ROC – The Salutations to the Theotokos

11 March 2020

The mothers’ and children’s group met yesterday and discussed with Geronda Jerome about the Akathist Hymn. This is a profound, devotional poem singing the praises of the Holy Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary. The Akathist Hymn is sung on the first five Fridays during Great Lent.

On the fifth Saturday of the Great Lent, the Akathist Hymn is chanted and is a special celebration, whereby in Monasteries monks do not do anything other than the very necessary things. Especially so in Mt Athos where monks have a special love for Panagia. Monks and also lay people learn the Akathist Hymn by heart and say it as a prayer to the Theotokos. Why is it so important to say the Salutations to the Theotokos? Because with this prayer we ask of nothing. We only salute Panagia, we thank her for everything she has done for us, we praise her. The Salutations are always connected with a deep, rich history of the Byzantine Empire. It was when Byzantines were attacked by an army much larger than theirs, that they prayed to Panagia and the ships of the enemy were destroyed because of a sudden storm. Then, they opened the gates and fought them. Panagia interceded for them and they thanked her by praying all night standing, without sitting. Hence the term Akathist. In memory of this, we chant every Friday of the Great Lent a stance of the hymn.

The Akathist Hymn includes troparia corresponding to each letter of the Greek alphabet. A-M: talk about the annunciation and birth of Jesus. N-omega: talk about the blessings and spirituals benefits humanity received from Panagia. Back then, the people always went to Panagia to ask for help. Nowadays, although we are more advanced in medicine and all technologies, people are afraid more than ever. This is because we do not turn to God for help. We rely entirely on ourselves. We must learn to turn to God when we face difficult situations. Especially as parents, we are often sleep-deprived, exhausted, and may sometimes even feel desperate. We should not always try to find a logical solution. And solutions often do not come fast. We need to turn to God and ask for patience and help. If we put Panagia as protectress of our families, of our children, then we do not need to be afraid of anything. For example of receiving the Holy Communion in the face of a disease like the Coronavirus. If we do not lose our faith, we do not have doubts. The Holy Communion is the Body and Blood of Christ. That which heals does not make sick.

There is no need to panic. God and the Virgin Mary are the ones protecting us. There has been many outbreaks of diseases. Medically we are in the best era. We have the medical means and it is our responsibility to follow the directions of the health authorities. But at the same time, in certain circumstances our faith appears to be diminished. We should regain our faith and be stronger than ever. We should not have any fear, nor the fear of death. This will inevitably come for everyone. We have to be ready. But we have to be ready anyway, anytime. Not because of the Coronavirus. Think positive and do not panic.