Sub tuum praesidium: the oldest prayer to Mary
Sub tuum praesidium, the oldest prayer to Mary
The Sub Tuum Praesidium (“Under your protection”) is the oldest Christian prayer addressed to Mary that has come down to us. Discovered on an Egyptian papyrus in 1917, it probably dates from the third century, making it earlier than any other documented Marian devotion. For the full article, see Sub Tuum Praesidium.
The text
The text, translated from the original Greek: “Under your protection we take refuge, holy Mother of God. Do not despise our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin.” This text uses the title Theotokos (Mother of God) two centuries before its dogmatic definition at Ephesus (431), confirming the antiquity of the Marian faith.
Historical importance
The discovery of the papyrus (John Rylands Library, Manchester, P. Rylands 470) confirmed that Marian devotion is not a medieval invention, but goes back to the first centuries of Christianity. The Christians of third-century Egypt were already praying to Mary as Theotokos, asking for her protection.
Liturgical use
The Sub Tuum Praesidium forms part of Compline in the Divine Office during the seasons of Advent and Lent. It is prayed in the Eastern and Western Churches, in Latin and in the vernacular languages. Its brevity and depth make it one of the purest and most theologically dense Marian prayers.
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Magisterium of the Church
Under your protection we take refuge, Holy Mother of God.
Antiphona Sub Tuum Praesidium (saec. III, papyrus graecus Rylandensis 470)
Despise not our petitions in our necessities,
but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
📖 Literal translation: To you we fly for protection, Holy Mother of God. Despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
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