The Great Paraklesis Canon is a beautiful hymn of supplication, expressing the deep longing and faith of the faithful towards the Theotokos. It is a heartfelt plea for her intercession and protection, recognizing her as a compassionate Mother who is always ready to help her children in times of need. The poetic language and rich imagery used in the Canon reflect the profound devotion and love that the faithful have for the Mother of God.
Through the Great Paraklesis, believers express their trust in the Theotokos as a powerful intercessor before her Son, seeking her help in times of trouble, sickness, and despair. The Canon serves as a source of comfort and hope for those who are suffering, reminding them of the love and care that the Theotokos has for all her children.
As we chant the Great Paraklesis during the Dormition Fast, we are reminded of the importance of turning to the Theotokos in prayer and supplication, seeking her guidance and protection in all aspects of our lives. Through her prayers, we find strength, consolation, and healing, knowing that she is always ready to listen to our cries and come to our aid.
May the Great Paraklesis Canon continue to be a source of inspiration and solace for all believers, leading them to a deeper relationship with the Theotokos and ultimately to her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Regenerate It is within this same spirit that the Church calls all the faithful to approach this service during the first fifteen days of August.
In 1258 Theodore II’s epileptic condition worsened, and the emperor died on August 18, three days after the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos.
It is said that even during Theodore II’s lifetime, the Service he composed in honor of the Theotokos was chanted at Sosandron Monastery and the surrounding monasteries of the Empire of Nicaea. And as he lay sick dying during the Dormition Fast, the monks of Sosandron Monastery chanted the Service for the alleviation of his suffering. It was chanted every day until his death, and thus was established the tradition of chanting not only the Great but also the Small Paraklesis during the first fifteen days of August.
On 25 July 1261 General Alexios Strategopoulos recaptured the City of Constantinople from the Latins for Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos of Nicaea. This recapture was ascribed to the aid and intercessions of the Theotokos, the patroness of the City. From July 25 through August 15 many thanks were given to the Theotokos, including the chanting of the Great Supplication Service authored by Emperor Theodore II. On August 15, the day of the Dormition of the Theotokos, Emperor Michael entered the city in triumph and was crowned at the Hagia Sophia. This event also helped establish the Great Paraklesis to be chanted during the first fifteen days of August during the Dormition Fast.
However, there was a dilemma. There was a deep feud between Emperor Michael VIII and the dynasty of Theodore II as to who should have been the successor. For this reason Emperor Michael did not want to honor so much Emperor Theodore by having his Service chanted every day for the first fifteen days of August, so it was alternately replaced with the older Small Paraklesis to the Theotokos authored by Saint Theosteriktos. It was this latter Supplication Service that was more often used throughout the year “in every circumstance”, while the Great Supplication Canon of Theodore II was relegated only to the first fifteen days of August. We do not know exactly when or how this took place, but it probably was firmly established after the death of Emperor Michael to unite the dynasties of Doukas Laskaris and Palaiologos.
Characteristics of the Great Paraklesis
According to liturgical scholars Nicholas Tomadakis and John Fountoulis, the Great Canon has a more personal touch from the author and “specifically refers to the passions and the adverse circumstances of his life which tortured him as king, having suffered from incurable mental illness.” They are an expression of pain, sorrow and anguish towards the Theotokos, and reveals a great poet. It does not leave the reader with despair and hopelessness, but elevates faith and hope to embrace the Theotokos and seek her intercessions and the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ as the only sure hope, refuge and salvation. It acknowledges that only through them can we find the relief and help we need with whatever burdens us.
Source: johnsanidopoulos.com / vema.com.au