Posted on 05/03/2004 8:48:00 AM PDT by NYer
Akathist Hymn
to the Mother of God
Ode 1
From the Soul
An archangel was sent from Heaven, to greet the Mother of God. And as he saw You, O Lord, assuming human form, he stood rapt in amazement and cried out to her in these words:
Rejoice, O you, though whom joy will shine forth!
Rejoice, O you, through whom the curse will disappear!
Rejoice, O restoration of the fallen Adam!
Rejoice, O redemption of the tears of Eve!
Rejoice, O height, beyond human understanding!
Rejoice, O depth, not fathomed by the angels!
Rejoice, for you are the Throne of the King!
Rejoice, for you carried Him, Who carries all!
Rejoice, O morning star who manifests the Sun!
Rejoice, O womb of the Divine Incarnation!
Rejoice, O you, through whom Creation is renewed!
Rejoice, O you, through whom the Creator becomes a Babe!
Rejoice, O Bride and Maiden — ever-pure!
From the Heart
Knowing that she was pure, the most blessed Virgin quickly answered Gabriel saying: "My soul is unable to understand Your mysterious words. How is it, that you speak of a birth that is to come from a conception without seed, and sing: Alleluia?"
Alleluia (3).
Ode 2
From the Soul Rejoice, Hidden secret of God's ineffable Plan! Rejoice, O heavenly Ladder, by which God came down! Rejoice, for you gave birth to the glorious Light! Rejoice, O Bride and Maiden — ever-pure!
Trying to grasp the meaning of this mystery, the Virgin asked the holy messenger of God: "How is it possible that a son be born of a virginal womb? Tell me." But instead he answered her with great awe, crying out in these words:
Rejoice, for you believed in the Mystery unrevealed!
Rejoice, for you are the beginning of the miracles of Christ!
Rejoice, for you are the crown of the truths concerning Him!
Rejoice, O Bridge, leading those on earth to heaven!
Rejoice, O Miracle, most-wondrous to the angels!
Rejoice, O Wound, bewailed by the demons!
Rejoice, for you did not revel how it was done!
Rejoice, for you surpass the wisdom of the wise!
Rejoice, for you enlighten the minds of the faithful!
When the power of the Most High overshadowed the one who is blessed among women, her fruitful womb conceived. She became for all a wondrous field — for those who wish to reap salvation while singing: Alleluia!Alleluia (3).
Ode 3
From the Soul
Bearing God in her womb the Virgin hastened to Elizabeth, whose unborn child immediately recognized her greeting and rejoiced. Leaping up as if in song, he cried out to the Mother of God:
Rejoice, O Vine, bearing the unfolding Bloom!
Rejoice, O Land, who bears immortal Fruit!
Rejoice, O you, who cared for the Lover of mankind!
Rejoice, O you, who gave birth to the Giver of life!
Rejoice, O Field, bearing a wealth of compassion!
Rejoice, O Table, laden with gifts of mercy!
Rejoice, for you make Paradise blossom in beauty again!
Rejoice, for you prepare a haven for our souls!
Rejoice, most pleasing Incense of intercession!
Rejoice, Offering for the whole world!
Rejoice, good will of God unto all mankind
Rejoice, Confidence of all before God.
Rejoice, O Bride and Maiden — ever-pure!
From the Heart
Joseph, a righteous man, was overcome by doubt and contradiction. He feared that You, all-blameless One, had been deluded by someone until he learned that Your conception was by the power of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph cried out: Alleluia!Alleluia (3).
Ode 4 From the Soul Rejoice, Mother of the Lamb and the Shepherd! Rejoice, for the heavens rejoice with the earth! Rejoice, O firm foundation of faith! Rejoice, O Bride and Maiden — ever-pure!
The Shepherds heard the angels singing hymns of praise to Christ, who had come to earth in human flesh. They hurried to Him as would the flock to its Master and upon seeing God as the spotless Lamb nurtured from the womb of Mary, they greeted her saying:
Rejoice, Fold of spiritual lambs!
Rejoice, Protection against invisible foes!
Rejoice, Key to the doors of Paradise!
Rejoice, for the earth sings praise with the heavens!
Rejoice, unceasing glory of the Apostles!
Rejoice, unconquerable courage of the Martyrs!
Rejoice, O radiant recognition of grace!
Rejoice, O you through whom hell was stripped bare!
Rejoice, O you through whom we are clothed with glory.
When they saw God's wondrous Star, the Magi followed its glittering light as they would a beacon, in search of a mighty King. And having found Him, they drew near the unapproachable One, rejoicing and exclaiming: Alleluia!Alleluia (3).
Ode 5 From the Soul Rejoice, O Mother of the never-setting Star! Rejoice, for you banished from power the merciless tyrant! Rejoice, O you who suppressed the worship of fire! Rejoice, O Bride and Maiden — ever-pure!
When the sons of Chaldea beheld in the hands of the Virgin, Him, the Creator, who had fashioned mankind by His own Hand, they recognized in Him their Master, even though He had come as a tiny Babe. And so they hastened to honour Him with gifts and to the greet the most-blessed of all women:
Rejoice, O Dawn of the Mystic day!
Rejoice, O you, who quenched the furnace of error,
Rejoice, O you, who guard the disciples of the Holy Trinity!
Rejoice, for you made manifest Christ the Lord, the Lover of Mankind,
Rejoice, for you have delivered us from pagan worship!
Rejoice, for you freed us from unclean deeds.
Rejoice, O you who quench the flames of the passions!
Rejoice, O Guide of the faithful towards wisdom!
Rejoice, O Joy of all generations!
Having fulfilled Your prophecy, O Lord, the Magi returned to Babylon as God-bearing heralds. They preached to all and witnessed to You as the Christ, leaving Herod behind as a fool, who could not sing: Alleluia!Alleluia (3).
Ode 6 From the Soul Rejoice, elation of mankind! Rejoice, for like the Red Sea, you have drowned the Pharaoh of duplicity! Rejoice, O Successor to manna! Rejoice, O Bride and Maiden — ever-pure!
Illuminating Egypt with the light of Truth, You dispelled the darkness of sin and seduction, O Saviour. The idols of that land fell down, unable to withstand Your power and all who were delivered from them greeted the Mother of God:
Rejoice, downfall of the demons!
Rejoice, for you crushed the power of deceit!
Rejoice, for you exposed the fraud of idols!
Rejoice, for like the rock, you have given drink to those who thirst for life!
Rejoice, Pillar of fire, guiding those in darkness!
Rejoice, Protection of the world, broader that the clouds!
Rejoice, O Servant of the Banquet Divine!
Rejoice, O Promised Land!
Rejoice, Land of milk and honey!
When Simeon was soon to leave this deceitful world, You were brought to him as a Child. Taking You into his arms he recognized You as the true God, and marveling at Your ineffable wisdom, he cried out: Alleluia!Alleluia (3).
Ode 7 From the Soul Rejoice, O Flower of incorruption! Rejoice, Tree of good fruit from which the faithful feed! Rejoice, Intercessor before the Just Judge! Rejoice, O Bride and Maiden — ever-pure!
The Creator revealed a new creation when He came down to us, His creation. He came forth from a womb that had received no seed, preserving it intact as it was before, so that seeing this miracle we might sing to the Mother of God:
Rejoice, O Garland of purity!
Rejoice, O you, who shine as a sign of the resurrection!
Rejoice, O you, who reveal the life of the angels!
Rejoice, shady Glen where many find shelter!
Rejoice, for you gave birth to the Saviour of the captives!
Rejoice, for you gave birth to the Leader for the lost!
Rejoice, Forgiveness of many sins!
Rejoice, Hope of the hopeless!
Rejoice, Tenderness beyond all expectations!
Seeing this miraculous birth, let us become strangers to the world and fix our minds on Heaven. Indeed, it is for this reason that the God Most-High appeared on earth: e became a humble man, desiring to draw up to heaven all those who cry out to Him: Alleluia!Alleluia (3).
Ode 8 From the Soul Rejoice, Vessel of the uncontainable God! Rejoice, most holy chariot of Him, who rides upon the Cherubim! Rejoice, O you, through whom sin was absolved! Rejoice, O Bride and Maiden — ever-pure!
The Word unfathomed was wholly present here below, yet in no way absent from the realm on high. For this was a Divine Descent and not a change of place. His birth was from a Virgin who received God, as she heard these words:
Rejoice, Gate of Solemn Mystery!
Rejoice, Unheard Message for unbelievers!
Rejoice, highest Praise of the faithful!
Rejoice, most glorious Dwelling of the One above the Seraphim!
Rejoice, O you, who joined opposites!
Rejoice O you, who united virginity and motherhood!
Rejoice, O you, through whom paradise was re-opened!
Rejoice, Key to the Kingdom of Christ!
Rejoice, Hope of eternal blessing!
All the angelic hosts were amazed at Your Incarnation, for they saw God, Whom no one can approach, as a man, approachable by all. He came to dwell among us and He heard from all: Alleluia!Alleluia (3).
Ode 9 From the Soul Rejoice, Vessel of the Wisdom of God! Rejoice, for the clever have made fools of themselves! Rejoice, O you, who draw us from the depths of ignorance! Rejoice, O Bride and Maiden — ever-pure!
Worldly speakers become mute as fish before you, O Mother of God, for they are at a loss to say how you remained a virgin and yet were able to bear a child. As for us, while marveling at this mystery, we cry out to you with faith:
Rejoice, Treasury of His Providence!
Rejoice, Reproof of foolish philosophers!
Rejoice, for the eloquent become speechless before you!
Rejoice, for the myth-makers have been silenced!
Rejoice, for you dispelled the Athenian snares!
Rejoice, for you filled the nets of the fishermen!
Rejoice, O Lamplight of understanding to many!
Rejoice, O Ship, for all who seek salvation!
Rejoice, O Harbour, in the voyage of life!
Wishing to save the world, the Creator of all came to us as He had promised. Being our God and our Shepherd, out of love for us He took flesh and appeared to all. As man - he called out to all mankind; and as God - he heard from us: Alleluia!Alleluia (3).
Ode 10 From the Soul Rejoice, Pillar of virginity! Rejoice, for you restore those conceived in sin! Rejoice, bridal Chamber of a betrothal without seed!
O Virgin, Mother of God, you are the strength of virgins and of all those who take refuge in you. For the Creator of heaven and earth gave you to be our Protectress, O Pure One. He dwelt in your womb and taught all to cry out to you:
Rejoice, Gate of salvation!
Rejoice, Leader of spiritual renewal!
Rejoice, Bestower of God's grace!
Rejoice, for you counsel those lost in their understanding!
Rejoice, for you stopped the corrupter of hearts!
Rejoice, for you gave birth to the Sower of Chastity!
Rejoice, for you joined the faithful to their Lord!
Rejoice, gracious Mother of virgins!
Rejoice, Bridal escort of Holy souls!
From the Heart
The greatest song of praise cannot compare with the multitude of Your mercies, O Holy King! We could sing to You as many songs as there are grains of sand, and yet do nothing worthy of what You have given to us, who cry out to You: Alleluia!Alleluia (3).
Ode 11 From the Heart Rejoice, Ray of the Living Sun! Rejoice, for you caused the many-starred Light to dawn, Rejoice, flowing water, that cleanses the conscience! Rejoice, O Bride and Maiden — ever-pure!
We see the holy Virgin as a light-bearing lamp, appearing to those who live in darkness. For she is the one who kindled the immaterial Light, and now, she leads all mankind to the knowledge of God. She fills ours minds with radiance and is worthy of being praised in these words:
Rejoice, Radiance, unfading in splendor!
Rejoice, Lightning-flash that enlightens our souls!
Rejoice, Thunder-clap, that strikes down all foes!
Rejoice, for you caused the ever-flowing River to spring,
Rejoice, Icon of the baptismal font,
Rejoice, for you wash away the stain of sin!
Rejoice, holy Vessel, overflowing with joy!
Rejoice, Fragrance of the sweetness Christ!
Rejoice, Life of the Mystical Banquet!
The Lord, who settles all men's scores, desired to make right the ancient debts by means of grace. He came of His own will to those who had fallen from His grace and He tore up the record of their wrong-doings. From all He hears: Alleluia!Alleluia (3).
Ode 12 From the Soul Rejoice, O Tabernacle of God the Word! Rejoice, precious Crown of pious Kings! Rejoice, O you, through whom Victory is assured! Rejoice, O Bride and Maiden — ever-pure!
As we sing of Your childbirth, we praise you as the living Temple, O Mother of God. For the Lord, Who holds all things in His Hand made His dwelling in Your womb. He hallowed and He glorified You, teaching all to sing to You:
Rejoice, O Holy One, greater than the Holies!
Rejoice, O Ark, made golden by the Spirit!
Rejoice, O inexhaustible Treasury of life!
Rejoice, sacred glory of reverent priests!
Rejoice, invincible tower of the Church!
Rejoice, indestructible Wall of the kingdom!
Rejoice, O you, through whom enemies are cast down!
Rejoice, O Healing of my body!
Rejoice, O Salvation of my soul!
O Mother worthy of all praise;
you who have given birth to the Word,
the Holiest of the Holy,
accept this present offering, deliver us from all affliction,
and save from the future punishment those who cry out to you:
Alleluia!
Final Ode
From the Soul
To you, O powerful Queen and Ruler, we sing this song of praise to you, Mother of God. Since you have unconquerable power, protect us from all danger so that we may sing to you: Rejoice, O Bride and Maiden — ever-pure!
Rejoice, O Bride and Maiden — ever-pure!An archangel was sent from Heaven, to greet the Mother of God. And as he saw You, O Lord, assuming human form, he stood rapt in amazement and cried out to her in these words : Rejoice, O you, though whom joy will shine forth! Rejoice, O height, beyond human understanding! Rejoice, O morning star who manifests the Sun! Rejoice, O Bride and Maiden — ever-pure!
Rejoice, O you, through whom the curse will disappear!
Rejoice, O restoration of the fallen Adam!
Rejoice, O redemption of the tears of Eve!
Rejoice, O depth, not fathomed by the angels!
Rejoice, for you are the Throne of the King!
Rejoice, for you carried Him, Who carries all!
Rejoice, O womb of the Divine Incarnation!
Rejoice, O you, through whom Creation is renewed!
Rejoice, O you, through whom the Creator becomes a Babe!
Prayer to the Mother of GodAll: O Most Holy Sovereign Lady and Mother of God, powerful to all good, receive from your unworthy servants this praiseworthy hymn, which is due to you alone, for you have been chosen from among the human race and are higher than all celestial and earthly creatures. For through you, our Almighty Lord has dwelt among us; through you, we have come to know the Son of God and are honoured to have his Most Holy Body and Most Precious Blood. Thus you are blessed among all generations.You are higher in honour than the Cherubim and beyond compare more glorious that the Seraphim. O most-honourable and most holy Mother of God, do not cease to pray for us today, your unworthy servants, so that we may be protected against the guile of the evil one; from his greediness; and that we be delivered unharmed from the his deadly temptations.Protect us with your prayer until the end of our life and before the eternal judgment; that we, being saved by your help and intercession, might give glory, praise, thanksgiving and honour for all, to the Holy Trinity, One God and Creator of all creatures, now and always and forever. Amen.
Rejoice Virgin MaryRejoice Virgin Mary, Full of Grace!
O Theotokos, the Lord is with you!
Blessed are you among women!
and blessed is the fruit of your womb:
For you have given birth,
to the Saviour of our souls (2).
You stand on your interpretation. Trying to claim that your opinion about the Bible isn't interpretation and ours is, is nothing more than special pleading.
For example:
The woman in Revelation is Israel
Says who? Revelation doesn't identify her by name as "Israel" or anyone else. So you aren't "standing on the word alone," you just added your interpretative opinion to it.
Incidentally, if the woman is "Israel," then who are "the rest of" Israel's children, "those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus" (v. 12:17)?
Which people in heaven are dead?
"Salvation is of Israel" All the saints, the biblicas sense not the RC sense, would be the rest of Israel's offspring.
I'm always amused and interested at how many people who never read the bible are so quick to use the term "interpretation" on me. I don't know how much you read it but it is just an observation.
A shortcut in speach as Paul himself often uses.
Caiaphas was one of Israel's offspring. Do you include him?
Judas Iscariot was one of Israel's offspring. Do you include him?
John 1:13 says that God's children are not born that way of natural descent. Sounds like you think they are. Shall I trust you, or the Word alone?
What does that have to do with me?
"Born of a woman" and "Born of her flesh" are 2 very different things, the scripture never says anything about the latter.
and by saying that, you say that he is not of anyone's flesh. Yet, he repeatedly calls himself, "the Son of Man." You have denied the human nature of Christ! Please be careful using your own reasoning to construct arguments, for you are denying basic doctrines which are held by ALL those who proclaim to be Christian.
Not at all. He does not have to be of her egg to for all of the scripture about Him to be true yet if He is of her egg the verse in question falls apart.
The Church did not give birth to Jesus in any sense.
Theotokos is properly translated "god bearer". Its use in the early (truly) ecumenical creed was to establish and guard the divinity of Christ, not to elevate or envoke adoartion of Mary. Protestants understand the word in that sense only.
(a) The Gk. word rendered "highly favoured" here (KJV) and in many translations, is "kecharitomene." Catholic Bibles usually translate it "full of grace," which is permissible, and not merely a biased position. E.g., the Protestant Amplified Bible mentions in a note that "endued with grace" is the "literal translation." W.E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of N.T. Words, a standard Protestant reference, states that the word means "to make graceful or gracious . . . grace implies more than favour; grace is a free gift, favour may be deserved or gained."
If this be true, the Catholic rendering makes more clear the Catholic position that (b) Mary's Immaculate Conception is entirely unmerited on her part, a sheer act of mercy and grace performed solely by God.
There is no logical, biblically necessary connection between (a) and (b). "Highly favored", "full of grace", etc. does not translate into "immaculate conception" except in RC theology.
Mary had to be sinless in order to be in such close proximity to God Himself.
Harldy. Jesus surrounded Himself with sinners ever day. Witness the story of the woman with the issue of blood in Matt 9:20. Even though she approached Jesus in her unclean state, rather than her defiling Him as was testified in the law, He made her clean. Such is the power of Christ to overcome sin.
Again, this is another of those logical leaps that is not required from the Scriptural account.
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