Акафист Пресвятой Богородице

Οἶκος α ʹ

Ἄγγελος πρωτοστάτης | οὐρανόθεν ἐπέμφθη
εἰπεῖν τῇ Θεοτόκῳ τὸ Χαῖρε·
καὶ σὺν τῇ ἀσωμάτῳ φωνῇ | σωματούμενόν σε θεωρῶν,
Κύριε,
ἐξίστατο καὶ ἵστατο * κραυγάζων πρὸς αὐτὴν τοιαῦτα·

Χαῖρε, δι᾿ ἧς ἡ χαρὰ ἐκλάμψει·
χαῖρε, δι᾿ ἧς ἡ ἀρὰ ἐκλείψει.
Χαῖρε, τοῦ πεσόντος Ἀδὰμ ἡ ἀνάκλησις·
χαῖρε, τῶν δακρύων τῆς Εὔας ἡ λύτρωσις.
Χαῖρε, ὕψος δυσανάβατον | ἀνθρωπίνοις λογισμοῖς·
χαῖρε, βάθος δυσθεώρητον | καὶ Ἀγγέλων ὀφθαλμοῖς.
Χαῖρε, ὅτι ὑπάρχεις | Βασιλέως καθέδρα·
χαῖρε, ὅτι βαστάζεις | τὸν βαστάζοντα πάντα.
Χαῖρε, ἀστὴρ ἐμφαίνων τὸν Ἥλιον·
χαῖρε, γαστὴρ ἐνθέου σαρκώσεως.
Χαῖρε, δι᾿ ἧς νεουργεῖται ἡ κτίσις·
χαῖρε, δι᾿ ἧς βρεφουργεῖται ὁ Κτίστης.

1

The foremost of the Angels was sent down from Heaven to say "Hail!" to the Mother of God.
At his greeting of spirit, not earth, when he saw you made flesh in her womb, saving Lord, your Angel was joyful, proclaiming your Mother's great praise:

Rejoice, through you is our joy made resplendent;
Rejoice, through you is our curse now eclipsed.
Rejoice, the saving of Adam who fell;
Rejoice, annulment of tears of Eve.
Rejoice, inaccessible summit — beyond understanding;
Rejoice, wondrous deepness of depth — for the knowledge of angels.
Rejoice, holy place where the King — did establish His Throne;
Rejoice, who gave birth to the Life — and sustainer of all.
Rejoice, the Star who announces the Dawn;
Rejoice, the Womb wherein God is made Flesh.
Rejoice, for through you is Creation made new;
Rejoice, for its Maker is a Child born through you.

Οἶκος β ʹ

Βλέπουσα ἡ Ἁγία | ἑαυτὴν ἐν ἁγνείᾳ
φησὶ τῷ Γαβριὴλ θαρσαλέως·
Τὸ παράδοξόν σου τῆς φωνῆς | δυσπαράδεκτόν μου τῇ ψυχῇ
φαίνεται·
ἀσπόρου γὰρ συλλήψεως * τὴν κύησιν πῶς λέγεις; κράζων·

2

Since well Mary knew of her virginal calling, with courage to th'Angel she spoke:
"Your singular word of announcement seems strange for my spirit to grasp and to know;
from the womb of a virgin a child you fortell, as you cry:

Οἶκος γ ʹ

Γνῶσιν ἄγνωστον γνῶναι | ἡ Παρθένος ζητοῦσα,
ἐβόησε πρὸς τὸν λειτουργοῦντα·
Ἐκ λαγόνων ἁγνῶν μου Υἱόν, | πῶς ἐστι τεχθῆναι δυνατόν;
λέξον μοι.
Πρὸς ἣν ἐκεῖνος ἔφησεν, * ἐν φόβῳ πλὴν κραυγάζων οὕτω·

Χαῖρε, βουλῆς ἀποῤῥήτου μύστις·
χαῖρε, σιγῆς δεομένων πίστις.
Χαῖρε, τῶν θαυμάτων Χριστοῦ τὸ προοίμιον·
χαῖρε, τῶν δογμάτων αὐτοῦ τὸ κεφάλαιον.
Χαῖρε, κλῖμαξ ἐπουράνιε, | δι᾽ ἧς κατέβη ὁ Θεός·
χαῖρε, γέφυρα μετάγουσα | τοὺς ἐκ γῆς πρὸς οὐρανόν.
Χαῖρε, τὸ τῶν Ἀγγέλων | πολυθρύλλητον θαῦμα·
χαῖρε, τὸ τῶν δαιμόνων | πολυθρήνητον τραῦμα.
Χαῖρε, τὸ φῶς ἀῤῥήτως γεννήσασα·
χαῖρε, τὸ πῶς μηδένα διδάξασα.
Χαῖρε, σοφῶν ὑπερβαίνουσα γνῶσιν·
χαῖρε, πιστῶν καταυγάζουσα φρένας.

3

The Virgin then pondered to enter the mystery and asked of the Angel of God:
"How then can my virginal womb ever bring forth a child to the world? You must say!".
Then the Angel most reverently sang of her praises and said:

Rejoice, the guide to the planning of God:
Rejoice, the light of a mystery profound.
Rejoice, the first of the wonders of Christ;
Rejoice, in whom all His Truths are brought forth.
Rejoice, stair of Heaven, providing — the pathway for God;
Rejoice, for you span the great gulf — between Heaven and Man.
Rejoice, splendid sign whom the choirs — of angels proclaim;
Rejoice, fearful scourge of the legions — and powers of ill.
Rejoice, o Bearer of ineffable Light;
Rejoice, sole keeper of the means of this sign.
Rejoice, ever greater than knowledge of sages;
Rejoice, in the hearts of the faithful you shine.

Οἶκος δ ʹ

Δύναμις τοῦ Ὑψίστου | ἐπεσκίασε τότε
πρὸς σύλληψιν τῇ Ἀπειρογάμῳ·
καὶ τὴν ἔγκαρπον ταύτης νηδὺν | ὡς ἀγρὸν ὑπέδειξεν ἡδύν
ἅπασι
τοῖς θέλουσι θερίζειν * σωτηρίαν, ἐν τῷ ψάλλειν οὕτως·

4

The Power of the Highest o'ershadowed and made Mother the Virgin unknowing of man:
Her womb thus awakened by God, did become a good field of rich life unto all
who are longing to welcome salvation and sing forth in praise:

Οἶκος ε ʹ

Ἔχουσα θεοδόχον | ἡ Παρθένος τὴν μήτραν
ἀνέδραμε πρὸς τὴν Ἐλισάβετ·
τὸ δὲ βρέφος ἐκείνης εὐθύς, | ἐπιγνοὺν τὸν ταύτης ἀσπασμόν
ἔχαιρε·
καὶ ἅλμασιν ὡς ᾄσμασιν * ἐβόα πρὸς τὴν Θεοτόκον·

Χαῖρε, βλαστοῦ ἀμαράντου κλῆμα·
χαῖρε, καρποῦ ἀκηράτου κτῆμα.
Χαῖρε, γεωργὸν γεωργοῦσα φιλάνθρωπον·
χαῖρε, φυτουργὸν τῆς ζωῆς ἡμῶν φύουσα.
Χαῖρε, ἄρουρα βλαστάνουσα | εὐφορίαν οἰκτιρμῶν·
χαῖρε, τράπεζα βαστάζουσα | εὐθηνίαν ἱλασμῶν.
Χαῖρε, ὅτι λειμῶνα | τῆς τρυφῆς ἀναθάλλεις·
χαῖρε, ὅτι λιμένα | τῶν ψυχῶν ἑτοιμάζεις.
Χαῖρε, δεκτὸν πρεσβείας θυμίαμα·
χαῖρε, παντὸς τοῦ κόσμου ἐξίλασμα.
Χαῖρε, Θεοῦ πρὸς θνητοὺς εὐδοκία·
χαῖρε, θνητῶν πρὸς Θεὸν παῤῥησία.

5

With the Lord in her womb, holy Mary most caring, paid visit and greeted her cousin.
The child whom Elizabeth bore heard the words that the Virgin pronounced and was glad,
and with dance for his song he gave praise to the Mother of God:

Rejoice, o branch of a root that is holy;
Rejoice, the tree with most perfect of Fruit.
Rejoice, you nurture the God of creation;
Rejoice, producing the Planter of life.
Rejoice, holy field bearing fruit — of abundance of mercies;
Rejoice, too, the table o'erladen — with heavenly gifts.
Rejoice, for you bring shoots of life — to a land that was arid;
Rejoice, for you build for the faithful — a refuge secure.
Rejoice, fine incense of all supplication;
Rejoice, sweet pardon for sorrowing World.
Rejoice, sign of mercy of God to our Race;
Rejoice, sign of hope of our Race before God.

Οἶκος ς ʹ

Ζάλην ἔνδοθεν ἔχων | λογισμῶν ἀμφιβόλων
ὁ σόφρων Ἰωσὴφ ἐταράχθη·
πρῴην ἄγαμόν σε θεωρῶν, | καὶ κλεψίγαμον ὑπονοῶν,
Ἄμεμπτε·
μαθὼν δέ σου τὴν σύλληψιν * ἐκ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου, ἔφη·

6

With his heart in great turmoil, his thoughts much opposed, wise Joseph turned backwards and forth:
while secing you still ever pure, he feared that you may have been faithless, o Virgin!
But once having heard of your Child through the Spirit, he exclaimed:

Οἶκος ζ ʹ

Ἤκουσαν οἱ Ποιμένες | τῶν Ἀγγέλων ὑμνούντων
τὴν ἔνσαρκον Χριστοῦ παρουσίαν·
καὶ δραμόντες Ποιμένα ὁρᾶν, | θεωροῦσι τοῦτον ὡς ἀμνόν
ἄμωμον,
ἐν τῇ γαστρὶ Μαρίας * βοσκηθέντα, ἣν ὑμνοῦντες εἶπον·

Χαῖρε, ἀμνοῦ καὶ ποιμένος Μῆτερ·
χαῖρε, αὐλὴ λογικῶν προβάτων.
Χαῖρε, ἀοράτων ἐχθρῶν ἀμυντήριον·
χαῖρε, παραδείσου θυρῶν ἀνοικτήριον.
Χαῖρε, ὅτι τὰ οὐράνια | συναγάλλεται τῇ γῇ·
χαῖρε, ὅτι τὰ ἐπίγεια | συγχορεύει οὐρανοῖς.
Χαῖρε, τῶν Ἀποστόλων | τὸ ἀσίγητον στόμα·
χαῖρε, τῶν Ἀθλοφόρων | τὸ ἀνίκητον θάρσος.
Χαῖρε, στεῤῥὸν τῆς πίστεως ἔρεισμα·
χαῖρε, λαμπρὸν τῆς χάριτος γνώρισμα.
Χαῖρε, δι᾽ ἧς ἐγυμνώθη ὁ Ἅδης·
χαῖρε, δἰ ἧς ἐνεδύθημεν δόξαν.

7

The Shepherds had heard the great chorus of angels singing of Christ in our Flesh.
They ran to behold Him the Shepherd, and looked on Him, innocent Lamb of the Lord,
being nourished by Mary the Virgin, to whom they sang praise:

Rejoice, o Mother of Shepherd and Lamb;
Rejoice, the Fold for the Faithful of God.
Rejoice, o bolt barring evil assault;
Rejoice, the Key turning Heaven's own door.
Rejoice, for through you all the heavens — exult with the earth;
Rejoice, for through you do the earth — and the heav'n sing as one.
Rejoice, tireless voice of the chosen — Apostles of God;
Rejoice, restless longing of Martyrs — whose blood is for Christ.
Rejoice, o powerful foundation for Faith;
Rejoice, o wonderful ensign of Grace.
Rejoice, for through you evil Hell was laid bare;
Rejoice, for through you were we clothed in God's glory.

Οἶκος η ʹ

Θεοδρόμον ἀστέρα | θεωρήσαντες Μάγοι,
τῇ τούτου ἠκολούθησαν αἴγλῃ·
καὶ ὡς λύχνον κρατοῦντες αὐτὸν | δι᾽ αὐτοῦ ἠρεύνων κραταιόν
Ἄνακτα·
καὶ φθάσαντες τὸν Ἄφθαστον, * ἐχάρησαν αὐτῷ βοῶντες·

8

In heaven a star pointing out the Eternal was followed by Wise Men in light.
For them a sure lantern of guidance, it helped them to seek You, o God, the Most High.
On attaining the Lord unattainable great was their cry:

Οἶκος θ ʹ

Ἴδον παῖδες Χαλδαίων | ἐν χερσὶ τῆς Παρθένου
τὸν πλάσαντα χειρὶ τοὺς ἀνθρώπους·
καὶ Δεσπότην νοοῦντες αὐτόν, | εἰ καὶ δούλου ἔλαβε μορφήν,
ἔσπευσαν
τοῖς δώροις θεραπεῦσαι, * καὶ βοῆσαι τῇ Εὐλογημένῃ·

Χαῖρε, ἀστέρος ἀδύτου Μῆτερ·
χαῖρε, αὐγὴ μυστικῆς ἡμέρας.
Χαῖρε, τῆς ἀπάτης τὴν κάμινον σβέσασα·
χαῖρε, τῆς Τριάδος τοὺς μύστας φωτίζουσα.
Χαῖρε, τύραννον ἀπάνθρωπον | ἐκβαλοῦσα τῆς ἀρχῆς·
χαῖρε, Κύριον φιλάνθρωπον | ἐπιδείξασα Χριστόν.
Χαῖρε, ἡ τῆς βαρβάρου | λυτρουμένη θρησκείας·
χαῖρε, ἡ τοῦ βορβόρου | ῥυομένη τῶν ἔργων.
Χαῖρε, πυρὸς προσκύνησιν παύσασα·
χαῖρε, φλογὸς παθῶν ἀπαλλάττουσα.
Χαῖρε, πιστῶν ὁδηγὲ σωφροσύνης·
χαῖρε, πασῶν γενεῶν εὐφροσύνη.

9

In the hands of His Mother they saw Him at last, the great God, whose own hand made us all.
Full well did they know He was Lord, though hidden in form of a servant,
and gifts did they offer in kindness and said to His Mother so blest:

Rejoice, o Mother of Sun without setting;
Rejoice, the dawning of spiritual Day.
Rejoice, extinguishing firebrands of falsehood;
Rejoice, o beacon to Trinity's Truth.
Rejoice, for you darken the throne — of the Tyrant so hated;
Rejoice, for you show us the Christ — of great mercy as Lord.
Rejoice, you absolve us from cruel — and terrible rites;
Rejoice, for you save us from murk — and the squalor of fate.
Rejoice, the worship of fire you destroy;
Rejoice, the burning of vice you extinguish.
Rejoice, clearest guide for the mind of believers;
Rejoice, purest joy of the world and its peoples.

Οἶκος ι ʹ

Κήρυκες θεοφόροι | γεγονότες οἱ Μάγοι,
ὑπέστρεψαν εἰς τὴν Βαβιλῶνα·
ἐκτελέσαντές σου τὸν χρησμόν, | καὶ κηρύξαντές σε τὸν Χριστόν
ἅπασιν,
ἀφέντες τὸν Ἡρώδην ὡς ληρώδη, * μὴ εἰδότα ψάλλειν·

10

The heralds of God did the Magi become on the path back to Babylon bound.
Your prophecy, Lord, they fulfilled, and your Name, saving Christ,
they announced to the world,
ever heedless of Herod, the foolish,
who never could sing:

Οἶκος ια ʹ

Λάμψας ἐν τῇ Αἰγύπτῳ | φωτισμὸν ἀληθείας,
ἐδίωξας τοῦ ψεύδους τὸ σκότος·
τὰ γὰρ εἴδωλα ταύτης, Σωτήρ, | μὴ ἐνέγκαντά σου τὴν ἰσχύν
πέπτωκεν·
οἱ τούτων δὲ ῥυσθέντες, | ἀνεβόων πρὸς τὴν Θεοτόκον·

Χαῖρε, ἀνόρθωσις τῶν ἀνθρώπων·
χαῖρε, κατάπτωσις τῶν δαιμόνων.
Χαῖρε, ἡ τῆς πλάνης τὸ κράτος πατήσασα·
χαῖρε, τῶν εἰδόλων τὸν δόλον ἐλέγξασα.
Χαῖρε, θάλασσα ποντίσασα | Φαραὼ τὸν νοητόν·
χαῖρε, πέτρα ἡ ποτίσασα | τοὺς διψῶντας τὴν ζωήν.
Χαῖρε, πύρινε στύλε | ὁδηγῶν τοὺς ἐν σκότει·
χαῖρε, σκέπη τοῦ κόσμου | πλατυτέρα νεφέλης.
Χαῖρε, τροφὴ τοῦ Μάννα διάδοχε·
χαῖρε, τρυφῆς ἁγίας διάκονε.
Χαῖρε, ἡ γῆ ἡ τῆς ἐπαγγελίας·
χαῖρε, ἐξ ἧς ῥέει μέλι καὶ γάλα.

11

Shining forth into Egypt the splendour of Truth, you drove out the darkness of error:
at your Power of God, blessed Lord, the Idols fell down in their weakness made naught.
And men being saved to the Mother of God sang in praise:

Rejoice, raising up of humanity fallen;
Rejoice, tearing down of the Underworld's Reign.
Rejoice, the trampling of lies and of error;
Rejoice, unmasking idolatry's fraud.
Rejoice, blessed ocean engulfing — the Pharaoh supreme;
Rejoice, blessed rock pouring forth — the sound waters of Life.
Rejoice, fiery pillar, a light — in the darkness for all;
Rejoice, never cloud of protection — will shield us like you.
Rejoice, you give us the Manna of Heaven;
Rejoice, you serve us the holiest of Food.
Rejoice, ever spiritual Land of His Promise;
Rejoice, ever flowing with honey and milk.

Οἶκος ιβ ʹ

Μέλλοντος Συμεῶνος | τοῦ παρόντος αἰῶνος
μεθίστασθαι τοῦ ἀπατεῶνος,
ἐπεδόθης ὡς βρέφος αὐτῷ | ἀλλ᾽ ἐγνώθης τούτῳ καὶ Θεός
τέλειος·
διόπερ ἐξεπλάγη * σοῦ τὴν ἄῤῥητον σοφίαν, κράζων·

12

On the point of departing this world so deceiving was Simeon, the watchman, inspired.
As a baby presented, so small, yet as Lord in perfection he knew You, o Christ,
and moved by the Wisdom Eternal, he cried out in praise:

Οἶκος ιγ ʹ

Νέαν ἔδειξεν κτίσιν | ἐμφανίσας ὁ Κτίστης
ἡμῖν τοῖς ὑπ᾽ αὐτοῦ γενομένοις·
ἐξ ἀσπόρου βλαστήσας γαστρὸς | καὶ φυλάξας ταύτην, ὥσπερ ἦν,
ἄφθορον,
ἵνα τὸ θαῦμα βλέποντες, * ὑμνήσωμεν αὐτήν, βοῶντες·

Χαῖρε, τὸ ἄνθος τῆς ἀφθαρσίας·
χαῖρε, τὸ στέφος τῆς ἐγκρατείας.
Χαῖρε, ἀναστάσεως τύπον ἐκλάμπουσα·
χαῖρε, τῶν Ἀγγέλων τὸν βίον ἐμφαίνουσα.
Χαῖρε, δένδρον ἀγλαόκαρπον | ἐξ οὗ τρέφονται πιστοί·
χαῖρε, ξύλον εὐσκιόφυλλον | ὑφ᾽ οὗ σκέπονται πολλοί.
Χαῖρε, κυοφοροῦσα | ὁδηγὸν πλανωμένοις·
χαῖρε, ἀπογεννῶσα | λυτρωτὴν αἰχμαλώτοις.
Χαῖρε, Κριτοῦ δικαίου δισώπησις·
χαῖρε, πολλῶν πταιόντων συγχώρησις.
Χαῖρε, στολὴ τῶν γυμνῶν παῤῥησίας·
χαῖρε, στοργὴ πάντα πόθον νικῶσα.

13

The Maker of all made Creation anew to appear amid us, His dear children:
the Lord blossomed forth from the Virgin, whose Womb He preserved ever pure and unstained.
Thus thrilled by this wonder we sing to the Virgin with joy:

Rejoice, bright flower of a life uncorrupted;
Rejoice, chaste crown of possession of self.
Rejoice, awarding a glimpse of the Risen;
Rejoice, unveiling the life of the angels.
Rejoice, fairest plant bearing fruit — to be food of the Faithful;
Rejoice, tree of beauty, whose shade — is protection for all.
Rejoice, in your Womb you bore Him — who would guide those who wander;
Rejoice, you brought forth to the light — the Releaser of slaves.
Rejoice, People's plea to the righteous Judge;
Rejoice, forgiveness for all who are lost.
Rejoice, welcome garment for souls stripped of grace;
Rejoice, fullest love more than any desire.

Οἶκος ιδ ʹ

Ξένον τόκον ἰδόντες | ξενωθῶμεν τοῦ κόσμου,
τὸν νοῦν εἰς οὐρανὸν μεταθέντες·
διὰ τοῦτο γὰρ ὁ Ὑψηλὸς | ἐπὶ γῆς ἐφάνη ταπεινός
ἄνθρωπος,
βουλόμενος ἑλκῦσαι * πρὸς τὸ ὕψος τοὺς αὐτῷ βοῶντας·

14

Enthralled by His birth we go forth from this world to consider the wonders of heaven.
In humanity's lowliest likeness, He came and was born in our midst, the Most High,
to lead to the heavens all those who acclaim Him with joy:

Οἶκος ιε ʹ

Ὅλος ἦν ἐν τοῖς κάτω, | καὶ τῶν ἄνω οὐδ᾽ ὅλως
ἀπῆν ὁ ἀπερίγραπτος Λόγος·
συγκατάβασις γὰρ θεϊκή, | οὐ μετάβασις δὲ τοπική
γέγονεν
ὁ τόκος ἐκ Παρθένου * θεολήπτου ἀκουούσηςταῦτα·

Χαῖρε, Θεοῦ ἀχωρήτου χώρα·
χαῖρε, σεπτοῦ μυστηρίου θύρα.
Χαῖρε, τῶν ἀπίστων ἀμφίβολον ἄκουσμα·
χαῖρε, τῶν πιστῶν ἀναμφίβολον καύχημα.
Χαῖρε, ὄχημα πανάγιον | τοῦ ἐπὶ τῶν Χερουβίμ·
χαῖρε, οἴκημα πανάριστον | τοῦ ἐπὶ τῶν Σεραφίμ.
Χαῖρε, ἡ τἀναντία | εἰς ταὐτὸ ἀγαγοῦσα·
χαῖρε, ἡ παρθενίαν | καὶ γονείαν ζευγνῦσα.
Χαῖρε, δι᾽ ἧς ἐλύθη παράβασις·
χαῖρε, δι᾽ ἧς ἠνοίχθη παράδεισος.
Χαῖρε, ἡ κλεὶς τῆς Χριστοῦ βασιλείας·
χαῖρε, ἐλπὶς ἀγαθῶν αἰωνίων.

15

He came to His earth yet the heav'ns still were filled by God's Word in His infinite glory.
Our God, not by changing His place, but inclining most hambly in love to our race,
was born of the Virgin, the Mother, to whom we declare:

Rejoice, o Throne of the infinite God;
Rejoice, the door of the Mystery sublime.
Rejoice, sure Truth which unsettles th'incredulous;
Rejoice, reliable boast for believers.
Rejoice, holy dwelling more holy than — throne of the Cherubim;
Rejoice, precious vessel more blessed than — throne of the Seraphim.
Rejoice, for in you are extremes — of greatness united;
Rejoice, for together as one — you are Virgin and Mother.
Rejoice, in you came forgiveness of sin;
Rejoice, in you Heaven's gates were flung wide.
Rejoice, blessed key of the Kingdom of Christ;
Rejoice, hopeful way to the tressure of God.

Οἶκος ις ʹ

Πᾶσα φύσις Ἀγγέλων | κατεπλάγη τὸ μέγα
τῆς σῆς ἐνανθρωπήσεως ἔργον·
τὸν ἀπρόσιτον γὰρ ὡς Θεόν, | ἐθεώρει πᾶσι προσιτόν
ἄνθρωπον,
ἡμῖν μὲν συνδιάγοντα, * ἀκούοντα δὲ παρὰ πάντων·

16

Amazed were the angels to witness the awesome event of your bless'd Incarnation:
inaccessible God above all they saw giving access to us in our Flesh,
and dwelling with us,
so that each can acclaim You and cry:

Οἶκος ιζ ʹ

Ῥήτορας πολυφθόγγους | ὡς ἰχθύας ἀφώνους
ὁρῶμεν ἐπὶ σοί, Θεοτόκε·
ἀποροῦσι γὰρ λέγειν τὸ πῶς | καὶ παρθένος μένεις καὶ τεκεῖν
ἴσχυσας·
ἡμεῖς δὲ τὸ μυστήριον * θαυμάζοντες, πιστῶς βοῶμεν·

Χαῖρε, σοφίας Θεοῦ δοχεῖον·
χαῖρε,προνοίας αὐτοῦ ταμεῖον.
Χαῖρε, φιλοσόφους ἀσόφους δεικνύουσα·
χαῖρε, τεχνολόγους ἀλόγους ἐλέγχουσα.
Χαῖρε, ὅτι ἐμωράνθησαν | οἱ δεινοὶ συζητηταί·
χαῖρε, ὅτι ἐμαράνθησαν | οἱ τῶν μύθων ποιηταί.
Χαῖρε, τῶν Ἀθηναίων | τὰς πλοκὰς διασπῶσα·
χαῖρε, τῶν Ἀλιέων | τὰς σαγήνας πληροῦσα.
Χαῖρε, βυθοῦ ἀγνοίας ἐξέλκουσα·
χαῖρε, πολλοὺς ἐν γνώσει φωτίζουσα.
Χαῖρε, ὀλκὰς τῶν θελόντων σωθῆναι·
χαῖρε, λιμὴν τῶν τοῦ βίου πλωτήρων.

17

The finest of speakers are silent as fish before you, holy Mother of God.
Never word from their lips will express how a Mother you are, yet a Virgin remain.
But we, full of wonder can sing of the Mystery in faith:

Rejoice, o vessel of Wisdom Eternal;
Rejoice, the treasure of God's loving care.
Rejoice, you show how the clever are foolish;
Rejoice, you send into silence the wise.
Rejoice, before you subtle schemes — of disputors are stupid;
Rejoice, before you mortal myths — and their makers are empty.
Rejoice, all the sophists are snared — in confusion by you;
Rejoice, simple fishermen catch — their fulfillment in you.
Rejoice, you draw us from depths of dark error;
Rejoice, great lighthouse to lead us to Truth.
Rejoice, saving vessel for those who seek Rescue;
Rejoice, port and haven on seaways of life.

Οἶκος ιη ʹ

Σῶσαι θέλων τὸν κόσμον, | ὁ τῶν ὅλων κοσμήτωρ
πρὸς τοῦτον αὐτεπάγγελτος ἦλθε·
καὶ ποιμὴν ὑπάρχων ὡς Θεός, | δι᾽ ἡμᾶς ἐφάνη καθ᾽ ἡμᾶς
ἄνθρωπος·
ὁμοίῳ γὰρ τὸ ὅμοιον * καλέσας, ὡς Θεὸς ἀκούει·

18

To save the creation the Lord of the universe freely came down to the earth.
The God, who was always our Shepherd, now chose to appear in our midst as the Lamb;
in our image He called us whose image we are, thus we pray:

Οἶκος ιθ ʹ

Τεῖχος εἶ τῶν παρθένων, | Θεοτόκε Παρθένε,
καὶ πάντων τῶν εἰς σὲ προστρεχόντων·
ὁ γὰρ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ τῆς γῆς | κατεσκεύασέ σε Ποιητής
Ἄχραντε,
οἰκῆσαι ἐν τῇ μήτρᾳ σου, * σοὶ πάντας προσφωνεῖν διδάξας·

Χαῖρε, ἡ στήλη τῆς παρθενίας·
χαῖρε, ἡ πύλη τῆς σωτηρίας.
Χαῖρε, ἀρχηγὲ νοητῆς ἀναπλάσεως·
χαῖρε, χορηγὲ θει"κῆς ἀγαθότητος.
Χαῖρε, σὺ γὰρ ἀνεγέννησας | τοὺς συλληφθέντας αἰσχρῶς·
χαῖρε, σὺ γὰρ ἐνουθέτησας | τοὺς συληθέντας τὸν νοῦν.
Χαῖρε, ἡ τὸν φθορέα | τῶν φρενῶν καταργοῦσα·
χαῖρε, ἡ τὸν σπορέα | τῆς ἁγνείας τεκοῦσα.
Χαῖρε, παστὰς ἀσπόρου νυμφεύσεως·
χαῖρε, πιστοὺς Κυρίῳ ἁρμόζουσα.
Χαῖρε, καλὴ κουροτρόφε παρθένων·
χαῖρε, ψυχῶν νυμφοστόλε ἁγίων.

19

Defender of virgins who follow your way, are you, blessed Virgin and Mother:
for thus, Purest Creature, He made you, the Lord who holds sway over Heaven and Earth,
as He dwelt in your Womb while inviting us all to proclaim:

Rejoice, blest column of holy virginity;
Rejoice, o passage and portal to Rescue.
Rejoice, beginning of birth for the spirit;
Rejoice, bringing forth all the bounty of God.
Rejoice, you have given back Life — to those born in disgrace;
Rejoice, for in you have the foolish — found fulness of wisdom.
Rejoice, the Seducer of Hearts was made — pow'rless by You;
Rejoice, the Begetter of Chastity — touched us through you.
Rejoice, where Heaven and Earth are encoupled;
Rejoice, where Faithful and Lord are made one.
Rejoice, loving Woman: you nourish all virgins;
Rejoice, holy Maid: you lead brides to the Groom.

Οἶκος κ ʹ

Ὕμνος ἅπας ἡττᾶται | συνεκτείνεσθαι σπεύδων
τῷ πλήθει τῶν πολλῶν οἰκτιρμῶν σου·
ἰσαρίθμους γὰρ ψάμμῳ ᾠδὰς | ἂν προσφέρωμέν σοι, Βασιλεῦ
ἅγιε,
οὐδὲν τελοῦμεν ἄξιον, * ὧν δέδωκας τοῖς σοὶ βοῶσιν·

20

No song has been written that ever could equal your numberless graces, o Lord.
Indeed, were we offering canticles countless as grains in the sand of the sea,
we never could compass your gifts to your servants, who sing:

Οἶκος κα ʹ

Φωτοδόχον λαμπάδα | τοῖς ἐν σκότει φανεῖσαν
ὁρῶμεν τὴν ἁγίαν Παρθένον·
τὸ γὰρ ἄϋλον ἅπτουσα φῶς | ὁδηγεῖ πρὸς γνώσιν θεϊκήν
ἅπαντας,
αὐγῇ τὸν νοῦν φωτίζουσα, * κραυγῇ δὲ τιμωμένη ταύτῃ·

Χαῖρε, ἀκτὶς νοητοῦ Ἡλίου·
χαῖρε, βολὶς τοῦ ἀδύτου φέγγους.
Χαῖρε, ἀστραπὴ τὰς ψυχὰς καταλάμπουσα·
χαῖρε, ὡς βροντὴ τοὺς ἐχθροὺς καταπλήττουσα.
Χαῖρε, ὅτι τὸν πολύφωτον | ἀνατέλλεις φωτισμόν·
χαῖρε, ὅτι τὸν πολύῤῥυτον | ἀναβλύζεις ποταμόν.
Χαῖρε, τῆς κολυμβήθρας | ζωγραφοῦσα τὸν τύπον·
χαῖρε, τῆς ἁμαρτίας | ἀναιροῦσα τὸν ῥύπον.
Χαῖρε, λουτὴρ ἐκπλύνων συνείδησιν·
χαῖρε, κρατὴρ κιρνῶν ἀγαλλίασιν.
Χαῖρε, ὀσμὴ τῆς Χριστοῦ εὐωδίας·
χαῖρε, ζωὴ μυστικῆς εὐωχίας.

21

We look to the Virgin most holy, the beacon who brightens the camp of our darkness.
In her shines the light of God's presence: she shows us the way to the knowledge of God.
A splendour is she for our minds as all praise her with song:

Rejoice, bright ray of the Sunlight of Heaven;
Rejoice, the beam of a Light never setting.
Rejoice, clear lightning to flash in our minds;
Rejoice, o thunder of fear for our foes.
Rejoice, for from you comes the Light — who illumines the world;
Rejoice, blessed spring giving — manifold waters of Life.
Rejoice, Pool of Healing where people — were bathed as of old;
Rejoice, for in you comes the One — who now washes our sins.
Rejoice, bless'd Font where our souls are made pure;
Rejoice, the cup overflowing with joy:
Rejoice, pleasant fragrance of Christ who anoints us;
Rejoice, from whose life comes the Mystical Banquet.

Οἶκος κβ ʹ

Χάριν δοῦναι θελήσας | ὀφλημάτων ἀρχαίων
ὁ πάντων χρεωλύτης ἀνθρώπων
ἐπεδήμησε δι᾽ ἑαυτοῦ | πρὸς τοὺς ἀποδήμους τῆς αὐτοῦ
χάριτος·
καὶ σχίσας τὸ χειρόγραφον, * ἀκούει παρὰ πάντων οὕτως·

22

His wish to redeem that most ancient of Debts brought the Saviour to dwell in our midst.
In His person was payment for all, who had lost every title to gift of God's Grace.
He cancelled Sin's charter and therefore we chant in His praise:

Οἶκος κγ ʹ

Ψάλλοντές σου τὸν τόκον | ἀνυμνοῦμέν σε πάντες
ὡς ἔμψυχον ναόν, Θεοτόκε·
ἐν τῇ γὰρ οἰκήσας γαστρὶ | ὁ συνέχων πάντα τῇ χειρί
Κύριος,
ἡγίασεν, ἐδόξασεν, * ἐδίδαξε βοᾶν σοι πάντας·

Χαῖρε, σκηνὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Λόγου·
χαῖρε, Ἁγία τῶν Ἁγίων μείζων.
Χαῖρε, κιβωτὲ χρυσωθεῖσα τῷ Πνεύματι·
χαῖρε, θησαυρὲ τῆς ζωῆς ἀδαπάνητε.
Χαῖρε, τίμιον διάδημα | βασιλέων εὐσεβῶν·
χαῖρε, καύχημα σεβάσμιον | ἱερέων εὐλαβῶν.
Χαῖρε, τῆς Ἐκκλησίας | ὁ ἀσάλευτος πύργος·
χαῖρε, τῆς Βασιλείας | τὸ ἀπόρθητον τεῖχος.
Χαῖρε, δι᾽ ἧς ἐγείρονται τρόπαια·
χαῖρε, δι᾽ ἧς ἐχθροὶ καταπίπτουσι.
Χαῖρε, χρωτὸς τοῦ ἐμοῦ θεραπεία·
χαῖρε, ψυχῆς τῆς ἐμῆς σωτηρία.

23

At the birth of your Son all His creatures rejoice, Living Temple, o Bearer of God.
Your Womb was the worthiest dwelling of Him who holds all in His hand as the Lord.
Most haly and glorious He made you and taught us to sing:

Rejoice, o Tent where God's Word finds repose;
Rejoice, excelling the “Holy of Holies”.
Rejoice, the Ark that the Spirit has burnished;
Rejoice, unfailing rich treasure of Life.
Rejoice, precious crown: saintly Rulers — acclaim you their glory;
Rejoice, noble banner: good priests all — proclaim you their boast.
Rejoice, mighty fortress defending — the Church of the Lord;
Rejoice, wall of strength for protecting — the Nations of God.
Rejoice, through you spoils of vict'ry are raised;
Rejoice, through you the great enemies fall.
Rejoice, healing remedy, curing my weakness;
Rejoice, for my soul finds salvation with you.

Οἶκος κδ ʹ

Ὦ πανύμνητε Μῆτερ, | ἡ τεκοῦσα τὸν πάντων
ἁγίων ἁγιώτατον Λόγον,
δεξαμένη τὴν νῦν προσφοράν, | ἀπὸ πάσης ῥῦσαι συμφορᾶς
ἅπαντας·
καὶ τῆς μελλούσης λύτρωσαι * κολάσεως τοὺς συμβοῶντας·

24

O merciful Mother: who bear us the greatest of Saints, God's own Word ever holy:
accept, in your kindness, our song!
From every misfortune and malice preserve us!
From threatening punishment free us, your children who call: