The Akathist Hymn is one of the most beautiful works in Orthodox hymnography. During the Salutations to the Virgin Mary, on the fourth Friday of the Great Lent, the 4th Stasis is read.
This part begins by praising Theotokos as “a wall of protection for all those who seek refuge in her”. The Virgin Mary, as a formidable power and a shelter for all Christians, is venerated for her constant presence in people's lives.
4th Stasis
Theotokos and Virgin, you are the fortress for virgins and for all who run to you for refuge. O immaculate Maiden, for the Creator of heaven and earth prepared you, inhabiting your womb and instructing all to address you thus;
Rejoice, pillar of virginity; Rejoice, the gate of salvation.
Rejoice, initiator of spiritual renewal; Rejoice, provider of godly benevolence.
Rejoice, for through you were born again those conceived in shame; Rejoice, for you have admonished those whose intellects had been captured.
Rejoice, for you abolished him who corrupts reason; Rejoice, for you have given birth to the saver of purity
Rejoice, bridal chamber of seedless marriage; Rejoice, you who join the faithful to the Lord.
Rejoice, beautiful nursemaid of virgins; Rejoice, bridesmaid of souls that are holy.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Unsuccessful is every hymn that attempts to pay homage to the multitude of Your mercies. For even if we offer You odes in number equal to the sands, O holy King, yet we do nothing worthy of what You have given us who cry to You: Alleluia.
We see the holy Virgin, as a light-bearing torch who brings light to those in darkness. For she lit the spiritual light, and thus leads everyone to divine knowledge, enlightening the mind with the light of dawn and is honored by such praises:
Rejoice, ray of the spiritual Sun; Rejoice, beam of the unsetting luster.
Rejoice, lightning completely illuminating souls; Rejoice, thunder that stuns the enemies.
Rejoice, for the glowing light you make rise upon the earth; Rejoice, for you spring forth the flowing river.
Rejoice, you who illustrate the image of the font; Rejoice, you who wash away the stain of sin.
Rejoice, water washing consciences clean; Rejoice, cup that mixes great joy.
Rejoice, sweet smelling fragrance of Christ; Rejoice, life of the mystical feasting.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Wishing to grant pardon for ancient debts, he who cancels the debts of all people came himself and dwelt among those who were estranged from his divine grace; and tearing apart the record of sin, he hears from everyone: Alleluia.
Extolling your birth-giving, we all praise you as a living temple, O Theotokos. For the Lord whose hand sustains the world, having dwelt in your womb, sanctified and glorified you, and instructed all people to cry to you:
Rejoice, tabernacle of God the Logos; Rejoice, holy one, holier than the holies.
Rejoice, ark that was gilt by the Spirit; Rejoice, inexhaustible treasure of life.
Rejoice, precious diadem of godly kings; Rejoice, honored pride of the pious priests.
Rejoice, the Church's unshakable tower; Rejoice, the kingdom's unassailable fortress.
Rejoice, through whom trophies of victory are raised; Rejoice, through whom enemies are defeated.
Rejoice, healing of my body; Rejoice, my soul's salvation.
Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
You, all-laudable Mother who gave birth to the Logos, the holiest of all who are holy (3), while accepting this offering now, deliver everyone from all calamities, and deliver from future punishment those who cry out: Alleluia.
