During the period of fasting dedicated to preparing for the Dormition of the Mother of God, let us not neglect to offer her praise, gratitude, and even our most fervent petitions as often as possible.
In addition to the simplest and most frequently recited prayer – “Most Holy Theotokos, save us!” – we offer seven other brief prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary for the benefit of every hurried individual.
It is truly meet
It is truly meet to bless you, O Theotokos, ever-blessed and most pure, and the Mother of our God. More honourable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim, without defilement, you gave birth to God the Word. True Theotokos, we magnify you!
To Thee, the Champion Leader
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, O Unwedded Bride!
We flee under your compassion for refuge
We flee under your compassion for refuge, Birthgiver of God; do not despise our prayers when troubles surround us, but deliver us from danger, only pure one, only blessed one.
O Theotokos and Virgin, Rejoice
O Theotokos and Virgin, Rejoice, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, for thou hast borne the Saviour of our souls.
Lady, do you receive
Lady, do you receive, from your servants, their many prayers; and deliver all of us, from all sadness and necessity. My every hope I place in you, Mother of God, keep me under your protection.
O my most blessed Queen
O my most blessed Queen, O Theotokos my hope, guardian of orphans, intercessor for strangers, joy of the sorrowful, protectress of the wronged: Thou seest my misfortune, thou seest mine affliction; help me, for I am weak; feed me, for I am a stranger. Thou knowest mine offence: Absolve it as thou wilt, for I have no other help beside thee, no other intercessor, nor good consoler, except thee, O Mother of God. Do thou preserve and protect me unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Theotokos, we shall never be silent
O Theotokos, we shall never be silent. Of your mighty acts, all we the unworthy; Had you not stood to intercede for us, who would have delivered us from the numerous perils? Who would have preserved us all until now with our freedom? O Lady, we shall not depart from you; for you always save your servants from all tribulation.
Photography courtesy of the Basilica.ro Files
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