This is an English translation of the most famous and liturgically important hymn of the Orthodox church, not only a timeless Chritian prayer, but also a perennial source of theological doctrine and artistic inspiration. Reproduced here with thanks to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Recordings of this hymn are available from our Sacred Audio Collection.
First Stasis
Priest: An Angel of the first rank was sent from heaven to say to the Theotokos: Rejoice! (3) And perceiving You, O Lord, taking bodily form, he stood in awe and with his bodiless voice cried aloud to her as follows:
Rejoice, through whom joy shall shine forth;
Rejoice, through whom the curse shall vanish.
Rejoice, fallen Adam’s restoration;
Rejoice, redemption of Eve’s tears.
Rejoice, height that is too difficult for human thought to ascend;
Rejoice, depth that is too strenuous for Angels’ eyes to perceive
Rejoice, for you are the throne of the King;
Rejoice, for you hold him Who sustains everything.
Rejoice, star that shows forth the Sun;
Rejoice, womb in which God became incarnate.
Rejoice, through whom creation is renewed;
Rejoice, through whom the Creator becomes an infant.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: The holy one, beholding herself in innocence, says to Gabriel: The incredible tidings of your voice appear difficult for my soul to accept. For how do you speak of childbirth from a seedless conception, crying: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: Curious to know knowledge what is knowable to no one, the Virgin cried out to the ministering angel: How is it possible for a son to be born of pure loins? Tell me. To whom the angel answered in fear, crying out:
Rejoice, initiate of ineffable counsel;
Rejoice, faith of silent beseechers.
Rejoice, introduction to Christ’s miracles;
Rejoice, consummation of his doctrinal articles.
Rejoice, heavenly ladder by which God came down;
Rejoice, bridge leading those from earth to heaven.
Rejoice, marvel greatly renowned among the Angels;
Rejoice, wound bitterly lamented by demons.
Rejoice, for you gave birth to the light ineffably;
Rejoice, for the “how” you taught to no one.
Rejoice, surpassing the knowledge of scholars;
Rejoice, dawn that illumines the minds of believers.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: The divine power of the Most High overshadowed the unwedded Maiden that she might conceive, and made her luxuriant womb appear as a luscious field for everyone who desires to reap salvation while chanting thusly: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: The Virgin, bearing God in her womb, hastened to visit Elizabeth, whose own babe at once knowing her greeting, rejoiced and leaping up as if in song, cried out to the Theotokos:
Rejoice, branch of an unwithered shoot;
Rejoice, land of unblemished fruit.
Rejoice, you who cultivate the husband and who loves humankind;
Rejoice, for you gave birth to the gardener of our life.
Rejoice, arable land yielding an abundance of compassion;
Rejoice, table laden an abundance of grace.
Rejoice, for you make flourish the meadows of luxury;
Rejoice, for you prepare a safe harbor for our souls.
Rejoice, intercession’s acceptable incense;
Rejoice, expiation for all the world.
Rejoice, goodwill of God to mortals;
Rejoice, boldness of mortals before God.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Fraught within with confusion, brought about by doubtful thoughts, the wise Joseph was troubled as he looked upon you the unwedded, and suspected you, O Blameless one. But when he learned of your conception by the Holy Spirit, he said: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Kontakion
O Champion General, we your faithful inscribe to you the prize of victory as gratitude for being rescued from calamity, O Theotokos. But since you have invincible power, free us from all kinds of perils so that we may cry out to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Canon Ode One. Tone Four.
The Eirmos.
I shall open my mouth and it shall be filled with the Spirit; and I shall pour out a word to the Mother and Queen; and I shall be seen cheerfully celebrating; and rejoicing I shall sing her miracles.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
O animate book of Christ, sealed by the Spirit, O pure one, the great Archangel, beholding you, exclaimed: Rejoice, O vessel of joy through whom the first mother’s curse shall be broken.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, Virgin Bride of God, the restoration of Adam, the mortification of Hades.
Rejoice, completely unblemished One, the palace of the only King.
Rejoice, fiery throne of the Sovereign of all.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, unfading rose.
Rejoice, the only one who budded forth the unfading apple.
Rejoice, birth-giver of the aromatic balm of the King of all.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded, the world’s salvation.
Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Rejoice, treasury of purity, through whom we have risen from our fall.
Rejoice, O Lady, sweet-smelling lily that sends forth its fragrant scent to the faithful.
Rejoice, aromatic incense and precious oil of myrrh.
Ode Three. The Eirmos.
O Theotokos, living and abundant fountain, strengthen those united in spiritual fellowship who sing hymns of praise to you. And in your divine glory, deem them worthy of crowns of glory.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, untilled land which has sprouted the divine ear of wheat.
Rejoice, living table which has held the bread of life.
Rejoice, O Lady, never empty font of living water.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, O heifer that gave birth to the unblemished calf for the faithful.
Rejoice, O ewe that conceived the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Rejoice, O warm mercy seat, our fervent intercessor.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, luminous morning that alone brings Christ the Sun.
Rejoice, dwelling place of light, dispeller of darkness who has diminished utterly the darkened demons.
Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Rejoice, only gate that only the Logos has gone through, for in your giving birth you shattered the bars and gates of Hades.
Rejoice, all-laudable, divine entrance of those who are being saved.
Second Stasis
The shepherds heard the appearance of Christ in the flesh being glorified; and hastening as to a shepherd, they beheld him as a spotless lamb who had been pastured in the womb of Mary, to whom they sing praises saying:
Rejoice, mother of the Lamb and Shepherd;
Rejoice, sheepfold of spiritual sheep.
Rejoice, defense against invisible enemies;
Rejoice, key to the doors of Paradise.
Rejoice, for heavenly things are exulting with the earth;
Rejoice, earthly things that are dancing with the heavenly ones.
Rejoice, never-silent voice of the Apostles;
Rejoice, unconquered courage of the Martyrs.
Rejoice, faith’s unshakable foundation;
Rejoice, shining revelation of grace.
Rejoice, through whom Hades is divested;
Rejoice, through whom we have been vested in glory.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Beholding the star leading to God, the Magi followed its brightness; and holding it as a lantern, they searched for the powerful King, and reaching the Unreachable, they rejoiced and cried to him: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: The Chaldean children in the hands of the Virgin saw him who fashioned humankind. And perceiving him to be the Lord, even though he had taken the form of a slave, they hastened to pay tribute with gifts and to greet the blessed Lady:
Rejoice, mother of an unsetting star;
Rejoice, dawn of the mystic day.
Rejoice, who extinguished the furnace of error;
Rejoice, who enlighten initiates of the Trinity.
Rejoice, deposer of the inhuman tyrant from his rule;
Rejoice, discloser of the Lord Christ who loves humankind.
Rejoice, redeemer from pagan religions;
Rejoice, deliverer from the mire of sin.
Rejoice, for you have caused the worship of fire to cease;
Rejoice, releaser from the flames of passions.
Rejoice, guide of the faithful to chastity;
Rejoice, gladness of all generations.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: The Magi went to Babylon having become the God-bearing heralds. For they fulfilled Your prophecy and proclaimed You as the Christ to all, abandoning Herod as frivolous who did not know to sing: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: Illumining in Egypt the light of truth, You dispelled the darkness of error; for her idols, O Savior, unable to endure your strength fell, while they who were delivered from them cried to the Theotokos:
Rejoice, the restoration of humankind;
Rejoice, the downfall of demons.
Rejoice, crusher of the delusion of error;
Rejoice, uncoverer of the deceit of idolatry.
Rejoice, sea that drowned the invisible Pharaoh;
Rejoice, rock that refreshed those thirsty for life
Rejoice, pillar of fire that guides those in darkness;
Rejoice, protection of the world wider than a cloud.
Rejoice, replacer of manna;
Rejoice, minister of sacred joy.
Rejoice, land of promises;
Rejoice, from whom flow milk and honey.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Master, You were presented as a babe to Symeon on the threshold of being transported out of this present beguiling age, but also perceived by him to be perfect God; for which cause he marveled at Your ineffable wisdom, crying: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Kontakion
O Champion General, we your faithful inscribe to you the prize of victory as gratitude for being rescued from calamity, O Theotokos. But since you have invincible power, free us from all kinds of perils so that we may cry out to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Ode Four. The Eirmos
He who sits in holy glory, on the throne of Divinity, on a swift cloud came Jesus the transcendent God, and by his undefiled hand has saved those who cry Out; Glory be to Your power, O Christ.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
In voices of song faithfully we rejoice all-laudable One.
Rejoice, rich mountain flowing with the milk of the Spirit.
Rejoice, lamp and golden jar containing the manna which sweetens the senses of the devout.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, mercy-seat of the world untainted Lady.
Rejoice, raising all from earth by grace.
Rejoice bridge that truly conveys from death to life all those who sing your praises.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
More exalted than the heavens, rejoice, you who carded earth’s foundation painlessly in your womb. Rejoice, O sea shell who dyed with your own virgin blood the divine purple robe worn by the King of angelic hosts.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Lady, you truly gave birth to the divine Giver of the law who washes clean the lawlessness of all. O incomprehensible depth and ineffable height, Maiden unwedded, through whom we are deified.
Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
You have woven for the world a crown unwoven by human hands and we praise you saying: Rejoice, O Virgin, the fortress and citadel and protective wall and refuge of all.
Ode Five. The Eirmos.
Amazed was the universe by your divine glory. For while never experiencing marriage, you held, O Virgin, the God of all in your womb, and gave birth to an eternal Son who grants salvation to all who chant hymns of praise to you.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, for you carried in your womb the Way of life.
Rejoice, Bride of God, all-blameless Maiden, who saved the world from the flood of sin.
Rejoice, awe-inspiring message and report, habitation of the One who is Lord of all creation.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
The might and the fortress of the human race, O Undefiled.
Rejoice, holy place of glory, slayer of Hades, and bridal chamber of light.
Rejoice, delight of the angels.
Rejoice, helper of those who pray to you faithfully.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Fiery chariot of God the Word and risen Son.
Rejoice, Lady, living paradise, which in its center contains the tree of life, the Lord, whose sweetness gives life to those who participate with faith although subject to decay.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Strengthened by your power, we faithfully cry out to you with faith: Rejoice, city of the Great King, about which glorious and remarkable things have been clearly declared. Rejoice, O unquarried mountain and unfathomable depth.
Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Rejoice, O Undefiled dwelling of the Word, seashell that produces the divine pearl.
Rejoice, O Lady, exceedingly wonderful, who reconciles with God all those who bless you, the Theotokos, each time.
Ode Six. The Eirmos
O godly-minded people, as we perform this divine and all-honorable feast in honor of the Mother of our God, let us clap our hands and give glory to God who was born of her.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us
The spotless chamber of the Word, for all the Cause of deification, rejoice, all-undefiled the prophets’ echoing prophecy. Rejoice, adornment of the Apostles.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
From you has dripped the refreshing dew that quenched the flame of idolatry. We therefore cry aloud to you: Rejoice, O Virgin, fleece cover with dew which Gideon foresaw.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Behold, we cry out to you, rejoice. Become for us a harbor and haven, for we are tossed about on the sea of adversity, and of the many scandals of him who wars with us.
Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
O cause for joy, endow our thoughts with grace that we may cry: Rejoice, O unconsumed bush and shining cloud that overshadows without ceasing the faithful.
Third Stasis
Priest: The new creation revealed the Creator by showing himself to us whom he created, sprouting up from an unseeded womb, while preserving it just as it was, unspoiled, so that beholding the miracle we might extol her by saying:
Rejoice, flower of incorruption;
Rejoice, crown of chastity.
Rejoice, illuminator of the impress. of the resurrection;
Rejoice, for the angelical life you exemplified.
Rejoice, tree with luscious fruit, by which the faithful are sustained;
Rejoice, foliaged tree of beautiful shade beneath which many are sheltered.
Rejoice, you who were pregnant with the guide for the wayward;
Rejoice, you who gave birth to the redeemer of captives.
Rejoice, by whom the righteous Judge is pacified;
Rejoice, forgiveness of many offenders.
Rejoice, robe of those without hope;
Rejoice, tender love that defeats every longing;
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Seeing the strange childbirth, let us be estranged from the mundane, transporting our mind to heaven. For this purpose the most high God appeared on earth as a lowly man, wishing to attract to heaven those who cry to Him: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: Present below completely but in no way absent from on high was the uncircumscribable Logos. For this was divine condescension and not a change of place. He was born of a God-chosen virgin who heard this that follows:
Rejoice, uncontainable land of God;
Rejoice, doorway of sacred mystery.
Rejoice, unbelievable myth for the unfaithful;
Rejoice, unequivocal boast of the faithful.
Rejoice, all-holy vehicle of Him who rides the Cherubim;
Rejoice, exquisite domicile of Him who mounts the Seraphim.
Rejoice, bringer of opposites to harmony;
Rejoice, joiner of virginity -and childbirth.
Rejoice, through whom sin was nullified;
Rejoice, through whom Paradise was opened.
Rejoice, key of Christ’s kingdom;
Rejoice, the hope of eternal blessings.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: All Angels were quite amazed by the great deed of Your incarnation. For they beheld the once inaccessible God accessible to all as- a man living among us, while hearing from everyone: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: Eloquent rhetors we see mute as fish before you O Theotokos. For they are at a loss to explain how you had the power to give birth and yet remained a virgin. But we the faithful marveling at the mystery cry out with faith:
Rejoice, vessel of God’s wisdom;
Rejoice, storehouse of God’s providence.
Rejoice, revealer of philosophers as fools;
Rejoice, exposer of the technologists as irrational.
Rejoice, for the fierce debaters are made foolish;
Rejoice, for the creators of the myths have wilted.
Rejoice, breaker of the webs of the Athenians’ logic;
Rejoice, filler of the nets of the fishermen.
Rejoice, drawer of many from the abyss of ignorance;
Rejoice, enlightener of many with knowledge.
Rejoice, ship for those wishing salvation;
Rejoice, harbor for life’s navigators.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Wishing to save the world, the creator of all came down to it of his own will. And while being the shepherd as God, for us he appeared like us, as a man; and having called his own, like by like, as God he hears: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Kontakion
O Champion General, we your faithful inscribe to you the prize of victory as gratitude for being rescued from calamity, O Theotokos. But since you have invincible power, free us from all kinds of perils so that we may cry out to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Ode Seven. The Eirmos
People: The godly-minded did not adore creation but the Creator, and bravely trampling upon the threat of the fire they rejoiced chanting: Blessed are You O supremely praised, O Lord and God of our fathers.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
We sing hymns to you crying: Rejoice, O chariot Of the spiritual Sun. Rejoice, O true vine that cultured the ripened cluster dripping with wine, making glad the souls of all who faithfully glorify you.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, Bride of God, who carried in your womb the healer of the human race.
Rejoice, O mystical rod that blossomed the flower that will never wilt.
Rejoice, O Lady, through whom we are filled with joy and inherited eternal life.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
The tongue practicing oratory is unable to extol you. For you were exalted above the Seraphim, having given birth to Christ the King. Beseech him, O Lady, to rescue now from every harm those who bow in faith before you.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The ends of the earth extol you, and cry out to you: Rejoice, scroll on which, O pure one, the Word was inscribed by the Father’s finger. Intercede with him, O Theotokos, to enroll your servants in the book of life.
Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
We your servants beseech you and bend the knee of our heart to you. O pure one, lend us your ear in afflictions. And your city preserve, O Theotokos, from any destruction by the enemies.
Ode Eight. The Eirmos
The pious youth within the furnace were rescued by the offspring of the Theotokos. He who was Prefigured then has been born on earth, and is gathering the entire universe to sing: Bless the Lord, all his works, and magnify him to the ages.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
You received into your womb the Logos: you held in your arms the One who holds all things. With your milk You nourished him who with a nod nourishes the entire universe, O purest maiden, to whom we sing: Bless the Lord all his works, and magnify him to the ages.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
The great mystery of your childbirth did Moses perceive within the burning bush. The youth vividly prefigured this, standing in the midst of fire and remaining unconsumed, O undefiled and holy Virgin. We praise you therefore in hymns to the ages.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
We who once by deceit were left naked have put on through your pregnancy the garments of incorruption, and we who sat in the darkness of our transgressions now have seen the light. We therefore praise you in hymns to the ages.
Glory…
The dead have been given life by your power, for you gave birth to the spiritual life. They who once were speechless now are eloquent. Lepers are cleansed and diseases are exterminated. The multitude of aerial spirits are defeated, O Virgin, man’s salvation.
Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Through you who did bear the world’s salvation we were raised up from earth to heaven. Rejoice, all-blessed shelter, strength, wall, and fortification of all who sing: Bless the Lord, all his works, and magnify him to the ages.
Ode Nine. The Eirmos
Let every mortal born on earth with festive lamps In hand, in spirit leap for joy; and you incorporeal angelic Powers in heaven celebrate, thus honoring the sacred feast of the Mother of God, and cry out: Rejoice, all-blessed one, ever-virgin and pure Theotokos.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
So that we may cry rejoice to you through whom we faithful have become sharers of eternal joy, O Maiden, rescue us from temptation, from enemy invasions, and from every other scourge which is bound to follow because of the multitude of transgressions due to the sins of mortals.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
You were seen as our light and surety, we therefore shout to you: Rejoice, O unsetting star which leads the great Sun into the world. Rejoice, O pure one, for you opened Eden. Rejoice, fiery pillar ushering humankind to life on high.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Let us stand reverently within the temple of our God and cry out: Rejoice, Mistress of the world.
Rejoice, O Mary, the Lady of us all.
Rejoice, only blameless and fair one among women.
Rejoice, vessel which accepted the divine inexhaustible ointment Poured upon you.
Glory…
Rejoice, O ever-virgin, dove that brought forth the Lord of mercy.
Rejoice, boast of every saint.
Rejoice, Crown of laurel of the martyr-athletes.
Rejoice, divine adornment of all righteous, and salvation f or us the believers.
Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Spare, O God, the sins of Your own inheritance by overlooking all of them now. Accept, O Christ, the fervent prayers of her who without seed conceived on earth and carried You who in Your great mercy will to take the form that was not Your own.
Kontakion
O Champion General, we your faithful inscribe to you the prize of victory as gratitude for being rescued from calamity, O Theotokos. But since you have invincible power, free us from all kinds of perils so that we may cry out to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
First Stasis
Priest: An Angel of the first rank was sent from heaven to say to the Theotokos: Rejoice! (3) And perceiving You, O Lord, taking bodily form, he stood in awe and with his bodiless voice cried aloud to her as follows:
Rejoice, through whom joy shall shine forth;
Rejoice, through whom the curse shall vanish.
Rejoice, fallen Adam’s restoration;
Rejoice, redemption of Eve’s tears.
Rejoice, height that is too difficult for human thought to ascend;
Rejoice, depth that is too strenuous for Angels’ eyes to perceive
Rejoice, for you are the throne of the King;
Rejoice, for you hold him Who sustains everything.
Rejoice, star that shows forth the Sun;
Rejoice, womb in which God became incarnate.
Rejoice, through whom creation is renewed;
Rejoice, through whom the Creator becomes an infant.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: The holy one, beholding herself in innocence, says to Gabriel: The incredible tidings of your voice appear difficult for my soul to accept. For how do you speak of childbirth from a seedless conception, crying: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: Curious to know knowledge what is knowable to no one, the Virgin cried out to the ministering angel: How is it possible for a son to be born of pure loins? Tell me. To whom the angel answered in fear, crying out:
Rejoice, initiate of ineffable counsel;
Rejoice, faith of silent beseechers.
Rejoice, introduction to Christ’s miracles;
Rejoice, consummation of his doctrinal articles.
Rejoice, heavenly ladder by which God came down;
Rejoice, bridge leading those from earth to I heaven.
Rejoice, marvel greatly renowned among the Angels;
Rejoice, wound bitterly lamented by demons.
Rejoice, for you gave birth to the light ineffably;
Rejoice, for the “how” you taught to no one.
Rejoice, surpassing the knowledge of scholars;
Rejoice, dawn that illumines the minds of believers.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: The divine power of the Most High overshadowed the unwedded Maiden that she might conceive, and made her luxuriant womb appear as a luscious field for everyone who desires to reap salvation while chanting thusly: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: The Virgin, bearing God in her womb, hastened to visit Elizabeth, whose own babe at once knowing her greeting, rejoiced and leaping up as if in song, cried out to the Theotokos:
Rejoice, branch of an unwithered shoot;
Rejoice, land of unblemished fruit.
Rejoice, you who cultivate the husband and who loves humankind;
Rejoice, for you gave birth to the gardener of our life.
Rejoice, arable land yielding an abundance of compassion;
Rejoice, table laden an abundance of grace.
Rejoice, for you make flourish the meadows of luxury;
Rejoice, for you prepare a safe harbor for our souls.
Rejoice, intercession’s acceptable incense;
Rejoice, expiation for all the world.
Rejoice, goodwill of God to mortals;
Rejoice, boldness of mortals before God.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Fraught within with confusion, brought about by doubtful thoughts, the wise Joseph was troubled as he looked upon you the unwedded, and suspected you, O Blameless one. But when he learned of your conception by the Holy Spirit, he said: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Continue with the rest of the service.
Second Stasis
The shepherds heard the appearance of Christ in the flesh being glorified; and hastening as to a shepherd, they beheld him as a spotless lamb who had been pastured in the womb of Mary, to whom they sing praises saying:
Rejoice, mother of the Lamb and Shepherd;
Rejoice, sheepfold of spiritual sheep.
Rejoice, defense against invisible enemies;
Rejoice, key to the doors of Paradise.
Rejoice, for heavenly things are exulting with the earth;
Rejoice, earthly things that are dancing with the heavenly ones.
Rejoice, never-silent voice of the Apostles;
Rejoice, unconquered courage of the Martyrs.
Rejoice, faith’s unshakable foundation;
Rejoice, shining revelation of grace.
Rejoice, through whom Hades is divested;
Rejoice, through whom we have been vested in glory.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Beholding the star leading to God, the Magi followed its brightness; and holding it as a lantern, they searched for the powerful King, and reaching the Unreachable, they rejoiced and cried to him: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: The Chaldean children in the hands of the Virgin saw him who fashioned humankind. And perceiving him to be the Lord, even though he had taken the form of a slave, they hastened to pay tribute with gifts and to greet the blessed Lady:
Rejoice, mother of an unsetting star;
Rejoice, dawn of the mystic day.
Rejoice, who extinguished the furnace of error;
Rejoice, who enlighten initiates of the Trinity.
Rejoice, deposer of the inhuman tyrant from his rule;
Rejoice, discloser of the Lord Christ who loves humankind.
Rejoice, redeemer from pagan religions;
Rejoice, deliverer from the mire of sin.
Rejoice, for you have caused the worship of fire to cease;
Rejoice, releaser from the flames of passions.
Rejoice, guide of the faithful to chastity;
Rejoice, gladness of all generations.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: The Magi went to Babylon having become the God-bearing heralds. For they fulfilled Your prophecy and proclaimed You as the Christ to all, abandoning Herod as frivolous who did not know to sing: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: Illumining in Egypt the light of truth, You dispelled the darkness of error; for her idols, O Savior, unable to endure your strength fell, while they who were delivered from them cried to the Theotokos:
Rejoice, the restoration of humankind;
Rejoice, the downfall of demons.
Rejoice, crusher of the delusion of error;
Rejoice, uncoverer of the deceit of idolatry.
Rejoice, sea that drowned the invisible Pharaoh;
Rejoice, rock that refreshed those thirsty for life
Rejoice, pillar of fire that guides those in darkness;
Rejoice, protection of the world wider than a cloud.
Rejoice, replacer of manna;
Rejoice, minister of sacred joy.
Rejoice, land of promises;
Rejoice, from whom flow milk and honey.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Master, You were presented as a babe to Symeon on the threshold of being transported out of this present beguiling age, but also perceived by him to be perfect God; for which cause he marveled at Your ineffable wisdom, crying: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Continue with the rest of the service.
Third Stasis
Priest: The new creation revealed the Creator by showing himself to us whom he created, sprouting up from an unseeded womb, while preserving it just as it was, unspoiled, so that beholding the miracle we might extol her by saying:
Rejoice, flower of incorruption;
Rejoice, crown of chastity.
Rejoice, illuminator of the impress. of the resurrection;
Rejoice, for the angelical life you exemplified.
Rejoice, tree with luscious fruit, by which the faithful are sustained;
Rejoice, foliaged tree of beautiful shade beneath which many are sheltered.
Rejoice, you who were pregnant with the guide for the wayward;
Rejoice, you who gave birth to the redeemer of captives.
Rejoice, by whom the righteous Judge is pacified;
Rejoice, forgiveness of many offenders.
Rejoice, robe of those without hope;
Rejoice, tender love that defeats every longing;
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Seeing the strange childbirth, let us be estranged from the mundane, transporting our mind to heaven. For this purpose the most high God appeared on earth as a lowly man, wishing to attract to heaven those who cry to Him: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: Present below completely but in no way absent from on high was the uncircumscribable Logos. For this was divine condescension and not a change of place. He was born of a God-chosen virgin who heard this that follows:
Rejoice, uncontainable land of God;
Rejoice, doorway of sacred mystery.
Rejoice, unbelievable myth for the unfaithful;
Rejoice, unequivocal boast of the faithful.
Rejoice, all-holy vehicle of Him who rides the Cherubim;
Rejoice, exquisite domicile of Him who mounts the Seraphim.
Rejoice, bringer of opposites to harmony;
Rejoice, joiner of virginity -and childbirth.
Rejoice, through whom sin was nullified;
Rejoice, through whom Paradise was opened.
Rejoice, key of Christ’s kingdom;
Rejoice, the hope of eternal blessings.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: All Angels were quite amazed by the great deed of Your incarnation. For they beheld the once inaccessible God accessible to all as- a man living among us, while hearing from everyone: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: Eloquent rhetors we see mute as fish before you O Theotokos. For they are at a loss to explain how you had the power to give birth and yet remained a virgin. But we the faithful marveling at the mystery cry out with faith:
Rejoice, vessel of God’s wisdom;
Rejoice, storehouse of God’s providence.
Rejoice, revealer of philosophers as fools;
Rejoice, exposer of the technologists as irrational.
Rejoice, for the fierce debaters are made foolish;
Rejoice, for the creators of the myths have wilted.
Rejoice, breaker of the webs of the Athenians’ logic;
Rejoice, filler of the nets of the fishermen.
Rejoice, drawer of many from the abyss of ignorance;
Rejoice, enlightener of many with knowledge.
Rejoice, ship for those wishing salvation;
Rejoice, harbor for life’s navigators.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Wishing to save the world, the creator of all came down to it of his own will. And while being the shepherd as God, for us he appeared like us, as a man; and having called his own, like by like, as God he hears: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Continue with the rest of the service.
Fourth Stasis
Priest: Theotokos and Virgin, you are the fortress for virgins and for all who run to you for refuge. O immaculate Maiden, for the Creator of heaven and earth prepared you, inhabiting your womb and instructing all to address you thus;
Rejoice, pillar of virginity;
Rejoice, the gate of salvation.
Rejoice, initiator of spiritual renewal;
Rejoice, provider of godly benevolence.
Rejoice, for through you were born again those conceived in shame;
Rejoice, for you have admonished those whose intellects had been captured.
Rejoice, for you abolished him who corrupts reason;
Rejoice, for you have given birth to the saver of purity
Rejoice, bridal chamber of seedless marriage;
Rejoice, you who join the faithful to the Lord.
Rejoice, beautiful nursemaid of virgins;
Rejoice, bridesmaid of souls that are holy.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Unsuccessful is every hymn that attempts to pay homage to the multitude of Your mercies. For even if we offer You odes in number equal to the sands, O holy King, yet we do nothing worthy of what You have given us who cry to You: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: We see the holy Virgin, as a light-bearing torch who brings light to those in darkness. For she lit the spiritual light, and thus leads everyone to divine knowledge, enlightening the mind with the light of dawn and is honored by such praises:
Rejoice, ray of the spiritual Sun;
Rejoice, beam of the unsetting luster.
Rejoice, lightning completely illuminating souls;
Rejoice, thunder that stuns the enemies.
Rejoice, for the glowing light you make rise upon the earth;
Rejoice, for you spring forth the flowing river.
Rejoice, you who illustrate the image of the font;
Rejoice, you who wash away the stain of sin.
Rejoice, water washing consciences clean;
Rejoice, cup that mixes great joy.
Rejoice, sweet smelling fragrance of Christ;
Rejoice, life of the mystical feasting.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: Wishing to grant pardon for ancient debts, he who cancels the debts of all people came himself and dwelt among those who were estranged from his divine grace; and tearing apart the record of sin, he hears from everyone: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
Priest: Extolling your birth-giving, we all praise you as a living temple, O Theotokos. For the Lord whose hand sustains the world, having dwelt in your womb, sanctified and glorified you, and instructed all people to cry to you:
Rejoice, tabernacle of God the Logos;
Rejoice, holy one, holier than the holies.
Rejoice, ark that was gilt by the Spirit;
Rejoice, inexhaustible treasure of life.
Rejoice, precious diadem of godly kings;
Rejoice, honored pride of the pious priests.
Rejoice, the Church’s unshakable tower;
Rejoice, the kingdom’s unassailable fortress.
Rejoice, through whom trophies of victory are raised;
Rejoice, through whom enemies are defeated.
Rejoice, healing of my body;
Rejoice, my soul’s salvation.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: You, all-laudable Mother who gave birth to the Logos, the holiest of all who are holy (3), while accepting this offering now, deliver everyone from all calamities, and deliver from future punishment those who cry out: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
People: O Champion General, we your faithful inscribe to you the prize of victory as gratitude for being rescued from calamity, O Theotokos. But since you have invincible power, free us from all kinds of perils so that we may cry out to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Continue with the Service
We now say “Holy God.”
Priest: An angel of the first rank was sent down from heaven to say to the Theotokos: Rejoice! (3) And perceiving You, O Lord, taking bodily form, he stood in awe and with his bodiless voice, cried aloud to her as follows:
Rejoice, through whom joy shall shine forth;
Rejoice, through whom the curse shall vanish.
Rejoice, fallen Adam’s restoration;
Rejoice, the redemption of Eve’s tears.
Rejoice, height that is too difficult for human thought to ascend;
Rejoice, depth that is too strenuous for Angels’ eyes to perceive.
Rejoice, for you are the throne. of the King;
Rejoice, for you hold him who sustains everything.
Rejoice, star that shows forth the Sun;
Rejoice, womb in which God became incarnate.
Rejoice, through whom creation is renewed;
Rejoice, through whom the Creator becomes an infant.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Priest: The holy one, beholding himself in innocence, says to Gabriel: the incredible tidings of your voice appear difficult for my soul to accept. For how do you speak of childbirth from a seedless conception, crying: Alleluia.
People: Alleluia.
People: O Champion General, we your faithful inscribe to you the prize of victory as gratitude for being rescued from calamity, O Theotokos. But since you have invincible power, free us from all kinds of perils so that we may cry out to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
People: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
