Prayer of Saint John of Damascus to the Theotokos

Prayer of Saint John of Damascus to the Most Holy Theotokos

O Pure Virgin, Theotokos, Rejoice!
Hope of all Christians, shelter and protect us,
and intercede for us all before your Son,
whom you were supernaturally deemed worthy to bear in your womb.

Cover us under your grace-filled protection,
strengthen us in the faith,
and deliver us from temptations and misfortunes.
From you, O Lady, we hope for salvation;
do not abandon us in times of sorrow.

Amen.

Historical and Theological Background of the Prayer

Who was Saint John of Damascus?

Saint John of Damascus (ca. 675 – ca. 749 AD) is one of the most important Fathers of the Orthodox Church—hymnographer, theologian, and staunch defender of holy icons during the time of Iconoclasm. He lived in Damascus and was a scholar with both classical and ecclesiastical education. According to tradition, after his civil career, he became a monk at the Monastery of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified in Palestine.

He was deeply devoted to the Most Holy Theotokos, honoring her with hymns, theological writings, and poetic prayers.

Significance of the Prayer to the Theotokos

This specific prayer reflects:

🔹 Deep faith in the role of the Theotokos

The invocation “O Pure Virgin, Theotokos, Rejoice!” echoes the Archangel Gabriel’s greeting (“Rejoice, O Full of Grace...”) and expresses reverence and acknowledgment of the Theotokos as Mother of Christ and hope of all Christians.

🔹 A plea for protection

Saint John asks the Theotokos to cover the faithful with her grace, to protect them from both bodily and spiritual dangers, trials, and sorrows.

🔹 Recognition of her intercessory role

The prayer affirms the powerful intercession of the Theotokos before her Son, which the Orthodox Church deeply honors: “Intercede for us all before your Son.”

🔹 Theological depth and poetic expression

The language is hymnic and theologically rich. Expressions like “to bear in your womb” reflect the miracle of the Divine Incarnation and the central mystery of our faith.

A Living Relationship of Trust

The Prayer of Saint John of Damascus is not merely a pious text. It is a living expression of Orthodox devotion to the Theotokos—a heartfelt refuge in her maternal care, a relationship of trust and prayer between the believer and the Mother of God.

Let Us All Pray Together

Let us all pray with faith and humility
to the Most Holy Theotokos,
that she may help us, shield us, and enlighten us.