Wudase Mariam In English Pdf (2025)

If you are reading the English PDF, you will notice the prayer is divided into specific parts:

What is Wudase Mariam? Wudase Mariam (ውዳሴ ማርያም), meaning "Praise of Mary," is a liturgical text central to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. It is a collection of hymns, prayers, and scriptural readings dedicated to the Virgin Mary, traditionally attributed to Saint Epiphanius of Cyprus (4th century) but developed within the Ethiopian tradition.

The text is divided into 42 sections (often called "Anaphoras" or "Gatherings"), designed to be recited over 42 days or during major feasts of the Theotokos (Mother of God). It is considered a powerful tool for intercession, healing, and spiritual protection.

Significance in Ethiopian Christianity:

For millions of Orthodox Tewahedo Christians in Ethiopia and Eritrea, the Wudase Mariam (ውዳሴ ማርያም) – which translates from Ge’ez as “Praise of Mary” or “Glorification of Mary” – is far more than a liturgical text. It is a spiritual treasury, a collection of hymns, scripture-based praises, and prayers dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos (God-bearer).

While the original Wudase Mariam is written in the ancient liturgical language of Ge’ez, a growing global diaspora and increased academic interest have created a significant demand for the Wudase Mariam in English PDF. English-speaking believers, scholars, and seekers desire to access this profound work in a portable, searchable, and understandable format.

This article serves as a definitive guide. We will explore the history, structure, spiritual significance, and – most importantly – the practical ways to find a reliable, respectful Wudase Mariam in English translation in PDF format.

Below is a translation of selected praises from the Wudase Mariam. (Note: This is a representative excerpt, not the full 42 sections.)

Section 1: Opening Praise "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. For you have borne the Savior of our souls. O Mary, the golden censer, the dawn of the true light, we magnify you."

A Hymn of Intercession (Section 12)

"O my Lady, the Holy Theotokos, I take refuge in your protection. Do not despise my prayer, but hear me and save me. For you are the mother of the True Light, and I, a sinner, bow before you. Deliver me from the fire of Gehenna, and make me worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven. By your holy intercession, O Mary, ark of the covenant, pray for us."

Praise of Her Virtues (Section 27)

"You are the garden enclosed, the sealed fountain. You are the vine that bore the grape of eternal life. You are the fleece of Gideon, wet with the dew of the Spirit. Rejoice, O Tabernacle of the Most High. Rejoice, O Palace of the King of Kings. Rejoice, O Land of Promise flowing with milk and honey."

A Prayer for Protection (Section 40)

"Cover me with the shadow of your mercy, O Mary. Be a wall of fire around me and my family. Drive away evil spirits and evil dreams. Let no harm come near my dwelling. For you crush the head of the serpent, as the Archangel Gabriel proclaimed."

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."

Many PDFs circulating on forums or social media are machine-translated or done by amateurs. The poetic parallelism and deep theology of Ge’ez become garbled.

The Wudase Mariam is more than just a prayer; it is a spiritual inheritance passed down through generations. Whether you read it in Ge’ez, Amharic, or English, the power of the words remains a bridge between the faithful and the Divine.

We hope this guide helps you locate the Wudase Mariam in English PDF so you can incorporate this timeless hymn into your spiritual journey.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes. We recommend consulting with your local priest or church administration for the most accurate and officially sanctioned translations.

The Wudase Mariam (Praises of Mary) is a collection of hymns and prayers used by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. It is traditionally attributed to Saint Ephrem the Syrian and is organized into seven sections, one for each day of the week. The Significance of Wudase Mariam

The Wudase Mariam serves as a cornerstone of Ethiopian Orthodox spirituality. It focuses on the mystery of the Incarnation, highlighting the role of the Virgin Mary as the Theotokos (God-bearer). For believers, reciting these prayers is a way to seek Mary’s intercession and to meditate on the divinity of Christ. Structure and Content Daily Devotion: Each day has a unique set of poetic verses.

Biblical Imagery: It uses metaphors like the "Burning Bush" and "Noah’s Ark."

Theology: It reinforces the "Tewahedo" (unified) nature of Christ.

Language: Originally written in Ge'ez, it is now widely translated into Amharic and English. Key Themes

Intercession: The belief that Mary prays for the salvation of humanity.

Purity: Emphasis on Mary’s perpetual virginity and sinlessness.

The Incarnation: Detailed praise for the physical vessel that held the Word of God.

💡 Note on PDF Versions: You can find English translations in PDF format through digital archives like The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Diaspora websites or academic repositories focusing on Ge'ez literature. wudase mariam in english pdf

To help you find the best PDF version or specific daily prayer: Do you need the Monday-Sunday full text? Is this for academic study or personal devotion?

I can provide the specific text for a certain day if you let me know which one you need.

The hymns are organized into seven sections, one for each day of the week, as they are traditionally recited daily by the faithful:

Sunday: Named "Beloved Woman," focusing on Mary as the tabernacle where God's word became flesh.

Monday: Praises her as the garden of delight where Jesus was brought forth.

Tuesday - Saturday: Each day continues the themes of her intercession, holiness, and role in the salvation of humanity. Finding English PDF Guides

Several high-quality English translations and guides are available online: Wudase Mariam: Hymns of Praise (English) : A clear, multi-page translation available on Scribd that covers all seven daily hymns. Wedase Mariam Bilingual Guide

: A 44-page document on Scribd that provides the Ge'ez text alongside the English translation for Sunday through Saturday.

Ethiopian Orthodox Resources: Comprehensive prayer guides and PDF collections can be found on sites like Academia.edu, which discuss the curriculum and singing modes (Araray and Ezel) used for these hymns. How to Use the Guide

Recitation: Many users read the hymn corresponding to the current day of the week.

Meditation: Use the English text to reflect on the theological descriptions of Mary as the "Ark of the Covenant" or the "Burning Bush".

Intercession: The hymns conclude with a call for Mary to pray for mercy and forgiveness for the believers. Wudase Mariam: Hymns of Praise | PDF | Gabriel - Scribd

"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. If you are reading the English PDF, you

The Sacred Hymns of Wudase Mariam: A Guide to the Praise of Mary  Wudase Mariam

(ውዳሴ ማርያም), which translates to "Praise of Mary," is a central liturgical and devotional text of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC). It is a collection of hymns and prayers dedicated to the Virgin Mary, honoring her role as the Theotokos (God-bearer) and the vessel of Christ's incarnation. 

The office is structured into seven parts, one for each day of the week, ensuring that the faithful offer continuous praise to the Mother of God.  Origins and Authorship 

While Ethiopian tradition often attributes the work to St. Ephrem the Syrian (4th century) or Simeon the Potter, modern scholars suggest its roots may lie in Coptic Theotokia translated through Arabic into Ge'ez around the 14th century. Despite these scholarly debates, its spiritual authority within the EOTC is absolute, often being included in appendices of the Psalter (the Book of Psalms).  Structural Breakdown of the Weekly Hymns 

Each day’s prayer focuses on specific biblical typologies and metaphors for St. Mary: 

Monday: Mary is described as the "Holiest of Holies," the second chamber containing the Table of the Covenant and the Ten Commandments written by God's finger.

Tuesday: She is the "Golden Censer" and the "Garden of Delight," a spiritual paradise that brought forth Christ without human seed.

Wednesday: Praised as the "Golden Candlestick" holding the "Light of the World," who illuminated those sitting in the shadow of death.

Thursday: Typified as the "Ladder of Jacob," reaching from earth to heaven, and the "Burning Bush" that Moses saw, which was not consumed by the fire of divinity.

Friday: Celebrated as the "Ark" covered in gold, made of wood that does not perish, symbolizing her incorruptible nature.

Saturday/Sunday: These days emphasize Mary as the "Second Heaven" and the "Gate of the East," through whom the Sun of Righteousness entered the world.  Spiritual Significance 

For the faithful, Wudase Mariam is not just a text but a powerful tool for intercession. The hymns repeatedly call upon Mary to "beseech her beloved Son" for the mercy, compassion, and forgiveness of sins for all believers. It is particularly prominent during the Fast of Filseta (the Dormition of the Mother of God), where its commentary is read daily.  English PDF Resources 

You can find the full English translation and original texts at these repositories: 

Complete Hymns of Praise: A 37-page document containing the weekly cycle can be viewed on Wudase Mariam: Hymns of Praise (Scribd).

EOTC Holy Week & Liturgy: A detailed PDF from the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Faith and Order site, which includes Wudase Mariam and other essential prayers.

Multilingual Text: A version featuring Ge'ez, Amharic, and English side-by-side is available at Wedase Mariam on Calaméo.  Wudase Mariam: Hymns of Praise | PDF | Gabriel - Scribd For millions of Orthodox Tewahedo Christians in Ethiopia

Instead of presenting the Wudase Mariam as just a book of hymns (which is the standard approach), frame it as a spiritual roadmap based on the number 7 and sacred geography.