Akathist to the All-Merciful Lord, Physician of Our Souls and Bodies

(by Valentina Bershadskaya, translated by Maria Murray)

Kontakion 1

O Champion Leader and Lord, Wondrous Creator of human nature, hear our prayers from the height of the throne of Your Glory: Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.

Ikos 1

Having created the multitude of archangels and angels for Your service,

You made man from the dust of the ground for the inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven, and You loved him above all creatures, O All-Merciful Lord. Learning of Your inexpressible love, as Your children, we cry unto You:

Jesus, Who called us into the marvelous world, allow us to abide with You forever.

Jesus, Who called us to be children of the Creator, allow us to ever hymn Him.

Jesus, grant us healing from our sins, with which we stained ourselves.

Jesus, grant us to stand at Your right on the Day of the Resurrection of all.

Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.

Kontakion 2

Seeing the perdition of the human race, You, O Father, desired to save it, for You so loved the world that You willed to send Your Only-Begotten Son Jesus Christ for our salvation. Therefore to Him we sing: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

You endowed Your creature with heavenly understanding, O Compassionate Lord, worthy of songs of praise and thanksgiving, You abide in Your Heavenly Kingdom, but we who are enslaved to sin abide in the poverty of our minds. Therefore we pray to You, fill our feeble minds with Your grace that we may know that we bear Your image and may become Your worthy children. For this sake, receive our petition:

Jesus, Who made our bodies to be temples of God, cleanse them from all impurity.

Jesus, Who breathed the breath of life into our bodies, enlighten them again with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus, Who created our souls to be immortal, deliver us from mortal sins.

Jesus, Who gave us luminous reason, chase the darkness from our hearts.

Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.

Kontakion 3

Strengthened by divine power, though we are great sinners, do not despair of our salvation, but put all hope in You alone and sing to You with compunction: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

With Your immeasurable compassion, enter our hearts and make them into Your dwelling place so that abiding with You, we may know You with our whole souls and minds, for You are the God of those who repent and all things are possible with You. We cry to You such things as these:

Jesus, Who created our eyes, allow us to see You with clarity.

Jesus, Who created our ears, allow us to hear Your sweet voice.

Jesus, Who created our mouths, allow us to unceasingly praise You.

Jesus, Who created our senses, allow us to apprehend the fullness of life in You alone.

Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.

Kontakion 4

Wearied by the storms of life, we hasten to Your divine intercession, O our Savior.

Strengthen our weakness enabling us to carry our cross for the rest of our lives without complaint but praising You: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Hearing our endless weeping, tell us as You told Your friends, O Lord: “Do not cry, O my beloved, I will not leave you without my protection, but will heal you from your sickness and sorrow.”

Gladdened by such promise, we call upon You:

Jesus, the True Light, enlighten us with the knowledge of God.

Jesus, the Living God, vouchsafe us worthy of eternal life.

Jesus, Who gave Your body to us as incorruptible food, fill our hungering souls.

Jesus, Who suffered on the Cross for us, heal the wounds of our souls with Your Blood.

Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.

Kontakion 5

Worshipping the Unoriginate Trinity, we humbly beg You, our Christ: intercede for us sinners before Your Father so that He would not withdraw the Holy Spirit from us. And we cry to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Again and again we behold your outpourings of mercy on us of which we are not deserving, but marveled by Your compassion and long-suffering, we cry to You:

Jesus, we know that we are infirm and careless, but we diligently seek Your help.

Jesus, we know that we are hard-hearted and disobedient, but we long for the recovery from our ills.

Jesus, we know that we have sinned many times against You, but offer You tearful repentance.

Jesus, we know that we fall every day, but we can rise from our falls by the strength of Your power.

Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.

Kontakion 6

Desiring to save us from perishing forever, O Our Father, Your Only-Begotten Son was sent for our salvation as a Sacrifice. Through Your grace, heal our bodies and souls infected with the leprosy of sin so that we may even here on earth worthily praise You: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Enlighten our souls with Your unwaning Light, O Lord, teaching us to walk in the light of Your commandments so that we may not sin before Your face but sing to You:

Jesus, Inexpressible Love, warm our cold hearts with Your Love.

Jesus, Gentle Light, make our darkened souls radiant with Your never-waning Light.

Jesus, Heavenly Sweetness, delight our human nature with Your Grace.

Jesus, Benevolent Master, fill our lives with Your bounties.

Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.

Kontakion 7

Desiring to manifest the greatness of Your love and compassion throughout Your earthly life, O Lord, You led many sinners to repentance. As the Publican, we cry to You: “God, be merciful to us, sinners!” And hoping in Your abundant mercy, we call unto You: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

You revealed in us a new creation, O Jesus, when in Your baptism You delivered us from the ancestral sin. For such benevolence to our mankind, we praise You:

Jesus, we glorify Your inexpressible loving-kindness.

Jesus, we praise Your great benevolence.

Jesus, we extol Your saving Passion.

Jesus, we thank You for all Your bounties.

Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.

Kontakion 8

Amazing and strange is Your ineffable benevolence and care for us, O Lover of mankind. Knowing our infirmities and weaknesses, with tears we entreat You: endure us, O Merciful One, and if we find favor in Your sight, do not forsake us, Your servants who cry to You: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

O Christ Our God, You are the fulfillment of our every desire and enjoyment by which we strengthen and satisfy our souls and bodies. For this we hymn You:

Jesus, You are our Joy and Sweetness.

Jesus, You are our Tenderness and Delight.

Jesus, You are our Glory and Stronghold.

Jesus, You are our Power and Protection.

Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.

Kontakion 9

All of the human nature healed by You from infirmity and illness gratefully praises You, Almighty Physician, and, knowing that God's power is made perfect in our weaknesses, cries out with compunction: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

God-loving orators, though they speak much of You, are unable to worthily glorify the great power of Your miracles, O Lord, by which You healed the woman with the issue of blood from her sickness, raised Lasarus from four days in the grave, lifted up Jairus' daughter from her death bed, and performed many other healings. But we, well aware of such miracles, cry out to You:

Jesus, Who raised the paralytic from his bed, raise our souls from sins.

Jesus, Who opened the eyes of the man born blind, open our spiritual eyes.

Jesus, Who resurrected the son of the widow of Nain, resurrect our kind thoughts.

Jesus, Who granted Abgar healing from his terrible disease, grant us healing from all our diseases.

Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.

Kontakion 10

Desiring to save all who believe in You, O Christ the Savior, You ascended into heaven and prepare a place for them in Your Kingdom. Therefore, vouchsafe us at the hour of our death to reach our Father's home in heaven, where we can glorify You: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

Everlasting King, Jesus Christ, Who for our salvation received flesh from the all-pure Virgin Mary and sanctified her by Your divinity, sanctify our sinful flesh with Your divinity so we may cry out to You in gratitude:

Jesus, cleanse our hands so we may glorify You with good deeds.

Jesus, strengthen our legs so we may follow You with gladness.

Jesus, correct our thoughts so we may live our lives to Your glory.

Jesus, bring peace to our souls so we may love all Your servants.

Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.

Kontakion 11

Most tender songs we offer to You, our Sweetest Jesus, exalting Your great mercy towards us and worshipping You with love and humility, we call on You: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

Shine into our souls the great and divine Light, O Giver of eternal life, so enlightened by it, we may reach the Heavenly Kingdom and, as the apostles on Mount Tabor, exclaim to You: “It is good for us to be here!” Receive now our supplications:

Jesus, forgive all our sins.

Jesus, receive our humble repentance.

Jesus, place our souls into the heavenly abode.

Jesus, transfigure our bodies at the resurrection of all.

Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.

Kontakion 12

Grant us Your grace, O Jesus Our God, which You bestowed on Your beloved disciples here on earth. Receive the confession of our sins, hear our groaning, send down upon us Your Holy Spirit, so that purified by Him, we can be accounted worthy to call upon You on earth as the angels call upon You in heaven: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing of Your unspeakable love for mankind, we worship the greatness of Your deeds, O Christ, and fall down at Your feet with faith and love as before the Almighty Physician of our souls and bodies, exclaiming to You:

Jesus, our Maker, make us heirs of Your Kingdom,

Jesus, our Savior, save us from eternal torments.

Jesus, our Redeemer, redeem us from death unto eternal life.

Jesus, our Archpriest, save all Your archpriests who intercede for us at Your Judgment.

Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.

Kontakion 13

O Sweetest and Most-Bountiful Jesus, look down with love from Your Heavenly throne on us who are infirm and exhausted by the wounds of soul and body. Mercifully incline Your ear to our tearful plea and heal us by Your saving Passion from all sickness of soul and body, so that rising from our sick bed, we may enter into Your Holy Church, forever singing to You: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

(This kontakion is read thrice, then again ikos 1 and kontakion1)

Prayer

O All-Powerful and Almighty Physician of our souls and bodies – Lord Jesus Christ! Hear now the tearful prayers of all Your servants who are suffering from grievous illnesses and who place all their hope in You alone. For we know, O Lord, that where human hand cannot give relief and healing - You can, for nothing is impossible for You. Having created our souls and bodies, You possess the power to save us. Therefore we beseech You, All-Merciful One, if it is Your holy will, heal us of our infirmities of soul and body and, according to the judgments known to You, regenerate our nature afflicted with sickness. Above all, we entreat You to forgive all our sins so that with our souls purified by repentance, we can hymn You, together with Your Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

Akathist Hymn to the Nativity of Christ

Kontakion I

O Christ our God, Who didst choose the most pure Virgin from among all generations and wast born of her in the flesh, we Thy servants offer hymns of thanksgiving unto Thee. As Thou art possessed of ineffable lovingkindness, O Master, from all manner of misfortunes free us who cry:

O Jesus, Son of God, Who becamest incarnate for our sake, glory be to Thee!

Ikos I

A multitude of angels assembled in Bethlehem to behold the unapproachable Nativity; and seeing their Creator lying in the manger as a babe, they were filled with awe. And offering homage with fear, they honored the godliness of Him Who was born and of her who bore Him, chanting such things as these:

Glory to Thee, O Son of God, Who wast begotten of the Father before time began!

Glory to Thee Who with the Father and the Spirit didst create all things!

Glory to Thee Who earnest to save the perishing!

Glory to Thee Who didst condescend even to assume the form of a servant!

Glory to Thee Who wast ineffably born of the Virgin!

Glory to Thee Who searchest for the lost!

Glory to Thee, O Saviour of the perishing!

Glory to Thee Who hast demolished the wall of separation!

Glory to Thee Who again hast opened paradise, which was shut by disobedience!

Glory to Thee Who ineffably lovest the human race!

Glory to Thee Who didst show the cave to be heaven on earth!

Glory to Thee Who hast shown the Virgin, who gave Thee birth, to be the throne of the cherubim!

O Jesus, Son of God, Who becamest incarnate for our sake, glory be to Thee!

Kontakion II

Seeing that their Master had received flesh from the pure Virgin, the incorporeal angels were filled with awe and said one to an-other: "This is an all-glorious mystery past understanding!" And marveling at His ineffable condescension, they chanted with fear: Alleluia!

Ikos II

All of noetic creation is filled with awe and with thanksgiving hymneth the mystery of Thy nativity, O Master. The hosts of heaven rejoice, chanting: "Glory to God in the highest!", earth and men are filled with gladness, and we unceasingly cry out:

Glory to Thee, O God, Who art glorified in the highest!

Glory to Thee Who didst reveal Thyself to us on earth!

Glory to Thee Who hast reconciled Thyself with us!

Glory to Thee Who didst appear to us on earth!

Glory to Thee Who wast ineffably incarnate of the Virgin!

Glory to Thee Who didst cause the star to shine forth!

Glory to Thee Who by it summoned the Magi to worship Thee!

Glory to Thee Who didst mercifully accept their gifts!

Glory to Thee Who hast taught all creation to minister unto Thee!

Glory to Thee Who hast given us the understanding to hymn Thee!

Glory to Thee Who hast united Thyself with us!

Glory to Thee Who Thyself hast saved, us!

O Jesus, Son of God, Who becamest incarnate for our sake, glory be to Thee!

Kontakion III

The God of peace and Father of compassions, Who is mighty in strength, came to earth to save the world which is perishing; and in Bethlehem He is now born as a babe of the Virgin, whom He hath shown to be a Mother and Mediatress of salvation for all who glorify His incarnation and chant: Alleluia!

Ikos III

Having her who gave Thee birth in an all-pure manner praying unceasingly for us, rejoicing, we hymn the mystery of Thy becoming man, O Master; and glorifying Thy nativity from the God-pleasing Virgin, we cry:

Glory to Thee, O Son of God!

Glory to Thee, O Son of the Virgin!

Glory to Thee Who upon us hast shown forth the abyss of Thy love for mankind!

Glory to Thee Who hast ineffably loved us!

Glory to Thee Who hast sought out the lost sheep!

Glory to Thee Who hast told the angels to rejoice in its finding!

Glory to Thee Who hast taken it upon Thy shoulders!

Glory to Thee Who hast led it to the Father!

Glory to Thee Who hast united men and angels in a single flock!

Glory to Thee Who hast delivered the world from delusion!

Glory to Thee Who bass shown us great and ineffable mercy!

Glory to Thee Who lovest us more than all other creatures!

O Jesus, Son of God, Who becamest incarnate for our sake, glory be to Thee!

Kontakion IV

The chaste-minded Joseph, who before had within him a storm of doubting thoughts, now beholdeth all-glorious things within the divine cave; for even though he beheld as a man Him Who was born of the Virgin, yet did he understand from things revealed to him that He is the true God. Wherefore, doing homage to His divinity, He chanted with joy: Alleluia!

Ikos IV

The shepherds heard the angel proclaiming to them that the Savior of the world was born in the city of David, and running swiftly, they beheld Him lying in the manger, like an unblemished lamb which had been tended in the womb of the Virgin, and her who had given birth to Him reverently ministering unto Him, and Joseph standing by with fear. And they spake of what they had been told, and, bowing down before Newborn, they said:

Glory to Thee, O Lamb of God, Saviour of the world!

Glory to Thee, O Son of God, Who hast revealed to us an ineffable miracle!

Glory to Thee Who hast caused us to hear the song of angels!

Glory to Thee Who hast taught us to glorify Thee with them!

Glory to Thee Who hast moved angels and men to hymn Thee!

Glory to Thee Who hast brought joy to earth and heaven!

Glory to Thee in Whom those in heaven rejoice with those on earth!

Glory to Thee, for by Thee are those on earth united with those in heaven!

Glory to Thee Who hast shown the power of the devil to be impotent!

Glory to Thee Who hast delivered us from His tyranny!

Glory to Thee, O ineffable joy of those who believe in Thee!

Glory to Thee, O unspeakable delight of those who love Thee!

O Jesus, Son of God, Who becamest incarnate for our sake, glory be to Thee!

Kontakion V

Beholding the divinely guided star which pointed beforehand to the nativity of Christ, the Magi observed it; and by its guidance they reached the Unapproachable One and beheld Him Who is invisible. And they rejoice, crying out to Him: Alleluia!

Ikos V

The Persian kings, seeing the King of kings sitting on the arm of the Virgin as upon the throne of the cherubim, and understanding Him to be the Master, even though He had assumed the form of a servant, hastened to offer Him gifts—gold, as to the King of all; frankincense, as to God; and myrrh, as to One immortal;—and making obeisance, they chanted:

Glory to Thee Who hast shone forth light upon all!

Glory to Thee Who by a star hair summoned us to do Thee homage!

Glory to Thee Who didst reprove the malice of cruel Herod!

Glory to Thee Who didst show his plotting to be in vain!

Glory to Thee Who hast delivered us from his deception!

Glory to Thee Who hast taught us to worship Thee, the Sun of righteousness!

Glory to Thee Who hast enlightened all with the light of understanding!

Glory to Thee Who by Thy nativity hast abolished the delusion of polytheism!

Glory to Thee Who hast utterly laid low the dominion of the enemy!

Glory to Thee Who hast taught us to worship Thee with the Father and the Spirit!

Glory to Thee Who hast crushed the head of the serpent who beguiled us!

Glory to Thee Who hast delivered us from everlasting death!

O Jesus, Son of God, Who becamest incarnate for our sake, glory be to Thee!

Kontakion VI

Fulfilling the prophecies concerning Thee, which were uttered by the God-bearing heralds, Thou hast revealed Thyself on earth, O Saviour, being born now of the pure Virgin in a wretched cave; and though rich, Thou didst willingly impoverish Thyself for our sake, that Thou mightest enrich men, who chant to Thee with faith: Alleluia!

Ikos VI

Thou didst shine forth from the Virgin, Thy Mother who knew not man, O Jesus, shining like the sun and driving away the darkness of falsehood; for all the demons trembled, unable to withstand Thy might, and hades, beholding the miracle, was filled with terror. And we cry out to Thee in thanksgiving: Glory to Thee, O Saviour of men!

Glory to Thee, O Destroyer of the demons!

Glory to Thee Who by Thy birth didst fill the prince of lies with dread!

Glory to Thee Who hast abolished the delusion of the idols!

Glory to Thee Who hast illumined all with the light of the knowledge of God!

Glory to Thee Who hast driven away the darkness of ignorance!

Glory to Thee, O Rock Who hast poured forth the water of salvation upon all!

Glory to Thee Who hast quenched the thirst of Adam and David!

Glory to Thee Who like the sun hast enlightened all by Thy nativity!

Glory to Thee Who hast made the whole world radiant with beams of grace!

Glory to Thee Who bait shown us the promised land!

Glory to Thee Who hast delivered us from the curse of our whole race!

O Jesus, Son of God, Who becamest incarnate for our sake, glory be to Thee!

Kontakion VII

Desiring to reveal to us the mystery hidden from before time began, Thou didst show the mystery to servants from all creation, O Saviour: to Gabriel from among the angels, to the Virgin from among men, to the star from among the heavens, and from an earth to the cave where-in it was Thy good pleasure to be born. Wherefore, marveling at Thine ineffable wisdom, we cry out: Alleluia!

Ikos VII

The Creator of all showed forth a new creation, revealing Himself in flesh, springing forth from a seedless womb, which He preserved incorrupt; and He showed it to be the mediation of salvation for those who chant:

Glory to Thee, O Son of God, Who hast shown her who bore Thee to be a Mother of lovingkindness! Glory to Thee Who didst preserve her a virgin even after she gave birth!

Glory to Thee Who camest to save Adam!

Glory to Thee Who hast comforted the tears of Eve!

Glory to Thee Who camest to save all men!

Glory to Thee Who base shone forth an image of the resurrection!

Glory to Thee Who hast rent asunder the record of our sins!

Glory to Thee Who has given us a model of humility!

Glory to Thee Who didst impoverish Thyself for our sake!

Glory to Thee Who hast enriched us with Thy poverty!

Glory to Thee Who hair clothed us in the raiment of salvation!

Glory to Thee Who hast delighted us by Thy love!

O Jesus, Son of God, Who becamest incarnate for our sake, glory be to Thee!

Kontakion VIII

Seeing Thy strange and all-glorious nativity which took place in the cave, let us all the more spurn the vanities of the world, for the divine Mind appeared on earth as a humble man, that He might lead up to the heavens those who cry out to Him: Alleluia!

Ikos VIII

Thou art all desire, all delight for those who love Thee and glorify Thy divine condescension, O Christ God; for, having been born of the pure Virgin on earth, Thou leadest up into the heavens those who chant:

Glory to Thee, O Son of God, Who wast born on earth!

Glory to Thee Who wast ineffably incarnate of the Virgin!

Glory to Thee Who base shown Thyself to us!

Glory to Thee Who summoned to Thee those afar off!

Glory to Thee, our ineffable Joy!

Glory to Thee, O delight of our hearts!

Glory to Thee Who in Thy nativity hast shone forth the light of salvation!

Glory to Thee Who didst shed tears for our salvation!

Glory to Thee Who hast thereby quenched the flame of our passions!

Glory to Thee Who it use cleansed us of the defilement of sin!

Glory to Thee Who hast set at nought our transgression!

Glory to Thee Who hast delivered us from corruption!

O Jesus, Son of God, Who becamest incarnate for our sake, glory be to Thee!

Kontakion IX

Na mind or understanding of angels or men is able to comprehend the mystery of Thine unapproachable nativity, O Master; yet do Thou accept our love and faith, O good Master, and save us who chant unto Thee: Alleluia!

Ikos IX

We see the most eloquent of orators mute as fish when confronted by Thine incarnation, O Master; for they are at a loss how, being perfect God, thou didst appear as a perfect man, and how Thou wast born of the Virgin who knew not wedlock. But we, refusing to delve into these mysteries, glorify Thee with faith alone, crying:

Glory to Thee, O hypostatic Wisdom of God!

Glory to Thee, O ineffable Joy of all!

Glory to Thee Who didst show those lacking in wisdom to be lovers of wisdom!

Glory to Thee Who hast given understanding even to the simple!

Glory to Thee Who didst put to shame those who tested Thee!

Glory to Thee Who didst break the webs of all who devise myths!

Glory to Thee Who hast shone forth the light of divine knowledge upon all!

Glory to Thee Who didst pour forth wisdom in Thy works!

Glory to Thee Who hast enlightened the minds of many!

Glory to Thee Who hast shown us the path to salvation!

Glory to Thee, O unfathomable abyss of lovingkindness!

Glory to Thee, O depth of compassions and love for mankind!

O Jesus, Son of God, Who becamest incarnate for our sake, glory be to Thee!

Kontakion X

Desiring to save the world which is perishing, the Adorner of all is born of the Virgin as a babe; He Who looseth the intricate bonds of transgressions is wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger; and being the Son of God, He becometh the Son of the Virgin, and wisely arrangeth all things, that He might save those who chant unto Him: Alleluia!

Ikos X

Herod, the enemy of God, showed himself to be a pillar and wall of God-opposing malice and a spawn of great iniquity, who tried to slay Him Who giveth life unto all, and at his command innocent babes were reaped by the sword, like unripe grain; wherefore, having driven all malice from our hearts, let us glorify Him Who came to save us, crying:

Glory to Thee Who didst show Herod's intention to be in vain!

Glory to Thee Who hast numbered with the angels the babes he slew!

Glory to Thee, O Destroyer of malice!

Glory to Thee, O Instructor in humility and Lover of mortals!

Glory to Thee Who hast broken the horn of pride!

Glory to Thee Who hast shone the light of righteousness upon all!

Glory to Thee Who Thyself hast taught meekness and humility to all!

Glory to Thee Who hast brought all to acknowledge Thee!

Glory to Thee Who by Thy nativity didst sanctify the womb of her who bore Thee!

Glory to Thee Who didst accept the shepherds' wonder and the gifts of the Magi!

Glory to Thee Who didst teach even irrational creatures to serve Thee!

Glory to Thee Who hast sanctified all creation!

O Jesus, Son of God, Who becamest incarnate for our sake, glory be to Thee!

Kontakion XI

All laudation of Thine incarnation for our sake falleth short, and for those who wish to offer fitting praise, silence is better. For even were we to offer Thee hymns as numerous as the sands of the sea, O all-holy King, we would accomplish nought that is meet; wherefore, we chant with fear: Alleluia!

Ikos XI

They who sat in darkness and the shadow of death, beholding Thee, the never-waning Light Who shone forth from the Virgin, were illumined by the fire of Thy divinity, and hymned Thee, the Bestower of wisdom and understanding, crying out such things as these:

Glory to Thee, O Son of God, ineffable Light!

Glory to Thee, O Sun of righteousness, Who hast enlightened all by Thy nativity!

Glory to Thee Who hast shone forth most radiant enlightenment!

Glory to Thee Who base poured forth upon us a most torrential river of grace!

Glory to Thee Who hast richly provided the water of salvation as drink!

Glory to Thee Who hast shown to those who love Thee that Thy yoke is easy and Thy burden is light! Glory to Thee Who hast lifted from us the weight of sin!

Glory to Thee Who hast delivered us from slavery to the enemy!

Glory to Thee Who hast filled all with gladness by Thine appearance on earth!

Glory to Thee Who hast given us consolation through rebirth!

Glory to Thee Who hast shown Thyself to us as our utmost Desire!

Glory to Thee Who hast reconciled with the Father us who are His enemies!

O Jesus, Son of God, Who becamest incarnate for our sake, glory be to Thee!

Kontaidon XII

O our Saviour, Who didst come to give grace unto all and to loose the debts of men by Thine incarnation, loose also our debts and rend asunder the record of our sins, that we may glorify Thine ineffable nativity and chant without ceasing: Alleluia!

Ikos XII

Hymning Thy becoming man, we praise, bless and worship Thee, O our Saviour; and we believe that Thou art the Lord and God Who saveth all who hope on Thee, who glorify Thine ineffable nativity from the Virgin, and chant such things as these:

Glory to Thee, O Son of God, Who art worshiped in the highest with the Father and the Spirit!

Glory to Thee Who art glorified by all the ranks of heaven and earth!

Glory to Thee Who hast disclosed the mystery hidden from before time began!

Glory to Thee Who hast revealed Thine ineffable love for us!

Glory to Thee, O Adorner of all creation! Glory to Thee, O our most merciful Saviour!

Glory to Thee Who makest firm the scepters of those who reign with piety on the earth!

Glory to Thee Who adornest devout hierarchs and priests with wisdom and majesty!

Glory to Thee, O foundation and confirmation of the Church!

Glory to Thee, O salvation and adornment of all the faithful!

Glory to Thee, O Physician and Healing of our bodies!

Glory to Thee, O Adorner and Saviour of our souls!

O Jesus, Son of God, Who becamest incarnate for our sake, glory be to Thee!

Kontakion XIII

Jesus all-sweet and most compassionate, our Saviour, Creator and Master! Accept this, our meager supplication, thanksgiving and glorification, as Thou didst accept the gifts and worship of the Magi; and preserve us, Thy servants, from all perils. Grant us the forgiveness of sins, and from everlasting torment deliver those who with faith glorify Thy nativity from the pure Virgin, and who cry out to Thee: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The Kontakion is recited thrice, whereupon Ikos I and Kontakion I are repeated.

Prayer to Our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ On the Day of His Holy Nativity

O great and unapproachable God, unoriginate Father, Son Who art equally without beginning, and Spirit Who art equally eternal, Who givest being to things which were not in existence, Who savest the perishing, Who givest life to the dead, Who doest what Thou wiliest among the hosts of heaven and in Thine earthly habitation, and direct-est all according to Thy wondrous providence! Incline Thine ear from the heights of Thy holiness, and accept from us, Thy lowly and unworthy servants, to whom Thou hast revealed Thy great salvation from 1 misfortunes and plague, these grateful supplications, confessions and glorifications, which we offer to Thee with heart and mouth. For Thou hast not dealt with us according to our iniquities, O Lord, neither hast Thou rewarded us according to our sins. Thou didst say of old to the children of Israel that if they would not act to keep Thy words and do all Thy commandments, Thou wouldst bring against them a nation of unashamed countenance, which would assail them in their cities until the walls thereof were broken. And we have come to realize that this dread sentence hash been directed against us and our fathers as well. For, failing to fear Thy threat and paying no heed to Thy lovingkindness, we have forsaken the path of Thy righteousness and walked in the will of our own hearts, and have made no attempt to hold Thee, the God of men's understanding and hearts, in our mind. Moreover, treating the traditions of our fathers as of no import, we have abandoned Thee for others. For these reasons, grievous ill fortune overtook us, as it did the children of Israel of old, and because we paid no heed to their lessons, mindless and savage-minded foes have come against us. But do Thou, O compassionate and merciful Lord God, Who art long-suffering, greatly merciful and true, Who maintainest justice and work-est mercy among the thousands, Who takest away iniquities, injustices and sins, having abandoned us for a little time, have mercy upon us according to Thy great mercy, and having visited our unrightcousness with the rod, as a compassionate father doth his children, so do Thou spare us. For Thou hast looked down on our tribulation, and upon our entreaties which, trusting not in our own righteousness, but upon Thy many compassions, we cast at Thy feet O Lord; and Thou hast shown us the back of our ungodly adversaries, for, melting away before the face of Thy Christ, Thine enemies have vanished like smoke, and those who love Thee shine forth like the rising of the sun in their power. We have seen, O Lord, we have seen, and in us all nations have seen, that Thou art God, and there is none other besides Thee. Thou slayest and makest to live, Thou smitest and healest, and there is no one who can deliver from Thy hand. Wherefore, our heart hash been established in our Lord, our horn hath been lifted up in our God, and we have been gladdened in Thy salvation. We thank Thee, O Lord, that, chastizing us, Thou hast chastened us but a little, lest Thou give us over utterly unto death. Grant, O Lord, that we may hold the memory of this, Thy glorious visitation, firmly and continually within us, that made stead-fast in Thee by filial fear, faith and love, and protected by Thy might, we may ever, as we do today, hymn and glorify Thy holy name. Confirm Thy blessing also upon our civil authorities, that Thy good Spirit may continually rest upon them. In our land grant holiness unto pastors, judgment and justice to those who govern, peace and tranquility to the people, efficacy to the laws and advancement to the Faith. O Lord of all lovingkindness, extend Thy mercy unto those who know Thee; and reveal Thyself even unto those who seek Thee not; turn the hearts even of our enemies unto Thee; and make Thyself known to all nations and peoples in Thy true Christ: that from the rising of the sun, even unto the setting thereof, all nations may with one heart cry out to Thee with a voice of rejoicing: Glory to Thee, the God and Saviour of all, unto the 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.

AKATHIST to the Lord Jesus, the All-Merciful Lover of Mankind (by A. Roman)

Kontakion 1

Not an angel, nor any other messenger, but You Yourself bent the Heavens and came down to take Flesh from the Ever-Virgin Mother of God to save me and grant me eternal life with You in Your Kingdom, O Lord Jesus the All-Compassionate. With what hymns shall I glorify You for Your self-emptying benevolence toward sinners? With what embraces shall I take and kiss Your Feet in gratitude? With tears and heart-rending compunction I cry out to you:

All-Merciful Jesus, Lover of Mankind, anoint a humbled and broken heart with the Double Stream that flowed from Your Wounded Side!

Ikos 1

In fulfillment of the prophecy of old that "they will look upon Him that they have pierced," the soldier Longinus ran through the Holy Side of the Lord Jesus on the Cross with a lance. Immediately, Blood and Water came out for the forgiveness of our sins and our partaking of the Divine Life of the Sweetest Savior of all. Spiritually washed and nourished thereby, we proclaim:

Jesus the Longsuffering!

Jesus my Savior!

Jesus my Life!

Jesus, when You were lifted up on the Cross, You drew me to Yourself!

Jesus, You extended Your Hands to embrace me!

Jesus, Your Fingers were bloodied for me!

Jesus, I bow to the place where Your Feet stood!

Jesus, receive me into Your Kingdom!

Jesus, You thirst for my salvation!

Jesus, You gave me Your Mother to be my own!

Jesus, forgive me my sins for I know not what I have done!
Jesus, my God, never allow me to forsake you!

All-Merciful Jesus, Lover of Mankind, anoint a humbled and broken heart with the Double Stream that flowed from Your Wounded Side!

Kontakion 2

My Savior Jesus thought of me when He once spoke to the people and said, "Come to Me all you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest!" I throw myself before You, Lord Jesus, and lay my troubles and sorrows before You. The Source of my life and the Treasury of all I need is You and so I cry: Alleluia!

Ikos 2

Like the man out of whom You drove many demons, I too wish to sit safely at Your Feet, O Lord Jesus, and be enfolded in the embrace of Your unfailing love. Like the harlot of old, You do not condemn me but free me to go my way in peace. Glorifying the mystery of Your Love and Beauty, I sing:

Jesus, drive from me the demons of my sins!

Jesus, save me for they are legion!

Jesus, having healed me, let me stay by You!

Jesus, take me by my hand!

Jesus, never let me wander according to my selfishness!

Jesus, resurrect my soul that has become entombed in sin!

Jesus, You bring me the peace that the world cannot!

Jesus, You speak peace to my heart!

Jesus, Your Yoke is not heavy!

Jesus, You condemn me not!

Jesus, You lift me up as high as the heavens!

Jesus, Your Presence envelopes me with indescribable joy!

All-Merciful Jesus, Lover of Mankind, anoint a humbled and broken heart with the Double Stream that flowed from Your Wounded Side!

Kontakion 3

When they heard You were close to them, the blind men of old cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us!" Even when told to be quiet, they continued to implore Your benevolence, my Jesus. Your love is a bountiful abyss and You gave them their heart's desire. They received the two-fold blessing of sight for their physical eyes, and Your Light for their spiritual eyes in recognizing You to be the Son of God and the Messiah. Accept my little hymn of praise when I, too, call out: Alleluia!

Ikos 3

You called down Zacchaeus who climbed on a tree to see You, my Lord Jesus. You told him that You must be in his house that day to bring him Your salvation. Come under the roof of my heart to save me also, O my Jesus, for I have great need for You to bring me Your peace and free me from my sinfulness. Come there now, Sweetest Jesus, as I sing to You:

Jesus, I ascend to the Tree of Your Precious Cross to you!

Jesus, cover me with the seamless Robe of Your Mercy!

Jesus, you are the King of Glory!

Jesus, You give sight to my darkened mind!

Jesus, You make all things clear!

Jesus, You have prepared what eye has not seen for those who love You!

Jesus, I will never cease calling upon You!

Jesus, come to me and heal me!

Jesus, fulfill the deepest desires of my heart!

Jesus, You knew me before I was formed!

Jesus, be my true Self!

Jesus, Your Love overwhelms me!

O All-Merciful Jesus, Lover of Mankind, anoint a humbled and broken heart with the Double Stream that flowed from Your Wounded Side!

Kontakion 4

My sweetest Savior, Jesus, the sight of a mother's tears at the death of her son moved You to return him to her alive. You healed the commander's favorite servant and brought back to life the little girl who You said was only sleeping. Awaken my soul from its deadly, sinful slumber, Lord Jesus, and return it to the Father that I may sing with all gladness: Alleluia!

Ikos 4

The people of old believed that a soul remained by the body of a reposed person for three days before death was final. This is why You raised Lazarus after four days, Lord Jesus, to manifest Yourself as the Divine Son of God Who came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. Glorifying You for resurrecting my soul that has been in a spiritual tomb, I sing:

Jesus my Sweet Savior, call me forth to new life in You!

Jesus my Heart, let me live only for You!

Jesus my Teacher, let me be Your disciple forever!

Jesus my Lord, I will follow you always!

Jesus my Guide, lead me out of the darkness of my sinfulness!

Jesus my Lamp, fill my heart with the Oil of Gladness and Compunction!

Jesus You are my freedom!

Jesus You make my feet giddy with joy!

Jesus, I join with King David in a sacred dance!

Jesus You place my feet high upon a rock!

Jesus You give me a new song in my mouth!

Jesus my tongue has become the pen of a ready writer!

O All-Merciful Jesus, Lover of Mankind, anoint a humbled and broken heart with the Double Stream that flowed from Your Wounded Side!

Kontakion 5

The paralytic by the waters of Siloam moved too slowly to gain the benefit of their miraculous powers, but You quickened his legs to leap for joy in praising the coming of the Divine Messiah that offers healing to all. I too suffer from spiritual sloth and beg You to tell my soul to rise and go my way. Confident in Your unfailing Love and Mercy, I sing: Alleluia!

Ikos 5

A young man who was paralyzed was brought to You in the house where You taught, Lord Jesus. His friends opened the roof and lowered him down to you by ropes. Seeing their faith, You healed him. May I too receive the fulfillment of my needs in accordance with the faith and prayer of others who bring me to You on the altar of their hearts, offering spiritual sacrifices that are well-pleasing to You. Constantly lowered to you on the ropes of their love that bind them to me, I sing:

Jesus, I receive much that others ask for me!

Jesus, I pray for those who love me!

Jesus, protect them always!

Jesus, reward them for all that they do for me!

Jesus, You work in them on my behalf!

Jesus, I find You in them!

Jesus, whatsoever we do to others, that we do forYou!

Jesus, guide us to those who need us to bring You to them!

Jesus, may we act in Your Name always!

Jesus, may we be Temples in which You live!

Jesus, may we bring Your healing Presence to others!

Jesus, may we bear You always as beacons of Your Light!

All-Merciful Jesus, Lover of Mankind, anoint a humbled and broken heart with the Double Stream that flowed from Your Wounded Side!

Kontakion 6

When You answered the scribe in the Temple to tell him that the greatest commandment is to love God above all and our neighbour as ourselves, he replied that You truly spoke the Truth. You praised him for his virtue and told him that he was not far from the Kingdom of Heaven. Fill our hearts with Your Love, O Lord Jesus, so that we may love You with all our minds, hearts, souls and strength. And may we love our neighbour as ourselves, finding in him and in her, Your very Presence, singing together: Alleluia!

Ikos 6

Walking on the waves of tumultuous waters, Lord Jesus, You called out to Your disciple, Peter, to come to you, as he wished. Having hesitated, Peter began to sink and cried out to You. Taking him by the hand, You asked him why he doubted. Acknowledging You to be the true Son of God Who had come in the Flesh, I too sink in the midst of doubts and worries. Like Your disciple, I ask You to save me from them, as I sing:

Jesus You raise me up from the midst of deep waters!

Jesus, save me for the floods have engulfed me!

Jesus, come quickly for the waters have risen around my throat!

Jesus rescue me from my tepid faith!

Jesus, I believe, help my unbelief!

Jesus, You make my footsteps firm!

Jesus, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear nothing!

Jesus, You are with me as my sure Rock of Defense!

Jesus, a thousand fall on my side and ten thousand on my other - but You are with me!

Jesus, You rescue me from all my troubles!

Jesus, You preserve my soul!

Jesus, You call out to me to come to You!

All-Merciful Jesus, Lover of Mankind, anoint a humbled and broken heart with the Double Stream that flowed from Your Wounded Side!

Kontakion 7

Martha was distracted by the work of serving You and your disciples in her home. Seeing her sister, Mary, sitting at Your Feet, listening to Your Word, Martha approached You to tell her to help her. But You told Martha that though she be worried and troubled by many things, only one thing is needed - and Mary had chosen the better part that will not be taken from her! Pondering this within our own hearts, we cry: Alleluia!

Ikos 7

Lord Jesus, I see that I, too, am like Martha! Worries and troubles weigh me down and distract me from the one thing that is truly needful. Come to me with Your Presence and grant me peace of soul. Beckon me to come and sit at Your Feet to listen to Your Word, as I softly intone:

Jesus, You are the one thing needful to me!

Jesus, I adore You, my God!

Jesus, fill my soul with Your Word!

Jesus, pierce my heart with Your Grace and enflame it with love for You!

Jesus, let me be still and know that You are God!

Jesus, meek and humble of Heart, have mercy on me!

Jesus, transfix my inner gaze on Your commandments of Love!

Jesus, make me be receptive to Your teachings!

Jesus, may I be like the wise man who built his house on a Rock!

Jesus, number me with the wise virgins!

Jesus, multiply the Oil of Compunction within me!

Jesus, deem me worthy of the Oil of Eternal Gladness!

All-Merciful Jesus, Lover of Mankind, anoint a humbled and broken heart with the Double Stream that flowed from Your Wounded Side!

Kontakion 8

At the Mystical Supper, Lord Jesus, You told Your disciples to not let their heart be troubled, but to believe in God and believe in You. You said that in Your Father's House are many mansions and that You go to prepare a place for them that where You are, there they may be also. Glorifying the mystery of Your condescension to us, we cry: Alleluia!

Ikos 8

Lord Jesus, You told Philip that You are in the Father and the Father is in You and that whatever we ask in Your Name, that You will do so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Glorifying You ceaselessly for the unfathomable riches of Your Most Divine Name, we cry:

Jesus, You are an abyss of wonder and joy!

Jesus, Your Name fills us with the Wine of Astonishment!

Jesus, You are the sole object of all our desire!

Jesus, we ask to be one with You always!

Jesus, we beg You to come to us with Your Father and the Holy Spirit!

Jesus, make your abode in us forever!

Jesus, You are true Vine, without You we may do nothing!

Jesus, make us Your fruitful branches!

Jesus, strengthen the roots of our faith!

Jesus, Son of the Father, in Whom He is well-pleased!

Jesus, You will not leave us orphans!

Jesus, come to us and be with us always!

All-Merciful Jesus, Lover of Mankind, anoint a humbled and broken heart with the Double Stream that flowed from Your Wounded Side!

Kontakion 9

At the Supper, You took Bread, my Lord Jesus, broke it and gave it to Your disciples and said, "Take this and eat it, for this is My Body which is broken for you." You then took the Cup, and having given thanks, said, "Drink from this all of you, for this is My Blood, the Blood of the New and Everlasting Covenant that is shed for you for the remission of sins. Do this in memory of Me." Recalling all this that happened for our salvation, we bow down as we sing: Alleluia!

Ikos 9

Lord Jesus, You are the Bread of God that came down from heaven and gives life to the world. He who comes to You will never hunger and he who believes in You will never thirst. Glorifying You for giving us the Bread that brings us eternal life, we cry:

Jesus, You are my daily Bread!

Jesus, Your Blood is Drink indeed!

Jesus, You are my eternal nourishment!

Jesus, the Communion of Your Sacred Mysteries transfigures me!

Jesus, my Incarnate God, You deify me!

Jesus, my Lord, You raise me up to the highest heaven!

Jesus, You come to me as to Your temple!

Jesus, You have made me to partake of Your Divine Life!

Jesus, I join Your beloved disciple in leaning on Your Chest!

Jesus, I am nourished at Your Wounded Side!

Jesus, I shed tears for my unworthiness!

Jesus, my eyes are bedewed as I receive You into my heart!

All-Merciful Jesus, Lover of Mankind, anoint a humbled and broken heart with the Double Stream that flowed from Your Wounded Side!

Kontakion 10

Lord Jesus, You took Your disciples into the Garden and prayed there for three hours as the time for Your Saving Passion approached. They could not watch with you for one hour, as they were heavy with sleep. Heeding Your call to watch and pray lest we fall into temptation, we sing: Alleluia!

Ikos 10

Lord Jesus, we know not the moment when You will return as the Judge of all. Grant us the grace to live our lives in all sobriety and watchfulness. For the coming of the Bridegroom will be at a time when we will not expect such, when we will have to give an account for all that we have done and for all that we have failed to do. We ask You for Your Mercy and for a good judgement when You come, we sing:

Jesus, my Judge, be merciful to me!

Jesus, look upon my faith rather than on my works!

Jesus, for if You look upon my sins, how can I stand before You?

Jesus, You are the Bridegroom announcing the beginning of the Wedding Feast!

Jesus, may I join with all those called to Your Table!

Jesus, may I appear before you dressed in the bright clothes of those who keep feast!

Jesus, forgive me my sins, committed knowingly and unknowingly!

Jesus, forgive me all that I have done in mind and heart!

Jesus, tear up the record of what I have done during the day and the night!

Jesus, help me to be watchful in prayer and fasting!

Jesus, let me be Your Lamp in a world of darkness!

Jesus, may my hands do the works that are pleasing to You and Your Father!

All-Merciful Jesus, Lover of Mankind, anoint a humbled and broken heart with the Double Stream that flowed from Your Wounded Side!

Kontakion 11

Your Love for us knows no bounds, O Lord Jesus! You bore spitting, striking, scourging, crowning with thorns and the Cross for our sake. You accomplished our salvation on Golgotha and then You bowed Your Head before giving up Your Spirit into the Hands of the Father. Awed by the unfathomable mysteries of Your Divine Condescension for our salvation, we sing: Alleluia!

Ikos 11

Lord Jesus, You are the Abyss of Self-emptying Love! In You, we are like so many fish swimming in the unending depths of Your Mercy and basking in the Sun of Your Glorious Light, and we loudly exclaim:

Jesus, Overwhelming in Your Mercy toward us!

Jesus, tearing up the record of our sins on the Cross!

Jesus, Wounded for our transgressions!

Jesus, by Your stripes we are healed!

Jesus, forgive us as you forgave the Thief!

Jesus, remember us in Your Kingdom!

Jesus, Your Blood renewed all things!

Jesus, with Thomas, we kiss the Marks of the Nails!

Jesus, we weep with your Mother in the depths of her sorrows!

Jesus, King of Glory!

Jesus, accomplishing our Salvation!

Jesus, loving us to the end!

All-Merciful Jesus, Lover of Mankind, anoint a humbled and broken heart with the Double Stream that flowed from Your Wounded Side!

Kontakion 12

When You rose from the dead, Lord Jesus, You brought unspeakable happiness to the world, calling on all to rejoice. Your Tomb became like the rock that Moses struck in the wilderness and from which poured water in a dry and parched land. Pour on us the Grace that issues forth from Your Life-giving Tomb, O my Jesus, to irrigate the parched desert of our souls made dry by sin. Bathe us in Your warm Light and may we feel Your Divine Embrace always, as we sing: Alleluia!

Ikos 12

You appeared to two of your disciples on the road to Emmaus whose hearts were saddened at Your death on the Cross. You then expounded to them the scriptures and the need for the Messiah to fulfill all the prophecies concerning Him. As their hearts burned within them, You broke Bread and then disappeared from their physical sight, having renewed their faith in You as Lord and God of all, singing:

Jesus, You are Source of our joy!

Jesus, You come to us when we know not when or how!

Jesus, You are the Lord of Divine surprises!

Jesus, You are the living Water that came forth from the side of the Life-Giving Tomb!

Jesus, You came forth roaring like the Lion of Judah!

Jesus, You transfigure the Cosmos!

Jesus, You enliven our faith with the Holy Eucharist!

Jesus, come to our homes to be with us!

Jesus, our Light, do not leave, for evening is fast approaching!

Jesus, You are my Lord and my God!

Jesus, bring me to everlasting Life in You!

Jesus, I will follow You always!

Merciful Jesus, Lover of Mankind, anoint a humbled and broken heart with the Double Stream that flowed from Your Wounded Side!

Kontakion 13

O my sweetest Lord Jesus Christ! I praise and glorify You for Your salvation and for all Your constant, great Gifts that you continue to bestow on me, who has grown hard of heart. Soften my heart, then, O Jesus, with the Oil of Gladness that has You for its Source. Anoint me with the Mercy and Forgiveness of the Blood and Water of Your Sacred and Wounded Side. Save me and bring me to Your Heavenly Abode where You live with the Father and the Holy Spirit, by the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother and all Your Saints, as I sing: Alleluia! (Kontakion 13 is repeated three times)

Then Kontakion I and Ikos 1 are repeated.

Prayer to the All-Merciful Lord Jesus, the Lover of Mankind

Lord Jesus, my Savior, I ask You to awaken my heart to Your Love for me that I may live for You and in union with You all the days of my life. I wish to be Your disciple and follow the command given to the wine stewards at Cana in Galilee by Your Most Holy Mother to do all You have said. May Your Sweetest Name be ever in my mind, my heart and on my lips as the great Sword of the Spirit. Graft me onto yourself as an unworthy branch, for You are the True Vine. Nourish me always at Your Wounded Side with Your Sacred Mysteries. And may I remain ever at Your Feet in spirit thinking of all these things in my heart until I see you, my Lord Jesus, as You are, enthroned in Your Heavenly Kingdom, the Kingdom of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen