Translate

Showing posts with label Akathist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Akathist. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Akathist to St. Paisios the Athonite

Kontakion 1

Let us believers with one voice all praise him who was sent by God in these times of trial for our comfort and guidance, Paisius the wonderful, who struggled graciously and pleasingly for the Master, burning with love for the whole world and pledged his heart for us and for our salvation. And let us call out to him in thanksgiving, saying: Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!

Ikos 1

God ordained that thou wast born in the blessed land of Cappadocia, the cradle of a countless multitude of saints, to whom thou too wast added in perfect worthiness, shining forth together with them and unceasingly guiding us to repentance. Therefore we praise thee with great joy, saying:

Rejoice, for thou didst make thyself a precious follower of the saints of Cappadocia!

Rejoice, for thou didst wholly liken thyself to them as a true bearer of God!

Rejoice, most fair and fragrant flower, who hast blossomed for our enlightenment!

Rejoice, wellspring of heavenly grace, who refreshest the whole world!

Rejoice, sweetest food, who fillest the souls that are starved of right teaching!

Rejoice, receptacle that hast gathered all our weaknesses, troubles and sorrows!

Rejoice, pillar of fire, who art the unshakable support of those that desire to gain salvation!

Rejoice, star that shinest in the firmament of the Church, guiding us to the everlasting mansions!

Rejoice, for thou wast shown to be a blessing of God and a sign of His ineffable mercy!

Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!

Kontakion 2

O Blessed Father, thou wast chosen from thy mother's womb to give thyself up to God in all things and thus become a precious vessel unto Him, for the salvation and guidance of all that put their hope in thee. To Him, Who worked great wonders and mercy through thee, for such a blessing we all sing with joy the song: Alleluia!

Ikos 2

The baptism which thou, O Father, didst receive from the hands of the saint of God, Arsenius, was a sign of God’s grace resting on thee. For seeing thy many gifts in spirit, from thine early infancy he blessed thee to be his disciple and bear his name. Therefore, despite our unworthiness, we honour thee, saying:

Rejoice, for thou wast found worthy to be baptized by Saint Arsenius the Cappadocian!

Rejoice, for he foresaw all that was to come to pass with thee!

Rejoice, for his spirit rejoiced, seeing such blessed fruit sprung forth from the flock that he shepherded!

Rejoice, for on account of this he cared for thee unceasingly through all his earthly life!

Rejoice, for even after departing to heaven he did not forsake thee, but all the more interceded for thee!

Rejoice, for thou too didst honour him as befitting, piously reckoning him to be thy father in Christ!

Rejoice, for thou didst struggle heartily for his glorification, gathering testimonies of his wondrous life!

Rejoice, for the Saint of God blessed thee to find his most beloved relics, which became a fount of countless healings!

Rejoice, for lovingly thou didst lay his revered body in the monastery founded by thee at Souroti!

Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!

Kontakion 3

Moving to Greece because of the tyrannical Turkish persecution, thy parents came to the land of Konitsa, and, sacrificing thyself, O father, thou didst begin to ascend the godly ladder of perfection. For even since childhood, thou wast shown to be to be a guiding light for all those around thee, who, seeing thy precious gifts, glorified God, saying: Alleluia!

Ikos 3

Instructed by the example of thy parents, from a young age thou didst strive with burning zeal for the love of Christ, showing the deeds of a perfect man. For following thy blessed mother, before long thou didst begin to fast strictly and pray unceasingly to God, a hermit by life, yet a child by age. Wondering at the manliness of thy heart, with joy we sing to thee thus:

Rejoice, for still young thou didst wholly forsake the fleeting lusts of this world!

Rejoice, for through perfect fasting thou didst preserve unspoiled the crown of virginity!

Rejoice, for thy youth did not prevent thee from acquiring unceasing prayer in solitude!

Rejoice, for instead of revelling in childish games, thou didst delight in ever being with Christ and His saints!

Rejoice, for on account of this thou didst avoid the friendship of those that sundered thee from thine ardent love!

Rejoice, for thou didst not only strive for outward things, but also adorned thy soul with all virtue!

Rejoice, for thou didst follow the kindness and devoutness of thy blessed mother!

Rejoice, for she set thee an unspoiled example of love and utter self-sacrifice!

Rejoice, for we all wonder at the courage with which thou didst begin to fight the good fight!

Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!

Kontakion 4

Called to battle to defend thy country from the unbelievers, O Father, thou didst shine forth in thy boundless courage. For, wholly forsaking the love of self, thou didst ever seek to be amidst peril, in order to spare those that fought together with thee. And seeing this, they all thanked God for such support, saying: Alleluia!



Ikos 4

O Blessed Father, thou didst use the war as a means of sanctification, for thou didst unceasingly grow in love beyond passion, sacrificing thy soul for the sake of thy friends. And thus thou didst win immortal crowns from Christ our God, Who makes Himself a hundredfold reward for all sacrifice. Understanding this, we too hasten to bring words like these to praise thee:

Rejoice, for thou wast a wonderful example of utter self-sacrifice in battle!

Rejoice, for thou didst utterly scorn this earthly life, thus earning heavenly life!

Rejoice, for thou didst not lose thy piety in the dread perils which thou didst endure!

Rejoice, for through the greatness of thy soul, thou didst make thyself a light of sanctification to those around thee!

Rejoice, for thou didst help in and out of season all in trouble and sorrow!

Rejoice, for thou didst utterly overcome human fear, arming thyself with iron courage!

Rejoice, for fighting against the enemies of thy country, thou didst also secretly fight against the enemies of Thy soul!

Rejoice, for although thou didst wish to die in place of thy friends, God shielded thee as His most beloved one!

Rejoice, for through the wonderful power of thy soul, thou didst show us also the path to perfection!

Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!

Kontakion 5

With burning zeal thou didst forsake the world, O Father, and wholly dedicate thyself to Christ, joining the army of monks, who unceasingly struggle to overcome their nature. And in a short time thou didst become an angel in the flesh, wholly clothing thyself in Him, to Whom we too humbly sing: Alleluia!

Ikos 5

Thou didst withdraw to the blessed desert of Sinai in order to serve Christ, O Blessed Father, and overcoming the lusts of the world, thou didst become perfect man, shining forth with all virtue and burning with true love for God, Who through thee bestowed on us the abundance of His mercy. Therefore, despite our unworthiness, we too thank thee, saying:

Rejoice, angelic man, for thou didst reckon all worldly lusts as vanity!

Rejoice, for thou didst strive for three years in the harsh desert of Sinai!

Rejoice, for unknown by all, thou didst live there in a hidden cave, enduring heat and frost!

Rejoice, for there thou didst fight unto blood against all desires!

Rejoice, for through thy great meekness, thou hast utterly defeated the cunning demons!

Rejoice, for thou didst wash from thyself all the filth of sin, becoming a true light of Christ!

Rejoice, for thou didst begin to pray with fervent tears for the whole world!

Rejoice, for seeing thy overwhelming sacrifice, God filled thee with gifts beyond nature!

Rejoice, for in thy narrow cave, thou wast vouchsafed countless revelations of divine grace!

Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!

Kontakion 6

After fighting the good fight in Sinai, O Father, thou wast called by the Mother of God to her earthly garden, the Holy Mount of Athos, the blossom and light of Orthodoxy. And foreseeing there the place of thy perfection, thou didst thank the Most Holy Queen for her wondrous protecting veil, with which she unceasingly shieldeth the whole world from troubles and sufferings; and with joy thou didst sing to her Son the sweet song: Alleluia!

Ikos 6

Arriving on the Holy Mountain and taken to many places by the grace of God, thou didst ascend the ladder of holiness, O Blessed Father, like a wise bee gathering from everywhere the sweetest spiritual nectar. And afterward thou didst become the son of Father Tikhon, the Spirit-bearing Elder who was full of virtue and whom thou didst follow in absolute obedience. Therefore, with feeble voices we sing to thee thus:

Rejoice, for God foreordained glorification for thee on blessed Mount Athos!

Rejoice, for He entrusted thee to the care of His Most Pure Mother, Who guarded thee as Her beloved son!

Rejoice, for overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, thou didst wander over the whole Mountain, seeking out fathers of holy life!

Rejoice, for thou didst wonder at their unceasing prayers, through which God sheddeth His mercy on the whole world!

Rejoice, for thou didst strive to write their lives too, for the glory of God and the profit of men!

Rejoice, for afterward thou didst become the disciple of Blessed Father Tikhon, the one perfect in holiness!

Rejoice, for thou didst serve him with endless love, in all things trusting in his wise guidance!

Rejoice, for seeing thy utter obedience, God also gave thee the gift to abide in thy holy father!

Rejoice, for after his repose, Blessed Tikhon revealed to thee that he would pray for thee unceasingly!

Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!

Kontakion 7

Perfecting thyself in absolute love, thou didst make thyself a tool of God, Who began to work through thee with great power. For He made thee a comfort for all those that were troubled and a guide for those that were darkened in sin. We all thank God, O Father, for He gave thee to us for our salvation, and we sing to Him thus: Alleluia!



Ikos 7

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father that is in heaven, said the Saviour of the world with true voice. For in thee too, O Father, his word was fulfilled with all power. Therefore we praise thee too, saying:

Rejoice, thou who hast taught the world through books enlightened by the Holy Spirit!

Rejoice, thou who through words of great profit hast dispelled the ignorance of our times!

Rejoice, trumpet of the Spirit, who heralded to all the joy of repentance!

Rejoice, wondrous prophet, who showed us that we live in the end times!

Rejoice, merciful healer of all diseases which cannot be healed!

Rejoice, precious carer for all whose souls are burdened with sorrows!

Rejoice, godly oil, that hast cleansed all our wounds!

Rejoice, heavenly peace, that hast brought so many broken families back together!

Rejoice, skilful guide, that hast removed all devilish snares from among the people!

Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!

Kontakion 8

Seeing the terrible struggle conducted by the enemy of salvation against the family blessed by God, thou didst gird thyself with the weapon of the word, teaching spouses that only patience, long-suffering, forbearance and self-sacrifice with love can ensure the peace of their homes. Unceasingly we glorify God for sending thee, O Blessed Father, to show us the right way, and we sing: Alleluia!

Ikos 8

Give me Christian mothers and I will give you saints to change the world, said the godly Chrysostom. And touched by this truth, thou didst ever struggle with prayers and advice, showing faithful spouses that peace in the family is fruit of the Holy Spirit, and that they must wisely strive for this. We all thank thee for thine effort to bring healing to our families, so cruelly struck by temptations, saying:

Rejoice, intercessor before God for the harmony of those in married life!

Rejoice, for the faithful spouses whom thou didst advise to live in moderation and holiness!

Rejoice, for thou didst teach them lovingly and unselfishly to bear one another’s weaknesses!

Rejoice, for thou didst show the parents that through prayer the grace of God descendeth on the whole family, bringing peace and happiness!

Rejoice, for thou didst struggle against all sins, seeing them as the cause of the falling apart of families!

Rejoice, for thou didst make thyself an unyielding reprover of the horrible slaughter of infants!

Rejoice, for thou didst tell faithful mothers that through the example of their lives they can turn their children into saints!

Rejoice, for thou didst show the young that through obedience they attract the mercy of God and a peaceful life!

Rejoice, for thou didst beseech them to earn their parents’ blessing, through which cometh also the blessing of the Holy Spirit!

Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!

Kontakion 9

Let us now joyfully praise Paisius, our intercessor, who through his heartfelt prayers miraculously healed all our sufferings, both in body and soul. And let us sing with thanksgiving to God, Who is glorified in the Holy Trinity: Alleluia!

Ikos 9

O Father, thou didst make thyself the healer of all diseases through the gift given to thee by God. For burning with love and pity for those tormented by afflictions, thou didst selflessly pray for their relief, teaching them to thank God for all things. We all praise thee with one voice, saying:

Rejoice, strong weapon against the horrible disease of cancer!

Rejoice, tireless carer for those that suffer in terrible pain!

Rejoice, wellspring of healing, in which all those wounded in soul refresh themselves!

Rejoice, banisher of demons, for with thy meekness thou didst crush all the wickedness and tyranny of the devil!

Rejoice, most merciful father, for thou couldst not bear to see the people crushed under the weight of their sufferings of body and soul!

Rejoice, for on account of this thou didst take upon thyself all our troubles and sorrows!

Rejoice, for thou didst selflessly pray that God might give thee our weaknesses!

Rejoice, for thou didst teach us that all sorrows come through straying from God and His commandments!

Rejoice, thou who hast shown us that the reward for those that suffer with patience and glorify God is ineffable!

Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!

Kontakion 10

The Lord and Saviour of the world promised a great reward to those that would strive in righteousness for the perfection of others. And though a simple monk and unlearned in worldly things, thou, O Blessed Father, wast gifted with wisdom by the Spirit of the Lord Himself, to guide thousands on the path of salvation. Unto now thou prayest for them to God, to Whom with joy we too sing: Alleluia!


Ikos 10

On account of thy complete virtue, God adorned thee with gifts beyond nature, which thou didst use for His glory and the profit of men. For thou didst make thyself a father of countless believers, who, beset by the terrible temptations of our times, sought thee as a heavenly haven. And therefore we ask thee to accept us too among thy spiritual children and allow us to sing with thanksgiving to thee thus:

Rejoice, for thou didst teach the people to struggle against the evil thoughts sown in their minds by the enemy of our salvation!

Rejoice, for shining with the gift of discernment, thou didst at once reveal to thy sons whether their thoughts were from God or from the devil!

Rejoice, for by the grace of God thou knewest the depths of the hearts of men!

Rejoice, for having great wisdom, thou hast brought to naught all the cunning snares of the evil one!

Rejoice, for thou didst bring many to repentance through thine unfeigned love!

Rejoice, for thou didst make thyself a wise reproof of the proud and stubborn!

Rejoice, for thou wast a tender caress for those in despair and overwhelmed by temptations!

Rejoice, for thou didst weep unceasingly for all that looked to thee as a true hope of salvation!

Rejoice, for on the day of judgement thou shalt say to God with sweet joy: Behold I and the children that Thou hast given me!

Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!

Kontakion 11

Becoming a perfect monk, O Father, and full of the grace of God, thou didst make thyself the steadfast hope of the unconsoled souls of those who desired to dedicate themselves wholly to Christ. And in thy gifts they all saw in thee a guide enlightened by the Holy Spirit. Therefore we praise God, Who did not deprive His flock of shepherds of holy life, saying: Alleluia!

Ikos 11

Thou didst found a convent in Souroti, where thy finest spiritual daughters would dedicate themselves to Christ the Bridegroom with great love. And then thou didst lead them to perfection through thy most wondrous counsel, as a loving and long-suffering father, who is to us also an undeceiving guide. Therefore we all bless thee, saying:


Rejoice, for thou didst found the convent of Saint John the Theologian in Souroti!


Rejoice, for this became a haven of salvation for souls that thirsted for Christ!


Rejoice, for thou didst strive in and out of season to make the nuns into perfect brides of our Lord!


Rejoice, for thou didst teach them true monastic life, signifying to forsake the world and its lusts!


Rejoice, for thou didst strive unceasingly to kindle their zeal for blessed asectic feats!


Rejoice, for thou didst guide them to frequent confession of sins, through which all the devil’s works are utterly despoiled!

Rejoice, for thy counsel fell on fruitful earth and refreshed the whole world!

Rejoice, for thou didst struggle diligently against the spirit of this world, which doth terrible harm to monastic life!

Rejoice, for through thy courage and love thou didst make thyself an example of spiritual victory for all monks!

Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!

Kontakion 12

Great was the grace of God on thee, O Blessed Father, and also His great mercy, for on account of thy great self-sacrifice, the Almighty vouchsafed thee wonderful revelations and joys beyond belief. We too rejoice, seeing the reward that God giveth His saints, and we beg Him to make us too partakers thereof and we sing to Him: Alleluia!

Ikos 12

Even from this earth, O Father, thou didst taste of the joys of heaven, prepared by our All-Merciful God for all that serve Him with love. For although the struggles which the evil one conducted against thee were terrible, so much greater were the consolations through which God strengthened thee in virtue. Therefore, in humble praise, we sing to thee:



Rejoice, all-sweet light, through which Christ shineth forth to the whole world!


Rejoice, wonderful flame that thou kindlest in us with the love of God!


Rejoice, for thou didst make thyself the perfect abode of heavenly grace!


Rejoice, for in thee it bore all the fruits of holiness!


Rejoice, for God overwhelmed thee with His gifts beyond nature!


Rejoice, for thou didst taste of everlasting and uncreated light!

Rejoice, for thou didst live with the Saints as with thy close friends!

Rejoice, for the Most Gracious Mother of our Lord appeared to thee to strengthen thee in sorrows!

Rejoice, ineffable wonder, for thou wast vouchsafed to speak to Christ Our Lord and God Himself!

Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!


Kontakion 13

Thou, O Father, didst say with words enlightened by the Holy Spirit that many saints would have desired to live in our times, in order to strive for salvation. For Thou didst herald to us, who live in darkness, that the time is almost ready and that those that now struggle valiantly to win their salvation will receive a martyr’s reward. For this we thank God, Who with mercy looked on His people, sending His Saint for our enlightenment, and thus with voices of joy we gladly sing to our All-Gracious Master the song: Alleluia!

This Kontakion is read 3 times.

And then again Ikos 1: 
 God ordained that thou wast born ... and 
 
Kontakion 1: 
Let us believers with one voice all praise...Then this:


Prayer to our Blessed Father Paisius the Athonite

O beloved Father Paisius, thou that didst ascend the rungs of holiness and become perfect in virtue, therefore gaining boldness before our Merciful God, do thou pray to Him, Whom thou didst serve unceasingly all thy life, not to let us perish for the multitude of our sins, but to turn us back to blessed repentance. Thou, who on earth didst heal with such love our countless weaknesses, diseases both of body and soul, canst all the more now deliver us from all sufferings. So do thou have mercy on us, O Father, through thy immeasurable love and godly kindness, not forsaking us that are full of sins.

Do thou, who didst never tire of guiding us to salvation and bearing our weaknesses whilst thou wast here with us, now grant us too the wisdom to overcome the temptations which the wicked devil doth ever weave around us and through which he would destroy our souls for eternity. Enlighten us to know the will of God for us and pray to the Master that He might give us power to fulfill it with thanksgiving. Do thou, who didst set an unwavering example of courage and self-sacrifice, strengthen us also to follow Thy virtue, that we may win an everlasting crown, of which thou thyself wast found most worthy. Thus, O Father, do not forsake us, who ceaselessly anger our long-suffering God, but rather stand with boldness before His throne, interceding for us with tears, that God may give us for thy sake most dear salvation. And thus, thanking thee with all our heart for all that thou hast done and still doest for us, let us also thank our Most Gracious God, Who is glorified in the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen!


St. Paisios of the Holy Mountain (+1994)

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Akathist to St. John the Russian ( Commemorated May 27 )

 


Akathist to St. John the Russian, the New Confessor and Wonderworker, whose incorrupt Holy Relic is treasured in Neo Prokopion, Evia

Written by Nun Isidora Agierotheitissa


Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone
The perfect pinnacle of confession, and the divine example of humility, you willingly were steadfast amidst the bitterness, and your flesh shone forth with incorruption, let us honor John whose name is great, singing to him:
hail, O boast of the Russians.

You lived the life of the bodiless on earth in your physical flesh, O John, (3) and imitating the ranks of the Bodiless Angels, God Who fashioned you glorified you in wondrous and divine works. Therefore, you hear from those who are amazed by you such words as these:
Hail, the precious icon of piety,
Hail, rich support of the holy faith.
Hail, perfect one in godly struggles,
Hail, privileged one serving uplifted things.
Hail, the fair pinnacle of all the Righteous ones,
Hail, the sacred radiance of the confessors.
Hail, the most-precious joy of the Church,
Hail, the most-prided offspring of noble Russia.
Hail, lamp of the radiance of the saints,
Hail, treasury of incorrupt and sacred gifts.
Hail, O boast of the Russians.

Barbarians faced your nation in battle, and took you hostage, O all-blessed one, thus bringing you to Asia Minor, where you were sold to a terrible boss, while you totally submitted to him in slavery in your incomparable steadfastness, O Father. And being obedient to him as a humble slave, O John, to God, the guide of all things, you offered the hymn, chanting endlessly: Alleluia.

You willed to imitate Christ, and to suffer the divine Passion, therefore, you endured every insult, O John, in your gladsome and undoubting heart. And you drank their every ridicule and bitterness as a pleasant drink. Therefore, you ever gladden those you cry out to you words like these:
Hail, true steward of the God of all,
Hail, deferential servant of a vicious boss.
Hail, you who endured unspeakable evils,
Hail, you who were enriched with heavenly rewards.
Hail, you who endured the bitter yoke of slavery,
Hail, you who bore the Lord's yoke with joy.
Hail, divine mirror of mystical rays,
Hail, sacred treasury of God-given gifts.
Hail, anointer of the unspeakable mystagogy,
Hail, shining pearl of the Church.
Hail, lamp that shines upon the hearts of the faithful,
Hail, sun that speaks of the unwaning Christ.
Hail, O boast of the Russians.

In the rich home in which you served, a dinner was served, and through the grace of your Lord, you worked a great miracle through your piercing prayer, O Father. And from afar, O John, you sent food to your slave master in his own dish, thus granting him joy. While to God, Who dwells in the highest, you granted joy, as your burning heart chanted the hymn: Alleluia.

Having the most-pure fear of the Lord in your holy heart, O Father, as David the Prophet, you were enriched with perfect love. And through the spring of love, you approached God perfectly, and you meditated upon the law mindfully, O all-precious John, and called upon His name ceaselessly from the mouth of your heart. Therefore with incomparable care, you hearken upon us who call upon you ceaselessly:
Hail, the most-faithful worshipper of the God of all,
Hail, the bloodless Martyr of the Master of all.
Hail, you who were enriched with the great forbearance of Job,
Hail, you who unflinchingly gave a good witness.
Hail, you who traveled the straight path of turmoils,
Hail, you who bent the neck of your soul to Christ.
Hail, treasury of graces, full of divine fragrance,
Hail, river of wonders, and inheritance of fragrance.
Hail, the wealth of the Greeks, the incorruptible treasure,
Hail, perfect sharer of the mystical Table.
Hail, O boast of the Russians.

With the immense warmth of your fervor, O John, you followed Christ willingly, and you did not at all deny His holy and all-powerful name, O blessed one. You suffered many pains, but you were as a diamond amidst turmoils, that beautifies the Church of Christ. With the fiery rays of the confession which you gave before the godless rulers with a piercing voice, O Father, you ceaselessly spoke of God, and chanted the thrice-holy hymn, chanting in thanksgiving: Alleluia.

From Russia, O Father, you were transported to the holy land of Asia Minor as a slave. And by your righteous pains you cultivated the land, and harvested the fruit of the faith, offering it to God Who cultivated you. Through freedom in soul, you served Him, O Righteous John, and kept your mind free, giving glory to Him instead as is right. Therefore, for those who bless you, grant a godly mind and a pure heart, as we cry out to you with loud voices like this:
Hail, you who worked the mystical vineyard,
Hail, you who fed upon the grapes of your athletic pains.
Hail, for with precious tears you watered your pillow,
Hail, for with divine rejoicing you bestow harmony.
Hail, you who received a great talent from the hand of God,
Hail, you who greatly increased the portion given to you.
Hail, you who received the holy seed within the field of your heart,
Hail, you who bore fruit through the good word of your confession.
Hail, the good servant of every virtue,
Hail, the prudent disciple of the Master of all.
Hail, the boast of the Church and root of beautiful fruit,
Gail, the glory of the Righteous, and wonder of the Angels.
Hail, O boast of the Russians.

Willingly doing the will of the Lord, you eagerly served, O sacred John, and with your humble mindset you followed the commandments. Therefore, you rejoiced as you accepted the yoke of slavery for the love which He offered to us, as He took on the form of a servant in His great goodness. With utter desire in heart, and a joyous voice, you offered to Him the hymn and ode as is proper: Alleluia.

In your endurance, you dwelt within a dark stable with the horses, while in your heart you mystically beheld the light of Christ, and you hymned the Giver-of-light in truth, keeping the lamp of your soul lit through the illuminating rays of your all-holy prayers. I entreat you to drive away the darkness from my irrational soul, that I may rationally offer you this light-bearing ode, saying fervently these words in thanksgiving:
Hail, healer adorned with the beauty of confession,
Hail, steadfast and divine pinnacle of good struggles.
Hail, the most-joyous treasury of the spotless faith,
Hail, spotless treasury of joyous graces.
Hail, you who freely give from the treasury of the Saints,
Hail, you who strengthen the souls with precious wealth.
Hail, spring which brings the fragrant message of dispassion,
Hail, well that waters with the refreshment of the spirit.
Hail, for you wore the tattered garment of the flesh in humility, O Father,
Hail, for you gladden the soul with songs from above.
Hail, the perfect companion of servants,
Hail, the faithful servant of the divine will.
Hail, O boast of the Russians.

Though you lived under the dominion of deceived ones, you who trample upon the enemy, you preserved your heart, O wondrous John, and you founded a great tower of the strength of God in the house of your soul that was unassailable to all, in which you loudly spoke of God's greatness. Loudly speak to my mouth, through the boldness of your prayers, that I might totally resist the strength of the deceiver, and offer to the all-powerful God, along with the Angels, the hymn: Alleluia.

Shining with the beauty of your soul more than corruptible gold, you beautify the Church of Christ, O John, and with the golden rays of your holy deeds, you shine upon all of us with the beauty of the Master. Illumine the garment of my soul, which is soiled by the passions, through your bold intercessions, I entreat you, that I might hymn your fervent help, as is needful, and with all joy, ceaselessly saying to you words such as these:
Hail, container of healings, and river of wonders,
Hail, the most-speedy physician of incurable diseases.
Hail, you who exalted God through your wondrous works,
Hail, you who trampled upon the enemy through your unspeakable groans.
Hail, you who imitated well the endurance of Job,
Hail, for as another Lazarus, you persevered in poverty.
Hail, you who inherited well the wealth of Eden,
Hail, you who wisely found the great treasure.
Hail, for your flesh did not taste of corruption in death,
Hail, you who partake of the grace of incorruption upon the earth.
Hail, you who offer to God prayers of intercession,
Hail, protector of all the faithful, full of sympathy.
Hail, O boast of the Russians.

The precious members of your flesh, O Champion, bore the sacred marks of your confession, as you withstood many evils with your unswayable mind, and suffered hunger, and the bitterness of insults, which you drank as a river, and joyous food, from the eternal city of Eden, O John, in which dwell the choirs of the Righteous, and the sacred ranks of the Martyrs, and the cities of the divine confessors, as you chant ceaselessly unto God in Trinity the gladsome hymn in joy: Alleluia.

Dwelling in the divine house of the radiant and glorious trophy-bearer George in Asia Minor, you supplicated all day, and prayed all night, thus pleasing the Master of all, O John. Therefore, may you ever look graciously upon us who hymn you, granting remission of sins to our souls, and deep peace and transformation of the passions, that out of gratefulness we might cry to you in truth:
Hail, fund of prayer, and rule of continence,
Hail, river of love, and icon of gladsomeness.
Hail, for you imitated the heavenly ranks of the Cherubim,
Hail, for you illuminated the sacred ranks of the Righteous.
Hail, house of purity, and robe of cleanliness,
Hail, the highest imitator of the divine life.
Hail, you who took refuge in the divine church of Saint George,
Hail, for you pray with him to God, O Father.
Hail, you who accepted the passion of the Martyrs in the flesh,
Hail, you who joined with all those who confess God.
Hail, Christ's teacher of humility for us,
Hail, for you properly reached the height of dispassion.
Hail, O boast of the Russians.

You lived your life on earth as a stranger, but grew closer to Christ, Who estranged Himself for us on earth, that we might become friends and close to God, delivering us from our former disobedience, and making us sharers in the eternal joy, and that we be found in light. May your light-bearing prayers, O servant of the light, grant us every grace, O sacred John, that we be delivered from the darkness, and chant unto the Worker-of-light and Master of all, the great ode and never-silent hymn: Alleluia.

With your whole mind, O Father, you unwaveringly followed the Lord of all, Whom you desired from childhood, and Whose army you were numbered in out of obedience, inscribing His laws upon the tablets of your heart, and keeping them with exactness as a good servant, and from Whom you received divine grace as the reward for your efforts, and your face shone as did the Law-giver Moses. Therefore, do not cease to intercede for us, O good John, and make us worthy to keep the holy commandments, that we might be found in the radiant bridal chamber, and ever chant to you these good words:
Hail, perfect mystagogue of divine visions,
Hail, precious diner from the radiant Table.
Hail, friend of the Master and beloved son,
Hail, protector of the faithful, and sacred guide of brides.
Hail, you who glorified the immortal God below,
Hail, you who trampled upon the powerless enemy.
Hail, you who wondrously were true to your Christian name,
Hail, stream of wonders, and river of healings.
Hail, the joyfulness of the Russians and the sweetness of the Greeks,
Hail, the lamp of Evia and the adornment of the Church.
Hail, the holy shield of confessors,
Hail, the purity and gladness of the Athletes of the Lord.
Hail, O boast of the Russians.

Every painful notion you endured with joy, as you were shown to be a tower of strength against every enemy, O John, utterly revealing their machinations, and receiving the crown from the hand of Him Who works all things. Through your prayers, O Father, make us worthy to be victorious over [the enemy's] machinations, and to raise up the trophies of godly victory in strength, and strength of life, that we might all cry out the victorious ode: Alleluia.

The Russian people take refuge in your holy memory, and skip and magnify God, O John, for He gave you to them as an all-holy root. Asia Minor also dances in glory, for you blessed her through your pains and holy struggles. And Evia also sings, and the noble island rejoices, being joyously enriched with your wondrous body, which transforms corruption, and turns beyond, calling the Greeks, and every city and people that bears the name of Christ to cry out to you these words graciously:
Hail, you who drank insults as sweet water,
Hail, you who took reproach as joyous food.
Hail, you who bore the marks of the Lord in your flesh,
Hail, you who bear the seal of incorruption in it.
Hail, for you offered yourself to the King of all,
Hail, for you ever stand before His throne in heaven.
Hail, you who in slavery were proven as gold,
Hail, you who are full of gold, and shine upon the earth.
Hail, you who quenched the fire of the furnace through your pains,
Hail, you who saved your flesh from corruption in the flames.
Hail, you who saved the disciple from terrible danger,
Hail you who fill every heart with wonder.
Hail, O boast of the Russians.

We venerate your incorrupt body in piety, O John, and we bless the immortal God, Who delivered every race of man from death, and through His Third-day Resurrection, resurrected us. We sing to Him in joyous voices faithfully, praising the strength of His wonders, the multitude of His miracles, and we cry from our hearts, with the Angelic choirs, the joyous hymn and cherubic ode: Alleluia.

Foreseeing your blessed repose, O John, you sought to partake of the Spotless Mysteries, that you might be born into the life of eternal communion. These were brought to you by a priest in an apple, hidden as a treasure from the faithless enemies. Having received the Mysteries within your soul, O Father, you gave your soul to God. We ever glorify Him, as the Author of our life, and we all say these to you from our heart, ceaselessly:
Hail, the most-precious temple of divine gifts,
Hail, the most-radiant container of precious virtues.
Hail, you who bear the good news of your calling from above,
Hail, you who enrich with the fragrance of the Holy Spirit.
Hail, you who founded within the zeal and steadfastness of the Martyrs,
Hail, for having them in mind, you imitated their life.
Hail, you who who copied the lives of all the Righteous Ones.
Hail, you who reached the hymnody of the Angelic ranks.
Hail, you who remained for many years in the dark stable,
Hail, you who ever dwell in the pastures of light.
Hail, you who adorn the Church of Christ,
Hail, you who beautify the holy island of Evia.
Hail, O boast of the Russians.

Having burned up every evil material within yourself, you were offered to the Church as an all-fragrant harbor, gladdening the faithful with the grandeur of virtues. Therefore, at your holy memory, O John, we weave godly crowns with flowers, out of debt, and rightly engrave a hymn, honoring you from our soul, for the Lord also, in great joy, placed a crown upon your head, O Father, and we chant together: Alleluia.

Beholding light from your grave as a pillar of fire, you told to those there clearly, O John, of your life full of light which you struggled in on earth, and the boldness which you were eternally enriched with by the Father of Lights. As you never leave His hand, we entreat you to extend your hand, that we be delivered from the darkness, and walk in the light of the commandments, as your servants ceaselessly hymn the Giver-of-light and Savior, the Redeemer Jesus, and ceaselessly say to you with one voice:
Hail, lamp of the Light that drives away the darkness of passions,
Hail, for you lit within your soul a lamp with the light of the virtues.
Hail, you who gladden the hearts of the faithful with your light,
Hail, you who make joyous the holy Church with your beauty.
Hail, man of godly and holy desires,
Hail, divine lover of sacred commandments.
Hail, you who adorn the firmament above,
Hail, you who strengthen the souls of all through the wood of the Cross.
Hail, spring of divine things, and life-giving waters,
Hail, infinite stream of unspeakable wonders.
Hail, tree that bears the fruit of Paradise,
Hail, flower that carries the fragrance of the Comforter.
Hail, O boast of the Russians.

Rejoicing that your time of bitter slavery had come to an end, your holy soul passed to the hand of God, and inherited joy in truth, O John, as you ever rejoice together with the choirs of the Angels. Let us all hail you, speaking to the Athlete of the Lord, celebrating his radiant memory with fervor, and embracing his sacred body with faith. And the choir claps on earth in harmony, while those in the heavens cry out the ode, to God in the highest, ever chanting to Him: Alleluia.

Truly surpassing the sands of the sea, O Father, are the multitude of your wonders, which you pour upon the faithful, who out of debt approach your sacred church, and entreat your intercessions, O sacred John, that we be delivered from sicknesses and from the assaults of the passions, as we cry out willingly with a glad heart:
Hail, healer of sicknesses, and driver-out of demons,
Hail, fountain of wonders, and mixing-bowel of blessing.
Hail, you who shine as a star with the Three-rays of light,
Hail, you who dissipate the soul-corrupting mist of the passions.
Hail, you grant to all the true wealth of the Master,
Hail, you who pour forth incorruptible treasure for the faithful.
Hail, divine harbor which grants salvation to souls,
Hail, you who befriend us with the Prince of peace.
Hail, you who truly bring forth strange wonders,
Hail, for your flesh was wondrously estranged from corruption.
Hail, pillar of Russia and treasure of Greece,
Hail, unsleeping protector of the whole world.
Hail, O boast of the Russians.

O All-holy Father, the height of divine confessors, and newly-illumined star, O John, (3) you who received the experience of the Martyrs in your precious body, and the sweat of the Righteous, and willingly endured toils, and received a crown upon your head from your beloved Master, and were honored by incorruption of your holy flesh: grant us the honor of incorruption in the heavens, through your prayers and uplifted hands, that we find the glory of eternal life, with all those who have been saved. To the Lord, Whom you stand before, we offer the ode, crying out with the Bodiless ones ceaselessly: Alleluia.

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!