Countess Edith the Fair (c. 1025 – c. 1086), called the Gentle Swan, was the wife of Harold Godwinson, Earl of East Anglia. He later became Earl of Wessex, then the last English King of England, and was killed at Hastings by the invaders of 1066. Edith had six children by him, including Gytha, who married Vladimir Monomakh, the future Saint and Grand Duke of Kievan Rus. In her vision of 1061, Edith was instructed by the Mother of God to build a replica of the house of the Annunciation in Nazareth in the village of Walsingham in Norfolk, England. This was all on the eve of the ravaging of England by the last Vikings on 14 October 1066. It is said that when England returns to Walsingham, the Mother of God will return to England. Therefore, this heavenly vision is commemorated by Orthodox on 15 October, together with St Andrew the Fool, who in Constantinople in the tenth century saw the Mother of God praying for the whole world beneath Her Protecting Veil.
With the Blessing of His Eminence Atanasie, Romanian Orthodox Archbishop of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Kontakion 1
By revelation from on high to the noble Countess Edith the Fair, Thy Holy House was raised up in holy Norfolk. This betokened comfort before the coming misfortune, after which pilgrims all flocked along the Walsingham Way, seeking consolation. Then, O Most Pure Maiden Mary and Mother of our God, in times of darkness and impiety, Thy holy veneration was forsaken and Walsingham wept. But now as Thou art honoured anew in the vision of Thy graceful handmaid Edith, Queen to Godwin and mother to Gytha of the Rus, the spouse of Monomakh, intercede for us with Thy Son, Christ our Saviour, that we may cry out to Thee with faith:
Rejoice, O Lady of the Holy House, Who dost ever comfort those who pray to Thee with faith.
Ikos 1
Angels and men alike marvelled at the grace of the Holy Spirit which was announced from Thy Holy House, England’s Nazareth, on the eve of England’s misfortune. Gabriel’s voice announced anew comfort for those oppressed in forthcoming dark and wicked times by foreign men, when holiness was denied. And now we too marvel, for Thou art come again like a quiet but constant flame to our green land to comfort us once more in these latter times. Therefore, we cry out to Thee with faith:
Rejoice, O Virgin Who in exceeding humility didst accept the words of the Archangel Gabriel. Rejoice, Mother of the Church and Mother of all Christians.
Rejoice, O grace-bearing Lady, forgiveness for our foolish ways.
Rejoice, consolation for the faint-hearted.
Rejoice, comfort for the sick and weary.
Rejoice, warmth for the hearts of the forsaken.
Rejoice, bringer of sailors to safe havens.
Rejoice, strength for the weak in faith.
Rejoice, sweetness for the broken-hearted.
Rejoice, guide of those who have lost the way.
Rejoice, gatherer of the faithful in the last times.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost ready us to enter from the earthly Walsingham into the Heavenly Jerusalem. Rejoice, O Lady of the Holy House, Who dost ever comfort those who pray to Thee with faith.
Kontakion 2
O Sovereign Lady, Queen of these Isles, we have known and we have continually beheld Thy meekness and consolation. Many dead have been brought back to life, sick healed by Thy love, lame made whole, blind restored to sight and possessed made whole at Thy Holy Shrine, the New Nazareth. We confess Thy mild-heartedness and we know Thy tender mercy, therefore we cry out to Thee with faith: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Who can understand the mysterious workings of the Three Persons bound by Love? Who can speak of God’s blessings? Who is privy to His counsel? For He raises up and He casts down, He humbles and He exalts, He afflicts and He heals. Therefore, He humbled us on account of our sins and cast down our land, taking away the ancient love of the Orthodox Faith. To Whom then shall we flee in our sorrow, to Whom then shall we stretch out our hands, if not to Thee, O Most Pure Lady of Walsingham? Therefore, with repentant hearts we cry out to Thee with faith:
Rejoice, Thou Who dost intercede with Thy Son for us.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost protect us from anger.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost cleanse us from our sins.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost pray for the forgiveness of all.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost lighten the way of hope for us.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost comfort broken hearts.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost gather together the scattered faithful.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost quell the divisions and tumults of those who have lost the Faith.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost set at naught the councils of the ungodly.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost pilot those who sail through the sea of life.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost forsake none in Thy care.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost cover us all with Thy most Precious Veil.
Rejoice, O Lady of the Holy House, Who dost ever comfort those who pray to Thee with faith.
Kontakion 3
Mighty works have appeared through Thee and grace has poured forth the silvery dew from heaven over Walsingham, O Most Blessed Virgin. Pious pilgrims to Thy Holy House from near and far have heard anew the announcing voice of the Holy Archangel and been moved to cry out to Thee with faith: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
As Thou dost possess love beyond words, O Most Good Lady, Thou dost make the light of Thy grace to shine forth in places of darkness and sorrow. Therefore, Thou hast not forsaken us as orphans, but through Thine Image Thou hast come to us who glorify Thy tender-heartedness and cry out to Thee with faith:
Rejoice, ocean of wonders.
Rejoice, abyss of mercy.
Rejoice, ever-flowing wellspring of grace.
Rejoice, unquenchable source of healing.
Rejoice, warmth and comfort of the meek.
Rejoice, Thou Who hast surpassed the laws of nature.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost turn our gloom into bliss.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost change our tears and sorrow into joy and gladness.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost turn persecution into victory to the wonder of all.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost defend us who are oppressed.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost shame the hopes of our enemies.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost make glad the hearts of those who sing to Thee.
Rejoice, O Lady of the Holy House, Who dost ever comfort those who pray to Thee with faith.
Kontakion 4
In times of trouble when temptations assail us, when sorrow and pain visit us, when patience and love fail us, we hasten to Thine Image and pouring forth our tears before Thee, we cry out from the depths of our hearts: Stretch out Thy God-bearing hands, speak to us counsels of wisdom, lead us up out of evil, that with thankful hearts we may cry out to Thee with faith: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
In times of old, pilgrims heard of Thy glory and, followed by kings and queens, wended their way to Thy Holy House along the Palmers’ Path, from south through Exning and Thetford, from east through Norwich along the Walsingham Way, from west and north through Lynn, crying aloud before England’s Nazareth: How is it that this is granted to us, that the Mother of the King of kings is come even to our home at the very ends of the earth? And beholding Thine Image, O Lady, they began to sing and cry out to Thee with faith:
Rejoice, O most pure Lily of Nazareth scenting the whole world.
Rejoice, New Eve, giving birth to the salvation of Old Adam.
Rejoice, O Star of Bethlehem, Who gavest birth to the Tree of Life.
Rejoice, O Garden of Paradise, Who gavest birth to the Church.
Rejoice, O Tree of the Cross, granting the Providence of God.
Rejoice, O Cypress of Zion, shading all mankind.
Rejoice, O Rose of Jericho making fragrant all England.
Rejoice, O Vine of Cana, slaking the thirst of all.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost cut off the roots of all our passions.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost sow a meadow of virtue.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost plant prayer in our hearts.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost vouchsafe us to partake of Paradise.
Rejoice, O Lady of the Holy House, Who dost ever comfort those who pray to Thee with faith.
Kontakion 5
Like unto a star guided by God through the night sky, Thy precious Image has returned to us as of old. In times past the great and mighty bowed down before Thee, but now it is for us Thy humble and thankful servants to keep festival and cry out to Thee with faith: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Beholding the plans of the ungodly to destroy veneration for Thee, Thou wast hidden for many years. Now in Orthodox wise Thou art restored to Thy Holy Dowry, and the mystery of our story turns full circle. Therefore, beholding this blessing, with fear and love we cry out to Thee with faith:
Rejoice, invincible fortress of mercy, peace and love. Rejoice, unshakeable stronghold of beauty, goodness and truth.
Rejoice, Thou Who hast escaped the wiles of wicked and foolish men.
Rejoice, Thou Who hast put to shame the new Herods who have no love for infants.
Rejoice, Thou Who hast rendered vain the schemings of the enemies of the Orthodox Faith.
Rejoice, Thou Who hast stopped the mouths of blasphemers.
Rejoice, Thou Who hast restored Thy Presence to the English land.
Rejoice, Thou Who hast preserved Thine Image undistorted. Rejoice, Thou Who dost avert thy gaze from the evil deeds of men.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost not turn away Thy most pure countenance from us sinners.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost shine forth forgiveness to the repentant.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost open the doors of the Mercy of God to all.
Rejoice, O Lady of the Holy House, Who dost ever comfort those who pray to Thee with faith.
Kontakion 6
All through the English land the Annunciation of the Archangel Gabriel proclaims to us Thy tender humility, O Queen of Heaven! For since Thou first didst come to Thine Isles, we have been saved again and again from the righteous chastisement for our manifold sins. Therefore, as by Thy mercy Thou hast saved us in times past, so now save us once more, that in thanksgiving we may cry out to Thee with faith: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Shine forth on us the light of hope before the end, O Most Pure Mother of God, who by Thy birthgiving hast proclaimed the splendour of salvation to the whole world. Forsake us not to the hands of the Enemy, and forgive us the time of unfaithfulness when the foolish were led into error. May the English land once more become Mary’s Dowry as of old, may the love of God flower here in these latter times, may churches and monasteries be raised up once more. May the people, delivered from cruel errors, celebrate with joy and gladness, confessing the Holy Trinity in truth, knowing the Holy Spirit from the Father, according to the words of the Saviour, and cry out to Thee with faith:
Rejoice, Mother of God and Mother of all Christians.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost enlighten all human minds with Thy love.
Rejoice, Thou Who didst adopt mankind at the words of Thy Son.
Rejoice, taking away every sickness and healing every disease.
Rejoice, bringing to safe haven the tempest-tossed. Rejoice, unwaning comfort of those in captivity.
Rejoice, unending protection of those persecuted for righteousness’ sake.
Rejoice, patience of those who suffer for the faith.
Rejoice, crown of martyrs.
Rejoice, retribution of tormentors.
Rejoice, loosing of the bonds of those who are bound.
Rejoice, freedom of those captive in body and soul.
Rejoice, O Lady of the Holy House, Who dost ever comfort those who pray to Thee with faith.
Kontakion 7
Wishing to admonish those who had forsaken Him, God the Righteous Judge permitted the English land to be stolen away from the Orthodox Faith on account of our sins. The nations of the West have been in turmoil, error has abounded for nigh on a thousand years, but now the end is not far. All who set their hope in Thee, O Lady of these Isles, swiftly flee to Thee, awaiting the Saviour. From beneath the ruins, He has given Thee to the faithful as a sure and steadfast hope before the end. Therefore we cry out to Thee with faith: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
Dread signs and wonders have been shown forth in these latter days, O Mother of God. Blood has filled all the earth, pestilence has struck the world, locusts have filled the airs, fire has fallen from the skies, kingdoms have fallen, yet the Orthodox Faith has remained among us who for long were orphaned. True worship of the Trinity, true confession of the Holy Spirit and the times and the seasons of the Saints are kept, the Faith is preached unto all the ends of the earth. Gathering together the faithful remnant from Thine Island-Dowry and conquering our enemies, Thou art come anew to Eastern shores, O Queen of all. Beholding this new wonder, we all pray with hearts and minds repenting and cry out to Thee with faith:
Rejoice, O mighty Sovereign Lady, Whose glorious light shines from the East to the West.
Rejoice, pillar and confirmation of the Church.
Rejoice, defence and protection of every shrine.
Rejoice, victory vanquishing the world.
Rejoice, help of the helpless and hope of the hopeless.
Rejoice, Thou in Whom all peoples set their hope.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost save those who had lost hope.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost hearken to heartfelt prayer.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost protect us from enemies.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost strengthen us through Thy presence.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost trample Satan beneath our feet.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost shield us beneath Thy Protecting Veil.
Rejoice, O Lady of the Holy House, Who dost ever comfort those who pray to Thee with faith.
Kontakion 8
Thou hast revealed a wondrous sight, O Most Holy Virgin, in returning to English shores and becoming Queen of Norfolk in threefold vision to Edith the Gentle Swan, keen and wise in her understanding. Nigh on one thousand years have passed and yet the memory of Thee has not died in these Isles. May true veneration of Thee be restored through Thy Son our Saviour Christ. Beholding the righting of age-old wrong, we receive Thy mysterious blessing with fear and trembling and in awe we cry out to Thee with faith: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
Thou dost enfold the whole world in the arms of Thy love, O Ever-Virgin Mary. Thy journey has been from the East even unto the West, that all might bow down before Thee in godliness. Therefore, as the Light from the East, shine down upon us, forget not Thy Dowry of old, forsake not Thine Isles and their sinful peoples, O Lady, that from the depths of repentant hearts we may cry out to Thee with faith:
Rejoice, O joy of all joys.
Rejoice, O unending cup of tender love.
Rejoice, O consolation of the latter times.
Rejoice, O sweet delight of the age to come.
Rejoice, O bringer of blessings and secret hopes.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost mercifully look down from heaven to earth.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost forsake the joys of heaven for our salvation.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost enter with grace into the hearts of all.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost hallow our hearts with Thine Image.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost make the homes of the poor more splendid than royal palaces.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost make glorious the churches of God with thy lowly countenance.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost dwell in the homes and hearts of all who honour Thee.
Rejoice, O Lady of the Holy House, Who dost ever comfort those who pray to Thee with faith.
Kontakion 9
Folk of every age and position in life hasten in pilgrimage to Thy Royal Shrine, O Bride of God. Thy hands once held God, but now hold us instead. Thou dost enlighten and console all, warming the broken-hearted in Thy God-bearing hands, O Queen of Heaven. Therefore, making glad, we cry out to Thee with faith: Alleluia!
Ikos 9
The eloquence of men is thwarted, their flowing streams of words run dry, they are powerless to find words to praise Thee, O Virgin Mary, for no mouth can praise Thee as is meet. Yet, should we altogether fall silent, then the very stones of the earth will cry out to praise Thee. Therefore, unworthy though we are, our earthen lips cry out to Thee with faith:
Rejoice, inspired sayings of the Apostles.
Rejoice, heartfelt songs of the Martyrs.
Rejoice, fiery words of the Prophets.
Rejoice, golden speech of the Fathers.
Rejoice, bold confession of righteous.
Rejoice, mystic strength of unceasing prayer.
Rejoice, reward of those who struggle against the passions.
Rejoice, indomitable protection of the persecuted.
Rejoice, guide of the young and rest of the aged.
Rejoice, boast of maidens and glory of mothers.
Rejoice, shining with the glory of which words cannot speak.
Rejoice, O Daughter of Adam and Mother of our God.
Rejoice, O Lady of the Holy House, Who dost ever comfort those who pray to Thee with faith.
Kontakion 10
O Most Holy Mother of God, we call on Thee again, pray that the world may yet be saved. The plots and snares of the Evil One are spread over all the face of the earth, nations rage and storms of worldly temptations rise up against the Church of God, though She will prevail even against the gates of Hell. Therefore, as in Cana of Galilee of old, only say a word to Thy Son and our God, that He may change the water of temptation and human sorrow into the wine of repentance and divine gladness, that we may unceasingly cry out to Thee with faith: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
O Most Holy Bearer of God, be for us an invincible rampart against the legions of enemies, seen and unseen, who so sorely persecute us. For thou dost fight staunchly and unfailingly for us, who cry out to Thee with faith:
Rejoice, Thou Who dost stretch out Thy God-bearing hands above us.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost trample the spirits of malice beneath our feet.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost shame the plans of the demons, accepted by deluded men.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost make evil to flee away at the thought of God.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost drive the illusions of despair from us.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost still the surging sea of life.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost command the storms of temptation to cease.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost pilot the tempest-tossed.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost deliver us from the depths of sorrow.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost stretch forth Thy hands to those who perish.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost set our feet on the path of salvation.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost strengthen our hearts for battle.
Rejoice, O Lady of the Holy House, Who dost ever comfort those who pray to Thee with faith.
Kontakion 11
As Thy Son accepted the widow’s mite, accept also our song, O All-Holy Lady, and grant that we may ever offer up our prayers to Thee, Who dost guide our life through the shadows of this deathly world to bright places. Grant us forgiveness of our sins, that we may enter into the Kingdom of Heaven and cry out to Thee with faith: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
O Most Good Lady, stretch out Thy Protecting Veil, which Andrew saw in the Great City, over all the earth. Shine forth from lowly Norfolk, like the full moon in the dark night of ungodliness and blasphemy. Enlighten our Isles once more with the splendour of Thy purity, that our voices may rise up in Walsingham and in all places and cry out to Thee with faith:
Rejoice, sunrise driving away the demon hordes of the night.
Rejoice, brightness fairer than the morning star.
Rejoice, warmth dearer than the Sun.
Rejoice, ray of hope from the age to come.
Rejoice, unfading light of angels and men. Rejoice, Thou Who art beauty resplendent beyond all speech to tell.
Rejoice, Thou Who art in truth clothed with the Sun of Righteousness.
Rejoice, Thou Who art crowned with the stars of Faith.
Rejoice, Thou Who art adorned with a raiment woven with the gold of Mercy.
Rejoice, Thou Who art scented with the roses of virtue.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost enlighten the darkness of unbelief.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost clothe us with the armour of light.
Rejoice, O Lady of the Holy House, Who dost ever comfort those who pray to Thee with faith.
Kontakion 12
Grace upon grace we have received through Thee, O Most Pure Maiden Mary. Those who call on Thee with faith go not empty away, for all receive the gift of God according to their need and are crowned with joy. Therefore we cry out to Thee with faith: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
We hymn Thee, we magnify Thee, we bow down before Thee, O Most Pure Lady. Unable to praise Thee as is meet, we fall down before Thy precious Image and in repentance we cry out to Thee with faith:
Rejoice, sweet dawn of our souls.
Rejoice, bright daybreak of our hearts.
Rejoice, blessed morning of our lives.
Rejoice, height beyond our understanding.
Rejoice, unfading glory.
Rejoice, unceasing bliss.
Rejoice, unending goodness.
Rejoice, gladness beyond words.
Rejoice, Thou Who alone art truly Blessed.
Rejoice, Thou Who art exalted above all Creation.
Rejoice, Thou Who art with the faithful at the hour of death.
Rejoice, Thou Who even at the Dread Judgement dost save those who hope in Thee.
Rejoice, O Lady of the Holy House, Who dost ever comfort those who pray to Thee with faith.
Kontakion 13
O Lady praised by all, Mother of the Church and of all Christians, emulating Thy Son and our Saviour in Thy tender mercy, Thou dost cry to us: Fear not, little flock! I am with you and none is against you! Therefore, falling down before Thee with love and giving thanks with tears, we cry out to Thee with faith: Alleluia.
This Kontakion is read three times. And again Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1
Ikos 1
Angels and men alike marvelled at the grace of the Holy Spirit which was announced from Thy Holy House, England’s Nazareth, on the eve of England’s misfortune. Gabriel’s voice announced anew comfort for those oppressed in forthcoming dark and wicked times by foreign men, when holiness was denied. And now we too marvel, for Thou art come again as a quiet but constant flame to our green land to comfort us once more in these latter times. Therefore, we cry out to Thee with faith:
Rejoice, O Virgin Who didst in exceeding humility accept the words of the Archangel Gabriel. Rejoice, Mother of the Church and Mother of all Christians.
Rejoice, O grace-bearing Lady, forgiveness for our foolish ways.
Rejoice, consolation for the faint-hearted.
Rejoice, comfort for the sick and weary.
Rejoice, warmth for the hearts of the forsaken.
Rejoice, bringer of sailors to safe havens.
Rejoice, strength for the weak in faith.
Rejoice, sweetness for the broken-hearted.
Rejoice, guide of those who have lost the way.
Rejoice, gatherer of the faithful in the last times.
Rejoice, Thou Who dost ready us to enter from the earthly Walsingham into the Heavenly Jerusalem. Rejoice, O Lady of the Holy House, Who dost ever comfort those who pray to Thee with faith.
Kontakion 1
By revelation from on high to the noble Countess Edith the Fair, Thy Holy House was raised up in holy Norfolk. This betokened comfort before the coming misfortune, after which pilgrims all flocked along the Walsingham Way, seeking consolation. Then, O Most Pure Maiden Mary and Mother of our God, in times of darkness and impiety, Thy holy veneration was forsaken and Walsingham wept. But now as Thou art honoured anew in the vision of Thy graceful handmaid Edith, Queen to Godwin and mother to Gytha of the Rus, the spouse of Monomakh, intercede for us with Thy Son, Christ our Saviour, that we may cry out to Thee with faith:
Rejoice, O Lady of the Holy House, Who dost ever comfort those who pray to Thee with faith.
Prayer
O Most Holy Maiden Mary and Mother of our God, Who in humility accepted the Good News of Christ from the Archangel Gabriel in lowly Nazareth, our sure hope and calm haven, blessing of our lives, joy of those who grieve, healing of the sick, wisdom of the darkened, reward of the wronged, Thou seest our misfortune, Thou seest our sorrow, help us for we are weak, guide us for we wander, Thou knowest our sins, may they be forgiven as the Lord deigns. O Lady Who announced England’s Nazareth in Walsingham, deliver the land where we live from its errors, restore the Orthodox Faith to Thine Isles and shine forth like an unwavering candle flame in our hearts, making us once more to be Thy Dowry. Save and preserve Thy servants (NN) and all of us here present who pray to Thee with tears. Comfort and protect us who stand beneath Thy Precious Veil, for we have none other than Thee, O Birthgiver of God, to comfort and protect us unto the ages of ages. Amen.