Akathist for Holy Communion

Kontakion 1

 

Chosen Bridegroom of our hearts and souls, through Thine incarnation and death on the cross Thou hast betrothed all mankind to Thyself forever and hast given us as a pledge of eternal life Thy most pure Body and Blood. Lo! At Thy call, I though unworthy, dare to approach Thy divine Table, and struck by its majesty, I cry:

Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Thyself forever.

 

Ikos 1

 

Thou didst send Thine Angel to the Prophet Isaiah with a live coal from the heavenly altar that his lips might be purified thereby, when, beholding Thee seated upon Thy throne, he was distressed over his impurity. And how shall I, who am defiled in body and soul, dare to approach to partake of Thy divine Mysteries for communion except Thou Thyself purify me from on high? Where fore, I cry out to Thee from the depths of my soul:

Jesus most good, touch also mine impure lips with the fire of Thy grace.

Jesus, burn the thorns of my many transgressions.

Jesus, create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me.

Jesus, lead my poor soul out of the prison of the passions.

Jesus, destroy in me impure thoughts and evil lusts.

Jesus, guide my feeble steps to the path of Thy commandments.

 

Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Thyself forever.

 

Kontakion 2

 

Greatly desiring to eat a last Passover with Thy disciples before Thy Passion, that in the midst thereof Thou mightest give them the last and greatest pledge of Thy love, Thou didst send two of them to Jerusalem two days before Thee, that thus they might prepare it. Hence, learning how we, too, ought to prepare ourselves betimes to eat of the divine Passover which is Thy Body and Blood, I cry out to Thee in thanksgiving:

Alleluia!

 

Ikos 2

 

"Loose thy sandles from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground ," didst Thou say unto Moses from out of the bush which burned yet was not consumed by Thine unseen presence therein. The vessel which containeth Thy Body and Blood is greater and more holy indeed than the unburnt bush, but I am dust, unclean and sold under sin. Wherefore, with humility and faith I cry out to Thee:

Jesus almighty, strip from me the old man and all his works.

Jesus, slay within me the seed of corruption which maketh its nest within me.

Jesus, break Thou the bonds of sin whereby the enemy hath bound me.

Jesus, grant me a humble heart and a broken spirit.

Jesus, drive far from me temptations and occasions for stumbling.

Jesus, establish me in faith and love for Thee.

 

Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Thyself forever.

 

Kontakion 3

 

"Our fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. I am the Bread which cometh down from heaven which, if any man eat thereof, he shall live forever. And the Bread which I will give is My Flesh, which I will give for the life of the world," Thou didst say to the Jews that sought to see from Thee a sign from heaven like unto the manna of Moses, And hearing and beholding the fulfillment of the prophecy, we cry out with fear:

Alleluia!

 

Ikos 3

 

Having risen from the supper, as the holy John doth relate, and girded. Thyself about with a towel, Thou didst wash the feet of the disciples, thereby teaching us that we ought not to approach Thy divine Table in our sins unwashed by tears of repentance. Mindful of my great need for this mystical ablution and of the dearth of tears of my hardened heart, with Peter I cry to Thee:

Jesus all-good, do Thou Thyself wash n ot only my feet, but my hand s and head as well.

Jesus, lay bare before me the abyss of my soul's corruption!

Jesus, open within me the floodgates of heartfelt contrition!

Jesus, be dew me with the drops of Thy loving-kindness!

Jesus, wrap me about with the fear of the judgment and the eternal torments!

Jesus, awaken within me my sleeping conscience and strengthen its voice.

 

Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Thyself forever.

 

Kontakion 4

 

"Is this not Jesus, the Son of Joseph, Whose father and mother we know? How is it, then, that He saith, I came down from heaven? How can He give His Flesh to eat?" said the Jews among themselves, on hearing Thy most glorious promise to give Thyself as food to the faithful, unable in the hardness of their hearts to believe with humility and cry out to Thee:

Alleluia!

 

Ikos 4

 

"Except ye eat the Flesh of the Son of man, and drink His Blood, ye have no life in you," Thou didst tell the Jews that were slow to believe, and this saying was shown to be hard to accept even for certain of Thy disciples that were yet ignorant of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. But we, illumined with light of the Gospel and beholding Thy divine glory with face unveiled, cry out to Thee with faith and love:

Jesus, Who canst do everything through the greatness of Thy power and dominion!

Jesus, Who createth and perfecteth more then we can understand and comprehend!

Jesus, Who once rained down manna from heaven as a sign of the present Mystery!

Jesus, Who didst pour forth water from a rock as a prefiguring thereof.

Jesus, Who didst send a cloud of quail as food for the Jews, who were starving in the wilderness!

Jesus, Who before the very eyes of the doubting Jews didst satisfy five thousand men with five loaves of bread.

 

Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Thyself forever.

 

Kontakion 5

 

While eating Thy supper with Thy disciples, taking bread, and blessing and breaking it, Thou didst give it to them, saying: "Take, eat; this is My Body, which is broken for you for the remission of sins." And thereafter, having given them the Cup, Thou didst say: "Drink ye all of it: this is My Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins." Hearkening to this divine and most sweet voice, with thanksgiving we cry:

Alleluia!

 

Ikos 5

 

He who eateth My Flesh, and drinketh My Blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him. He hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day, which is at the resurrection of life and blessedness. Wherefore, seeking to be vouchsafed this longed-for resurrection unto life, from the depths of my soul I cry to Thee:

Jesus, draw nigh unto one that seeketh union to Thee:

Jesus, enter into my inmost parts, into all my members and bones.

Jesus, be Thou a light unto my darkened mind.

Jesus, fill with Thyself the abyss of my heart, which the whole world cannot satisfy.

Jesus, speak through the voice of my conscience.

Jesus, stir and guide my will.

 

Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Thyself forever.

 

Kontakion 6

 

"Verily, verily, I say unto you that one of you shall betray Me," Thou didst say in anguish of spirit to Thy disciples at the supper. And though they were innocent of any intention to betray Thee, each of them asked Thee: "Lord is it I?" showing thereby the depth of their humility. But what can I say to Thee when I fall and betray Thee seven times a day? Yet keep me Thyself, that I may not fall away utterly, but cry to Thee thankfully: Alleluia!

 

Ikos 6 "As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit." Thus, working wonders Thou didst teach Thy beloved disciples on the way to Gethsemane. Therefore, attending to this instruction, and knowing the weakness of my nature without Thy grace, I earnestly cry to Thee:

Jesus, most heavenly Husbandman, do Thou Thyself plant me in Thy life-bearing garden.

Jesus, true vine, graft me to Thyself like a wild branch!

Jesus, unwithering root, fill me with the sap of eternal life!

Jesus, Vanquisher of all mortality, clear away that which hath been dried up within me by the heat of the passions.

Jesus, beautiful goodness, adorn me with the flowers of good thoughts and feelings!

Jesus, rich in mercy, enrich me with the fruits of true repentance and righteousness.

 

Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Thyself forever.

 

Kontakion 7

 

To the disciple who at the supper leaned upon Thy breast and asked: "Who is it that betrayeth Thee?" Thou didst answer; "He it is to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it." And, having dipped the bread, Thou didst give it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to move him to repentance. But, being hardened by the spirit of malice, he had no desire to understand his Lord and Master's voice of love. May I be delivered by Thy grace from such hard-heartedness, by crying to Thee:

Alleluia!

 

Ikos 7

 

Taking pity on the weakness of our nature, which turneth away from eating human flesh, Thou wast well-pleased to bestow upon us Thine all-pure Body and Blood not manifestly, but under the appearance of Bread and Wine, most wisely ordering the whole matter of our salvation in Thy love for mankind, O Jesus, and accommodating Thy most saving Mysteries to the weakness of our comprehension and senses. Marvelling at this condescension of Thy wisdom to the weakness of our nature, I thankfully glorify Thee thus:

Jesus, Who in Thy wisdom and love for mankind arrangest all things for our salvation!

Jesus, Who adaptest Thy most saving Mysteries to the weakness of our understanding and senses.

Jesus, Who for the assurance of the doubting hast many times manifested Thy very Body and Blood at Thy holy Table, instead of bread and wine.

Jesus, Who hast shown to worthy ministers of the altar the Holy Spirit descending for the consecration of the Gifts!

Jesus, Who instead of unworthy ministers of the altar dost send invisibly Thy holy Angels for the celebration of the Divine Mysteries.

Jesus, Who through the manifestation of miracles at the holy Table, hast converted to faith many of the impious.                                                                  

 

Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Thyself forever.

 

Kontakion 8

And after the sop - that is, after the traitor had eaten the bread Thou gavest him - as the holy John relateth, Satan entered into him. Oh, what a dreadful punishment for unbelief Oh, how unhappy the lot of the traitor! What should have been for his salvation is turned into death and damnation for him. Bowing reverently before this judgment of Thy righteousness, with fear and trembling I cry to Thee:

Alleluia!

 

Ikos 8

 

"Do this in remembrance of Me," didst Thou say to Thy disciples at the supper, giving them Thy Body under the appearance of Bread, and Thy Blood under the appearance of wine. For as often as we eat this bread, and drink this cup, we show forth Thy death, according to the word of the holy Paul. And now, remembering Thy Passion, with compunction I cry to Thee: Jesus, Who for the salvation of the world didst give Thyself over voluntarily into the hands of Thine enemies!

Jesus, Who didst not allow legions of angels to appear in Thy defense!

Jesus, Who with a glance and with the crowing of a cock didst convert to repentance an unfaithful disciple!

Jesus, Who didst make no reply to Caiaphas an d Pilate who questioned Thee foolishly.

Jesus, Who from the Cross didst ask the Father to forgive the sins of them that crucified Thee!

Jesus, Who in Thy surpassing loving-kindness didst give Thy beloved disciple to Thy Mother as a son.

 

Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Thyself forever.

 

Kontakion 9

 

"Judas, betrayest thou the Son of Man with a kiss?" Thou didst sadly cry out to Thine unfaithful disciple, when he came with a detachment of troops into the Garden of Gethsemane seeking to betray Thee with a kiss. But even these poignant words did not strike his soul, hardened' in evil, with repentance. And, knowing the inconstancy of mine own will, 1 fear lest at any time 1, too, give thee the kiss of Judas, ungrateful as I am. But do Thou Thyself strengthen me by Thy grace, that with the good thief I may ever cry out:

Alleluia!

 

Ikos 9

I pray that they all may be one, as Thou. Father, art in Me and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe." Thus didst Thou exclaim in !Thy last great prayer to the Father. Following this, Thy voice most sweet, and trusting in the power of Thy prayer, with faith I cry to Thee:

Jesus, Who gatherest all together as one, unite us all inseparably with Thee and Thy Father!

Jesus, grant that we all abide in oneness of mind, in faith and in love for Thee.

Jesus, Who cannot abide enmity and division, destroy impious heresies and schisms!

Jesus, Who lovest and hast mercy upon all, gather all the lost sheep into one flock.

Jesus, Who guest peace to all, allay the envy and gainsaying among them that call upon Thy name.

Jesus, Who givest me the Communion of Thy very Body and-Blood, may I be truly flesh of Thy Flesh and bone of Thy Bones.

 

Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Thyself forever.

 

Kontakion 10

 

By turning water into wine at the wedding supper in Cana of Galilee, Thou didst manifest the first sign of Thy divine power. Then, when about to depart to the Cross as the Bridegroom of souls, Thou didst manifest to them that believe in Thee the last miracle of Thy love, by changing bread into Thy Body; and wine into Thy Blood, and nurtured thereby unto life eternal, I, too, thankfully cry out to Thee:

Alleluia!

 

Ikos 10

 

On the day of Thy resurrection, accompanying in the guise of a traveller two of Thy disciples on the way to Emmaus, Thou didst instruct them in the mystery of Thy Passion; but their eyes were holden that they should not recognize Thee, though their hearts burned within them at the sweetness of Thy words. But when, bowing to their request, Thou didst go to tarry with them and, and having blessed the Bread, didst give It them, straightway their eyes were opened and they recognized Thee. Like those disciples, I, too, humbly make bold to raise my voice to Thee thus:

Jesus long-suffering, forsake me not on the path of life because of the insufficience of my faith.

Jesus, teach me, like them, to understand the prophecies concerning Thee and the mystery of union with Thee by grace.

Jesus, warm and inflame my cold heart, as Thou didst those of Thy disciples.

Jesus all-good, abide also with me, for the day of my life is far spent and it is towards evening.

Jesus, grant me to know thee truly in the present breaking of the mystical Bread and in drinking from the Chalice!

Jesus, grant that even I, perceiving the power of Thy love, may become a proclaimer thereof to my brethren.

 

Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to thyself forever.

 

Kontakion 11

 

To him that is victorious hast Thou promised to give to eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God, and of the hidden manna. May I be prepared on earth for this heavenly fare by the Communion of Thy Body and Blood, which as I now unworthily approach, I cry:

Alleluia!

 

Ikos 11

 

He that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the Body and Blood of the Lord, the heaven-rapt Paul doth admonish them that approach for Communion. Wherefore, I, too, fear and tremble at mine unworthiness; yet lest, by separating myself for long from Thy Communion, I fall prey to the noetic wolf, I draw nigh to Thee with such a cry:

Jesus, receive me, as Thou didst receive the publican, the harlot and the thief!

Jesus, disdain not to enter under the roof of my soul, though it is all empty and fallen.

Jesus, open the eyes of my soul, as thou didst open the eyes of the man that was blind from birth!

Jesus, say to me too, as to the paralytic: Arise and walk!

Jesus, stanch the flow of the impure desires of my soul as Thou dist stanch the flux of the woman with a issue of blood!

Jesus, heal the leprosy of my soul and conscience.

 

Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Thyself forever.

 

Kontakion 12

 

Through the envy of the devil who spoke through the mouth of the serpent, and through the eating of the forbidden fruit, the whole human race lost paradise and was given over to death. But by tasting of Thy most pure Body and Blood all men are again vouchsafed eternal life and rise up to their former state. For the Communion of Thy life-creating Mysteries is an antidote against the venom of the serpent and is the seed of immortality. Wherefore, I thankfully cry out to Thee:

Alleluia!

 

Ikos 12

 

Lo! I stand before the vessel which holdeth Thy divine Mysteries, yet I put not away mine evil thoughts. Thine almighty grace alone doth hearten and draw me on. Wherefore casting myself into the -abyss of Thy loving-kindness, I cry out:

Jesus, Who callest all that labor and are heavy laden to rest in Thee, receive me, who labor under the vanity of this world.

Jesus, Who didst come to call not the righteous, but sinners to repentance, absolve me of my sins and passions!

Jesus, Who healest every infirmity and disease, heal Thou the wounds and festering of my soul.

Jesus, Who didst satisfy the hungry, feed me with Thy Body and Blood!

Jesus, Who didst raise the dead, quicken me who have been slain by my sins.

Jesus, Conqueror of hell, rescue me from the jaws of the spirit of malice.

 

Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Thyself forever.

 

Kontakion 13 [3 times]

 

O Jesus most sweet and all-compassionate, Who dost ever descend like manna from heaven to nourish our souls and hearts in the mystery of Thy most pure Body and Blood: vouchsafe me to partake uncondemned of Thy Divine Mysteries, that, being healed, nurtured, sanctified and deified by Thee forever, I may thankfully cry:

Alleluia!

 

O Jesus most sweet and all-compassionate, Who dost ever descend like manna from heaven to nourish our souls and hearts in the mystery of Thy most pure Body and Blood: vouchsafe me to partake uncondemned of Thy Divine Mysteries, that, being healed, nurtured, sanctified and deified by Thee forever, I may thankfully cry:

Alleluia!

O Jesus most sweet and all-compassionate, Who dost ever descend like manna from heaven to nourish our souls and hearts in the mystery of Thy most pure Body and Blood: vouchsafe me to partake uncondemned of Thy Divine Mysteries, that, being healed, nurtured, sanctified and deified by Thee forever, I may thankfully cry:

Alleluia!

 

 

Ikos 1 Repeated

 

Thou didst send Thine Angel to the Prophet Isaiah with a live coal from the heavenly altar that his lips might be purified thereby, when, beholding Thee seated upon Thy throne, he was distressed over his impurity. And how shall I, who am defiled in body and soul, dare to approach to partake of Thy divine Mysteries for communion except Thou Thyself purify me from on high? Where fore, I cry out to Thee from the depths of my soul:

Jesus most good, touch also mine impure lips with the fire of Thy grace.

Jesus, burn the thorns of my many transgressions.

Jesus, create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me.

Jesus, lead my poor soul out of the prison of the passions.

Jesus, destroy in me impure thoughts and evil lusts.

Jesus, guide my feeble steps to the path of Thy commandments.

 

Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Thyself forever.

 

Kontakion 1 Repeated

 

Chosen Bridegroom of our hearts and souls, through Thine incarnation and death on the cross Thou hast betrothed all mankind to Thyself forever and hast given us as a pledge of eternal life Thy most pure Body and Blood. Lo! At Thy call, I though unworthy, dare to approach Thy divine Table, and struck by its majesty, I cry:

 

Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Thyself forever.

Amen

Περί αμαρτίας ...

1. Η αμαρτία έχει πέντε δάχτυλα: δύο μας βάζει στα μάτια, δύο στα αυτιά,κι ένα στο στόμα!

2. Κάνε μια αμαρτία δύο φορές και θα σκεφθείς ότι επιτρέπεται.

3. Η μεγάλη αμαρτία είναι παιδί της μικρής.

4. Το κακό με τις ..μικρές αμαρτίες είναι ότι ..δεν μένουν πολύ καιρό μικρές.

5. Η αγάπη μιας μικρής αμαρτίας, είναι …μια μεγάλη αμαρτία.

6. Η συνήθεια της αμαρτίας αφαιρεί την συνείδηση της αμαρτίας.

7. Όποιον πόνο κι αν δοκιμάσει ο άνθρωπος τον ξεχνάει. Μα τον πόνο από το δάγκωμα της συνειδήσεως, δεν τον ξεχνάει ποτέ.

http://agapienxristou.blogspot.ca/2012/12/blog-post_2.html

During the Great Lent the Church makes an effort to wake us up to repentance.

During the Great Lent the Church makes an effort to wake us up to repentance. Heart-penetrating services, canons and frequent readings from the Old Testament are the tools for coming to realization of our sinfulness. The examples from the Old Testament caution us and, based on the experience of thousands of years, point us to the only way of grace: the way of communion with God.

God led the Jewish people to His Truth and Righteousness by means of various tribulations, long years of slavery and devastating diseases. All of the Old Testament is the story of God’s Righteousness punishing for sin and showing mercy. But despite such a multitude of punishments, the Jewish people often hardened their hearts and did not want to receive God’s rebuke.

Such hardening of heart can also be observed amongst us today. The Lord strikes us with tribulations, pours grief upon the stone-like ground of our heart, so that it may be ploughed and made ready to receive the seed of God’s grace; i.e. our hearts are often not receptive to the mercy of the Lord, even when He is showing us mercy in obvious ways. Like animals, we are still possessed by the fear of death, but do we fear God’s Judgment? The Lord is waiting for us to see in our troubles the axe and mercy of God, not just a coincidence.

Thus comparing the Old Testament with our time, we can see than both then and now the Lord cares for His people, not allowing them to perish in carelessness and iniquity. In various ways He leads us to repentance, calls us to again be united with Him, Who is the Source of life. Truly the love of God surpasses human understanding! His love goes to the extent that, according to the prophet Isaiah, for the sake of His chosen ones, for the sake of a small part of the people, He spares the whole people. For the sake of a few saints the kingdom shall stand. Thus God was leading his servants, showing Himself sometimes as a terrible and rebuking Judge, and sometimes as Merciful and All-Forgiving for the sake of man, to establish righteousness on the earth. (Indeed, there is yet another aspect of love, its protective power.)

If the Lord cared so much for his servants, does he not care even more for His sons? The Old Testament is slavery; the New Testament is sonship. We are no longer slaves in the Master’s house, but sons in the Father’s home. A slave strives only to please his master, and their relationship is measured by the slave’s work. But a son has a closer relationship with the father and is afraid of insulting him not only by action, but also by intention, lest he be separated from the love of the father; his relationship with the father is measured by feelings and thoughts. Yet to whom more was given, of him more will be asked. "We are children of God, but it has not yet been revealed what we will become,"-says the apostle; we have been given a lot, and it is up to us to multiply the Lord’s gift. It is up to us to set our feet on the warrior path, the path of the warriors of Christ, fighting on the battlefield of our hearts for the Truth and Righteousness of God. It is up to us to make a good beginning, since the Lord appreciates even our intentions, and everything else we will be able to do with the help of God’s grace.

Our weapon is frequent prayer, creative prayer beyond a mechanical repetition of memorized words. The Holy Church offers such prayers to us in the touching services of the Great Lent. The goal of our struggle is to acquire the inner peace of the soul. When peace finds home in our hearts, then we begin our blessed journey toward communion with God. The state of communion with God is so great, that this communion itself is our reward, the Kingdom of Heaven inside of us. This is what the Lord has called us to, so that here on earth we could in separate moments acquire eternity for ourselves. Amen.

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

Kontakion 1


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

Ikos 1


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


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


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


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


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


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


Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.

Kontakion 2


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

Ikos 2


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



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


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


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


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


Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.

Kontakion 3


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

Ikos 3


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


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


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


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


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


Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.

Kontakion 4


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


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


Ikos 4


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


Gladdened by such promise, we call upon You:



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


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


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


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


Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.

Kontakion 5


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


Ikos 5


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



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


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


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


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


Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.


Kontakion 6


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


Ikos 6


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


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


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


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


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


Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.


Kontakion 7


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

Ikos 7


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


Jesus, we glorify Your inexpressible loving-kindness.


Jesus, we praise Your great benevolence.


Jesus, we extol Your saving Passion.


Jesus, we thank You for all Your bounties.


Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.

Kontakion 8


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

Ikos 8


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


Jesus, You are our Joy and Sweetness.


Jesus, You are our Tenderness and Delight.


Jesus, You are our Glory and Stronghold.


Jesus, You are our Power and Protection.


Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.


Kontakion 9


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


Ikos 9


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



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


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


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


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


Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.


Kontakion 10


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



Ikos 10


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


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


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


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


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


Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.


Kontakion 11


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


Ikos 11


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


Jesus, forgive all our sins.


Jesus, receive our humble repentance.


Jesus, place our souls into the heavenly abode.


Jesus, transfigure our bodies at the resurrection of all.


Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.

Kontakion 12


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


Ikos 12


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


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


Jesus, our Savior, save us from eternal torments.


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


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


Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.


Kontakion 13


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


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


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

(then again ikos 1 and kontakion1)


Ikos 1


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


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


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


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


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


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


Jesus, Almighty Physician, heal our souls and bodies.

Kontakion 1


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


Prayer


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

Στην πνευματική ζωή, ποτέ ο διάβολος δεν αρχίζει τη μάχη από τα μεγάλα και σοβαρά αμαρτήματα

Ποτέ ο διάβολος δεν αρχίζει τη μάχη από τα μεγάλα και σοβαρά αμαρτήματα. Προτιμά να αγωνιστεί για να πείσει τον άνθρωπο να κάνει μία μικρή παράβαση σε ένα μικρό σφάλμα. Εδώ έχει περισσότερες πιθανότητες επιτυχίας. Ευκολότερα κανείς προχωρεί σε μία μικρή υποχώρηση. Έτσι αρχίζει το ξήλωμα και ο κατήφορος. Το μικρό οδηγεί στο μεγαλύτερο. Και σιγά-σιγά φθάνει ο άνθρωπος στην έσχατη αθλιότητα. Γιατί; Γιατί δεν πρόσεξε στο πρώτο ολίσθημα.

Ο Ιούδας δεν έγινε μονομιάς προδότης. Άρχισε με την κλοπή ενός μικροποσού. Προχώρησε σε μεγαλύτερο. Έγινε δέσμιος της φυλαργυρίας. Οδηγήθηκε στην προδοσία του Διδασκάλου Του. Πάντοτε η αρχή των πιο μεγάλων κακών γίνεται με τρόπο ανεπαίσθητο. Οι μεγάλοι διαρρήκτες ξεκίνησαν κλέβοντας ένα αυγό. Και οι μεγάλοι απατεώνες άρχισαν τη δράση τους από μερικά αθώα ψέματα.

Πράγματι αυτά που φαίνονται μικρά και ασήμαντα είναι τα πιο επικίνδυνα. Ο Άγιος Ιωάννης ο Χρυσόστομος μιλώντας γι΄αυτό το θέμα έλεγε ότι ακριβώς επειδή οι άνθρωποι νομίζουν μικρό το αμάρτημα για τούτο εκείνος λυπάται και ανησυχούσε περισσότερο.

Τέχνασμα φοβερό και επιτυχημένο του διαβόλου είναι να μας ωθεί σε νομιζόμενα μικροσφάλματα. Μία πρώτη υποχώρηση ζητά. Εάν του την παραχωρήσουμε, τότε εκείνος κάνει ένα είδος κατοχής στην ψυχή μας και υφαίνει τα δίχτυα της αιχμαλωσίας μας.

Μικρή και ασήμαντη λεπτομέρεια στον όλο μηχανισμό του αυτοκινήτου ο πίρος που συγκρατεί τον τροχό. Εάν όμως αυτός λείψει, ο τροχός θα φύγει και το δυστύχημα θα ακολουθήσει.

Από ένα καρφί χάθηκε κάποτε μία μάχη. Έλειπε ένα καρφί από το πέταλο του αλόγου που ίππευε ο στρατηγός. Κατά τη μάχη λόγω χαλαρότητος, έφυγε και το δεύτερο καρφί και το τρίτο. Έπειτα έφυγε όλο το πέταλο. Το άλογο, χωρίς πέταλο σκόνταψε, έπεσε, έριξε καταγής τον αναβάτη, τον σκότωσε. Το ακέφαλο στράτευμα ηττήθηκε.

Από το βιβλίο «Πόλεμος κατά του Σατανά», Μακαριστού Αρχιεπισκόπου κυρού Χριστοδούλου

http://tokandylaki.blogspot.ca/

Akathist to St Elizabeth the New Martyr

KONTAKION I

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

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

IKOS I

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

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



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

KONTAKION II

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

IKOS II

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

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



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

KONTAKION III

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

IKOS III

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

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



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

KONTAKION IV

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

IKOS IV

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

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



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

KONTAKION V

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

IKOS V

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

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



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

KONTAKION VI

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

IKOS VI

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

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



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

KONTAKION VII

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

IKOS VII

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

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



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

KONTAKION VIII

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

IKOS VIII

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

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



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

KONTAKION IX

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

IKOS IX

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

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



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

KONTAKION X

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

IKOS X

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

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



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

KONTATKION XI

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

IKOS XI

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

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



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

KONTAKIOIN XII

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

IKOS XII

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

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



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

KONTAKION XII

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

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

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

Repeat Ikos I and Kontakion 1

IKOS I

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

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



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

KONTAKION I

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

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

Amen