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Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos

anonymous tr., 1919

Chapter 6

Hymn

Reader. “He Who sits in the glory of the clouds, on the throne of the Godhead, even Jesus, the most high God, came with strong hand to save those who cry aloud: Glory to Thy power, O Christ.”

Most holy Mother of God, save us.

Verses

With the words of song to thee, O all-praised Maiden, in faith we sing: hail, fertile mountain filled full with the Spirit; hail, source of Light, and vase storing Manna, sweet to the senses of the righteous.

Most holy Mother of God, save us.

Hail, pure Lady, Mercy-seat of the world; hail, Ladder from earth which raised all to grace; hail, Bridge which truly leads from death to life all those who praise thee.

Most holy Mother of God, save us.

Hail, pure Maiden, higher than the heavens, who didst without pain carry within thee the Foundation of the earth. Hail, Sea-shell that dippedst in thy blood the divine Purple for the King of the heavenly Powers.

Glory be to the Father . . .

Hail, Lady, thou didst truly bear the Lawgiver who freely blotted out the transgressions of all; O unwedded Maiden, incomprehensible Depth, ineffable Height, through whom we become children of God.

Both now, and for ever . . .

With hymns we praise thee, O thou who didst weave for the world a crown not woven by hands, and to thee we cry: Hail, O Virgin, Refuge of all, their rampart, their strength, and their divine protection.