A Prayer to the All-Holy Theotokos, the Joy of All Who Sorrow

O all-holy Virgin, Mother of the Lord of the hosts on high, Queen of heaven and earth, almighty advocate for our city (monastery) and country! Accept this hymnody of praise and thanksgiving from us, thine unworthy servants, and carry our entreaties to the throne of God thy Son, that He may be treat our unrighteousness with mercy and extend His grace unto those who honor thy most honorable name and bow down before thy wonder-working icon with faith and love. For we shall not be worthy of His pity, unless thou beseech Him in our behalf, O Mistress; for all things are possible for thee to obtain from Him. Wherefore, we flee to thee, our sure and speedy helper: Hearken unto us who pray to thee; overshadow us with thine almighty protection, and ask of God thy Son: for our pastors, zeal and vigilance concerning souls; for our civil authorities, wisdom and strength; for judges, justice and impartiality; for those who teach, understanding and humble-mindedness; for husbands and wives, love and concord; for children, obedience; for the oppressed, endurance; for the oppressors, the fear of God; for the sorrowful, good cheer; for the joyful, moderation; and for all of us: the spirit of understanding and piety, the spirit of lovingkindness and meekness, the spirit of purity and righteousness. Yea, O all-holy Lady, take pity on thine afflicted people: gather the dispersed, guide the lost to the right path, support the elderly, teach the young sober-mindedness, nourish the infants, and look upon us all with the gaze of thy merciful assistance. Raise us up from the abyss of sin, and illumine the eyes of our hearts, that we may behold salvation. Take pity on us here, in the land of our earthly sojourn, and at the dread judgment of thy Son. Cause our fathers and brethren who have passed from this life in faith and repentance to abide in life eternal with the angels and all the saints. For thou, O Lady, art the glory of those in heaven and the hope of those upon the earth. After God thou art our hope and the helper of all who have recourse unto thee with faith. Therefore, we pray to thee; and to thee, as to our almighty helper, do we commend ourselves and one another, and all our life, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.