The Protection of the Theotokos
Celebrated annually on October 1.
St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral is dedicated to the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God. This feast traces its origin to 10th century Constantinople when it was under a series of attacks by pagan Slavs.
During a lull in the attacks, people were able to gather for an All-Night Vigil service at a church dedicated to the Theotokos (Mother of God) in Blachernae, a district of the city.
During the service, St. Andrew the fool-for-Christ saw the Theotokos in a vision. He saw her take her veil, stretch it over those gathered in church, and pray to her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, for protection, saying, “O Heavenly King, accept all those who pray to Thee and call on my name for help. Do not let them go away from my icon unheard.”
The Church remembers this event each year with an all-night vigil on the eve and a festal divine liturgy on October 1.
At St. Mary’s, this feast is of significant importance because of the love for the Virgin Mary and her constant intercessions and prayers for our community before the Throne of God. We ask that the Theotokos watch over our community, our city, and all those under her protection.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
Festal Hymns
Troparion - Tone 4
Today the faithful celebrate the feast with joy,
Illumined by your coming, O Mother of God.
Beholding your pure image, we fervently cry to you,
“Encompass us beneath the precious veil of your protection,
and deliver us from every form of evil
by entreating Christ your Son, and our God,
to save our souls.”
Kontakion - Tone 3
Today the Virgin stands in the midst of the church,
and with choirs of Saints, she invisibly prays to God for us.
Angels and bishops worship her
Apostles and Prophets rejoice together,
Since for our sake, she prays to the Pre-eternal God for us.