Prayers to the All-holy Theotokos Which Are Read before Her Wonderworking Kazan Icon
Prayer I
O all-holy Lady, Mistress Theotokos! Falling down before thy precious and wonder-working icon with fear, faith and love, we beseech thee: turn not thy face away from them that have recourse unto thee. Entreat the Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son and our God, O merciful Mother, that He preserve our land in peace, that He confirm the rule of our lawful civil authorities, that He maintain His holy Church inviolable, and deliver it from unbelief, heresies and schism. For we have no other help, we have no other hope than thee, O all-pure Virgin: thou art the almighty helper and aid of Christians. Deliver thou all that pray to thee from sinful falls, from assault by evil men, from all temptations, sorrows, sicknesses and tribulation, and from sudden death. Grant us the spirit of contrition, humility of heart, purity of thought, correction of our sinful life, and remission of transgressions, that, hymning thy mighty works and thy mercies manifested over us here on earth, we may be accounted worthy also of the kingdom of heaven, and may glorify there, with all the saints, the all-honorable and majestic name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer II
O all-holy Mistress Theotokos, Queen of heaven and earth, who art more exalted than the angels and archangels, and art more honorable than all creation, O pure Virgin Mary, good helper of the world, confirmation of all people, and deliverance amid every need! Look down now, O most merciful Lady, upon thy servants who pray to thee with compunctionate soul and contrite heart, falling down before thee with tears and venerating thy most precious and healing image, asking help and assistance. O most merciful and pure Virgin Theotokos, who art full of lovingkindness! Look upon thy people, O Lady, for we sinners have no other help than thee and Christ our God Who was born of thee. Thou art our aid and intercession, thou art the defense of the oppressed, the joy of the sorrowful, the refuge of orphans, the protectress of widows, the glory of virgins, the gladness of them that weep, the visitation of the sick, the healing of the infirm, the salvation of sinners. Wherefore, O Mother of God, we have recourse unto thee, gazing upon the most precious image of thee holding the pre-eternal Infant, our Lord Jesus Christ, on thine arm; and we offer compunctionate hymnody unto thee and cry out: Have mercy on us, O Mother of God, and fulfil our petition, for all things are possible for thy mediation: for unto thee is due glory, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.