Paraklesis to the Theotokos
The canon of supplication sung to the Mother of God in every need.
Paraklesis (Greek παράκλησις, 'supplication' or 'consolation') is a service of intercession to the Most Holy Theotokos. It is sung whenever the faithful are in distress — illness, danger, sorrow — and every evening of the Dormition Fast from August 1 to 14.
Small and Great Paraklesis
The Small Paraklesis, composed by the monk Theosteriktos in the ninth century, may be served at any time of year. The Great Paraklesis, attributed to the Emperor Theodore II Doukas Laskaris, is reserved for the Dormition Fast outside of Sundays and the feast of the Transfiguration.
During the Dormition Fast most parishes alternate the two, and the pattern is printed in the service books each August.
Structure of the service
- Psalm 142 and 'God is the Lord', with troparia to the Theotokos.
- Psalm 50 and the canon in eight odes, each verse beginning 'Most Holy Theotokos, save us.'
- The Gospel reading (Luke 1:39–49, 56) and the Megalynarion.
- Commemoration of the living by name — this is where a list of names is read aloud.
- Veneration of the icon of the Theotokos and the final blessing.
Praying the Paraklesis at home
The Small Paraklesis can be read at home by a layperson, omitting the priestly exclamations and the Gospel blessing. Many Orthodox Christians keep it as a rule during illness or family trouble, reading it before the icon corner with a lit lampada.
Frequently asked
- What does Paraklesis mean?
- It is the Greek word for supplication or consolation — a service of intercessory prayer to the Theotokos.
- When is the Paraklesis served?
- Every evening of the Dormition Fast (August 1–14), and at any time of need throughout the year.