb and
Shepherd. Rejoice, Fold of the rational sheep.
Rejoice, O Defense against invisible foes. Rejoice, Opener of the
gates of Paradise.
Rejoice, for the things of Heaven rejoice with the earth. Rejoice,
the things of earth join chorus with the Heavens.
Rejoice, never-silent Voice of the Apostles. Rejoice,
never-conquered Courage of the Martyrs.
Rejoice, firm Support of the Faith. Rejoice, shining Token of grace.
Rejoice, you through whom Hades was laid bare. Rejoice, you through
whom we are clothed with glory.
Rejoice, O
Bride Ever-Virgin.
8
Beholding the Godward-pointing Star, the Magi
followed it radiance; and holding it as a lantern, they sought
through it the mighty King. And having approached the Unreachable,
they rejoiced and cried to Him:
Alleluia.
9
The sons of the Chaldees saw in the hands of the
Virgin Him Who by His hand fashioned man; and sensing Him as Lord,
even though He had taken the form of a servant, they hastened with
gifts to do homage, and they cried out to her who is blessed:
Rejoice, Mother of the
never-setting Star. Rejoice, Dawn of the mystic Day.
Rejoice, you who has quenched the fiery furnace of error. Rejoice,
you who enlightens the initiates of the Trinity.
Rejoice, you who has removed the inhuman tyrant from power. Rejoice,
you who has shown Christ, the man-befriending Lord.
Rejoice, you who has redeemed us from the pagan religion. Rejoice,
you who has rescued us from the works of mire.
Rejoice, you who ceased the worship of fire. Rejoice, you who saves
us from the flames of passions.
Rejoice, Guide of the faithful to chastity. Rejoice, O Delight of
all generations.
Rejoice, O
Bride Ever-Virgin.
10
Having become God-bearing heralds, the Magi returned
to Babylon. Fulfilling Your prophecy, and having preached You as the
Christ to all, they left Herod as a trifler, who knew not how to
chant:
Alleluia.
11
Having shed the light of truth in Egypt, You expelled
the darkness of falsehood; and unable to bear Your strength, O
Saviour, her idols fell; and they that were set free from them cried
to the Theotokos:
Rejoice, Uplifting of men.
Rejoice, Downfall of demons.
Rejoice, you who trampled upon the delusion of error. Rejoice, you
who censured the deceit of the idols.
Rejoice,Sea which drowned the symbolic Pharoah. Rejoice, Rock which
refreshed those thirsting for life.
Rejoice, Pillar of fire, guiding those in darkness. Rejoice,
Protection of the world, more spacious than a cloud.
Rejoice, Nourishment, successor to manna. Rejoice, Minister of holy
joy.
Rejoice, Land of promise. Rejoice, you from whom flows milk and
honey.
Rejoice, O
Bride Ever-Virgin.
12
When Symeon was prepared to leave from this age of
deception, You were presented to him as a newborn Babe, but he
recognized You as perfect God. Wherefore, he marvelled at Your
ineffable wisdom, chanting:
Alleluia.
13
New was the Creation which the Creator showed to us
His creatures, when He sprang forth from the seedless womb; and He
preserved it incorrupt, even as it was, that we, seeing this
Miracle, may praise her saying:
Rejoice, Flower of incorruption.
Rejoice, Crown of self-restraint.
Rejoice, O shining Token of Resurrection. Rejoice, you whom reflects
the life of the Angels.
Rejoice, Tree of delectable Fruit that nourishes the faithful.
Rejoice, well-shaded Tree under which many find shelter.
Rejoice you who bears the Guide of those astray. Rejoice, you who
gives birth to the Redeemer of captives.
Rejoice, Intercession before the righteous Judge. Rejoice,
Forgiveness for many transgressors.
Rejoice, Robe of confidence for those bare of courage. Rejoice,
Tenderness conquering all desire.
Rejoice, O
Bride Ever-Virgin.
14
Seeing a strange childbirth, let us estrange
ourselves from the world by transporting our minds to Heaven; to
this end the Most High God appeared on earth a lowly man, that He
might draw to the heights those who cry out to Him:
Alleluia.
15
The Infinite Word was wholly present with those on
earth, yet never absent from those in Heaven; for this was a divine
condescension and not a mere change of place; and His birth was from
a Virgin chosen of God, who heard such words as these:
Rejoice, Land of the Uncontained
God. Rejoice, Gate of the sacred mystery.
Rejoice, doubtful Rumour of the faithless. Rejoice, undoubtful Pride
of the faithful.
Rejoice, all-holy Chariot of Him Who is above the Cherubim. Rejoice,
most excellent Dwelling-place of Him Who is above the Seraphim.
Rejoice, you who conducts the opposites of unity. Rejoice, you who
has woven maidenhood into motherhood.
Rejoice, you through whom transgression is annulled. Rejoice, you
through whom Paradise is open.
Rejoice, Key of the Kingdom of Christ. Rejoice, Hope of eternal
blessings.
Rejoice, O
Bride Ever-Virgin
16
All angel-kind was amazed by the great deed of Your
Incarnation; for they saw the inaccessible God as Man accessible to
all, dwelling among is and hearing from all:
Alleluia.
17
Orators most eloquent do we behold mute as fish
before you, O Theotokos; for they are at loss to explain how you
could remain a virgin and yet give birth. But as for us, marvelling
at this mystery, we cry with faith:
Rejoice, Vessel of the Wisdom of
God. Rejoice, Treasury of His providence.
Rejoice, you who proves the philosophers fools. Rejoice, you who
proves the logicians illogical.
Rejoice, for the subtle debaters are confounded. Rejoice, for the
inventors of myths are faded away.
Rejoice, you who breaks the webs of the Athenians. Rejoice, you who
fills the nets of the Fishermen.
Rejoice, who draws us from the depths of ignorance. Rejoice, you who
enlightens many with knowledge.
Rejoice, Raft for those who desire to be saved. Rejoice, Haven for
those who fare on the sea of life.
Rejoice, O
Bride Ever-Virgin.
18
Wishing to save the world, to this end did the Ruler
of all come of His own will; and, though as God He is the Shepherd,
for us He appeared as a Man like us; for by this likeness He called
those of like kind, yet as God He hears:
Alleluia
19
You are a fortress protecting all virgins, O
Theotokos and Virgin; for the Master of heaven and earth prepared
you, O Immaculate One, and dwelt in your womb, and taught all to cry
out to you:
Rejoice, Pillar of virginity.
Rejoice, Gate of salvation.
Rejoice, Leader of spiritual restoration. Rejoice, Bestower of
divine goodness.
Rejoice, for you regenerated those conceived in shame. Rejoice, for
you gave guidance to the thoughtless.
Rejoice, you who abolished the corrupter of hearts. Rejoice, you who
gave birth to the Sower of chastity.
Rejoice, bridal Chamber of a seedless marriage. Rejoice, you who
joined the faithful to the Lord.
Rejoice, fair Nursing-mother of virgins. Rejoice, bridal Escort of
holy souls.
Rejoice, O
Bride Ever-Virgin.
20
Defeated is every hymn that strives to pay homage to
the multitude of Your many compassions; for even should we offer
You, O holy King, odes of praise numberless as the sands, we should
still have done nothing worthy of what You have given to us who cry
to You:
Alleluia.
21
As a brilliant beacon-light shining to those in
darkness do we behold the holy Virgin; for she kindles the celestial
Light and leads all to divine knowledge; she illuminates our minds
with radiance and is honoured by these our cries:
Rejoice, Ray of the spiritual Sun.
Rejoice, Beam of the innermost Splendour.
Rejoice, Lightning, enlightening our souls. Rejoice, Thunder,
striking down the enemy.
Rejoice, for you caused the many-starred Light to dawn. Rejoice, for
you caused the ever-flowing River to gush forth.
Rejoice, you who depicts the image of the Font of Siloam. Rejoice,
you who washes away the stain of sin.
Rejoice, Laver purifying conscience. Rejoice, Wine-bowl over-filled
with joy.
Rejoice, sweet-scented Fragrance of Christ. Rejoice, Life of mystic
festival.
Rejoice, O
Bride Ever-Virgin
22
Wishing to bestow His grace, He that forgives the
ancient debts of all mankind came of His own will to dwell among
those who departed from His favour; and tearing up writ of
indebtedness, He hears from all:
Alleluia.
23
Whilst praising your Offspring, we all praise you, O
Theotokos, as a living temple; for the Lord, Who holds all things in
His hand, dwelt in your womb, and He sanctified and glorified you,
and taught all to cry to you:
Rejoice, Tabernacle of God the
Word. Rejoice, Holy one, holier than the Hollies.
Rejoice, Ark made golden by the Spirit. Rejoice, inexhaustible
Treasury of Life.
Rejoice, precious Diadem of godly kings. Rejoice, venerable Boast of
faithful priests.
Rejoice, unshakeable Tower of the Church. Rejoice, impregnable
fortress of the Kingdom.
Rejoice, you through whom trophies are raised up. Rejoice, you whom
enemies are cast down.
Rejoice, Healing of my flesh. Rejoice, Salvation of my soul.
Rejoice, O
Bride Ever-Virgin.
24
O all-hymned Mother, worthy of all praise, who
brought forth the Word, the Holiest of all Saints [3 times], as you
receive this our offering, rescue us all from every calamity, and
deliver from future torment those who cry with one voice: Who is
more
Alleluia.
Kontakion
Unto you, O Theotokos, invincible Champion, your
City, in thanksgiving ascribes the victory for the deliverance from
sufferings. And having your might unassailable, free us from all
dangers, so that we may cry unto you:
Rejoice, O
Bride Ever-Virgin. |
