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.