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.
Who wrote it, and when it appeared
The Small Paraklesis belongs to the ninth century and is ascribed to the monk Theosteriktos (some manuscripts name Theophanes), written in the years of the iconoclast persecution, when supplication to the Theotokos was itself a confession of faith.
The Great Paraklesis is attributed to Theodore II Doukas Laskaris, Emperor of Nicaea (1222–1258), who composed it in exile after the Latin sack of Constantinople. Its tone is heavier and more personal — a ruler writing as a man with nowhere left to turn.
How the two alternate in August
- August 1–14, every evening except as noted below, one of the two Paraklesis services is sung.
- On Sundays only the Small Paraklesis is served; the Great is never sung on a Sunday.
- From August 6 to 9 (the Transfiguration and its afterfeast) the Small Paraklesis is used.
- Outside those exceptions the two alternate day by day, following the pattern printed in the service book for the year.
- On the eve of the Dormition (August 14) the Lamentations at the Tomb of the Theotokos are served in many parishes in place of the Paraklesis.
The names read aloud
Near the end of the canon the priest commemorates the living by name. In practice the faithful write out a list of baptismal names — family, the sick, those travelling, those in trouble — and hand it to the priest or reader before the service begins. Only baptismal names are read, without surnames.
This is the practical heart of the service for most people: the Paraklesis is where a parish carries each other's names to the Mother of God week after week.
Praying the Paraklesis at home
The Small Paraklesis can be read at home by a layperson, omitting the priestly exclamations, the litanies and the Gospel blessing. Begin with the usual beginning prayers, read the canon quietly, and end with the prayer 'O Mother of God, thou art the true vine.'
Many Orthodox Christians keep it as a rule during illness or family trouble, reading it before the icon corner with a lit lampada. It takes about twenty-five minutes read slowly, and it may be shared aloud between members of a household, alternating the odes.
The refrain and the great hymn
Every verse of the canon is answered with the same refrain: 'Most Holy Theotokos, save us.' The service closes with the Megalynarion 'More honourable than the Cherubim and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim' and the veneration of her icon.
The opening troparion sets the whole tone of the service: 'We shall never cease, though unworthy, to speak of thy mighty acts, O Theotokos; for hadst thou not stood to intercede for us, who would have delivered us from so great perils?'
Paraklesis, Akathist and Supplicatory Canon
A Paraklesis is a supplicatory canon — a structured service of odes. An Akathist is a standing hymn of praise in twenty-four stanzas. The Paraklesis asks; the Akathist praises. In the Dormition Fast many parishes serve both, and a Paraklesis can also be addressed to a particular saint, which is why you will see 'Paraklesis to Saint Nektarios' or 'to Saint Paisios' in service books.
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.
- What is the difference between the Small and Great Paraklesis?
- The Small Paraklesis (ninth century, ascribed to the monk Theosteriktos) may be served all year. The Great Paraklesis, by Emperor Theodore II Laskaris, is used only in the Dormition Fast, and never on a Sunday or during the Transfiguration afterfeast.
- How long does the Paraklesis take?
- About forty minutes sung in church, and roughly twenty-five minutes read at home.
- Can laypeople read the Paraklesis at home?
- Yes. Read the canon and prayers, omitting the priestly exclamations, the litanies and the Gospel.
- Is the Paraklesis the same as an Akathist?
- No. A Paraklesis is a supplicatory canon asking for help; an Akathist is a hymn of praise in twenty-four stanzas sung standing.
The Small Paraklesis to the Most Holy Theotokos
This is the Small Supplicatory Canon (Mikron Paraklitikon), chanted through the Dormition Fast (August 1–14) and whenever the faithful are in affliction. It may be read at home by a layperson: simply omit the priestly exclamations and read the responses. Where the rubric says “Name(s),” insert the names of those for whom you are praying.
Beginning
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (thrice)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, pardon our transgressions. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. (thrice) Glory... Both now...
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (twelve times) Glory... Both now...
O come, let us worship God our King. O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God. O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and our God.
Psalm 142
O Lord, hear my prayer, give ear to my supplication in Thy truth; hearken unto me in Thy righteousness. And enter not into judgment with Thy servant, for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified.
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath humbled my life down to the earth. He hath made me to dwell in darkness as those that have been long dead, and my spirit within me is become despondent; within me my heart is troubled.
I remembered days of old, I meditated on all Thy works, I pondered on the creations of Thy hands. I stretched forth my hands unto Thee; my soul thirsteth after Thee like a waterless land.
Quickly hear me, O Lord; my spirit hath fainted away. Turn not Thy face away from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Thy mercy in the morning, for in Thee have I put my hope.
Cause me to know, O Lord, the way wherein I should walk, for unto Thee have I lifted up my soul. Rescue me from mine enemies, O Lord; unto Thee have I fled for refuge. Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God.
Thy good Spirit shall lead me in the land of uprightness; for Thy name’s sake, O Lord, shalt Thou quicken me. In Thy righteousness shalt Thou bring my soul out of affliction, and in Thy mercy shalt Thou utterly destroy mine enemies. And Thou shalt cut off all them that afflict my soul, for I am Thy servant.
God is the Lord
God is the Lord and hath appeared unto us. Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. (with verses)
To the Theotokos let us now diligently run, we sinners and afflicted ones, and let us fall in repentance, crying out from the depths of our souls: Lady, help us, have compassion upon us; hasten, for we perish from the multitude of our sins. Turn not thy servants away empty, for thee alone do we have as our hope.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. (Repeat)
Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
We shall never be silent, O Theotokos, from telling of thy powers, all we the unworthy. For hadst thou not stood to intercede for us, who would have delivered us from so many perils? Who would have preserved us until now in freedom? Let us not depart from thee, O Lady, for thou dost ever save thy servants from every affliction.
Psalm 50 (abridged)
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me.
A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.
Ode 1
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Crossing the water as on dry land, and thereby escaping from the ills of Egypt, the Israelites cried aloud, exclaiming: Let us sing unto our Deliverer and our God.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
By the many temptations am I sorely tried; seeking to be saved, unto thee I flee for refuge. O Mother of the Word and ever-Virgin, from all distress and dangers deliver me.
The assaults of passions trouble me, and my soul is filled to overflowing with much despondency; grant me peace, O Maiden, by the calm and stillness of thy Son and thy God, O all-blameless one.
O Virgin who gavest birth to God the Saviour, I beseech thee to deliver me from my perils; for now unto thee do I flee for refuge, lifting up my soul and my mind to thee.
In sickness am I fallen; heal thou my body’s grievous infirmity, and heal the sickness of my soul, O Maiden full of grace, O Bride of God.
Ode 3
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O Lord, the Fashioner of the vault of heaven and Founder of the Church: establish me in unfeigned love for Thee, Thou summit of desire, support of the faithful, only Friend of man.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
I have thee as a shelter and protection of my life, O Virgin Theotokos; do thou pilot me into thy haven, O Cause of good things, support of the faithful, only all-lauded one.
I beseech thee, O Virgin: dispel the turmoil of my soul and the tempest of my griefs; for thou, O Bride of God, hast given birth to Christ, the Prince of peace, O only all-immaculate one.
Since thou hast borne the Benefactor and Cause of good, pour forth on all the wealth of thy beneficence; for thou canst do all things, having borne in thy womb the mighty Christ our God, O thou who art blessed of God.
Sore beset by grievous sicknesses and by suffering’s pangs, thou hast strength to visit and heal me; for thou, O Maiden, art the treasure-house of health that faileth not.
Deliver from perils thy servants, O Theotokos, for we all, after God, flee unto thee, as an unshakable wall and protection.
Look with kindness, O all-praised Theotokos, upon the grievous affliction of my body, and heal the pain of my soul.
Kathisma: To the Theotokos, fervently let us now run, we sinners, in humility, falling down before her in repentance, and crying with fervour from the depths of our souls: Sovereign Lady, help us, have compassion on us; hasten, for we are lost in a multitude of transgressions. Turn not thy servants empty away, for thee alone do we have as our hope.
Ode 4
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
I have heard the report, O Lord, of Thy dispensation’s mystery; I have understood Thy works, and I have glorified Thy Divinity.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Pacify the tumult of my passions, and still the tempest of my faults, O Bride of God who gavest birth to the Helmsman and the Lord.
Grant me the abyss of thy compassion, O thou who gavest birth to Him that is compassionate and the Saviour of all that hymn thee.
Enjoying thy gifts of grace, O all-immaculate one, we raise a hymn of thanksgiving, knowing thee to be the Mother of God.
As we lie upon a bed of sickness and corruption, do thou raise us up, O helper of the sick, thou Theotokos ever-blessed.
Ode 5
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Enlighten us with Thy commandments, O Lord, and with Thine arm most high, Thy peace bestow on us, O Friend of man.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Fill my heart with gladness, O pure one, for thou didst give the joy of all the world; disperse the darkness of my sins.
Be thou my healing and my refuge, O Virgin Maid; be my protection and my wall, my joy, my consolation and my help.
Enlighten with the light of thy radiance, O Virgin, them that reverently confess thee to be the Theotokos, and drive away the darkness of ignorance.
In the low place of sickness and infirmity, humbled am I; do thou heal me, O Virgin, changing sickness into health.
Ode 6
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
I pour out my supplication unto the Lord, and to Him do I proclaim my grief; for evils have filled my soul, and my life unto Hades hath drawn nigh; like Jonah I pray Thee: raise me up from corruption, O my God.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
From death and from corruption, O Virgin, He saved my nature, which was held fast by death and by corruption; for He submitted Himself unto death. Wherefore, O pure Maiden, intercede with Him who is thy Lord and Son, that I be delivered from the enemies’ wickedness.
I know thee as protection of my life, O Virgin, and a most safe fortress; disperse the crowd of temptations and drive away the demons’ assault; and I pray unceasingly: deliver me from the corruption of the passions.
As a wall of refuge we have obtained thee, and the perfect salvation of our souls, and a broad relief in our afflictions, O Maiden; and in thy light do we ever rejoice. O Lady, save us now from the passions and from perils.
Now on a bed of sickness I lie prostrate, and there is no healing for my flesh; but O thou who gavest birth to God, the Saviour of the world and the healer of infirmities, I entreat thee, O good one: raise me from corruption’s sickness.
Deliver from perils thy servants, O Theotokos, for we all, after God, flee unto thee, as an unshakable wall and protection.
O undefiled Maiden, who by a word didst bear the Word ineffably in the last days: entreat Him, as thou hast a Mother’s boldness.
Kontakion: O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the Creator most constant: O despise not the suppliant voices of those who have sinned; but be thou quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: hasten to intercession, and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honour thee.
Prokeimenon: I will make thy name to be remembered from generation to generation. Verse: Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear.
The Gospel (Luke 1:39–49, 56)
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of thy greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.
And Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.
Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
Glory: O Father, Word and Spirit, Trinity in Unity, blot out the multitude of our transgressions.
Both now: Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Merciful One, blot out the multitude of our transgressions.
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy great mercy, and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression.
Sticheron (Tone 6): Do not entrust me to any human protection, O most holy Lady, but accept the supplication of thy servant; for sorrow has taken hold of me, and I cannot endure the demons’ arrows. I have no shelter, nor place to flee, wretched as I am. I am assailed on every side, and there is no consolation but thee. O Sovereign Lady of the world, hope and protection of the faithful, do not despise my supplication; do what is profitable for me.
Ode 7
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
The Children from Judea, who of old went to Babylon, trampled down the flame of the furnace by their faith in the Trinity, while chanting: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
When Thou didst will to work out our salvation, O Saviour, Thou didst dwell within the Virgin’s womb, and didst show her forth to be the protection of the world. Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.
O Mother pure, entreat thy Son, who willingly gave birth to mercy, that He deliver from transgressions and defilement of soul them that cry in faith: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.
Thou didst show forth her that bore thee as a treasury of salvation, a fount of incorruption, a tower of safety, and a door of repentance, to them that cry: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.
Deign to grant healing of the body’s infirmities and of the soul’s afflictions, O Theotokos, unto them that with longing hasten to thy shelter of divine grace.
Ode 8
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
The King of heaven, whom the hosts of angels hymn with praise: praise ye Him and exalt Him unto all the ages.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Disdain not those that seek thy help, O Virgin, who hymn and exalt thee unto all the ages.
Thou pourest forth abundant healings upon them that hymn thee faithfully, O Virgin, and that exalt thine ineffable birthgiving.
Thou dost cure the infirmities of my soul and the pangs of my body, O Virgin, that I may glorify thee, O full of grace.
Driving away the assaults of temptation and the passions’ onslaught, O Virgin, we hymn thee unto all the ages.
Ode 9
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Rightly we confess thee as Theotokos, we who through thee have been saved, O Virgin pure; with the bodiless choirs magnifying thee.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Turn not away from the streams of my tears, O Virgin, who gavest birth to Christ, who wiped every tear from every face.
Fill my heart with joy, O Virgin, thou who didst receive the fullness of joy and didst make the sorrow of sin to vanish away.
Be thou a haven and protection and a wall unshaken, a refuge and a shelter and a gladness, O Virgin, for them that flee to thee.
Illumine with the rays of thy light, O Virgin, them that piously confess thee to be the Theotokos, and drive away all darkness.
Heal, O Virgin, him that lieth in a place of sickness and infirmity, and change his illness into perfect health.
Axion Estin
It is truly meet to bless thee, O Theotokos, ever-blessed and most blameless, and Mother of our God. More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim; who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word: the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (thrice) Glory... Both now... O Most Holy Trinity... Lord, have mercy (thrice)... Our Father...
Conclusion
Troparion (Tone 4): O thou who art quick to defend and mighty to help, do thou, O Theotokos, visit thine unworthy servants; still the storm of my many transgressions, and enlighten the eyes of my heart, that I may cry to thee: Rejoice, thou who art full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
O Lady, receive the supplications of thy servants, and deliver us from every need and tribulation.
All my hope I place in thee, O Mother of God; keep me under thy protection.
O Theotokos Virgin, despise not me, a sinner, needing thy help and thy protection; for my soul hath hoped in thee, and have mercy on me.
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, of the most holy Theotokos, and of all the saints, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.