Paraklesis

Artist: Eikona. Throughout our Christian history, no woman has been more loved, more lauded, and more cherished than the blessed virgin Mary. She herself foretold it: " For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed."(Luke 1:48) In the beautiful poetic-hymnography which is characteristic of Byzantine Chant in the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Theotokos, the Mother of God is honored and esteemed for her unique role in the salvation of the human race. During the Paraklesis Service, we ask the Most Holy Theotokos to save us just as those drowning reach out to those on dry land.