A Prayer to the All-Holy Theotokos

O most merciful Lady Theotokos, Queen of heaven, almighty helper, our hope unashamed: we thank thee for all the benefactions which thou hast shown toward the Russian people, from of old and even unto this day, revealed through thy miraculous icon. And now, O all-good Mistress, mercifully regard thy servants; show us thy mercy and entreat thy Son, Christ our God, that we be delivered from all evil, that our cities, towns and villages, and all our land, be preserved from famine, plague, earthquake, flood, fire, the sword, the invasion of aliens and civil strife. For our civil authorities ask thou a peaceful life, health, length of days, and goodly prosperity and salvation in all things. Preserve and grant wisdom to the pastors of the Church, that they may shepherd the flock of Christ as is meet and rightly divide the word of the Truth. Strengthen our armed forces. Grant the spirit of good counsel and understanding to the military commanders and all the secular leaders who exercise authority. Send down thy holy blessing also upon all Orthodox Christians, who bow down and praise thee before thy healing icon. Be for us an advocate and mediator before the throne of the Most High, where thou standest. For to whom shall we flee if not to thee, O Mistress? To whom shall be bring our tears and sighs if not to thee, O all-holy Theotokos? For we have none other help, we have none other hope than thee, O Queen of heaven. We seek refuge beneath thy protection: by thy supplications send down upon us peace, health, fertility of the soil, seasonable weather; deliver us from all misfortunes and tribulations, from all sickness and infirmities, from sudden death and from all the oppression of our enemies, visible and invisible. Enlighten and teach us, O most merciful helper, how to travel the path of this earthly life without sin. Thou knowest our weakness, and thou knowest also our offenses; yet thou also knowest our faith and seest our hope. Grant us correction of our sinful life, and soften our evil hearts. Strengthen the right Faith within us, and instill the spirit of the fear of God within our hearts—the spirit of piety, the spirit of humility, of patience and love, of readiness to do good; and deliver us from temptations, from pernicious and soul-destroying doctrines, from unbelief, subversion and eternal damnation. We beseech thee, O all-pure Mistress, and, falling down before thy holy icon, we pray: Take pity on us and have mercy on us; and on the dread day of judgment, by thy mediation and intercession, vouchsafe that we may stand at the right hand of thy Son, Christ our God, to Whom is due all glory, honor and worship, with His unoriginate Father, and His all-holy, good and consubstantial Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.