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Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos

anonymous tr., 1919

Chapter 4

Hymn

“O Mother of God, as a living and bounteous well, do thou strengthen those who with hymns praise thee, and who are now welded together into a spiritual fellowship; by thy divine glory vouchsafe unto them crowns of glory.”

Most holy Mother of God, save us.

Verses

As a clear and untilled space thou madest the divine Ear of Corn to burst forth; hail, thou living Table having space for the Bread of Life; hail, Lady, perennial Fountain of living water.

Most holy Mother of God, save us.

The faithful greet thee, O mystic heifer, that didst bring forth the spotless Calf; hail, ewe-lamb, for thou conceivedst the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the whole world. Hail, fervent intercessor.

Glory be to the Father . . .

Hail, radiant Dawn, which alone bearest Christ the Sun, thou dwelling-place of the Light; hail, thou who didst disperse the darkness and reduce to nothingness the demons of gloom.

Both now, and for ever . . .

Hail, thou only Gate, by which the Word passed through alone; O Lady, by thy birth-giving thou didst shatter the bars and gates of Hades; hail, divine Entry for those who are saved, most worthy of all praise.