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INTRODUCTORY NOTE The Office I have translated here is that written by the late Father Gerasimos and first published in 1952 in connection with the decision by the Church of Greece to move the day of the feast to the 28th of the month, to commemorate the famous ‘No‘ of the Greeks to the Italians in 1941. Father Gerasimos‘s text is centred on the original story of the vision of the monk Andrew in the church at Vlachernae and not in the least nationalistic. It is interesting, however, to note that in the text of the October Menaion published by the Apostoliki Diakonia in Athens altered the third line of the verses of the Synaxarion reads, Protection of God’s Mother now veils Greece, where Fr Gerasimos had written, Protection of God’s Mother veils God’s people. 1 OCTOBER We celebrate the commemoration of the Holy Protecting Veil of our Most Holy Lady, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary. [In Greece this feast is celebrated on 28 October.] AT GREAT VESPERS After the Opening Psalm, Blessed is the man [1st Kathisma, 1st Section], we insert 6 [8 at a Vigil] Stichera, and sing the following Prosomia. Tone 1. O marvellous wonder! O marvellous wonder! The pure Mother of God each day unfolds her Protecting Veil, and with her motherly care and grace manifestly protects from every assault those who look to her and cry: Hail, Full of grace, protection and help of the your race that faithfully magnifies you, O Virgin. Ah, your wonders, Pure Virgin! For you marvellously unfolded your Protecting Veil and wondrously protected the Queen of cities; while later by the grace of your light-bearing Protection you openly saved the people that bears Christ’s name from hostile threat. Therefore, raising songs of grateful praise, rejoicing we commemorate your many wonders. The choirs of believers, Sovereign Lady, proclaim your providence towards us, as we praise your mother’s care. For from of old in your compassion you placed us beneath your Protection, and declared the race of the Orthodox to be your chosen lot. Therefore, O Full of grace, we cry to you: Hail! and magnify the graces of your godly Protecting Veil. Other Prosomia. Tone 4. As noblest of Martyrs. As we celebrate the memorial of your Protecting Veil, O Immaculate, we magnify your loving-kindness; because you rescue your race from every constraint and grant each day unstinted grace to those who praise the astounding mighty works of your glory and the greatness of its wonders. Wondrously of old you invisibly unfolded your Protecting Veil and protected the Royal City, but now even more manifestly you protect us, immaculate Maiden, and you guard and keep safe from all affliction your new inheritance. Therefore we sing the praise of the gifts of your Protecting Veil, O Virgin, and your constant help. In many ways, O Maiden, we know and clearly we have seen the manifestation of your holy Protection, shining out for by proofs and wonders, and with fervent tears we have glorified your abundant goodness, because you save us in dangers and grant joy to the afflicted and the suffering. Glory. Both now. Tone 6. Today your faithful people, Mother of God, whom you declared to be a holy nation and a special inheritance, honours the grace of your Protecting Veil, as they sing your songs of thanksgiving. For you have worked wonders and marvels among us in past generations, but now also you protect us and give us strength, you have rescued us from foes who assail us and have filled our souls with joy. Therefore we confess your grace and taking refuge in your radiant Protection, we fervently cry out, ‘Until the end of the age, Queen of all, protect those who unhesitatingly call out to you. Entrance, O Joyful Light, the Prokeimenon of the day and the readings.The Reading is from Numbers. On the day that the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the house of the testimony. And at evening it was over the tabernacle like the appearance of fire until morning. So it was continually. The cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night. And whenever the cloud went up from the tent, after that the people of Israel set out. And in the place where the cloud stopped, there the people of Israel encamped. At the command of the Lord the people of Israel encamped, and at the command of the Lord they set out. ‘For as many days as the cloud overshadows the tabernacle, the children of Israel will remain in camp. Even when the cloud has continued over the tabernacle many days, the children of Israel will keep the charge of the Lord, and they are not to set out. And it shall that whenever the cloud covers the tabernacle for a number of days, in accordance with the word of the Lord they will remain in camp, and in accordance with the command of the Lord they will set out. And it shall be that whenever the cloud remains from evening until morning; and that the cloud goes up in the morning, they will set out by day or by night. When the cloud overshadows it for a month, or longer, the children of Israel shall remain in camp and not set out. Because they will set out at the command of the Lord’. They kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by Moses. The Reading is from Exodus. And it came to pass in the first month in the second year since the children of Israel had set out from Egypt, at the new moon the tabernacle was erected. And Moses erected the tabernacle; he laid its capitals, put in its bars, and raised up its pillars. And he spread the curtains over the tabernacle, and put the covering of the tabernacle over it, as the Lord had commanded Moses. And he took the testimonies and put them into the ark, and put the poles under the ark, and put the covering of the veil on it and covered the ark of testimony, as the Lord had commanded Moses. And he put the table in the tabernacle of testimony, on the north side, outside the veil of the tabernacle. And he set the bread of the on it before the Lord; as the Lord had commanded Moses. And he put the lampstand in the tabernacle of testimony, on the south side of the tabernacle, and set up its lamps before the Lord; as the Lord had commanded Moses. And he put the golden altar in the tabernacle of testimony before the veil, and on it he burnt incense that had been compounded; as the Lord had commanded Moses. And he set the altar of burnt offering at the door of the tabernacle. And he set the court round the tabernacle of testimony. So Moses finished the whole work. Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of testimony, and the tabernacle was filled with the glory of the Lord. And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of testimony because the cloud overshadowed it, and the tabernacle was filled with the glory of the Lord. Whenever the cloud went up from the tabernacle, the children of Israel would move off with their baggage. but if the cloud did not go up, then they did not move off until the day that the cloud did go up. For the cloud was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all Israel at every stage of their journey. The Reading is from the Prophecy of Ezekiel. It shall be from the eighth day and upwards, the Priests shall make your holocausts upon the altar, and those for your salvation; and I shall accept you, says the Lord. And he turned me back by the way of the outer gate of the Holy Place, which looks towards the east, and it was shut. And the Lord said to me: This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no one shall pass through it, because the Lord, the God of Israel, will enter through it, and it shall be shut. Therefore this prince shall sit in it to eat bread. By the way of the Elam of the gate he shall enter, and by that way he shall go out. And he brought me by the way of the gate towards the North, opposite the House; and I saw, and behold the whole house of the Lord was full of glory. At the Liti, Idiomels. Every country of the Orthodox, rejoice, for you are protected by the Protecting Veil of the all-praised Mother of God. For invisibly she, the Mother of the unsetting Light, unfolding it like a cloud of light, wraps you around, protects you from every side and turns back the regiments of enemies both perceptible and immaterial. Therefore with triumphant voice proclaim the grace you have been given, and resoundingly praise the Virgin who protects you, crying aloud, ‘Hail, Full of grace, the Lord is with you, he who through you grants the world his great mercy!’ Tone 2. As a radiant Queen you appeared to venerable Andrew, manifesting yourself invisibly in the church of Vlachernae, Mother of God, and you protected the queen of cities by unfolding your Protecting Veil, while you have filled us with joy by the exercise of your aid. But, Virgin all-praised, our protection and help, keep our race safe, we beg, from every assault. Tone 3. Of old the cloud covered the tabernacle of witness, foreshadowing, O Virgin, the mystery accomplished by you. But now your Protecting Veil, formed like lightning, covers and overshadows, as a bird her nestlings, the people that bears the name of Christ, and that fervently has recourse to you. And this you made manifest to the royal city though an ineffable appearance. Revealing your goodness towards us. Therefore, as we celebrate the memory of this, we proclaim the benefits you have shown us and your solicitude for us, because you save us at each moment from every affliction. Tone 4. Your Protecting Veil, Virgin Mother of God, shining out more brightly than the rays of the sun, glorious and astounding, wondrous and saving, works for our preservation. For of old, working marvels beyond nature, it saved the Queen of cities many times from unexpected dangers and disasters. Now too, All-immaculate, by your rich goodness, it rescues us from every constraint, and grants refreshing dew and gladness of heart in afflictions. As we acclaim it wonders, we bring you our festive praise, from our souls cry out, ‘Do not take your defence from us, pure Maiden, but protect and guard us, who are your inheritance. Glory. Both now. Tone 5. Today the Queen of all, the Virgin Mother, spreading out her Protecting Veil formed of light, like a mother protects our race. Come, then, Orthodox peoples, let us with pure minds contemplate the Mother of God’s abundant providence for us. Because she is near us in good times and in afflictions, and she safely guides us to the aim of our calling on high, and, as Mother of God, she obtains for us grace and mercy and eternal salvation. At the Aposticha, Prosomia. Tone 5. Hail, pure Mother of God, inexhaustible fount of goodness, protection and fervent defence of the Orthodox, and comfort in afflictions. For in you, All-unblemished, we always take refuge, and by your grace we truly obtain salvation, peace and redemption. Therefore we praise the wonders of your divine Protecting Veil and we magnify, O Maiden, the acts of compassion of your foreknowledge, through which you ever save from disasters of every kind those who have put their trust in you. Verse: The Most High has sanctified his tabernacle.In a radiant vision you appeared to God-bearing Andrew in the church of Vlachernae, as pure Sovereign far above the world, spiritually protecting your inheritance. And so as we celebrate the yearly memorial of this, we praise the greatness of your glory, and we, your people, cry to you, All-pure One, ‘Protect and guard with your Protecting Veil, O Virgin, us, whom you showed of old to be your portion, granting us all, O Maiden, joy, peace and great mercy’. Verse: The rich among the people of the land will entreat your favour.Unwaveringly confident in your shining Protecting Veil, pure Virgin, and the hope of your firm defence, your Orthodox people routed the arrogance of the foe. And so they raise their song of thankful praise and celebrate today the resplendent festival of your Protecting Veil, and fervently cry to you, pure Maiden, ‘You are my protection and champion and great rampart, and saved by your grace, All-holy, I sing your praise. But, Sovereign Lady, deliver me from future oppressive trials. Glory. Both now. Tone 8. The manifold displays of your saving Protection for your race, O Immaculate, astound every ear. For both of old and now in every way and at every time you come and deliver us from every constraint by ways that you know, Lover of goodness. Therefore Sovereign Lady all-praised, do not to show us your ancient mercies until the end of the age, for we are your flock. Apolytikion. Tone 1. Citizen of the desert. We sing the praise of the graces of your Protecting Veil, O Virgin, which like a light-bearing cloud you unfold beyond understanding, and you spiritually protect your people from every assault of their foe. For we have gained you as Protection and defender and helper, as we cry out to you: Glory to your mighty deeds, O Pure one; glory to your Protection; glory to your providence towards us, O Immaculate! Another. Tone 8. Mother of God Ever-Virgin. Mother of God Ever-Virgin, you have given your holy Protection, through which you protect those who hope in you, as a mighty refuge for your race. For as of old so now you have wondrously saved us, enveloping your people like a spiritual cloud. And so we implore you to grant peace to your commonwealth, and to our souls God’s great mercy. MATINS After the 1st Reading from the Psalter, Kathisma. Tone 1. The soldiers watching. We sing the praise, Pure Virgin, of your holy Protection, which, in your goodness and motherly compassion, at every moment protects and watches over us, whom you have declared to be your lot and chosen part. But guard us also, Sovereign Lady, in future need. Twice. After the 2nd Reading, Kathisma. Venerable Andrew was amazed when in the church of Vlachernae he saw you unfolding for us your godly Robe, which is guarded there, pure Maiden, and reveals to all the grace of your protection, through which you protect and save us from every affliction. Twice. After the Polyeleos, Kathisma. As you unfold each day your holy and wondrous Protection, which the cloud in the Law prefigured, you enfold your race, O Maiden, that looks intently for your goodness, and ever awaits the help which you give, Mother of God. And at all times turn the mad rage of enemies from us who sing the praise of the greatness of your wonders, as you intercede with your Son and God to grant forgiveness of faults to us who celebrate with love your all-radiant Protection. Twice. The 1st Antiphon of the 4th Tone and the Prokeimenon. I will remember your name in every generation. Verse: I will be protected by the protection of your wings. Matins Gospel of the 8th of September. Psalm 50. Glory. At the prayers of the Mother of God, O Merciful One, blot out the multitude of my transgressions. Both now. At the prayers of the all-immaculate, O Merciful One, blot out the multitude of my transgressions. Idiomel. Tone 6. Verse Have mercy on me, O God, according to your great mercy; according to the fullness of your compassion blot out my offences. Today the all-praised Virgin, unfolding her shining Protection, manifested clearly to the faithful her rich good favour in good times and in afflictions; therefore as we, who are protected by her, praise her grace, let us cry out with joy: Hail, Full of grace, Mother of God, who save our race and safely accompany us and guide us to the way of salvation. Then are sung the following two Canons of the Mother of God. First Canon, of which the acrostic is: You are the Protection of believers, O Virgin. By Gerasimos. Ode 1. Tone 4. Irmos. I will open my mouth and it will be filled with the Spirit, and I will utter a word to the Queen and Mother, and I shall be seen keeping glad festival, and rejoicing I will sing her wonders. Twice. Troparia. As all-pure Mother of God, grant me wisdom, and give me eloquence that I may radiantly praise the wonders of your holy Protection, through which you always protect those who honour you. You unfolded from above the lighting blaze of your Protecting Veil, and sheltered under it not only the queen of cites but your whole race that bears the name of Christ. Venerable Andrew saw you of old in an ineffable vision in the church of Vlachernae, Pure Virgin, protecting the ends of the world by the unfurling of your godly Robe. Your race’s army, taking invincible strength from your Protection, defeated regiments of foes and won a radiant victory. And so, Sovereign Lady, it sings your mighty deeds. Second Canon, of which the acrostic is: I hymn the Protection of the Mother of God. By Gerasimos. Ode 1. Tone 8. Moses’ rod once drowned. Protection and fervent help of the world, Pure Virgin Mother, who gave birth ineffably to God the Word, by your rich grace make clear my voice who magnify in song your most wondrous Protection. Adorned with embroideries of the Spirit as queen of the universe, and blazing with rays brighter than the sun, you appeared and spiritually unfolded your Protecting Veil, and you protected your people, O Virgin, who hope in you. The cloud in the Law, which covered the Tent of Witness, prefigured of old your holy Protection; for each day you cover, bedew and warm the Church, O All-blameless, with the overshadowing of your Protecting Veil. Full of light, full of mercy, Sovereign Lady, you were mystically present in the church of Vlachernae, and with splendour you displayed the singular grace of your kindness towards us by the unfurling of your Protecting Veil. Therefore, as is fitting, we sing your praise. Katavasia, the Irmos of the 1st Canon. First Canon. Ode 3. Irmos. O Mother of God, as a living and bounteous source, establish those united in spiritual fellowship who sing you hymns of praise, and by your divine protection grant them crowns of glory. Twice Troparia. Your Protection, formed of light, is a source of heavenly joy, O All-unblemished, ever awarding to those who wrestle with afflictions grace, mercy and salvation. From the beginning through compassion you placed us, as a chosen race, beneath your Protecting Veil, O Virgin, and both of old and now you have worked strange and wondrous things, rescuing us from dangers. When godly Epiphanios heard the words of Venerable Andrew, he saw you as a heavenly queen protecting the people that bears Christ’s name. As we see the multitude of wonders of your godly Protection, O Virgin, which you work everyday for our preservation, we, the multitudes of believers, bring you thankful praises. Second Canon. Christ who made firm the heavens. Your all-radiant Protection, Mother of God, ever blazing with bolts of immaterial light, dissolves the gloomy plots of the enemies, but gladdens the minds of the faithful with your glory. You were the fulfilment of the Law, Pure Virgin, in giving birth beyond explanation to him who spoke to the Prophets in types and revealed to the world the fulfilment of the light of Law, your radiant Protection. And so we sing the praise of your glory. Each single day we run like nestlings beneath your Protecting Veil, Pure Virgin. Therefore protect us from the arrows of the serpent, giving to us peace and security of life. In giving birth to God the Word, you were revealed as cause of ten thousand blessings for the human race, and by your Protection, O Virgin, you rescue from ten thousand constraints and trials and afflictions those who honour you. Katavasia, the Irmos of the 1st Canon. Kathisma. Tone 3. You appeared, O All-praised, as Protection, salvation, help and defence of your Orthodox peoples; therefore we magnify your Protection and we proclaim your fervent defence, All-pure Maiden, who protect our souls from every assault of the dragon. Twice. First Canon. Ode 4. Irmos. The One seated in glory on the throne of the Godhead, Jesus, the One above all godhead, has come on a light cloud and with his unsullied palm has saved those who cry: Glory, O Christ, to your power! Twice. Troparia. Invisibly unfolding your shining Protection, each day you protect, encompass, cherish and save from every affliction those who cry to you: Glory, O Virgin, to your glory! The revelation of your great goodness, O Maiden, and your distribution of the gifts which your ever show to our race, amaze mind and thought. And so, Sovereign Lady, we sing the praise of your grace. Being present invisibly you clearly revealed to your servants your all-holy Protection in Byzantium of old, O Bride of God. Through it you ever protect us, for you love goodness. Having you, O Maiden, as defence in dangers, respite in slavery, guide and assistance in all the circumstances of our life, we take refuge under your shining Protection. Second Canon. You are my strength. By the overshadowing of your Protecting Veil, Mother of God, you dispel from our hearts the night of passions, for you are loving, and you make the day of joy and the brightness of gladness shine out; and you make radiant those who cry out to you: Hail, the world’s Protection filled with light. From you God appeared to the world as man, born from your blood, and revealed you as the mighty Protection of the world, O Virgin, and help in afflictions; for you always shelter and rescue from dangers those who with love have recourse to your Protection. As you bore in your womb the King of the universe, you appeared as queen of all things, escorted by godlike Saints, and spiritually you revealed to us the manifestations of your holy Protection by your most godly appearing, O All-immaculate. Your wondrous and dazzling Protection, through which, O All-praised, you protect and save every soul of the devout, we who are saved through it from dread trials praise and faithfully cry out to you: Hail, Maiden, help of mortals! Katavasia, the Irmos of the 1st Canon. First Canon. The universe was amazed at your divine glory, for you, O Virgin, who knew not wedlock, held in your womb the God who is over all and gave birth to an eternal Son, who gives salvation as the prize to all who sing your praise. Twice. Troparia. Your suppliant people, O All-praised, celebrates the holy memory of your Protecting Veil, for you came to the church of Vlachernae and there, O Immaculate, you spiritually protected all those who faithfully glorify you. By your visitation, pure Maiden, destroy the insolence of the hostile lion who goes roaring each day to swallow down your inheritance, and overthrow his arrogance and pride. As we celebrate the memory of your light-bearing Protection, we sing you thanksgivings for salvation, O Virgin, for you have delivered us from bitter slavery and mightily humbled the overweening enemy who came against us. As a godly jar of alabaster of the All-holy Spirit, Mother of God full of grace, show me, who with faith ever take refuge under your Protection and sing the praise of your glory, to be a vessel of divine grace. Second Canon. Why have you rejected me? Your holy Protection, like a cloud all of light unfurled upon your servants, O Maiden, as Isaias says, rescues from the evil heat of the assault of Beliar, and bedews us with your grace. You clearly displayed a great wonder, O All-blameless, for the safe-keeping of your faithful people; for you sheltered them invisibly with your godlike hands by your honoured Veil. Therefore rejoicing we all praise you. In the wilderness of old a shining cloud protected the Israelite people, O Maiden; while now your all-radiant Protecting Veil protects us and guides us, and directs us to the light of your Son’s commandments every day. Katavasia. The universe was amazed at your divine glory, for you, O Virgin, who knew not wedlock, held in your womb the God who is over all and gave birth to an eternal Son, who gives salvation as the prize to all who sing your praise. First Canon. Come godly-minded people, as we celebrate this divine and honoured feast of the Mother of God, let us clap our hands as we glorify the God who was born from her. Twice. Troparia. By night a pillar of fire once guided the Israelite people, while now, O Immaculate, your Protecting Veil, formed like lightning, ever guides us to salvation. Unfolding your Protection, wholly light, you protect us each day, All-pure Virgin, as we now know. What return then shall we make you for your grace? Of old and now you have shown us to be your own chosen portion and a people for your won possession, O Maiden. Therefore the company of the Orthodox sings your praise. Your faithful and God-loving people, O Maiden, proclaims your grace and, delivered from dangers and perils, sings a song of thanksgiving to your Protection. Second Canon. Be merciful to me, Saviour. In truth, O Queen of the universe, you appeared all light and wondrously unfolded your most pure Protection, protecting your servants. Therefore we sing the praise of your great loving-kindness. The Cherubim once overshadowed the ark under the Law; while now your Protection protects the Church of Christ, All blessed one, overshadows her and grants unstinted grace. The Israel of old was led by a cloud to the Promised Land, while the new Israel is guided by your Protecting Veil towards unending life. Round us you throw your radiant Protection, O most pure, like fire consuming the foolish, saving us from their folly. Therefore we glorify you. Katavasia, the Irmos of the 1st Canon. Kontakion. Tone 8. To you, my Champion. Like a cloud brightly overshadowing the whole company of the Church, O all-pure, you appeared of old on the royal City. But as the Protection and Champion of your people, protect from every affliction us who cry to you: Hail, Protection wholly light. The Ikos. Unfolding from on high your holy Protection, Virgin Mary, Mother of God, you protect and save your people, who cry out to you, Pure Maiden, hour by hour, while now they gratefully sing the praise of your wonders as they cry: Hail, Protection, wholly light! Hail, gate of salvation. Synaxarion. On the 1st [28th] of the month we celebrate the commemoration of the Protecting Veil of our most holy Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, who ever gives special protection to the Orthodox people, as of old she protected the Queen of cities. Verses Those who with faith, pure Virgin, look to you With your Protection you protect and cherish. Protection of God’s Mother veils God’s people. Once, during an all-night vigil that was being celebrated in the holy shrine in Vlachernae, the blessed Andrew went there, as was his custom. Epiphanios was there also with one of his children. He was would stand there, as his custom was, because his fervour gave him strength, sometimes until midnight, sometimes until dawn. And so, when it was already about eleven o’clock at night, the blessed Andrew saw with his own eyes a most extraordinary vision coming in female form from the royal doors with a dread entourage, among which was the honoured Forerunner and the son thunder, holding her by the hand on either side, and many Saints, robed in white, went before her; while others followed with hymns and spiritual songs. When she drew near the ambo, Andrew approached Epiphanios and said, ‘Do you see the Lady and Mistress of the world?’ He replied, ‘Yes, my spiritual father.’ And as they watched, she bowed her knees and prayed for a long time, shedding tears down her godlike and immaculate face. After her prayer, she advanced to the sanctuary, where she entreated for the people present. So when she had removed the veil which she was wearing on her most-pure head and which had the appearance of lightning, she unrolled it and taking it with great reverence in her all-pure hands — it was large and awesome — spread it out above all the people who were standing there. The saints saw it stretched out over the people for a number of hours and blazing with the gory of the Lord like amber. As long as the most holy Mother of God was there, it was visible also, but after she had departed, it was no longer to be seen. For while she indeed took it with, she felt behind her grace for those who were there. At the prayers of your most pure Mother, Christ God, have mercy and protect us from visible and invisible enemies and save our souls. Amen. First Canon. The godlike Children did not worship creation instead of the Creator, but bravely trampling on the threat of fire, rejoicing they sang: O highly exalted Lord and God of our fathers, blessed are you! Twice. Troparia You have placed us, Sovereign Lady, under your Protecting Veil, and you ever protect us from dread abuse, assault of foes and every affliction. Therefore with upraised voices we all sing your praise to the ages. You protected the royal city of Constantine as your chosen part, Pure Virgin; likewise you now protect with your glory, All-blameless Lady, us who take refuge in your fervent defence. The wondrous overshadowing of our race with your godlike Protection, Pure Virgin, clearly manifests your providence, through which you grant joy and peace to our souls. Unhusbanded, O All-pure, you husbanded Christ, the Husbandman of our life; as cause of our joy you appeared to those who sang, Hail, Sovereign Lady of our race, saviour and sweet help. Second Canon. God’s condescension. The living house in which God Most High made his dwelling, the Pure Mother of God, was seen of old in her house and unfolding her Veil she wondrously protected those who had put their trust in her. We are wholly unable to comprehend the greatness of your goodness towards us, O Maiden; for as a truly loving mother you protect, cherish and nourish us each day. And so we sing the praise of your godly Protection. God-bearing Andrew in an immaterial vision saw you in mind spiritually unfolding your radiant Protection for your suppliants, and he praised you marvellous works, that are beyond reason and understanding. Of old a cloud of light covered the tent of witness; while now your wondrous and most radiant Protection, immaculate Maiden, covers the Church of Christ day and night as the mountain of God. Katavasia, the Irmos of the 1st Canon. Ode 8. First Canon. Irmos. The Offspring of the Mother of God saved the innocent Youths in the furnace. Then he was prefigured, but now in reality he gathers the whole world which sings: All you works praise the Lord, and highly exalt him to all the ages. Twice In many ways you revealed of old the force of your Protection, Mother of God, by signs and wonders and countless deeds of power, acting as our Champion every day, O All-pure; while now we sing the praise of your saving wondrous works. Your chosen people, O All-blameless, faithfully receiving force and strength from your godly Protection, ever escapes from afflictions that attack them and from warlike foes, and remains unharmed by any madness, Mother of God, through your solicitude. From on high, Immaculate Virgin, unfold your holy and most radiant Protection, and as of old protect us and keep us safe from foes who attack us, and deliver your inheritance from their wickedness and assault. Venerable Andrew and venerable and godly Epiphanios saw you unfolding the Protecting Veil that had protected your immaculate body, Mother of God Ever-Virgin, and they were amazed; for you protected all, O Maiden, with immaterial light and heavenly glory. Second Canon. The One who was glorified. To those who walk in the night of life, Pure Virgin, your all-holy Protection grants divine force, light and salvation and directs them all to the repose of eternal life. The choirs of the Bodiless Powers and of the Saints, seeing you, Pure Virgin, in your holy church unfolding your sacred veil and protecting the world, praised the fount of your mercy. Protection of the world, wider than a cloud, are you, pure Mother of God, salvation of mortals; and so, as we celebrate with love the commemoration of your honoured Protection, we praise the multitudes of your wonders. Having gained you, pure Virgin, as a mighty defence in life and unbreakable hope, we take refuge under your mighty Protection, and we are rescued from the stumbling-blocks of the Trickster as we sing the praise of your grace. Katavasia, the Irmos of the 1st Canon. Ode 9. First Canon. Irmos. Angels magnify in hymns the Protection of the Mother of God, for it protects the choirs of believers in every place. Let all born of earth bearing torches, in spirit leap for joy; let the nature of the immaterial spirits honour and celebrate the wondrous sacred festival of the Mother of God, and let them cry: Hail, all-blessed Mother of God, pure and Ever-Virgin! Twice.Angels, seeing the Protecting Veil of the Mother of God were amazed at how it protects and saves those who trust in it. The dew which falls in drops from your Godly Protection as from an immaterial cloud, O Immaculate, becomes healing for us and brings to an end sicknesses of soul and body for those who cry: Hail, Ever-Virgin, our joy and consolation! Angels and mortals honour your revered Protection, Sovereign Lady, for by it you protect all those who faithfully sing your praise. The Church of the faithful celebrates a sacred memorial of your wonders to your glory and praise, O All-blameless, and with faith taking refuge under your Protection, cries out to you: Protect and guard me until my life’s end, O All-praised. Angels and mortals magnify the Protecting Veil of the All-pure, for it protects and saves all who honour it. With all our soul let us gather to your godly Protection, immaculate Lady, bringing thankful praise with fervent gratitude, for you have chosen us for your own and you treat us kindly in all things; you guide us and save us from afflictions. Immaculate Virgin who bore God, save your flock, protecting it with your Protecting Veil and caring for it in every way. From above, pure Virgin, keep your godly Protection around your people like a rampart with a wealth of loving-kindness; while to me, who have now woven for you songs of praise, give enlightenment and illumination, I implore, and forgiveness of faults. Second Canon. Heaven was amazed. Magnify, O my soul, the all-holy Protection of the pure Virgin. Bending with motherly love, O Maiden, towards your people who fervently hope in you, for you are compassionate, in a strange manner you spiritually unfolded for them your godly Protection like a cloud of light. And so as we proclaim the wealth of your loving-kindness, Mother of God, we magnify you. Magnify, O my soul, the light-bearing Protection of the only Mother of God. Your Son, O Immaculate, who of old guided an ungrateful people with a cloud like a pillar, revealed you as a spiritual and living cloud that wondrously protects and saves for a land of incorruption the chosen people, O Pure One, by your ardent presence. Glory. Magnify, O my soul, the Godhead without beginning in three Persons. Raising your hands to God you implore on our behalf the One who came forth from you, and thence, unfolding spiritually your light-bearing Protection, you protected all the faithful. And so, as we celebrate its yearly memorial, Mother of God, we magnify you. Both now. Magnify, O my soul, the wonderful mighty deeds of the All-immaculate Maiden. As we sing the praise of the manifold gifts of your Protection and its unstinted grace, pure Mother, which we unceasingly enjoy, we cry out to you from our souls: As of old you protected your people, so now too protect us with your hand and save us until our life’s end, O Immaculate. Katavasia, the Irmos of the 1st Canon. Exapostilarion. As God you adorned. Your godly Protection, Maiden Mother of God, overshadows the faithful; and protects and guides the Orthodox flock and preserves it unscathed from dangers of every kind. Another. Same melody. By your mighty Protection and unsleeping intercession, O Maiden, guard the race of the Orthodox unharmed. For we have all gained you as refuge in troubles. At Lauds. We insert 4 stichera, and sing the following Prosomia. Tone 1. Joy of the heavenly hosts. The Ever-Virgin Maiden and pure Mother of God, ally and Protection of the attacked, and above all refuge and ready help, let us all praise as is fitting, as we magnify her Protection. Your all-holy and dazzling Protection, which you unfold each day like a cloud of light, and with which you manifestly protect and cover us, in good fortune and in disasters, as we have learned, O Virgin, with gladness we call blessed. Of old the queen of cities, O Virgin, escaped from dangers and fearful wars by your divine and wondrous Protection, while today your people by its grace escapes from troubles, disasters and calamities. How wondrous the grace of your kindness, O Virgin, for your people both of old and now. And so, as we take refuge each day under your revered Protection, we find deliverance from every assault and participation in blessings of every kind. Glory. Both now. Tone 5. The gifts of your Protecting Veil, O Mother of God, unfolded in every place like the beams of the sun, bring us graces in countless ways; for they drive out the gloom of diseases, rout the regiments of foes, dispel the fog of unlooked for disasters and grant us lasting peace. But, O Virgin Full of grace, accept our thankful hymns, we beg, and be for us an ally and defender until the ends of the age. Great Doxology and Dismissal. AT THE LITURGY Typika and Beatitudes, from the 3rd Ode of the 1st Canon and the 6th Ode of the 2nd. Or, if you wish, the following Antiphons. 1ST ANTIPHON Verse 1: The Queen stood at your right hand in a garment of gold, of many colours. At the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us. Verse 2: All the glory of the king’s daughter is within.At the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us. Verse 3: The rich among your people will entreat your favour.At the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us. Glory. Both now. At the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us. 2ND ANTIPHON Verse 1: The whole earth is full of your praise, O Lord. Son of God, wonderful in the Saints, save us who sing to you: Alleluia. Verse 2: The day of the Lord comes against everyone who is arrogant and proud, and against everyone who is high and exalted.Son of God, wonderful in the Saints, save us who sing to you: Alleluia. Verse 3: The Lord Sabaoth shakes the glorious with strength, and the exalted will be crushed by arrogance.Son of God, wonderful in the Saints, save us who sing to you: Alleluia. Glory. Both now. Only-begotten Son and Word of God… 3RD ANTIPHON Verse 1: I will remember your name in every generation. We sing the praise of the graces of your Protecting Veil, O Virgin, which like a light-bearing cloud you unfold beyond understanding, and you spiritually protect your people from every assault of their foe. For we have gained you was Protection and defender and helper, as we cry out to you: Glory to your mighty deeds, O Pure one; glory to your Protection; glory to your providence towards us, O Immaculate! Verse 2: Therefore the peoples will give thanks to you for ever and to age on age.We sing the praise… Verse 3: Myrrh and fragrant oil and cassia from your garments.We sing the praise… Kontakion. Tone 8. To you, my Champion Like a cloud brightly overshadowing the whole company of the Church, O all-pure, you appeared of old on the royal City. But as the Protection and Champion of your people, protect us from every affliction us as we cry to you: Hail, Protection wholly light. Prokeimenon. Tone 3. My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God, my Saviour. Verse: For he has regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden; and behold, from henceforth all generations will call me blessed.Apostle. The Reading is from the Epistle of Paul to the Hebrews. [ 9:1-7]Brethren, now the first tabernacle had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was constructed, the first one, in which were the lampstand, the table, and the bread of the Presence; this is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a tabernacle called the Holy of Holies. In it stood the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which there were a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; above it were the Cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot speak now in detail. Such preparations having been made, the priests go continually into the first tabernacle to carry out their ritual duties; but only the high priest goes into the second, and he but once a year, and not without taking the blood that he offers for himself and for the sins committed in ignorance by the people. Alleluia. Tone 8 [Psalm 44]Verse 1: Hear, O Daughter, and see, and incline your ear; and forget your people and your father’s house.Verse 2: The rich among the people of the land will entreat your favour.At Above all.Angels magnify in hymns the Protection of the Mother, for it protects the choirs of believers in every place. Let all born of earth bearing torches, in spirit leap for joy; let the nature of the immaterial spirits honour and celebrate the wondrous sacred festival of the Mother of God, and let them cry: Hail, all-blessed Mother of God, pure and Ever-Virgin! Communion. I will take the cup of salvation, and I will call on the name of the Lord. Alleluia. Megalynarion. You are the Protection of Orthodox Christians, O Virgin, protecting all the faithful. And so your people takes refuge in your Protection, and with faith magnifies your watchful care. |
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