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Τροπάριο της Παναγίας – Ecclesiastical hymn
Our Lady Portaitissa,*
your revered icon —
which rose from the sea
and appeared miraculously among the faithful —
we devoutly honour as the sacred source
and firm foundation of your glory.
Through it, you pour forth your blessings
upon all who call on you with fervent hearts.
Glory to your wonders, O pure Virgin,
glory to your providence,
glory to your boundless mercy toward us.
*Portaitissa: “of the gate” or “gatekeeper”, referring to the fact that the church was located at the gate of the city
Τὴν σεπτήν Σου εἰκόνα, Πορταΐτισσα Δέσποινα, ἣ διὰ θαλάσσης ἐπέστη, θαυμαστῶς ἐν τῇ ποίμνῃ Σου, τιμῶμεν ὡς ἁγίασμα σεπτόν, καὶ σκήνωμα τῆς δόξης Σου πιστῶς, ἐξ αὐτῆς γὰρ ἀναβλύζεις τὰς δωρεάς, τοις πόθῳ ἐκδῶσί Σοι· δόξα τοῖς θαυμασίοις Σου Ἁγνή, δόξα τῇ προμηθεία Σου, δόξα τῇ πρὸς ἡμᾶς Σου πλουσίᾳ χρηστότητι.
This liturgical hymn to the Virgin was recorded during the Feast of the Assumption (August 15). It not only constitutes an example of Byzantine liturgical music, but also bears witness to the direct connection between this music and popular song.
Recorded by Domna Samiou on August 15, 1964, on the island of Astypalea.
