OUR LADY OF CANADA
"The Icon Of The Theotokos Of Canada"
©1995
THE AKATHIST HYMN
TO THE THEOTOKOS OF CANADA
As written within the booklet for the Annual Dedication Service at All Saints Cathedral
by Metropolitan Joseph Royer
BLESSED IS OUR GOD, ALWAYS, NOW AND EVER, AND UNTO AGES OF AGES.
ALL: AMEN.
- O HEAVENLY KING, COMFORTER, SPIRIT OF TRUTH, YOU ARE EVERYWHERE PRESENT AQND FIT ALL THINGS,
TREASURY OF BLESSINGS, AND GIVER OF LIFE, COME AND DWELL WITHIN US, CLEANSE US OF ALL STAIN,
AND SAVE OUR SOULS, O GRACIOUS ONE!
- HOLY GOD, HOLY AND MIGHTY, HOLY AND IMMORTAL ONE, HAVE MERCY ON US. (Three times)
- O MOST HOLY TRINITY, HAVE MERCY ON US! O LORD, CLEANSE US OF OUR SINS! O MASTER,
FORGIVE OUR TRANSGRESSIONS! O HOLY ONE, COME TO US AND HEAL OUR INFORMITIES
FOR YOUR NAME'S SAKE!
- LORD HAVE MERCY. (Three times)
- GLORY BE TO THE FATHER + AND TO THE SON, AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT, NOW AND EVER,
AND UNTO AGES OF AGES. AMEN.
- OUR FATHER EHO ART IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME, THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE,
ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD. AND FORGIVE US OUR TREPASSES,
AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US, AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT
DELIVER US FROM EVIL. FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY, FATHER +, SON,
AND HOLY SPIRIT, NOW AND EVER AND UNTO AGES OF AGES.
[ALL] AMEN.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD.
[ALL] Lord, have mercy!
PREAMBLE
As soon as the angel had received his command, he hastened to Joseph's house and said to the ever-virgin:
"Behold, heaven has brought down to earth when the Word Himself was fully contained in you! Now that I
see Him in your womb, taking a servant's form, I cry out to you in wonder: Hail, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure!"
FIRST CHANT
An Archangel was sent from heaven to greet the Mother of God, and as he saw you assuming a body
at he sound of his bodiless voice, O Lord, he stood rapt in amazement and cried out to her in these words:
Hail, O you, through whom Joy will shine forth!
Hail, O you, through whom the curse will disappear!
Hail, O Restoration of the Fallen Adam!
Hail, O Redemption of the tears of Eve!
Hail, O Peak above the reach of human thought!
Hail, O Depth even beyond the sight of angels!
Hail, O you who have become a Kingly Throne!
Hail, O you who carry Him Who Carries All!
Hail, O Star who manifest the Sun!
Hail, O Womb of the Divine Incarnation!
Hail, O you through whom creation is renewed!
Hail, O you through whom the Creator becomes a Babe!
Hail, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure!
[Response] Hail, O Theotokos of Canada!
KONTAKION
When the power of the Most High overshadowed the one who had never known the nuptial bed,
her fruitful womb conceived, and she became for all a delicious field: those who wished to reap
salvation by singing "ALLELUIA!"
[Response] Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
THIRD CHANT
Pregnant with God, the Virgin hastened to Elizabeth, her unborn child rejoiced, immediately knowing
her embrace, Bouncing and singing, he cried out to the Mother of God:
Hail, O Tendril whose Bud shall not wilt!
Hail, O Soil whose Fruit shall not perish!
Hail, O Tender of mankind's loving Tender!
Hail, O Gardener of the Gardener of Life!
Hail, O Earth who yielded abundant mercies!
Hail, O Table full-laden with appeasement!
Hail, for you have greened anew the pastures of delight!
Hail, for you have prepared a haven for the souls!
Hail, acceptable Incense of Prayer!
Hail, Expiation of the whole universe!
Hail, O you Favor of God to mortal men!
Hail, O you Trust of mortals before God!
Hail, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure!
[Response] Hail, O Theotokos of Canada!
KONTAKION
When they saw the Star moved by God, the Magi followed its glittering light. Using it as a beacon,
they found through it the Mighty King, and reaching the One Beyond All Reach, they rejoiced and cried
out to Him: "Alleluia!"
FIFTH CHANT
The Sons of Chaldaea saw in the Virgin's hands the One whose hands had fashioned men: and
acknowledging Him as the Master, although He had taken the form of a servant, they hastened
to honour Him with their gifts and cried out to the Blessed One:
Hail, O Mother of the Star Without Setting!
Hail, O Radiance of the Mystical Day!
Hail, O you who quenched the flame of error!
Hail, O Light of those who search the Trinity!
Hail, O you who unthroned the Enemy of Men!
Hail, O you who showed forth Christ the Lord, Lover of Mankind!
Hail, O you who cleansed us from the stain of pagan worship!
Hail, O you who saved us from the mire of evil deeds!
Hail, O you who made cease the cult of fire!
Hail, O you who guide the faithful toward wisdom!
Hail, O you, Delight of all the Nations!
Hail, O you Trust of mortals before God!
Hail, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure!
[Response] Hail, O Theotokos of Canada!
KONTAKION
As Simon was about to leave the present deceitful world, You were entrusted to him as an infant,
but You made Yourself known to him as the perfect God. Wherefore he marveled at your wisdom
beyond words, and cried out: "Alleluia!"
SEVENTH CHANT
The Creator displayed a new creation to us who had come from Him: He came forth from a womb that
had received no seed, and He left it intact as it had been, so that at the sight of this marvel, we would
sing to her and cry out:
Hail, O Blossom of Incorruption!
Hail, O Crown of Self-mastery!
Hail, O you who shone forth as a Sign of Resurrection!
Hail, O you who displayed the Life of Angels!
Hail, Fruitful Tree from whom believers feed!
Hail, Shady Glen where many are sheltered!
Hail, O you who have born the Guide of the Lost!
Hail, Source of Life to the captives' Release!
Hail, O you who unsettled even the Just Judge!
Hail, Indulgence of many who have fallen!
Hail, O Stole for those who lack freedom to speak!
Hail, O Tenderness who exceed all desire!
Hail, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure!
[Response] Hail, O Theotokos of Canada!
KONTAKION
The whole order of the Angels marveled at the great work of your becoming a man: for they saw the
One Inaccessible as God become a Man accessible to all, living with us and hearing us cry out: "Alleluia!"
NINTH CHANT
O Mother of god, we see the best of speakers become as mute as fish in your regard, for they could not
explain how you could give birth while remaining a virgin. As for us, while marveling at the mystery, we cry
out to you with faith:
Hail O Container of God's Wisdom!
Hail., O Treasury of His Providence!
Hail, O Reproof of foolish philosophers!
Hail, O Confusion of speechless wise men!
Hail, for you perplexed the inquisitive minds!
Hail, for you dried up the inventors of myths!
Hail, for you ripped the Athenians' meshes!
Hail, for you filled the Fishermen's nets!
Hail, O Retriever from the Abyss of Ignorance!
Hail, O Lamplight of Knowledge to many!
Hail, O ship for those who seek Salvation!
Hail, O Harbor for the Sailors of Life!
Hail, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure!
[Response] Hail, O Theotokos of Canada!
KONTAKION
Because He wished to grant release from all the ancient debts, the One who pays men's dues came
down Himself to those who had spurned His grace; He tore up their obligations, and heard from all
of them this cry: "Alleluia!"
TWELFTH CHANT
By singing praise to your maternity, we all exalt you as a spiritual temple, Mother of God! For the One
Who Dwelt Within Your Womb, the Lord Who Holds All Things in His Hands, sanctified you, glorified you,
and taught all men to sing to you:
Hail, O Tabernacle of God the Word!
Hail, O Holy One, more holy than the saints!
Hail, O Ark that the Spirit has gilded!
Hail, Inexhaustible Treasure of Life!
Hail, Precious Crown of rightful authorities!
Hail, Sacred Glory of reverent priests!
Hail, Unshakable Tower of the Church!
Hail, Unbreachable Wall of the Kingdom!
Hail, O you through whom the trophies are raised!
Hail, O you through whom the enemies are routed!
Hail, O healing of my body!
Hail, O salvation of my soul!
Hail, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure!
[Response] Hail, O Theotokos of Canada!
KONTAKION
O Mother worthy of all praise, you who have given birth to the Word, the Holiest of the Holy, accept
this present offering, deliver all men from every affliction, and save from the future punishment those
who cry out to you: "Alleluia!"
[Response] Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Gabriel was rapt in amazement as he beheld your virginity and the splendor of your purity, O Theotokos,
and he cried to you: "By what name shall I call you? I am bewildered; I am lost! I shall greet you as I
was commanded to do: 'Hail, O Woman full of grace!' "
DISMISSAL
- GLORY TO THEE, O CHRIST, OUR GOD OUR SURE HOPE: GLORY TO THEE!
ALL GLORY TO THE FATHER +, AND TO THE SON, AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT, NOW AND EVER, AND
UNTO AGES OF AGES, AMEN. LORD, HAVE MERCY! LORD, HAVE MERCY! VLADYKO BLESS!
MAY CHRIST OUR TRUE GOD HAVE MERCY ON US AND SAVE US, THROUGH THE PRAYERS OF HIS MOST
PURE MOTHER AND OF ALL THE HOLY, GLORIOUS, AND ILLUSTRIOUS APOSTLES, THROUGH THE
PRAYERS OF ST. (N) WHOSE MEMORY WE CELEBRATE TODAY, AND ALL THE SAINTS, FOR HE IS
GRACIOUS AND LOVES MANKIND.
ALL: AMEN!
"The Icon Of The Theotokos Of Canada"
©1995
THE AKATHIST HYMN
TO THE THEOTOKOS OF CANADA
As written within the booklet for the Annual Dedication Service at All Saints Cathedral
by Metropolitan Joseph Royer
BLESSED IS OUR GOD, ALWAYS, NOW AND EVER, AND UNTO AGES OF AGES.
ALL: AMEN.
- O HEAVENLY KING, COMFORTER, SPIRIT OF TRUTH, YOU ARE EVERYWHERE PRESENT AQND FIT ALL THINGS,
TREASURY OF BLESSINGS, AND GIVER OF LIFE, COME AND DWELL WITHIN US, CLEANSE US OF ALL STAIN,
AND SAVE OUR SOULS, O GRACIOUS ONE!
- HOLY GOD, HOLY AND MIGHTY, HOLY AND IMMORTAL ONE, HAVE MERCY ON US. (Three times)
- O MOST HOLY TRINITY, HAVE MERCY ON US! O LORD, CLEANSE US OF OUR SINS! O MASTER,
FORGIVE OUR TRANSGRESSIONS! O HOLY ONE, COME TO US AND HEAL OUR INFORMITIES
FOR YOUR NAME'S SAKE!
- LORD HAVE MERCY. (Three times)
- GLORY BE TO THE FATHER + AND TO THE SON, AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT, NOW AND EVER,
AND UNTO AGES OF AGES. AMEN.
- OUR FATHER EHO ART IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME, THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE,
ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD. AND FORGIVE US OUR TREPASSES,
AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US, AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT
DELIVER US FROM EVIL. FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY, FATHER +, SON,
AND HOLY SPIRIT, NOW AND EVER AND UNTO AGES OF AGES.
[ALL] AMEN.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD.
[ALL] Lord, have mercy!
PREAMBLE
As soon as the angel had received his command, he hastened to Joseph's house and said to the ever-virgin:
"Behold, heaven has brought down to earth when the Word Himself was fully contained in you! Now that I
see Him in your womb, taking a servant's form, I cry out to you in wonder: Hail, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure!"
FIRST CHANT
An Archangel was sent from heaven to greet the Mother of God, and as he saw you assuming a body
at he sound of his bodiless voice, O Lord, he stood rapt in amazement and cried out to her in these words:
Hail, O you, through whom Joy will shine forth!
Hail, O you, through whom the curse will disappear!
Hail, O Restoration of the Fallen Adam!
Hail, O Redemption of the tears of Eve!
Hail, O Peak above the reach of human thought!
Hail, O Depth even beyond the sight of angels!
Hail, O you who have become a Kingly Throne!
Hail, O you who carry Him Who Carries All!
Hail, O Star who manifest the Sun!
Hail, O Womb of the Divine Incarnation!
Hail, O you through whom creation is renewed!
Hail, O you through whom the Creator becomes a Babe!
Hail, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure!
[Response] Hail, O Theotokos of Canada!
KONTAKION
When the power of the Most High overshadowed the one who had never known the nuptial bed,
her fruitful womb conceived, and she became for all a delicious field: those who wished to reap
salvation by singing "ALLELUIA!"
[Response] Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
THIRD CHANT
Pregnant with God, the Virgin hastened to Elizabeth, her unborn child rejoiced, immediately knowing
her embrace, Bouncing and singing, he cried out to the Mother of God:
Hail, O Tendril whose Bud shall not wilt!
Hail, O Soil whose Fruit shall not perish!
Hail, O Tender of mankind's loving Tender!
Hail, O Gardener of the Gardener of Life!
Hail, O Earth who yielded abundant mercies!
Hail, O Table full-laden with appeasement!
Hail, for you have greened anew the pastures of delight!
Hail, for you have prepared a haven for the souls!
Hail, acceptable Incense of Prayer!
Hail, Expiation of the whole universe!
Hail, O you Favor of God to mortal men!
Hail, O you Trust of mortals before God!
Hail, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure!
[Response] Hail, O Theotokos of Canada!
KONTAKION
When they saw the Star moved by God, the Magi followed its glittering light. Using it as a beacon,
they found through it the Mighty King, and reaching the One Beyond All Reach, they rejoiced and cried
out to Him: "Alleluia!"
FIFTH CHANT
The Sons of Chaldaea saw in the Virgin's hands the One whose hands had fashioned men: and
acknowledging Him as the Master, although He had taken the form of a servant, they hastened
to honour Him with their gifts and cried out to the Blessed One:
Hail, O Mother of the Star Without Setting!
Hail, O Radiance of the Mystical Day!
Hail, O you who quenched the flame of error!
Hail, O Light of those who search the Trinity!
Hail, O you who unthroned the Enemy of Men!
Hail, O you who showed forth Christ the Lord, Lover of Mankind!
Hail, O you who cleansed us from the stain of pagan worship!
Hail, O you who saved us from the mire of evil deeds!
Hail, O you who made cease the cult of fire!
Hail, O you who guide the faithful toward wisdom!
Hail, O you, Delight of all the Nations!
Hail, O you Trust of mortals before God!
Hail, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure!
[Response] Hail, O Theotokos of Canada!
KONTAKION
As Simon was about to leave the present deceitful world, You were entrusted to him as an infant,
but You made Yourself known to him as the perfect God. Wherefore he marveled at your wisdom
beyond words, and cried out: "Alleluia!"
SEVENTH CHANT
The Creator displayed a new creation to us who had come from Him: He came forth from a womb that
had received no seed, and He left it intact as it had been, so that at the sight of this marvel, we would
sing to her and cry out:
Hail, O Blossom of Incorruption!
Hail, O Crown of Self-mastery!
Hail, O you who shone forth as a Sign of Resurrection!
Hail, O you who displayed the Life of Angels!
Hail, Fruitful Tree from whom believers feed!
Hail, Shady Glen where many are sheltered!
Hail, O you who have born the Guide of the Lost!
Hail, Source of Life to the captives' Release!
Hail, O you who unsettled even the Just Judge!
Hail, Indulgence of many who have fallen!
Hail, O Stole for those who lack freedom to speak!
Hail, O Tenderness who exceed all desire!
Hail, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure!
[Response] Hail, O Theotokos of Canada!
KONTAKION
The whole order of the Angels marveled at the great work of your becoming a man: for they saw the
One Inaccessible as God become a Man accessible to all, living with us and hearing us cry out: "Alleluia!"
NINTH CHANT
O Mother of god, we see the best of speakers become as mute as fish in your regard, for they could not
explain how you could give birth while remaining a virgin. As for us, while marveling at the mystery, we cry
out to you with faith:
Hail O Container of God's Wisdom!
Hail., O Treasury of His Providence!
Hail, O Reproof of foolish philosophers!
Hail, O Confusion of speechless wise men!
Hail, for you perplexed the inquisitive minds!
Hail, for you dried up the inventors of myths!
Hail, for you ripped the Athenians' meshes!
Hail, for you filled the Fishermen's nets!
Hail, O Retriever from the Abyss of Ignorance!
Hail, O Lamplight of Knowledge to many!
Hail, O ship for those who seek Salvation!
Hail, O Harbor for the Sailors of Life!
Hail, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure!
[Response] Hail, O Theotokos of Canada!
KONTAKION
Because He wished to grant release from all the ancient debts, the One who pays men's dues came
down Himself to those who had spurned His grace; He tore up their obligations, and heard from all
of them this cry: "Alleluia!"
TWELFTH CHANT
By singing praise to your maternity, we all exalt you as a spiritual temple, Mother of God! For the One
Who Dwelt Within Your Womb, the Lord Who Holds All Things in His Hands, sanctified you, glorified you,
and taught all men to sing to you:
Hail, O Tabernacle of God the Word!
Hail, O Holy One, more holy than the saints!
Hail, O Ark that the Spirit has gilded!
Hail, Inexhaustible Treasure of Life!
Hail, Precious Crown of rightful authorities!
Hail, Sacred Glory of reverent priests!
Hail, Unshakable Tower of the Church!
Hail, Unbreachable Wall of the Kingdom!
Hail, O you through whom the trophies are raised!
Hail, O you through whom the enemies are routed!
Hail, O healing of my body!
Hail, O salvation of my soul!
Hail, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure!
[Response] Hail, O Theotokos of Canada!
KONTAKION
O Mother worthy of all praise, you who have given birth to the Word, the Holiest of the Holy, accept
this present offering, deliver all men from every affliction, and save from the future punishment those
who cry out to you: "Alleluia!"
[Response] Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Gabriel was rapt in amazement as he beheld your virginity and the splendor of your purity, O Theotokos,
and he cried to you: "By what name shall I call you? I am bewildered; I am lost! I shall greet you as I
was commanded to do: 'Hail, O Woman full of grace!' "
DISMISSAL
- GLORY TO THEE, O CHRIST, OUR GOD OUR SURE HOPE: GLORY TO THEE!
ALL GLORY TO THE FATHER +, AND TO THE SON, AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT, NOW AND EVER, AND
UNTO AGES OF AGES, AMEN. LORD, HAVE MERCY! LORD, HAVE MERCY! VLADYKO BLESS!
MAY CHRIST OUR TRUE GOD HAVE MERCY ON US AND SAVE US, THROUGH THE PRAYERS OF HIS MOST
PURE MOTHER AND OF ALL THE HOLY, GLORIOUS, AND ILLUSTRIOUS APOSTLES, THROUGH THE
PRAYERS OF ST. (N) WHOSE MEMORY WE CELEBRATE TODAY, AND ALL THE SAINTS, FOR HE IS
GRACIOUS AND LOVES MANKIND.
ALL: AMEN!