St. Justin Popović on the Theotokos as protectress and refuge

St. Justin Popović writes that the faithful put their trust in the Theotokos and flee to her for safety. He states that under her covering not a hair of the head will perish. The text presents a direct address to her as Protectress and Most Holy Virgin, asking her to cover the faithful with her veil.

The prayer requests that she hide them in the evil day, citing Psalm 26:5 according to Septuagint numbering. The quote reflects a theology of Marian intercession where the Virgin's protection is described as complete and effective against all harm. The language emphasizes both trust and active seeking of her shelter, with the Psalm reference grounding the petition in scriptural language about divine hiding in times of trouble.

The passage functions as both a statement of confidence in her intercessory role and a liturgical form of petition for her covering presence during periods of danger or spiritual darkness.