Prayers

(Of the Elder Nikon of Jerusalem, from the Gorica Miscellany, 15th century) Accept, All-gracious and Most Pure Lady Theotokos, these honourable gifts, fitting for Thee alone, from us Thy unworthy servants; Thou who wast shown forth chosen above all generations, exalted above all created things, heavenly and earthly, holier than the Cherubim and more glorious than the Seraphim, the mystery hidden from before the ages and unknown even to the angels, who from the angels didst receive joy! What praise shall we offer Thee, Most Pure One? How shall we call Thee, O Theotokos? For we have heard the harmony of the prophets' words concerning Thee, and beheld the angels standing before Thee with fear and trembling, as Thou, having chastely given birth, didst bear the flesh of man, of Him Who bears all things, and Who fulfilled the preaching of all the Saints concerning Thee. O Lady, despise not my small entreaty, lest we perish, for we have sinned. Thou art the intercessor of the human race, for Thou art by nature merciful and hast given birth to the Merciful One. Open Thy most pure lips and with merciful prayer entreat Him for us. Thou who art brighter than the sun and hast shone forth to warm us who sit in darkness, we place Thy most merciful intercession before Him, that by Thy most pure prayers we may be delivered from that dread and terrible torment on the Day of His second Coming.