Holy Resurrection Byzantine Catholic Mission

A MOTHER OF CONSOLATION
By the Rev. Romanos V. Russo
(A priest of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church)

Tears welled up in her eyes and her voice faltered. I was silenced by the depth of her grief. More out of sadness than criticism she said to me, “Have you no word of consolation for me? Not even one?” The only audible sounds were her sobs.

I stood before a sister in Christ who was seeking consolation; and although I plumbed the depths of my soul, all the clichés that etiquette appoints for such occasions echoed hollowly in my heart.

Suddenly, I found myself saying, “I have no word of consolation for you, but I know someone who does. She will avail you of such comfort as only a mother can give to another.” I handed her a copy of the Paraclesis, the Divine Office of Consolation in the Byzantine tradition.

I then explained: “This is the service of prayer to the All-Holy Theotokos imploring her comfort. Whenever grief assails you, stand before her holy icon and pray this office, and she will assuage your sorrow. Though you may be beyond consolation, the woman who stood at the cross and embraced her Son’s broken body will lighten the burden of your grief.”

She left and the Paraclesis became her constant companion. Whenever friends would ask how she was, she would say, “Al Adhra (the Virgin in Arabic) bears my burden with me. She is my consolation!” And then she would show them the Paraclesis and advise them to pray it for themselves.

Soon a large circle of friends had taken the custom of reciting the beautiful words of its prayers as they trod their own way of the cross. Mindful of our Savior’s words, “…where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them,” they began to meet in each other’s homes to pray the office and to break bread as they shared their hopes and heartaches. In this way, they also fulfilled the Gospel command to bear one another’s burdens.

Paraclesis is the Greek word for consolation and is related to the word “paraclete” meaning advocate or consoler. Though usually addressed to the Holy Spirit, the Byzantine tradition also extends its use to Jesus Christ. And by this extension, the liturgy also attributes the ministry of consolation to the Mother of God.

The Troparia of the fifth ode from the Paraclesis is as follows:

Give me your pure joy, Virgin all pure and immaculate,
you who gave birth to the cause of happiness and fill my heart
with the gladness of your Son, our God.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Save us from distress, O Spotless Theotokos, you who gave birth
to salvation without end, the divine peace that surpasses
human understanding.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Dissipate the gloom and darkness of my sinful deeds and
with your radiance fill our souls with joy, O Bride of God,
who gave birth to the Eternal Light.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Heal the misery of my passions, O Spotless One, and make
me worthy of your gracious care, and grant me health through your
constant and unfailing prayer.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

After the sixth ode in the Paraclesis, a short litany of supplication, the Kontakion, is sung. It is one of the most frequently used anthems beseeching the protection of the Mother of God. Many Catholics, especially those of the Roman Rite, will notice its similarity to the “Memorare.”

O never failing Protectress of Christians and their
Ever-present Intercessor before the Creator,
despise not the petitions of us sinners; but in your goodness,
extend your help to those who call upon you with confidence.
Hasten, O Mother of God, to intercede for us,
for you always protect those who honor you!