Prayers and Services Order for Standalone Akathist without a Priest

Transcription

Published on Saints Peter and Paul Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
(http://www.peterandpaul.net)
Prayers and Services
Here are a number of useful Orthodox prayers and services for your personal use.
Order for Standalone Akathist without a Priest
Use the following order to pray the Akathist hymn at home without a priest.
Opening
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us.
The Trisagion Prayers
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy upon us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
Both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen
All Holy Trinity have mercy on us.
Lord, cleanse us from our sins;
Master, pardon our iniquities;
Holy God, visit and heal our infirmities for thy sake.
Lord have mercy (3x)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Sprit
Both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our traspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Lord, have mercy (12 times)
(with 3 bows)
O come let us worship and fall down before God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and our God.
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O come let us worship and fall down before the very Christ, Our King and our God.
Psalm 50
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy great mercy: according to the multitude of thy tender
mercies blot out mine iniquity. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For
I acknowledge mine iniquity: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee only have I sinned, and done
evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified in thy words, and prevail when thou art judged. For
behold, I was shapen in iniquity: and in sin did my mother conceive me.
For behold, thou hast loved truth: the unclear and hidden things of thy wisdom thou hast made clear to
me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter
than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness: the bones which thou hast broken shall
rejoice. Turn away thy face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy
presence: and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation: and steady me
with a guiding spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways: and the impious shall be converted unto
thee.
Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of
thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips: and my mouth shall declare thy praise. For hadst thou
desired sacrifice, I would have given it thee: thou delightest not in burnt offerings. Sacrifices to God are
a contrite spirit: a contrite and humble heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Do good, O Lord, in thy good will unto Zion: that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up. Then shalt thou
be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offerings: then shall
they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
The Creed
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and
invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all
worlds; Light of Light: very God of very God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father; by
Whom all things were made: Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was
incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under
Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried;
And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; And ascended into heaven, and sitteth at
the right hand of the Father; And He shall come again, with glory, to judge the living and the dead;
Whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with
the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets.
And I believe in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission
of sins. I look for he resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The Akathist Hymn
The akathist hymn is now prayed exclusive of the concluding Prayer.
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Repeat the concluding refrain on each section.
After the 13th Kontakion, the 1st Ikos and 1st Kontakion are repeated in that order.
Then the service continues as follows:
Immediately following the Akathist Hymn
It is truly meet to bless thee, O Theotokos and Mother of our God
More honorable than the Cherubim
and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim,
Thou who without stain bearest God the Word,
and art truly Theotokos, we magnify thee.
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ Our God, have mercy upon us and save us.
Concluding Prayer of the Akathist Hymn
The concluding Prayer of the Akathist [if there is one], is said while kneeling.
The Trisagion Prayers
All Holy Trinity have mercy on us.
Lord, cleanse us from our sins;
Master, pardon our iniquities;
Holy God, visit and heal our infirmities for thy sake.
Lord have mercy (3x)
Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our traspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Conclusion
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Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us. Amen.
A Prayer from Bishop Basil
A Prayer for September 11th
O Lord our God, Who art Thyself, the Hope of the hopeless, the Help of the helpless, the Savior of the
storm-tossed, the Haven of the voyager, the Physician of the sick; be all things to our land which nine
years ago on this date was devastated by the cowardly and hateful acts of false martyrs; who imitated
wicked Herod in his slaughter of 14,000 innocents, whose only crime was to be born at the time of Thine
incarnation.
For those who lost loved ones, grant the comfort you imparted to the Mary and Martha before you
raised Lazarus and care for them as Thou didst care for Thy Mother from the Cross, putting her in the
care of the Apostle John. For the survivors, grant them healing in every sense, as you strengthened and
healed the confessors. For those related to and aiding the survivors and the families of the fallen, grant
the strength and compassion
Thou didst instill in Thy foster father Joseph, who was Thy guardian in Thine earthly youth. For those
who died, grant them remission of their every sin in Thy great compassion; both those who like the wise
servant and the wise virgins, constantly prepared themselves to enter the heavenly banquet at any
hour; and those who emulated the Rich Fool, preferring to enjoy earthly pursuits and ignore heavenly
ones. To the rest of us, instill in us the knowledge that while the devil still manipulates our Divinelygiven free will to his own ends in this world, his power is fleeting and ultimately void, as Thou hast
already crushed his dominion, leaving to him only those who freely choose him.
Remind us that, while evil at times seems to win, and the death of the innocent seems to signal the
destruction of goodness, the innocent are at peace, and while the God-fearing will endure a period of
torment; those who choose evil shall endure eternal torment. For those who hate us, speak to their
hearts as St. Procla sought to speak to her husband Pilate concerning Thee, and as Thou didst speak to
Pharoah concerning the Hebrews, to soften the hearts of those who seek our destruction.
Spare us O Lord, from us all hatred of the murderers, and from prejudice toward those whose only crime
is to be of their ethnicity and/or religion. Spare us, O Lord, from paranoia and rash acts by which we
trample each other like rabid beasts. Spare, O Lord, those who protect us, those who serve in our
government, armed forces, law enforcement agencies and all first responders, from despondency,
disillusionment, and all things which would undermine their righteous calling to protect us in the manner
of our Guardian Angels, and care for us in the manner of the Good Samaritan.
All this we ask of Thee our all-powerful and all-loving Saviour, together with Thine unorginate Father,
and Thine all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
About the Paraklesis to the Most Holy Theotokos
Here is information concerning the Paraklesis Service to the Most Holy Theotokos.
About the Paraklesis to the Most Holy Theotokos
It is from the DOWAMA website for St. Rapohael Clergy Brotherhood, dowama.org.
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Akathist of Thanksgiving
By HIEROMARTYR GRIGORI PETROFF
http://www.orthodox.net/akathists
Kontakion 1
O King of ages, Who, by the power of Thy salvific providence, holdeth in Thy right hand all the ways of
man’s life: I thank Thee for all Thy visible and secret goods, for earthly life and for the heavenly joy of
Thy future Kingdom. Pour forth richly Thy grace, in the future as well, on us who sing to Thee: Glory to
Thee, O God, unto the ages!
Ikos 1
I was born on earth as a feeble and helpless child, but Thy angel, spreading his shiny wings, has
sheltered my cradle. From that moment Thy love shines in all my ways and miraculously guides me into
the light of eternity. For that my soul lauds Thee and hails Thee with all who know Thee: Glory to Thee
Who hast called me into life. Glory to Thee Who art revealing to us the beauty of the universe. Glory
to Thee Who art opening to us heaven and earth as an eternal book of wisdom.
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
to
to
to
to
to
Thy eternity in the passing world.
Thee for Thy covert and overt mercies.
Thee for every sigh of my heart.
Thee for every step of life, / every moment of joy.
Kontakion 2
O Lord, how good it is for us to be Thy guests! How fine it is for us in Thy world. The fields are fragrant,
the mountains rise high up into the sky, and the golden rays of sun and the light clouds are reflected in
the water. All nature mysteriously speaks about Thee, all is filled with Thy mercy and all carries the seal
of Thy love. Blessed be the earth which, with her short-lasting beauty, awakens the yearning for the
eternal homeland in Thy kingdom, where in everlasting beauty resounds the song: Alleluia!
Ikos 2
Thou broughtest me into this life as if into a wonderful garden. I see the sky deep and blue, the birds as
they chirp in flight; I listen to the soothing rustle of trees and the sonorous sound of waters; my mouth is
enjoying fragrant and succulent fruits. How wonderful it is in Thy world and how joyous it is to be Thy
guest!
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
to
to
to
to
to
to
Thee
Thee
Thee
Thee
Thee
Thee
for
for
for
for
for
for
the feast of life!
the scents of lilies of the valley and roses.
the abundance and multiplicity of earthly fruits.
the glistening of morning dew.
the joyous smile of dawn / with which Thou dost waken me.
eternal life / and the kingdom of heaven.
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Glory to Thee, O God, unto the ages!
Kontakion 3
By the power of the Holy Spirit every flower breathes. Thy breath I feel in the quiet movement of the
fragrant fields. Observing the harmony of colors I admire Thee. Wherever I look, I see all around me the
beauty of the Great One in the little.Glory and thanks to the life-creating God Who covers the earth with
flowery meadows, crowns the fields with golden ears of grain and embellishes them with blue
cornflowers, and my soul with the joy of contemplation. Be glad and sing to Him: Alleluia!
Ikos 3
How wonderful Thou art in the beauty of spring when all earth is being rejuvenated and thousands of
sounds sing about Thee: Thou art the spring of life, Thou art the conqueror of death! In the pale
moonlight with the song of the nightingale, the valleys and forests rest under a snowy white veil. The
whole earth, Thy bride, is awaiting Thee, the Eternal Bridegroom. When Thou so clothest the grass of
the field, how art Thou to adorn Thy chosen ones when they resurrect in the future age! How will then
our bodies shine forth and our souls glitter!
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
Thee Who from the dark depths of the earth / bringeth forth so many colors and scents.
Thee for the beauty of nature.
Thee Who hast surrounded us / with thousands of Thy creatures.
Thee for the depth of thy wisdom / whose seal is borne by all creation.
Thee for the tender feeling / with which I kiss the trace of Thine invisible foot.
Thee Who hast from the beginning / lit the glowing light of eternal life.
Thee for the hope in perfect and eternal beauty.
Kontakion 4
How Thou delightest the hearts of those who meditate upon Thee, O God! Thou feedest their souls with
Thy Holy Word. Talking with Thee is better than oil and sweeter than honey. Prayer to God refreshes and
invigorates; it fills my heart with joy. How majestic then appears this world and all life. Where Thou art
not – all is empty. Where Thou art – there is the richness of the
soul.There, as living water, is the everlasting song: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
When night falls upon the earth, the stillness of sleep reigns and sounds of the past day become silent; I
see the splendor of Thy heavenly mansions. Flame and purple, gold and azure presage the
indescribable beauty of Thy home and solemnly call forth: Let us go to the Father!
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
Thee in the quiet hours of the evening.
Thee for pouring forth deep peace on earth.
Thee for the rays of the setting sun.
Thee for the rest of a graceful sleep.
Thee for consolation in the darkness / when the whole world appears far from me.
Thee for the warm prayer of my tortured soul.
Thee for the promise that we shall awake in the joy of Thy everlasting day.
Kontakion 5
The tempest of life does not frighten one in whose heart shines the light of Thy divine Fire. Around me
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are whirling storms and roaring winds; terror and darkness surround me; but in my soul is peace and
light. Christ is in her. And my heart sings: Alleluia!
Ikos 5
I look into Thy sky filled with stars. O how rich Thou art! How much light there is in Thee! Through the
light of the distant stars Thou lookest at me from eternity. I am tiny and destitute, but the Lord is with
me. His hand is always near me and He leads me with love in all my ways.
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
Thee Who continually watcheth over us.
Thee Who considereth mine every meeting with people.
Thee for the love of relatives / and the fidelity of friends.
Thee for the meekness / of the domestic animals who serve me.
Thee for the bright moments of life.
Thee for the happiness of living, seeing and feeling.
Thee, O God, unto the ages.
Kontakion 6
How great Thou art in the whirlwind and the storm! How majestic is Thy hand in the swiftness of the
lightning! The voice of the Lord rises above the fields. It rustles through the woods, it roars in the
thunder. The voice of the Lord resounds over the waters. Thy might is proclaimed by the fire of the
volcano. Thou quakest the earth and liftest the waves of the sea into the sky. Glory to Thee to whom
we repentantly cry: Alleluia!
Ikos 6
When swift lightning illumines the night, how pitiful and miserable our earthly candles seem. So also,
deceitful earthly joys become colorless and dark when Thy light shines forth in the soul. Wherefore my
soul struggles toward Thee and my heart yearns for Thee.
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
to
to
to
to
to
to
Thee Who hast planted into man’s heart / an unquenchable thirst for God.
Thee because nothing earthly / can completely satisfy us.
Thee Who clothest us in light.
Thee, the conqueror of the spirits of evil and darkness.
Thee for Thy revelation, / for the blessedness of feeling Thee and living Thee.
Kontakion 7
In the harmony of sounds I hear Thy call. In the lofty beauty of music, in the magnificence of artistic
works Thou art allowing us to foresee Paradise. Whatever is truly beautiful soars toward Thee and
teaches the soul to sing to Thee a victorious song: Alleluia!
Ikos 7
By Thy Holy Spirit Thou inspirest the thought of the artist, the poet and the scientist. By the power of
Thy wisdom they prophetically enter into the mysteries of Thy laws and reveal the depth of Thy wisdom.
Even their works involuntarily speak about Thee. O how wonderful Thou art in Thy works! O how great
Thou art in man!
Glory to Thee Who showest us / Thy might through the laws of the cosmos.
Glory to Thou Who fillest everything.
Glory to Thee Who revealest to us according to Thy mercy.
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Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
to
to
to
to
to
Thee Who hidest from us according to Thy wisdom.
Thee for the depth of the human mind.
Thee for the creative ability in man.
Thee for the outpouring of Thy grace.
Kontakion 8
How close to us Thou art in our days of illness. Thou visitest the patient, Thou descendest to the bed of
the sufferer and his heart communeth with Thee. Thou kindlest the soul with peace at the time of
sorrow and suffering. Thou sendest unexpected help. Thou art the comforter. Thou art all-knowing love.
To Thee I sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 8
When I as a child for the first time appealed to Thee, Thou fulfilled my prayer and lightened my soul with
great peace. I understood then that Thou art good and that they are blessed who seek refuge in Thee.
Therefore I do not cease to pray to Thee and to call upon Thee.
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
to
to
to
to
to
to
Thee Who fulfillest and to good purpose completes my wishes.
Thee Who watchest over me day and night.
Thee for the time that is passing / and taking away our sorrows and sadness.
Thee in whom nothing is lost, / for Thou grantest to all life eternal.
Thee Who promised us / desired meetings with our deceased ones.
Kontakion 9
Why is all nature so mysteriously smiling in the days of the feasts? Why then is our soul so light and
joyous? Why does the air in the temple seem so bright? It is all because of the flow of Thy grace,
because of the reflection of the light of Tabor. Heaven and earth are then singing together a laudable
song: Alleluia!
Ikos 9
When Thou inspirest me to serve my neighbors and enlightenest my soul with humbleness, then the
rays of Thy light fall on my heart and it begins to radiate and shine. As the sun in the waters, so in those
moments in my soul is reflected Thy infinite meekness, full of love and the unspeakable peace of Thy
radiant countenance.
Glory to Thee Who through good deeds transformeth our lives.
Glory to Thee Who hast sealed with unspeakable sweetness / every commandment of Thine.
Glory to Thee Who art invisibly present in the works of mercy.
Glory to Thee Who sendest upon us troubles and sorrows / in order to teach us to commiserate in the
suffering of others.
Glory to Thee for the love / which Thou hast raised above everything on earth and in heaven.
Glory to Thee, O God, unto the ages!
Kontakion 10
Whatever is destroyed cannot be restored. But Thou revivest those whose conscience is dead and
returnest pristine beauty to the souls who lost it. Through Thy mercifulness all is possible. Thou art
Love, Thou art the Creator and Restorer. Thee I praise with song: Alleluia!
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Ikos 10
O my God, Thou who knowest that the angel of pride, the Morning Star, hast fallen from Thee, do not let
me doubt nor depart from Thee. Sharpen my hearing so that I will always listen to Thy mysterious voice
and call upon Thee, Who art everywhere present.
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
Thee Who all-wisely governest my life.
Thee for inspired premonition.
Thee for warnings in a mysterious voice.
Thee for revelations in dreams and in reality.
Thee for thwarting my useless intentions.
Thee because through sufferings Thou liberatest me from passions.
Thee because Thou humblest my heart / and savest me from pride.
Kontakion 11
Through all the passed chain of ages I feel the warmth of Thy Holy Spirit and the surging of Divine Life.
Thou art near, Time is nonexistent. I see Thy Cross – it is for my sake. My spirit is humbled into dust
before Thy love, limitless and incomprehensible. Wherefore, beneath Thy Cross I will unto ages glorify
Thee, my Savior, with song: Alleluia!
Ikos 11
Blessed art those who sup with Thee in Thy kingdom. However, blessed art those whom Thou hast
already here on earth accepted as partakers of Thy Mystic Supper. How many times, with Thy divine
hand, Thou hast allowed me, a sinner, to receive in Holy Communion Thy Body and Blood. And I have
received the Holy and felt Thy love, ineffable and wonderful.
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
Thee for the incomprehensible and life creating power of grace.
Thee Who hast founded Thy Church to be for us a quiet harbor.
Thee Who givest us rebirth through the life-giving water of baptism.
Thee Who forgivest a sinner who repents / and restorest in him the viceless purity of lilies.
Thee for a perpetual spring of forgiveness.
Thee for bread from heaven and the cup of life.
Thee Who art guiding us into the kingdom of eternal joy.
Kontakion 12
Many a time I saw the reflection of Thy glory on the faces of the deceased! With what unearthly beauty
and joy their faces shine! How transparent and immaterial become their features! With their silence
they sing of Thee. When the time of my death cometh, enlighten, O God, my soul as well, to sing to
Thee: Alleluia!
Ikos 12
What is my praise before Thee! My ears did not hear the song of cherubims; it is heard only by the souls
of the righteous. I know only how nature lauds Thee. I saw in winter, how, lightened by the moonlight
and beneath the cover of snow which sparkles with silvery light, all the earth is quietly praying to Thee. I
saw how the crimson rays of the rising sun rejoice in Thee and
how choirs of birds hum praises to Thee. I listen how mysteriously forests speak of Thee, how winds
wing, and brooks murmur Thy name; how, with their fixed movements through limitless space, the
myriads of stars preach about Thee. What is my praise before Thee, O Lord! Nature is obedient, and I
never cease to sadden Thee. While I live and see Thy love I want to glorify
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Thee, to pray to Thee and to call upon Thee:
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
Thee Who hast shown us the light.
Thee Who hast loved us with deep, immeasurable, divine love.
Thee Who protects us / with bright armies of angels and saints.
Thee, all-holy Father, who art giving us Thy kingdom.
Thee, O Holy Spirit, the life-giving sun of future ages.
Thee for all, / Holy Trinity, divine and all good.
Thee, O God, unto the ages.
Konntakion 13
O all-good and life-giving Trinity, receive our gratefulness for all thy goods and show us worthy of Thine
eternal treasures, so that we may multiply the talent entrusted to us, reach Thy kingdom and enter into
the joy of our Lord, singing to Him victorious song: Alleluia!(thrice)
And again the first Ikos and Kontakion are read:
Ikos 1
I was born on earth as a feeble and helpless child, but Thy angel, spreading his shiny wings, has
sheltered my cradle. From that moment Thy love shines in all my ways and miraculously guides me into
the light of eternity. For that my soul lauds Thee and hails Thee with all who know Thee:
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
Glory
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
Thee Who hast called me into life.
Thee Who art revealing to us the beauty of the universe.
Thee Who art opening to us heaven and earth as an eternal book of wisdom.
Thy eternity in the passing world.
Thee for Thy covert and overt mercies.
Thee for every sigh of my heart.
Thee for every step of life, / every moment of joy.
Kontakion 1
O King of ages, Who, by the power of Thy salvific providence, holdeth in Thy right hand all the ways of
man’s life: I thank Thee for all Thy visible and secret goods, for earthly life and for the heavenly joy of
Thy future Kingdom. Pour forth richly Thy grace, in the future as well, on us who sing to Thee: Glory to
Akathist to Our Father among the Saints RAPHAEL,
Bishop of Brooklyn
(November 8, 1860 - February 27, 1915)
“Good Shepherd of the Lost Sheep in America”
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Kontakion 1.
O holy Father, called from thy native land to the distant shores of the New World, thou didst take up thy
cross and follow after Christ. Wherefore, as to one who hath crucified himself on behalf of his flock, as to
our faithful guardian and protector, we fervently cry: Rejoice, O Father Raphael, good shepherd of the
lost sheep in America.
Oikos 1.
Thou didst begin thy life in exile, O holy Father Raphael. Child of pious Orthodox parents, successor to
the holy hieromartyr Joseph, even in thy mother’s womb thou didst enjoy no repose. Thus was thy life of
travel mystically foretold. Thou wast chosen to bring the light of holy Orthodoxy to the scattered flock of
Christ in the New World, who together with us honor thee in these words of praise: Rejoice, thou who
like thy Master wast born in a city not thine own; rejoice, recipient of the name of the great Archangel.
Rejoice, thou who didst say, “Man meant it to me for evil, but God for good;” rejoice, thou who wast
anointed with the blood of the martyrs.
Rejoice, thou who didst traverse the world in ministry to the faithful; rejoice, thou who didst lead all men
to the worship of the Holy Trinity.
Rejoice, O Father Raphael, good shepherd of the lost sheep in America.
Kontakion 2.
A fervent student, from thy youth thou didst dedicate thyself to acquiring knowledge of the truth.
Excelling in thy studies, thou didst not despair when thy father in his poverty could no longer afford to
send thee to school. But turning thyself to prayer and to the protection of the holy Archangel, thou didst
continually cry: Alleluia.
Oikos 2.
Hearing thy prayers and ardent sighs, God raised up for thee an earthly patron who successfully
interceded with the Patriarch to accept thee as a student. Wherefore, as to one who in true humility
wast exalted by the hand of God, we joyfully cry:
Rejoice, thou who in thy poverty didst learn true humility; rejoice, thou who in thy distress didst turn
thyself to thy heavenly Patron.
Rejoice, thou who wast exalted to become a shepherd of Christ’s rational flock; rejoice, thou who having
been exalted didst humble thyself to search for the lost sheep.
Rejoice, consoler of the afflicted; rejoice, defender of the downtrodden.
Kontakion 3.
Continuing thine education, thy tender soul was nourished by the riches of patristic theology. Plumbing
the depths of Holy Scripture, thou wast instructed by the Holy Spirit. And thou didst show thyself to be
a worthy proclaimer of the Holy Gospel, teaching all to sing: Alleluia.
Oikos 3.
The words of the Apostle who was baptized in the town of thy fathers resounded in thine ears: “How
shall they believe in Him of Whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”
Thou couldst not forget thine own people, living in thy homeland and scattered throughout the world,
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but didst raise thy voice, enlightening them with the Light of Christian Truth. Taught by thy words and
instructed by thine example, the faithful thankfully celebrate thy memory and sing:
Rejoice, thou who didst excel in learning and didst thereby astonish the wise of this world; rejoice, thou
who didst grieve over the ignorance of the people.
Rejoice, thou who with Orthodox doctrine didst instruct those seeking salvation; rejoice, thou who didst
not disgrace this teaching by thy manner of life.
Rejoice, thou who wast patient and gentle with the weak and suffering; rejoice, thou who like thy Master
wast firm with the obstinate.
Kontakion 4.
Not content with thy knowledge of Scripture and the holy Fathers, thou didst continue thine education in
the land of Russia. Like the Apostle Andrew, traveling to the ancient city of Kiev, thou didst exclaim:
Alleluia.
Oikos 4.
Receiving the grace of the priesthood, thou wast appointed the head of the Antiochian metochion in
Moscow. Seeing in this the hand of God, thou didst accept this new position as an opportunity to do
good to others. Never thinking of thyself but always of thy people, thou didst bring many from Syria to
Russia to be instructed in theology. Wherefore, the faithful rejoiced and justly honoring thy labors,
magnified thee thus:
Rejoice, thou who didst renounce all care for thyself; rejoice, thou who didst concern thyself only with
the cares of others.
Rejoice, for freely thou didst receive and freely thou didst give; rejoice, thou who didst beget many
children for the Church of Christ.
Rejoice, protection of the poor; rejoice, ardent haven for widows and orphans in their affliction.
Kontakion 5.
Hearing of thy labors and love for thy people, the children of Antioch in America petitioned thee to come
to the New World to pastor them in their place of immigration. Thou didst receive their words as a
divine invitation, knowing them to be scattered, deprived of spiritual consolation. Journeying therefore
from the East to the West, thou didst pour thyself into the life-sustaining prayers of the Church, and
through them, didst find the guidance and inspiration to gather the lost sheep to which thou wast being
sent, ever chanting; Alleluia.
Oikos 5.
Upon thine arrival, thou didst devote thyself to the ministry thou hadst been given, establishing a holy
place in which to offer prayers on behalf of the people. Thou didst furnish the entire chapel of thine own
substance, offering it without cost to the faithful. Together with them, remembering thy holy example,
we glorify God for bringing thee to this land and honor thee with these words:
Rejoice, for thy dedication equaled that of the Apostles; rejoice, for thy perserverance was a gift of the
Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, thou who hast won the heights through humility; rejoice, thou who hast acquired riches through
poverty.
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Rejoice, thou who didst care for the helpless; rejoice, thou who didst distribute thine own funds to the
poor.
Kontakion 6.
Living among the people, they became witnesses of how devoutly and justly and blamelessly thou didst
act among them, exhorting, comforting and charging everyone as a father does his own children. Truly,
through thee the word of the Gospel came in power and in the Holy Spirit with much assurance, so that
the faithful became followers of thee and of the Lord, chanting joyfully: Alleluia.
Oikos 6.
News of small communities of Orthodox Christians began to reach thee. Hearing their call, “Come and
help us,” thou didst decide to make the first of many missionary journeys. Traveling from the East Coast
to the West, thou didst stay in no place for more than four days. Finding Orthodox Christians, thou didst
administer the holy Mysteries and preach the Word of God to the spiritually hungry. Receiving thee as if
thou wert Christ Himself, the faithful welcomed thee with words such as these:
Rejoice, Bringer of new Life to many children through holy baptism; rejoice, Giver of the seal of the gift
of the Holy Spirit through anointing with Chrism.
Rejoice, Restorer of penitents to the holy Church through the mystery of Confession; rejoice, Uniter of
spouses together in the Lord.
Rejoice, worthy Celebrant of the divine Liturgy; rejoice, fiery Proclaimer of pastoral theology.
Kontakion 7.
Having been spiritually formed by the Church’s cycle of prayers, thou didst prepare liturgical texts for
use by thy people. Bringing them true consolation in the divine prayers, thou didst teach them to sing:
Alleluia.
Oikos 7.
Seeing the need of the scattered Orthodox people for true pastoral ministry, thou didst devote thyself to
finding priests to care for their souls. Bringing priests from the Old World to America and recommending
faithful men for ordination, thou didst accept the spiritual welfare of thy people as thine only concern.
Accept therefore from us such praises as these:
Rejoice, beacon of Orthodoxy; rejoice, golden trumpet of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, new Paul, who didst take upon thyself the burden of care for the churches; rejoice, new John,
who didst command all men to love one another.
Rejoice, new Juvenal, who didst desire everywhere to preach the holy Gospel; rejoice, new Herman, who
didst always care for the least of the brethren.
Kontakion 8.
When the holy hierarch and confessor Tikhon was sent to America, thou didst receive him as the true
shepherd of the flock of Orthodox Christians. Knowing that in Christ all are one, whether Arab, Greek or
Russian, thou didst rejoice in God, chanting: Alleluia.
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Oikos 8.
As a healer of souls and a peacemaker, whether in an established Temple, a storefront or a family’s
living room, thou didst gather the people for prayer. Carrying on the apostolic ministry of reconciliation,
uniting brother to brother, healing wounds, thou didst establish over them the banner of love.
Wherefore, as to one who hast shown himself to be a son of God, we joyfully chant to thee these
praises:
Rejoice, thou who didst exhort the people of God not to receive His grace in vain; rejoice, thou who didst
in all things approve thyself as a minister of God.
Rejoice, thou who didst live as unknown and yet well known; rejoice, thou who, though dying, didst live.
Rejoice, as sorrowful, always rejoicing; rejoice, as poor, thou didst make many rich.
Kontakion 9.
Loving God above all, and being sent to serve Him among the least brethren, like an apostle thou didst
offer prayers day and night for their salvation. Thou didst raise up a holy Temple for the Orthodox
Arabs, dedicating it to Holy Nicholas, Wonder-worker of Myra in Lycia. Now together with him in heaven
thou dost exclaim: Alleluia.
Oikos 9.
It is impossible for the worldly-minded to comprehend thy humility. For when thou wast presented with
a pectoral cross in appreciation for thy manifold labors, thou didst object, saying: “I am an unprofitable
servant, having only done what was my duty. Can we servants of God and spiritual pastors expect
anything in life except labor and grief?” In amazement at thy self-abasement, with joy and wonder we
cry to thee thus:
Rejoice, thou who wast filled only with love for God and all men; rejoice, thou whose eye was single.
Rejoice, thou who camest not to be served but to serve; rejoice, thou who didst give thy life as a ransom
for many.
Rejoice, Angel of spiritual comfort for those in tribulation; rejoice, Model of spiritual meekness.
Kontakion 10.
Desiring to save a multitude of people through thy care, the All-merciful Lord chose thee and appointed
thee to bear much fruit. Laboring abundantly, thou didst travel from city to city, from village to village,
defending the Orthodox from the assaults of the enemy, teaching them to chant in Orthodox fashion:
Alleluia.
Oikos 10.
The love of thy people for thee and thy love for them greatly impressed the holy hierarch Tikhon. He
saw in thee the image of a true shepherd—one who served not by compulsion, but willingly, not for
dishonest gain but eagerly; one who was not a lord but a humble servant. Traveling to Russia, he
forcefully entreated the Holy Synod to allow him to consecrate thee as his Vicar Bishop. Bearing within
thee the abundant grace of the Holy Spirit, thou wast the first to be consecrated to the sacred
episcopacy in the New World. Wherefore, grateful to God, we the faithful chant with joy to thee:
Rejoice, O high priest of God Most High, who received divine grace in abundance at thy consecration;
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rejoice, most luminous lamp, burning and shedding light.
Rejoice, thou who hast illumined the whole world with the rays of thy virtues; rejoice, thou who offered
the divine Sacrifice at the throne of Christ.
Rejoice, hierarch adorned with the understanding of Orthodoxy; rejoice, thou who gavest drink to the
faithful with the streams of the doctrine of salvation.
Kontakion 11.
Consecrated as a hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, with the blessing of the Patriarch and Holy
Synod of Antioch, thy ministry extended to all Orthodox Christians. As a self-proclaimed Syro-Arab by
birth, Greek by education, American by residence, Russian at heart and Slav in soul, thou didst minister
to all, teaching the Orthodox in the New World to proclaim with one voice: Alleluia.
Oikos 11.
Thine archpastoral burden weighed upon thee; thine omophorion was very heavy. Thy flock was
confused, surrounded by many false teachings. Possessing the spirit of understanding and of wisdom,
thou didst enlighten the minds of the deceived, proclaiming the Word, preaching in season and out of
season, by exhortation and letter. We who are the recipients of thy counsel and the beneficiaries of thy
wisdom cry out to thee thus:
Rejoice, thou who didst share the ministry of the Apostles; rejoice, thou who didst tend the flock
according to the words of the Apostle Peter.
Rejoice, steadfast uprooter of heresy; rejoice, impartial observer of the canons of the Church.
Rejoice, destroyer of impious doctrines; rejoice, skillful helmsman of the Church.
Kontakion 12.
Knowing the grace of God which hath been given unto thee, O most glorious hierarch Raphael, we who
are weak and heavy-laden with the burden of our sins flee to thee as our refuge and mighty defender.
Pray fervently unto the Lord that He will preserve His Holy Church from unbelief and schism, from
danger and temptation, that we may chant to God who through thee doeth good things for us: Alleluia.
Oikos 12.
As a faithful servant of thy Master, it was given to thee to suffer at the end of thine earthly life.
Wherefore, as to a faithful servant who didst glorify Christ both in thy life and in thy death, to thee who
hast received a glorious crown in heaven, we gather to offer these unworthy words of praise:
Rejoice, thou who wast overshadowed with divine power; rejoice, thou who didst faultlessly preserve the
True Faith.
Rejoice, thou who didst reveal thy righteousness in thy Repose; rejoice, thou who hast received eternal
rest in heaven with the saints.
Rejoice, great warrior of Orthodoxy; rejoice, invincible defender of piety.
Kontakion 13.
O most holy and most wonderful Father Raphael, look down from the heights of heaven upon thy flock
and accept this our present offering. Entreat the Lord God that He will pour out upon us His divine grace
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and the gift of the Holy Spirit, that we, being delivered from all enemies visible and invisible, may
forever chant to Him with thee and all the saints: Alleluia.
Kontakion 13 is chanted thrice; whereupon Oikos 1 and Kontakion 1 are repeated; then follows the
Prayer to St. Raphael.
Prayer to St. Raphael.
Let us pray to our holy Father Raphael.
O holy hierarch Father Raphael, pray unto God for us.
O wise and loving hierarch of the Church of Christ God, good shepherd of the lost sheep in America,
sustenance for our souls, admonition for the lost, defense against foes, uniter of the Orthodox world,
proclaimer of the truth, uplifter of the oppressed, guardian of the faith, father to orphans, protector of
widows, friend of the poor, reconciler of foes, great light from Antioch, new Moses who didst lead thy
people out of the wilderness into the Promised Land, new Elias who hast placed within the holy Church a
double portion of thy spirit, new Ezra who didst build up the Temple of God, new Apostle of Christ our
God, lover of the holy prayers and divine services, adornment of the holy Church, seeker of the lost, joy
of all the Orthodox, son of Antioch, boast of America,
O holy Father Raphael: Mercifully hearken unto these supplications which are offered unto thee by thy
grateful children. O high priest of the Most High God, lift up thy hands and bless us, O thou who art
thrice-blessed of the All-holy Trinity. O comforter of the oppressed who art a bearer of the heavenly
King, the Comforter and Spirit of Truth, take us to thy bosom and shelter us from all harm. O shepherd
who art a servant of the Lamb and a sheep of His flock, take up thy staff and guide us to secure and
verdant pastures.
O father who art a son and heir of the Unoriginate Father, lift up thine arms and intercede with him that
the Church may be preserved in tranquility; that her Godappointed hierarchs may be granted peace,
safety, honor, health and length of days, rightly dividing the word of truth; that her priests may be
clothed with righteousness; that her God-fearing monastics may shine forth as paradisaical lights upon
the world; and that her Christ-loving people may be granted mercy, life, peace, health, salvation and
visitation, pardon and forgiveness of sins. Beseech thou him that we may be granted to live a peaceful
life in this age, and to see the good things in the age which is to come, always glorifying the unoriginate
Father, the only-begotten Son and the all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit, the consubtantial Trinity,
unto ages of ages.
Amen.
Akathist to Saints Peter and Paul
Kontakion I
The Lord Who said of Himself: I am the good Shepherd, said unto thee, O first-enthroned Peter: If thou
lovest Me, feed My sheep. And He Who said: I am Jesus, said of thee, O preeminent Apostle Paul: He is
a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the gentiles. And likewise to all your colleagues, His
apostles, He said: As My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you; go ye, and teach all nations. And ye,
receiving such grace from your good Chief Shepherd, as the foremost shepherds and teachers of all the
world, from all misfortunes preserve ye us on the pasture of salvation, that we may cry out to you:
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Rejoice, O holy first-enthroned Peter and Paul, with all the holy apostles!
Ikos I
Blessed art thou, Simon, son of Jonas! said Christ, the Son of the living God, unto thee, O right glorious
Apostle Peter. How then can we worthily call thee blessed who hast been called blessed by God
Himself? Yet drawn faithfully, by a debt of love alone, we cry out to thee thus:
Rejoice, first among the apostles, foundation of the holy Church;
Rejoice, mighty pillar and ground of the Orthodox Faith!
Rejoice, ardent lover of the teaching of Christ;
Rejoice, first-seated among the council of the apostles!
Rejoice, good gate-keeper of the kingdom of heaven;
Rejoice, renowned physician for them that repent of their sins!
Rejoice, thou who spurned the vanity of the world and loved the spiritual life;
Rejoice, thou who didst forsake corruptible nets and didst fish the whole world with incorruptible ones!
Rejoice with Peter, O Paul, for ye both shone forth like two great beacons;
Rejoice, O ye who like a pair of steeds were harnessed by God to His chariot of noetic light!
Rejoice, all ye holy apostles, beholders of God, for ye are the light of all the world;
Rejoice, for through you the Faith which saveth us hath shone forth from Christ in every place!
Kontakion II
O teacher of the gentiles, who received thy title wondrously from on high, thou didst believe when Jesus
said unto thee: Saul, why persecutest thou Me Who cannot be touched by unbelief? Yet believe thou
henceforth; for, lo! contrary audacity darkeneth thee, but I have chosen thee to be a witness to My
judgments before the rulers, the nations and the children of Israel. And thou, O Apostle Paul, called
such things by God, didst cry out: Alleluia!
Ikos II
Hearing a voice from heaven, O Saul, thou wast thereafter unable to see; for thou hadst adversely
persecuted the Inaccessible One and didst receive blindness of thine eyes in return for thy zeal for the
law; but, guided to the font, thou didst attain unto divine baptism, where, having been immersed with
faith, the sight of thy bodily and spiritual eyes was restored. Wherefore, mindful of thy miraculous
calling, we cry out to thee:
Rejoice,
Rejoice,
Rejoice,
Rejoice,
Rejoice,
O apostles called by God, sent forth to preach to all the nations;
chosen vessel which pourest forth the sweetness of the Faith of Christ upon all men!
beholder of the divine Light which illumineth from on high;
thou who more than others wast enlightened by grace after the shadow of the Old Covenant!
thou who on earth didst converse with the Lord Jesus Who appeared to thee;
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Rejoice, thou who with His strength didst dare to denounce them that were adamant in their unbelief!
Rejoice, thou who hast enlightened the whole world with thy divinely wise writings;
Rejoice, thou who, following Christ, didst labor more than others for the salvation of man!
Rejoice with Paul, O Peter, for ye overshadow the holy Church as the two cherubim did the ark;
Rejoice, ye who stand before the throne of the Most High like two seraphim!
Rejoice, all ye holy apostles, for ye are like the heavens which proclaim the glory of God;
Rejoice, for ye are the stars which crown the Church, the Bride of Christ!
Kontakion III
Thou wast struck with horror, O holy Apostle Peter, beholding the sheet descending from on high, filled
with all manner of living creatures, moreover with unclean beasts, wherein was set forth a parable of
God's love for man, signifying that it is not fitting to reject them that from all the nations desire to
believe in Christ Jesus. And understanding this mystery, thou didst cry out to God: Alleluia!
Ikos III
Naught that is vile or unclean hath ever passed my lips! thou didst say, O most blessed Apostle Peter.
But divine Providence answered thee with a voice from heaven, saying: What God hath cleansed, that
do thou not revile, calling it unclean; for the Savior cameth not to call the righteous, but sinners, to
repentance! And we, knowing what was revealed to thee, cry out:
Rejoice, O apostle, who mercifully openest the kingdom of heaven;
Rejoice, thou who not only watchest over men, but over the affairs of all the nations!
Rejoice, thou who with thy love coverest the multitude of our sins;
Rejoice, thou who perfectest our meager repentance with thy mercy!
Rejoice, speedy helper for them that call upon thee amid spiritual tribulations;
Rejoice, thou who by thy supplication raisest up those dead of body and soul!
Rejoice, thou who strengthenest with the Holy Spirit the faithful who hearken unto thy word;
Rejoice, thou who woundest the unbelieving with thy words, as with darts!
Rejoice with Peter, O Paul, in that ye are as the two eyes of the Church, endued with divine sight;
Rejoice, ever-vigilant guides watching over the new Israel!
Rejoice, all ye holy apostles, for ye are as a guard upon the walls of Jerusalem;
Rejoice, O our instructors, who keep watch over the souls of Christians!
Kontakion IV
To the Jews living in Damascus didst thou begin to preach, O apostle Paul, enlightened of God, that they
might believe in Christ Jesus the Son of God; and they were astonished at how one who before had
persecuted them that believed in the name of Christ had - O, the wonder! - himself been transformed
into a believer! Wherefore, they took counsel together to slay thee; but knowing their intent and the
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hardness of their hearts, thou didst leave them in the blindness of their unbelief and, let down over the
wall in a basket by the faithful, thou didst cry out to God: Alleluia!
Ikos IV
With great zeal, O holy Paul, thou didst preach to turn away from the prescriptions of the old law and
circumcision and to make haste to the font of divine baptism, proclaiming this not only to the Jews, but
also to the gentiles whose most loving teacher thou wast. Wherefore, we exclaim unto thee thus:
Rejoice, preacher sent by God to announce repentance unto sinners;
Rejoice, teacher of piety with thunderous voice, denouncer of ungodliness!
Rejoice, merciful inviter of them among the gentiles that are astray, yet hasten to the Faith of Christ;
Rejoice, true guide to the straight path!
Rejoice, ship which keepest the faithful from drowning in sin;
Rejoice, helmsman who guidest us to the haven of the pleasing of God!
Rejoice, quickly interceding comforter of the sorrowful;
Rejoice, healer who acceptest no recompense for curing ailments of body and soul!
Rejoice with Paul, O Peter, for ye are like two wings furnished unto the Church by Christ, the great
Eagle;
Rejoice, for ye are like two wings given to her, the dove, by the Holy Spirit!
Rejoice, all ye holy apostles, who are whole as doves and through hope have been furnished with wings
like eagles;
Rejoice, for where Christ was in the body, there were ye gathered together!
Kontakion V
Sweating from thine earthly labors and providing for thyself by fishing, O holy Apostle Peter, thou wast
called to be an apostle and didst believe in Christ Who nurtureth abundantly, Who fed a thousand
people with five loaves; and thou didst follow Him, laboring for food which perisheth not, but abideth
unto everlasting life; and thou didst cry out to Him as God: Alleluia!
Ikos V
Forbidden by the chief priests and elders of the Jews to teach the name of the Lord Jesus, O blessed
Apostle Peter, arming thyself with steadfast faith, thou didst answer: We ought to obey God rather than
man! And having endured imprisonment and stripes for this, thou didst depart from the presence of the
council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of the Lord. Wherefore,
we also offer to thee exclamations of joy, saying:
Rejoice, thou who didst put the council of the Jews to shame by the writings of the prophets concerning
Christ;
Rejoice, thou who didst rend asunder the false threats of the Pharisees and Sadducees like a spider's
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web!
Rejoice, thou who didst work many miracles through the grace of the Holy Spirit;
Rejoice, thou who grantest sight to the blind and the ability to walk to the lame!
Rejoice, thou who by thy shadow didst raise the sick from their beds of pain;
Rejoice, thou who didst heal them that suffered from many unclean spirits!
Rejoice, thou who summonest fishermen to a wondrous catch;
Rejoice, thou who drawest the unbelieving to faith as if they were voiceless fish!
Rejoice with Peter, O Paul, for ye are like two breasts of the Church, the Bride of Christ, our Mother;
Rejoice, for ye are like two grapes of the voice, which nourish us and make us glad!
Rejoice, all ye holy apostles, for ye are branches of Christ, the true Vine;
Rejoice, for ye are good husbandmen of the vineyard of Christ!
Kontakion VI
An Israelite of the tribe of Benjamin, a Pharisee according to the law, a persecutor of the Church of God
in thy zeal, didst thou call thyself, O holy Apostle Paul, not hiding thy former hot temper against them
that believed in Christ Jesus; but as thou didst greatly persecute the Church of God and didst strive to
destroy it, so now, gloriously adorned by thee, and made steadfast in might by thy mellifluous
teachings, it crieth unto God: Alleluia!
Ikos VI
Who shall separate us from the love of God? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or like things?
thou didst say, O Apostle Paul, preacher of the Word beloved of God, bringing all to the love of Christ
Who sincerely believe in Him, that with boldness and thanksgiving we may endure tribulation for God's
sake. Wherefore, we lovingly exclaim to thee these things:
Rejoice, thou who wast a zealot for the law named Saul;
Rejoice, lover of Christ, named Paul, perfected in grace!
Rejoice, light of divine knowledge, illumining them that are in the darkness of unbelief;
Rejoice, star guiding them that languish in the depths of iniquity!
Rejoice, thou who betrothest the souls of the faithful to Christ and summonest them to the heavenly
bridal chamber;
Rejoice, thou who didst endure many tribulations and hast made others also steadfast to endure them!
Rejoice, thou into whose hands God placed mighty powers;
Rejoice, thou whose sweat-soaked kerchief healed the sick!
Rejoice with Paul, O Peter, for ye are like the two pillars which uphold the Church of the heavenly
Solomon;
Rejoice, ye who, like two lilies on its pillars, adorn the sanctuary of God!
Rejoice, all ye holy apostles, for like flowers do ye impart fragrance to all the world;
Rejoice, ye who through your fragrance dispel the stench of all iniquity!
Kontakion VII
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On thine arrival in Lydda, O blessed Apostle Peter, thou didst amaze the people living there when by the
name of Jesus Christ thou didst raise up Æneas, who had lain abed, sick of the palsy, for eight years,
and didst cause him to walk; in Joppa thou didst likewise, by thy supplication, return to life the dead
Tabitha; and, summoned to Caesaria, thou didst enlighten with divine baptism Cornelius the centurion
with all in his household. Wherefore, we all straightway cry aloud to God in unity of soul: Alleluia!
Ikos VII
Simon Magus thought to acquire the grace of the Holy Spirit with silver; but thou, O blessed Apostle
Peter, didst condemn him to inherit damnation with his silver and didst sternly forbid both the avaricious
practice of simony and the theft of sacred things. Wherefore, we exclaim unto thee thus:
Rejoice, thou who enriched the Church of Christ with the grace of the Spirit;
Rejoice, thou who didst forbid the reception of recompense for holy things in the Church!
Rejoice, thou by whom avarice was cut off, as the root of all evils, through the grace of the Spirit;
Rejoice, thou by whom covetousness is cast away by sanctity as a type of idolatry!
Rejoice, thou who didst lead a hard life for the sake of Christ;
Rejoice, thou who didst fulfill well the commandment of Christ: ye cannot serve God and Mammon!
Rejoice, thou who didst sternly punish the sacrilege of Ananias with death;
Rejoice, thou who didst likewise commit Sapphira, who was guilty of that sin, to the same punishment!
Rejoice with Peter, O Paul, for ye are like two olive trees which pour forth mercy;
Rejoice, for ye are like two lamps radiating wisdom!
Rejoice, all ye holy apostles, as tender olive shoots;
Rejoice, for because of you is all like a fruitful olive tree in the house of God!
Kontakion VIII
Having attained unto the third heaven because of thy sanctity of body and soul and been enriched with
ineffable benefactions, thou didst descend from thence, O divinely blessed Apostle Paul, and didst
astonish all, filling those of the Jews and of the gentiles who believed in Christ with thy teachings of the
knowledge of God. And together with them, all we, the faithful, who have a share of thine heavenly
teaching, cry out to God: Alleluia!
Ikos VIII
A model for the faithful, thou didst joyfully endure many stripes, beatings and stonings of thy body for
the sake of sweet Jesus, O Apostle Paul, called by God, manifestly indicating that it is the part of them
that believe in Christ Jesus to undergo all manner of tribulations thankfully, for His sake. Wherefore, we
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also cry out to thee, using such exclamations as these:
Rejoice, thou who didst joyfully bear the wounds of the Lord on thy body;
Rejoice, adamant firm of body and soul, who mightily endured all manner of tribulation!
Rejoice, insuperable confessor of Christ before the nations and their rulers;
Rejoice, teacher invincible in the face of the Israelite teachers of the law!
Rejoice, luminous star which shone forth from the third heaven;
Rejoice, greatly fruitful branch which buddest forth from paradise, full of spiritual food!
Rejoice, thou who by thy teaching hast illumined all the earth as with an unwaning light;
Rejoice, thou who hast fed the faithful throughout the world with the produce of thy works as with most
comely fruits!
Rejoice with Paul, O Peter, for ye are as two trees in the midst of the garden of the Church;
Rejoice, ye who put forth the fruit of life and good understanding!
Rejoice, all ye holy apostles, who are like noetic palm trees and cedars;
Rejoice, ye who have been transplanted to heaven as the garden of the heavenly Father!
Kontakion IX
Thou wast possessed of an all-embracing concern for all who came to the Faith of Christ, O blessed
Apostle Peter, that their heart and soul become one. Wherefore, thou didst appoint for their needs a
minister, the chaste Stephen, and six other deacons; and thou thyself, together with the rest of the
apostles, didst dedicate thyself to prayer and the preaching of the Word, instructing all the faithful, who
cried out with oneness of mind to God: Alleluia!
Ikos IX
Aflame with zeal for thy Lord, thou didst cut off the ear of Malchus, for he seemed to thee as one
disinclined to heed the writings of the prophets concerning Jesus Christ. But, reproved for such audacity
by thy Teacher, O blessed Apostle Peter, thou didst thankfully bear His reproach and all its contrary
results. Wherefore, mindful of thy zeal, we cry aloud to thee thus:
Rejoice, thou who didst surpass the rest of the disciples in thy zeal for Christ;
Rejoice, manful sword-bearer of Christ in the garden!
Rejoice, thou who didst follow Christ, Who was being led to His suffering, even to the house of Caiaphas;
Rejoice, thou who wast prepared for prison and death for the sake of thy Lord!
Rejoice, thou who with bitter lamentation didst heal thy weakness in denying thy Master;
Rejoice, thou who after the Lord's resurrection wast summoned to thy former dignity!
Rejoice, thou who hast provided a model of repentance for the rest of us sinners;
Rejoice, thou who didst vow to forgive the weakness of the penitent many times over!
Rejoice with Peter, O Paul, for ye are like the tables of the law of the Lord;
Rejoice, teachers of love for God and neighbor!
Rejoice, all ye holy apostles, who perfectly kept all the commandments of the Lord;
Rejoice, ye who left all and followed after Christ, and found all in Him!
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Kontakion X
Great testimony didst thou produce from the sayings of the prophets concerning Christ in the face of the
leaders of the Jews, and before the Procurator Festus and King Agrippa, O Apostle Paul, who wast called
of God, and all were utterly set at naught; for many of the Jews quoted books to thee in their frenzy, and
thou wast answered by both Festus and Agrippa falsely, and wast condemned to be sent to Rome. But,
enduring everything with thanksgiving, thou didst cry out with the faithful to God: Alleluia!
Ikos X
O Apostle Paul, who wast led to proclaim the life-creating Trinity in the third heaven, most elect vessel
of the great mysteries of God: declaring the good news before the gentiles, the judges and rulers, thou
didst promise salvation unto them that desire to believe in Christ Jesus and receive holy baptism in the
name of the Trinity. Wherefore, all we the faithful, being of good hope concerning that salvation, cry
out to thee thus:
Rejoice,
Rejoice,
Rejoice,
Rejoice,
Rejoice,
Rejoice,
Rejoice,
Rejoice,
Rejoice,
Rejoice,
Rejoice,
Rejoice,
Rejoice,
mystagogue of great understanding of the revelation of the Lord;
confessor of the one God in three Persons!
thou who didst proclaim Christ to be the one Foundation of the faithful;
thou who hast made all the pious steadfast in that confession!
thou who didst endure raging reproaches from the unbelieving Festus;
thou who didst utter words of truth and chastity in his presence!
thou who didst most clearly recount thine heavenly vision to King Agrippa;
thou who didst manifestly denounce his error which is not consonant with the Faith of Christ!
O Paul, with Peter, for ye are like two silver trumpets of Moses;
ye who call those of earth and beneath the earth to battle against evil!
all ye holy apostles, who have suffered cruelly as valiant warriors of Christ;
ye who have vanquished the kingdoms of the earth by faith and have received heavenly things!
O holy first-enthroned Peter and Paul, with all the holy apostles!
Kontakion XI
Having slain Iakovos, the brother of John, Herod went on to seize thee as well, O divinely blessed
Apostle Peter; and he placed thee under heavy guard in prison to await execution. Yet while fervent
prayer was being offered up by the Church for thy deliverance, the angel of the Lord loosed thy bonds
and led thee through the gates, which opened of themselves, and thou didst think that thou wast
beholding a dream. But when the angel departed, thou didst come to thy senses and didst truly realize
that thou hadst been freed; and thou didst cry out to God in thanksgiving: Alleluia!
Ikos XI
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That which had been asked by Philip: Lord, show us the Father! didst thou come to know, O blessed
Apostle Peter, on Mount Tabor, whereon, beholding the all-glorious transformation of the countenance of
the transfigured Lord, thou didst hear the voice of God the Father say of Him from heaven: This is My
beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him! And we cry out to thee who wast counted
worthy of such a revelation:
Rejoice, reliable witness of the transfiguration of Christ;
Rejoice, renowned one who heard the divine voice of the Father from heaven!
Rejoice, thou who didst behold the countenance of the Son of God illumined like the sun;
Rejoice, thou who didst most splendidly receive the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit in the cloud!
Rejoice, thou to whom the most exalted mystery was disclosed upon the mountain;
Rejoice, thou to whom the majestic glory of the all-holy Trinity was made manifest!
Rejoice, thou who heardest that the departure of Christ was to take place in Jerusalem;
Rejoice, thou who, following Christ, didst accomplish thy departure on a cross in Rome!
Rejoice with Peter, O Paul, for ye are two noetic mountains like Tabor and Hermon;
Rejoice, ye who from the east and the west revealed the promised land in heaven!
Rejoice, all ye holy apostles, like the mountains of Sion;
Rejoice, ye who let the sweetness of salvation fall upon us!
Rejoice, ye holy first-enthroned Peter and Paul, with all the holy apostles!
Kontakion XII
We hymn thee who standest on equal footing with the cherubim, O most blessed Apostle Paul, who wast
enlightened by divine wisdom in the third heaven; for, hearing ineffable words there which it is not
lawful for a man to utter, thou didst travel the whole world therewith, teaching all to believe in the
crucified Christ, the Son of God, and to chant unceasingly unto Him as the true God: Alleluia!
Ikos XII
Full of the great revelation of divine mysteries, O chosen vessel of Jesus, all-wise Apostle Paul, thou
didst diligently bear forth the name of God Who hath appeared in the flesh and saveth them that believe
in Him; and having converted many of the gentiles and fought the good fight, in the city of Rome thou
didst finish thy course most gloriously for the name of thy Lord, and didst then receive therein a crown
of righteousness. Wherefore, we cry out to thee thus:
Rejoice, great lover of the name of Jesus, who suffered greatly for Him;
Rejoice, thou who bore witness before those of heaven, of earth and beneath the earth, concerning His
name!
Rejoice, for thou didst bear witness well concerning the Lord in Jerusalem;
Rejoice, thou who thus wast commanded by Him to bear witness also in Rome!
Rejoice, thou who denounced the Emperor Nero and converted his consort to the Christian Faith;
Rejoice, thou who in the same Rome didst bow thine head beneath the sword, executed with Peter, who
was crucified head downward!
Rejoice, for at the severing of thine honored head milk flowed forth;
Rejoice, for this great wonder drew many soldiers to the Faith!
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Rejoice with Paul, O Peter, for ye are like two rivers of living water gushing forth from the wellspring of
the Holy Spirit;
Rejoice, ye who were shown forth by the confluence of the two rivers named Jor and Dan!
Rejoice, all ye holy apostles, like torrents of rivers which gladden the city of the Church of God;
Rejoice, for ye are like streams of sweetness which give all the faithful to drink from the cup of
salvation!
Kontakion XIII
O most glorious and laudable disciples of Christ, Peter and Paul, first-enthroned and equally enthroned
holy Apostles, who have enlightened all the universe with the holy Faith and will come with Christ to
judge the whole world! Your proper dignity is not on earth, but is the glory and praise rendered in
heaven. Accepting now our unworthy entreaty, by your worthy supplications preserve us from all
misfortunes, and beseech Christ, the just Judge, to be merciful to us at the last judgment, that, saved by
your mediation, we may chant unto God our Savior: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! (Thrice).
(Kontakion 13 is chanted thrice in its entirety;
whereupon Oikos 1 and Kontakion 1 are repeated as below;
then follows the Prayers to Ss. Peter and Paul.)
Ikos I
Blessed art thou, Simon, son of Jonas! said Christ, the Son of the living God, unto thee, O right glorious
Apostle Peter. How then can we worthily call thee blessed who hast been called blessed by God
Himself? Yet drawn faithfully, by a debt of love alone, we cry out to thee thus:
Rejoice, first among the apostles, foundation of the holy Church;
Rejoice, mighty pillar and ground of the Orthodox Faith!
Rejoice, ardent lover of the teaching of Christ;
Rejoice, first-seated among the council of the apostles!
Rejoice, good gate-keeper of the kingdom of heaven;
Rejoice, renowned physician for them that repent of their sins!
Rejoice, thou who spurned the vanity of the world and loved the spiritual life;
Rejoice, thou who didst forsake corruptible nets and didst fish the whole world with incorruptible ones!
Rejoice with Peter, O Paul, for ye both shone forth like two great beacons;
Rejoice, O ye who like a pair of steeds were harnessed by God to His chariot of noetic light!
Rejoice, all ye holy apostles, beholders of God, for ye are the light of all the world;
Rejoice, for through you the Faith which saveth us hath shone forth from Christ in every place!
Kontakion I
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The Lord Who said of Himself: I am the good Shepherd, said unto thee, O first-enthroned Peter: If thou
lovest Me, feed My sheep. And He Who said: I am Jesus, said of thee, O preeminent Apostle Paul: He is
a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the gentiles. And likewise to all your colleagues, His
apostles, He said: As My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you; go ye, and teach all nations. And ye,
receiving such grace from your good Chief Shepherd, as the foremost shepherds and teachers of all the
world, from all misfortunes preserve ye us on the pasture of salvation, that we may cry out to you:
Rejoice, O holy first enthroned Peter and Paul, with all the holy apostles!
PRAYERS TO THE HOLY PRE-EMINENT APOSTLES PETER & PAUL
I
O most glorious Apostles Peter and Paul, who laid down your lives for Christ and beautified His pasture
with your blood! Hearken unto the prayers and sighs of your children which are now offered up with
contrite heart. For, lo! we have darkened ourselves with iniquities, and for this cause have we been
covered with misfortunes as with showers; and we have become exceeding poor in the oil of a good life,
and we cannot fend off the ravening wolves which boldly strive to lay hands on the inheritance of God.
O ye mighty ones! bear ye our infirmities and separate yourselves not from us in spirit, that we not
depart utterly from the love of God; but with your mighty assistance defend us, that the Lord have
mercy on us all for the sake of your prayers, that He rend asunder the handwriting of our countless sins,
and that He vouchsafe us with all the saints the blessed kingdom and the wedding feast of His Lamb, to
Whom be honor and glory, thanksgiving and worship, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
II
O holy Peter, chief of the apostles, rock of faith fixed firmly upon Christ, the chief Cornerstone, through
thy confession! Pray thou that, unmoved by the imaginations of my mind and carnal lusts, I, too, may
through faith be fixed firmly upon this same Christ, the Rock living, chosen and precious; that through
love I may be made perfect as a temple of the Spirit, wherein I may offer up spiritual sacrifices unto
Jesus Christ our God. O holy Paul, chief of the apostles, chosen vessel of Christ, overflowing with grace
and the glory of God! Entreat thou the Creator, Who hath authority over creation, that He make of me,
who am now a vessel of perdition, a vessel of honor for Himself, sanctified and fitting, ready for every
good work, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
III
O ye foremost of the apostles: Peter, steadfast exponent of the Faith of Christ, and Paul, melodious
swallow of the teaching of the Lord! We perceive you to be a much-flowing river recounting the words
of Christ, gushing forth from the breast of the Lord, disclosing to us the depths of the well of divinely
revealed truths. We see you to be lamps which make things clear for us with streams of the fervor of
divine love from heaven. We bless you, for ye endured tribulation and pain to sow the seed of divine
teaching, and with your footsteps went round all the ends of the earth. With compunction we entreat
you, O holy Apostles: cause us, in our sinful foolishness, to fall prostrate before the Lord, our Teacher;
cause ye that the head of our pride be cut off, and haste ye to raise us up by your unceasing
supplications, that there, with the choir of the angels and the apostles, we may glorify the Father of all,
Who is wondrous in His saints, Who sent our Lord Jesus Christ into the world, and the Holy Spirit, Who is
one in essence with Them, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
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IV
O holy Peter, chief of the apostles, rock of faith steadfast in thy confession, foundation of the Church
immovable in Christ, pastor of the rational flock of Christ, keeper of the keys to the kingdom of heaven,
fisherman most wise who from the depths of unbelief dost draw forth men! Thee do I humbly entreat,
that the net of thy divine draught encompass me and draw me forth from the abyss of perdition. I know
that thou hast received from God the authority to loose and to bind; release me who am bound fast with
bonds of sin, show forth thy mercy on me, wretch that I am, and give life to my soul which hath been
slain by sins, as before thou didst raise up Tabitha from the dead; restore me to the good path, as
before thou didst restore the lame man at the Beautiful Gates, who had been lame from his mother's
womb; and as thou didst heal all the infirm by thy shadow, may the grace given thee by God
overshadow me, healing my ailments of body and soul. For thou canst do all things, O holy one, through
the power of Christ, for Whose sake thou didst forsake all to follow in His steps. Wherefore, pray thou to
Him in my behalf, wretch that I am, that by thy supplications He may deliver me from all evil and teach
me with a pure heart to send up glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and
ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
V
O holy Paul, eminent among the apostles, chosen vessel of Christ, recounter of heavenly mysteries,
teacher of all the nations, clarion of the Church, renowned orator, who didst endure many misfortunes
for the name of Christ, who didst traverse the sea and didst go about the land, and didst convert us
from the deception of idolatry! Thee do I entreat and to thee do I cry: disdain me not, defiled as I am,
but raise me up who have fallen through sinful sloth, as in Lystra thou didst raise up the man who had
been lame from his mother's womb; and as thou didst give life unto Euthyches who lay dead, so also
raise me up from my dead works; and as at thine entreaty the foundation of the prison once quaked and
thou didst loose the bonds of the prisoners, so draw me out of the snare of the enemy, and strengthen
me to do the will of God. For thou canst do all things by the authority given thee by God, to Whom is
due all glory, honor and worship, with His unoriginate Father and His allholy, good and life-creating
Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Akathist to the Most Holy Mother of God, the Softener of
Evil Hearts
You may download the "Akathist to the Most Holy Mother of God the Softener of Evil Hearts" here.
Akathist to the Mother of God for Children
Kontakion 1
Victorious Leader and Good Nurturer of the Christian race, we Thy servants, delivered from evil, sing out
grateful thanks to Thee. But as Thou hast invincible might deliver my children from all dangers that with
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tears I may cry to Thee: Raise my children (names), to be made worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven, and
make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Ikos 1
Intercede with Thy Son and God, O most Holy One, that an angel from heaven be sent to my children,
just as to Thee was sent a most mighty protector, the Archangel Gabriel; and vouchsafe me to cry to
Thee thus:
Raise my children to be earthly angels.
Raise my children to be heavenly men.
Raise my children to be Thy servants.
Raise my children to cry out to Thee:
“Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord with Thee!”
Raise my children (names), O Lady, to be made
worthy of the Kingdom Of Heaven and make
them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 2
As thou seest my maternal entreaty for my children, begging help of Thee alone; do Thou take them
under Thine honorable and compassionate protection, that we may cry to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Send my children understanding, that they may know how to serve Thee well; fill their hearts with
heavenly wisdom and grant that they may love it alone and scorn the things of the world. Do not hinder
my lips from crying such things as these:
Raise my children to be wise as serpents and as innocent as doves.
Raise my children to have knowledge of good but not of sin.
Raise my children to be wise against the snares of the devil.
Raise my children to order their lives wisely, following the examples of the saints.
Raise my children, nourishing them with the milk of the hidden wisdom of God, that they may seek it
all of their lives.
Raise my children (names), O Lady, to be made worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them
heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 3
May the power of the Most High overshadow my children through Thine unceasing intercession before
Thy Son, and on account of this, having come to know Thy maternal compassion towards all who run to
God with faith, may they cry to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having received my children from God, I do not desire to behold them dwelling in eternal torment, but
rather to see them written in the Book of Life and made inheritors of eternal life. For Thy sake, O Most
Pure Virgin, incline Thine ear to my supplication, as I cry to Thee:
Raise my children to flee eternal torment.
Raise my children to inherit life eternal.
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Raise my children to pass the course of their life in Repentance.
Raise my children to labor to acquire the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Raise my children to exert effort to attaint the Kingdom of Heaven.
Raise my children to be written in the Book of Life.
Kontakion 4
Having within a tempest of doubting thoughts, and wanting to give my children to drink of eternal life, I
weep. Thus, having remembered Thy most rich mercies, I sing to Thy Son with hope and with a contrite
heart: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Having heard Thy voice, crying to Thy Son, “Preserve in Thine inheritance those whom Thou hast given
me unto the ages,” I stretch out my hands and my heart towards Thy loving-kindness, entreating that
Thou wilt keep my children among Thy servants, and fulfill these my petitions:
Raise my children in thy most holy inheritance.
Raise my children with all Thy Saints.
Raise my children to be Thy servants, fulfilling all Thy commands.
Raise my children to seek help from Thee alone.
Raise my children to inherit eternal life.
Kontakion 5
May the Morning Star, which is Thy Son, O Most Holy Virgin, shine with unfading light in the hearts of my
children, that they may cry to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen my diligent supplication rising like incense to Thy glory, turn not Thy face away from my
children, though they turn away from Thee, but all the more, hear the cry of my lips, singing to Thee:
Raise my children to be poor in spirit, that they May inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
Raise my children to weep, that they may be comforted.
Raise my children to be meek, that they may inherit the earth.
Raise my children to hunger and thirst after righteousness, that they may be filled.
Raise my children to be merciful, that they may obtain mercy.
Raise my children to be pure in heart, that they may see God.
Raise my children to be peacemakers, that they may be called the sons of God.
Kontakion 6
All we the faithful ever proclaim Thee the defense of orphans, widows and mothers, and of all Thy
children who pray and cry out to Thee: Alleluia.
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Ikos 6
With rays of grace teach my children so that enlightened by Thee on high they may see they path
leading to life eternal and follow on it, nourished beneath Thine all-powerful protection in the Church of
Thy Son where there is unending light. For the sake of this, hear me who dost cry to Thee thus:
Raise my children to be the light of the world, that their light may shine before men, and that seeing
their good deeds, men will glorify their Father in Heaven.
Raise my children to be the light of the world, that their light may shine before men, and that seeing
their good deeds, men will glorify their Father in Heaven.
Raise my children to be enlightened by Thy Son, that in His light they may see light and direct their
steps towards Him.
Raise my children always to turn the eyes of their heart to the Redeemer of all.
Raise my children to be guided to the habitation of the Righteous by the Morning Star which is Thy
Son.
Raise my children to be meek and silent and to tremble before the word of God.
Raise my to love Thee and Thy Son not only with their minds but also with their Hearts.
Kontakion 7
Desiring for my children eternal salvation, with tears I stand before Thy most honorable icon, O Lady,
that disdaining not my supplication, thou wilt cry to Thy Son: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
By the wonderous and incomprehensible action of Thy Son, lead my children with Thy merciful hand
beneath Thy gracious protection, that with sincerity I may cry to Thee:
Raise my children to seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Raise my children to walk the narrow way leading to life eternal.
Raise my children to do the will of Thy Son and God in every place.
Raise my children to long to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
Raise my children to be numbered among Thy chosen ones.
Raise my children (names), of Lady, to be made worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them
Kontakion 8
Where will my children, wandering in the greatly perilous and stormy valley of the world, receive joy and
consolation, if not in Thee, O Most Pure One. Travel with them and teach them the true path, that they
may cry to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
To all art Thou a merciful Mother, O Lady, and I desire that I may become Thy child. Thus I place my
children in Thy hands and in humility I beg of Thee:
Raise my children to keep vigil and pray that they may not fall into temptation.
Raise my children to be merciful so that their Father in Heaven will be merciful to them.
Raise my children in purity of childhood, for to children belongs the Kingdom of God.
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Raise my children to be the least of all, that they may be great before God.
Raise my children to fulfill the Word of God, and to be partakers of the heavenly blessedness for
which they came into being.
Raise my children to have good hope in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Kontakion 9
Fill the souls and hearts of my children with all good, driving away from them the spirit of evil atheism,
giving to each of them as is needed from Thy compassion toward all, that I may cry to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Deliver my children from association with falsely-theorizing orators, who speak lies about Thine allpowerful intercession, and look upon me, faithfully singing:
Raise my children to love Thee with all their hearts and minds.
Raise my children to open their lips only in the praise and glory of Thy blessings.
Raise my children to await the coming of Thy Son with tears.
Raise my children in watchful and continual prayer.
Raise my children to stand always before Thee with reverence.
Raise my children to bear good fruit.
Kontakion 10
Desiring to save the world, Thy Son came from heaven to call, not the righteous, but sinners to
repentance. For the sake, of this, pray to Thy Son that having been saved through Thee my children
may call to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Surround my children with indestructible walls, O Heavenly Queen, that under Thy blessed protection,
they may accomplish a multitude of good deeds, and that with them I may cry to Thee thus:
Raise my children to be leaders in doing the will of Thy Son and God.
Raise my children to hate sin and all transgression.
Raise my children to love good and all virtue.
Raise my children in blameless purity.
Raise my children to ascent the ladder of their lives every day.
Raise my children to turn their eyes to Thy compassion in the midst of sorrows.
Raise my children to serve Thee in obedience and chastity.
Raise my children (names), O Lady,
to be made worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 11
Make my children (names) worthy always to hymn Thine unshakable intercession, and through Thy
grace direct their lips to sing to God: Alleluia.
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Ikos 11
O Shining lamp from on high, make the lives of my children to burn and their hearts to melt day and
night with love for Thee, and Thy Son, and for their neighbors, and disdain me not who cry to Thee:
Raise my children to love Thee with all their hearts and minds.
Raise my children to open their lips only in the praise and glory of Thy blessings.
Raise my children in watchful and continual Prayer.
Raise my children to stand always before Thee with reverence.
Raise my children to bear good fruit.
Raise my children (names), O Lady,
to be made worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 12
Fill the hearts of my children with the inexpressible grace of the Holy Spirit, so that they may love only
Thy Son and God, and Thee, O Most Good One, that being inspired by Thee, I may cry to the King of all:
Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing of Thy loving-kindness, I pray Thee, who feeds and hast mercy on my children; cease not to
intercede for them with Thy Son, for I believe that all is possible for Thee, and do Thou fulfill these my
entreaties:
Raise my children to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Raise my children to be found on the right hand at the Judgement Seat of Thy Son.
Raise my children to live in a holy manner.
Raise my children to dwell securely on the path of faith by the grace of the Spirit of God.
Raise my children to dwell securely on the path of faith by the grace of the Spirit of God.
Raise my children to hunger and thirst insatiably for the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit.
Raise my children to perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect.
Kontakion 13
O All Hymned Mother of our Sweetest Jesus! Accept this small hymn of supplication for my children as a
sweet fragrance and take them under Thy compassionate protection. Grant them to think, know, near,
say and do, only that which brings them close to Thee and Thy Son, and helps them attain eternal
salvation. And send them in this present life all that is profitable for the salvation of their souls, that
they may cry to God: Alleluia. Thrice.
(And again repeat, Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1.)
Ikos 1
Intercede with Thy Son and God, O most Holy One, that an angel from heaven be sent to my children,
just as to Thee was sent a most mighty protector, the Archangel Gabriel; and vouchsafe me to cry to
Thee thus:
Kontakion 1
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Victorious Leader and Good Nurturer of the Christian race, we Thy servants, delivered from evil, sing out
grateful thanks to Thee. But as Thou hast invincible might deliver my children from all dangers that with
tears I may cry to Thee: Raise my children (names), to be made worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven, and
make them heirs of eternal blessings.
A Prayerful Sighing of Parents For Their Children
LORD Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother, hearken unto me,
Thine unworthy servant (name), O Lord, govern in mercy my children, Thy servants (names). Have
mercy on them and save them, for Thy name’s sake. O Lord, forgive them all their transgressions,
voluntary and involuntary, that they may be perfected before Thee. O Lord, set them on the true path of
Thy commandments and enlighten their minds with the Light of Christ unto salvation of their souls and
the healing of their bodies. Bless them, O Lord, at home, at school, in their journeys and in every place
of Thy dominion. Preserve and shelter them, O Lord, from flying bullets, arrows, the sword, poison and
fire, from mortal wounds and sudden death. Guard them, O Lord, from all visible and invisible enemies,
and from all danger, evil and misfortune. Heal them O Lord, from all sickness, deliver them from every
impurity, and lighten their spiritual sufferings. Grant them, O Lord, the grace of Thy Holy Spirit and a
long life; grant them health and chastity in all piety and love, and to live in accord with all their
neighbors, near and far. Multiply and strengthen them, O Lord, in mental ability and bodily strength,
given to them by Thee. Bless them to lead a pious life and, if it is pleasing to Thee, grant them married
life and honorable childbearing. For Thy name’s sake, O Lord, give me, Thy sinful and unworthy servant,
a parental blessing for my children and Thy servants, both in this present time, morning, noon and
night, and also in Thine eternal, almighty and all-powerful Kingdom.Amen. O God, Maker of all creation,
Thou hast made me worthy to be the mother of a family, and through Thy goodness hast bestowed
children upon me; and so I dare to say: these children are Thine, for Thou hast given them being, hast
infused them with an immortal soul, and hast raised them to life through baptism. And in accordance
with Thy will Thou has adopted them and received them into the bosom of Thy Church. Send down to
me Thy gracious help in raising my children, for the glory of Thy name. Bestow on me patience and
strength to do Thy will. Teach me to plant in their hearts the root of true wisdom-the fear of the Lordthat all their lives they may tremble at Thy words. Open to them the understanding of Thy law. Until the
end of their days let them act with the sense that Thou art everywhere present. Plant in their hearts
loathing for every transgression, that they may be pure in their signs. O Righteous Judge, who punishes
children for the sins, but sprinkle them with the dew of Thy grace. O Heavenly Father, order the fate of
my children according to Thy blessings, do not deprive them in this life of their daily bread, send down
to them in due time all that is necessary for the acquisition of blessings in eternity. Be merciful to them,
when they sin before Thee; look not upon the sins of their youth and ignorance; chastise them and have
mercy on them, but turn not Thy face away from them. Turn not Thy face from the in the day of their
tribulation, that they may not fall into temptations beyond their strength. Cover them with Thy mercy,
that Thine Angel may walk with them and preserve them. Abandon not my children, O Lord, and give
them that which is profitable for salvation. Amen.
Morning Prayers
Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently,
considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and,
having made the sign of the Cross, say:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy
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thoughts forsake all things earthly, and then make three bows, saying:
(The Prayer of the Publican):
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
(The Beginning Prayer):
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints,
have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
O Heavenly King, O Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things,
Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save
our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of
ages. Amen.
O All Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy God, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the
ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be
done" on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Troparia to the Trinity
Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we
cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos,
have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord; enlighten my mind and heart, and
open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God;
through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Suddenly the Judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do
we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy
on us.
Lord, have mercy. Twelve.
Prayer of St. Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:
As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou
wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast
shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep
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the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind's eye, and open my mouth that I
may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in
heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.
Psalm 50:
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of
Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me
from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me against Thee only have I sinned and
done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art
judged.
For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou 1ast
loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt
sprinkle me with hyssop, and shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than
show. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn
Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and
renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from
me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach
transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee.
Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy
righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. For if Thou
hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased. A sacrifice
unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in
Thy good pleasure into Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded. Then shalt Thou be pleased with
a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon
Thine altar.
The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and
invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all
worlds; Light of Light: very God of very God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father; by
Whom all things were made: Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was
incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under
Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried;
And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; And ascended into heaven, and sitteth at
the right hand of the God the Father; And He shall come again, with glory, to judge the living and the
dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with
the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets.
And I believe in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission
of sins. I look for he resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Prayer I, of St. Macarius the Great
O God, cleanse me a sinner, for I have never done anything good in thy sight; but deliver me from the
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evil one, and let Thy will be done in me, that I may open my unworthy mouth without condemnation,
and praise Thy holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto
the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer II, of the same saint:
Having risen from sleep, I offer unto Thee, O Saviour, the midnight hymn, and falling down I cry unto
Thee: Grant me not to fall asleep in the death of sin, but have compassion on me, O Thou Who wast
voluntarily crucified, and hasten to raise me who am reclining in idleness, and save me in prayer and
intercession; and after the night's sleep shine upon me a sinless day, O Christ God, and save me.
Prayer III, of the same saint:
Having risen from sleep, I hasten to Thee, O Master, Lover of mankind, and by Thy loving-kindness, I
strive to do Thy work, and I pray O Thee: Help me at all times, in everything, and deliver me from very
worldly, evil thing and every impulse of the devil, and save me, and lead me into Thine eternal kingdom.
For Thou art my Creator, and the Giver and Provider of every thing good, and in Thee is all my hope,
and unto Thee do I send up glory, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer IV, of the same saint:
O Lord, Who in Thine abundant goodness and Thy great compassion hast granted me, Thy servant, to
go through the time of the night that is past without attack from any opposing evil: Do Thou Thyself, O
Master, Creator of all things, vouchsafe me by Thy true light and with an enlightened heart to do Thy
will, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer V, of St. Basil the Great
O Lord Almighty, God of hosts and of all flesh, Who dwellest on high and lookest down on things that are
lowly, Who searchest the heart and innermost being, and clearly foreknowest the secrets of men; O
Unoriginate and Everlasting Light, with Whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning: Do Thou, O
Immortal King, receive our supplications which we, daring because of the multitude of Thy compassions,
offer Thee at the present time from defiled lips; and forgive us our sins, in deed; word, and thought,
whether committed by us knowingly or in ignorance, and cleanse us from every defilement of flesh and
spirit. And grant us to pass through the night of the whole present life with watchful heart and sober
thought, ever expecting the coming of the bright and appointed day of Thine Only-begotten Son, our
Lord and God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, whereon the Judge of all shall come with glory to reward each
according to his deeds. May we not be found fallen and idle, but watching, and upright in activity, ready
to accompany Him into the joy and divine palace of His glory, where there is the ceaseless sound of
those that keep festival, and the unspeakable delight of those that behold the ineffable beauty of Thy
countenance. For Thou art the true Light that enlightenest and sanctifiest all, and all creation doth hymn
Thee unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer VI, likewise by St. Basil:
We bless Thee, O Most High God and Lord of mercy, Who ever doest with us things both great and
inscrutable, both glorious and awesome, of which there is no measure; Who grantest to us sleep for rest
from our infirmities, and relaxation from the labors of our much-toiling flesh. We thank Thee that Thou
hast not destroyed us with our iniquities, but hast shown Thy loving-kindness to man as usual, and while
were lying in despair upon our beds, Thou hast raised us up that we might glorify Thy dominion.
Wherefore, we implore Thy boundless goodness: Enlighten the eyes of our understanding and raise up
our mind from the heavy sleep of indolence; open our mouth and fill it with Thy praise, that we may be
able steadily to hymn and confess Thee, Who art God glorified in all and by all, the Unoriginate Father
with Thine Only-begotten Son, and Thine All-Holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and
unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer VII, to the Most Holy Theotokos:
I sing of Thy grace, O Sovereign Lady, and I pray thee to grace my mind. Teach me to step aright in the
way of Christ's commandments. Strengthen me to keep awake in song, and drive away the sleep of
despondency. O Bride of God, by thy prayers release me, bound with the bonds of sin. Guard me by
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night and by day, and deliver me from foes that defeat me. O bearer of God the Life-giver, enliven me
who am deadened by passions. O bearer of the Unwaning Light, enlighten my blinded soul. O marvelous
palace of the Master, make me to be a house of the Divine Spirit. O bearer of the Healer, heal the
perennial passions of my soul. Guide me to the path of repentance, for I am tossed in the storm of life.
Deliver me from eternal fire, and from evil worms, and from Tartarus. Let me not be exposed to the
rejoicing of demons, guilty as I am of many sins. Renew me, grown old from senseless sins, O most
immaculate one. Present me untouched by all torments, and pray for me to the Master of all. Vouchsafe
me to find the joys of heaven with all the saints. O most holy Virgin, hearken unto the voice of thine
unprofitable servant. Grant me torrents of tears, O most pure one, to cleanse my soul from impurity. I
offer the groans of my heart to thee unceasingly, strive for me, O Sovereign Lady. Accept my service of
supplication and offer it to compassionate God. O thou who art above the angels, raise me above this
world's confusion. O Light-bearing heavenly tabernacle, direct the grace of the Spirit in me. I raise my
hands and lips in thy praise, defiled as they are by impurity, O immaculate one. Deliver me from soulcorrupting evils, and fervently intercede with Christ, to Whom is due honor and worship, now and ever,
and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer VIII, to our Lord Jesus Christ
O my plenteously-merciful and all-merciful God, Lord Jesus Christ, through Thy great love Thou didst
come down and become incarnate so that Thou mightest save all. And again, O Saviour, save me by Thy
grace, I pray Thee. For if Thou shouldst save me for my works, this would not be grace or a gift, but
rather a duty; yea, Thou Who art great in compassion and ineffable in mercy. "For he that believeth in
Me," Thou hast said, O my Christ, "shall live and never see death." If, then, faith in Thee saveth the
desperate, behold, I believe, save me, for Thou art my God and Creator. Let faith instead of works be
imputed to me, O my God, for Thou wilt find no works which could justify me. But may my faith suffice
instead of all works, may it answer for, may it acquit me, may it make me a partaker of Thine eternal
glory. And let not Satan seize me and boast, O Word, that he hath torn me from Thy hand and fold. But
whether I desire it or not, save me, O Christ my Saviour, forestall me quickly, quickly, for I perish. Thou
art my God from my mother's womb. Vouchsafe me, O Lord, to love Thee now as fervently as I once
loved sin itself, and also to work for Thee without idleness, diligently, as I worked before for deceptive
Satan. But supremely shall I work for Thee, my Lord and God, Jesus Christ, all the days of my life, now
and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer IX to the Holy Guardian Angel
O Holy Angel that standeth by my wretched soul and my passionate life, forsake not me, a sinner, nor
shrink from me because of mine intemperance. Give no place for the cunning demon to master me
through the violence of my mortal body, strengthen my poor and feeble hand, and guide me in the way
of salvation. Yea, O holy angel of God, guardian and protector of my wretched soul and body, forgive me
all wherein I have offended thee all the days of my life; and if I have sinned during the past night,
protect me during the present day, and guard me from every temptation of the enemy, that I may not
anger God by any sin. And pray to the Lord for me, that He may establish me in His fear, and show me,
His servant, to be worthy of His goodness. Amen.
Prayer X to the Most Holy Theotokos
O my most holy Lady Theotokos, through thy holy and all-powerful prayers, banish from me, thy lowly
and wretched servant, despondency, forgetfulness, folly, carelessness, and all filthy, evil, and
blasphemous thoughts from my wretched heart and my darkened mind. And quench the flame of my
passions, for I am poor and wretched, and deliver me from many and cruel memories and deeds, and
free me from all their evil effects. For blessed art thou by all generations, and glorified is thy most
honorable name unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer for the Salvation of Orthodox Christians under persecution:
O Lord Jesus Christ our God, forgive our iniquities. Through the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother,
save suffering Orthodox people from the yoke of the godless authorities. Amen.
Prayerful Invocation of the Saint Whose Name we bear:
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Pray unto God for me, O holy God-pleaser N, for I fervently flee unto thee, the speedy helper and
intercessor for my soul.
Song to the Most Holy Theotokos:
O Theotokos and Virgin, rejoice, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among
women, and blessed is the Fruit of by womb, for thou hast borne the Saviour of our souls.
Troparion to the Cross:
Save, O Lord, Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance; grant Thou victory to Orthodox Christians over
enemies; and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth.
Nicene Creed
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and
invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.
Light of light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by Whom all
things were made; Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of
the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man.
And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And the third day He
rose again, according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the
Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; Whose Kingdom shall have
no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father; Who with the Father
and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spoke by the prophets.
And in one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins.
I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.
The Paschal Hours
From the Great and Holy Sunday of Pascha through Bright Saturday, we read the Paschal Office in place
of Morning and Evening Prayers at our homes, as well as in place of Compline, Midnight Office, the
Hours, and the Prayers of Thanksgiving after Holy Communion. It is also read on the leave-taking of
Pascha. The instructions below account for when we say the Paschal Office privately at home or in
church worship.
-----------If a priest is present:
The priest: Bessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
-----------Or if there is no priest:
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.
-----------Page 38 of 40
Amen.
Paschal Apolytikion
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs, bestowing
life. (3 times)
Let Us Who Have Beheld
Let us who have beheld the Resurrection of Christ worship our holy Lord Jesus, Who is alone without sin.
We worship Thy Cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify Thy holy Resurrection. For Thou are our God,
and we know none other beside Thee, and we call upon Thy Name. Come, all ye faithful, let us worship
Christ's holy Resurrection, for behold, through the Cross joy hath come to the whole world. Forever
blessing the Lord, we praise His Resurrection. He endured the Cross for us, and by death destroyed
death. (3 times)
Hypakoe Of Pascha
When they who were with Mary came, anticipating the dawn, and found the stone rolled away from the
sepulchre, they heard from the Angel: Why seek ye among the dead, as though He were mortal man,
Him Who abideth in everlasting light? Behold the grave-clothes. Go quickly and proclaim to the world
that the Lord is risen, and hath put death to death. For He is the Son of God, Who saveth the race of
man.
Kontakion Of Pascha
Though Thou didst descend into the grave, O Immortal One, yet didst Thou destroy the power of Hades,
and didst arise as victor, O Christ God, calling to the myrrh-bearing women, Rejoice, and giving peace
unto Thine Apostles, O Thou Who dost grant resurrection to the fallen.
Troparia Of The Paschal Office
In the grave bodily; in Hades with Thy soul, though Thou wast God; in Paradise with the thief; and on the
Throne with the Father and the Spirit wast Thou Who fillest all things, O Christ the Uncircumscribable.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
How life-giving, how much more beautiful than paradise, and truly more resplenent than any royal
palace proved Thy grave, the source of our resurrection, O Christ.
Both now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Rejoice, O sanctified and divine tabernacle of the Most High; for through thee, O Theotokos, joy is given
to them that cry: Blessed art thou among women, O all-immaculate lady.
Lord, have mercy. (40 times)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; Both now and ever and unto the ages of
ages. Amen.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim, thou who
without stain bearest God the Word and art truly Theotokos, we magnify thee.
Bless, Father, in the Name of the Lord.
The priest: Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us.
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
-----------Page 39 of 40
Amen.
At Compline or Evening Prayers, we also say this prayer; otherwise, we proceed with Christ is risen... as
set forth below.
A Prayer of Saint Basil the Great
Blessed art Thou, O Almighty master, Who hast enlightened the day with the light of the sun and hast
illimined the night by the rays of fie, Who hast deemed us worthy to pass through the length of the day
and draw nigh to the beginning of the night. Hearken unto our supplication, and that of all Thy people.
Forgive all of us our sins, voluntary and involuntary, accept our evening entreaties, and send down the
multitude of Thy mercy and compassions upon Thine inheritance. Encompass us with Thy holy Angels;
arm us with the armor of Thy righteousness; surround us with Thy truth; protect us by Thy might;
deliver us from every grievous circumstance and from every conspiracy of the adversary. And grant
unto us that this evening together with the coming night and all the days of our life may be perfect,
holy, peaceful, sinless, without stumbling and vain imaginings; by the intercessions of the holy
Theotokos and of all the Saints who, from ages past, have been well-pleasing unto Thee. Amen.
-----------Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing
life. (3 times)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy spirit,
Father, bless.
The priest: Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us.
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing
life.
-----------Amen.
Source URL: http://www.peterandpaul.net/prayers-services
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Prayers and Services Order for Standalone Akathist without a Priest

Transcription

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