Akathist Hymn to Saint George, Great Martyr and Trophy-bearer

Kontakion 1

Unto thee, O champion leader and victorious Saint George, we offer a hymn of praise as unto our intercessor and speedy helper. Do thou, holy Great Martyr, as one who hath boldness before the Lord, deliver us from dangers of all kinds that we may cry unto thee:

Rejoice, Saint George, Great Martyr and Trophy-bearer.

Ikos 1

The Creator of angels and Maker of all creation hath revealed thee unto His Church as a guardian and passion-bearer for the faith. Thou art an inspiration for us, and we lift up praises unto thee for the ascetic labors of thy sufferings, Saint George, in this manner:

Rejoice, thou who didst love unto the end Jesus, the Son of God.

Rejoice, thou who didst lay down thy life with love for His Name.

Rejoice, confessor called forth by God.

Rejoice, spiritual athlete glorified by the grace of God.

Rejoice, thou who dwellest with the angels.

Rejoice, thou who art the equal of the prophets.

Rejoice, Saint George, Great Martyr and Trophy-bearer.

Kontakion 2

Beholding how the wicked idolaters were persecuting the Christians, thou didst not fear their wiles and tortures, divinely wise George. As a good soldier of Christ, thou didst distribute all thy possessions among the poor, and then didst voluntarily run to that ungodly gathering, singing unto Christ, thy commander and God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Mentally comprehending the One God divinely worshipped in Three Persons, with a firm mind thou didst confess Him before the assembly of the ungodly. Thus, thou didst expose the unwise king’s foolish worship of creation. In admiration of thy lofty love of wisdom, Saint George, accept from us these fervent praises:

Rejoice, wise preacher of the One True God.

Rejoice, faithful advocate of the All-Holy Trinity.

Rejoice, thou who didst manifest the great mystery of the True Faith unto the unbelievers.

Rejoice, thou who didst expose the deception of idol worship.

Rejoice, revelation of holy wisdom.

Rejoice, image of divine inspiration.

Rejoice, Saint George, Great Martyr and Trophy-bearer.

Kontakion 3

The power of God, which enlighteneth every man that cometh into the world, did visit thee also, whilst thou wast suffering in prison, O George wise in humility. Thou didst despise all the corruptible things of this life as chaff. Thou didst faithfully cling unto Christ alone, that after fighting the good fight for His Name, thou mightest be granted eternally to chant with the angels: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Possessing a mind and heart enlightened by the Holy Ghost, by His inspiration thou wast fervent to struggle for the Name of Christ, even unto blood. Standing courageously in the faith, thou didst expose the puffed-up pride of the ungodly congregation. Let us, then, come to thee, most wonderful George, singing praises unto thee:

Rejoice, shield lifted for preservation of piety.

Rejoice, sword raised for the beheading of evil.

Rejoice, confirmation of the Christian Church.

Rejoice, comfort of those gathered in prayer.

Rejoice, encouragement of the faithful.

Rejoice, fear and disgrace of the unbelievers.

Rejoice, Saint George, Great Martyr and Trophy-bearer.

Kontakion 4

The mad persecutor, breathing murder against thee, O passion-bearer George, longed for thy blood like a thirsty dog, ordering thy body stretched out on a wheel and giving thee over unto the most evil torments. Wherefore thou, taking strength in the Lord, with hope and trust in God didst cry aloud: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

When Diocletian and the priest of the idols heard words of wisdom from thee, they were enraged with hatred for thee, and even more so when thou didst say: O tormentor king, why dost thou torture me in vain? For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. The faithful therefore humbly cry unto thee, O George of great fame, in this way:

Rejoice, thou who didst shed thy blood upon the wheel for thy courageous confession of the Faith.

Rejoice, thou who didst magnify the triumph of the Faith by thy blood.

Rejoice, zealot together with the apostles.

Rejoice, imitator of the voluntary Passion of Christ.

Rejoice, unshakable champion of the Faith.

Rejoice, passion-bearer harder than adamant.

Rejoice, Saint George, Great Martyr and Trophy-bearer.

Kontakion 5

Thou wast as a star sent by God, O Saint George, for with thy miraculous healing and release from the wheel by an angel before the eyes of all, thou didst enlighten the unbelievers to believe in the Trinity in One Essence, and to sing unto Him together with thee: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

The people beheld the miracles of the power of God so clearly taking place in thee, and meekly accepted the teaching of Christ from thee. They cried aloud, saying: Truly great is the God of the Christians. It is fitting that we also sing praises unto thee, George worthy of glory, and so we cry out thus:

Rejoice, thou who didst disperse the darkness of unbelief by the radiant word of salvation.

Rejoice, thou who didst convert unbelievers unto Christ by thy martyr’s confession of faith.

Rejoice, thou who didst lead legions of earthly soldiers unto the heavenly army.

Rejoice, thou who dwellest with the heavenly hosts as a soldier of Christ.

Rejoice, glory of courageous soldiers.

Rejoice, beauty of the all-radiant choirs of martyrs.

Rejoice, Saint George, Great Martyr and Trophy-bearer.

Kontakion 6

Zealous in faith, like unto those Spirit-bearing preachers, the apostles, thou wast crucified unto the world, O Martyr George. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the sea monster, thou wast hurled headlong into the furnace of the lime pit — that through thy life might be manifested the glory of the Lord Who is wondrous in His saints. Henceforth in the lime pit as in a temple of glory, thou didst noetically cry out: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Having shone forth in His Resurrection from the tomb on the third day, Jesus, the Almighty Conqueror of hades and death, did save thee from corruption, O victorious George. After three days thou wast found alive in the lime pit, with thy hands lifted and singing unto God. The ungodly were sore afraid and stricken with terror, but we rejoice and compose a hymn of victory unto thee:

Rejoice, thou who didst cast down the puffed-up pride of the devil by thy being cast down in disgrace into the lime pit.

Rejoice, thou who didst overcome the persecutor’s bestiality by thy miraculous salvation from God.

Rejoice, for as one without guile, thou didst pray as for benefactors for those who worked evil against thee.

Rejoice, for thou wast zealous for their conversion as Paul was for the Jews.

Rejoice, man of spiritual desires.

Rejoice, victor through the power of Christ.

Rejoice, Saint George, Great Martyr and Trophy-bearer.

Kontakion 7

Desiring by any means to ensnare thy heart for service to the idols, the wicked persecutor contrived to mislead thee by magical spells. Therein thou, chosen of God, didst cry out with David: In God is my salvation and my glory, and didst faithfully chant unto Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

That evil servant of Satan, Diocletian , revealed a new villainy. In his insane zeal for the idols, he ordered thee to be given poison, Saint George, but thou wast filled with faith and hope. Even though thou didst drink the deadly poison, yet thou didst remain unharmed, O praised-one of God. We marvel at thy holiness and sing unto thee:

Rejoice, for thou wast not disgraced by thy hope in the living God.

Rejoice, for thou didst count thy torment as nothing.

Rejoice, expeller of soul-destroying demons.

Rejoice, destroyer of the wiles of magicians.

Rejoice, through thee God is shewn to be wondrous in His saints.

Rejoice, through thee the Name of Christ is piously glorified.

Rejoice, Saint George, Great Martyr and Trophy-bearer.

Kontakion 8

There came to the wicked king a strange and terrible counsel from a certain wizard: that he command thee, as proof of the truth of the Christian Faith, by thy word to resurrect a dead man. Thou, Saint George, having no doubt whatsoever, didst sing unto Him Who is not the God of the dead but the God of the living: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

The all-desirable and Sweetest Jesus, Whom thou lovest with all thy soul and heart, most blessed George, attended to the fervent prayer of thy faith and speedily commanded the resurrection of the dead man at thy word. This was to the glorification of His Name and the confirmation of the faithful, so that the unbelievers and the blind might be astounded and thereby gain knowledge of God. For this reason, we dutifully cry unto thee:

Rejoice, through thee the Lord of hosts manifested wonders.

Rejoice, through thee He resurrected a dead man from the tomb.

Rejoice, thou who didst grant the mental vision of faith unto the blinded wizard.

Rejoice, thou who didst shew the way to the Holy of Holies unto many who suffered for Christ.

Rejoice, astonishment of Rome.

Rejoice, exaltation of the Christian race.

Rejoice, Saint George, Great Martyr and Trophy-bearer.

Kontakion 9

All the angels rendered praise unto God, Who granted thee such courage, victorious George, that even when locked up in prison thou didst not cease to keep vigil in prayer. As a great communicant of the mystery of divine grace, thou wast vouchsafed to behold the Lord in a vision. He crowned thy head with the crown of incorruption, so that we might cry out with thee: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The learned orators are unable with their rhetorical tongues to render worthy praises unto thee, Martyr George, for thy labors and sufferings which thou didst assume voluntarily for Christ and the Church. We also, not knowing how to properly praise thee, chant this hymn with faith:

Rejoice, by thy voluntary suffering for Christ and the Church thou didst crucify the old Adam in thyself.

Rejoice, by thy courageous suffering thou didst receive a crown of righteousness from the Lord.

Rejoice, rule of pious zeal.

Rejoice, model of self-sacrifice.

Rejoice, for thou didst please not thyself, but Christ alone.

Rejoice, for thou wast prepared for any form of death for the sake of thy Saviour, Christ.

Rejoice, Saint George, Great Martyr and Trophy-bearer.

Kontakion 10

Desiring to save the souls perishing in idolatry, O Saint George, lover of God, thou wast zealous for God like Elijah. Entering into the temple of the idols, by the power of God thou didst drive out the demons, shattering the idols and putting the priests to shame. Thereafter as conqueror, not with men but with angels, thou didst chant unto God: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

More unfeeling than a wall, thy hard-hearted tormentor, O Great Martyr, did not see God, Who so clearly worked miracles through thee, but to the end remained as an asp, stopping his ears. He commanded thee to be executed as a criminal by beheading. Though grieving over the loss of his soul, thou didst joyfully accept thine end, for which we praise thee with love in this manner:

Rejoice, thou who didst keep faith, hope and love unto the end.

Rejoice, thou who didst work many great miracles at thy beheading.

Rejoice, thou who wast crowned to the glory of God’s goodwill toward those on earth.

Rejoice, thou who wast adorned with majesty in Heaven.

Rejoice, man of God.

Rejoice, good soldier of Christ.

Rejoice, Saint George, Great Martyr and Trophy-bearer.

Kontakion 11

Thou didst render a hymn unto the Most Holy Trinity exceeding others, holy Saint George, not in word and mind only, but by the living sacrifice of thy whole self. Imitating Him Who was crucified for us, Christ the Lamb without blemish, thou didst voluntarily lay down thy life for thy friends. Even though we are incapable of praising such courage as thine, for no man hath greater love than this, yet being grateful we sing unto Him Who is wondrous in the saints: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

A light-receiving lamp of the True Light art thou to those on earth, Saint George, chosen of God, for thou dost enlighten the hearts of the faithful and dost guide them all unto divine understanding, instructing us also to joyfully cry aloud:

Rejoice, for thou dost dwell in the all-radiant angelic mansions.

Rejoice, for thou dost commune of the never-waning light of the Trinity not in a mirror, but face to face.

Rejoice, provider for the needy and defender of the wronged.

Rejoice, healer of the infirm and support of kings.

Rejoice, champion of Orthodox soldiers in battle.

Rejoice, fervent intercessor for the salvation of sinners.

Rejoice, Saint George, Great Martyr and Trophy-bearer.

Kontakion 12

Knowing the grace granted by God, we celebrate thy memory, Great Martyr George. Running with fervent prayer to thy miraculous icon, we are protected by thine all-powerful help in the Lord as by an invincible wall. In praise of thine aid to others, we fervently cry unto God: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Hymning thy glorious end, by which thou wast magnified as a good soldier of Christ, we pray thee, O passion-bearer and helper in all good for us: Protect us as we earnestly cry unto thee:

Rejoice, by thee the Church of the faithful is enlightened.

Rejoice, for thy name is praised even among the infidels.

Rejoice, wondrous glory of the confessors.

Rejoice, lofty praise of the martyrs.

Rejoice, protector of those who honour thy memory.

Rejoice, deliverer of those who confess Christ God.

Rejoice, Saint George, Great Martyr and Trophy-bearer.

Kontakion 13

Most blessed and holy Great Martyr George, accept our hymn of praise and deliver us from every evil by thy fervent intercession unto God, so that we may sing with thee: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

(Repeat Kontakion 13 three times.)

Kontakion 1 (repeated)

Unto thee, O champion leader and victorious Saint George, we offer a hymn of praise as unto our intercessor and speedy helper. Do thou, holy Great Martyr, as one who hath boldness before the Lord, deliver us from dangers of all kinds that we may cry unto thee:

Rejoice, Saint George, Great Martyr and Trophy-bearer.

Ikos 1 (repeated)

The Creator of angels and Maker of all creation hath revealed thee unto His Church as a guardian and passion-bearer for the faith. Thou art an inspiration for us, and we lift up praises unto thee for the ascetic labors of thy sufferings, Saint George, in this manner:

Rejoice, thou who didst love unto the end Jesus, the Son of God.

Rejoice, thou who didst lay down thy life with love for His Name.

Rejoice, confessor called forth by God.

Rejoice, spiritual athlete glorified by the grace of God.

Rejoice, thou who dwellest with the angels.

Rejoice, thou who art the equal of the prophets.

Rejoice, Saint George, Great Martyr and Trophy-bearer.

A Prayer

Great Martyr George, we hasten to thee for triumph over every torment and distress and over all pride and passion, that we may glorify Jesus Christ as zealous conquerors of this world and heirs of the Heavenly Kingdom. We acknowledge our unworthiness of such holy victory but, in praise of the courage, hope and trust which thou hast demonstrated throughout thy life and into thy martyrdom, we lovingly beseech thine aid in battle against sin. Pray for us, Saint George, that we may be granted the grace to confess the Faith before others and to fulfill the Commandments under all circumstances and among all people. Let us witness of Christ the Lord that everyone might see His radiant light and believe in His holy teachings. Amen

Άγιος Παΐσιος Αγιορείτης - Ομιλία Μητροπολίτου Μόρφου Νεοφύτου

Γιατί οι χριστιανοί παρασύρονται στις μαγείες; ( Πνευματικοί Διάλογοι με Ρουμάνους Πατέρες )

Διότι εξέλειπε απ' αυτούς η πίστης και ο φόβος του Θεού· διότι σήμερα δεν προσεύχονται σχεδόν καθόλου, ώστε να εκπληρωθούν τα αιτήματα των με την προσευχή και να μη τρέχουν στις μαγείες. Δεν διαβάζουν σήμερα την Αγία Γραφή για να δουν Τι τιμωρίες περιμένουν τους ασχολούμενους μ' αυτά.

Δεν πηγαίνουν τακτικά στην εκκλησία, δεν εξομολογούνται ούτε ακόμη στις τέσσερες μεγάλες νηστείες, δεν ζητούν στις ανάγκες των την συμβουλή και την ευχή του Ιερέως.

Επί πλέον τρέχουν πολλοί στις μαγείες διότι ξέχασαν τις υποσχέσεις πού έδωσαν στον Χριστό, στο μυστήριο του Βαπτίσματος, όταν είπαν: "Αποτάσσομαι τω σατανά και πάσι τοις έργοις αυτού και πάση τη πομπή αυτού...". Άλλοι πηγαίνουν στους μάγους επειδή δεν εκπληρώθηκαν τα αιτήματα των στην Εκκλησία του Χριστού, ή διότι λησμόνησαν τον θάνατο και την ημέρα της μελλούσης Κρίσεως του Χριστού.

Γι' αυτό οι Άγιοι Πατέρες μας συμβουλεύουν να τρέχουμε μόνο στον Θεό, μόνο στην Εκκλησία και τους Ιερείς και όχι στον διάβολο και τους υπηρέτες του.

Ο άγιος Ιωάννης ο Χρυσόστομος μας συμβουλεύει, λέγοντας: "Σας παρακαλώ να είσθε καθαροί απ' αυτές τις απάτες... και όταν θελήσουν να πατήσουν το κατώφλι του σπιτιού σου (μάγοι) να λέγεις πρώτα - πρώτα αυτό τον λόγο: "Σε αρνούμαι σατανά, με όλη την τιμή και την συνοδεία σου και ενώνομαι με Σένα, Χριστέ!". Χωρίς αυτή την απόφαση ποτέ σου να μη εξέλθεις από το σπίτι σου.

Αυτή η πίστης σου να σου γίνει βακτηρία, αυτή να γίνει όπλο, αυτή φρουρός και προστάτης και συγχρόνως να κάνης το σημείο του σταυρού στο μέτωπο σου.

Διότι, εάν μ' αυτό τον τρόπο θα οπλιστείς από παντού, όχι μόνο άνθρωπος αλλά ούτε και διάβολος ακόμη δεν θα σε πλησίαση ούτε θα μπορέσει να σε βλάψει σε τίποτε" (Ένθα' ανωτέρω). 

Πνευματικοί Διάλογοι με Ρουμάνους Πατέρες

Σώσον Κύριε τον λαόν σου - Ιερα Μονή Ξηροποτάμου

Akathist Hymn to the Holy Prophet David, King of Israel

Whose memory the Holy Church celebrates on the
 Sunday after the  Nativity of Christ

                              Kontakion I

    With hymns and psalms let us honor the holy King David, who of all the sons of Israel was chosen by God to reign over His elect, and, through his seed, gave rise in the flesh to the Messiah, our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ; and let us say unto him: As thou wast delivered from hades by our Redeemer at His glorious resurrection, and standest now with boldness before the throne of His divine majesty, teach us to sing to Him a new song, that we may cry unto thee:

Rejoice, O holy king and prophet David, thou ancestor of God and singer of His praises!

Ikos I

    When Saul, the King of Israel, disobeyed the command of God, and the Lord rejected him from being king, He sent His high priest, the holy Prophet Samuel, to Bethlehem of Jud?a, where he took David, the least among the sons of Jesse, from among the flocks of the fields, and anointed him king with a horn of oil, so that the Spirit of the Lord came upon the holy youth. Wherefore, mindful of his humility and favor before the Lord, we cry unto him:
    Rejoice, for thou didst not walk in the counsel of the ungodly;
    rejoice, for thou didst not stand in the way of sinners!
    Rejoice, for thy will was in the law of the Lord;
    rejoice, for in His law thou didst meditate day and night!
    Rejoice, for thou wast established as king by God;
    rejoice, for thou didst proclaim His commandments!
    Rejoice, for thou didst serve the Lord with fear;
    rejoice, for thou didst rejoice in Him with trembling!
    Rejoice, for the Lord was thy Helper and glory;
    rejoice, for when thou didst cry unto Him, He heard thee!
    Rejoice, for God smote all who without cause were thine enemies;
    rejoice, for His blessing was ever upon thee, who put thy trust in Him!

Rejoice, O holy king and prophet David, thou ancestor of God and singer of His praises!

Kontakion II

    When the Spirit of God departed from King Saul, the Lord permitted an evil spirit to trouble him. Then the servants of the king counselled him to seek a skillful harp player, that whenever the demon would assail him, the sweet music of the harp would stave it off. Wherefore, Saul dispatched a messenger unto Jesse in Bethlehem, saying: "Send me David, thy son, who is with the sheep." And whensoever the evil spirit vexed the king, David would take his harp and play; and Saul was refreshed, and the demon departed from him, so that he cried: Alleluia!

Ikos II

    In those days, the idolatrous Philistines, the enemies of God's people, gathered their armies together to smite Israel, and chief among their hosts was Goliath of Gath, a giant in stature, who challenged the mighty warriors of Saul's army to single combat; but in their sore fear at the sight of him they fled from before his face. Yet though he was but a youth, David went forth to meet the foe, taking up five smooth stones and his shepherd's sling, and smote the ungodly warrior a blow to the forehead, so that he fell dead upon the earth. Wherefore, we cry unto him:
    Rejoice, for thou didst go forth against the enemy in the name of the Lord of hosts;
    rejoice, for thou didst bring him low in the name of the God of the armies of Israel, Whom he had defied!
    Rejoice, for the Lord delivered him into thy hand;
    rejoice, for thou didst smite him as he blasphemed the living God!
    Rejoice, through thee all the people knew that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear;
    rejoice, for the battle was the Lord's, and He gave it into thy hands!
    Rejoice, for, seeing their champion fallen, the enemies of God's people did flee;
    rejoice, for the Philistines were driven out of Judah and Israel!
    Rejoice, for thou didst break asunder the bonds of the foe!
    rejoice, for thou didst cast away their yoke from the people of the Lord!
    Rejoice, for the righteous wrath of God was kindled against His enemies;
    rejoice, for the Lord wrought a great salvation for all Israel!

Rejoice, O holy king and prophet David, thou ancestor of God and singer of His praises!

Kontakion III

    When the holy David returned from slaying the enemy of the Lord, the women of Israel came forth and joyfully sang his praises with timbrels and instruments of music; then Saul the king was moved to envy and jealousy, and sought occasion to slay him. But Jonathan, the son of the king, full of godly love, made covenant with David, to be his brother forever; and so great was their friendship and loyalty one to another that, pondering it, we are all moved to cry: Alleluia!

Ikos III

    David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of the king, and his name grew in the esteem of the people; but the hatred which Saul the king nurtured against him increased, and he sought to slay him with a javelin. Then fled the righteous youth from the king's presence and went to the holy Prophet Samuel, the high priest of the Lord; and though the king sent many to arrest him, and at length came himself to take him, yet the Spirit of the Lord rendered all of them unable to act. Wherefore, perceiving God's mercy toward those who set their trust on Him, we cry:
    Rejoice, for when thou didst call upon the Lord, He hearkened unto thee;
    rejoice, for in thine affliction He enlarged thee!
    Rejoice, for God had compassion upon thee and heard thy prayer;
    rejoice, for He made wondrous His holy one!
    Rejoice, for the light of the countenance of the Most High was signed upon thee;
    rejoice, for He gave gladness to thy heart!
    Rejoice, for the Lord alone made thee to dwell in hope;
    rejoice, for in peace didst thou lay thyself down and sleep!
    Rejoice, for when thou didst awake, He helped thee;
    rejoice, for thou didst sacrifice a sacrifice of righteousness, and hoped in the Lord!
    Rejoice, for the King of heaven attended to the voice of thy supplications;
    rejoice, for thou didst worship in His holy tabernacle, in the fear of Him!

Rejoice, O holy king and prophet David, thou ancestor of God and singer of His praises!

Kontakion IV

    When David fled from Saul the king, who unjustly desired his death, he went to the tabernacle of the Lord, to the priest Ahimelech, and asked him for bread for himself and his companions in flight; and the pious priest, seeing his need, gave him all that he had-the hallowed loaves of showbread, which had been sanctified and offered in sacrifice unto the Most High-and they did eat. This deed did our Savior Jesus Christ in latter times recount, rebuking the hypocritical Pharisees, who had accused Him and His disciples of violating the law of God; for, blinded by their malice, they were incapable of singing: Alleluia!

Ikos IV

    As David hid from Saul, many joined him in the wilderness to share his privations; but when the king learned that Ahimelech the priest and those with him had given David food and a sword, he accused them of treason and commanded his henchman to slay them all, eighty-five in number. But when he heard of this crime, David lamented the slaughter of the innocent ministers of God, and took the son of Ahimelech under his protection to safeguard him. Wherefore, mindful of his reverence for the priests of God and his compassion for the bereaved, we cry:
    Rejoice, thou who in thy filial love didst hide thy parents from the wrath of Saul;
    rejoice, thou who didst straightway obey the divine command which the Prophet Gad delivered unto thee!
    Rejoice, thou who didst lament the death of the priests slain by Saul on thine account;
    rejoice, thou who gavest refuge to Abiathar, who survived the slaughter!
    Rejoice, for the Lord guided thee in the ways of His righteousness;
    rejoice, for, because of thine enemies, He made straight thy way before Him!
    Rejoice, for He saved thee from those who persecuted thee, and delivered thee;
    rejoice, for righteous was thy help from God, Who saveth all who are upright of heart!
    Rejoice, for thou gavest praise unto the Lord according to His righteousness;
    rejoice, for thou didst ever chant unto the name of the Lord Most High!
    Rejoice, for thou didst confess the Lord with thy whole heart;
    rejoice, for thou didst tell of all His wonders!

Rejoice, O holy king and prophet David, thou ancestor of God and singer of His praises!

Kontakion V

    Learning that David was in the wilderness of En-gedi, Saul took an army and went forth in pursuit of him. But David and his followers hid themselves from the wrath of the king in a certain cave. Now when Saul entered this very cave, to use it as a privy, the men of David sought to persuade him to slay the king; yet David would not lift his hand against the Lord's anointed, but instead stealthily cut off the back part of Saul's robe, and later, displaying the cloth as proof, declared from afar his innocence of the treason of which the king thought him guilty. Wherefore, marvelling at his patience and forbearance, we cry: Alleluia!

Ikos V

    Another time, Saul again set out with his army to take David and his men, and they encamped in the wilderness of Ziph. But David, who saw them from afar, waited until all were asleep, and penetrated the guard, and came upon the king asleep, with his spear planted in the ground next to his head. Then David's companion urged him to slay the sleeping king, but David said: "Who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed, and be guiltless?"; and he took instead Saul's spear and cruse of water, and afterwards cried out from afar that he was guiltless of all enmity toward the king, displaying the spear and cruse as proof. Wherefore, honoring his piety, we cry aloud such things as these:
    Rejoice, thou who wast glad and rejoiced in the Lord;
    rejoice, thou who chanted unto the name of the Most High!
    Rejoice, for thou didst declare all the praises of God in the gates of the daughter of Sion;
    rejoice, for thou didst walk blameless and work righteousness, speaking truth in thy heart!   
    Rejoice, for thou didst say unto the Lord: Thou art my Lord;
    rejoice, for the Lord was the portion of thine inheritance and of thy cup!
    Rejoice, for in thee and all the saints that are in His earth hath the Lord been wondrous;
    rejoice, for He hath wrought all His desires in thee!
    Rejoice, for thou didst bless the Lord Who gave thee understanding;
    rejoice, for thou didst behold the Lord ever before thee!
    Rejoice, for God was at thy right hand, that thou mightest never be shaken;
    rejoice, for thus was thy heart filled with joy and thy tongue with gladness!

Rejoice, O holy king and prophet David, thou ancestor of God and singer of His praises!

Kontakion VI

    In those days, the Philistines again rose up against Israel, and prevailed in battle; and Jonathan, the friend of David, was slain; and Saul the king, filled with despair, fell upon his sword. And the godless infidels conquered and inhabited the cities of Israel. But when David heard of the slaughter from one who escaped, he mourned and wept, and rent his garments, and fasted for Saul and Jonathan, and all the fallen. But the Lord God commanded David to go unto the city of Hebron, whither the men of Judah came, and anointed David king. And all cried out to the Almighty: Alleluia!

Ikos VI

    As David found favor with the Most High, his wisdom and skill increased; but the house of Saul waned in power. Wherefore, David became king over all Jud?a and Israel, and established Jerusalem, even Sion, as his city, and thither did he bring the ark of the covenant. And so great was his joy and zeal, that he danced in ecstasy before the ark, clad only in a linen cloth, with jubilation and the sound of the trumpet, and offered sacrifice unto the Lord in thanksgiving. Wherefore, mindful of his surpassing love for the God of Israel, we cry to him such things as these:
    Rejoice, thou who blessed thy people in the name of God;
    rejoice, thou who offered up burnt offerings before the Lord!
    Rejoice, thou who didst long to build a temple for the Most High;
    rejoice, thou whose throne the Almighty vowed to establish forever!
    Rejoice, thou who didst conquer all the nations which threatened the people of God;
    rejoice, thou who didst smite Moab and the Syrians of Damascus!
    Rejoice, thou who didst subdue Edom and the Ammonites;
    rejoice, for the Lord preserved thee whithersoever thou didst go!
    Rejoice, thou who didst exercise justice and righteousness unto all thy people;
    rejoice, thou who didst love the Lord with all thy strength!
    Rejoice, for the Lord was thy foundation, thy refuge and thy deliverer;
    rejoice, for He led thee forth into a spacious place!

Rejoice, O holy king and prophet David, thou ancestor of God and singer of His praises!

Kontakion VII

    After David established his rule throughout Israel, he inquired: "Is there yet any who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" And one who had served in Saul's household said unto King David: "Jonathan hath yet a son, Mephibosheth, who is lame in his feet." Then, full of joy, the king sent and fetched to his court the son of his sworn brother, and gave over to him all that had belonged to Saul and his house, and provided him with sustenance daily at the royal table, as though he were one of his own sons. And marvelling at his generosity and loving-kindness, we cry out to God: Alleluia!

Ikos VII

    Overcome by lust, David sinned with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, one of his warriors, and she conceived his child; then, to cover his sin, he had the man sent into the forefront of the battle against the Ammonites, where he was slain by the foe; and David took the widow to wife. But Nathan, the prophet of the Most High, rebuked the king by a parable, and, mindful of the magnitude of the evil he had wrought in the sight of God, David said: "I have sinned against the Lord", and he repented his iniquity. Wherefore, in thanksgiving for the words of penitence which he hath bequeathed to us, we cry:
    Rejoice, for God had mercy on thee, according to His great mercy;
    rejoice, for according to the multitude of His compassions He blotted out thy transgression!
    Rejoice, for He washed thee thoroughly from thine iniquity;
    rejoice, for He cleansed thee from thy sin!
    Rejoice, for the hidden and secret things of the Lord's wisdom did He make manifest unto thee;
    rejoice, for He sprinkled thee with hyssop, and thou wast made clean!
    Rejoice, for the Most High washed thee, and thou wast made whiter than snow;
    rejoice, for the Almighty made thee to hear joy and gladness!
    Rejoice, for He turned His face away from thy sins;
    rejoice, for He blotted out all thine iniquities!
    Rejoice, for God created in thee a clean heart, and renewed a right spirit within thee;
    rejoice, for He did not cast thee away from His presence, nor did He take His Holy Spirit from thee!

Rejoice, O holy king and prophet David, thou ancestor of God and singer of His praises!

Kontakion VIII

    When Nathan the prophet denounced David for his sin, he declared unto him the sentence of the Lord, saying: "I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and the sword shall never depart from thee." And the words of the Lord were fulfilled in David's sons, Absalom and Amnon; for the one slew the other, and fled, and rose up against his father, to usurp his throne; and David in sadness was compelled to abandon Jerusalem his city. Yet was his trust in the Lord his God, and he did not cease to chant continually: Alleluia!

Ikos VIII

    David departed from Jerusalem, and Absalom, his son, entered the city and the king's palace, and set himself up to rule in his stead; and he dishonored his father's house. And this unworthy son dared also to assemble a mighty army to pursue his father, and there was a great battle, and Joab the general slew the hapless rebel; but David, when he heard this, covered his face, and wept bitterly, saying: "O Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!" Wherefore, marvelling at thy paternal love, we cry to thee:
    Rejoice, for thou didst acknowledge the evil which thou hadst done before God;
    rejoice, for He restored unto thee the joy of His salvation!
    Rejoice, for with His governing Spirit did He establish thee;
    rejoice, for thou didst teach transgressors the ways of the Lord!
    Rejoice, for through thy zeal did the ungodly turn back unto Him;    
    rejoice, for the Most High delivered thee from thy blood-guiltiness!
    Rejoice, for thy tongue rejoiceth in His righteousness;
    rejoice, for He opened thy lips, and thy mouth declared His praise!
    Rejoice, for thy broken spirit was a sacrifice unto God;
    rejoice, for thy contrite and humbled heart did He not despise!
    Rejoice, for in His good pleasure the Lord did good unto Sion;
    rejoice, for He was pleased with thy sacrifice of righteousness, with thine oblation and whole-burnt offerings!

Rejoice, O holy king and prophet David, thou ancestor of God and singer of His praises!

Kontakion IX

    When David was full of years, the Philistines again rose up against Israel, and foremost among them were the sons of the giant Goliath, whom the king had slain in his youth. But the armies of the people of God prevailed in battle, and David extolled the Lord of hosts, crying melodiously: Alleluia!

Ikos IX

    Lifting up his voice in thanksgiving unto the Most High, David the king chanted in sweet psalmody, saying: "I will give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, among the nations, and I will sing praises unto Thy name!" And his lips were filled with gratitude for the God of Jacob, Who was for him a tower of salvation, and showed mercy to His anointed, unto David and to his seed. Wherefore, grateful also for the psalms he hath bequeathed us, we cry to him:
    Rejoice, for the Lord delivered thee out of the hand of all thine enemies;
    rejoice, for He is thy rock and thy fortress, and thy deliverer!
    Rejoice, for He is thy shield and the horn of thy salvation;
    rejoice, for He is thy high tower, thy refuge and savior!
    Rejoice, for when thine enemies came upon thee in the day of calamity, the Lord was thy stay;
    rejoice, for He delivered thee, because He delighted in thee!
    Rejoice, for He hath rewarded thee according to thy righteousness;
    rejoice, for He hath recompensed thee according to the cleanness of thy hands!
    Rejoice, for thou didst keep the ways of the Lord;
    rejoice, for thou didst not depart from thy God!
    Rejoice, for thou wast upright before the Most High;
    rejoice, for thou didst keep thyself from thine iniquity!

Rejoice, O holy king and prophet David, thou ancestor of God and singer of His praises!

Kontakion X

    The spirit of the prophecy came upon David the king, the anointed of the Most High, and he gave utterance concerning his kingship, saying: "The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and His word was in my tongue. The God of Israel hath said: 'He who ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.' Although my house is not so with God, yet He hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure; for this is all my salvation, and all my desire." And with sweet hymnody he chanted unto the Almighty: Alleluia!

Ikos X

    When David was an old man, Satan stood against Israel, and enticed the king to reckon the number of the people of God. But the Lord was sore displeased with this census, and sent unto the king the Prophet Gad, requiring David to choose between three years of famine, destruction at the hand of his enemies within three months, or three days of pestilence throughout the land. And as the pestilence descended upon Israel, David cried unto God, saying: "Is it not I who commanded the people to be numbered? Even I it is who hath sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these, what have they done? Let Thy hand, I pray Thee, O Lord my God, be on me, and on my father's house, but not on Thy people, that they should be plagued!" And the Lord withdrew the angel of His wrath; wherefore, mindful of His forbearance, we cry to His saint:
    Rejoice, for thou wast a fruitful olive tree in the house of the          Lord;
    rejoice, for thou didst hope in the mercy of God forever!
    Rejoice, for thou didst give praise unto Him forever, for what He had done;
    rejoice, for thou didst wait upon His name, for it is good before His saints!
    Rejoice, for God helped thee, and the Lord was the protector of thy soul;
    rejoice, for He brought evils upon thine enemies, and utterly destroyed them by His truth!
    Rejoice, for thou didst willingly sacrifice unto the Most High;
    rejoice, for thou didst confess His name, for it is good!
    Rejoice, for He delivered thee out of every affliction;
    rejoice, for thine eye looked down upon the enemies of His people!
    Rejoice, for thou waited for God, Who saved thee from faintheartedness and from tempest;
    rejoice, for evening, morning and noonday didst thou tell of the mercy of the Lord, and He heard thy voice!

Rejoice, O holy king and prophet David, thou ancestor of God and singer of His praises!

Kontakion XI

    In his distress, David besought the Lord's mercy for his people, the Lord commanded him to build an altar on Mount Sion, on the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite; and when David had purchased this place, and built the altar, and set his offerings upon it, the Lord sent fire from heaven to consume them utterly, in token of His forgiveness. Then did David begin to assemble that which was necessary to build in that very place a temple for the Lord of hosts, wherein all the faithful might cry: Alleluia!

Ikos XI

    Then David summoned Solomon his heir, and all the princes of Jud?a and Israel, and said: "The word of the Lord came to me, saying: 'Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars; thou shalt not build a house unto My name. Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of peace: he shall build a house for My name.'" And he said to the princes of Israel: "Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God; arise, therefore, and build the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the Lord." Wherefore, marvelling at his love and zeal for the Most High, we cry unto him:
    Rejoice, for in God didst thou commend thy words, in God didst thou set thy hope;
    rejoice, for thy life didst thou declare unto Him!
    Rejoice, for thou didst keep watch for the Lord, thy helper;
    rejoice, for He made His mercy manifest unto thee among thine enemies!
    Rejoice, for thou shalt dwell in His tabernacle unto the ages;
    rejoice, for thou shalt be sheltered in the shelter of His wings!
    Rejoice, for thou shalt abide before the face of God in the age to come;
    rejoice, for thou shalt chant eternally unto His name unto the ages!
    Rejoice, for thou didst appear before Him in His sanctuary, to see His power and His glory;
    rejoice, for thou didst remember the Lord upon thy bed, and at the dawn thou didst meditate upon Him!
    Rejoice, for thy soul cleaved after the Most High;
    rejoice, for His right hand was quick to help thee.
    Rejoice, O holy king and prophet David, thou ancestor of God and singer of His praises!

Kontakion XII

    Taking up his psaltery, David the king received inspiration from the All-holy Spirit, and chanted prophetically concerning the coming of the Messiah, Who is his descendent according to the flesh, His baptism, His suffering on the Cross and death, His resurrection and ascension. Wherefore, obedient to his command, we chant with understanding unto the Lord Who filled his mouth with praise: Alleluia!

Ikos XII

    Casting ahead the gaze of his prophetic eyes, the prophet king declared unto God: "Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast Thou perfected praise", foreseeing the Lord's triumphal entry into Sion; and perceiving from afar the hatred of the scribes and Sadducees for Him, he said: "The rulers were assembled together, against the Lord." And truly beholding His voluntary sufferings, he prophesied the very words Christ uttered upon the Cross, saying: "My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me? They have parted My garments amongst themselves, and for My vesture have they cast lots. They have pierced My hands and My feet. They gave Me gall for My food, and for My thirst they gave Me vinegar." Wherefore, full of awe at the divine grace imparted unto him, we say:
    Rejoice, for thou didst cry: "Let God arise!";
    rejoice, for thou didst say: "Let His enemies be scattered!"
    Rejoice, for thou didst exclaim: "Thou leddest captivity captive";
    rejoice, for thou didst declare: "Now I will arise, saith the Lord!"
    Rejoice, for thou didst shout: "God is gone up in jubilation!";
    rejoice, for thou hast said: "The Lord ascendeth with the voice of the trumpet!"
    Rejoice, for thou didst cry unto the heavens: "Lift up your gates, and the King of glory shall enter in!";
    rejoice, for thou didst declare unto the angels: "The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory!"
    Rejoice, for thou didst bless the name of the glory of God forever;
    rejoice, for thou didst confess Him among the peoples, with instruments of psalmody!
    Rejoice, for the Lord Almighty hath comforted thee;
    rejoice, for out of the depths of the earth did He bring thee up.
   

Rejoice, O holy king and prophet David, thou ancestor of God and singer of His praises!

Kontakion XIII

    Blessed art thou, O holy king and prophet David, for the All-holy Spirit, abiding within thee, filled thy mouth with the praises of the Most High, and by thine inspired words doth teach us how rightly to worship the consubstantial Trinity! For evening, morning and at noontide, seven times a day, our divine glorification beginneth, proceedeth and concludeth with thy wondrous psalms. Wherefore, following thy marvellous works, we all cry out unto God: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

    Blessed art thou, O holy king and prophet David, for the All-holy Spirit, abiding within thee, filled thy mouth with the praises of the Most High, and by thine inspired words doth teach us how rightly to worship the consubstantial Trinity! For evening, morning and at noontide, seven times a day, our divine glorification beginneth, proceedeth and concludeth with thy wondrous psalms. Wherefore, following thy marvellous works, we all cry out unto God: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Blessed art thou, O holy king and prophet David, for the All-holy Spirit, abiding within thee, filled thy mouth with the praises of the Most High, and by thine inspired words doth teach us how rightly to worship the consubstantial Trinity! For evening, morning and at noontide, seven times a day, our divine glorification beginneth, proceedeth and concludeth with thy wondrous psalms. Wherefore, following thy marvellous works, we all cry out unto God: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

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

    When Saul, the King of Israel, disobeyed the command of God, and the Lord rejected him from being king, He sent His high priest, the holy Prophet Samuel, to Bethlehem of Jud?a, where he took David, the least among the sons of Jesse, from among the flocks of the fields, and anointed him king with a horn of oil, so that the Spirit of the Lord came upon the holy youth. Wherefore, mindful of his humility and favor before the Lord, we cry unto him:
    Rejoice, for thou didst not walk in the counsel of the ungodly;
    rejoice, for thou didst not stand in the way of sinners!
    Rejoice, for thy will was in the law of the Lord;
    rejoice, for in His law thou didst meditate day and night!
    Rejoice, for thou wast established as king by God;
    rejoice, for thou didst proclaim His commandments!
    Rejoice, for thou didst serve the Lord with fear;
    rejoice, for thou didst rejoice in Him with trembling!
    Rejoice, for the Lord was thy Helper and glory;
    rejoice, for when thou didst cry unto Him, He heard thee!
    Rejoice, for God smote all who without cause were thine enemies;
    rejoice, for His blessing was ever upon thee, who put thy trust in Him!

Rejoice, O holy king and prophet David, thou ancestor of God and singer of His praises!

Kontakion I

    With hymns and psalms let us honor the holy King David, who of all the sons of Israel was chosen by God to reign over His elect, and, through his seed, gave rise in the flesh to the Messiah, our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ; and let us say unto him: As thou wast delivered from hades by our Redeemer at His glorious resurrection, and standest now with boldness before the throne of His divine majesty, teach us to sing to Him a new song, that we may cry unto thee:

Rejoice, O holy king and prophet David, thou ancestor of God and singer of His praises!

PRAYER TO THE HOLY PROPHET KING DAVID

    O holy king and prophet David, who according to the flesh art the ancestor of Christ Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer Who hath delivered us from sin and death! When thou wast a youth, tending the sheep of thy father in the fields of Bethlehem of Jud?a, thou wast chosen by the Lord, the Good Shepherd, to tend the reason-endowed sheep, His elect, the people of Israel; wherefore, the Spirit of the Most High descended upon thee and endowed thee with His peerless gifts: to rule with justice and prudence; to return good for the evils done thee; to set at nought the wiles and machinations of the enemies of the Almighty; to make music of such exceeding great beauty that the wicked demons took to flight at their sound, which the Holy Church useth in worshiping our all-merciful God; and to offer unto Him a ready penitence for the sins thou didst commit, which serveth as a model of Christian repentance for us all. For this cause, marvelling at thy piety and glorifying the one God in Trinity, Who hath glorified thee and all the saints of ages past, we beseech thee: As thou standest now in the heavens before the dread throne of Christ Jesus the Messiah, the Scion of thy royal lineage, having been raised up by Him, at the time of His resurrection, from the nethermost parts of hades, where thou didst await His all-glorious coming, earnestly entreat Him in behalf of us, thine unworthy servants, who honor thy holy memory and sing praises unto Him with the words of thine inspired hymnody, that He take pity on us, forgive us our iniquities, and count us worthy to stand with thee at the right hand of His divine majesty when He shall come to judge the living and the dead. For unto Him is due all glory, honor and worship, with His unoriginate Father and His all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Akathist to St. Paraskevi the Great Martyr of Rome ( July 26 )

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone



As the Lord’s grace-flowing nun, and His fervent apostle and Martyr, we praise you with triumphant hymns, and we praise your memory most tunefully, sprinkling flowers and crying:



Hail, Paraskevi, O comely virgin.



Hymns I offer to you the beauty of virgins, O chaste Paraskevi, martyr of Christ (3). For you struggled boldly, and you enlighten and shine with the rays of wonders on those who hymn you, and we offer you hymns with fervor:

Hail, child of pious faithful,
Hail, dear throne of God.
Hail, beautiful-voiced trumpet of love,
Hail, pure servant of the Virgin.
Hail, for from above you cover the Orthodox from blows,
Hail, you who cease the tears and groans of mortals.
Hail, for you are the protection of eyes,
Hail, for you rejoiced in the monastic path.
Hail, for you deposed the boasting of the enemy,
Hail, you who were victorious through Christ’s power.
Hail, divine adornment of Rome,
Hail, speedy healer of wounds.

Hail, Paraskevi, O comely virgin.

Being the root from the divine prayer of your parents, Agathon and Politia watered you with the streams of piety. And you, O comely Virgin, flourished as a tree, as those who gave birth to you rejoiced in your grace, and chanted to the Lord:

Alleluia.



Laughter and boldness, the streams of perdition, did not come near your soul, O Godly-minded one, but you spoke with the sacred virgins, and spent your time studying the Scriptures, becoming for us an example, for those who piously cry out:

Hail, most grace-endowed soul,
Hail, our most beloved righteous one.
Hail, nourishment of Orthodox asceticism,
Hail, heroism and worth of the calling.
Hail, divine seal of sacred missions,
Hail, boast and seal of the angelic life.
Hail, youth honored by God,
Hail, the ceasing of idol worship.
Hail, you who takes the honor from the false god,
Hail, joy of those who every cry out:

Hail, Paraskevi, O comely virgin.

You were not at all conquered by the glories of this life, O pure Christ-bearer Paraskevi, but taking hope in the life above, you perceived the things of life as refuse joyfully, and were enriched with divine things, and cried out to God in fervor: Alleluia.



Following the words of your Incorruptible Bridegroom, the divine passing of your parents you perceived as a divine call, and you distributed your wealth to the poor, who praise your philanthropy, and cry out with all reverence:

Hail, you who were filled with the wisdom from above,
Hail, soul of godly monasticism.
Hail, nightingale singing praise of the Most-high,
Hail, you who bestow grace on monastics.
Hail, you who imparted your joy upon your brethren,
Hail, you who possess incorruptible treasuries in the Heavens.
Hail, for you showed manliness in trials,
Hail, for you dissipate the cloud of error.
Hail, greatly-victorious one on the road of the Martyrs,
Hail, lamp which shines with light of purity.
Hail, container that leads towards the Lord,
Hail, rays of the supernatural life.

Hail, Paraskevi, O comely virgin.

Being zealous for the things of Heaven, you locked yourself in a Convent, O most noble champion Paraskevi, for you submitted your wise mind, and joyfully struggled with ascetical pains, worshiping the Lord, and crying out with bitter hymns:

Alleluia.



You were raised by divine grace to the heights of love, desiring the crown of martyrdom, and having sought the blessing of your Superior, you spoke the word of the Lord and dispelled error for many people, who now hymn you:

Hail, dawn of consolation,
Hail, harp of divine knowledge.
Hail, you who shared the name of the Wise Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13),
Hail, you who spoke with the spotless Angels.
Hail, you who embraced the angelic Schema with fervor,
Hail, protection and foundation of those who honor you with faith.
Hail, you who heard unspeakable voices,
Hail, you who were made worthy of the honor of the age to come.
Hail, all-fragrant lyre of the faithful,
Hail, salve for our eyes.
Hail, music of divine love,
Hail, breath of unsleeping worship.

Hail, Paraskevi, O comely virgin.

You walked the God-traced path of the Apostles, as another Protomartyr Thekla, and passed through the land of the Romans, and the cities of the Greeks, as an all-precious doe, preaching Christ fervently, and crying out with longing:

Alleluia.



When Antoninos learned of your way Equal-to-the-Apostles, he placed a flaming helmet upon you, but through the will of the Lord, you were preserved utterly unharmed and remained pure, while all the faithful who beheld this, cried out victoriously words such as these:

Hail, divine doe of the flock of Christ,
Hail, for your fragrance was as pure nard (John 12:3).
Hail, teacher of blessing and mindfulness,
Hail, sweetest apostle of the Savior.
Hail, for your words were preached by pure lips,
Hail, for you imparted your experience to ascetics.
Hail, for you are the worker of peace,
Hail, for you are the protector of those endangered.
Hail, catechesis of the holy faithful,
Hail, disappearance of the false gods.
Hail, aloe of Orthodox manliness,
Hail, reproach of the evil heart.

Hail, Paraskevi, O comely virgin.

Demonic waves and unbearable blows, you endured, O much-suffering Lady, for the tyrants sought to burn you, and to break the chain of your faith, but you stood as an unshakable divine statue of Christ, saying:

Alleluia.

Shining with your wonders, the choir of those who believed through you were brought to the flock of Christ, enraging the Emperor, who became short of breath through his many tortures, and now these radiant Dwelling-places cry out these in gratitude:

Hail, pure and comely martyr of Christ,
Hail, our map and canon.
Hail, you who ridiculed the false gods,
Hail, you who shattered the faces of idols.
Hail, all-sacred nun, humble and dedicated,
Hail, all-fragrant rose, and seal of the soul.
Hail, for you endured ascetical pains,
Hail, for you also trouble the swarms of the demons.
Hail, dowry to Christ of many talents,
Hail, chosen ode of the God of all.
Hail, root of the presbyter Rome,
Hail, protector of every town and place.

Hail, Paraskevi, O comely virgin.

Dwelling, as Paul, in prison alone, you were made worthy of the vision of an Angel, who showed you the honored symbols of the passion of Christ, in order to give you courage, O all-wise one, that we might cry unto the ages:

Alleluia.



You are as a precious coin of the church, O Mother, bearing the seal of your Master, for you were tried by fire, and many tortures, O thrice-glorious one, and were not at all altered, as you hear from all these:

Hail, seal of sacred graces,
Hail, key of uncreated gifts.
Hail, for you endured the stretching of your flesh,
Hail, for you were steadfast manfully as you were being raked.
Hail, for your struggles reached the impassible peak,
Hail, Martyr who also shelters desert ascetics.
Hail, for you were placed in boiling tar,
Hail, for you were divinely kept unharmed.
Hail, savior for many in sickness,
Hail, you who grant light to the blind.
Hail, through whom goodness has come,
Hail, through whom magic has disappeared.

Hail, Paraskevi, O comely virgin.

You were tortured mercilessly, and brutally hung, without your steadfast mind wavering at all, but you cried out to the tyrant: Christ can deliver me from any of your tortures, to Whom I chant fearlessly:

Alleluia.



Antoninos' eyes were burned from oil and tar, having asked it of you, but filled with great compassion, you straightaway granted him healing, O Paraskevi, therefore, the ruler who then espoused your faith, cried out:

Hail, spring of gifts,
Hail, well of healings.
Hail, for you won the spoils of the Romans,
Hail, for you preached the Sun of love.
Hail, divinely-breathed organ that makes glad the faithful,
Hail, purest eye that looks against the enemies.
Hail, you who bless those who hymn your many blessings,
Hail, you who conquers the opposing swarms.
Hail, sacred and genuine personage,
Hail, soul arrayed in light.
Hail, faithful honor and worth,
Hail, fragrance to men from Heaven.

Hail, Paraskevi, O comely virgin.

Before your end, they placed a heavy stone upon your chest, O Martyr Paraskevi, while Jesus appeared to you at night, surrounded by light and the radiant ranks of the Angels, and totally healed you. Thus you cried in joy:

Alleluia.



With the strength of the Master, you bravely surpassed the weakness of other women. Through the divine Cross and your prayer, you tore apart a fearsome dragon, while all were astonished and cried out triumphantly:

Hail, light-bearing nun,
Hail, crown-bearing Martyr.
Hail, you who were steadfast of soul in terrible dangers,
Hail, you who were victorious in beatings and asceticism.
Hail, repository of grace, and dwelling of love,
Hail, meekness of spirit, and giver of peace.
Hail, for you are the trainer of monastics,
Hail, for you are the intercessor to the Trinity.
Hail, chain of chaste virgins,
Hail, deliverer from sinister spirits.
Hail, you through whom the dragon was torn apart,
Hail, you through whom the governor was astounded.

Hail, Paraskevi, O comely virgin.

You were worthily granted from Heaven an incorruptible crown, O lady, and the grace of wonders, which were founded upon your virtues, and your many struggles and terrible tortures, from which you blossomed forth and were glorified, as your fellow struggles cried out:

Alleluia.



Your all-sacred Skull, O godly-minded one, rests in the Monastery of the Bodiless Powers Petraki, to which we take refuge, Paraskevi, as we all entreat that we find mercy, and healing of vision, as we cry out with fear:

Hail, healing of the eyes,
Hail, divine stream of wonders.
Hail, foundress of the churches that bear your name,
Hail, plantress of rose-beds of monastics.
Hail, seven-towered castle of those who hope in God,
Hail, dew of Hermon that burns up dangers.
Hail, for your prayer leads towards harmony,
Hail, for your hand heals those in pain.
Hail, help for those fervent in faith,
Hail, providence that you give to the poor.
Hail, vessel of the blessings of God,
Hail, flower of joyous fragrance.

Hail, Paraskevi, O comely virgin.

Water of incorruption is your Holy Water, O Mother, which heals ever sickness. Therefore, we who praise you, hasten to your protection, O Paraskevi, entreating for purification of soul, for those who ceaselessly cry to you:

Alleluia.



We are are delivered from the bitter assaults of the demons, O Mother, through the hyssop of your intercessions, and from the visages of false gods, which you threw down to the earth through your unshakable hand, utterly shaming them. In joy we hymn you saying:

Hail, moon of those living in nepsis,
Hail trauma of the demons.
Hail, astonishment of Orthodox asceticism,
Hail, guide of catechesis of the faithful.
Hail, for you were offered as a sacred seal,
Hail, for you were hung from a peg by your hair.
Hail, you who were nailed, for the love of the Lord,
Hail, you who bore the weight from the evil doers.
Hail, apostle among ascetics,
Hail, all-wondrous one among apostles.
Hail, for your members bore indignities,
Hail, firewood that accepted burnings.

Hail, Paraskevi, O comely virgin.

Rejoicing with good cheer, you entered the Bridal Chamber above, O sacred martyr, and fell at the feet of Christ, which you embraced fervently, O all-precious Paraskevi. He placed a crown upon your head, and you cried out:

Alleluia.



Nourish me, O Martyr, from your Heavenly Mansions, with the manna of your divine love, that I may cry out with my whole heart the sweet and sacred name of Jesus, and proclaiming your grace, O pure one, I cry out in compunction:

Hail, outer wall of the faithful,
Hail, shield of those who bear your name.
Hail, you who saves the inhabitants of Krokou [Kozani],
Hail, you who drove back the Germans.
Hail, chosen woman of the vale of Tempe,
Hail, Martyr who makes the desires of the Bridal chamber disappear.
Hail, for you work a multitude of wonders in Rodolivo,
Hail, for you deliver from the chaos of the faithless through your intercessions.
Hail, surrounding wall of Meteora,
Hail, terror to the demons.
Hail, you who were enriched with the boldness of Christ,
Hail, you who are the protection of those who hymn you.

Hail, Paraskevi, O comely virgin.

O divine nun, great prize of pious virgins to the Most-high (3) receive this as wild flowers, which we have gathered for you simply, and entreat the divine Trinity for salvation of those who cry with you:

Alleluia.



Again, the Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone

As the Lord’s grace-flowing nun, and His fervent apostle and Martyr, we praise you with triumphant hymns, and we praise your memory most tunefully, sprinkling flowers and crying:



Hail, Paraskevi, O comely virgin.



Hymns I offer to you the beauty of virgins, O chaste Paraskevi, martyr of Christ (3). For you struggled boldly, and you enlighten and shine with the rays of wonders on those who hymn you, and we offer you hymns with fervor:

Hail, child of pious faithful,
Hail, dear throne of God.
Hail, beautiful-voiced trumpet of love,
Hail, pure servant of the Virgin.
Hail, for from above you cover the Orthodox from blows,
Hail, you who cease the tears and groans of mortals.
Hail, for you are the protection of eyes,
Hail, for you rejoiced in the monastic path.
Hail, for you deposed the boasting of the enemy,
Hail, you who were victorious through Christ’s power.
Hail, divine adornment of Rome,
Hail, speedy healer of wounds.

Hail, Paraskevi, O comely virgin.

St. Paraskevi the Great Martyr of Rome.