Akathist to St Elizabeth the New Martyr

To be found here

KONTAKION I

Come, all ye who love Christ, and let us offer up a hymn of praise unto the martyred nun Elizabeth, who was chosen by the Lord of hosts to serve as an example of Christian piety and love for those who desire to follow in His steps. For, spurning the vanity of worldly possessions, rank and cares, she dedicated her whole life to the aid of those in need. Wherefore, it hath pleased Christ our God to crown her ascetic labors with the diadem of martyrdom; and, dwelling now in His heavenly kingdom, she maketh supplication unto God, that He deliver from misfortunes and perils all who chant unto her with joy:

Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!

IKOS I

The Creator of the angels and Lord of mankind led thee from the delusion of heresy to the divine knowledge of the Truth, O blessed Elizabeth, that thy loving heart and soul might renew Christian love, which had grown cold in the land of Russia: for through thine efforts the hearts of men again warmed to the word of God, and the Master of all vouchsafed thee to live a life exalted above thy peers, in love, humility and fervent prayer. Wherefore, we ever chant unto thee, as is meet:

Rejoice, lamb burning with the love of God;
rejoice, handmaid of Christ the Lord!
Rejoice, scroll whereon the Holy Spirit inscribed the Christian virtues;
rejoice, divinely wise princess and new martyr!
Rejoice, daughter who forsook they father’s house and turned to Holy Orthodoxy;
Rejoice, vessel wherein the wine of gladness
and the oil of healing are mingled together;
rejoice, upholder of the traditions of piety!
Rejoice, treasure-house of compassion;
rejoice, radiant star resplendent with heavenly glory!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!

KONTAKION II

Christ found thee a lily among thorns and chose thee to adorn His garden of Holy Orthodoxy, O venerable one: for he Who alone knoweth the hearts of men perceived from on high thy great love for thy neighbor, and bestowed upon thee a wealth of spiritual gifts, that we might come to understand the mystery of God’s great mercy, enabling us to take part with thee therein and to join chorus with thee in chanting unto Him: Alleluia!

IKOS II

Knowing in thy heart that God’s will ruleth over all creation, and seeking to obey His will alone, thou was well pleased to shoulder the great cross which He prepared for thee, O holy one: for when thou didst witness the cruel and pitiless slaughter of thy husband, thy heart was pierced with grief and sorrow, as with a two-edged sword; yet thou didst take courage, and uttered the Savior’s own words: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And seeking to turn this vile deed to goodness, thou didst beseech him who committed the murder to repent. And we too beg thine intercession before the Lord, that He avert His righteous anger from us who chant to thee such praises as these:

Rejoice, thou who didst deem mercy greater than sacrifice;
rejoice, thou who prayest for sinners and penitents!
Rejoice, thou who didst bear thy cross to a new Golgotha;
rejoice, thou who didst not reject the crown of thorns offered thee!
Rejoice, thou didst put jealously to flight;
rejoice, thou who reprovest thou who fall away from truth and grace!
Rejoice, thou who didst not set the love of family above the love of God;
rejoice, thou who didst fulfill the words of Christ!
Rejoice, thou who didst seek out the good in every man;
rejoice, thou who was sent unto Russia, to turn her away from evil to the good!
Rejoice, thou who dost ever cry out to Christ:
Lord, have mercy;
rejoice, thou who standest invisible in our midst as we pray!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!

KONTAKION III

The power of the Most High overshadowed thy sorrow and pain, O royal passion-bearer, and finding sweet consolation therein thou didst die to this world, that thou mightest live in Christ: thou didst shun the fleeting pleasures and vanities of this life, didst clothe thyself in garments of joy and salvation, and didst abide in palaces, praying and chanting to God therein: Alleluia!

IKOS III

With a fervent desire to serve thy fellow man, thou didst gather a multitude of souls to labor for God; and, raising up a house of mercy, which thou didst dedicate to the Protection of the all-holy Theotokos, O holy Elizabeth, thou didst choose our holy mothers Martha and Mary as the heavenly patrons, emulating them as paragons of piety and good works. And mindful of the magnitude of thy charitable deeds and Christian virtues, we praise thy memory, chanting thus:

Rejoice, thou who didst open thy heart to good deeds;
rejoice, thou who didst gather the virtues into a spiritual sheaf!
Rejoice, thou who hast been reckoned among the friends of Christ;
rejoice, thou who didst hearken to His words!
Rejoice, thou who dost ever rejoice in thy Lord;
rejoice, thou who fillest our hearts with joy when we call upon thy name!
Rejoice, thou who rewardest those who seek thy heavenly aid;
rejoice, thou who dost speedily fulfill the requests of those who have recourse to thee with faith!
Rejoice, thou who has adorned the city of Moscow;
rejoice, obedient handmaid of the holy Mary and Martha!
Rejoice, thou who didst hide thy good works from the eyes of the haughty;
rejoice, thou who dost call all of us to perform deeds of mercy!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!

KONTAKION IV

Those who were tempest-tossed amid the tumults of life and foundered upon the floods of the passions didst thou guide to the calm haven of salvation which thou didst establish in the royal city of Moscow, O holy Elizabeth; for having opened thy heart unto God, thou didst open its doors to the children of God, showing them the mercy of their heavenly Father. Wherefore, thou hast now been shown to be the patroness of the forgotten and oppressed. Cover us all with thy holy protection, that we may be moved to cry aloud to our good God: Alleluia!

IKOS IV

Accepting the counsel of the elders of the Hermitage of Saint Zosimas, thou didst prove thyself to be an obedient daughter of the Orthodox Faith, O venerable martyr, so that thine own words brought profit and consolation to all who hearkened unto thee. Thou was a most wise abbess and a loving mother, who tended well the flock entrusted to thee, teaching them how to care for the afflicted as a sister of mercy by thine own example, O holy princess. Wherefore, tend thou also the ailments of our souls, that we may cry aloud unto thee:

Rejoice, thou who anointest all with the oil of mercy;
rejoice, thou who stillest the tempest of sorrows!
Rejoice, instruction of those who turn to Orthodoxy!
rejoice, pillar of truth set firmly upon the rock of the Faith!
Rejoice, thou who dost rescue us from the mire of despondency;
rejoice, thou who feedest the orphan and the widow!
Rejoice, thou who didst embrace charity with thy whole heart;
Rejoice, thou who didst exchange a palace for a poor and humble cell!
Rejoice, thou who didst put aside thy royal robes to don the hairshirt of asceticism;
rejoice, thou who didst lay thy princely coronet at the feet of the Savior!
Rejoice, thou who didst take up the Cross as a kingly scepter;
rejoice, thou who didst love God more than earthly honor and glory!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!

KONTAKION V

Thou has been revealed to us as a most radiant star adorning the vault of the firmament of the Church, O martyr of Christ. And ever illumined by the effulgence of thy sufferings, unto Christ, the Judge of the contest, do we offer hymnody of thanksgiving for thee, and we chant unto Him: Alleluia!

IKOS V

Through the guidance of the heavenly intercessors who shone forth in Russia-the venerable Sergius of Radonezh, and Peter, the divinely eloquent Metropolitan of Moscow, in company with Martha and Mary, the sisters beloved of Christ-the narrow and royal path which alone leadeth to salvation was disclosed to thee, and travelling it thou becamest a model for all Orthodox Christians dwelling in the Russian Empire, showing them how to unite the ideals of ascetic endeavor and charitable acts. Wherefore, for thee grace was added unto grace, and whilst thou was yet alive the report of thy holiness spread far and wide. The pious cried out in wonder to God Who is wondrous in His saints: “Glory b to Thee, O Lord!”; and to thee they uttered such praises as these:

Rejoice, scion of a royal house who tended the sores of paupers with thine own hands;
rejoice, paragom of monastic virtue and rule of faith!
Rejoice, thou who didst reject worldly praise and hast received heavenly rewards;
rejoice, thou who dost partake of everlasting splendor on high!
Rejoice, thou who didst expose spiritual deception;
rejoice, thou who didst strengthen the common folk in the true Faith!
Rejoice, thou who dost ever summon the faithful to prayer and vigilance;
rejoice, thou who didst adopt the Russian nation as thy homeland!
Rejoice, thou who didst spurn the praises of men;
rejoice, beacon guiding all to the safe harbor of heaven;
Rejoice, thou who didst labor for Christ in the midst of the world!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!

KONTAKION VI

How can angels and men refrain from wonderment when they ponder the depths of they love and compassion? For thy convent was not only a spiritual haven for those seeking salvation, but also a well-spring gushing forth torrents of consolation upon those parched by the burning heat of the passions. By thine own examples where thy sisters, the handmaidens of Christ, taught how to comfort the sorrowing, tend the sick, teach the ignorant, correct the erring and prepare the dying for the life which is to come. Wherefore, thy nuns joined chorus with thee to praise the Lord continually, chanting unto Him: Alleluia!

IKOS VI

As a true image of piety thou didst venerate the wonder-icons and holy relics enshrined throughout the Russian land. Her monasteries and countless churches witnessed thine ascetic feats and fervent prayers. Thy tears, shed in such profusion, adorned thy person like lustrous pearls and moved to wonder those who beheld thee. And we who cherish thy holy memory exalt in spirit, crying out to thee:

Rejoice, image of piety who delighted to venerate the sacred icons of the Mother of God;
rejoice, thou who dost ever bless those who have recourse unto thy precious relics!
Rejoice, wise pilgrim whose destiny was the kingdom of heaven;
rejoice, adornment of Holy Russia!
Rejoice, thou who art ever magnified by the Holy Church;
rejoice, thou who didst not forsake Russia in her time of tribulation!
Rejoice, thou who didst perceive the providence of God in all that befell thee;
rejoice, thou who didst teach others to set their hope on Christ alone!
Rejoice, thou who wast present when the venerable Seraphim was glorified;
rejoice, thou who didst venerate his grace-bearing relics!
Rejoice, thou who didst hear the prophecy of that holy father;
rejoice, thou who didst prophesy the down-fall of the Orthodox monarchy!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!

KONTAKION VII

When those who been told slanderous tales about thee were brought before thee, O royal martyr, they perceived thine innocence and blamelessness and the holiness of thy life, for thou didst sacrifice thyself for the good of others, and thy heart was ever intent upon their needs, so that thou didst ever move them to chant unto God: Alleluia!

IKOS VII

“This is no new creation or concept, neither do I depart from the Church traditions,” thou didst declare unto those who sought to discredit thy convent and labors; “I only repeat what the Church teacheth; for it is Christ Who saith: ‘Love thy neighbor’, and the divine Theologian doth manifestly thunder: ‘If ye do not love your neighbor whom ye see, ye cannot love God Whom ye see not.’” Thou didst but renew that which had grown old, and hast revealed to us the essence of true love in the miracle of thy life. Wherefore, we chant to thee thus:

Rejoice, thou who dost ever care for our souls;
rejoice, holy princess, worthy of all praise! Rejoice, thou who didst unite love and mercy, as a bridge joineth land to land;
rejoice, thou who didst know well saving words of grace! Rejoice, thou who wast persecuted for right-teousness’ sake;
rejoice, for truly great is thy reward in the heavens! Rejoice, thou who didst silence blasphemy and impiety by thy faith in Christ;
rejoice, thou who didst most humbly endure the calumny and slander hurled at thee by thine own countrymen! Rejoice, thou who didst love righteousness and hate falsehood;
rejoice, thou who didst not seek to avoid the reproaches of men, that thou mightest receive praise from the Lord! Rejoice, thou who didst love the Gospel above all else;
rejoice, thou who didst ever delight in the words thereof!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!

KONTAKION VIII

Having beheld a sight strange to all-the fall of an empire once dedicated to God, the desecration of all that is holy, and the public ridicule of the martyred Emperor Nicholas,-thou didst shed endless streams of tears for all the tribulations which had befallen thine adopted homeland. Yet trusting in God, and believing this to be His holy will, thou didst never cease to cry out to Him: Alleluia!

IKOS VIII

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the nation was overtake by chaos, thy family was taken away, and all thy friends stood afar off. Only a few fearless hierarchs came to comfort thee and thy sisters, O royal martyr. Thy convent was as a sheep-fold beset by ravening wolves; yet thou didst remain undaunted by their depredations during those violent days, ever preserving thy flock from harm by thy supplications. Wherefore, receive from us these praises:

Rejoice, royal servant of the omnipotent King;
rejoice, handmaid of the Queen of heaven! Rejoice, thou who with the royal martyrs wast prey to grievous slanders;
rejoice, thou who didst find consolation in service of God! Rejoice, thou who didst not judge the sinful lies of men;
rejoice, thou who didst refuse to condone their misdeeds! Rejoice, thou who didst uproot the tares of evil growing in the royal garden;
rejoice, thou who didst not approve of vile and wicked deeds! Rejoice, thou who ever helpest us to see the will of God in all things;
rejoice, thou who didst rebuke the riotous multitude with thy courage! Rejoice, for thou didst not turn away from the hapless Tsar when he was mocked and abused;
rejoice, thou who with him and his family dost ever rejoice in heaven!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!

KONTAKION IX

The angelic armies on high were stricken with awe, beholding Holy Russia bound and led to bloody slaughter by those who wage war against God; for, bleeding and dying in the arena of martyrdom, the land is dyed red with the blood of the countless new martyrs, who cry out continually to the Lord of hosts: Alleluia!

IKOS IX

The vile minions of Satan, sinful men with hands reeking of the blood of the innocent, openly reviled God, and mockingly asked thee how thou who art of royal blood couldst minister to the poor and lowly, O royal passion-bearer. But we marvel at thy patience and humility, and cry out unto thee:

Rejoice, thou who didst quench the flames of discontent with thy tears;
rejoice, thou who didst lament
the woes of Russia, as Martha and Mary wept over Lazarus!
Rejoice, thou who didst submit to the will of God;
rejoice, thou who didst behold the Savior enthroned on high!
Rejoice, venerable martyr of royal birth;
rejoice, thou who didst put to shame those who mistreated thee! Rejoice, thou who dost bless those who bless thee;
rejoice, thou who wipest the tears away from those who grieve! Rejoice, thou who dost calm our troubled hearts;
rejoice, thou who bowest down before the throne of God, offering Him our entreaties! Rejoice, thou who art ever attentive to His decrees;
rejoice, thou who dost continually preserve us from all harm!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!

KONTAKION X

Wishing to make thee captive, O martyr, evil-minded men arrived at thy convent on the third day of Pascha, to separate thee from thy flock; for after the holy Patriarch Tikhon the Confessor blessed thee and thy nuns, the wicked fell upon thee and took thee away into exile. Yet knowing what was to follow, thou didst take with thee thy faithful companion, the venerable Barbara, and with thee chanted the hymn of victory unto the risen Christ: Alleluia!

IKOS X

Banished to the heart of Russia, hidden away from the eyes of the world, with prayer and fasting thou didst prepare for thy departure from this life, O Elizabeth, when Companion Barbara, and with the holy Princes Sergius, John, Igor, Constantine and Vladimir, who were all to share in thy sufferings and receive incorruptible crowns from the hands of the Savior. And sharing together in the delights of heaven, attend ye unto our praises:

Rejoice, ye who ever pray for the salvation of Russia;
rejoice, ye who, though cast down by the ungodly
into the depths, have been raised on high by Christ!
Rejoice, ye who shed the scarlet robe of royalty and put on the purple robe of martyrdom;
rejoice, ye who where not deceived by the deceit of the evil one!
Rejoice, ye who lift up your hands to God in supplication;
rejoice, ye who cast away earthly riches to receive treasure in heaven!
Rejoice, patient sufferers who endured all for the Lord;
rejoice, ye who put to shame those who took your lives, but could not slay your souls!
Rejoice, ye who received wreaths of victory fashioned by the hand of the Creator;
rejoice, bright constellation of holy stars shining in the firmament of the Church!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!

KONTATKION XI

O the glorious wonder! A mine depleted of its ore is shown to be full of the lustrous gold of grace and piety! A shaft sunk deep into the bowels of the earth is shown to be a ladder extending up to heaven, whereby Elizabeth and her companions ascend from the depths unto the heights of paradise! O holy martyrs, ye blessed ones, as ye delight in celestial joys forget not us who celebrate the memory of your godly struggles, that with you we also may chant the angelic hymn: Alleluia!

IKOS XI

The minds of men, darkened by their fallen state, are unable to devise for you hymns worthy of the pangs and sufferings ye endured, O holy passion-bearers of Christ; for ye were like unto the youths of Ephesus who fell asleep of death in a shaft sunk into the earth, only to awaken in the splendid mansions of heaven, where ye now receive from us our poor praises:

Rejoice, ye seven-branched lampstand burning before the throne of God;
rejoice, glory of Alapayevsk!
Rejoice, ye who planted the tree of life amid the barren mountains and watered it with your blood;
rejoice, royal passion-bearers, adorned with
kindly diadems more precious than gold and costly jewels!
Rejoice, O Barbara, devoted daughter of thy spiritual mother;
rejoice, ye who intercede for your compatriots
who find themselves amid suffering and exile!
Rejoice, O Sergius, valiant confessor of the true Faith;
rejoice, O brethren, equal in number to the Trinity!
Rejoice, O Princes John, Igor and Constantine, who were like unto the holy youths in the fiery furnace;
rejoice, O Vladimir, prince and martyr, who foresaw thine own suffering and death!
Rejoice, ye who have washed your souls clean in the streams of your blood;
rejoice, ye who stand before the Savior in the ranks of the new martyrs and confessors!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!

KONTAKIOIN XII

With the words of praise shall we weave a wreath of victory to adorn the new passion-bearers of Alapayevsk? For even if we try to recount their manifold labors, our own weakness and hardness of heart puts us to shame. For while they ever sought after the Lord, we ever stray father away from Him. Wherefore, come ye speedily to our aid, and drive our enemies, visible and invisible, far away from us, that unvexed and at peace, we may chant aloud unto God: Alleluia!

IKOS XII

We chant your praises, O holy new martyrs of Alapayevsk, for when faced with death, ye manifestly confessed Christ as God in the presence of the ungodly. Wherefore, the martyred nun Barbara received from the hand of God a wreath fashioned of truth and obedience, and her royal companions were endowed with two-fold crowns of majesty and martyrdom for their struggles. And thus hath Christ the Lord, the Judge of the contest, shown us all that it is meet to glorify them with such praises as these:

Rejoice, boast of the Urals;
rejoice, ye who shone forth like rays out of a dark pit!
Rejoice, ye who sanctified a lowly mine-shaft;
rejoice, ye who were like unto Joseph, who was likewise cast into a pit by envious brethren!
Rejoice, ye who were like unto Daniel, who was thrown into a lions’ den;
rejoice, ye who have summoned countless other new martyrs to the banquet of the Bridegroom!
Rejoice, ye who were welcomed to the mansions of heaven by your kin, the martyred Tsar and his holy family;
rejoice, ye who were slaughtered by the godless and unbelieving!
Rejoice, O Elizabeth, who didst bind thy companions’ wounds and tend to their hurts;
rejoice, thou who didst encourage and strengthen them
until the moment of their soul’s departure!
Rejoice, for thou didst chant fitting hymns as their life ebbed away;
rejoice, thou who before an icon of the Savior didst surrender thine own soul into His hands!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!

KONTAKION XII

O all-praised and venerable martyr Elizabeth, with the other passions-bearers of Alapayevsk - the martyrs Barbara, John, Igor, Constantine, Vladimir, and Sergius, accept this, our meager hymnody of praise, which we offer to you in honor of the sufferings and violent death ye endured for Christ; and beseech the all-holy Trinity our God, that we be delivered from the perils and evil circumstances which beset us throughout our life: that with you and all the new martyrs and confessors of Russia we may ever chant unto the omnipotent Lord of heaven and earth: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

This kontakion is recited thrice; whereupon Ikos I and Kontakion I are repeated.

Akathist to the Life-bearing Tomb and the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ

Akathist to the Life-bearing Tomb and the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ

Kontakion 1.
To the chosen Champion Leader risen from the dead, a hymn of victory do we sing unto Thee, O Christ Eternal King, for Thou hast risen from the tomb: and we being delivered from everlasting corruption, bring joyous acclamations unto Thine honorable tomb crying out: Rejoice, life-bearing tomb whence Christ hath risen!


Ikos 1.
An Archangel came down from heaven to roll away the stone from before Thy tomb at Thy resurrection, O Christ God, and to announce Thy rising unto the Myrrh-bearers saying: Go ye and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead. And they, wondering at the strange word of the angel, cried unto Thy life-bearing tomb these praises:

Rejoice, life-bearing tomb wherein Christ lay as dead and whence He arose upon the third day;
Rejoice, for He arose from thee and hath granted us resurrection;
Rejoice, for as a bridegroom from the bridal-chamber so did Christ come forth from thee, leading hell captive;
Rejoice, for in His rising the dead of all ages have arisen;
Rejoice, for by thee hath Peter the chief Apostle known the resurrection;
Rejoice, for by Christ's lying within thee hath all the earth been hallowed;
Rejoice, life-bearing tomb whence Christ hath risen!


Kontakion 2.
When Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came unto Thy tomb to anoint Thy Body, O Christ God, they found an angel sitting upon the stone and he said unto them: Be ye not afraid for I know that ye seek the Crucified; He is not here but is risen as He said unto you. And when they had announced the resurrection to the disciples then did all sing as unto the Creator and Master of All, the angels' hymn: Alleluia.


Ikos 2.
Their thoughts storming within their minds, Thy disciples, O Christ, knew not the scripture that it was fitting for Thee to rise from the dead: therefore, they did not believe the Myrrh-bearers' joyous announcement of Thy rising: but Peter ran unto Thy tomb and stooping down beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves and the napkin which had been about Thy divine Head, and rightly believed together with the rest of the disciples and, therefore, rejoicing, cried such praises unto Thy life-bearing tomb:

Rejoice, life-bearing tomb, for by thee was wrought the salvation of all the world;
Rejoice, for thou art venerated by all creation;
Rejoice, for coming unto thee from the North and from the sea the faithful glorify Christ;
Rejoice, for from the West and from the East all magnify the resurrection within thee;
Rejoice, for thou wast couch and repose unto the King of kings;
Rejoice, for by thee the assembly of the Jews was put to shame;
Rejoice, life-bearing tomb whence Christ hath risen!


Kontakion 3.
The sentries, that vain guard placed about Thy tomb, O Christ, heard the mighty earthquake and the Angel proclaiming the good news of Thy resurrection to the Myrrh-bearers and, quaking with fear became as dead men, and rushing headlong into the city told the high-priest and the elders the things that had come to pass, but in their great unrighteousness they thought to conceal Thy resurrection but were not able, and rather taught all to sing: Alleluia.

Ikos 3.
The Arimathean who from fear of the Jews had secretly been Thy disciple, O Christ, did beg Thy divine body from Pilate and then, too, did Nicodemus come bearing a mixture of myrrh and aloes and did anoint Thine incorruptible body, and, having wrapped it in a winding sheet with spices, did lay Thee in a new tomb wherein no other had yet been placed but Thou only, O Lord, that Thou mightest sanctify the substance of the earth. But when they had learned of Thy resurrection from the dead, they shouted praises unto Thy life-bearing tomb:

Rejoice, life-bearing tomb, for the mysteries of salvation have been performed within thee;
Rejoice, for by thee the resurrection hath been made known unto all the world;
Rejoice, sure and certain knowledge of the resurrection;
Rejoice, for Christ coming forth from thee hath led captivity captive, and brought human nature unto God the Father;
Rejoice, for although as man He was laid within thee, as God did He arise with glory;
Rejoice, for thou didst hold within thyself Him Who holdeth all creation;
Rejoice, life-bearing tomb whence Christ hath risen!


Kontakion 4.
When the Myrrh-bearers came unto Thy disciples, O Christ God, announcing Thy resurrection, they were filled with joy and went into Galilee to the mount, as Thou hadst commanded them; and seeing Thee, very God, in the flesh and not an apparition, they worshiped God, crying: Alleluia.

Ikos 4.
This knowledge remained unknown to the Jews who neither understood the prophecies nor sought to understand Thy resurrection, O Christ: how Thou couldst come forth from Thy tomb without breaking the seals thereof. Wherefore do they slander and jeer at Thy rising, but we, marveling at the mystery, bring praises to Thy life-bearing tomb, saying:

Rejoice, life-bearing tomb, for Christ from thee hath risen and raised up the dead;
Rejoice, for through thee hell is known and stripped bare;
Rejoice, for the naked Adam is once more clothed in a divinely-woven garment;
Rejoice, for the earth, polluted by Abel's fratricidal blood, is hallowed again by Christ's abiding in thee;
Rejoice, for when the Angel had rolled away the stone from before thee, the Myrrh-bearers came to know of Christ's resurrection;
Rejoice, for when Christ had arisen from thee, the news of this resurrection did spread throughout all the world;
Rejoice, life-bearing tomb whence Christ hath risen!


Kontakion 5.
On the eighth day after Thy resurrection, Thou, O Lord, didst come unto Thy disciples, although the doors were closed, and bestow the gifts of the Holy Spirit upon them. And then Thou didst say unto Thy disciple Thomas, "Come hither and touch Me!" and he, at the touch, knew Thee as being truly risen and not an apparition. Wherefore together with the other disciples did he cry unto Thee: Alleluia.


Ikos 5.
We see the council of the Jews, the falsely-wise orators, mute as fish and unable to speak about Thy resurrection, O Christ, and not understanding the prophecies, how it was meet for Thee, the God of all, to rise from the dead. But we, marveling at the mystery of Thy resurrection, cry out unto Thy life-bearing tomb:

Rejoice, life-bearing tomb, for Pilate's foolish watchmen were terrified when Christ came forth from thee;
Rejoice, for He Who arose from thee broke not the seals upon the grave;
Rejoice, O truly rich tomb, for thou didst hold within thyself Christ the Lifegiver, Who bestoweth life upon all;
Rejoice, for when Christ arose from thee the heavens did rejoice;
Rejoice, for then the things of earth did teach the resurrection to all;
Rejoice, life-bearing tomb whence Christ hath risen!


Kontakion 6.
When after Thy resurrection Thou, O Christ, didst reveal Thyself to Thy disciples at the sea of Tiberias and command them to cast the net on the right side of the ship, then did Thy beloved disciple, recognizing Thee, O God, from the mighty draught of fishes, say unto Peter, "It is the Lord!" And as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire and fish thereupon and bread, and in the giving of bread they did know Thee and as to the risen God did shout: Alleluia.

Ikos 6.
The women made their way unto Thy tomb in the deep dawn, O Christ God, and though they found not Thy sought-for body, O Jesus, they discerned not Thy rising, but straightway saw an Angel standing before them, who asked them, "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen." And seeing Thy resurrection with great gladness they cried out these praises unto Thy life-bearing tomb:

Rejoice, life-bearing tomb, for by Christ's abiding within thee the nether regions were seized with great fear;
Rejoice, for then with trembling did hell give up the dead which it had held down through the ages;
Rejoice, for by Christ's rising we are all restored to newness of life;
Rejoice, for by Christ's rising from thee Thomas was taught to say, "My Lord and my God!" Rejoice, for in Christ's rising all creation hath found joy;
Rejoice, too, O Arimathean, for within thine own garden thou hast acquired so great a treasure; Rejoice, life-bearing tomb whence Christ hath risen!


Kontakion 7.
The sun at Thy passion, O Christ, unable to bear the raging frenzy of the lawless, did hide its light and the veil of the temple was rent, and when Thou wast laid in the life-bearing tomb the earth was shaken as though wanting to swallow up the unlawful, but Thou as God didst rise in glory and with Thyself didst raise up Adam, the father of us all. Wherefore, unto our truly risen God to we sing: Alleluia.

Ikos 7.
After Thy resurrection, O Christ, Thou didst reveal Thyself unto Luke and Cleopas along the way and didst acompany them as they discussed together those things that had happened unto Thee, O Master of all, and Thou wast scorned by them as being but a stranger in Jerusalem. But Thou as God didst open unto them the prophecies concerning Thyself and thus wast known by them in the breaking of the bread, whence with great joy they turned back to Jerusalem and told the good news of Thy resurrection and appearance unto Thy disciples. Wherefore, all together they did worship and sing praises unto Thy life-bearing tomb:

Rejoice, life-bearing tomb, for thou hast received within thyself Christ, the heavenly bread, given as food for all;
Rejoice, for thou wast able to contain Christ as a sleeping king;
Rejoice, for heaven and earth were filled with glad tidings when Christ arose from thee;
Rejoice, for by thee the Jews were brought to disgrace;
Rejoice, for no longer are the unlawful able to slander Christ's resurrection;
Rejoice, for through thee the Apostles' choir was filled with joy;
Rejoice, life-bearing tomb whence Christ hath risen!


Kontakion 8.
Mankind together with all the Angels doth stand in wonder before Thy great care for us -- Thou Who as God art inaccessible and yet as an approachable man art seen by all; Thou Who wast crucified and buried and Who didst rise in glory, and therefore, unto Thee as Creator and Master doth sing: Alleluia.

Ikos 8.
In Thy resurrection, O Christ, Thou didst show forth the new creation, for, just as in Thy birth from the Virgin, Thou didst not destroy the seal upon the tomb. Therefore, we honor Thy Passion, we glorify Thy Burial, in faith we worship Thy glorious Resurrection and offer hymns of thanksgiving unto Thy tomb, saying:

Rejoice, life-bearing tomb, for Christ is risen from thee and hath renewed all the world;
Rejoice, for the stone that was rolled away from thee hath shattered the gates and door-posts of hell;
Rejoice, for the sun of the whole world hath shone forth from thee;
Rejoice, for when Christ lay within thee the nether regions were shaken asunder;
Rejoice, for those dead whom hell of old did seize, it hath unwillingly given back alive;
Rejoice, thou lightning flash which did hide the divine pearl within thyself;
Rejoice, life-bearing tomb whence Christ hath risen!


Kontakion 9.
The Apostles, those God-bearing heralds of Thy resurrection, were sent out into all the world and they did preach Thee, the true God; they taught all the faithful to sing unto Thee, the Creator and Master: Alleluia.

Ikos 9.
After Thy rising from the grave, Mary Magdalene came unto the tomb while it was still dark and saw the stone taken away from the tomb. She, therefore, went quickly to the disciples, saying, "They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre!" Then Peter, that disciple of burning faith, ran with John to the tomb and peering within saw the garments lying together and, coming to the knowledge of Thy resurrection, began to shout praises to Thy life-bearing tomb:

Rejoice, life-bearing tomb, for when Christ was shut within thee He shone forth light upon the nether regions;
Rejoice, for when the stone was removed from thee the stoney-hearted nations began to sing, "Christ is truly risen!";
Rejoice, for within thee God did pass three days asleep in the flesh;
Rejoice, for by His rising hath He awakened those who through the ages have been asleep; Rejoice, for coming forth from thee He hath bestowed resurrection upon all;
Rejoice, for as a bright sun shining forth from thee hath He enlightened all the world;
Rejoice, life-bearing tomb whence Christ hath risen!


Kontakion 10.
The earth grew frightened and fell silent, seeing Thee its Creator lying in a small tomb, and hell, trembling with fear before Thy power, gave up its dead preparing for Thee Thy rising to the Father from Whom Thou wast never separate. Wherefore do we sing unto Thee: Alleluia.

Ikos 10.
Mary Magdalene with most ardent faith in Thee, O Jesus Christ, came very early unto Thy tomb, O Savior, and was granted the vision of an angel telling her, "He is not here, but is risen." Furthermore, Thou didst Thyself appear to her as God, therefore she was sent as the bearer of good news to anounce to Thy disciples Thy rising to the Father. Thy disciples were thereby filled with joy and together with the Myrrh-bearers offered praises unto Thy life-bearing tomb, crying:

Rejoice, life-bearing tomb, thou opening of the gates of paradise;
Rejoice, for of Him Who lay within thee doth hell unwillingly speak truly, saying, "It were better for me had I never seized the Son of Mary!";
Rejoice, for He Who arose from thee hath led hell captive and filled the heavenly Jerusalem; Rejoice, for as one who sleepeth hast thou held within thyself the very Lamb, the Son of God; Rejoice, for according to the prophecy Christ did sleep within thee and as a lion did take His rest and who hath stirred Him up?;
Rejoice, for from thee He raised Himself by His own power;
Rejoice, life-bearing tomb whence Christ hath risen!


Kontakion 11.
When the Savior stood before His disciples, granting them peace, He also gave them the power to forgive sins and to baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and to preach His resurrection from the dead; and they did go and teach all nations to cry unto the risen God: Alleluia.

Ikos 11.
After Thy rising from the dead, O Christ, appearing unto Thy disciples Thou didst say unto Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?" And after his threefold declaration of his love for Thee, Thou didst establish him as the first leader of Thy Church and all the faithful, having known Thee the risen God, cried out praises to Thy life-bearing tomb:

Rejoice, life-bearing tomb, for in coming forth from thee hath Christ made us a path up to heaven;
Rejoice, for, placed within thee, Christ hath raised up the dead of all the ages;
Rejoice, for unto the resurrected hath He given eternal life;
Rejoice, for the Cross and Resurrection are glorified in thee;
Rejoice, for by thee the sentries learned of the resurrection;
Rejoice, for thou art the fountain of divine knowledge;
Rejoice, life-bearing tomb whence Christ hath risen!


Kontakion 12.
Glorifying Thy Passion, we honor Thy divine providence for us and we worship Thy divine resurrection. Glorifying Thine all-glorious ascension from earth unto the heavenly Father, we pray: Take not Thine all-holy Spirit away from us, so that we may all sing unto Thee as Creator and Master: Alleluia.

Ikos 12.
Thou the radiance of the Father didst go unto the Mount of Olives and then a most bright cloud did lift Thee up, as Thy disciples looked on, O Almighty One, and Thine angels said unto Thine Apostles, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? Him Whom ye see taken up from you shall come again in the flesh." And they returned to Jerusalem with joy, praising Thee, the true God, and offering praises unto Thy life-bearing tomb, wherein Thou wast laid and on the third day didst rise:

Rejoice, life-bearing tomb, for from thee hath Christ, the ineffable light, shone forth and enlightened the whole world;
Rejoice, for the Myrrh-bearers did hear, "Rejoice!" when Christ arose from thee;
Rejoice, for thou hast been the resting-place of the King of kings and Lord of lords;
Rejoice, for thou hast held the sustainer of all creation;
Rejoice, for the most wise Jews were made fools by thee, for they could not speak against the resurrection;
Rejoice, for the choir of the Apostles hath found joy through thee;
Rejoice, life-bearing tomb whence Christ hath risen!


Kontakion 13.
O most holy and life-bearing tomb of Christ, thou the enrichment of all the world! Standing before thee as the bearer of life we pray unto Christ our God Who lay within thee and rose in glory on the third day, the He deliver His inheritance from famine, pestilence, earthquake and flood and from every mortal wound, that He grant peace unto Orthodox Christians and subdue under their feet those who strive against them, that we may all sing unto Thee, our Creator and Master: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! {Three times. }

And again Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1 are read.

Akathist To St Herman Of Alaska

The Akathist HymnTo St. Herman of Alaska


TROPARION TONE 4
O Blessed Father Herman of AlaskaNorth Star of Christ’s Holy Church,the light of your holy life and great deeds,guides those who follow the Orthodox Way.Together we lift high the Holy Cross,you planted firmly in America.Let all behold and glorify Jesus Christ,singing His Holy Resurrection.



FIRST KONTAKION
O Chosen Doer of Wonders, most glorious favorite of Christ,our God bearing Father Herman, Alaska’s adornment,the joy of all Orthodox in America.We sing to you, our heavenly protector and powerful intercessor
before God, these songs of praise. Cease not to pray for your children, who cry fervently to you: Rejoice our Venerable Father Herman of Alaska, America’s most glorious doer of wonders.


FIRST IKOS Father Herman, the Creator of the angelic hosts called you to proclaim the Orthodox faith in a new land and to be the founder of the monastic way in the remote lands of the north. You were sent, as was the Apostle Paul, to those sitting in darkness so that the light of Orthodoxy might illumine all the ends of the earth. We, the inhabitants of the American continents, bring you, our heavenly protector, this thanksgiving and sing you this song of praise:

Rejoice, our Father Herman, our glory, our adornment;
Rejoice, bearer of the light of the true faith to our lands;
Rejoice, ascetic glorified by God;Rejoice, most honored branch of Valaam Monastery;
Rejoice, praise and joy of the Church in America;
Rejoice, comforter and protector of all of us;
Rejoice, our Venerable Father Herman of Alaska,America’s most glorious doer of wonders.


SECOND KONTAKION In your early youth, O Venerable One, enkindled by the flame of love for the Lord, you desired to serve God and Him alone. As an offering, you dedicated your youth to God, beginning your journey from the hermitage of Valaam, where choirs of monastics sing ceaselessly to God: Alleluia.


SECOND IKOS The Most High granted you spiritual wisdom in your youth that you might know the beauty and sweetness of heaven. For this reason, the wise Igumen Nazarius, teacher of the venerable Seraphim of Sarov, taught you God’s wisdom and the Lord’s way. Therefore, the Holy Church praises you:

Rejoice, glorious Herman dedicator of your youth to Christ;
Rejoice, disciple together with Seraphim of Sarov;
Rejoice, performer of spiritual labors in glorious Valaam;
Rejoice, honored by all the brethren of Valaam Monastery;
Rejoice, student of spiritual wisdom in Valaam;
Rejoice, glorified now by the Orthodox Church;
Rejoice, our Venerable Father Herman of Alaska, America’s most glorious doer of wonders.


THIRD KONTAKION The Most High directed the divinely-wise primate of the Church in Russia, Gabriel, to send missionaries of the Orthodox Faith to Alaska. The apostolic choice fell on you, O Venerable Herman, therefore, all the people enlightened by the Light of Christ through your labors and the personal example of your life, sing to the Lord: Alleluia.


THIRD IKOS Showing great zeal not only in your spiritual labors as a novice, but also in your Apostolic fervor as you preached to a people sitting in darkness, you, O Venerable Herman, revealed the light of Christ to them with great power. Remembering your apostolic labors and your efforts to preach, with love we praise you:

Rejoice, uncomplaining giver of obedience to your spiritual
father;
Rejoice, preacher who brought the Good News from afar;
Rejoice, faithful son of Holy Russia;
Rejoice, adopted son of North America;
Rejoice, initiator of the monastic way in our land;
Rejoice, zealous preacher of the Orthodox Faith;
Rejoice, our Venerable Father Herman of Alaska, America’s most glorious doer of wonders.


FOURTH KONTAKION O Venerable Father Herman, you endured storms of evil attacks and sorrows, by your efforts you persevered in this new land. Therefore, Christ glorified you with the gift of foresight, enriching you with miracles, granting you the Kingdom of Heaven where, together with the angels, you praise God in song: Alleluia.


FOURTH IKOS Hearing of the miracles revealed to your people when a forest fire and tidal wave were made to cease by your prayers, we implore you from the depths of our hearts and entreat you to aid us who call to you:

Rejoice, ascetic and prophet glorified by God;
Rejoice, holy favorite of God;Rejoice, our intercessor and healer;
Rejoice, helper of many who called out to you;
Rejoice, healer of many afflicted and suffering;
Rejoice, our merciful and humble father;
Rejoice, our Venerable Father Herman of Alaska, America’s most glorious doer of wonders.


FIFTH KONTAKION O Venerable One, you shone like the North Star on Spruce Island, the New Valaam, illuminating all of America with the brightness of your love and prayer, full of God’s power, so that from every corner of it the Orthodox people will sing fervently to God: Alleluia.


FIFTH IKOS Observing your humility, all are in awe of you, O Father Herman, for your rigorous asceticism and perseverance in monastic struggles. In this you followed the example of Anthony of the Caves, the founder of monasticism in Russia, even as he that of Anthony the Great, the first monk of the world. You, the founder of monasticism in our land, chose in your great humility, the way of a simple monk. Therefore, the holy choir of hierarchs and hieromonks sings these songs of praise to you:

Rejoice, founder of monasticism in our land;
Rejoice, imitator of Anthony the Great and Anthony of the Caves;
Rejoice, crowned, as they were, with heavenly glory;
Rejoice, founder of a glorious hermitage;
Rejoice, source of holy relics for the faithful;
Rejoice, fountain of miracles for all the world;
Rejoice, our Venerable Father Herman of Alaska, America’s most glorious doer of wonders.


SIXTH KONTAKION The wilderness of the north proclaims your works and miracles, revealing you to be a new branch of the vineyard of the Church of Russia in America. The forests and wilderness are permeated with your prayers. Following the example of the ancient hermits, you cried out in the silence of the night to God: Alleluia.


SIXTH IKOS You enlightened a people who were living in darkness; you showed them an example of the monastic way of life. O our godbearing Father Herman, pray that we all, giving thanks to the Lord, may ceaselessly sing you these words of praise:

Rejoice, first saint of our land;
Rejoice, founder of the monastic way in our land;
Rejoice, faithful servant of the Holy Trinity;
Rejoice, humble founder of the church of the Resurrection;
Rejoice, glorious hermit of the hermitage of Spruce Island;
Rejoice, loving father of the children who came to him;
Rejoice, our Venerable Father Herman of Alaska, America’s most glorious doer of wonders.



SEVENTH KONTAKION The Lord chose you, O Venerable One, to bring the light of the knowledge of God to the land of the Aleuts and there to sow the seeds of the Orthodox faith. You taught all to embrace the true faith and to call out to God: Alleluia.


SEVENTH IKOS Having reached the heights through prayer, O Venerable One, you did not forget the needs of others. You manifested great concern for homeless orphans, building an orphanage and a school for them and taught them the commandments of the Lord. In gratitude to God for your labors, accept from us these praises:

Rejoice, defender of the poor and orphaned;
Rejoice, their good protector;
Rejoice, builder of a home for the orphaned;
Rejoice, servant to God with your labors;
Rejoice, provider of earthly bread to the orphaned;
Rejoice, nourisher of orphans with words of eternal life;
Rejoice, our Venerable Father Herman of Alaska, America’s most glorious doer of wonders.


EIGHTH KONTAKION The Lord who loves mankind, O Venerable One, gave you the gifts of foresight and healing in His desire to manifest through you a source of compassion for his people. You showed them the love of God through your works and many words of instruction. Illumined by the light of your spiritual labors, the people called to the Lord:
Alleluia.


EIGHTH IKOS The people transformed by the light of the Christian Faith, came to you in times of illness and sorrow. As a father who loved his children, you interceded for all, bringing forth healing and comfort to all who came to you for help. Your glory has gone forth into all the earth and we, your spiritual children, glorify you with these words:

Rejoice, our merciful father;
Rejoice, our unmercenary and gracious physician;
Rejoice, merciful healer of our infirmities;
Rejoice, our speedy helper in time of trouble and need;
Rejoice, foreseer of coming events as of the present;
Rejoice, perceptive reprover of hidden transgressions;
Rejoice, our Venerable Father Herman of Alaska, America’s most glorious doer of wonders.


NINTH KONTAKION You spoke with the angels, O Venerable One, and revealed how angels came to you in your hermitage and you had sweet conversation with them. Now you are in the Kingdom of Heaven where with hosts of angels you pray ceaselessly to the Creator: Alleluia.


NINTH IKOS Who can enumerate the miracles witnessed by your people? The waves of the sea and a fire in the forest were calmed by your prayers. When there was a great tidal wave, you caused the stormy seas to cease by your prayers before the icon of the Mother of God, saying: “The water shall not go beyond this line.” Therefore, we sing to you thus:

Rejoice, wondrous pacifier of the waters;
Rejoice, deliverer from the threat of fire;
Rejoice, safe harbor for the hierarch Innocent who called to you from the sea;
Rejoice, for through your prayers the wind at sea was calmed;
Rejoice, source of many miracles during your life;
Rejoice, fount of many miracles even after your death;
Rejoice, our Venerable Father Herman of Alaska, America’s most glorious doer of wonders.


TENTH KONTAKION We bring to you a song of praise, O Venerable Father, concerning your righteous life. We sing praises of your honored death. You foreknew the day and hour of your blessed end. Most glorious also was your burial. For forty days a great storm raged at sea and your prophecy concerning your burial was fulfilled. Your disciple Gerasim, sensing a wondrous fragrance at the time of your death, sang to God:
Alleluia.


TENTH IKOS You were a most glorious doer of wonders during your life, O Father. At your death you manifested this wondrous miracle: your body remained incorrupt in the chapel for many days after your death. The Aleut people who saw a flaming pillar ascending to Heaven at the hour of your death, sang to you thus:

Rejoice, for your righteous end has assured us of your holiness;
Rejoice, for your ascension to Heaven was like a pillar of fire;
Rejoice, for your relics, exuding a fragrance of sanctity, remain as our inheritance;
Rejoice, for many miracles are made manifest at your reliquary;
Rejoice, for you have provided us with a source of holy water and healing;
Rejoice, for from this water many who are afflicted receive healing;
Rejoice, our Venerable Father Herman of Alaska, America’s most glorious doer of wonders.


ELEVENTH KONTAKION O Holy Father, from your hermitage in the north, in the midst of the wilds of nature, you sang ceaseless praises to the Holy Trinity. Moved by the Spirit, you foresaw the great flowering of this vineyard planted in the soil of America and you called out with the angels of Heaven:
Alleluia.


ELEVENTH IKOS To all future members of the monastic order, you are a source of light and inspiration. For you foretold, O Venerable One, the founding of a monastery and of an Archbishop’s throne in this land. Today a choir of hierarchs and of monastics glorifies you in these words:

Rejoice, instructor of monastics and converser with angels;
Rejoice, most glorious founder of the ascetic way in our land;
Rejoice, foreseer of the growth of this great vineyard of Christ;
Rejoice, fulfillment of this prophecy to the coming generations;
Rejoice, giver of a true image of the monastic way;
Rejoice, for your love is made manifest to all;
Rejoice, our Venerable Father Herman of Alaska, America’s most glorious doer of wonders.


TWELFTH KONTAKION Seeing your grace and your great boldness before God, we entreat you, O Venerable Father Herman, to pray fervently to the Lord, that He will protect His Holy Church from faithlessness and schism, from false teaching and willfulness, that we may sing to God Who has dealt bountifully with us: Alleluia.


TWELFTH IKOS We praise your glorification, O Venerable One, we bless you, O most powerful intercessor and protector of our Church, and with love we sing to you:

Rejoice, protector of all who honor you;
Rejoice, speedy intercessor and helper to all;
Rejoice, founder of Orthodoxy in our land;
Rejoice, confirmation of those who come to the Orthodox Faith;
Rejoice, most glorious protector of the Church in America;
Rejoice, her first saint and her wondrous Father;
Rejoice, our Venerable Father Herman of Alaska, America’s most glorious doer of wonders.


THIRTEENTH KONTAKION O Most glorious favorite of God, Our Venerable Father Herman, accept this humble prayer we offer up in praise to you. Standing now before the Throne of the Almighty Lord, ceaselessly pray for us. In joy we sing to God: Alleluia.

(Three times; followed by first Ikos and first Kontakion.)



FIRST IKOS Father Herman, the Creator of the angelic hosts, called you to proclaim the Orthodox faith in a new land and to be the founder of the monastic way in the remote lands of the north. You were sent, as was the Apostle Paul, to those sitting in darkness so that the light of Orthodoxy might illumine all the ends of the earth. We, the inhabitants of the American continents, bring you, our heavenly protector, this thanksgiving and sing you this song of praise:

Rejoice, our Father Herman, our glory, our adornment;
Rejoice, bearer of the light of the true faith to our lands;
Rejoice, ascetic glorified by God;
Rejoice, most honored branch of Valaam Monastery;
Rejoice, praise and joy of the Church in America;
Rejoice, comforter and protector of all of us;
Rejoice, our Venerable Father Herman of Alaska, America’s most glorious doer of wonders.


FIRST KONTAKION
O Chosen Doer of Wonders, most glorious favorite of Christ,our God bearing Father Herman, Alaska’s adornment,the joy of all Orthodox in America.We sing to you, our heavenly protector and powerful intercessor
before God, these songs of praise. Cease not to pray for your children, who cry fervently to you: Rejoice our Venerable Father Herman of Alaska, America’s most glorious doer of wonders.


PRAYER TO THE VENERABLE HERMAN OF ALASKA
This Prayer is said before his holy relics or before his holy icon on the day of his glorification August 9/July 27.

O Venerable Father Herman, we praise and glorify our God and Creator. All the earth, and everything within it, acknowledges Him as Creator and Eternal father. Heaven and earth, angels and men, together, praise and glorify Him: the most glorious company of the Apostles, the praiseworthy fellowship of the prophets, the great and noble gathering of the Martyrs, and the whole community of the saints, all praise Him. On this day, the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church gives thanks to God for you, O Venerable Elder of Spruce Island. We your heirs and children gather at your holy reliquary and gaze with awe at your sacred relics in the knowledge that your soul joins together with the Apostles, Prophets, Martyrs, Saints and the Heavenly Hosts before the throne of the Most Merciful God in praise of the Holy Trinity. O Venerable Hermit of Spruce Island, instructor in the faith of the Holy Trinity, our spiritual father and intercessor before the throne of Almighty God, pray for peace within the Church and dispel all disunity, faithlessness and discord. Come to the aid of our spiritual leaders that they may always be true and effective instruments of the Holy Spirit, enable them to proclaim the truth of the Gospel with power, give them the wisdom to enlighten the unenlightened and the spirit to inspire all to love the knowledge of God; fortify them with the perseverance to defend the Church, even unto death, from all enemies both within and without and at all times. May the
hearts of your spiritual children be filled with that faith and love of the Holy Church which you manifested in your holy life; pray Him to deliver us from the temptations which cause us to fall; renew in us a child-like faith in our Heavenly Father; teach us to place our trust in God, and in Him alone; satisfy our thirst for the true knowledge of God; show us how to serve God faithfully; transfigure our life that it may truly reflect the image and likeness of God within us. O Holy Father and Patron of the Church in America: be a physician to the weak in faith; be a support to the fallen; be a defender to the defenseless; be a bulwark of strength to the weary in spirit; be a guide to the travelers by sea, by land and by air; be our heavenly intercessor. O Venerable Father Herman of Alaska, together with all the saints and the heavenly hosts, pray to God that on each of us He will bestow wisdom for our mind, strength for our will, light for our spirit, enabling us to attain to the true peace of life which is from God alone. We praise with joyous and grateful hearts, the Life-Creating Trinity: Father Almighty, Only-Begotten Son, Comforter, Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Akathist To The Precious Cross

It seems particularly appropriate to post this in Great Lent :-)


The Akathist Hymn To the Spiritual Ladder, The Precious Cross

Kontakion 1
Thrice-blessed and all-worshipful Cross of Christ, we the faithful venerate and magnify you being joyous at your divine Exaltation. But since you are the trophy and unconquered weapon, by your grace protect, cover, and shelter those who cry to you: Rejoice, O Wood most blessed.


Eikos 1
Angels from Heaven invisibly circle the life-bringing Cross in fear, and seeing it now brilliantly shedding light-bestowing grace upon the faithful, amazed they stand and cry to you such words as these:

Rejoice, O Cross, guardian of the world;
Rejoice, the glory of the Church;
Rejoice, you that bountifully gush forth with healings;
Rejoice, you that enlighten the ends of the earth;
Rejoice, Wood fragrant with life, and treasury of wonders;
Rejoice, fitly-joined, thrice-blessed, and bestower of graces;
Rejoice, for you are the divine footstool;
Rejoice, for you were ordained for the worship of all;
Rejoice, bowl of nectar, full to the brim;
Rejoice, torch of the radiance above;
Rejoice, you through whom the creation is blessed;
Rejoice, you through whom the Creator is worshipped;
Rejoice, O Wood most blessed.


Kontakion 2
Perceiving the longing within her Queen Helen spoke to the Emperor boldly: "The great desire of your soul corresponds to my zeal; therefore, seeking for you that most excellent trophy, the Most Holy Cross, I cry, Alleluia!"


Eikos 2
With spiritual insight, Queen Helen called out to her attendants: "From the depths of the earth, hasten with speed to discover and give me the Cross" to which, when she saw it, she spoke in fear crying out:

Rejoice, the sign of joy;
Rejoice, redemption from the ancient curse;
Rejoice, treasure in the earth by hidden envy;
Rejoice, that which appeared in the stars as a sign;
Rejoice, four-rayed-beaconing and fire-like Cross;
Rejoice, ladder set on high, foreseen once of old;
Rejoice, wonder of Angels;
Rejoice, wounding of demons;
Rejoice, welcome relic of the Word;
Rejoice, quencher of deception's fire;
Rejoice, O Cross, protector of the helpless;
Rejoice, the stern trainer of the victors;
Rejoice, O Wood most blessed.


Kontakion 3
The might of the Wood was then shown forth as a true pledge to all, and it raised to life the woman that was voiceless and dead to life – an awesome sight to them that shall reap salvation by singing: Alleluia!


Eikos 3
Holding the Cross, the invincible weapon, Queen Helen ran back to her son, and he rejoiced greatly when he looked upon the Holy Cross, and rejoicing he cried to it such words as these:

Rejoice, O Cross, vessel of light;
Rejoice, O Cross, treasury of life;
Rejoice, bestower of the gifts of the Spirit;
Rejoice, storm-free port of those at sea;
Rejoice, table that holds Christ as Sacrifice;
Rejoice, vine that bears the mystical vine;
Rejoice, for you protect the scepters of princes;
Rejoice, for you crush the heads of demons;
Rejoice, illustrious mark of the faith;
Rejoice, preservation of all the world;
Rejoice, God's blessing upon mortals;
Rejoice, our mediation with God;
Rejoice, O Wood most blessed.


Kontakion 4
Receiving divine zeal within, Queen Helen diligently sought and found the Cross hidden in the earth and upon seeing it, the whole people cried in faith: Alleluia!


Eikos 4
Like the sun, the Cross appeared in the world, and all men were filled with its light, and running as towards a star, they viewer it as the cause of good raised up by Hands divine, and hymning it they said:

Rejoice, dawn of the spiritual Sun;
Rejoice, font unfailing of myrrh;
Rejoice, recall of Adam and Eve;
Rejoice, death-blow to the princes of Hades;
Rejoice, for in being exalted you now also exalt us;
Rejoice, for in being venerated you sanctify men's souls;
Rejoice, the world proclaimed report of the Apostles;
Rejoice, most plentiful strength of champions;
Rejoice, O Cross, reproach of the Jews;
Rejoice, praise to men of the Faith;
Rejoice, you through whom Hades was cast down;
Rejoice, you through whom grace did rise up;
Rejoice, O Wood most blessed.


Kontakion 5
Having beheld the God-crowned Wood, let us come under its protection, and taking it up as a weapon, with it we put our enemies to flight, and touching the untouchable with our lips we cry to it: Alleluia!


Eikos 5
The Great Constantine beheld a light from the heaven, displaying the sign of the Cross in the stars through which he was also to conquer a multitude of adversaries, he made haste to reveal the Wood and to cry to it such words as these:

Rejoice, accomplishment of the ineffable counsel;
Rejoice, the horn of godly people;
Rejoice, you that turns back the ranks of our foes;
Rejoice, you flame that burns the demons;
Rejoice, heavenly scepter of the faithful King;
Rejoice, invincible trophy of the Christ-loving armies;
Rejoice, you that humble the arrogance of barbarians;
Rejoice, you that care tenderly for the souls of men;
Rejoice, defense against many evils;
Rejoice, awarder of many good things;
Rejoice, you on whose account the Christ-bearers run with joy;
{Rejoice, you on whose account the Jews lament; }
Rejoice, O Wood most blessed.


Kontakion 6
The Cross of the Lord became a ladder as lofty as heaven, leading up all from earth that they might always dwell together with the choirs of Angels, abandoning things present as though they were not, and singing: Alleluia!


Eikos 6
Shining as a light upon all in Hades, O Savior you enlightened them who were in darkness, and the gate-keepers of Hades, not enduring your coming, fell down as dead, but they who were delivered now behold the Cross and cry:

Rejoice, resurrection of the dead;
Rejoice, consolation of those that mourn;
Rejoice, despoiling of the treasuries of Hades;
Rejoice, enjoyment of the Paradise of delight;
Rejoice, rod that drowned the Egyptian army;
Rejoice, you who watered the Israelite people;
Rejoice, living Wood, the Thief's salvation;
Rejoice, fragrant rose, sweet scent of the godly;
Rejoice, food of the hungry in spirit;
Rejoice, God's seal that men have received;
Rejoice, O Cross, doorway to the divine mysteries;
Rejoice, from which divine streams pour forth;
Rejoice, O Wood most blessed.


Kontakion 7
When Moses was about to deliver his much-troubled race from the Egyptians you, O Cross, were given to him as a rod, but you were made known to him also as a symbol of God wherefore, amazed at your sovereign might, O Cross, he cried: Alleluia!


Eikos 7
He who was on Sinai gave the law to Moses, Christ our God, by his own will is nailed to the Cross, lawlessly for the lawless men, and he loosed the ancient curse of the law so that beholding the might of the Cross, we might all now cry:

Rejoice, uprighting of the fallen;
Rejoice, downfall of the world's adorers;
Rejoice, inauguration of the Resurrection of Christ;
Rejoice, divine revealing of monastics;
Rejoice, shady-leafed tree under which believers are sheltered;
Rejoice, prophet-proclaimed Wood which has been planted on earth;
Rejoice, alliance of the kingdom against the enemy;
Rejoice, mighty protection of the state;
Rejoice, manifestation of the just Judge;
Rejoice, condemnation of offending mortals;
Rejoice, O Cross, aid to orphans;
Rejoice, O Cross, enricher of the poor;
Rejoice, O Wood most blessed.


Kontakion 8
Seeing the strange wonder, let us live our life as strangers, lifting our minds up to heaven, for this reason was Christ affixed to the Cross, and suffered in the flesh having willed to draw to the heights them that cry to it: Alleluia!


Eikos 8
Fully God, Christ came down from on high, retaining His divinity, the only Word from before all ages, and being born of a Virgin Mother, He appeared to the world in the flesh having willed to draw to the heights them that cry:

Rejoice, O Cross, weapon of peace;
Rejoice, starting-point and goal of travelers;
Rejoice, wisdom and firm support of the saved;
Rejoice, folly and destruction of the damned;
Rejoice, fruitful, immortal, and life-bearing plant;
Rejoice, flower that blossomed with our salvation;
Rejoice, for you join together things on earth with things above;
Rejoice, for you enlighten the hearts of all below;
Rejoice, through whom corruption is banished;
Rejoice, through whom sorrow has vanished;
Rejoice, you wealth of goods;
Rejoice, you boast of believers;
Rejoice, O Wood most blessed.


Kontakion 9
The armies of demons is fallen and the race of Jews is put to shame, seeing that the Cross is worshipped by all with longing as it continuously gushes forth healing to those who cry: Alleluia!


Eikos 9
When you, O Christ, were affixed to the Wood, the floods of the false beliefs were checked for they are confounded at how You endured the Cross and avoided corruption, but we, glorifying Your Resurrection, cry out:

Rejoice, height of the wisdom of God;
Rejoice, depth of His providence;
Rejoice, ignorance of the unwise;
Rejoice, misfortune of the foolish;
Rejoice, for you manifest the Resurrection of Christ;
Rejoice, for you revive His Passion;
Rejoice, undoer of the trespass of the first-created;
Rejoice, opener of the entrance to Paradise;
Rejoice, O Cross, revered by all;
Rejoice, adversary of faithless nations;
Rejoice, O Cross, healer of the sick;
Rejoice, constant help of them that cry;
Rejoice, O Wood most blessed.


Kontakion 10
With the purpose of saving the world, the lord of the word ineffably descended into it and submitted to the Cross, and being God He accepted for us the entire human nature, wherefore having also redeemed us, he hears from all: Alleluia!

Eikos 10
The Cross is the protection of the whole world, for the Creator of heaven and earth Who prepared you stretches out his hands and teaches all to proclaim:

Rejoice, foundation of godliness;
Rejoice, conquest of the promised land;
Rejoice, you who put the spiritual Amalek to flight;
Rejoice, you who were prefigured by the hands of Jacob;
Rejoice, for you transformed the ancient shadows;
Rejoice, for you fulfilled the prophetic utterances;
Rejoice you that carried the Savior of all;
Rejoice, you who destroyed the corrupter of souls;
Rejoice, through whom we are united with Angels;
Rejoice, through whom we are illumined by light;
Rejoice, for with honor we worship you;
Rejoice, for crying out we address you;
Rejoice, O Wood most blessed.


Kontakion 11
Every hymn falls short in comprehending the multitude of your many wonders, for though we should offer you a multitude of praises, O precious Cross, we can do nothing worthy of what you have granted us, but we still cry: Alleluia!


Eikos 11
The life-giving Cross, bestowing the radiance that given light to those in darkness, has shown us the immaterial light, and has lightened the way for all to divine knowledge, and being lifted up it now lifts up our minds that we might chant these words:

Rejoice, luminary that shines on those in darkness;
Rejoice, star that dawns upon the world;
Rejoice, lightning that blinds the slayers of Christ;
Rejoice, thunder that terrifies the faithless;
Rejoice, for you have made radiant the choirs of the Orthodox;
Rejoice, for you have consumed the altars of idols;
Rejoice, you whose form has appeared from the heaven;
Rejoice, you whose grace drives away evil;
Rejoice, you who signifies mortification of the flesh;
Rejoice, you who slays the insurrection of the passions;
Rejoice, you upon whom Christ was crucified;
Rejoice, you by whom all the world was saved;
Rejoice, O Wood most blessed.


Kontakion 12
Having willed to grant grace to men, Christ stretched his hands on the Wood, and calls all nations together and grants the Kingdom of the Heavens to all that worthily sing the hymn and faithfully cry: Alleluia!


Eikos 12
Chanting this hymn out of love we praise you as the living Wood of the lord, for in the flesh being nailed upon you, He who rules over the powers on high has sanctified, glorified, and taught us to cry these words to you:

Rejoice, O Christ, spiritual sword;
Rejoice, holy gaze of Saints;
Rejoice, prediction of the prophets and righteous;
Rejoice, brilliant stratagem of Christ;
Rejoice, beauty and crown of godly kings;
Rejoice, strength and stronghold of reverent priests;
Rejoice, most noble jewel of truth;
Rejoice, fairest haven of salvation;
Rejoice, joyful splendor of all;
Rejoice, banishment of Hagar's sons;
Rejoice, lamp of purest light;
Rejoice, gladness of my soul;
Rejoice, O Wood most blessed.


Kontakion 13
O most laudable Wood which held the Word, the Most Holy of all holy beings, having received our entreaties deliver from every calamity and redeem from eternal torment all who cry to you: Alleluia!

Welcome

- to the Akathist blog.
As the name implies, I intend to try and make this a resource for Akathists, and I hope it will be of use to my fellow Ortho-Bloggers.

If anyone does wish to use the akathists, of your charity, please pray for the Handmaiden of God, Tanya, who has serious health problems at present.