The O Theotokos and Virgin Rejoice prayer is one of the most well-known and beloved prayers in Orthodox Christianity. It is a deeply spiritual invocation to the Virgin Mary, acknowledging her role as the Mother of God (Theotokos) and seeking her intercession.
This topic explores the history, meaning, biblical foundation, and spiritual significance of this prayer, explaining why it remains an essential part of Christian devotion.
What Is the O Theotokos and Virgin Rejoice Prayer?
The prayer, also known as ‘Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos’ or ‘Bogoroditse Devo’, is a short but powerful hymn dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is often recited in Orthodox, Byzantine, and Eastern Catholic traditions during prayers, services, and personal devotions.
The Prayer Text in English
‘Rejoice, O Theotokos and Virgin, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art Thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, for Thou hast borne the Savior of our souls.’
This prayer is deeply rooted in biblical tradition, drawing inspiration from the Angel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary during the Annunciation (Luke 1:28) and Elizabeth’s words during the Visitation (Luke 1:42).
The Meaning of the Prayer
Each line of this prayer carries profound theological significance:
1. ‘Rejoice, O Theotokos and Virgin’
- The word Theotokos means ‘God-bearer’ or ‘Mother of God’ in Greek. It affirms Mary’s role in the Incarnation of Christ.
- The phrase ‘Rejoice’ reflects the angelic greeting in Luke 1:28, emphasizing that Mary’s role is one of divine joy and blessing.
- The title ‘Virgin’ highlights the belief in Mary’s perpetual virginity, a doctrine upheld in Orthodox and Catholic Christianity.
2. ‘Full of Grace, the Lord is with Thee’
- This phrase directly echoes Luke 1:28, where the Angel Gabriel calls Mary ‘highly favored’ (κεχαριτωμένη / kecharitōmenē).
- It signifies that God chose Mary uniquely, filling her with divine grace to fulfill her sacred mission.
3. ‘Blessed art Thou among women’
- This line is taken from Luke 1:42, when Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, greets Mary.
- It emphasizes Mary’s unique role among all women in history, chosen to bear the Son of God.
4. ‘And blessed is the fruit of Thy womb’
- This refers to Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Savior of the world.
- By honoring Mary, Christians ultimately glorify Christ, recognizing His divine nature and mission.
5. ‘For Thou hast borne the Savior of our souls’
- This final phrase affirms that Mary’s motherhood is central to salvation history.
- By bearing Jesus Christ, she played a vital role in God’s plan of redemption for humanity.
The History of the Prayer
This prayer has been used for centuries in Orthodox Christian liturgy and personal devotion. It is commonly sung or recited during:
- The Divine Liturgy (especially in Byzantine traditions)
- The Small Compline (a nighttime prayer service)
- The Akathist Hymn (a long, poetic prayer dedicated to the Theotokos)
- The Jesus Prayer and personal devotions
Its origins can be traced back to early Christian hymns, particularly those written by St. Romanos the Melodist (6th century) and other Byzantine hymnographers.
Biblical Foundations of the Prayer
The O Theotokos and Virgin Rejoice prayer is entirely based on Scripture. The key biblical passages that inspire this prayer include:
1. The Annunciation – Luke 1:26-38
When the Archangel Gabriel appears to Mary, he greets her with the words:
‘Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you!’ (Luke 1:28)
This greeting forms the foundation of the opening lines of the prayer, emphasizing Mary’s divine election.
2. The Visitation – Luke 1:39-45
When Mary visits Elizabeth, the Holy Spirit inspires Elizabeth to say:
‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!’ (Luke 1:42)
This passage directly influences the next lines of the prayer, confirming Mary’s special role in God’s plan.
3. The Prophecy of Simeon – Luke 2:25-35
Simeon recognizes Jesus as the Savior and tells Mary:
‘A sword will pierce your own soul also.’ (Luke 2:35)
This prophecy highlights the connection between Mary’s suffering and Jesus’ mission, reinforcing why she is called blessed.
The Spiritual Importance of This Prayer
1. A Prayer of Praise and Honor
- This prayer does not worship Mary but gives her the honor she deserves as the Mother of Christ.
- Honoring Mary ultimately glorifies God, as she was chosen by Him to bear the Savior.
2. A Prayer of Intercession
- Many Christians believe that Mary prays for the faithful, just as she did at the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11).
- Asking for her intercession is an ancient Christian practice, rooted in the belief that the saints pray for the Church.
3. A Reminder of the Incarnation
- This prayer constantly reminds us of Christ’s coming into the world through Mary.
- It encourages us to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation—God becoming man for our salvation.
How to Use This Prayer in Daily Life
1. Recite It During Morning and Evening Prayers
- Many believers include this prayer in their daily devotionals, either morning or night.
- It serves as a reminder of God’s presence and Mary’s role in salvation history.
2. Pray It During Times of Need
- The prayer can bring comfort and peace during times of fear, anxiety, or distress.
- Asking Mary’s intercession can help strengthen faith and trust in God’s divine plan.
3. Use It in the Rosary or Jesus Prayer
- In the Eastern Christian tradition, this prayer is often linked with the Jesus Prayer:
- ‘Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
- ‘Rejoice, O Theotokos and Virgin, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee.’
- Combining both prayers creates a deep meditation on Christ and His Mother.
The Power of O Theotokos and Virgin Rejoice Prayer
The O Theotokos and Virgin Rejoice prayer is a profound and spiritually rich invocation to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Rooted in Scripture and Christian tradition, it serves as a prayer of honor, intercession, and reflection on Christ’s Incarnation.
By praying these words, believers not only honor Mary’s role in salvation history but also strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.