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.