Prayer for Forgiveness and Mercy
To be recited after the praises:
"O Mother of God, do not remember my sins. I have sinned against heaven and before you. But you are the mercy-seat of the world. Stretch out your holy hands to your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and say to Him: 'My Son, for the sake of the milk you nursed from me, forgive this sinner.' He will not refuse you, for He honors you above all creation. Amen. Let it be to me according to your word."
Closing Doxology
"Praise be to the Father, who chose you. Praise be to the Son, who dwelt in you. Praise be to the Holy Spirit, who overshadowed you. One God, forever and ever. Amen."
Each daily reading includes:
For centuries, the Wudase Mariam (or Wedasie Mariam) has served as one of the most cherished pillars of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. It is a poetic hymn of praise, a deep theological masterpiece, and a source of comfort for millions of faithful followers.
If you are looking for a Wudase Mariam in English PDF, you are likely seeking to deepen your prayer life or understand the meaning behind this ancient liturgy. In this post, we guide you on where to find the text and explore the significance of this beautiful prayer.
If you are reading the English PDF, you will notice the prayer is divided into specific parts:
In Ethiopian tradition, the Wudase Mariam is often recited with: wudase mariam in english pdf
A word of caution: not all PDFs are created equal. Several problems plague online versions:
"In the West, the rosary is a circle. In Ethiopia, the Wudase Mariam is a ladder. Composed over 700 years ago, this collection of 7 gates and 33 prayers (one for each year of Christ’s life) does not simply praise Mary—it constructs a vertical universe. To read it is not to learn theology; it is to ascend through seven heavens by the sound of Geez syllables. This PDF is not a translation. It is a map of that ascent."
Understanding Wudase Mariam: A Guide to the Ethiopian Orthodox Prayer of Praise
The Wudase Mariam (Praises of Mary) is one of the most beloved and frequently recited prayer books in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. For many believers living in the diaspora or for those who do not speak Ge'ez or Amharic fluently, finding a Wudase Mariam in English PDF is essential for maintaining their spiritual practice.
This article explores the significance of this sacred text, its structure, and why having an English translation is so valuable for modern practitioners. What is the Wudase Mariam?
The Wudase Mariam is a collection of hymns and prayers dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Theotokos). Tradition holds that it was composed by Saint Ephrem the Syrian in the 4th century and later translated into Ge'ez, the liturgical language of Ethiopia.
The book is structured into seven sections, one for each day of the week. This allows the faithful to integrate the praises of the Mother of God into their daily morning routine. The prayers are deeply theological, intertwining biblical types, prophecies, and poetic reflections on the Incarnation of Christ. The Structure of Daily Praises
When you look through a Wudase Mariam English PDF, you will notice the content is organized as follows:
Monday: Focuses on the creation and how Mary became the "New Eve." Prayer for Forgiveness and Mercy To be recited
Tuesday: Highlights the burning bush that Moses saw, symbolizing Mary carrying the divine fire of Christ.
Wednesday: Discusses the "Seal of Solomon" and the mystery of the Incarnation.
Thursday: Often considered the most poetic, focusing on the chariot of the Cherubim.
Friday: Reflects on the crucifixion and Mary’s role at the foot of the cross.
Saturday: Celebrates the Sabbath and the peace brought through Christ.
Sunday: The culmination of praise, often recited with the Anaphora during the Divine Liturgy. Why Seek an English PDF Version?
While the Ge'ez language carries a rhythmic and ancient power, the shift toward English translations serves several vital purposes:
Comprehension: Many second-generation Ethiopians and converts find that reading in English allows them to internalize the deep theological meanings of the prayers rather than just reciting sounds.
Accessibility: A PDF format is portable. You can keep the "Wudase Mariam in English" on your smartphone or tablet, making it easy to pray during a commute or while traveling. "O Mother of God, do not remember my sins
Educational Tool: For those learning about the Ethiopian Orthodox faith, an English version provides a window into the Church’s unique "Mariology"—its specific way of honoring Mary as the vessel of salvation. What to Look for in a Translation
When searching for a reliable Wudase Mariam English PDF, ensure the translation comes from a reputable source within the Church. A good translation should: Maintain the poetic "Kidassie" (Chant) style.
Provide a side-by-side (bilingual) view of Ge'ez/Amharic and English if possible.
Include the introductory prayers (The Lord’s Prayer, the Nicene Creed) that usually precede the daily reading. Conclusion
The Wudase Mariam is more than just a book; it is a spiritual lifeline for millions. By utilizing an English PDF version, you can bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern understanding, ensuring that these beautiful praises continue to resonate in the hearts of the faithful worldwide.
"Wudase Mariam" is an Amharic text that translates to "Praise of Mary" in English. It is a collection of prayers, hymns, and liturgical poems dedicated to the Virgin Mary, often recited or chanted during the Ethiopian Orthodox Church's liturgical services and Marian feast days.
The text is considered an important part of Ethiopian Orthodox tradition and is often studied by scholars of Ethiopian literature, liturgy, and spirituality.
If you're interested in finding an English PDF version of "Wudase Mariam", I recommend trying the following sources:
Keep in mind that the availability of "Wudase Mariam" in English PDF format might be limited due to its specific cultural and liturgical context. You may need to explore academic or ecclesiastical sources to find the text or relevant studies about it.
The Wudase Mariam is structured into 42 Geez (or Gathering) sections, often correlated with the 42 months of the Ethiopian calendar's lunar cycle or the 42 generations in the Gospel of Matthew.
| Section Range | Theme | |---------------|-------| | 1–5 | Creation, the fall of Adam, and the promise of Mary as the New Eve. | | 6–12 | The Annunciation, Nativity, and the Theotokos as the Mother of God. | | 13–20 | Mary’s virtues: purity, humility, obedience, and her role as intercessor. | | 21–30 | Miracles through Mary’s intercession (healing, deliverance from enemies). | | 31–38 | The Dormition (falling asleep) and Assumption of Mary. | | 39–42 | Eschatological praises – Mary as judge’s mother, the final refuge. |
