This fragment is believed to be not only the earliest copy (in Greek) of the prayer, but also the earliest evidence that survives of Christians addressing the Virgin Mary as "theotokos" ("bearer of God"), a title which was only officially authorized at the Council of Ephesus in 431 CE. Roberts, the first editor of the papyrus, dated it tentatively to the fourth century CE. The date was estimated palaeographically, by comparing the handwriting with other manuscripts. However, papyrologists have suggested a later date range, from the fifth to the eighth century CE.
The Prayer in English
We fly to thy protection, O Holy Mother of God; Do not despise our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.
The Prayer in Latin
Sub tuum praesidium confugimus, Sancta Dei Genetrix. Nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessitatibus, sed a periculis cunctis libera nos semper, Virgo gloriosa et benedicta.
