The Akathist to the Theotokos is a spiritual weapon to wield against the various afflictions that trouble us —  suffering through trials and temptations, trying to overcome the passions, or being in a state of indecision or uncertainty about God’s will. Typically the personal prayers of intercession (for yourself or on the behalf of others) are offered at the end of the Akathist. It is also a custom for Orthodox Christians to pray the Akathist each day in their homes during the Dormition fast.

The intercessions of the Theotokos are a powerful help to us in our struggles. The Fathers and hymnography of the Church are clear that the Ark of the Covenant is a type of the Theotokos, and one facet of the Ark was its aid to the Israelites in their battles against the pagan peoples that wished to destroy them. Moreover, Orthodox history records numerous miracles through the intercessions of the Theotokos in battles against attackers of Christianity. It was during such a time in Constantinople that this Akathist was composed. Yet the warfare is not just physical and earthly but also a spiritual warfare of our soul. St. Paul says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places,” (Ephesians 6:12). Therefore, it is appropriate that we pray the Akathist to the Theotokos during times when we need assistance against any circumstances that overwhelm our souls.

You can typically find the Akathist to the Theotokos in an Orthodox prayerbook, and a pdf for downloading and easy printing is available here. The text of the Akathist is also included below.