Queen of all Creation

A Song of the Theotokos

By Matthew Bresthena

(Translated by Holy Transfiguration Monastery)

O queen of all creation, mistress of Heaven's heights, thy countless graces, O Virgin blessed, embrace us, the flock of thy Son, Christ.

Disdain us not, O Mother, Maiden most chaste and pure; left destitute and grieving, to thee we cry out, bringing this hymn from souls most poor.

O wellspring of compassion, fountain of holy grace, thou art our joy and gladness, our comfort in all sadness, our hope in our disgrace.

Protectress of all pious Orthodox Christian souls, of orphans, poor, and widows, and all who live amid woes: preserve us pure and whole.

Should we, thy lowly servants, journey to distant lands, forget us not, O Maiden; be quick to grant thine aid, and keep us in God's hands.

Thy love and great compassion, O holy One most blessed, purifies our sinful minds, and heals our body's passions; thou art our peace and rest.

O Mother, sweetest Mother, Mother of loving care; take pity on all those in bitterness and sorrows; accept their heartfelt prayer.

Deliver our immortal and precious soul from death, from all of Satan's torments, and other such distress, until our final breath.

Look upon us with thine eyes of loving compassion, O Maiden; we orphaned ones and needy cry out this poor entreaty: come hasten to our aid.

All we thy children cry out: save us and help us flee all heresies and temptations and sins amid the nations which have not God and thee.

And when we have departed from this our brief abode, present us to the Savior, thy Son, Who holdeth sway over this world with love untold.

And at the dread and fearful hour of our repose, O Mother, come and help us; deliver us, the heedless, from our satanic foes.

Then, gathered in the Heavens with the angelic hosts, we all shall sing the praises of Christ our God Who saved us, O Maiden, our hope and boast.

Aflame with love and fervor, praying in endless joy, exulting in Thy glory, Thy chosen shall extol Thee, O Holy Trinity.

Though martyrdom await us, this is our prayer and hymn: we long to dwell, O Mother, with Christ and thee, and none other, save those who honor Him.