Friday, January 31, 2020

"The Ancient of Days becomes a child for me..."

The Meeting of Christ in the Temple (source)
  
The Ancient of Days becomes a child for me, and God Who is the purest, comes for purification, that I might believe in His flesh from the Virgin. And Symeon meditates on this, and, coming to know Him as God Who has been revealed in the flesh, takes hold of his Life, and rejoices, and cries out as a priest: Grant me to depart, for I have seen You, the Life of all.
-Kathisma from the Feast of the Meeting of Christ
  
(source)
  
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

"You were made worthy of the joy and rejoicing of the Angels..."

St. Tryphon the Great Martyr and Unmercenary (source)


You were made worthy of the joy and rejoicing of the Angels, O all-blessed Tryphon, having denied the joys of this life, and through steadfastness of soul, you counted all [worldly] things as nothing, and with endurance, proceeded to Martyrdom, and you ever intercede on behalf of our souls.
-Prosomoion of the Stichera for the feast of St. Tryphon

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

St. Porphyrios: "Christ will conquer in the end..."

Christ willingly being judged before Pilate (source)
  
"My child, we Christians do not have money, nor power. Today, this world is governed by the mighty. Mighty powers, banks with a lot of money, other forces, very great...We are unable to cope with these forces and it is natural that these forces, many times, are antithetical to the Christian spirit, with the result being danger to Christians and those who desire to live according to the law of God. We cannot resist these forces, because in a worldly manner, we are unable. We, however, have Christ, my child. And if we ask Christ, then, we can resist whatever is difficult that comes our way, and we will be able to endure. Christ will conquer in the end, and righteousness and truth will prevail."
-St. Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia

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

St. Porphyrios: "One does not become a Christian with laziness..."

Jesus Christ the Son of God the Savior of the world (source)
  
A spiritual child of St. Porphyrios spoke of the Saint: "He spoke to me, not of some piecemeal good effort, but on the decisive, definitive passing from an old life of sin into a new life of holiness, in which we live in Christ and Christ lives within us, and for this transition, we must give all our strength.

Once, he asked me: "Tell me, to study to become a lawyer, how many years does it take?" I answered him.

He asked again: "To study to be an engineer, a chemist, a physician, how many years does it take?" I answered correspondingly, curious as to the nature of his questions.

And the Elder continued: "Do we study to learn the will of God and to apply it?"

I understood what he was referring to, and I was reluctant to respond. What could I say? That most of us faithful are lazy, lukewarm, "amateur Christians"? He knew this.

And he told me: "One does not become a Christian with laziness. It requires work, much work."

He himself was an example, without showing off. He had dedicated himself with zeal all the years of his long life to studying and to living Christ.

He was a worker, bodily and spiritually, and he wished to transmit this love of work to others. He believed that laziness leads to despondency and to many afflictions of soul and body. He recommended occupational therapy. Especially for those who were disorganized and desperate.

For the Elder, it was never too late to make a new start. He perceived of course that the denial of worldly hopes and the crushing of selfishness as the best precondition for this beginning.
Everything is transformed with effort, both with the soul and the body.

Do not leave the prayer. Simply and without being forced, fervently entreat for others. You will benefit them with prayer, not with words.

Regarding my problems, St. Porphyrios told me: "If we spoke a little on the phone, you would see that everything had immediately gone well. Tire the body, do not fear effort. Everything is transformed with effort, both the soul and the body. If they ask you about it, say humbly: 'That's how I think, but whatever you think.'"
-From a spiritual child of St. Porphyrios, in an Anthology of Instructions of Elder Porphyrios
(source)

  
St. Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia (source)
  
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

Thursday, January 30, 2020

St. Nikodemos: "Let Jesus be your breath..."

Jesus Christ the Son of God the Savior of the world (source)
  
"Let Jesus be the sweetest meditation of your heart.
Let Jesus be the nourishment of your tongue.
Let Jesus be your breath.
And never get your fill of calling upon Jesus!"
-St. Nikodemos of the Holy Mountain

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

St. Justin Popovich: "Every Holy Church is a piece of Heaven..."

Interior of an Orthodox Church (source)
  
"Every Holy Church is a piece of Heaven upon the earth. And when you are in Church, you are truly in Heaven. Thus, when the earth crushes you with its hell, run to Church, enter within, and behold, you are within Paradise! If people bother you with their evil, take refuge in Church, and kneel before God, and He will take you under His sweet and all-powerful protection."
-St. Justin Popovich
  
(source)
  
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

"The Hierarchs of Christ, and the pride of the Fathers..."

The Holy Three Hierarchs: Sts. Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom (source)
  
The Hierarchs of Christ, and the pride of the Fathers, the towers of the Faith, and the Teachers and protectors of the Faithful, let us gather together, O lovers of feasts, and offer them hymns of praise, hymning them as we say: Rejoice, light of the Church, O wise Basil, and immovable pillar. Rejoice, heavenly nous, O great Archpriest, Gregory the Theologian. Rejoice, O all-golden John Chrysostom, the stentorian preacher of repentance. But, O thrice-joyous Fathers, do not cease to ever entreat Christ on behalf of those who celebrate your all-sacred and divine feast with faith and fervor.
-Doxastikon of the Litia in the Plagal of the Second Tone

(source)

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

St. Amphilochios of Patmos: "It is a beautiful, wondrous thing..."

The Wedding at Cana (source)
  
"It is a beautiful, wondrous thing to behold people united with the love of Christ!"
-St. Amphilochios of Patmos (+1970)

(source)

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

Mother Gavrielia: "When we surrender ourselves totally..."

Jesus Christ the Son of God the Savior of the world (source)
  
"When we surrender ourselves totally to the Power and the Love of God, then we will understand that all things occurred as God desired, and because God allowed them."
-Eldress Gavrielia (+1992).

(source)

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

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

St. Ephraim the Syrian: "Virtues are formed by prayer..."

St. Ephraim the Syrian (source)
  
"Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and raises man to Heaven.”
-St. Ephraim the Syrian

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

Friday, January 24, 2020

Excerpt from the Third Theological Oration of St. Gregory the Theologian

Jesus Christ the Son of God the Savior of the world (source)
  
For He Whom you now treat with contempt was once above you. He Who is now Man was once the Uncompounded. What He was He continued to be; what He was not He took to Himself. In the beginning He was, uncaused; for what is the Cause of God? But afterwards for a cause He was born. And that cause was that you might be saved, who insult Him and despise His Godhead, because of this, that He took upon Him your denser nature, having converse with Flesh by means of Mind. While His inferior Nature, the Humanity, became God, because it was united to God, and became One Person because the Higher Nature prevailed in order that I too might be made God so far as He is made Man. He was born — but He had been begotten: He was born of a woman— but she was a Virgin. The first is human, the second Divine. In His Human nature He had no Father, but also in His Divine Nature no Mother. Both these belong to Godhead. He dwelt in the womb — but He was recognized by the Prophet, himself still in the womb, leaping before the Word, for Whose sake He came into being. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes Luke 2:41 — but He took off the swathing bands of the grave by His rising again. He was laid in a manger— but He was glorified by Angels, and proclaimed by a star, and worshipped by the Magi. Why are you offended by that which is presented to your sight, because you will not look at that which is presented to your mind? He was driven into exile into Egypt— but He drove away the Egyptian idols. He had no form nor comeliness in the eyes of the Jews Isaiah 53:2 — but to David He is fairer than the children of men. And on the Mountain He was bright as the lightning, and became more luminous than the sun, Matthew 17:2 initiating us into the mystery of the future.
XX. He was baptized as Man — but He remitted sins as God — not because He needed purificatory rites Himself, but that He might sanctify the element of water. He was tempted as Man, but He conquered as God; yea, He bids us be of good cheer, for He has overcome the world. John 16:33 He hungered — but He fed thousands; yea, He is the Bread that gives life, and That is of heaven. He thirsted — but He cried, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink. Yea, He promised that fountains should flow from them that believe. He was wearied, but He is the Rest of them that are weary and heavy laden. Matthew 11:28 He was heavy with sleep, but He walked lightly over the sea. He rebuked the winds, He made Peter light as he began to sink. He pays tribute, but it is out of a fish; yea, He is the King of those who demanded it. John 19:19 He is called a Samaritan and a demoniac; — but He saves him that came down from Jerusalem and fell among thieves; the demons acknowledge Him, and He drives out demons and sinks in the sea legions of foul spirits, Luke 8:28-33 and sees the Prince of the demons falling like lightning. He is stoned, but is not taken. He prays, but He hears prayer. He weeps, but He causes tears to cease. He asks where Lazarus was laid, for He was Man; but He raises Lazarus, for He was God. John 11:43 He is sold, and very cheap, for it is only for thirty pieces of silver; Matthew 26:15 but He redeems the world, and that at a great price, for the Price was His own blood. 1 Peter 1:19 As a sheep He is led to the slaughter, Isaiah 53:7 but He is the Shepherd of Israel, and now of the whole world also. As a Lamb He is silent, yet He is the Word, and is proclaimed by the Voice of one crying in the wilderness. John 1:23 He is bruised and wounded, but He heals every disease and every infirmity. Isaiah 53:23 He is lifted up and nailed to the Tree, but by the Tree of Life He restores us; yea, He saves even the Robber crucified with Him; Luke 23:43 yea, He wrapped the visible world in darkness. He is given vinegar to drink mingled with gall. Who? He who turned the water into wine John 2:1-11, who is the destroyer of the bitter taste, who is Sweetness and altogether desire. Song of Songs 5:16 He lays down His life, but He has power to take it again; John 10:18 and the veil is rent, for the mysterious doors of Heaven are opened; the rocks are cleft, the dead arise. Matthew 27:51 He dies, but He gives life, and by His death destroys death. He is buried, but He rises again; He goes down into Hell, but He brings up the souls; He ascends to Heaven, and shall come again to judge the quick and the dead, and to put to the test such words as yours. If the one give you a starting point for your error, let the others put an end to it.
-St. Gregory the Theologian, Excerpt from his Third Theological Oration
(source)
  
St. Gregory the Theologian (source)
  
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

Thursday, January 23, 2020

"Who is this knocking upon the gates of the Kingdom of the Heavens?"

St. Xenia of St. Petersburg (Source)
  
APOLYTIKION
Saint Xenia of St. Petersburg
January 24. Mode pl. 4.
In thee, O wandering stranger, Christ the Lord hath given us an ardent intercessor for our kind. For having received in thy life sufferings and grief and served God and men with love, thou didst acquire great boldness. Wherefore, we fervently hasten to thee in temptations and grief, crying out from the depths of our hearts: Put not our hope to shame, O Blessed Xenia.

 
Kathisma I
Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the Wisdom.
With that rending of heart at thy husband's death * came the tearing-away of the heavy veil * of life's deep deceitfulness * and its transient vanity; * and by sorrow illumined in soul to seek after Christ, * thou didst win Him as Bridegroom, betrothed to Him by His Cross. * Now, as thou enjoyest grace and life everlasting * and boldness before the Lord, * Mother Xenia, remember us, * who sing thy praise while crying out: * Intercede with Christ our God * that forgiveness of all their transgressions be * granted to them that with longing * keep thy holy memory.

 
KONTAKION
Mode 3.
Reader: Having been as a wandering stranger on earth, sighing for the Heavenly homeland, thou wast known as a fool by the senseless and unbelieving, but as most wise and holy by the faithful, and wast crowned by God with glory and honor, O Xenia, manly-minded and divinely wise. Wherefore, we cry to thee: (intoned) Rejoice, for after earthly wandering thou hast come to dwell in the Father's house.
  
OIKOS
Reader: Who is this knocking upon the gates of the Kingdom of the Heavens***, her garments white, her face shining brighter than the sun? Where doth she come from, asking for such great things? It is the daughter of the Heavenly Father, the faithful handmaid of the Son of God, and the chosen vessel of the Holy Spirit, who hath been wandering on the earth like a stranger. Now is she translated to the heavenly homeland; wherefore, quickly open the doors for her, and greet her with rejoicing, crying out: (intoned) Rejoice, O Xenia, for after earthly wandering thou hast come to dwell in the Father's house.
  
SYNAXARION
On this day we commemorate our righteous Mother, Blessed Xenia, the Fool for Christ's sake and Wonderworker of Saint Petersburg.
 

Verses
They that are at a loss invoke Blessed Xenia,
Who having lost all things, won Christ as her Bridegroom.
On the twenty-fourth Xenia was in Heaven.
  
***Note: Likely an beautiful and poetic allusion to the Parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1-8).
  
St. Xenia of St. Petersburg (source)
  
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Paraklesis to St. Tryphon the Great Martyr and Unmercenary

St. Tryphon the Great Martyr and Unmercenary (source)
  
Paraklesis (Supplication Service) to the Glorious Martyr and Unmercenary Healer Tryphon

After the "Blessed is our God", the "Lord, hear my prayer...", followed by:
God is the Lord and He revealed Himself to us, blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord (x4, with verses)

Troparion in the Fourth Tone. O You Who were lifted on the Cross.
To him who appeared as a trophy-bearer amidst struggles, and who is the namesake of godly nourishment, Tryphon the glorious Martyr of Christ, let us hymn and cry out to him: Deliver your entreaters from abject dangers, those who call upon your wondrous name with fervor, O Unmercenary.

Glory. Both now.
O Theotokos, we shall never be silent...

Then, Psalm 50, followed by the Canon in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone.

Ode I. Crossing the water as on dry land.
O Saint of God, intercede on our behalf.
As you are nourished with godly nourishment in the Heavens, O Martyr Tryphon, as an all-perfect Champion, through your intercessions, deliver my soul from bitter food.

O Saint of God, intercede on our behalf.
You hearkened to the divine words, and put them into practice, O Blessed Tryphon, and you loved them practically in your holy life, therefore make be worthy to live in holiness.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
You became a shepherd of your soul, O Tryphon, with wisdom in your thoughts. Make me ever worthy to be shepherded through your compassion, O Martyr, with divine wisdom.

Both now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion.
Illumine me with the noetic Light [Christ], Whom you bore, the radiance of the glory of the Father, O all-spotless Lady, and disperse the darkness of my sin.

Ode III. You are the foundation.
O Saint of God...
You cast down the might of the evil one, O glorious Tryphon, through the power of God. Therefore, deliver us from his schemes.

You trampled upon the fleshly serpent, O Tryphon, and put to end the enemy. Therefore, ever put to death his wiles, through your divine intercessions.

With your presence alone, O Tryphon, you truly made the evil spirits flee, through the power of the Spirit.

Theotokion.
Having you as my help, O All-Spotless one, I will not be overcome by any dangers in my life, with you as my protector, who saves me from afflictions.
  
St. Tryphon the Great Martyr and Unmercenary (source)
  
Ode IV. I have hearkened and heard, O Lord.
O God-bearer and Unmercenary, surround all those who honor you, and speedily grant them healing through your intercessions to the Savior.
 
As one nourished with eternal glory and rejoicing, O glorious Tryphon, intercede that those who hymn you might be delivered from every trial.
 
As one estranged from the love of God through the guile of the serpent, O glorious one, and through your intercessions, call me back, and deliver me from his hands.
 
Theotokion.
I have placed all my hopes in you, O Ever-Virgin, and I cry out to you: deliver me from every danger through your intercessions.
 
Ode V. Illumine us.
That I might hymn you as my protector, O glorious Tryphon, ever deliver your entreater from every danger through your prayers.
 
Grant me, the wretched one, victory against the enemy, O ever-memorable Tryphon, through your prayers, that, having been saved, I might ever glorify you.
 
Grant eternal life to your servant, O Martyr Tryphon, as a physician of souls and bodies, for I know you as a free healer of afflictions.
 
Theotokion.
O Spotless Pure One, the name that is sweetest to me, through your mighty protection, save me, who have hastened to take refuge in you.
 
Ode VI. Have mercy on my, O Savior.
Wither the atrocious ashes and miasmas and mania of the idols, O glorious one, and water our plants with the waters of piety, for all those who praise you with gracious hymns, O Tryphon.
 
Your eternal and martyric blood, O Champion, ever pours forth fragrance like myrrh, pouring forth healings, and the dust of your body sanctifies the souls of those who approach you in faith.
 
Having seen you as a worker of healings, O glorious Tryphon, make the passions to wither, as we ever draw from you as from an unemptying spring, a river of healings and gifts of salvation.
 
Theotokion.
As the true Mother of Christ, the Creator of all creation, I entreat you fervently, O All-Spotless Lady, to grant me forgiveness of my many offenses, and to deliver me from dangers.
 
Deliver us from dangers and afflictions, O Tryphon, through your intercessions to Christ, O Unmercenary, for those who praise you with fervor and faith.
 
Spotless One, who by a word did bring to us the Word eternal...
 
Then, the Priest says the entreaty, followed by the Kontakion in the Second Tone.
O Unmercenary, as one partaking of godly nourishment in the Heavens, through your ceaseless intercessions to God, grant deliverance from every passion of the souls of your entreaters, for you are an invincible Champion, O ever-memorable Tryphon.
 
Then, the Prokeimenon in Tone Four.
God is wondrous among His Saints, the God of Israel, He will give strength and support to His people, Blessed is God. (2)
Verse: In Churches, bless God, the Lord from the wellsprings of Israel.
God is wondrous among His Saints, the God of Israel, He will give strength and support to His people, Blessed is God.
  
St. Tryphon the Great Martyr and Unmercenary (source)
The Gospel according to St. Luke (10:19-21).
Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you.  Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will.
 
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Through the intercessions of the Unmercenary, O Lord of mercy, wash away my many personal offenses.
Both now and forever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Lord of mercy, wash away my many personal offenses.

Verse: Have mercy on me, O God...
Then the Prosomoion in the Plagal of the Second Tone. No one is turned away from you.
No one is turned away from your protection and is sent away without help against the passions and dangers, O Tryphon, Martyr of the Lord, but one asks for the grace of healings, and he receives salvation and healing through your prayers to God.

Then, the Priest says the "Save, O God, Your people, and bless Your inheritance...

St. Tryphon the Great Martyr and Unmercenary (source)

Then, the Canon resumes. Ode VII. Once from out of Judea.
You rejoice, dancing together with the choirs of the Martyrs as one bearing a crown, O Tryphon, and they honor you, and hymn you in faith, as an Unmercenary who grants healing of afflictions and passions through your prayers.
The Master of all and God has placed a heavenly crown upon your head, and you have come to ever dwell in His heavenly mansions. Make us worthy of them, O Saint Tryphon, as you entreat for us.
Dry the streams of my tears, O Unmercenary Tryphon, for my heart is granted a spring welling forth healings from your Icon. Fill me with compunction, that I might be cleansed from the filth of the passions, O Thrice-blessed one.
Theotokion.
You bore the God before the ages in your sacred arms, O All-Spotless one. Do not cease to entreat Him that your servants be granted deliverance from fire, earthquake, famine, and incurable afflictions.
Ode VIII. The King of Heaven.
As one tempted by a multitude of illnesses, O Blessed one, I hasten to you, asking for salvation, for you, O Tryphon, are a deliverance of those ailing.
As one nourished and rejoicing with the Angels in the heavenly mansions, intercede with the Lord on behalf of those who hymn you.
O Saint Tryphon, become a physician of the illnesses of your entreater, and of burdensome passions, and cut off their frenzy, through your divine intercessions.
Theotokion.
Grant my a stream of tears, O Lady, that I might cleanse the filth of the passions from my soul, and guide me on the ways of salvation.
Ode IX. Saved through you, O Theotokos.
Entreat for us to the God of all, for nourishment with heavenly food, O glorious Tryphon, that we might be granted forgiveness of offenses.
Shining from the light of the first Light [Christ], O Tryphon, and having been set aflame with His divine radiance, through your intercessions, make us to partake of Him as well.
As one partaking of godly nourishment and joy together with the Angels, intercede with the Creator, O Blessed one, on behalf of your servants.
Theotokion.
Grant deliverance, O Theotokos, for those ailing and from every danger, for your entreators, for they ever take refuge, praying to you. 

St. Tryphon the Great Martyr and Unmercenary (source)
 
Then, "It is truly right to call you blessed...", followed by the Megalynaria.

The wondrous Martyr of the Lord, and most-ready helper from Lampsakos, a protector and deliverer for those who call upon him, let us all honor the divine Tryphon.

Come, O faithful, let us venerate the holy Icon of the divine Tryphon, who drives away from us the stench of the passions, and grants healing and deliverance to all.

All the ranks of Angels...

Then, the Trisagion, followed by the Troparion in the First Tone. A Heavenly Place.
You manfully endured the pains of tortures, and truly inherited the life without pain, O ever-memorable Tryphon, the foundation of Champions. Therefore, today, the Church of Christ celebrates your all-holy memory, and rejoices in a godly manner.

Then the Priest says the entreaty, followed by the Dismissal, after which the people venerate the Icon while the hymn is chanted:
Prosomoion in the Second Tone. When from the Tree.
You received from God, O Tryphon, the grace to grant healings for those who have taken refuge in your protection in faith, and who hasten to you, amidst many incurable afflictions, healing the passions through the grace of the All-Holy Spirit, O wise one. Therefore, we also entreat you: pray to the Lord of all to deliver those who honor you from dangers.

Lady do you receive...

My numerous hopes are placed...

Through the prayers...
(source)
   
St. Tryphon the Great Martyr and Unmercenary (source)
  
Additional Prayer to St. Tryphon
O holy martyr of Christ Tryphon, swift helper of all that seek refuge in thee, and quick to intercede for those that pray before thy holy image! Hearken now and at every hour unto the prayer of us thine unworthy servants, who venerate thy holy memory (in this all-holy temple erected to the praise of thy name, and in every place).  For Thou, O Saint of Christ, thyself hast promised before thy departure from this corrupt life, to pray to the Lord for us, and hast asked of Him this gift: if anyone in their any need or sorrow shall begin to invoke thy holy name, they shall be delivered from every instigation of the evil one. And as thou didst once heal the ruler's daughter in Rome, who was tormented by the devil, so also preserve us from his cruel snares all the days of our life, moreover be thou our intercessor in the dread day of our last breath, when the dark visions of wicked spirits begin to surround and terrify us: be then our helper and swift banisher of evil spirits, and our guide to the Kingdom of Heaven, where thou now standest with the choirs of Saints before the Throne of God;
pray the Lord, that He grant us also to be partakers of everlasting joy and gladness, that we may be found worthy together with thee to glorify the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, for all ages. Amen.
(source)
  
Also see a previous post for the famed Prayers of St. Tryphon said at the Holy Water Blessing in prayer for health and deliverance of Gardens and Farms from pests.
  

St. Tryphon the Great Martyr and Unmercenary (source)
  
   Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Akathist to St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr of Magnesia

St. Charalambos the Hieromartyr with scenes from his life and martyrdom (source)
  
Akathist to St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr of Magnesia
written by Monk Niphon of the Skete of Iveron

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone.
To the victorious Hieromartyr of Christ, and the wonderworking physician of soul and body, let us hymn Charalampos with our song. But as you are a great torrent of healings, deliver us from passions, illnesses and the demons, for those who cry out: Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.
 
The bodiless Angels, beholding your struggles, were astonished, O Martyr Charalampos, (3) and together with the Angels, all the faithful offer you a hymn, and both, being made more joyous with your glory, then cry out these things:
Rejoice, the great Hieromartyr,
Rejoice, you who stand before the Trinity.
Rejoice, the offspring of pious parents,
Rejoice, glory and boast of Magnesia.
Rejoice, for before your conception you were chosen by God,
Rejoice, for from youth you were famed everywhere.
Rejoice, canon and pride of the Priesthood,
Rejoice, the most-divine beauty of holiness.
Rejoice, the great teacher of the people,
Rejoice, our all-comely protector.
Rejoice, through whom our hope is fulfilled,
Rejoice, through whom God is entreated.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.
  
Beholding your enduring of pains surpassing human nature, the inhumane ruler wished to torture you, O healer of Christ and great one among the Martyrs, Charalampos, you were not dismayed by the threat of death, and cried out: Alleluia.
  
St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr with scenes from his life (source)
  
Having divine knowledge, you who were known by God, you censured the delusion of Seviros, and brought a multitude of people to Christ, O Charalampos, while the tyrant was shamed, and all the faithful were roused to cry out these things with reverence:
Rejoice, O Martyr of the truth,
Rejoice, preacher of piety.
Rejoice, you who deposed the religion of the idols,
Rejoice, you who were filled with godly wisdom.
Rejoice, for you conquered the terrible Satan,
Rejoice, for you gave honor to the people as to Christ.
Rejoice, teacher of the precepts of the Apostles,
Rejoice, you who adorned the council of the Champions.
Rejoice, servant of the worship of God,
Rejoice, adornment of your sacred temple.
Rejoice, you who lifted up the horn of the Cross,
Rejoice, you who trampled upon the thorns of the enemy.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.
  
Having power from on high as a weapon, O Charalampos, you endured terrible tortures manfully on behalf of Christ, even the flaying of your flesh with iron instruments, O all-blessed one, crying out to Him in the highest: Alleluia.
  
St. Charalampos with scenes from his life (Source)
  
Having vain zeal, the Duke, who was a worshiper of the idols, flayed your flesh, but his hands were cut off by bodiless hands, while you then healed him. Angels and men were astonished at this, and cry out these things:
Rejoice, O Champion Charalampos,
Rejoice, invincible Cross-bearer.
Rejoice, you who trampled upon the boldness of the Duke,
Rejoice, you who healed his mindset.
Rejoice, you who endured many forms of evil in your flesh,
Rejoice, you who withstood the tyrant's judgment seat.
Rejoice, for your body was burned with fire,

Rejoice, for you were crowned with the radiance of martyrdom.
Rejoice, through whom many were saved,
Rejoice, through whom lepers are cleansed.
Rejoice, O physician of the sick, and deliverance,
Rejoice, priest, granting to those who entreat of you.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.

  
Having been filled with demonic zeal, Seviros beheld you casting out demons, O Father, and making the blind to see, O Charalampos, and raising the dead, as you cried out to the God Who works wonders: Alleluia.
  
St. Charalambos with scenes from his life (source)
  
When Seviros heard of the things worked by you, he sought to pierce your body with nails, and he left you half-dead to your fellow people who received you. Your surpassingly radiant martyrdom astonished Greece, which cries out to you:
Rejoice, great trauma to the demons,
Rejoice, divine wonder of men.
Rejoice, O Charalampos, great one among the Martyrs,
Rejoice, Champion, perfect among the Priests.
Rejoice, for you were pained like no one else among the Champions,
Rejoice, for you were pierced with nails like Christ.
Rejoice, for you were impaled on a spike,
Rejoice, for your flesh was flayed.
Rejoice, through whom God has worked wonders,
Rejoice, through whom the enemy is put to death.
Rejoice, unspeakable endurance,
Rejoice, invinsible manliness.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.
  
You worked wonders and mighty acts through the power of the Paraclete [the Comforter], astonishing the heavenly Powers, and the wonderworking Saints, among whom you were shown as surpassing. Beholding this, that the spirits were subject to you, they cried out to God: Alleluia.
  
St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr (source)
  
Those who beheld you were in ecstasy, as they saw paradoxical wonders worked by you, for the dead man who was lying breathless, you resurrected through your word, O Charalampos, and they who beheld this all cried out with fervor:
Rejoice, you who raised the dead through your prayer,
Rejoice, you who trampled upon the potions of the enemy.
Rejoice, bestower of the Father, Word and Spirit,
Rejoice, stone of Christ, like diamond and emerald.
Rejoice, you whose face was beaten with stones on behalf of Christ,
Rejoice, you whose face was burnt with flames for Him.
Rejoice, priest, serving the awesome mysteries of Christ,
Rejoice, wonderworker, working surpassingly awesome wonders.
Rejoice, intercessor to the Lord on behalf of sinners,
Rejoice, speedy visitation of those suffering.
Rejoice, you who drive away the miasma of death,
Rejoice, song of victory of life.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.
  
Seviros received evils from heaven, as did Krispos, who maniacally blasphemed Christ and you, O Champion, as the mindless ones were trampled upon, while they entreated you, as you cried out on behalf of them: Alleluia.
  
St. Charalambos the Hieromartyr (source)
  
Seeking deliverance from you, Seviros was lifted up in the air. But you, O Charalampos, who endured beatings and breaking of your flesh, prayed for your enemies, while you heard:
Rejoice, offspring of compassion,
Rejoice, son of guilelessness.
Rejoice, you who through your deeds made the earth to be heaven,
Rejoice, you who brought down heaven to earth through your wonders.
Rejoice, most-radiant lamp enlightening the faithful,
Rejoice, tower the breadth of heaven that ever protects them.
Rejoice, you who loved your enemies more than yourself,
Rejoice, you who healed the pains of your torturers,
Rejoice, through whom cholera is cast out,
Rejoice, through whom the plague is removed.
Rejoice, great Martyr and sacrifice of Christ,
Rejoice, my protector and deliverer.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.
  
"Great is your God!" Seviros cried out, entreating you, O Charalampos to be delivered, and in condescension he descended to earth. Having been brought peace through the intercession of the Martyr, the Martyr cried out to the Lord: "Alleluia."
  


St. Charalampos depicted kneeling in prayer to Christ, and thereby driving away the demonic plague (source)
  
New tortures did Seviros breathe against you next, O Charalampos the brave champion of Christ, as he ordered that molten brass be put in your mouth. And while they taunted you, we cry out to you:
Rejoice, hero among the Martyrs,
Rejoice, worshipper of the Savior.
Rejoice, treasure of the virtues of love,
Rejoice, destroyer of the most-evil plague.
Rejoice, for you ruled over all the passions,
Rejoice, for you obtained the glory of the greatest of the Champions.
Rejoice, and I entreat you, O Martyr, to cease the pains,
Rejoice, and may you receive my prayers, O Saint, and become my physician.
Rejoice, healing of the illnesses of mortals,
Rejoice, deliverer of many who have fallen.
Rejoice, you who cast down the fall gods,
Rejoice, the foundation of the people bearing the name of Christ.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.

Again, the king of darkness wished to crush his daughter, who desired to suffer for Christ, but she became a Virgin-Martyr, together with the Angels, O Charalampos, and she cried out together with you to God, the King of Kings: Alleluia.
  

St. Charalampos with scenes from his life (source)

You appear as a tree full of shading branches, O Martyr Charalampos, whose height I am unable to look upon. Who can rightly praise you? For your wonders only the Angels are able to hymn, while we, astonished by you, cry out these things:
Rejoice, triumph of the Trinity,
Rejoice, amazement of the ends of the earth.
Rejoice, who before your death worked awesome wonders,
Rejoice, who every day works more wonders.
Rejoice, you who make the dry pillar to sprout,
Rejoice, you who drive away cataclysm with your might.
Rejoice, for you were seen as a disciple of the Great Teacher [Christ],
Rejoice, for you granted His heavenly mansions.
Rejoice, through whom Seviros was shaken,
Rejoice, in whom the people wonder greatly.
Rejoice, star of the Church of Christ,
Rejoice, shepherd of His inheritance.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.
 
The beastly ruler, having learned of every godly deed of yours, and of your wonders, O Martyr, ordered your death, which you received, O Charalampos, with ceaseless rejoicing, as you prayed to your Lord on behalf of all who chant: Alleluia.
 
St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr (source)

"Deliver, O God of all, from all dangers," the Martyr cried out in prayer, "O Christ, King of all, through this, the prayer of your servant." And a divine voice was heard: "Your will be done." While we, hearing this, cry out:
Rejoice, Martyr of the love of God,
Rejoice, scourger of the spirits of hate.
Rejoice, surpassing the struggles of the Martyrs,
Rejoice, humiliating the boldness of the demons.
Rejoice, for you heard that Christ would fulfill all your requests,
Rejoice, for you save from death the peoples that cry out to you.
Rejoice, you who beheld Heaven open,
Rejoice, you who beheld God and spoke with Him.
Rejoice, you who sensed the beauty of Eden,
Rejoice, you who rejoice in eternal glory.
Rejoice, you who lift up the fallen faithful,
Rejoice, you who grant them the joy of divine knowledge.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.

Wishing to save everyone, you ever entreat the life-giving Trinity on behalf of all, O Charalampos, and as you have greatest boldness before God, one who formerly lived wailing for five years, now ever rejoices to chant: Alleluia.  
 
St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr (source)

Awesome and strange and terrible wonders! For the bones of Charalampos work healings from God, and pour forth wonders like the Nile River from his Icon, as we who have obtained his intercessions, cry out:
Rejoice, abyss of wonders,
Rejoice, torrent of healings.
Rejoice, you who heal incurable illnesses,
Rejoice, you whose temple has been shown to be another Pool of Siloam.
Rejoice, for your glory amazes both in Heaven and on the earth,
Rejoice, for the demons are afraid of your might.
Rejoice, intercessor and protector of your entreater,
Rejoice, you who ever grant joy to those who hymn you.
Rejoice, you who deliver us from our enemy,
Rejoice, you who offer us to Christ.
Rejoice, you who shine with light and joy,
Rejoice, you who as fire burn the demons.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.

Every hymn befits you, our benefactor Charalampos and our divine protector, for you ever hasten to help everywhere. For which land has not received your help? Greece especially, which possesses your Skull as a treasure, cries out: Alleluia.
 
St. Charalambos the Hieromartyr (source)

Having borne the wounding of your whole body, do hasten to lift up your hands to God for us, for the memory of your martyrdom ceases the rage of the Judge, and moves the Righteous One to forgive offenses, for those who cry out to you with fervor:
Rejoice, you who beheld heavenly things,
Rejoice, you who behold our earthly needs.
Rejoice, you whose Relics pour forth unspeakable fragrance,
Rejoice, you whose grace works incomparable wonders.
Rejoice, for from your Skull pours forth rivers of life,
Rejoice, for there you still bear the marks of the nails.
Rejoice, for you stand beside Meteora as their patron,
Rejoice, for you became the trophy-bearer of Magnesia.
Rejoice, for you uproot the tares of pestilence,
Rejoice, for you trample upon the thorns of delusion.
Rejoice, unassailable pillar of the faith,
Rejoice, unquenchable lamp of the world.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.

The Monastery of the First-Martyr [St. Stephen] in Meteora has been filled with grace, as she is enriched with grace through your Holy Skull, O all-glorious Charalampos, and together with her we glorify you, ceaselessly crying out to God Who glorified you: Alleluia.
 
St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr (source)

Chanting the hymn to you, in your Holy Church, at your Holy Relics and Icon, we pray that we be delivered from the plague and from every illness. Therefore, intercede with God, that you might become the deliverer of those in dangers, as we all cry out:
Rejoice, soldier of Christ,
Rejoice, most-steadfast among the Saints.
Rejoice, the Champion Cross-bearer of the people,
Rejoice, the great fighter against the devil.
Rejoice, for you sleeplessly deliver me from the enemy,
Rejoice, for even in sleep, you protect me from him.
Rejoice, you whose blood has sanctified the earth,
Rejoice, you whose Holy Icon has been shown wondrous.
Rejoice, for the Archangels have crowned you,
Rejoice, for the demons tremble before you.
Rejoice, through whom the passions are healed,
Rejoice, through whom God is glorified.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.

O Blessed Charalampos, most-beloved servant of Christ and greatly-suffering Martyr, (3) through your intercessions, deliver all of those who hymn you, O Wonderworker, from  every affliction, and from eternal fire, as we cry out to God: Alleluia.

And again, the Kontakion.

(source)
  
St. Charalambos the Hieromartyr (source)
  
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!