Rule of the Theotokos
In the Byzantine Catholic tradition, the Rule of the Theotokos, often called the "Byzantine Rosary," * is a cherished devotion honoring the Theotokos (Mother of God) through 15 decades of prayers, each reflecting on key events in her life and that of Jesus Christ. This practice offers a profound way to seek her intercession and deepen spiritual life, especially during the Dormition Fast.
How to Pray the Rule of the Theotokos The Rule consists of 15 decades, each focusing on a specific event, such as the Nativity of the Theotokos, the Annunciation, or the Dormition. It can be prayed all at once or one decade daily over 15 days.
Steps to Pray:
Begin with the Trisagion Prayers, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Symbol of Faith to prepare your heart.
For each decade, meditate on the designated event, recite the Angelic Salutation ("Hail Mary, Virgin Theotokos, full of grace...") 10 times, followed by the Lord’s Prayer and specific intercessory prayers.
Conclude with prayers of praise to the Theotokos and petitions for her intercession. During the Dormition Fast, pray one decade daily, completing the final decade on the feast of the Dormition (August 15th).
* History and Origins Originating in the 8th century, the Rule was granted to a monk in Thebais, Egypt, predating the Western Rosary by centuries. Structured around 150 Angelic Salutations mirroring the 150 Psalms, it fell out of use until its revival by Saint Seraphim of Sarov (1753-1833) at Diveyevo Monastery. In the early 20th century, Bishop Seraphim Zvezdinsky, martyred in 1937, further promoted its daily practice. This devotion, a counterpart to the Western Rosary, connects Byzantine Catholics to their rich spiritual heritage through Marian prayer.
For the full text and detailed instructions, see the attached document