Monday, December 28, 2020

St. Ephraim of Katounakia on the Humble Simplicity of the Cave of Bethlehem

Christ's Nativity in the humble Cave of Bethlehem (source)

"I remember," said St. Ephraim of Katounakia, "that I was astonished by everywhere in the Holy Lands, but when I went to the Cave of Bethlehem, there, my heart was broken! It was torn into a thousand pieces! And I said, 'how was God born in this place, in this cave, without any consolation, like one thrown out of the city? This God Who could make anything for Himself, but, without complaint, far from every worldly comfort, during the night (and the coldest night of the year), the longest night of the year, in a totally abandoned place, He Who created everything--Heaven and Earth--He was born in this place!

"And when I returned [to his cell on Mount Athos], I entered in and saw my blankets (what blankets did He have?), and I saw what I had, and I was ashamed, and said: 'If God was born in that cave, how could I need all of these things?' I saw pots and pans..."

Metropolitan Athanasios of Lemesou, who was relating the story, comments that: "If I were to describe his pots...not even our dogs would eat from them! And if I could describe his bed...not even our pigs would we put in them!

"But, he perceived his place to be a luxury, over the top. And from then on, when they would tell him: "Elder, your cell is small." He would reply: "God was born in a cave. If I thought of God's cave, well then, what could I say regarding my own?"

(source)

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

Friday, December 25, 2020

"Come, O faithful, let us see where Christ is born..."

 Christ is born! Glorify Him!

The Nativity of Christ (source)

Come, O faithful, let us see where Christ is born, let us follow therefore, where the star is leading, together with the Magi, the Kings of the East. Angels ceaselessly hymn there, Shepherds offer their wonder and a worthy hymn, saying "Glory in the highest to Him Who is born today in the Cave from the Virgin and Theotokos, in Bethlehem of Judea.

-Kathisma from Matins for the Nativity of Christ

(source)

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

Thursday, December 17, 2020

"Called to the Great Banquet of the Kingdom of God", sermon by Metropolitan Nicholas of Mesogaia

"Called to the Great Banquet of the Kingdom of God", sermon by Metropolitan Nicholas of Mesogaia, with English subtitles (source)

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

Akathist to St. Anastasia Pharmakolytria (The Deliverer from Potions)

St. Anastasia the Great Martyr and Pharmakolytria (The Deliverer from Potions) (source)

Akathist to St. Anastasia Pharmakolytria (The Deliverer from Potions)

Note: The service below is a translation found online from the Russian text. I edited it for grammar and readability, but without having knowledge of Russian or access to that text, there may some significant changes compared to the original text. May the Saint bless, protect and heal all those who are suffering throughout the world!

Troparion, Tone 4

The true namesake of the victorious Resurrection are you called, O martyr of Christ, who were victorious over your enemies with patience, on behalf of Christ, your Bridegroom, Whom you loved, pray to save our souls.

Kontakion, Tone 2

Those who are amidst the temptations and sorrows of life hasten to your temple, and are granted gifts from the Divine grace that lives in you, O Anastasia: do grant speedy healing for the world.

Kontakion 1

To the chosen saint of Christ, the all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, we bring praiseworthy singing, as she who has much boldness to the Lord, deliver from all troubles, sorrows and illnesses, the faithful who cry out freely with love: Alleluia.

Ikos 1

You have become like an angel with a pure mind, having had your mind upon Him, Who is the Creator of all visible and invisible creation, eternal from the beginning and the One desired by all the righteous; we, praising your wise teaching from the holy martyr Chrysogonus, cry out with love:
Rejoice, you who loved the faith of Christ;

Rejoice, you who followed the piety of your mother Fausta.

Rejoice, you who preserved the purity of your virginity;

rejoice, you who were always guarded invisibly by the angels.

Rejoice, for you have drawn near to God by your purity;
Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.

Kontakion 2

Saint Anastasia, beholding the many Christians suffering in dungeons for the name and teachings of Jesus Christ, began to serve them with zeal, but was helped by God to comfort and heal them, singing with reverence: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

O godly-wise Anastasia, you reasoned that this whole world is passing vanity and corruption, and for this, you despised precious clothing and possessions, and secretly clothed beggars, entering the dungeons to serve as a confessor of Christ; we follow her in our minds, and we appeal to her with love:
Rejoice, imitator of Christ;

Rejoice, visitor of prisoners in the dungeon.

Rejoice, consoler of the confessors of Christ;

Rejoice, you who have spent your gold and silver on them.

Rejoice, by them who have acquired the Kingdom of Heaven;

Rejoice, you who washed the hands and feet of the saints and cleaned their hair.

Rejoice, you who healed their ills and honestly buried their bodies; 

Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.

Kontakion 3

Strengthened by power from above, holy martyr, you blessedly served the saints, and shamed the hater of every virtue the devil, enduring enslavement from your impious husband; we, praising your goodness, Anastasia, sing along with you: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Have great love in the Lord for all who suffer for the Name of Christ in dungeons; we, marveling at her courage, crying to her:
Rejoice, chosen bride of Christ;

Rejoice, diligent keeper of the commandments of Christ.

Rejoice, for you have fulfilled this not in words alone, but in deeds;

Rejoice, you who were ready to lay down your life for your friends.

Rejoice, for you have received much bitterness for Christ;

Rejoice, for you have become like a strong diamond through your patience. 

Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.

Kontakion 4

Your husband held you like a captive and a slave, O Saint Anastasia, and raised up a storm of fury against you, as an impious tormentor; we, remembering the bitterness from him and your suffering, sing to the Lord who strengthened you: Alleluia.

St. Anastasia Pharmakolytria (source)

Ikos 4

Hearing, O Blessed Anastasia, that your holy teacher Chrysogonus had endured much for Christ, you followed him with your sufferings and secretly sung to him: "Teacher, I will die with you, and nothing else remains, if you let go of the spirit, I will fall dead beside you." We, wondering at your patience, say these things:
Rejoice, you who did not spare your honest flesh;

rejoice, you who spent days and nights at the feet of Christ.

Rejoice, you who wished to spend your wealth on God for the sake of the poor;

Rejoice, the one who works wisely.

Rejoice, one who has the care of those who suffer in bonds;

Rejoice, you who entered the Heavenly mansion eternally. 

Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.

Kontakion 5

Like a godly star you appeared in the land of Rome, O great martyr Anastasia, and you visit those who suffer for Christ in dungeons and in their hearts confirm their faith, but they ever cry with you to God, the Savior of all: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Seeing your God-bearing teacher Chrysogonus in persecution by this world, you commanded yourself, like the Prophet [David], to cry out: "Why are you downcast? Trust in God." (Psalm 43) we, remembering your grief and sorrow for your teacher, call out to you: 

Rejoice, you who have placed all your trust in the Lord;

Rejoice, you who endured the oppression of the earthly kingdom for the sake of the Heavenly.

Rejoice, through your purity, you have been honored to live in heaven with the Angels;

Rejoice, you who draw near to God through your sorrows.

Rejoice, for through your prayers you deliver us from many sorrows;

Rejoice, for by your intercessions you free from temptations. 

Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.

Kontakion 6

The whole Christian world preaches your honest exploits, Great Martyr Anastasia, and glorifies your sufferings, praises your martyrdom and sings to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

You shone greater than the sun with your virtues in the great city of Rome, when the prediction of your teacher, Holy Chrysogonus, about the death of your godless husband was fulfilled. Freed by God, you began to care for the martyrs of Christ with increasing zeal; we, looking with love at your deeds, say to you these things:
Rejoice, zealous helper for the suffering;

Rejoice, you who comforted the friends of Christ with divine words.

Rejoice, who had great care for the three virgins: Agapia, Chionia and Irene;

Rejoice, for you have strengthened those for the trial of martyrdom.

Rejoice, you who bore grief in your mind;

Rejoice, you who made your heart a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.

Rejoice, you who were completely consumed by the fire of love for God;

Rejoice, for through your blood you have found His heavenly mansion.

Rejoice, for you have brought down the enemy of salvation through your courage; 

Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.

Kontakion 7

The desire of holy Chrysogonus, the martyr, to die for Christ, was fulfilled with God's Providence: when you saw the honest relics of your passion-bearer teacher, kissing them kindly, you cried, from the depths of your soul you offered a song to God: Alleluia.

St. Anastasia Pharmakolytria (source)

Ikos 7

Our Lord has given you a new grace and power, when you had perceived a calling to pass from city to city, visiting those sitting in chains. We, following your wandering, sweetly cry to you:
Rejoice, follower of the footsteps of Christ;

rejoice, servant of many saints.

Rejoice, you who were taken aback by Christ's purity;

Rejoice, glorified great martyr.

Rejoice, icon of your name-sake;

Rejoice, free cleansing of the faithful through your gold from the bonds of prison.

Rejoice, through your prayers you deliver us from the bonds of sinfulness;

Rejoice, you who sends forth healing to the sick.

Rejoice, for you raise up those near death by God's command; 

Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.

Kontakion 8

Your wandering with the holy martyr Theodota was a gift for many: for the sick the gift of healing, for many who have died, you prepared burial, for those living, the strengthening of deeds of virtue; make us worthy, we who are unworthy, O saint, through your prayers, to chant with our reason to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

All the rooms of the dungeon were filled with your much weeping and wailing, when you came early according to your custom and did not greet even one prisoner, because that night, for the name of Christ, all those who were set aside by the command of the evil king, were all given death; we, remembering your grief for God's friends, cry out like this:
Rejoice, for you diligently searched for the servants of Christ in the dungeons;

rejoice, servant who found those in the Heavenly mansion.

Rejoice, you who had taken up the Lord's Cross with love on her body;

Rejoice, you who were honored everywhere to see the stripes of the Lord Almighty with intelligent eyes.

Rejoice, for through your love for your neighbors, you have acquired great boldness towards God; 

Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.

Kontakion 9

Though you were threatened with wicked torture, O invincible passion-bearer, for denying the idols, you fearlessly cried out to them: "I am the servant of Christ, and I sing to Him day and night: Alleluia."

Ikos 9

The chief priest of the idols has spoken with you, that with flattery he might catch your holy soul; But you, having learned of all the cunning of the enemy, shamed the tormentor and transformed all evil to good, unquestioningly gazing at the instruments of torment and all the tortures; we, marveling at your courage, cry out with tender voices:
Rejoice, you who voluntarily left this whole, fleeting world;

rejoice, you who longed to receive various torments for Christ.

Rejoice, for you had chosen to go unto death with love;

Rejoice, for you astonished the tormentors with your patience.

Rejoice, for you have adorned the Church of Christ with your sufferings;

rejoice, you who trampled the demons under your feet. 

Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.

Kontakion 10

Save all the people who desire you, help them with your prayers before the Lord, O great martyr, and ask for remission of the sins of those who honor your suffering, and who cry out with you: Alleluia.

St. Anastasia Pharmakolytria (source)

Ikos 10

Saint Anastasia, you loved the Heavenly King with all your heart, and were thrown into prison on behalf of the Sweetest Jesus, crawling with hunger and melting away with thirst, you were strengthened by prayer; we, glorifying your great suffering, chant unto her these things:
Rejoice, follower of the passion of Christ;

rejoice, you who were adorned with victorious glory.

Rejoice, praise and glory of pious wives;

Rejoice, for you have transformed an earthly dungeon into the Heavenly Hall.

Rejoice, you who settled down there with the martyrs;

Rejoice, you who remember us by your prayer at the Throne of God.

Rejoice, speedy breaking of the bonds of sin;

Rejoice, you who drive away demons from people. 

Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.

Kontakion 11

We offer our all-heartfelt singing to you, glorifying your suffering for Christ, and we pray to you: holy passion-bearer, ask the merciful Lord for all people for health, longevity and victory over enemies. But to us, who praise your torments, give peace and salvation, as we sing unto God forever: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

You followed with a bright and joyful face the suffering prepared for you by the tormentors, with a song with joy we cry out:
Rejoice, you who didst endure drowning in the sea by God's might;

Rejoice, you who were stretched out by your tormentors upon four pillars and thereby become like the Son of God Crucified on the Cross.

Rejoice, you who were burned with fire even unto death;

Rejoice, rich treasury of healings.

Rejoice, abundant vessel of the gifts of God;

rejoice, abundant performer of all good blessings.

Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.

Kontakion 12

Grace from above is sent down to all of us, flowing with love from the container of your relics, and we ask the Lord for forgiveness of our sins, and to those who are sick and suffering healing, and in thanksgiving, we all cry out God, Who is wondrous in the Saints: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing of the feats of your torments freely endured for Christ, we bow down to your sufferings, O great martyr,  and we honor your holy death and pray to thee: extend your help from heaven to us also, living in the darkness of passions and temptations, crying to you:
Rejoice, holy great martyr, who offered her body as a godly sacrifice in many different martyrdoms;

rejoice, dove, flying up to the Jerusalem on high.

Rejoice, pure and blameless bride of Christ;

Rejoice, spiritual censer, bringing incense to God for us.

Rejoice, for those who honor your memory and your sufferings have you as a mirror of the God-pleasing life;

Rejoice, you who speedily heal mental and bodily diseases.

Rejoice, bright image of life for all who hope to achieve a Christian end; 

Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.

Kontakion 13

O long-suffering and delightful, holy great martyr Anastasia! Receive our present little prayer from your unworthy servants, brought to you with love, and ask Christ God for the remission of our sinful bonds, and, through your prayers, may we escape God's wrath and eternal condemnation, and may we be rewarded in the Kingdom of Heaven with you forever, chanting to God: Alleluia ...

(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)

St. Anastasia Pharmakolytria (source)

Prayer to the Holy Great Martyr Anastasia

O long-suffering and wise great martyr of Christ Anastasia, you stand with your soul in heaven at the throne of the Lord, and on earth, by the grace given to you, you perform various healings. Look with mercy on the people who are coming and praying before your relics, asking for your help: stretch out your holy prayers to the Lord for us, and ask us for the remission of our sins, healing for the sick, for the grieving and needy aid; pray the Lord, that He may He give all of us a Christian end and a good answer to His Terrible Judgment, that we may be honored with you to glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

(source)

St. Anastasia Pharmakolytria (source)

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

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Akathist to St. Mary Magdalene, the Equal-to-the-Apostles

Christ appearing to St. Mary Magdalene after His Resurrection (source)
  
AKATHIST HYMN SAINT MARY MAGDALENE, EQUAL OF THE APOSTLES 
Whose Memory the Holy Church Celebrates on Aug. 4/July 22
  
 Kontakion I

Prepared by the Lord for a ministry equal to that of the apostles, O holy Mary Magdalene, thou didst follow after thy beloved Christ; wherefore, we lovingly praise thee with hymns. As thou hast great boldness before the Lord, by thy supplications deliver us from all manner of misfortunes, that we may ever cry out to thee with joy: Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things!

 Ikos I 
The Creator of the angels and Lord of hosts, Who foreknew His good providence, chose thee, O holy myrrh-bearer, from the city of Magdala, freeing thee from the snares of the devil, and thereafter thou didst show thyself to be a faithful handmaid to the Lord, zealous for His glorification in thy life and ministry. And, marveling at God's dispensation concerning thee, we cry out to thee in compunction of heart:
Rejoice, thou who wast called by the Son of God into His wondrous light out of the darkness of the devil; 
Rejoice, thou who, through His grace, didst remain pure of body and spirit to the end!
Rejoice, thou who didst with purity utterly preserve thy heart and poverty of spirit; 
Rejoice, thou who, first of all, wast counted worthy to behold the risen Christ! 
Rejoice, Thou who didst thoroughly conquer the power of the enemy; 
Rejoice, thou who hast shone forth in mighty faith and fervent love for Christ God! 
Rejoice, thou who didst love Christ the Savior with all thy heart;
Rejoice, thou who didst serve Him faithfully even unto death!
Rejoice, thou whose soul was made new by grace;
Rejoice, thou who didst store the preaching of the Gospel in the treasury of thy heart! 
Rejoice, thou who didst announce the news of the Resurrection unto the apostles; 
Rejoice, thou who wast honored by conversation with an angel! 
Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things! 

Kontakion II 
The holy Mary, beholding herself delivered from the seven cruel demons, cleaved unto Christ God, the Vanquisher of Hades, with all her heart, teaching all men to worship God, not with their lips alone, but with their whole life, and crying out to Him: Alleluia! 

Ikos II

The human mind is at a loss, pondering how thou didst rise from such affliction to the summit of angelic life by the grace of Christ, O right laudable Mary Magdalene. Wherefore, having thee as our good intercessor, we entreat thee fervently: Deliver us from the abyss of sin, that with love we may cry out to thee such things as these: 

Rejoice, thou who didst escape cruel enslavement to the demons; 
Rejoice, thou who didst manifestly denounce the deception of the wicked spirits! 
Rejoice, thou who hast taught all to have recourse to Christ God amid the assaults of the enemy; Rejoice, thou who urgest all not to despair amid great sorrow of soul!
Rejoice, thou who hast shown all sinners the way to holiness; 
Rejoice, thou who didst recognize the omnipotent power of the grace of Christ! 
Rejoice, good instructor in the offering of thanksgiving meet for God; 
Rejoice, faithful teacher of the true praise of God! 
Rejoice, thou who in thy life hast shown us the right path of this earthly course; rejoice, good helper of all sinners before God! 
Rejoice, protectress of our souls from the deception of Satan;
Rejoice, O our fervent mediatress before Christ in all sorrow! 
Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things! 

Kontakion III 

By the power of divine grace, as well as by thine own good volition, thou didst leave the house of thy father without regret, as did Abraham of old, and didst joyfully follow after Christ God; wherefore, we entreat thee, O glorious Mary, disciple of Christ: By thy supplications enlighten our hearts with love for God, that we may cry out to Him, now and forever: Alleluia! 

lkos III 

Possessing the divinely bestowed power of wisdom, O Mary Magdalene, as a good disciple thou didst manfully reject the beautiful things of this world, and thou didst truly serve the Word Who impoverished Himself for us in His great lovingkindness. Wherefore, we cry out to thee with compunction: 

Rejoice, good disciple of Christ; 
Rejoice, instructor in true love for God! 
Rejoice, thou who didst recognize well the vanity of this world; 
Rejoice, thou who didst manfully spurn its joys! 
Rejoice, thou who considered the beautiful things of the world to be as nought; 
Rejoice, thou who before time pointed out the good path of life to the ranks of monastics! 
Rejoice, thou who guidest all along the way to Christ God;
Rejoice, thou who didst leave thine earthly home to do works of compassion! 
Rejoice, thou who hast found the lovingkindness of Christ here and in heaven; 
Rejoice, for thereby thou hast attained unto everlasting blessedness! 
Rejoice, O wise ewe-lamb who didst flee from evil wolves to Christ, the good Shepherd;
Rejoice, thou who hast entered into the fold of His reason-endowed sheep!
Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things!  

Kontakion IV 

The tempest of demonic rage assailed the temple of thy soul with great force, O holy Mary, but was unable to shake it utterly, for thou didst find salvation on the firm rock of the Faith of Christ; and standing thereon, O wise woman, thou teachest all to chant unto our All-good God the hymn: Alleluia!
  
Christ appearing to St. Mary Magdalene after His Resurrection (source)
  
Ikos IV 

Hearing, O divinely wise Mary, that in following Christ thou didst find true gladness of heart, righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, we also strive for a place in the choir of those who have a share in His divine kingdom. And to thee, as an heir thereof who hast shown us the way to it, we all say such things as these:

Rejoice, thou who hast loved the heavenly sweetness of Jesus; 
Rejoice, thou who hast found true life in Christ!
Rejoice, thou who by faith hast provided for . us an image thereof; 
Rejoice, thou who now dwellest in the joy of heaven forever! 
Rejoice, thou who ever tastest of the food of paradise; 
Rejoice, thou who kindled within thy heart the fire of love for God! 
Rejoice, faithful handmaiden of Christ God, beloved of Him; 
Rejoice, earnest intercessor for us before God!
Rejoice, O our helper amid tribulations; rejoice, O our good and meek teacher! 
Rejoice, all-honored habitation of the Holy Spirit; 
Rejoice, flute whereby the music of His grace falleth upon our ears! 
Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things!

Kontakion V 

Among the myrrh-bearing women thou wast shown to be a divinely guided star leading all to Christ, O glorious Mary. And now, standing with them continually before the Holy Trinity, by thy supplications cause us also to be admitted to their sacred choir, illumining the gloomy path of our life with thy light, that we may cry out to God with joy: Alleluia! 

Ikos V 

Beholding Christ God hanging upon the Cross, O holy Mary, thou didst show wondrous courage; for many of His disciples deserted their Master. But as thy soul and mind were afire with His eternal divine teachings, thou didst surmount the weakness of thy female nature, and thus shared in the saving sufferings of Christ. Wherefore, seeing this thy valiant courage, we cry out to thee: 

Rejoice, adornment and ornament of wise women; 
Rejoice, goodly joy of all Christians! 
Rejoice, thou who didst suffer with Christ God as He hung upon the Cross; 
Rejoice, thou who hast shown us the path of steadfast love for Him! 
Rejoice, thou who by such love hast obtained great boldness in intercession before God for us; 
Rejoice, beauty and boast of women! 
Rejoice, mighty refuge for Christians;
Rejoice, thou who art mightier than powerful men! 
Rejoice, thou who art wiser than the wise of this world;
Rejoice, for God revealed to thee the mysteries of His wisdom! 
Rejoice, for God the Word Himself taught thee true theology; 
Rejoice, thou who didst love Christ God more than thine own life! 
Rejoice, O Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things!

 Kontakion VI 

By Thy grace Thou healest the infirm and makest weak vessels strong, O Christ our King. For the myrrh-bearing women stood by Thy Cross and announced the grace of the Cross to all without fear; and the choirs of wise women, hastening to emulate the choirs of the angels, ever vigilantly cry out to the Holy Trinity: Alleluia! 

Ikos VI 

Seeking to be illumined by the light of true knowledge of God, O wondrous Mary, when thou didst see God hanging upon the Cross, thou didst say, weeping: "How is it that our Light now accepteth a voluntary death?" And we, knowing of thy glorious enlightenment by the grace of the Holy Spirit, cry out to thee such things as these: 

Rejoice, thou who didst weep over the crucified Christ from the depths of thy heart;
Rejoice, thou who hast found everlasting gladness in the mansions of heaven!
Rejoice, thou who hast provided us with an example of beneficial weeping; 
Rejoice, for thou art our continual joy! 
Rejoice, true consolation of all the sorrowful; 
Rejoice, for thou didst suffer with Christ on earth, for His sake! 
Rejoice, for thou art glorified with Him and in Him in heaven; 
Rejoice, mighty conqueror of all our enemies! 
Rejoice, speedy helper amid all our tribulations;
Rejoice, for thy memory is sweet to all Christians!
Rejoice, for thy name is most precious to the whole Church of Christ; 
Rejoice, true vine of the vineyard of Christ! 
Rejoice, O Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things! 

Kontakion VII
 
Desiring to comprehend the invincible power of the Cross, with the other women thou didst stand in the presence of the suffering of Christ at the foot of the Cross of the Savior until the end, O all-glorious Mary. And experiencing the pain of the Mother of the Lord with her, thou didst cry aloud in perplexity: "What is this strange mystery? He Who sustaineth all creation hath willed to suffer!" And with love we cry out to Him Who of His own will was lifted up upon the life-bearing Cross: Alleluia! 
 
St. Mary Magdalene (source)
  
Ikos VII 

A wondrous woman wast thou revealed to be in thy love for Christ God, O blessed Mary; for showing it forth in thy bitter lamentations, falling down before Him Who was taken down from the Cross, thou didst bathe His all-pure wounds with thy tears. And following the noble Joseph and Nicodemus, the lover of justice, thou didst hasten with the other holy women to the tomb of the Savior, at once weeping and comforting His all-immaculate Mother as she wept inconsolably, her soul pierced by a cruel sword. And we, knowing thy courage to be such, humbly cry out to thee: 

Rejoice, thou who didst wash the all-pure wounds of Christ with thy tears;
Rejoice, thou who didst manifestly suffer with His all-immaculate Mother! 
Rejoice, thou who didst remain with Christ even unto His burial;
Rejoice, thou who didst watch with perplexity as Life was laid in the tomb! 
Rejoice, O our good teacher of tears of repentance;
Rejoice, thou who dost instruct us to wash away the defilements of sin thereby! 
Rejoice, thou who dost urge us to soften therewith our hardened hearts; 
Rejoice, thou who hast provided for us an example of true wisdom! 
Rejoice, thou who teachest us to be ever mindful of the suffering of Christ;
Rejoice, O glorious Mary, together with the all-immaculate Virgin Mary, our faithful mediatress! Rejoice, good servant of Christ; 
Rejoice, thou who didst please the Lord, and not men! 
Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things!

Kontakion VIII

The burial of the Bestower oflife, Who granteth life to all, appeared a strange thing to thee, O divinely wise Mary. And wounded by the love of Him, while yet enshrouded in the gloom of grief, thou didst bring myrrh to His sepulcher and pour forth tears as sweet-smelling unguents. Wherefore, thou now abidest in the fragrant mansions of paradise, ever crying out to God with the choirs of the angels: Alleluia!

Ikos VIII

Jesus was all sweetness, all joy, all life to thee, O holy Mary. And seeing the stone rolled away from the tomb, and finding Him not, thou didst hasten, lamenting, to Simon, the living rock of faith, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved; and with anguish over this thou didst say unto them: "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and I know not where they have laid Him!" But now, free of that sorrow, thou dost rejoice eternally with Christ in heaven. And, hoping that by thy supplications we may enter into the same joy, with compunction we on earth cry out to thee thus: 

Rejoice, thou who hast overcome the darkness of night by the radiance of thy love for Christ;
Rejoice, thou who hast taught us to keep nightly vigil in prayer!
Rejoice, thou who art illumined with everlasting light in heaven; 
Rejoice, thou who hast bought the kingdom of heaven with poverty of spirit!
Rejoice, for after thy sorrow over the sufferings of Christ thou didst find abundant consolation; 
Rejoice, O meek woman, inheritor of the land of celestial paradise!
Rejoice, thou who didst hunger and thirst after the righteousness of Christ, for thou now eatest thy fill at the banquet of heaven; 
Rejoice, O merciful one, who didst find the mercy of the Master and dost fervently entreat His mercy for us! 
Rejoice, for, as one pure of heart, thou now beholdest God face to face; 
Rejoice, for thou, first of all, wast deemed worthy to behold the resurrection of Christ, our everlasting Peace!
Rejoice, thou who wast persecuted for the sake of Christ's righteousness, for thine is the kingdom of God; 
Rejoice, thou who hast acquired eternal gladness and a great reward in the heavens! 
Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things! 

Kontakion IX 

Every rank of the angels was amazed at the great mystery of Thy glorious resurrection, O Christ our King; and Hades was shaken, seeing Thee descend into the uttermost depths of the earth and break asunder the everlasting bonds which held the captives, O Christ. And, rejoicing with the myrrh-bearing women, we cry out to Thee with gladness: Alleluia! 

Ikos IX 

Even the tongues of the most eloquent of orators do not suffice to recount thy great sorrow as is meet, O glorious Mary, when thou didst stand outside the tomb, weeping. For who can describe the pain of thy soul when thou didst not find the Lord, Whom thou loved more than life, in the sepulcher? Thy grieving heart could not accept the consolation offered by the radiant angels. And remembering this thy sorrow with compunction, we chant to thee such things as these:  

Rejoice, thou who didst enter the cave to see Jesus Christ;
Rejoice, thou who now beholdest Him seated upon the throne of glory! 
Rejoice, thou who didst see the radiant inhabitants of heaven while yet on earth; 
Rejoice, thou who didst receive from them the joyful news of the resurrection of Christ!
Rejoice, for thou dost now ever rejoice with them;
Rejoice, thou who didst bring myrrh to Christ with love!
Rejoice, thou who didst sweetly hasten to the sweet-smelling fragrance of the myrrh of Christ; 
Rejoice, thou who didst reject the bitterness of the joys of the sinful world! 
Rejoice, thou who didst love the heavenly sweetness of Jesus; 
Rejoice, O goodly and tender plant of the orchard of Jesus! 
Rejoice, right fruitful vine of the garden of God; 
Rejoice, thou who wast shown to be a temple of the most Holy Spirit, all adorned!
Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things! 

Kontakion X

Even if Thou didst descend into the grave, desiring to save the world, O Immortal One, yet didst Thou destroy the power of hades and didst rise again, O Christ God, exclaiming to the myrrh-bearing women: Rejoice! And with them we now offer unto Thee the hymn of joy: Alleluia!
  
St. Mary Magdalene (source)
  
Ikos X

Thy love for Christ, Who loved thee, was stronger than walls of stone, O glorious myrrhbearer Mary Magdalene. Wherefore, thou alone, before all others, didst behold our Life risen from the grave. But thou didst suppose Him to be the gardener and didst cry out to Him, forgetting the weakness of thy away!" But His sweet voice showed thee the Master, and hath taught us to cry out to thee thus:

Rejoice, thou who before all others didst see the true Gardener risen from the dead;
Rejoice, thou who hast thine abode in the garden of heaven!
Rejoice, thou who art now continually nourished on the grapes of God's grace;
Rejoice, thou who art gladdened by the joys of paradise!
Rejoice, for thy love for God conquered nature;
Rejoice, for it hath also taught us zeal for God!
Rejoice, thou who first received tidings of the resurrection from the lips of Christ;
Rejoice, thou who first announced the words of joy to the apostles!
Rejoice, thou who hast found everlasting joy in the heavens;
Rejoice, for thou dost also call us to that joy!
Rejoice, for thou dost ever mediate before God, that we may receive this; 
Rejoice, for thou dost fervently offer prayers to Him in our behalf! 
Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things! 

Kontakion Xl 

There are no words which suffice fittingly to hymn the divine joy of Thy resurrection, O Christ, which, with the other women, the glorious Mary announced to the apostles on this appointed and holy day, the feast of feasts and solemnity of solemnities. Wherefore, bowing down before the magnitude of the ineffable compassions which Thou hast bestowed upon us, O Christ our King, with humility and love we cry out to Thee: Alleluia! 

Ikos XI 

Thou wast shown to be a radiant star shedding thy light upon our sinful world, O Mary Magdalene, when, after the glorious ascension of the Savior, thou didst go about the cities and villages, proclaiming the word of the Gospel everywhere and laying the easy yoke of Christ upon many. And when thou didst reach ancient Rome, thou didst stand manfully before Caesar Tiberius and didst explain to him, by means of a red-dyed egg and thy wise words, the life-bearing power of Christ. And thou didst also denounce the wicked Pilate and the ungodly high priest, that they might receive a recompense worthy of their iniquitous deeds. And marveling at this great feat of thine apostolate, with joy we cry out to thee thus: 

Rejoice, glorious herald of the teaching of Christ; 
Rejoice, radiant dispeller of the darkness of paganism! 
Rejoice, thou who didst release many men from the bonds of sin;
Rejoice, thou who hast taught the wisdom of Christ unto all! 
Rejoice, thou who hast brought many people out of the darkness of ignorance into the wondrous light of Christ; 
Rejoice, thou who hast provided us with a model for standing steadfastly for the righteousness of Christ!
Rejoice, thou who loved the salvation of sinners' souls more than thine own life;
Rejoice, thou who understood well the commandments of Christ!
Rejoice, thou who followed them faithfully; rejoice, thou who boldly denounced the darkness of the heathen! 
Rejoice, thou who didst not fear the wrath of Caesar; 
Rejoice, thou who showed him the malice and designs of the enemies of Christ! 
Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things! 

Kontakion XlI 

Filled abundantly with grace from God, thou didst lead a multitude of souls to Christ, O glorious Mary; and thereafter thou didst go to Ephesus, where, serving the salvation of men with apostolic love together with the Apostle of love, in a blessed repose thou didst pass on to the Lord, to Whom thou now chantest continually with the multitudes of heavenly singers: Alleluia! 

Ikos XlI 

Hymning thy right laudable life on earth and thy glory which is in heaven, we glorify thee joyfully, and hymn and magnify the King of heaven Who is wondrous in His saints; for it is not only thee thyself, O holy Mary who, by His grace, now dancest in the mansions of the righteous, but thou also makest us glad on earth, leaving us the priceless myrrh of thy relics, which the Emperor Leo the Wise commanded to be transferred from Ephesus to Constantinople. And venerating them noetically with faith and love, as a wellspring pouring forth inexhaustible grace upon all who have recourse to them with love, we chant to thee with compunction such things as these:  
 
Rejoice, thou who on earth didst bum with love for Christ;
Rejoice, thou who hast made thine abode in heaven, in the mansions of paradise! 
Rejoice, steadfast help of the faithful; 
Rejoice, fragrant myrrh, perfuming the Church!
Rejoice, golden censer ever offering up the incense of prayers to God in our behalf;
Rejoice, inexhaustible wellspring of healings!
Rejoice, untold treasure of the grace of God; 
Rejoice, faithful participant in the choirs of the apostles! 
Rejoice, glorious inhabitant of the chambers of heaven;
Rejoice, for great is thy reward in the heavens! 
Rejoice, for thy joy is crowned in the mansions of the saints; 
Rejoice, for in thy mediation thou dost ever ask that we receive joy, grace and glory! 
Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the Lord Jesus more than all good things! 

Kontakion XlII

 O all-wondrous and most marvelous adornment of women, boast and joy of all Christians, glorious myrrh-bearer Mary Magdalene, who wast shown to be the peer of the apostles! Accepting this our present entreaty, deliver us from all tribulation and sorrow of soul and body, and from the enemies, visible and invisible, who assail us; and by thy mediation guide to the kingdom of heaven all of us who with compunction and love chant with thee to God: Alleluia! 
 
St. Mary Magdalene (source)
  
This Kontakion is said thrice; then Ikos I and Kontakion I are repeated. 
  
PRAYERS TO THE HOLY MARY MAGDALENE, EQUAL OF THE APOSTLES 
Prayer I
O holy myrrh-bearer and most laudable disciple of Christ, Mary Magdalen, equal of the apostles! To thee, as to our faithful and mighty mediatress before God, do we, the sinful and unworthy, now earnestly have recourse and entreat in the contrition of our heart. In thy life thou didst have experience of the dread wiles of the demons, yet by the grace of Christ thou wast manifestly released from them; therefore, deliver us from the snares of the devil by thy supplications, that, all throughout our life, we may in act, word, thought and the secret workings of our hearts faithfully serve God, the one Holy Master, as we have promised Him. Thou didst love the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all the good things of earth, and didst follow him well all the days of thy life, nurturing not only thine own soul on His divine teachings and grace, but also leading a multitude of people out of the darkness of paganism to the wondrous light of Christ; and knowing this, we entreat thee: Beg of Christ God illuminating and sanctifying grace for us, that, enlightened thereby, we may excel in faith and piety, in feats of love and self-denial, that we may endeavor to serve our neighbors diligently in their spiritual and bodily needs, mindful of the example of thy love for thy fellow man. O holy Mary, vigilantly didst thou pass through this life on earth by the grace of God, and thou didst peacefully depart to the mansions of heaven. Beseech Christ the Savior, that by thy supplications He grant that we may complete our wandering in this vale of tears without hindrance and reach the end of our life in peace and repentance; that, having lived thus in holiness on earth, we may be counted worthy of the blessed life in heaven, and there, with thee and all the saints, may continually praise the indivisible Trinity, hymning the one Godhead: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, unto the ages of ages. Amen.

 Prayer II
O holy myrrh-bearer Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles! With thy fervent love for Christ God thou didst trample upon the evil designs of the enemy, didst find Christ, the priceless Pearl, and didst attain unto the kingdom of heaven. Wherefore, I fall down before thee and, with compunctionate soul and contrite heart, cry out to thee, unworthy though I am: Look down from the heights of heaven upon me, who am beset by sinful temptations. See how the enemy layeth traps for me every day with many sins and tribulations, seeking the destruction of my soul. O glorious and most lauded Mary, disciple of Christ, entreat Christ God, Who is beloved of thee and loveth thee, that He grant me remission of my many transgressions, that by His grace He give me the strength to tread the path of His holy commandments with care and vigilance, and that He make me a fragrant temple of the Holy Spirit; that thus I may reach the end of my difficult life on earth in peace and may find my abode in the radiant and blessed mansions of celestial paradise, where thou and all the saints continually and joyously glorify the consubstantial Trinity: the Father, and the Son, and the Allholy Spirit. Amen. 
  
St. Mary Magdalene (source)
  
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

Monday, December 14, 2020

Akathist to St. Spyridon of Tremithous the Wonderworker

St. Spyridon the Wonderworker (source)

Akathist to St. Spyridon of Tremithous, the Wonderworker

Kontakion 1

O holy hierarch and wonderworker Spyridon, who hast been glorified by the Lord! Celebrating now thy most honoured memory, with tenderness we cry out to thee, as one who art able greatly to assist us with Christ Who hath glorified thee: From all misfortunes and evil deliver us, that we may cry out to thee in thanksgiving: Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!

Ikos 1

Adorned from thy youth with all the virtues, and emulating the angels of Christ in thy life, O holy hierarch Spyridon, thou didst truly show thyself to be His friend. And beholding thee, the heavenly man and earthly angel, we cry out to thee with tenderness:

  • Rejoice, mind contemplating the mysteries of the All-holy Trinity;
  • Rejoice, thou who hast been enriched by the all-radiant splendour of the Spirit!
  • Rejoice, beacon of great brilliance;
  • Rejoice, thou who didst enlighten thy mind with dispassion!
  • Rejoice, thou who didst love true simplicity and serenity from childhood;
  • Rejoice, adornment of chastity!
  • Rejoice, inexhaustible torrent of love;
  • Rejoice, for thou didst emulate the hospitality of Abraham!
  • Rejoice, for in an abundance of love thou didst open the doors of thy house to all;
  • Rejoice, intercessor for the poor!
  • Rejoice, thou before whom men offer reverence;
  • Rejoice, for thou art the abode of the All-holy Spirit!
  • Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!

Kontakion 2

Beholding thine incorrupt relics, from which abundant healings flow, the island of Cyprus and all Christian lands rejoice, O holy hierarch; and, honouring thee as a fountain overflowing with grace sent down upon us from on high, we cry out to the ultimate Bestower of the good things of heaven and earth: Alleluia!

St. Spyridon the Wonderworker (source)

Ikos 2

Possessing divine understanding, while yet a shepherd of dumb sheep thou wast chosen to be the shepherd of the reason-endowed sheep by the providence of Christ the Chief Shepherd. And, understanding thee to be a good shepherd who showest untiring care for thy flock, the faithful cried out:

  • Rejoice, O high priest of God Most High, who received divine grace in abundance at thy consecration;
  • Rejoice, most luminous lamp, burning and shedding light!
  • Rejoice, faithful husbandman in the garden of Christ;
  • Rejoice, shepherd who nurtured thy flock on the meadow of faith and piety!
  • Rejoice, thou who hast illumined the world with the rays of thy virtues;
  • Rejoice, thou who offered the divine sacrifice at the throne of Christ!
  • Rejoice, hierarch adorned with the understanding of Orthodoxy;
  • Rejoice, thou who art full of the teaching of the apostles, giving drink to the faithful with the streams of the doctrine of salvation!
  • Rejoice, for thou didst shed light upon the wise;
  • Rejoice, for thou didst make new the hearts of the simple!
  • Rejoice, glory of the Orthodox and unshakeable foundation of the Church;
  • Rejoice, adornment of the Faith, glory and boast of reverent priests!
  • Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!

Kontaktion 3

Thou wast shown to be divinely wise by the power of the Most High which overshadowed thee, O holy hierarch Spyridon; and, grasping a tile in thy hand, thou didst manifestly demonstrate to all the Trinity of Persons in the Godhead. Wherefore, the philosophers of false knowledge assembled at the Council were stricken with awe, but the faithful glorified our unfathomable God Who made thee wise unto salvation, crying out to Him: Alleluia!

St. Spyridon the Wonderworker (source)

Ikos 3

All the Fathers of the Council, considering thee to be a simple man, unskilled in book learning, begged thee, O father Spyridon, not to enter in debate with the rhetor whom they thought to be wise. Yet, aflame with zeal for God, O holy hierarch, and believing that the preaching of Christ lieth not in the persuasive words of human wisdom, but in the manifestation of the Spirit and of power, thou didst most wisely reprove and admonish him, and didst guide him to the way of truth. And seeing this wonder, all cried out:

  • Rejoice, light of Orthodox wisdom;
  • Rejoice, for thou didst put to shame the disputers who were said to be wise!
  • Rejoice, abundant wellspring of grace;
  • Rejoice, unshakable tower holding fast those who are in the Faith!
  • Rejoice, thou who dost cast most pernicious heresy into darkness;
  • Rejoice, thou by whom foolishness was trampled underfoot!
  • Rejoice, for in thy hands the dust of the earth proclaimed the Holy Trinity;
  • Rejoice, for from the tile thou didst bring forth fire and water to confirm the dogma of the Holy Trinity!
  • Rejoice, for thou didst enlighten the people to glorify the Word Who is truly of one Essence with the all-unoriginate Father;
  • Rejoice, for thou didst crush the serpent’s head of the pernicious heresy of Arius!
  • Rejoice, for by thee was enmity slain;
  • Rejoice, thou who didst convert to the true Faith the unbelieving wise man who disputed with thee!
  • Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!

Kontaktion 4

Leading thy life in poverty and want, thou wast a nurturer and helper of the poor and unfortunate; thou didst transform a serpent into gold in thy love, and didst give it to one who asked thine aid. And marvelling at this miracle, we cry out to God in thanksgiving: Alleluia!

St. Spyridon the Wonderworker (source)

Ikos 4

It hath been heard by all and in every place, that the holy hierarch Spyridon is a habitation of the Holy Trinity; for God the Father, God the Word, and God the Holy Spirit dwelt within him. Wherefore, by word and deed thou hast preached the true incarnate God to all Christians, who cry out:

  • Rejoice, initiate of the mysteries of the words of God;
  • Rejoice, thou who hast made clear God’s blueprint for the salvation of the world!
  • Rejoice, for thou didst teach us not to test that which transcendeth the knowledge and wisdom of man;
  • Rejoice, thou who didst show forth the unfathomable power of God which worketh within thee!
  • Rejoice, for through thy mouth God Himself spake;
  • Rejoice, for all heeded thee, to their delight!
  • Rejoice, thou who didst drive away the gloom of idolatry;
  • Rejoice, for thou didst lead many to the true Faith!
  • Rejoice, for thou didst crush the heads of invisible serpents;
  • Rejoice, for through thee is the Christian Faith glorified!
  • Rejoice, for thou dost splendidly illumine all who call thee blessed;
  • Rejoice, champion of the Christian Faith and Orthodoxy!
  • Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!

Kontaktion 5

Thou wast full of the divine Spirit, O holy hierarch Spyridon, because of thy virtuous life; for thou wast meek, merciful, pure of heart, patient, not mindful of the evils done thee, and hospitable. Wherefore, the Creator hath shown thee to be most glorious in miracles; and, glorifying God Who hath glorified thee, we cry out to Him: Alleluia!

St. Spyridon the Wonderworker (source)

Ikos 5

We see Spyridon, the great wonderworker, as an equal of the angels. For once the land was stricken with drought and suffered greatly from the lack of water; and there was famine and contagion, and a multitude of men perished. But by the supplications of the holy hierarch rain fell from heaven upon the earth, and the people, delivered from this misfortune, cried out in gratitude:

  • Rejoice, thou who didst emulate the great Prophet Elijah;
  • Rejoice, for in due season thou didst bring down rain, dispelling famine and affliction!
  • Rejoice, for again by thy supplications thou didst close the sky up again;
  • Rejoice, for thou didst punish the pitiless merchant with the deprivation of his possessions!
  • Rejoice, for thou didst give food in abundance unto those who asked;
  • Rejoice, for thou didst move God to loving compassion for the people!
  • Rejoice, thou who takest away the weakness of the infirm;
  • Rejoice, helper of men, full of the grace of God!
  • Rejoice, thou who grantest health to the sick;
  • Rejoice, thou before whom the demons tremble!
  • Rejoice, wellspring of countless miracles;
  • Rejoice, fountain gushing forth the grace of God!
  • Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!

Kontaktion 6

The veil of the Old Testament tabernacle covered the ark, the manna and the tablets of the law in the Holy of Holies. And thy temple, O holy hierarch Spyridon, hath thy shrine as its ark, thy holy relics as manna, and thy heart as tablets of divine grace, whereon we see graven the hymn: Alleluia!

St. Spyridon the Wonderworker (source)

Ikos 6

Once, because iniquity had increased, the Lord punished the people of Cyprus. causing their land to become barren. When a farmer known to the holy Spyridon came, begging help, the saint gave him gold. But when the misfortune had passed, and that farmer returned the gold to the saint, – O, the wonder! – the gold turned into a serpent! Glorifying God, Who is wondrous in His saints, let us cry out:

  • Rejoice, for thou didst emulate Moses, who miraculously transformed his staff into a snake;
  • Rejoice, loving pastor, who deliverest the reason-endowed sheep of thy flock from misfortunes!
  • Rejoice, thou who dost abundantly enrich all with every good thing;
  • Rejoice, thou who, like Elijah, didst feed the poor!
  • Rejoice, thou who movest the pitiless to mercy;
  • Rejoice, example of love for men living in the world to emulate!
  • Rejoice, consolation of both believers and the unbelieving amid tribulations;
  • Rejoice, tree of goodly foliage, overshadowing our city and land!
  • Rejoice, glory and boast of Kerkyra;
  • Rejoice, thou who, by the grace of God, hast dominion over wet and dry weather, heat and cold!
  • Rejoice, thou who didst alter the laws of earth by thy prayer;
  • Rejoice, thou who didst foresee things to come as though they were in the present!
  • Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!

Kontaktion 7

Thou wast shown to be a mediator for all before the Lord, O holy hierarch Spyridon. Wherefore, we flee beneath thy shelter, seeking salvation; for we all have thee as our helper amid all necessity, during famine, deadly plague and all manner of misfortunes and trials. For this cause we cry out to God with thanksgiving: Alleluia!

St. Spyridon the Wonderworker (source)

Ikos 7

A new and magnificent wonder did we see, O father, when, going forth to deliver the man condemned to death though innocent, thou didst find a rushing torrent barring thy path; but thou didst command it to halt in the name of God Almighty, and didst cross the river with thy companions as though it were dry land. The fame of this miracle spread far and wide, and all glorified God, crying out to thee:

  • Rejoice, thou who didst cross the river, as once Joshua, son of Nun, crossed Jordan
  • Rejoice, thou who didst tame the rushing of the river by thy voice alone
  • Rejoice, for, moved by compassion, thou didst undertake a difficult journey
  • Rejoice, for thou didst expose the slander and deliver the innocent man from the bonds of imprisonment and a violent death
  • Rejoice, good fellow labourer in the Godly life
  • Rejoice, defender of those unjustly oppressed
  • Rejoice, thou who didst alter the laws of the nature of water
  • Rejoice, for thou didst admonish the judge and save the innocent from execution
  • Rejoice, true correction of souls
  • Rejoice, wondrous power which restrained the torrent
  • Rejoice, thou who dost make sweet the hearts of those who have recourse unto thee
  • Rejoice, emulator of Abraham’s love for man
  • Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!

Kontaktion 8

A stranger and sojourner wast thou on earth, as are all men. Yet from thy mother’s womb the Omniscient One showed thee forth to be a great favourite and wonderworker, O holy hierarch Spyridon; for thou expellest demons, healest every illness and wound, and perceivest the thoughts of men. Wherefore, thou art shown to be wondrous among the saints. And sending up supplication to God, the Benefactor of all, we cry out to Him: Alleluia!

St. Spyridon the Wonderworker (source)

Ikos 8

The whole world was seized with great awe when it heard that death giveth up the dead from the tombs at the sound of thy voice; and it cried out:

  • Rejoice, thou who recalled to life thine own dead daughter, to allow her to reveal the location of the treasure that the widow has entrusted to her
  • Rejoice, thou who didst console the grieving widow who had given gold into thine daughter’s care
  • Rejoice, thou who didst restore the dead boy to life
  • Rejoice, thou who didst revive his mother, who had died suddenly in her joy
  • Rejoice, for thou didst emulate Elijah, who by his supplications returned to life the son of the woman of Zarepath
  • Rejoice, for thou didst also emulate Elisha, who roused a boy from death
  • Rejoice, pastor who truly loved men
  • Rejoice, thou who, in the name of God, didst absolve the sins of the harlot who washed thy feet with her tears
  • Rejoice, thou who didst acquire the holy zeal of the pre-eminent apostle
  • Rejoice, for, at thy word, the unrepentant sinful woman died in her grievous sins
  • Rejoice, thou who in thine entreaties didst ask that the land yield abundant fruit
  • Rejoice, firm assurance of the resurrection of men
  • Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!

Kontaktion 9

Thou wast illumined with the radiance of the divine Spirit, O Spyridon, for thou didst possess the spirit of wisdom, since, by thy wise words, thou didst show the mindless ones to be foolish in the midst of the Fathers didst confirm the Faith. Thou didst also possess the spirit of understanding, in that thou didst enlighten the minds of the benighted, and didst likewise have the spirit of the fear of God, for thou didst continually purify thy soul with God-pleasing works. Wherefore, standing before the throne of the Most High, with the assembly of the angels thou dost chant unto Him: Alleluia!

St. Spyridon the Wonderworker (source)

Ikos 9

Receiving from the Lord Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, the staff of a shepherd of reason-endowed sheep, O holy Spyridon thou did not alter thy manner of life. Unacquisitive, meek, bearing all things for the sake of love, thou were not ashamed to care also for thine flock of dumb sheep. All of these things move us to glorify God and cry out to thee:

  • Rejoice, thou who disdained the glory of this world as vain;
  • Rejoice, thou who hast acquired great reward in the heavens!
  • Rejoice, thou who didst consider the beautiful things of this word to be as dung;
  • Rejoice, vessel of the good things of heaven!
  • Rejoice, most holy pasture of the inhabitants of Cyprus;
  • Rejoice, for, for thy sake, God bound with invisible bonds those who attempted to steal thy sheep!
  • Rejoice, thou who didst give fatherly admonition to the thieves;
  • Rejoice, thou who, in thy lovingkindness, didst make a present of a ewe-lamb to them after they had spent a night without sleep!
  • Rejoice, thou who didst, by the disobedience of the goat, reprove the merchant who consciously concealed the full payment for thereof
  • Rejoice, thou who didst bring to repentance the man who hid thy silver coins!
  • Rejoice, for thou didst cure him of the passion of love of gain by thine exhortation!
  • Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!

Kontaktion 10

O holy hierarch Spyridon, who savest the souls of the flock entrusted to thee by God, by the providence of God thou wast called to show forth thine own glory, and all the moreso the glory of the true God, even in other lands, that the name of God may be glorified everywhere by those who cry: Alleluia!

St. Spyridon the Wonderworker (source)

Ikos 10

The holy Spyridon, the speedy helper and aid amid every necessity and sorrow, travelled to the city of Antioch with the other pastors, where the Emperor Constantius was held fast by sickness. The holy hierarch touched his head and restored his health; and we, marvelling at this miracle, cry out to thee:

  • Rejoice, thou whom an angel revealed in a dream to the emperor as a healer
  • Rejoice, thou who, in thine old age, didst undertake a difficult journey for the sake of the love of God
  • Rejoice, thou who, following the Saviour’s commandment, didst turn thine other cheek to the servant of the emperor who struck thee
  • Rejoice, pillar of humility
  • Rejoice, thou who by thy supplications healed the emperor who besought thee with tears
  • Rejoice, for by thine own meekness thou didst admonish the servant and change his unmerciful character
  • Rejoice, for thou didst teach the emperor piety and loving kindness
  • Rejoice, for, despising the treasures of earth, thou didst not accept the emperor’s gold
  • Rejoice, for thou didst turn thine own disciple, Tryphillius, away from passion for earthly goods and didst make of him a vessel of the grace of God
  • Rejoice, for at thine arrival in Alexandria the idols toppled
  • Rejoice, thou to whom even the demons submit
  • Rejoice, for thou didst convert many from idolatry
  • Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!

Kontaktion 11

Angelic chanting was audible when thou didst offer up thine evening prayers in church, O holy hierarch Spyridon, yet there was none serving with thee. And the inhabitants of the city, hearing this marvellous chanting, entered the church and, seeing no one, chanted with the heavenly hosts: Alleluia!

St. Spyridon the Wonderworker (source)

Ikos 11

Thou wast a radiant sun for the world and a conversor with angels on earth, O holy hierarch Spyridon. Surrendering thy soul into the hands of God, thou didst depart for the mansions of heaven, where thou prayest for the world before the throne of the Master. And we who live on earth cry out to thee:

  • Rejoice, for, while yet alive, thou didst serve with the angels
  • Rejoice, thou who didst listen to the hymnody of the archangels
  • Rejoice, visible image of our transfiguration
  • Rejoice, for, when there was not enough oil in church, God filled the lamps with an abundance thereof for thy sake
  • Rejoice, lamp of divine radiance
  • Rejoice, vessel of the grace of God, which, like oil, filleth thy soul to overflowing
  • Rejoice, wellspring which can never dry up, who ever pourest forth torrents of grace upon all
  • Rejoice, thou at whom even the angels are amazed
  • Rejoice, thou who chastised the disobedience of the deacon in church
  • Rejoice, thou who deprived of voice and speech one who was enamored of his own voice
  • Rejoice, for, during the burning heat, a dew which suddenly descended from on high cooled thy sacred head
  • Rejoice, thou who didst foresee the approach of thy repose in this sign
  • Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!

Kontaktion 12

The protection and refuge of all the faithful during thy lifetime, O holy hierarch, thou hast not left us orphans since thy repose; for God, abrogating the laws of nature, hath preserved thy holy relics incorrupt for the strengthening of the Orthodox Faith and piety, and as a token of immortality. And glorifying Him, we cry out: Alleluia!

St. Spyridon the Wonderworker (source)

Ikos 12

We hymn thee, O holy hierarch of God, for thou has astonished the world with the miracles which flow from thy holy relics. For all who approach them and kiss them with faith receive the goodly things for which they ask. And glorifying God Who hath given thee strength, hath crowned thee with the wreath of incorruption, and worketh through thee, we cry out to thee:

  • Rejoice, thou who in time of famine didst appear to the ship-captains and didst command them to supply the people with food
  • Rejoice, thou who gavest sight to the blind who approached thy holy relics with faith
  • Rejoice, thou who healed the youth of his incurable ailment
  • Rejoice, thou who didst drive the demon from a woman, making her well
  • Rejoice, chosen general of Kerkyra
  • Rejoice, for thou expelled the horde of muslim infidels and didst sink their ships in the deep
  • Rejoice, thou whom they beheld surrounded by a crowd of angels, holding a sword in thy right hand, and who caused the enemy to tremble
  • Rejoice, thou who didst prevent the governor from building a church for himself in which to have mass celebrated with unleavened bread
  • Rejoice, thou who didst bring upon the Venetian governor a cruel death
  • Rejoice, thou who by lightning didst cause his portrait to burn in his palace in Venice
  • Rejoice, thou who hast put to shame the apostasy and false teaching of the West
  • Rejoice, thou who hast confirmed for men that only the Orthodox Faith is true and leads to salvation
  • Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!

Kontaktion 13

Accepting this our entreaty, O all-wondrous holy hierarch of Christ, father Spyridon, deliver us from all tribulations and assaults, strengthen the hierarchy of our Church against all heresies and schisms, grant us remission of our transgressions, and rescue from everlasting death all who for thy sake cry out to God: Alleluia!

St. Spyridon the Wonderworker (source)

The above Kontaktion is said three times, then continue with the below:

Ikos 1

Adorned from thy youth with all the virtues, and emulating the angels of Christ in thy life, O holy hierarch Spyridon, thou didst truly show thyself to be His friend. And beholding thee, the heavenly man and earthly angel, we cry out to thee with tenderness:

  • Rejoice, mind contemplating the mysteries of the All-holy Trinity;
  • Rejoice, thou who hast been enriched by the all-radiant splendour of the Spirit!
  • Rejoice, beacon of great brilliance;
  • Rejoice, thou who didst enlighten thy mind with dispassion!
  • Rejoice, thou who didst love true simplicity and serenity from childhood;
  • Rejoice, adornment of chastity!
  • Rejoice, inexhaustible torrent of love;
  • Rejoice, for thou didst emulate the hospitality of Abraham!
  • Rejoice, for in an abundance of love thou didst open the doors of thy house to all;
  • Rejoice, intercessor for the poor!
  • Rejoice, thou before whom men offer reverence;
  • Rejoice, for thou art the abode of the All-holy Spirit!
  • Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!

Kontakion 1

O holy hierarch and wonderworker Spyridon, who hast been glorified by the Lord! Celebrating now thy most honoured memory, with tenderness we cry out to thee, as one who art able greatly to assist us with Christ Who hath glorified thee: From all misfortunes and evil deliver us, that we may cry out to thee in thanksgiving: Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!

St. Spyridon the Wonderworker (source)

Prayer

O all-blessed and holy hierarch Spyridon, thou great favourite of Christ and most glorious wonderworker! Standing in heaven with the choirs of angels before the throne of God, look down with merciful gaze upon the people who stand here before thee and beseech thy mighty aid. Entreat the compassion of God Who loveth mankind, that He judge us not according to our iniquities, but that He deal with us according to His mercy. Ask for us of Christ our God a peaceful and undisturbed life, health of soul and body, bounty from the earth and abundance and prosperity in all things; and that we turn not the good things given us by our compassionate God to evil, but rather to His glory and the glorification of thine aid. Deliver all who approach God with unwavering faith from all retribution and from the assaults of the demons. Be thou a comforter for the grieving, a physician for the afflicted, a helper amid temptations, a shelter for the naked, an aid to the widowed, a defender of the orphaned, a nourisher of infants, a strengthener of the aged, a guide to travellers; and beg thou for all who are in need of thy mighty help all things which conduce to salvation, that, guided and protected by thy prayers, we may attain unto everlasting rest and with thee may glorify God Who is worshiped in the Holy Trinity: the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen

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St. Spyridon the Wonderworker (source)

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