For centuries people have been placing themselves under the protection of the Holy Theotokos. This can be done for many reasons, in times of need or great distress. Often times priests will place their ministry under the protection of the Theotokos. Many of the prayers of the Church ask for the intercession of the Holy Theotokos. At the end of the Vespers service we pray, “Most Holy Theotokos Save Us!”
Pope John Paul II had a great devotion to the Theotokos and dedicated his life to her the night of his election in 1978. Standing on the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square he addressed the assembled crowd:
I was afraid in receiving this nomination, but I did it in the spirit of obedience to Our Lord and with total trust in his Mother, the Most Holy Madonna.
I have decided that at this point in my ministry, I am again placing myself and the ministry that God has given me. God has placed me here in this vineyard and care for it and I dedicate and consecrate my life and the ministry I perform to the Holy Theotokos.
Put me not into the hands
Of any human protection,
O our Lady, most holy,
But do now receive the prayers of your supplicant;
Sorrow has taken me,
And I am unable
To withstand and bear the demon’s darts;
Shelter I do not have,
Nor a place to go, worthless that I am;
Lady of humanity,
The shelter of the faithful and their hope,
Do not reject my prayers to you,
Do the things that profit me.
From the Paraklesis Service
