Akathist to The Holy Archangel Gabriel

 Akathist to The Holy Archangel Gabriel

 Kontakion 1

 Chosen from all the angelic hosts as the only one worthy of the revelation of God’s mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God through the All-Holy Virgin, from the heavenly realm you descended into Nazareth and announced the profound news to her: “Rejoice” - do not forsake us born on earth in your intercessions before the throne of the Holy Trinity, as we exclaim to you: Rejoice, O Great Archangel Gabriel, who brought us great joy from heaven.

 Ikos 1

O firey-eyed Archangel Gabriel, Herald of the most joyful tidings, we fall down and beseech you: Instruct us and enlighten us to glorify and praise you thus:

Rejoice, intercessor before the tri-radiant throne of God.

Rejoice, bright beacon of the rays of divinity.

Rejoice, banner of the Christian assembly, with which we sing.

Rejoice, for those on earth are praising and exulting with you.

Rejoice, O Commander Gabriel, for you rejoice with those in heaven.

Rejoice, as you aid us in all pious living of this temporal life.

Rejoice, for you direct our steps on the path of salvation.

Rejoice, O Captain of the Host of the Lord, bearing a blazing scepter.

Rejoice, doer of the Master’s will.

Rejoice, one of the three visitors of our forefather Abraham.

Rejoice, foreteller of the birth of Abraham’s son Isaac from his old and feeble wife, Sarah.

Rejoice, for you behold the heavens brilliantly adorned with divine luminaries.

Rejoice, O Great Archangel Gabriel, who brought us great joy from heaven.

 

Kontakion 2 

Perceiving with the eyes of faith the power and brightness of your lightening-bearing appearance, O Archangel of God Gabriel, we, the earthly ones, are filled with love and thanksgiving to the Most-Holy Trinity and cry out with all the holy angels: Alleluia.

 

Ikos 2

Grant us the discernment to know God’s will, O Most-Wondrous Gabriel, so that we may walk in the Lord’s commandments and endlessly sing to you:

Rejoice, for you instructed the Prophet Moses to write the divine scriptures after he fled from Pharaoh to the desert.

Rejoice, for you revealed to him the story of creation of the world and of the life of Adam and his descendants.

Rejoice, for you narrated to him the story of the ancient generations, the flood, and the division of languages.

Rejoice, for you taught him to understand the position of planets, the universe, and the ways of God’s wisdom.

Rejoice, for you interpreted the knowledge about kings and kingdoms to the Prophet Daniel, fulfilling his spirit with the revelation of unknown things.

Rejoice, for you pointed him to the time of Christ’s first coming to the world through being incarnate of the Pure Virgin.

Rejoice, for throughout the world our souls have recourse to your deliverance and intercession.

Rejoice, vigilant guard of God’s Church and destroyer of church discord.

Rejoice, for you silence the fierce storms the barbarians raise against your servants.

Rejoice, for you rescue from misfortunes and evils.

Rejoice, O Great Archangel Gabriel, who brought us great joy from heaven.

 

Kontakion 3 

You are mighty with divine strength, O God’s Chief Commander Gabriel, do not forsake us who pray to you with faith in your powerful help against sin and temptation, as we cry to God: Alleluia.

 

Ikos 3 

Having you for our steadfast helper and defender against the adverse powers, we beseech you to be our protector in all journeys of our life so that we may cry out to you in gratitude:

Rejoice, for you appeared to Righteous Anna in an orchard when she was tearfully lamenting to God about her barrenness, and you announced to her: “Anna, your prayer has been heard, the multitude of your sighs is passed, and your tears reached God. Be glad, for I bring you glorious tidings that you will conceive and give birth to the most-blessed daughter, through which all generations of the earth will be blessed and through which salvation shall be given to the world, and her name shall be Mary.”

Rejoice, for the Holy and Righteous Joachim, who was fasting in the desert, also received your foretelling of his daughter, who was forechosen to be the Mother of the Messiah desiring to come to save mankind.

Rejoice, for God appointed you guardian of the godly Maiden’s virginity.

Rejoice, for you brought her food after she entered the Lord’s temple.

Rejoice, for you stand before the throne of divine glory with all the hosts of heaven.

Rejoice, one of the seven commanders of the heavenly army.

Rejoice, O Greatly-Glorious Gabriel, along with the other commanders, Michael, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Jegudiel, and Barachiel, for you all ceaselessly glorify the Holy Trinity.

Rejoice, O Great Archangel Gabriel, who brought us great joy from heaven.

 

Kontakion 4 

From the tempest of temptations and dangers deliver us, O our merciful intercessor. Do not leave us without help in the days of our earthly trials as we cry unto our Creator and God: Alleluia.

 

Ikos 4 

Seeing your boldness before God's throne, all dark spirits tremble and dare not commit villainy against those who honor you with these words, O radiant Gabriel:

Rejoice, tamer of endless temptations.

Rejoice, for you lead the souls that honor you with love into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Rejoice, for you appeared to Zachariah as he stood at the right hand of the altar of incense.

Rejoice, for you announced the end of his wife Elizabeth’s barrenness.

Rejoice, for you silenced his tongue because he did not believe in the birth of John the Forerunner.

Rejoice, for Zachariah became mute as he beheld you during censing.

Rejoice, for you rebuked him for not trusting your awe-striking announcement, O Commander Gabriel/

Rejoice, for you joyfully foretold John’s birth within the walls of God’s Temple.

Rejoice, for you held back the hand of St. Simeon the God-Receiver when he was transcribing the holy books and wanted to correct the word for the one conceiving in her womb from “virgin” to “woman”.

Rejoice, for you enlightened the doubting Elder about the truthfulness of the written words.

Rejoice, for you proclaimed to him that he would not see death until he meets the Lord’s Christ.

Rejoice, for you reveal to us the pre-eternal truly divine mystery.

Rejoice, O Great Archangel Gabriel, who brought us great joy from heaven.

 

Kontakion 5 

O all-blessed and most holy guiding stars, Archangel Gabriel with all other Holy Guardian Angels and all Bodiless Hosts, who ceaselessly stand and praise the Most Holy Trinity and are illumined by Its everlasting splendor, we flee to you with faith and hope. Intercede for us before the throne of the Lord Almighty, together with your commander Gabriel, who sings to the eternal King of glory: Alleluia.

 

Ikos 5 

Beholding you among the nine ranks of angels ablaze as a bright luminary, O Commander Gabriel, we beseech you: enlighten us with the beams of your glory as we sing to you:

 Rejoice, for God sent you to Nazareth to stand before the Holy Virgin, who was betrothed to Righteous Joseph, to announce that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the Son of God would be conceived within her.

Rejoice, for in a dream you assured the Elder Joseph that the Maiden conceived through the Holy Spirit.

Rejoice, for you announced sacred tidings of the Savior’s birth to the shepherds who kept their watch by night.

Rejoice, for you sang with the multitude of heavenly armies: Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will to men.

Rejoice, companion in the holy flight to Egypt to escape the murder by Herod.

Rejoice, protector of the Holy One on His way to Nazareth.

Rejoice, fellow traveler of the Holy Family to the Jerusalem Temple for the feast of Passover.

Rejoice, for with fear and trembling you served the twelve-year-old Jesus.

Rejoice, for with the powers of heaven you appeared at the Lord’s baptism.

Rejoice, for with the armies of heaven you attended to the Lord in the desert when He was tempted by the enemy.

Rejoice, for you were sent into the Garden of Gethsemane to Christ the Savior before His voluntary passion.

Rejoice, for you strengthened Christ as He was praying in the garden, for your name, Gabriel, means “God is my strength” and you strengthen those who are in the midst of struggles. 

Rejoice, O Great Archangel Gabriel, who brought us great joy from heaven.

 

Kontakion 6 

The whole Christian world preaches of your glory, O all holy Archangels, Angels, and all the heavenly powers, and of your service as intercessors before the throne of the Holy Trinity, as they ceaselessly sing, call, and proclaim, “Holy, Holy, Holy!” And we sinners on earth sing with our mortal lips: Alleluia.

 

Ikos 6

You illuminated the whole earth with your heavenly radiance when you, O All-Joyful Archangel Gabriel, flew down from heaven into blessed Nazareth and stood before the Virgin with this archangelic greeting, “Rejoice, O Blessed One, the Lord is with you!” And gladdened by this divine message, we joyfully exclaim to you:

 

Rejoice, for you call with the multitude of angels, “Holy is the Father Almighty, the Unoriginate Son, and the Ever-Existing Holy Spirit.”

Rejoice, for enlightened by participation in that most immaterial Light, you are seen to be a second light.

Rejoice, for your countenance is fiery and wondrously glorious, awe-striking to every mind.

Rejoice in splendor, O Gabriel, chief among God’s bodiless angels.

Rejoice, adornment of all who faithfully praise you.

Rejoice, giver of quiet joy to the hearts of all that love their Lord and Creator.

Rejoice, O Brightly Beaming, Celestial Intelligence, whom our earthly tongues are unable to honor.

Rejoice, for with faith you enlighten those who revere you.

Rejoice, kind and steady guide in our earthly sojourn.

Rejoice, sure protector of all who sing and pray to the Queen of Heaven.

Rejoice, for you are aflame with ineffable divine radiance beyond comprehension.

Rejoice, and by your light-bearing prayers to the Master, snatch from the darkness of passions them that sing your praise.

Rejoice, O Great Archangel Gabriel, who brought us great joy from heaven.

 

Kontakion 7

Seeking to preserve everyone from the enemy’s attacks, the Merciful Lord sent holy angels to serve mankind. And you, O Chief of the Angels, Godly Gabriel, are the first among our ministers, wherefore with gratefulness we cry to the Lord Almighty: Alleluia.

 

Ikos 7

As a good intercessor, you desire the salvation of all, and you grieve and lament over those who do not fulfill the commandments of God and thereby deprive themselves of eternal joy with all the saints in the Kingdom of Heaven. Help us on our life's path, O Mighty Defender, and save all those crying to you: 

Rejoice, the Lord’s companion and His co-sufferer in all the paths of His sufferings.

Rejoice, for with fear and trembling you gazed at Your crucified Lord Jesus.

Rejoice, for you appeared to the holy myrrh-bearers, sitting on the gravestone and announcing Christ’s rising from the grave.

Rejoice, first messenger of the great joy to the Holy Virgin Mary.

Rejoice, O you who cried to her, “Rejoice O Pure Virgin, for your Son has risen from His three days in the tomb.”

Rejoice, for, being a herald of the conception of the Son of God,

Rejoice, you also became the herald of His Resurrection.

Rejoice, O blessed and radiant one.

Rejoice, most joyful of all the angels of God.

Rejoice, bringer of the joy of all joys to the world.

Rejoice, for with ineffable gladness holy people extol you with holy words.

Rejoice, O Great Archangel Gabriel, who brought us great joy from heaven.

 

Kontakion 8

A strange and awesome miracle is taking place today through the voice of the Archangel. God has come to earth and became incarnate of the Virgin for the salvation of all, and to Him we cry out: Alleluia.

 

Ikos 8

Your whole appearance is splendid and flaming and your singing is awe-striking, O Holy Archangel Gabriel. As a close servant of the Holy Trinity and keeper of the mystery of the pre-eternal Council, you became a guardian to the Holy Virgin, serving her when the Holy Spirit came upon her and you were the first to worship God the Savior, visible to you in her womb. Wherefore we offer you these praises:

Rejoice, for the glorious splendor of your temple enkindles the souls of the faithful.

Rejoice, for you ignite fervent prayer to the Lord in the hearts of all who seek to pray in God’s temple.

Rejoice, for you are illuminated as an angelic partaker of the First Light.

Rejoice, for you are truly seen as the second light.

Rejoice, for you always enlighten those who sing to you.

Rejoice, for you destroyed wicked councils.

Rejoice, for you affirmed the Orthodox faith.

Rejoice, for you pacified contentions in the Church.

Rejoice, for you stopped the ragings of Hagar’s descendants against your flock and saved all your faithful people.

Rejoice, O Radiant Gabriel, for the Word, Whose coming in flesh you announced, had you hastening before to guard His sacred palace.

Rejoice, you proclaimed the great joy to us, O Archangel.

Rejoice, for you offered the Virgin the kind of praise that was incomprehensible to the mind.

Rejoice, O Great Archangel Gabriel, who brought us great joy from heaven.

 

Kontakion  9

All monks and Orthodox Christians that are deemed worthy to bear your glorious name, rejoice with awe in having such a namesake and intercessor before the throne of the Almighty as you, O Archangel of God, and you ceaselessly sing to Him the thrice-holy hymn: Alleluia.

 

Ikos 9

The orator's tongue is unable to describe your heavenly splendor, O Holy Archangel Gabriel, for you exceed all other ranks in your honor and glory and you stand before the Throne of God, imploring His goodness and mercy for all who honor and call on you:

Rejoice, commander of the fiery servants.

Rejoice, servant of grace, who stands before the fearsome throne.

Rejoice, chief of the angels, guide and intercessor for men.

Rejoice, for you bless those who praise you with faith.

Rejoice, for you are brimming with divine oracles.

Rejoice, for you uplift my mind with your prayers.

Rejoice, proclaimer of the inexpressible joy that came into the world.

Rejoice, for those who love and praise you are rescued from afflictions and the serpent’s harm.

Rejoice, for you are revealed as the second immaterial, illuminating light.

Rejoice, for you always enlighten those who are material—those of the human race, who praise you.

Rejoice, for we honor you for all eternity.

Rejoice, O Great Archangel Gabriel, who brought us great joy from heaven.

 

Kontakion 10

Desiring to save the human race, the Pre-Eternal Council of the Holy Trinity chose you, O Archangel Gabriel, to deliver this hidden mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God, and you, as a faithful minister of God’s providence, ever sing to Him: Alleluia.

 

Ikos 10

You are a fortress to all that flee to your intercession and help, O Captain of God’s armies and our protector from the visible and invisible enemies that seek to destroy us at every step and to lead us to eternal perdition. All whom you guard with the wings of your immaterial glory and with your supplications before the Lord with gratitude cry out to you:

Rejoice, for you were worthy of bringing the greatest news.

Rejoice, O blazing heavenly messenger who bestows quiet joy into the hearts of all who love their Lord and Creator.

Rejoice, for you shine with light that astonishes every mind.

Rejoice, adornment of all who sing to you.

Rejoice, O greatest of the angels, who revealed to us the profound mystery.

Rejoice, for after the Lord’s ascension, you promised His disciples His second coming into the world. Rejoice, for they honored you as He was taken up to the Divine Heights.

Rejoice, for you deliver us from the storm of misfortunes and sorrows.

Rejoice, for the sacred mystery of the ineffable birth by the Holy Virgin was entrusted to you first, O Gabriel.

Rejoice, for the faithful revere you with joy.

Rejoice, for the Holy Church commemorates your numerous appearances in the Old and New Testaments and your unceasing intercession before God.

Rejoice, O Great Archangel Gabriel, who brought us great joy from heaven.

 

Kontakion 11

Ceaselessly, you raise holy songs to the Most Holy Trinity, O Holy Archangel Gabriel, with all the heavenly intelligences, and we glorify you for the multitude of your mercies to the Christian race with a song of praise: Alleluia.

 

Ikos 11

Illuminated by the Light of the Holy Trinity, as an unsetting sun you shine in the glory of the unapproachable light. Illuminate us with the rays of your divine glory, so that we may sing to you:

Rejoice, for you are arrayed in a divine garment that glows with sublime glory brighter than the sun.

Rejoice, for we joyfully praise your fiery nature with our temporal lips.

Rejoice, O Holy Gabriel, who by your intercession snatch us from the fire that burns perpetually.

Rejoice, O jubilant Commander of the Heavenly King’s ministers.

Rejoice, for on the Mount of Olives you appeared to the Most Pure Theotokos as she was praying fervently, to announce to her that soon she would be honorably transported from earth to heaven.

Rejoice, for you gave the Mother of God a heavenly, radiant palm branch, and it was carried by the Apostle John at the front of her bier.

Rejoice, for at her honorable Dormition, as she was carried by the holy Apostles to burial in Gethsemane, you punished the Jew Jephonias for his brazen act by severing his hands.

Rejoice, you who, with all the heavenly powers, surrounded the holy Apostles when the Mother of God appeared to them after her Dormition.

Rejoice, for you freed the Apostle Peter from prison chains and iron fetters.

Rejoice, for you brought the Apostle Peter out of the dungeon and, after passing one street, you departed from him.

Rejoice, speedy aid and intercessor for all faithful Christians.

Rejoice, deliverer from troubles for all who with love honor you.

Rejoice, O Great Archangel Gabriel, who brought us great joy from heaven.

 

Kontakion 12

Since you received abundant grace from the Lord, beseech Him to grant us grace also, accept our prayers as our offering, and drive away from our souls all sinful thoughts and all slander of the enemy, so that with a pure heart we may be worthy to sing a song of praise to the Lord: Alleluia.

 

Ikos 12

Singing of your heavenly service to the Holy Trinity, O holy protector and fervent intercessor with God, all your faithful servants praise you. Do not forsake us here in our earthly sojourn and be our mighty advocate on the Day of the Dread Judgment of God, as we sing to you: 

Rejoice, for by your prayers, those who honor you shall receive the forgiveness of their sins.

Rejoice, for the people of God are inspired to fervor when they flee to your intercession and help.

Rejoice, invisible guardian of the sick and the helpless. Rejoice, good comforter of orphans and the oppressed.

Rejoice, O light-bearing Gabriel, with your fervent petitions, plead for a blessed Christian ending to our lives and be our ardent heavenly supplicant.

Rejoice, and at the hour of our departure, appear to us bright and joyful, delivering our souls from evil demons and protecting us.

Rejoice, and reignite the fading flame of our good deeds through your all-powerful entreaties before the Lord.

Rejoice, and beseech the Righteous Judge to have mercy on our souls and to save us on the day of the Last Judgment.

Rejoice, O mighty mediator for our attainment of the Kingdom of Heaven in the endless blissful joy of eternal repose.

Rejoice, O Great Archangel Gabriel, who brought us great joy from heaven.

 

Kontakion 13

O light-bearing, all-joyful Archangel Gabriel, accept from us this grateful praise and do not forsake us who flee to your mercy. Be our helper and powerful intercessor throughout our life and, at our death, save from the eternal torment those who ceaselessly sing: Alleluia.

 

(This kontakion is read thrice, then Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1)

 

Prayer to Archangel Gabriel 

O Holy Archangel of God Gabriel! Constant intercessor before the throne of the Most High, joyful herald of the good news and tireless ambassador for our souls! Graciously accept from us, unworthy sinners, this small praise and thanksgiving. Lift our prayers up and offer them as incense at the heavenly altar. Illuminate our minds with the light of the Orthodox faith, kindle our hearts with love for Christ our Savior, direct and strengthen our desires on the saving path of the Gospel commandments. May we give glory to God by living in peace and piety, to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, and to be found worthy of the grace of Christ our God, through the intercessions of His Most Pure Mother and through your powerful prayers. Together with you, all the bodiless heavenly powers, and with all the saints, grant us to glorify the One God in the Trinity: the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

AKATHIST HYMN TO ALMIGHTY GOD
IN TIME OF TROUBLE

KONTAKION I
O champion Leader and Lord, Thou joy and gladness of Thy
servants! Wherever Thou art, all grief is set at nought; wherever
Thou art not, all joy is in vain. Look down upon me, a sinner
who am perishing in this misfortune, and with the revelation of
Thy salvation visit me who cry out: O Lord, my Lord, my joy,
grant that I may rejoice in Thy mercy!
IKOS I
O Creator of the angels and Lord of hosts, for the sake of the
salvation of fallen man Thou didst not disdain the Virgin's
womb; and afterwards, O Word of God, didst endure spitting,
mockery and a disgraceful death, in that Thou art good and the
Lover of mankind. Mindful of this, I dare to approach Thee and
to pray with tears:
O Lord, my Lord, my merciful Savior, save me who am
perishing;
O Lord, my Lord, Who camest not to save the righteous, but
sinners, deliver me from this temptation!
O Lord, my Lord, Who acceptest our infirmities and bearest
our afflictions, send down Thy peace upon my troubled
soul;
O Lord, my Lord, Who by Thy death hast abolished death,
set at nought the wiles of the devil which are against me!
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy
mercy!
KONTAKION II
Seeing the many manifestations of Thy love for mankind shown
forth upon sinners before me, I also dare to lift up mine eyes to
Thee Who dwellest in heaven. Have mercy upon me, O Lord,
for I am weak. Deliver me from this bitter grief and account me
worthy of chanting to Thee with joy and gladness: Alleluia!
IKOS II
Thou didst create me a rational creature, O my Creator, but
wretch that I am, I have allowed myself to become like unto
irrational beasts and have likened myself to them, and have
angered Thy goodness, O Savior. Wherefore, Thou hast justly
afflicted me with this sorrow. This I acknowledge, and repenting
I flee to Thee, praying thus:
O Lord, my Lord, Who preserved me in my youth, protect
me from the enemies which assail me;
O Lord, my Lord, strengthening of my body in old age,
strengthen me who am ailing in soul and body!
O Lord, my Lord, consolation of my soul, console me who
am troubled;
O Lord, my Lord, my Guide, direct me to the path of
salvation!
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy
mercy!
KONTAKION III
O Lord Who art mighty in battle, come to the aid of mine
afflicted soul, and be Thou my helper against enemies visible
and invisible, for my father and my mother have forsaken me,
and my friends and neighbors have stood far away from me. But
be Thou, O Father of orphans and Judge of widows, the helper
of me who am helpless but who chant to Thee: Alleluia!
IKOS III
O Thou Who hast heaven for Thy throne and earth for Thy
footstool, O Dread One Who takest away the spirit of princes,
reject me not who am dust and ashes, yet who dares say to Thee
Who art everywhere present and knowest all things:
O Lord, my Lord, lift up Thy might and come to save me
from the hands of the mighty who oppress me;
O Lord, my Lord, Whom all fear and before Whom all
tremble, take pity on me, for the darkness of death hath
covered me because of my sins!
O Lord, my Lord, Who clothest Thyself with light as with a
garment, enlighten me who am benighted by the griefs of
life;
O Lord, my Lord, Who stretchest out the heavens as a tent,
extend to me the shelter of Thy help!
O Lord, my Lord, grant Thy peace to my lowly soul;
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy
mercy!
KONTAKION IV
Drowning in the tempest of this most turbulent life, I stretch out
my hand to Thee, O Word of God. As Thou didst save drowning
Peter, so also stretch forth to me Thy mighty hand, and deliver
me from this misfortune, that with joy and thankful heart I may
cry to Thee: Alleluia!
IKOS IV
O Lord, I have heard Thy most sweet voice, for Thou didst say
Call upon me in the day of thy tribulation, and I will rescue thee,
and thou shalt glorify Me. And from the depths of my despair, I
dare to approach Thee with boldness, saying:
O Lord, my Lord, I have sinned against heaven and before
Thee; accept me as Thou didst accept the prodigal son;
O Lord, my Lord, Who didst justify the publican rather than
the pharisee, enter not into judgment with Thy servant,
for there is none living who is justified before Thee!
O Lord, my Lord, Instructor of wisdom, instruct me Thy
servant;
O Lord, my Lord, Bestower of understanding, grant me
understanding, that I may be able to escape the cunning
wiles and wicked treachery of them that hate me!
O Lord, my Lord, Who lookest down upon the humble,
behold also my tribulation and my difficulty, and reveal
Thy mercy to me;
O Lord, my Lord, grant that I may rejoice in Thy mercy!
KONTAKION V
Through the divinely flowing blood of Thy beloved Son Jesus
Christ have we been reconciled to Thee, O heavenly Father; yet,
lo! I have returned again to sin, like a dog to its vomit, for which
cause Thou art justly chastising me with this grievous
misfortune. But hearken unto me, O Lord my God, on this day
of my grief; show forth Thy mercy and salvation upon me, and
grant me ever to cry out to Thee amid chastisement: Alleluia!
IKOS V
The prophet David, seeing the prophet Nathan denouncing him
for what he had done, came to his senses and confessed his sin,
and said: I have sinned before the Lord, and the Lord hearkened
unto me, and took away mine offenses. But wretch that I am, I
have sinned more than he, and have in no-wise acquired the fruit
of repentance. Wherefore, these evil things have come upon me.
But be merciful unto me who pray thus:
O Lord, my Lord, strengthen me with power from on high,
that I may not fall under the weight of this tribulation;
O Lord, my Lord, Who mercifully regarded the tears of
Hezekiah, look with the eye of Thy kindness also upon
the shedding of my tears before Thee!
O Lord, my Lord, Who hearkened unto the sighs of
Mannasseh, hearken unto the sighing of my heart;
O Lord, my Lord, Who dwellest in the highest and lookest
down upon the lowly, look upon me a sinner!
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy
mercy!
KONTAKION VI
Thy Forerunner, the preacher of repentance, O Word of God,
crieth repeatedly to my conscience, that I repent of my evil
deeds. But, wretch that I am, I have paid him no heed.
Wherefore, Thy righteous wrath hath overtaken me, for
misfortunes and sorrows have befallen me, a sinner. But before
Thou visitest me, O Lord God my Savior, grant me time, that I
may lament my evil deeds and cry out to Thee: Alleluia!
IKOS VI
O my Savior, amid my sorrow Thy comforting words have
shone forth, which Thou didst utter, saying: Forgive, and it shall
be forgiven you. And straightway escaping the snares of despair,
with trust in Thy love for mankind I have fled to Thee, praying:
O Lord, my Lord, my consolation, comfort me who am
grieved;
O Lord, my Lord, my helper, help me against them that rise
up against me!
O Lord, my Lord, mine aid, help me for my soul hath grown
weak because of this sorrow;
O Lord, my Lord, pre-eternal memory, grant that I may ever
have Thy benefactions in mind and may never despair of
Thy mercy!
O Lord, my Lord, my strength, strengthen me that without
temerity I may ask help of Thee;
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy
mercy!
KONTAKION VII
The infamous King Nebuchadnezzar, desiring to destroy the
three children, once commanded that they be cast into the fiery
furnace. But Thou, O heavenly Father, didst send Thine Angel,
that He might cool the burning flame. And do Thou now also, O
Lord, send consolation to Thy servant, and save me for the sake
of Thy mercy. For even though I have sinned, yet have I not
departed from Thee, and I worship Thee, the one true God,
chanting: Alleluia!
IKOS VII
Wondrously wast Thou glorified before Pharaoh and all his host,
O God of Israel, for Thou didst not disdain the misery of Thy
people, but hearkened to their cry. Wherefore, hearken also to
my supplication and save me who cry to Thee thus:
O Lord, my Lord, Who delivered Thy people out of the
hands of their enemies, rescue me also from the hands of
them that hate me;
O Lord, my Lord, Who led Thy chosen ones out of the land
of Egypt, lead my soul out of this sorrow!
O Lord, my Lord, Who bringest warfare to nought, bring to
nought the assaults of them that devise evils against me;
O Lord, my Lord, Who drowned Pharaoh's chosen riders in
the Red Sea, drown the multitude of my misdeeds in the
sea of Thy lovingkindness!
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy
mercy!
KONTAKION VIII
I have made myself a stranger to Thy mercy, O heavenly Father;
by mine evil deeds I have estranged myself from Thee and have
enslaved myself to this vain world. Wherefore, I am aflame with
grievous sorrow, I am drowning in the profound depths of
despair. But as Thou art merciful and the Lover of mankind,
accept me, who am perishing, and from this tribulation save me
who cry out to Thee: Alleluia!
IKOS VIII
Wholly polluted with the impurity of sin, plunged in the depths
of evil, I lift up mine eyes unto Thee Who dwellest in heaven.
Hearken unto my cry of lamentation:
O Lord, my Lord, Who hast illumined the day with the light
of the sun, illumine my soul which hath been benighted
with the darkness of the vanities of this world;
O Lord, my Lord, All-good Comforter, fill my sinful soul
with divine consolation!
O Lord, my Lord, by Whose word the heavens have been
established, confirm me in the confession of Thy holy
name;
O Lord, my Lord, Who art upborne upon the cherubim and
art hymned by the seraphim, accept from me, a sinner,
this entreaty which I offer unto Thee!
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy
mercy!
KONTAKION IX
O source of all mercy and Bestower of understanding, O Allgood
Comforter, teach me to say worthy things in Thy presence,
and with Thy divine consolation fill Thou my soul, which hath
been darkened by the passions, and my mind, which is troubled
by the grief of this world, that with gladness I may chant unto
Thee: Alleluia!
IKOS IX
The most eloquent of orators cannot recount the extent of Thy
goodness and Thy love for mankind, O Son of God; for Thou
didst humble Thyself even to take on the guise of a servant.
Wherefore, do not reject even me who have committed sins
without number, yet who stand before Thee with fear and pray
thus:
O Lord, my Lord, good Shepherd Who layest down Thy life
for Thy sheep, deliver me, Thy lost sheep, from the jaws
of the soul-destroying wolf which raveneth to devour
me;
O Lord, my Lord, Who for our sake wast mocked, slain and
nailed to the Cross, keep me from the mockery of mine,
enemies, visible and invisible, for the sake of Thy
sufferings!
O Lord, my Lord, Thou sinless One Who wast numbered
among transgressors, rescue me from the hands of them
that hate me;
O Lord, my Lord, by Whose stripes all are healed, heal my
heart which hath been afflicted with bitterness!
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy
mercy!
KONTAKION X
Wishing to save Israel Thy chosen from the oppression of
Egypt, Thou didst call Moses Thy servant from the burning
bush, and didst say to him: I have seen the affliction of my
people in Egypt, and have hearkened to their cry. Wherefore
look now upon mine affliction, O Lord, and heal the pangs of
my heart, that I may cry to Thee in thanksgiving: Alleluia!
IKOS X
O heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of truth, show forth Thy
lovingkindness upon me, Thy servant, and visit my soul which is
plunged in grief and strengthen me who pray to Thee:
O Lord, my Lord, Who taughtest Thine apostles to speak in
different tongues, teach me the fear of Thee;
O Lord, my Lord, Who filled the martyrs with boldness
when they stood before the tribunals, grant me boldly to
stand against sin, the world and the devil!
O Lord, my Lord, holy Sanctifier of Thy faithful, hallow my
soul, that it may be worthy to be called Thy habitation;
O Lord, my Lord, Light and Bestower of light, illumine me
who am benighted in the darkness of sorrow!
O Lord, my Lord, Treasury of good things, do not deprive
me of the gifts of Thy goodness!
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy
mercy!
KONTAKION XI
O All-good Master, do not disdain one who offereth most
compunctionate hymnody unto Thee, and prayeth to Thee with
contrite heart. Rather, turn Thy face away from my sins, but do
not avert Thy countenance from Thy servant, for I am afflicted.
Quickly hearken unto me who chant unto Thee: Alleluia!
IKOS XI
O Christ God, true Light, illumine with the light of Thy grace
my soul which hath been benighted by the passions, that with
reverence I may pray to Thee, saying:
O Lord, my Lord, do not destroy me, wretch that I am, who
am bereft of correction of life, yet dare to stand before
Thee;
O Lord, my Lord, Fervor which createst life, warm me who
am withering away amid this sorrow!
O Lord, my Lord, Splendor of the glory of the Father, shine
the light of Thine aid upon me;
O Lord, my Lord, Who makest Thine angels spirits and Thy
minsters a flame of fire, send Thine angel to keep me
from all evil!
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy
mercy!
KONTAKION XII
For the sake of Thy love for the human race, O heavenly Father,
Thou didst send Thine only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who appeared on earth and dwelt among men; and afterwards,
though He is sinless, He was numbered among transgressors and
by His blood renewed our nature which had become corrupted
by sin, and He taught the whole world to chant: Alleluia!
IKOS XII
Hymning Thine ineffable love for mankind, O Christ God, in
that for our salvation Thou didst will to endure the Cross and
death, I confess also Thy just judgment, for in truth and justice
Thou hast brought this sorrow upon me for the sake of my sins.
But, O Thou Who camest not to call the righteous, but sinners to
repentance, hearken unto me, who have sinned more than the
most sinful of men, for I pray to Thee thus:
O Lord, my Lord, Lamb of God Who takest away the sins of
the world, take from me the heavy burden of my sins;
O Lord, my Lord, Who like a lamb led to the slaughter
opened not Thy mouth, teach me to endure the evils
which befall me without murmuring!
O Lord, my Lord, Who rent asunder the handwriting of
Adam, rend asunder the handwriting of my countless
sins;
O Lord, my Lord, Who accepted the repentance of the thief,
accept also the repentance of me a sinner!
O Lord, my Lord, Who raised up the dead, resurrect my soul
which hath been mortified by sins;
O Lord, my Lord, upraising of the fallen, raise me up who
have also fallen!
O Lord, my Lord, grant that I may rejoice in Thy mercy!
KONTAKION XIII
O most loving and all-good Lord my God, Helper of the
oppressed and hope of the hopeless: look Thou with the eye of
Thy compassion upon mine affliction and sorrow, and for the
sake of Thy mercy, save me who chant to Thee: Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Thrice.
IKOS I
O Creator of the angels and Lord of hosts, for the sake of the
salvation of fallen man Thou didst not disdain the Virgin's
womb; and afterwards, O Word of God, didst endure spitting,
mockery and a disgraceful death, in that Thou art good and the
Lover of mankind. Mindful of this, I dare to approach Thee and
to pray with tears:
O Lord, my Lord, my merciful Savior, save me who am
perishing;
O Lord, my Lord, Who camest not to save the righteous, but
sinners, deliver me from this temptation!
O Lord, my Lord, Who acceptest our infirmities and bearest
our afflictions, send down Thy peace upon my troubled
soul;
O Lord, my Lord, Who by Thy death hast abolished death,
set at nought the wiles of the devil which are against me!
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy
mercy!
KONTAKION I
O champion Leader and Lord, Thou joy and gladness of Thy
servants! Wherever Thou art, all grief is set at nought; wherever
Thou art not, all joy is in vain. Look down upon me, a sinner
who am perishing in this misfortune, and with the revelation of
Thy salvation visit me who cry out: O Lord, my Lord, my joy,
grant that I may rejoice in Thy mercy!

PRAYERS
I
Save me, O Lord, for I am perishing! Behold, my ship is
endangered by the battering of the waves of life and is nigh unto
sinking! But as Thou art full of loving kindness and sympathetic
to our weakness, do Thou with Thine almighty authority rebuke
the turbulence of tribulations which threaten to inundate me and
drag me down into the depths of evil. And let there be calm, for
even the winds and the sea are obedient to Thee. Amen.
II
Save me, O my Savior, according to Thy mercy, not according
to my deeds. It is Thy wish that I be saved. Thou knowest how
to accomplish my salvation. Wherefore, save me as Thou
desirest, as Thou canst, as Thou knowest. Save me by the
judgements which Thou knowest. I trust in Thee, my Lord, and
entrust myself to Thy holy will. Deal with me as Thou wishest:
if Thou desirest to have me in light, be Thou blessed; if Thou
desirest to have me in darkness, be Thou likewise blessed. If
Thou openest unto me the portals of Thy lovingkindness, be
Thou blessed, O Lord, Who hast opened unto me in accordance
with Thy righteousness. If Thou destroyest me not with mine
iniquities, glory to Thy righteous judgment. Deal with me as
Thou wishest. Amen.

The Beginning of the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in honor of her icon “The Enlightener of Minds”

Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in honor of her icon “The Enlightener of Minds” (“Pribavlenie Uma”)

Commemorated August 15/28

Kontakion 1

Chosen from among all generations, Mother of God and Queen of heaven and earth, giver of spiritual healing to the whole world, we bring you a song of thanksgiving for granting us divine treasure through your wonderworking icon "The Enlightener of Minds" and we tenderly rejoice under its protection and lovingly exclaim:

Rejoice, all-merciful Queen who imparts wisdom and understanding to your faithful people.

Ikos 1

An archangel was sent to the city of Nazareth to Mary the pure maiden, saying: Rejoice, for the Word of God is made flesh in your womb. Having heard the good news of the Archangel, the Pure Maiden responded with humility of heart: Behold the handmaid of the Lord, let it be according to your word. Reverently honoring the Mother of Christ our God, we – sinners – are taught by the Angel to cry out with compunction to the Lady full of grace:

Rejoice, O Blessed among women;

Rejoice, for you obtained grace from the Lord.

Rejoice, for the power of the Most High overshadowed you;

Rejoice, for you are sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Rejoice, faithful Handmaid of the Lord;

Rejoice, God's chosen Maiden.

Rejoice, O Bearer of the Savior of the world;

Rejoice, O Mother of Light, enlightener of all.

Rejoice, wisdom above the wisest of this world;

Rejoice, illuminator of the thoughts of the faithful.

Rejoice, Queen of Heaven and Earth;

Rejoice, for all generations shall call you blessed.

Rejoice, all-merciful Queen who imparts wisdom and understanding to your faithful people.

The Beginning of the Akathist to the Three Optina Brethren Slain on Pascha, Hieromonk Vasily, Monk Ferapont, and Monk Trophim

Akathist to the Three Optina Brethren Slain on Pascha,

Hieromonk Vasily, Monk Ferapont, and Monk Trophim

Kontakion 1

O chosen sons of the Optina elders, threefold servants of the Holy Trinity, lambs slain on the Lord's Pascha who obtained boldness through good victory, we bring you songs of praise; raise up from the tombs of slothfulness us who cry out to you with love:

Rejoice, three new martyrs of Optina, preachers of the Risen Christ.

Ikos 1

Desiring to imitate the angelic way of life, you have shone forth in the Optina Hermitage with your feat of martyrdom, having given your life for Christ; as you now delight with other martyrs in the never-ending day of the Kingdom of God, hear our plea for help as we prayerfully exclaim to you:

Rejoice, proclaimers of the joy of the Resurrection;

Rejoice, heirs of the Optina elders.

Rejoice, chosen vessels of the grace of God;

Rejoice, golden Paschal trumpets.

Rejoice, for you stung the demons with your wounds;

Rejoice, for you deafened the devil with the triple-peal of Pascha.

Rejoice, for you received crowns for the battle of Great Lent;

Rejoice, standard-bearers of the Paschal Lamb.

Rejoice, sword-bearers of the heavenly passover;

Rejoice, revelation of the glory of the Cross and Resurrection.

Rejoice, three new martyrs of Optina, preachers of the Risen Christ.

The full version of this akathist, along with many others, is in the process of being included in the new volume of translations.

Akathist to Righteous Symeon the God-Receiver

(by Abbess Thaisia of Leushino)

Kontakion 1

Chosen messenger of the appearance of Christ among men - Holy Righteous Elder Symeon – accept

our hymns of praise, O God-Receiver. For as you have boldness before the Lord and have carried Him

in your arms, do pray for the salvation of us who lovingly call on you:

Rejoice, Symeon, Righteous Elder and Blessed God-Receiver.

Ikos 1

An angel of the Lord was sent to elder Symeon to announce that the promised Messiah would truly be

born of a Virgin. While he was reading in the prophesy of Isaiah: “a virgin shall conceive and bear a

child Emmanuel” and pondering at how this can take place, an angel appeared and announced to him

that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ born of a Virgin. Marveling at God's

awesome providence toward him, let us appeal to him thus:

Rejoice, for you acquired true wisdom with your gray hair.

Rejoice, for the Holy Spirit bore witness to your righteousness and piety.

Rejoice, for you walked in all commandments of the Lord blamelessly and without stumbling.

Rejoice, for you pleased your Lord with your whole life.

Rejoice, Symeon, Righteous Elder and Blessed God-Receiver.
 (translated by Maria Murray, full version not yet published)

Akathist to Saint Anthony the Great

Kontakion 1

Chosen wonderworker and most marvelous servant of Christ, venerable Father Anthony! Lovingly praising your God-pleasing life, we offer God a song of thanksgiving for you. And as you have great boldness toward the Lord, free from all dangers us who joyfully call on you:

Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!

Ikos 1

Having loved the angelic life from your youth, you desired to walk in God’s commandments, venerable Father, and, with your heart flaming toward to the Lord of Hosts, you raised your mind onto the divine, counting all temporary and earthly as loss. Therefore, marveling at God’s providence for you, with faith we call upon you:

Rejoice, worthy son of devout parents.

Rejoice, for you were raised in piety.

Rejoice, for you followed Christ from youth.

Rejoice, for you reckoned earthly vanity as nothing.

Rejoice, fervent worker of Christ's vineyard.

Rejoice, great teacher of the desert dwellers.

Rejoice, for you desired salvation for all.

Rejoice, for you showed the true monastic path.

Rejoice, luminous lamp ignited with divine fire.

Rejoice, unshakable rock of faith in Christ.

Rejoice, radiant with the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Rejoice, graced with the gift of wonderworking.

Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!

Kontakion 2

Seeing that the enemy of mankind wished to destroy you for ascending to spiritual heights, O God-bearing Father, but was shamed by your struggle and humility in constant fasting and prayer, you crushed the head of the invisible serpent, singing to God with compunction: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Knowing with your heart and mind all worldly goods to be swiftly passing and fleeting, you shut yourself in a dark cave, mortifying your passions and working only unto the Lord. Wherefore, praising your angelical living, we exclaim to you:

Rejoice, for you placed your hope in God.

Rejoice, for you shamed the folly of the enemy.

Rejoice, fearless destroyer of the devil's schemes.

Rejoice, for you resemble an angel in your purity and holiness.

Rejoice, for you sanctified the wilderness by your struggles.

Rejoice, for you guided many to the Heavenly Kingdom.

Rejoice, for you overthrew despicable pride.

Rejoice, for you taught the lowliness of mind.

Rejoice, light that enlightens all with the divine wisdom.

Rejoice, radiant star illuminating all with the brightness of your struggles.

Rejoice, for you lived to the glory of God.

Rejoice, good and long-suffering shepherd.

Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!

Kontakion 3

Strengthened by the divine power, most blessed Anthony, you remained in fasting, prayer, unceasing labors, and vigils, overcoming all temptations of the enemy and singing to God, Who covered you with grace, Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having a pure mind and a spotless soul, blessed Father, you comprehended the vanity and inconstancy of this world, and, desiring the eternal blessings, you renounced the temporary goods. Wherefore, honoring you, we sing:

Rejoice, lover of blessed humility.

Rejoice, searcher of spiritual wisdom.

Rejoice, for you ascended the heights of dispassion.

Rejoice, for you offered yourself wholly to God.

Rejoice, for you resembled your Lord in your guilelessness.

Rejoice, for you were wealthy in poverty.

Rejoice, grace-filled adornment of the desert.

Rejoice, all-radiant lamp of the world.

Rejoice, banisher of terrifying demons.

Rejoice, destroyer of their delusions.

Rejoice, for you are wiser than the wise of this world.

Rejoice, zealous ascetic.

Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!


Kontakion 4

Stilling the storm of evil temptations, you settled in the wilderness, most blessed Anthony, traversed the sorrowful path of the monastic life, trampling all the snares of the enemy and casting off his deception, and sang to Christ, Who strengthened you: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Hearing of your God-pleasing life, venerable one, seekers of God’s truth came to you from throughout and you received them with love and guided them to salvation. With compunction of soul we praise and cry out to you:

Rejoice, rule and foundation of desert dwellers.

Rejoice, good teacher of Christ’s flock.

Rejoice, adornment of Christ’s Church.

Rejoice, glory of the monastics.

Rejoice, for you offered yourself as a sacrifice to the Lord.

Rejoice, for you mortified your sinful passions.

Rejoice, joy of the angels.

Rejoice, full vanquisher of the demons.

Rejoice, dweller of the wilderness.

Rejoice, zealous struggler of stillness.

Rejoice, for you show the right path.

Rejoice, announcer of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!


Kontakion 5

Like a divinely-moving star you appeared to the monastic world, venerable Father Anthony, you were an image of faithfulness in word, life, love, faith, and purity, singing to the Lord: Alleluia.


Ikos 5

Seeing your pure and holy living, Father Anthony, the enemy of the human race frequently attacked you, but, defeating him with your humility, you did not depart from the way of salvation. Wherefore, we cry out to you:

Rejoice, partaker of the eternal life.

Rejoice, great teacher of salvation.

Rejoice, for you served God alone with your life.

Rejoice, for you took up the yoke of Christ.

Rejoice, for you exposed the wiles of the demons.

Rejoice, for you directed to the way of salvation.

Rejoice, keeper of purity.

Rejoice, beholder of the Light of the Trinity.

Rejoice, rise of the fallen.

Rejoice, banishment of the demonic power.

Rejoice, solid pillar of faith.

Rejoice, perfected teacher.

Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!

Kontakion 6

Having heard the Gospel preaching: “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me,” Father Anthony, you renounced the worldly treasures, and, undertaking a life of fasting and struggles in the wilderness, you acquired the treasures of heaven. Give us wisdom, good hearted Father, to not incline our hearts to the quickly-perishing things of this earth, but to ponder the things above, exclaiming to the Lord of Hosts: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

You shone forth as a divinely radiant light in the Egyptian wilderness, Father Anthony, illuminating with the rays of your virtues and miracles. Remembering your struggles, we bless you and say to you:

Rejoice, for venerable saints are crowned by you.

Rejoice, for men are saved through you.

Rejoice, grace-filled visitation of the sick.

Rejoice, helper of strangers.

Rejoice, destroyer of enmity.

Rejoice, annihilator of the enemy.

Rejoice, peace and steadfastness of the faithful.

Rejoice, swift deliverance from dangers.

Rejoice, extinguisher of guile and craftiness.

Rejoice, consolation of the despairing.

Rejoice, defender of the Orthodox.

Rejoice, helper of Christians.

Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!

Kontakion 7

Desiring to undertake a worthy struggle, you accounted all temporary as nothing and dwelled in poverty and humility in the wilderness, conversing with the One God and singing ceaselessly to Him: Alleluia.


Ikos 7

The Lord revealed a truly new guide for monastics in you, Father Anthony: many who learned of your God-pleasing and righteous life and the heights of your spiritual wisdom, heeded your words as the words of a great servant of God. To you we sing:

Rejoice, for you resemble Abraham in faith.

Rejoice, for you resemble David in meekness.

Rejoice, for you acquired the zeal of Elijah.

Rejoice, for you followed the way of the Forerunner.

Rejoice, for you poured forth water in the desert by your prayers.

Rejoice, for you raised paralytics from the sick beds.

Rejoice, for you gave sight to the blind.

Rejoice, for you healed many diseases.

Rejoice, most marvelous and divinely wise guide of monks.

Rejoice, fervent servant of Christ.

Rejoice, most gentle consolation of the sorrowful.

Rejoice, most beloved boast of monks.

Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!


Kontakion 8

Having seen the strange and supernatural life of Saint Paul, blessed Anthony, you marveled at the height of his struggles and virtues. Seeing his soul ascending to the heavens and surrounded by angels, you cried out to God, Who is wondrous in His saints: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

You rejoiced with great joy, Father Anthony, beholding with your clairvoyant eyes the ascent of the soul of Saint Ammonius. Wherefore, we beseech you with much wonder:

Rejoice, for you ever raised your eyes to the heavens.

Rejoice, for you loved heavenly glory above all.

Rejoice, for you sanctified your heart with ceaseless prayer.

Rejoice, for you established your mind in God.

Rejoice, for you foresaw the future as present.

Rejoice, for you acquired lofty gifts through humility.

Rejoice, for you free those held captive by evil spirits.

Rejoice, for you grant spiritual and bodily health.

Rejoice, intercessor in hardships and calamities.

Rejoice, defender in tribulations and afflictions.

Rejoice, for you do not forsake us here on earth.

Rejoice, for you offer your prayers for us sinners.

Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!


Kontakion 9

All angelic beings marveled at the height of your exploits, for you became like an angel in every way while still in the weakness of the flesh and, strengthened by the power of the Almighty, you became abundant in virtues. Therefore, you joined the ranks of angels, singing to the Almighty God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

Human eloquence is not sufficient to praise your life, Father Anthony: for who can recount all your fastings, vigils, illnesses and labors? Who can count your tears and sighings for God? But moved with our love for you, we dare to sing this to you:

Rejoice, great dweller of the wilderness.

Rejoice, teacher of perfection.

Rejoice, servant of the true God.

Rejoice, for you banished demons out of the desert.

Rejoice, thunder that strikes the devil.

Rejoice, for you revealed his wiles.

Rejoice, vessel of God’s grace.

Rejoice, abode of the Holy Spirit.

Rejoice, adornment of fasters.

Rejoice, praise of saints.

Rejoice, establishment of monks.

Rejoice, glory of the Fathers.

Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!

Kontakion 10

You were a faithful guide to those who desired to be saved, and now lead us to salvation through your saintly intercessions, so that with your help we may reach the Kingdom of Heaven, where the never-silent Angels sing: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

You were a strong and unassailable rampart to your followers, protecting them from demons’ arrows, remain a wall and protection from the Devil’s snares to those who call on you:

Rejoice, earthly angel.

Rejoice, heavenly man.

Rejoice, pure and honorable abode of holiness.

Rejoice, receptacle of great virtues.

Rejoice, ardent lover of piety.

Rejoice, denouncer of heresies.

Rejoice, fulfillment of Christ’s love.

Rejoice, instruction of monks.

Rejoice, firm haven of the faithful.

Rejoice, mighty uplifting of the fallen.

Rejoice, strength of the infirm and the paralyzed.

Rejoice, consolation of the despairing and hopeless.

Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!

Kontakion 11

Accept our tender singing, which we lift up to you with love and diligent praise, Father Anthony, mercifully incline your ear to us and vouchsafe to guide us to true repentance through your prayers, so we may sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

You were revealed on earth as a light-receiving lamp of the true Light, Saint Anthony, enlightening the hearts of the faithful by your struggles and miracles and instructing in the way of virtuous and God-pleasing living. Wherefore, you hear from all:

Rejoice, all-wise instructor.

Rejoice, trustworthy leader.

Rejoice, for you gave yourself wholly to God’s will.

Rejoice, for you loved the Lord Jesus above all.

Rejoice, for you shone forth patiently enduring various sorrows.

Rejoice, for you acquired eternal wealth through voluntary poverty.

Rejoice, for you spent your life in patience and hardship.

Rejoice, for you bravely endured bitterness of the desert.

Rejoice, for you inspire the slothful to ascetic struggle.

Rejoice, surety for the sinners’ correction.

Rejoice, converser with angels and saints.

Rejoice, zealous intercessor for the whole world.

Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!


Kontakion 12

Knowing the grace given to you by God, we reverently kiss your image adorned with holiness, servant of God, and pray to you: do not forsake us in your intercessions to Christ God, to Who we gratefully sing: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing of your living, we also praise your peaceful end, venerable Father Anthony, and beseech you: be a quick helper in all good to us who call upon you:

Rejoice, for you stand before the Consubstantial Trinity.

Rejoice, joy of angels.

Rejoice, converser with saints.

Rejoice, true pleaser of God.

Rejoice, chosen servant of the Lord.

Rejoice, fervent intercessor for all who call upon your name.

Rejoice, teacher and hope of all who honor you.

Rejoice, for you were imbued with the grace of God.

Rejoice, for you were filled at the Divine spring.

Rejoice, for you were bedewed with saving tears.

Rejoice, for you were clothed in garments of incorruption.

Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!


Kontakion 13

O venerable Father Anthony, eternally alive in the never-ending day of Christ’s Kingdom, beseech the Master of all to deliver us from calamities, misfortunes, and eternal torments, so we may sing to Him in His Kingdom unto ages of ages: Alleluia.

(This Kontakion is read thrice, then again Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1.)

Prayer

O our venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony! We believe that you have great boldness in prayer standing before the throne of the Holy Trinity, and the All-Merciful Lord always hears you, His faithful servant. Wherefore, we humbly fall down before you with compunction, Saint of God: never cease to intercede for us to the Lord, Who is worshipped and glorified in the Trinity, that He may look mercifully on us and not let us perish in our sins, but would raise the fallen and give correction to the evil and wretched lives, averting our future transgressions, and forgive all faults committed in word or thought from our birth to the present hour. O ascetic of virtue, seeing the infirmity and sorrow of the present times, do not cease to entreat Christ God to not withdraw from us His loving-kindness, but to preserve us from worldly temptations, devil’s snares, and fleshly desires, so that we may receive all necessary for this temporary life, deliverance from affliction and tribulation, and unyielding patience to the end. Implore that we may lead the rest of our lives in peace and repentance and to pass from earth to heaven escaping tribulations, demons of the air, and eternal torments, and be worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom with you and all the saints that pleased our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, to Whom is due all glory, honor, and worship, together with His Father without beginning and His All-Holy, Good and Life-Creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Source: Akathist to St. Anthony the Great. Kherson 2012. Translated by Maria Murray

THE AKATHIST HYMN IN HONOR OF THE RIGHTEOUS JOSEPH, THE BETROTHED OF THE MOST-HOLY VIRGIN, MARY

(According to the Usage of the Kyivan Church of the Catholic Communion

Russian version here: http://samara.orthodoxy.ru/Molitva/Akafist/Svyatie/Iosif_Ob_a.html)

KONTAKION

O righteous Joseph! Chosen protector of the Most-Holy Virgin, Mary, and instructor and nurturer of the God-Man: glorifying your service to the ineffable mystery of the Incarnation of God the Word, we dedicate hymns of praise to you. Standing now before the throne of Christ our God, and having great boldness before Him, pray for us that cry out to you:

Rejoice! O righteous Joseph, ready helper and intercessor for our souls!

FIRST IKOS

Preserving the mystery of the birth of God the Word by the all-Pure Virgin, which is inaccessible even to the angels, from the slander of people and the craft of the devil, God chose you, O righteous Joseph, a lowly carpenter, to be the protector and witness of the virginity of the all-Holy Mary. Therefore, glorifying you as a chosen initiate of the mysteries of God, we cry out to you:

Rejoice! Honored offshoot of the root of Jesse!

Rejoice! You who were adorned within with royal majesty!

Rejoice! By lack of earthly things, you acquired spiritual wealth!

Rejoice! Through obscurity you obtained everlasting glory!

Rejoice! You who are far more glorious than kings!

Rejoice! You who are more righteous than the patriarchs and forefathers!

Rejoice! O righteous Joseph, ready helper and intercessor for our souls!

SECOND KONTAKION

Beholding the Virgin Mary who had grown to maturity in the Temple, Zachariah the High Priest cried out to the Lord: Show me a man worthy to be betrothed to the Virgin, O Lord! And when the rod of Joseph blossomed forth, committing the Virgin to him, he cried aloud to God: ALLELUIA!

SECOND IKOS

Your righteousness is known to all the ends of the earth, O holy Joseph! You were accorded the incomparable honor of being betrothed to the most blessed Virgin. From her Christ God came forth without the aid of man. You were chosen for this because of your steadfast faith, purity, humility and excellence in all the virtues. Therefore, we cry out to you:

Rejoice! O righteous One: betrothed of the most-Pure one!

Rejoice! O man of faith: taking under your roof the holy Virgin, Mary, who, through faith was made the throne of God!

Rejoice! You who are humble of spirit!

Rejoice! You who are simple of heart!

Rejoice! You who are exceedingly adorned with virtues!

Rejoice! O holy one, who ministered unto the most holy!

Rejoice! O righteous Joseph, ready helper and intercessor for our souls!

THIRD KONTAKION

When the power of the Most High overshadowed her who knew not wedlock, so that she might conceive, Joseph did not know of this wondrous mystery, so that instructed by God Himself, he might cry out to Him: ALLELUIA.

THIRD IKOS

Joseph, beholding the Virgin whose womb contained God, was troubled, knowing that she was not wed and suspecting that she had indulged in illicit love. But being just, he wished to put her away secretly, leaving the judgment unto Him Who knows all things and Who has taught us to cry out to Him:

Rejoice! Zealot of chastity!

Rejoice! O Israelite in whom there is no guile!

Rejoice! You who are good of heart!

Rejoice! You who are meek of demeanor!

Rejoice! You who place all your trust in God!

Rejoice! You who entrust yourself and others to His providence!

Rejoice! O righteous Joseph, ready helper and intercessor for our souls!

FOURTH KONTAKION

Subduing the tempest of the chaste Joseph's thoughts of doubt, the angel disclosed to him the mystery of the birth of the Son of God, the Savior of the world, from the unwed Mary; for he said: And you shall call His name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins. And to Him do we all cry: ALLELUIA!

FOURTH IKOS

Having heard in the Scriptures of the Lord Who said: Behold, a Virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, Emmanuel, you did believe what was told to you by the angel, O righteous Joseph; and like a sealed book, wherein the Word was inscribed by the finger of the Father, you took Mary into your own house, and like a servant you waited upon her with fear and zeal. Therefore, we cry to you:

Rejoice! For you set your heart to understand the law of God!

Rejoice! For you opened your mind to receive the mysteries of God!

Rejoice! For before all men you were vouchsafed to know the great mystery of piety that God has appeared upon earth!

Rejoice! For you perceived His coming to be for the salvation of men from their sins!

Rejoice! For without doubting you believed what was revealed to you!

Rejoice! For your faith was accounted onto you as righteousness!

Rejoice! O righteous Joseph, ready helper and intercessor for our souls!

FIFTH KONTAKION

Taking the divinely chosen maiden into your home, O blessed Joseph, you loved her as your betrothed, you honored her as the most-holy Virgin and Mother of the Savior of the world, and you ministered to her with fear and reverence, striving with all your soul to keep all that was written in the Law and the Prophets; and with Mary you cried out to God: ALLELUIA!

FIFTH IKOS

Beholding in the manger of Bethlehem the Star that shone forth from Jacob, you first worshipped the Newborn; and when heaven offered Him a star, the angels hymnody, the shepherds testimony and the Magi worship and gifts, you, O righteous Joseph, offered your whole self as a gift to the Lord, dedicating your life, cares and labors to His service. Therefore, we cry to you:

Rejoice! You who before all others beheld the descent to earth of the unsetting Sun of Righteousness!

Rejoice! First witness and servant on earth of the incarnate Son of God, Who was born of the Father before all ages!

Rejoice! Earthly carpenter who was vouchsafed to be called the father of the heavenly Architect!

Rejoice! Protector and guardian of the Infant to Whom the ranks of angels minister with fear!

Rejoice! Reverent servant of the Mother of God, the Word!

Rejoice! O righteous Joseph, ready helper and intercessor for our souls!

SIXTH KONTAKION

Him Who was foretold by the Law and the Prophets you did circumcise on the eighth day, as a man; and you gave Him the name Jesus, which was preserved in the Counsel of the Trinity, like a precious pearl brought forth from the treasuries of Heaven for the revelation of all people, O Joseph; whereby having astonished the angels, made us glad, terrified the demons and rendered the whole world fragrant as with sweet-smelling myrrh, you cried out to God: ALLELUIA!

SIXTH IKOS

He Who in the Infant Jesus shone forth upon you, as prophesied by Simeon, the light of the gentiles' revelation and the glory of the people Israel, was straightway covered by a cloud of tribulation, O righteous Joseph, for the nation was in turmoil, Herod raged seeking the life of the Infant, and it was foretold that a sword would pierce the heart of His Mother, in order that your faith and patience may be made manifest unto all. Therefore, we cry to you as to one steadfast in patience and unshaken in faith:

Rejoice! For like gold in the furnace, you were unceasingly purified by trials!

Rejoice! You were humble in joy and patient in the midst of sorrows!

Rejoice! You were ever faithful to the mysteries entrusted to you!

Rejoice! You were guided by faith as by a star in the dark ways of life!

Rejoice! You had hope in God as an anchor amid the tempest of life's voyage!

Rejoice! O righteous Joseph, ready helper and intercessor for our souls!

SEVENTH KONTAKION

Desiring to save from the malice of Herod, Him that had come to save the world, O wondrous Joseph, you did not question the angel that commanded you to flee into Egypt, by saying: "Could He that saves others not save Himself"? But being a man of faith, like a new Abraham, ever ready for obedience, giving no thought to the rigors of the journey, nor considering the time of return, you did straightway take yourself to Egypt with Mary and the Babe, joyously crying out to God: ALLELUIA!

SEVENTH IKOS

In Egypt you were shown to be a new Joseph, greater than the patriarch of old, who saved the people of Egypt from famine; for you saved from death the Savior of the world and offered unto the people of Egypt, who were starving amidst the famine of godlessness, the Bread of Life; and you sowed the seed of eternal life, whence a wondrous harvest1 sprang forth in the deserts of Egypt. Therefore we cry to you:

Rejoice! You joyfully endured sorrows and labors on the way, for Christ's sake!

Rejoice! O guardian of the infant Jesus who once guided Israel in the wilderness with the pillar of fire and a cloud!

Rejoice! Nourisher of Him that sustained His people with manna!

Rejoice! You who bore in your arms the Creator and Sustainer of all creation!

Rejoice! You who did save from the malice of Herod Him that once saved the people of God from the bitter bondage to Pharaoh!

Rejoice! You who showed forth for Egypt the grace of adoption instead of slavery!

Rejoice! O righteous Joseph, ready helper and intercessor for our souls!

EIGHTH KONTAKION

Having beheld the fearsome wonder: that in Jesus, God was born in the flesh, as was foretold, and laid in a manger as a babe; the Virgin Mother; the angels giving glory and the circumcision; the coming of the Magi from the East to worship Him with gifts; the flight from Herod's madness into Egypt; the salvation of all and the Light of the Gentiles; and the sword in the heart of her that gave Him birth, as Simeon said, -- you knew Him to be true God and true Man, and therefore you cried out to him: ALLELUIA!

EIGHTH IKOS

Having dedicated yourself entirely to God Who called forth His son from Egypt through His angel, you followed His command and made your abode with Jesus and His Mother in Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet concerning Him: He shall be called a Nazarene. Therefore, we cry out to you as a faithful servant of God:

Rejoice! You who worked in harmony with the will of God!

Rejoice! You who took part in the divine economy!

Rejoice! You who ever converse with the angels!

Rejoice! You who were dedicated on earth to the depths of the mysteries of Heaven!

Rejoice! You who listened to the prophets' prophecies concerning Jesus!

Rejoice! You who reverently kept all these in the depths of your heart!

Rejoice! O righteous Joseph, ready helper and intercessor for our souls!

NINTH KONTAKION

Every generation of Heaven, earth and the parts beneath the earth bow down at the name of Jesus; and to you, O wondrous Joseph, was the Child Jesus obedient as to His father. But we, marveling at the Lord's great condescension toward you, cry out to Him: ALLELUIA!

NINTH IKOS

The most eloquent of orators are at a loss as to how to praise you fittingly, O righteous Joseph. The Mother of God, the Queen of Heaven and the earth, called you her lord; the incarnate Son of God called you father, and your home on earth was a habitation of heavenly sanctity, for therein dwelt the King of Heaven and of earth. Therefore, we humbly cry out to you:

Rejoice! Chosen of God, who preserved the tabernacle of heavenly sanctity!

Rejoice! Wondrous carpenter, in whose home the Creator of Heaven and earth made His abode!

Rejoice! Nourisher and guardian of the Child Jesus, Who, as God bestowed existence upon all creatures and takes thought for all the world, visible and invisible!

Rejoice! For on earth you were accounted worthy to behold the Son of God face-to-face, to hold Him in your arms and to kiss Him!

Rejoice! For even after your departure into the heavenly mansions you continually bless the King of glory and glorify Him with the Father and the Holy Spirit, in the light of his countenance!

Rejoice! O righteous Joseph, ready helper and intercessor for our souls!

TENTH KONTAKION

You can save all that have recourse to your intercession and aid, O blessed Joseph, for how can He Who was subject to you in all things on earth not listen to you in all things as you now stand before Him in Heaven, crying aloud with the angelic choirs: ALLELUIA!

TENTH IKOS

You are a mighty rampart for all who have recourse to your intercession, O righteous Joseph; therefore, do not disdain even us who flee to your assistance, and, amidst the storms of temptations, misfortunes and sorrows of life, cry aloud to you:

Rejoice! Our ready helper amid dangers and want!

Rejoice! Mighty intercessor for us before God.

Rejoice! Our steadfast hope amid the tempest of turmoil and doubt!

Rejoice! Speedy deliverance from the slanders of men!

Rejoice! Nourisher of Him, Who sustains all by the word of His power!

Rejoice! You who deliver us from spiritual famine and from every tribulation!

Rejoice! O righteous Joseph, ready helper and intercessor for our souls!

ELEVENTH KONTAKION

A most compunctionate hymn do we offer unto you, O divinely wise Joseph; and we entreat you: as you did keep the Lord Christ Himself from all harm and affliction, so by your mediation before Him do you preserve His Holy Orthodox Church from every assault by enemies, visible and invisible; protect our native lands from all sedition, that, leading a peaceful and tranquil life, we may cry out to God: ALLELUIA!

ELEVENTH IKOS

In the Temple did you behold the twelve-year old Child Jesus, the light-bestowing Beacon which has appeared to those in the darkness of ignorance, granting the light of true knowledge unto the teachers of the Law of God, and revealing the mystery of His great service in accordance with the design of the heavenly Father. Therefore, we cry out to you:

Rejoice! Faithful keeper of the Law of your fathers!

Rejoice! For, being zealous in keeping the Law, you did also lead the Child Jesus to the house of the heavenly Father!

Rejoice! For when the Child Jesus remained in Jerusalem, paternally you did grieve with His Mother,

thinking that He was with friends.

Rejoice! You did seek Him among friends and relatives and, not finding Him, did return to Jerusalem

where, after three days, you did discover Him in the Temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and questioning them!

Rejoice! For you did hear the revelation of mysteries when the Child Jesus said:

Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?

Rejoice! You that beheld and were witness that Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man!

Rejoice! O righteous Joseph, ready helper and intercessor for our souls!

TWELFTH KONTAKION

Seeing the Child Jesus increase in favor with God and man, and in stature of body and wisdom, you did lay up all these things in your heart, like a faithful servant keeping secret the treasure entrusted to him, until the day when all believers began to cry to Him as God and Savior of the world: ALLELUIA!

TWELFTH IKOS

Hymning your labors and struggles, we also glorify your blessed repose; for in the arms of God the Word and His Mother you did sweetly rest from your labors, O righteous Joseph, having undoubting belief in blessed eternity. Therefore, we cry out to you:

Rejoice! You that were faithful in a great task!

Rejoice! You that were therefore accounted worthy of the greatest honor by God!

Rejoice! You that on earth were wed to the glory and beauty of Heaven!

Rejoice! You that were permitted to depart in peace unto the age to come by the Father of the age to come!

Rejoice! You that did proclaim the great joy to David!

Rejoice! You that did bear to all in Hades the tidings that Christ was come to free and save the human race!

Rejoice! O righteous Joseph, you ready helper and intercessor for our souls!

THIRTEENTH KONTAKION

O holy and righteous Joseph! Accept this, our small supplication, and through your mighty mediation before Christ God, do you entreat Him to make us by His grace firm and steadfast in the Orthodox Faith, zealous and undaunted in the keeping of His commandments, and that He grant all that is profitable for our temporal and eternal life to us that cry out to Him: ALLELUIA!

FIRST IKOS

Preserving the mystery of the birth of God the Word by the all-Pure Virgin, which is inaccessible even to the angels, from the slander of people and the craft of the devil, God chose you, O righteous Joseph, a lowly carpenter, to be the protector and witness of the virginity of the all-Holy Mary. Therefore, glorifying you as a chosen initiate of the mysteries of God, we cry out to you:

Rejoice! Honored offshoot of the root of Jesse!

Rejoice! You who were adorned within with royal majesty!

Rejoice! By lack of earthly things, you acquired spiritual wealth!

Rejoice! Through obscurity you obtained everlasting glory!

Rejoice! You who are far more glorious than kings!

Rejoice! You who are more righteous than the patriarchs and forefathers!

Rejoice! O righteous Joseph, ready helper and intercessor for our souls!

APOLYTIKION, i.e. DISMISSAL TROPARION, tone 8

O righteous Joseph! Chosen protector of the Most-Holy Virgin, Mary, and instructor and nurturer of the God-Man: glorifying your service to the ineffable mystery of the Incarnation of God the Word, we dedicate hymns of praise to you. Standing now before the throne of Christ our God, and having great boldness before Him, pray for us that cry out to you:

Rejoice! O righteous Joseph, ready helper and intercessor for our souls!

Prayer

O holy and righteous Joseph! While yet on earth, you did have boldness before the Son of God, Who was well pleased to call you His father, in that you were the betrothed of His Mother, and Who was well pleased to be obedient to you.

We believe that as you do dwell now in the heavenly mansions with the choirs of the righteous, you are listened to, in all that you do request from our God and Savior.

Therefore, fleeing to your protection and defense, we beg and humbly entreat you:

- as you, yourself, were delivered from a storm of doubting thoughts, so also deliver us that are tempest-tossed by the waves of confusion and passions;

- as you did shield the all-Pure Virgin from the slanders of men, so shield us from all kinds of vehement calumny;

- as you did keep the incarnate Lord from all harm and affliction, so also by your defense preserve His Orthodox Church and all of us from all affliction and harm.

You know, O Saint of God, that even the Son of God had bodily needs in the days of His incarnation, and you did attend to them.

Therefore, we beseech you: tend, yourself, to our temporal needs through your intercession, granting us every good thing, which is needful in this life (for the sake of life of the age to come). Especially, do we entreat you to intercede that we may receive remission of our sins from Him Who was called your Son, the only-begotten Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, and be worthy of inheriting the Kingdom of Heaven, ...

So that, abiding with you in the heavenly mansions, we may ever glorify the One God in three Persons: the (+) Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and unto the ages of ages.