Homily on the Nativity of the Theotokos by Metropolitan Avgoustinos Kantiotes

The Nativity of the Theotokos (source)

 
Homily on the Nativity of the Theotokos by Metropolitan Avgoustinos Kantiotes
There was once a pious couple, Joachim and Anna. They believed and worshiped God and fulfilled His holy commandments. However, they did not have any children. Anna was barren, barren like stone or marble. Could a rose ever take root from a piece of marble? In the same way, naturally, from her womb it was unable for a child to come forth. And she was not only barren, but she was advanced in years, an old woman. She had reached the age in which women no longer bear children.

However, that couple prayed and entreated continuously. And God hearkened to their prayer, and Anna became pregnant. On December 9th, we celebrate the conception of St. Anna, and later, after nine months, on September 8th as we celebrate today, she brought into the world a grace-filled little girl, and named her Maria. The name Maria, after the name of Jesus Christ, is the sweetest in the world, and is always upon all of our lips. Maria means the Lady, the Mistress of Heaven and earth.

This, in a few words, is the story of her nativity.

The Nativity of the Most-Holy Theotokos is first of all, a consolation for childless couples. There are also couples today who, despite their wishes, cannot bear children. They run to doctors and midwives, they run to clinics, travel overseas, and spend an incredible amount. They even run to wizards and witches--a great sin. However, they do not bear a child. But God can work His wonder. What wonder? Let the faithless disbelieve, we believe. I know a couple who tried for 20 years to have a child, and suddenly, the woman became pregnant. A wonder, that kept even the physicians and famous midwives speechless, how it could be possible for a barren woman to bring forth a child. Therefore, today as well this miracle continues to occur as it did in the Old and New Testaments, and today we have women who have given birth with faith in God.

But when a woman, for reasons that are known only to divine providence, does not bear a child, she must never loose hope. What does St. Kosmas say? "You don't have a child to raise? Find an orphan near you, feed him, clothe him, take care of him, and your reward will be great."

This is a consolation therefore to those who do not have children, but also it is a teaching for those who have children. This is very important and it cannot be exhausted, I will only add the following.

The child, you wrongly call your own. Of course it is yours, but chiefly, it is of God. What a great mystery! Do not look on this with disdain. For during birth the laws of nature work as God ordained. However, as from a seed God gave the power to bring forth a whole tree, thus, through the small and humble nature of a woman and a man--I do not say this disparagingly--was given the power of new creation. Man, the father and the mother, are co-creators with God. And the child that appears is a wonder.

As the earth in the beginning was "without form and void" (Genesis 1:2), thus is the child within the womb of its mother. What is it in the beginning? An embryo. But how, over the course of nine months, does a heart form, then eyes, hands, feet? And when it is time, it falls from the womb like fruit from the tree. A fruit is a miracle. A child is a miracle. It calls for our wonder. I knew a man who was faithless. I tried to convince him to believe with proofs, but he remained faithless. When he got married and his wife bore their first child, and he heard its cry, then he came to believe in God! Because of this, many times faithless people do not choose to have families or get married.

Therefore, have you given birth to a child? You have a responsibility. And like Joachim and Anna made provisions for the proper raising of the Most-Holy Theotokos--and Panagia owes much to her parents--thus parents must care for their children. As the sacred Chrysostom says: "I will call you a father not when you have born a child, but when you have raised the child as God desires." The first word that the child should learn is the word "Christ". The first movement that they should learn with their little hand should be the sign of the Cross. The first lesson they should learn should be to kneel before Christ to do their little prayer. And when you sit at the table, you should say they we do not eat until we pray. And at night, when the stars come out, they should kneel together for family prayer. And if they show forth some evil deed, some weakness, you should not be complacent. You should correct him. And if he says a bad word, you should advise him. Thus, you will teach him to believe in God.

Therefore, be careful. The child from a young age learns either good or evil. I will give you two examples and close. In one village of Grevena, I met someone who, while at that time the whole village was blaspheming, he did not blaspheme. This made an impression on me. I called him and asked: "How did you learn not to blaspheme?"
He said "When I was a small child, I heard a blasphemy. When I went home I repeated it senselessly. As soon as my grandmother heard it--it was winter then--she took a coal from the fire and burned the tip of my tongue. Look at my tongue," he said, "it is still burnt. From then on, I learned not to blaspheme."***

[***Note: Neither the Metropolitan nor I am encouraging this type of corporal punishment or torture of anyone (God forbid!). But his point is how seriously this child's grandmother took the roots of sin in the family, and how she sought to correct it in the way that she knew. May we, with gentleness and firmness and love (not out of anger), correct bad habits in those we are responsible for, when they first appear, teaching them the consequences of our actions before God.]

And hear another example. When I was traveling through Evia, in one village I heard through a wall a blasphemy. Such a blasphemy I had never heard in my life. I looked, and what did I see? Unbelievable. A father had at his knees a grace-filled child two or three years old, and was teaching him to blaspheme God...How do the stars not fall upon us?!

Therefore, parents have a great responsibility. Have you given birth to a child? You must take care to make him a child of God. Because he will either become a child of God, or a child of the devil. It is better to not bear a child, than to raise him to be a criminal. When the child is raised as God desires, as Joachim and Anna raised the Most-Holy Theotokos, then, one day, people will say: "Blessed parents, God bless the father and mother that bore such a child!" Otherwise, one would hear cursing. Therefore, it is not enough to have children, even to have many children, but, as the Church prays, that they might have many children and "Kalliteknoi" [A beautiful word meaning the bearing of beautiful and grace-filled children.]

This is a very important issue. I will not exhaust it with only a few words. Parents and children, let us entreat God that we might become mothers like St. Anna that we are celebrating today, that we might become fathers like St. Joachim, that we might become women like the Virgin Mary. Then, this earth would be transformed. If not...even though I hope in God, our nation will be saddened.

O mothers, O our holy grandmothers, with nothing but a simple barley loaf or a pita in your hands, make the sign of the Cross and break and distribute it. My child, make our Cross and say..."We ate pita and barley bread, and it tasted like butter, because it had the blessing of God." Today, we eat meat continuously, and illnesses have multiplied. We have become the biggest meat-eaters. And the result? The children from a young age die of heart disease, and run to London for surgeries.

O, our holy faith! Whatever you teach, whatever you preach, are holy. And whoever goes against the Church, against the bonds of the Church, whoever he is, small or great, will be turned to ashes. Because of this, remain close to the Church! Remain steadfast near God, and you will have the blessing of the Most-Holy Theotokos, and all the Saints. Amen.
(+) Bishop Avgoustinos
(From a sermon delivered in Kato Kleinai, Florida, on September 8th, 1986, source)
   

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

Recording of the Akathist to St. Sabbas the Sanctified (in Greek) from his Monastery

St. Sabbas the Sanctified (source)

  

Here is a recording of the Akathist to St. Sabbas the Sanctified, Chanted in Greek by the Monks of his Monastery in the Holy Lands. May the Saint bless and protect all those in dangers throughout the world! (source)

  

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

Akathist to St. Arsenios of Cappadocia

St. Arsenios of Cappadocia (Source)

  
Akathist to our Venerable Father Arsenios of Cappadocia
  
Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone.
As one who lived a God-pleasing life in asceticism, and was made worthy of the radiance of the Saints, and was adorned with the crown of incorruption, intercede with the Lord, we pray, that we may all be delivered from evils and trials, as we cry out to you: Rejoice, O Father Arsenios.

Oikoi

You appeared as a man of venerable mind in the world, O Venerable Arsenios, and offering of the Venerable Saints, (3), for by your angelic life, you showed forth the radiance of the Paraclete [the Comforter], through Whom you enlighten all who cry out to you things like these:
Rejoice, new one among the Venerable,
Rejoice, equal of the Saints.
Rejoice, sharer of the name of the great Arsenios,
Rejoice, sharer of the ways of the ancient Fathers.
Rejoice, most-pure nous full of divine illuminations,
Rejoice, greatly-flowing river of the graces of God.
Rejoice, for you shown forth in asceticism in our days,
Rejoice, for you appeared as one of heavenly mind in all things.
Rejoice, new star of grace,
Rejoice, new hero against the enemy.
Rejoice, through whom things truly are made to shine,
Rejoice, through whom the Church is made to dance.
Rejoice, O Father Arsenios.
  
Having abandoned all things of life that pass away, you directed yourself to serve the Lord, and through a life of purity, you followed His commandments, O blessed Arsenios, and to Him you cried out in reverence: Alleluia.
 
You were shown to be a famed offspring of Cappadocia, and your nature was from pious roots, and you offered your whole being to Christ, while from Him you received heavenly grace, through which we are taught, O Saint, to reverently cry out to you:
Rejoice, flower of Cappadocia,
Rejoice, vessel of incorruption.
Rejoice, treasure of Christ,
Rejoice, casting down of the delusion of the enemy.
Rejoice, newly-founded foundation of the Church of Christ,
Rejoice, boast and confirmation of the faithful of godly mind.
Rejoice, for you dissolved the kingdom of Belial,
Rejoice, for you granted strength to the Orthodox.
Rejoice, for you trampled upon the glances of the enemy,
Rejoice, for you bestow godly gifts on the faithful.
Rejoice, for you water the pastures of souls,
Rejoice, for you uproot the tares of passions.
Rejoice, O Father Arsenios.
  
You received power from heaven at your holy tonsure, O Arsenios, which increased your zeal in soul towards increasing pains and [ascetical] feats, O Father, having been winged by the love of Christ, to Whom you cried out: Alleluia.
  
Having the divine fire within your soul, O all-blessed one, you burned up the thorns of the passions, and were arrayed in the stole of the Priesthood, as one truly shorn with purity of heart, and you therefore struggled ascetically, hearing from all these things:
Rejoice, divine healer of God,
Rejoice, pride of all the faithful.
Rejoice, newly-illumined lamp-lighter of monastics,
Rejoice, canon of priests bestowed by God.
Rejoice, vine of sweetest fruit of [Christ] the vine of life,
Rejoice, tree full of fruit of the sacred way.
Rejoice, for you traveled through life in asceticism,
Rejoice, for you neglected the lesser, earthly things.
Rejoice, for you desired death for Christ,
Rejoice, for you were filled to intoxication with light.
Rejoice, lover immortal life,
Rejoice, partaker of immaculate nourishment.
Rejoice, O Father Arsenios.

As one zealous for all things of the ancient Fathers, you came to imitate their lives in our days through your life, and you were made worthy of equal station of their glory, O Arsenios, inspired by God, and with them you cry out to the Lord: Alleluia.
  

St. Arsenios of Cappadocia (source)

Your holy life truly shown forth throughout your own homeland, O God-bearer, and taught all of the people to be marked with the divine blood of Christ, as one who transmitted divine things to those who were therefore compelled to cry out:
Rejoice, mouth of piety,
Rejoice, casting down of lawlessness.
Rejoice, most practical steward of souls,
Rejoice, transmitter of divine things, O inspired by God.
Rejoice, most radiant lamp of the virtuous way,
Rejoice, God-inspired tongue of the teachings of life.
Rejoice, for you received the grace of the Comforter,
Rejoice, for you censured the delusion that opposes God.
Rejoice, for you cleansed the wounds of souls,
Rejoice, for you trampled upon the worms of the passions.
Rejoice, through whom the faithful are guided,
Rejoice, through whom the pious are illumined.
Rejoice, O Father Arsenios.
  
The Master of all glorified your life with wonders, O Father Arsenios, for He bestowed on you many gifts during your life, and after your repose does the same through your divine Relic, which grants incorruptible grace to those who reverently cry out to God: Alleluia.
  
You were shown to be a God-bearing priest and a worthy vessel and friend of the Savior, and you served as a priest spotlessly, being filled with heavenly radiance, directing towards the things to come those who cry out things like these:
Rejoice, divine moon of the East,
Rejoice, lifter of the horn of the Saints.
Rejoice, servant of the divine mysteries,
Rejoice, teacher of Orthodox dogmas.
Rejoice, for you served as a priest like an Angel of Christ,
Rejoice, for you offered everything to Him.
Rejoice, for you distanced yourself from everything earthly with godly mind,
Rejoice, for you were filled with heavenly radiance.
Rejoice, dwelling-place of the light of God,
Rejoice, holy treasure of a holy life.
Rejoice, healer of incurable passions,
Rejoice, scepter against impure spirits.
Rejoice, O Father Arsenios.
  
From the East came proclaimers of your many wonders, O all-blessed one, who were made worthy of your gifts, and now, they preach of the grace that ever pours forth from your all-precious Relics, O Father, crying out: Alleluia.
  
Shining in the East as a morning star, was your way of life, O Arsenios, and it lately dawns upon us through the placing of your divine Relics, which dissolve the darkness of passions from those who cry out to you in faith:
Rejoice, you who were enriched with divine glory,
Rejoice, you who crushed the mania of the enemy.
Rejoice, sower of a practical way of life,
Rejoice, chosen one of divine providence.
Rejoice, pillar established by God of the spiritual law,
Rejoice, God-inspired organ of the angelic life.
Rejoice, for you grant divine gifts to the faithful,
Rejoice, for you offer up your exaltations to God.
Rejoice, canon of righteous asceticism,
Rejoice, lamp of holy counsel.
Rejoice, laver purifying souls,
Rejoice, our guide towards things to come.
Rejoice, O Father Arsenios.
  
You only had the love of Christ within your heart, and therefore proceeded forward in His path, and you had humility in your life, and had no desire for possessions, O Venerable One, as you were lifted high by the divine Spirit, and were united to God, chanting: Alleluia.
  

St. Arsenios of Cappadocia with scenes from his life (source)

  
You appeared as a new star of the Church of Christ, O Arsenios, as you lived in asceticism, and you give the help of your wonders to all who approach your divine Relics, as they are granted sanctification and healings, crying out:
Rejoice, clearly beloved one of Christ,
Rejoice, destroyer of the substance of the passions.
Rejoice, deliverer from the bonds of barrenness,
Rejoice, sure guide towards God.
Rejoice, height of humility and treasure of love,
Rejoice depth of purity as a mystic of Christ.
Rejoice, for you instill in the faithful divine fear,
Rejoice, for you teach the law of the Lord.
Rejoice, you who disperse the ranks of the enemy,
Rejoice, you who teach the words of Christ.
Rejoice, rooter of perfect ethos,
Rejoice, uprooter of evil passions.
Rejoice, O Father Arsenios.
  
Having been estranged from the things of this world, you drew closer to the Lord, and you shown forth with His goodness to those poor and suffering, O wise one, and in all places leading to the Lord by word and deed, O Arsenios, those who cry out: Alleluia.
  
Your whole mind you made to serve the Lord as a servent, O God-bearer, and within you inherited good things sowed by the divine Spirit, Whom we also receive through you, O Saint, as we cry out in faith:
Rejoice, son of the unsetting light,
Rejoice, hero fighting off the enemy.
Rejoice, most-fragrant pasture of chastity,
Rejoice, most-compassionate father of those in dangers.
Rejoice, unshakable haven of those in the tempest of temptations,
Rejoice, you who dissolve the darkness of soul-corrupting trials.
Rejoice, for you heal the passion of cancer,
Rejoice, for you destroy the kingdom of Belial.
Rejoice, you who tell of the goodness of Christ,
Rejoice, you who lance the evils of the enemy.
Rejoice, deliverer from terrible depression,
Rejoice, founder of rejoicing of the soul.
Rejoice, O Father Arsenios.

Many women approach your Relics with faith and great reverence, and are granted gifts from God through you, as those who were formerly barren become mothers, and with joy, O Arsenios, they cry out to Him Who glorified you: Alleluia.

To you were granted words of prophecy in the Spirit, O blessed Arsenios, for you foretold your venerable repose on the island of Corfu, from where you hastened to God, from Whom you pour forth grace on those who cry out:
Rejoice, fellow-dweller with the Angels,
Rejoice, you who were crowned with the Saints.
Rejoice, you who finished the beautiful race,
Rejoice, you who received the crown of incorruption.
Rejoice, for you grant children to those barren,
Rejoice, for you hearken to our cries in a divine manner.
Rejoice, you who chasten the hearts of the heedless,
Rejoice, you who shine with the love of the Lord.
Rejoice, deliverer from every passion,
Rejoice, guide towards godly good things.
Rejoice, instrument of the compassion of Christ,
Rejoice, lyre of the blessed life.
Rejoice, O Father Arsenios.
  
Your sacred body, O God-bearer, was given to the venerable grave, while your blessed soul proceeded to Christ, Whose immaculate beauty you behold, as you chant: Alleluia.
  

St. Arsenios of Cappadocia (source)

  
Your holy Monastery has been enriched by your sacred Relics, as with a God-given gift, and those who are granted the gift of your wonders all cry out and proclaim with resounding voice and bless you, O Arsenios, and ever cry out with fervor:
Rejoice, inheritor of the Lord,
Rejoice, godly one and God-bearer.
Rejoice, treasure of the Monastery that bears your name,
Rejoice, new adornment of Monastics.
Rejoice, unassailable support of pious Nuns,
Rejoice, saving boast of pious Christians.
Rejoice, for you grant children to those barren,
Rejoice, for you bestow grace on those who are depressed.
Rejoice, flowering of the life to come,
Rejoice, new crowning of the faithful.
Rejoice, rejoicing of our monastery,
Rejoice, true gladness of the faithful.
Rejoice, O Father Arsenios.
  
With holy hymns we praise you, O Father, and the choirs of Monastics with fervor surround the container of your Relics, and the pious hasten to gather from all places at your grace, O Venerable One, crying out to Him Who glorified you: Alleluia.
  
Having received the divine light of the Holy Trinity, together with all the choirs of the Saints, dissolve the darkness of temptations for those who approach your divine Relics, granting them deliverance and health, for those who entreat you, crying out:
Rejoice, dissolver of depression,
Rejoice, boast of the Church.
Rejoice, defender of those in pains and trials,
Rejoice, physician of those sick and suffering.
Rejoice, you who grant divine goodness with compassion,
Rejoice, you who drive away temptations with grace.
Rejoice, for you heal terrible afflictions,
Rejoice, for you grant divine guidance.
Rejoice, divine surrounding wall of the faithful,
Rejoice, our fervent consolation.
Rejoice, newest song of the faithful,
Rejoice, our surpassing gift from God.
Rejoice, O Father Arsenios.
  
Your Monastery rejoices in your holy joy, O all-blessed one, having found you O Father as a protector and divine defender, and it falls before your Relics, praising you, O Arsenios, and ever chants to the Lord: Alleluia.
  
As you chant the thrice-holy hymn together with the Angels to the Holy Trinity, ceaselessly intercede with them, O godly-minded one, on behalf of your children, O Venerable One, that we be delivered from every trial, as we cry out:
Rejoice, beholder of the glory of God,
Rejoice, spring of many healings,
Rejoice, equal to the ancient ascetics,
Rejoice, equal in station to the noetic Armies [of the Angels].
Rejoice, for you shine noetically upon those who call upon you,
Rejoice, for you visit with sympathy those who ask of you.
Rejoice, the intercessor for this Monastery before the Creator,
Rejoice, you who dissolve every sadness of heart.
Rejoice, through whom we are healed of the passions,
Rejoice, through whom we behold the Lord.
Rejoice, intercessor for the faithful towards God,
Rejoice, my deliverance from dangers.
Rejoice, O Father Arsenios.
  
O blessed Arsenios, the citizen of Heaven and communicant with all the Saints, (3) fervently entreat together with them that we be delivered from every trial and that we be granted heavenly grace, for those who cry out: Alleluia.
  
Then, the Kontakion again.
  
(source)
  

St. Arsenios of Cappadocia (source)

  

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

Akathist to Sts. Joachim and Anna the Ancestors of God

Sts. Joachim and Anna with their daughter, the Most-holy Theotokos (source)

   
Note: A wonderful edition of this beautiful Akathist is available from St. Paisius Monastery in Arizona. Please consider supporting their endeavors.
  

Akathist to the Holy and Righteous Joachim and Anna
For Blessed Married Life

Kontakion 1:
O holy and righteous Joachim and you Anna, the forbears of Christ, elect among the human race, who gave birth to the all-blessed, holy Maiden, of Whom the Son of God was born in the flesh! In that you have great boldness before Christ God and stand before His heavenly throne, earnestly entreat Him, that we may be delivered from misfortunes and thus may ever cry aloud to you: Rejoice, O holy and righteous Joachim and Anna, Ancestors of God!

Ikos 1:
An angelic messenger was sent to you by God, O holy and righteous ancestors of God, when you both expressed your sorrow – You, Joachim in the wilderness, and you Anna in the garden – offering up supplication unto God. Thus the incorporeal one brought the joyful tidings that you would give birth to an all-blessed daughter, in whom the whole human race would be blessed. And with him we also offer you joyful praise:
Rejoice, branches of the vine of life who blossomed forth in holiness from the root of David!
Rejoice, you who gave birth to a daughter more blessed than all the generations of men!
Rejoice, most honored forbears of the incarnate Son of God!
Rejoice, most excellent disclosers of the mystery hidden from before time began!
Rejoice, closest relatives in the flesh to the Consolation of Israel!
Rejoice, blood relatives of the Savior Who was promised to the world!
Rejoice, O holy and righteous Joachim and Anna, Ancestors of God!

Kontakion 2:
Seeing himself belittled by the high priest in the Temple of Jerusalem because of his lack of children, the holy Joachim was sorely distressed. In bitterness of soul he withdrew to his flocks in the wilderness, and there he offered fervent supplication with tears, that the Lord grant that he might be called father by a child of his own. And thus he added fasting to prayer and in the contrition of his heart cried aloud to God Almighty: Alleluia!
  

Sts. Joachim and Anna embracing the Most-holy Theotokos (source)

  
Ikos 2:
Knowing the extent of her husband's grief, the holy Anna wept bitterly in her house and prayed that the Lord would remove from her the reproach of barrenness. And we, remembering the patience of the righteous ones, cry out:
Rejoice, O divinely chosen pair who gave birth to Her who would become the Mother of One of the Trinity;
Rejoice, you who produced an immaculate Mother for your creator!
Rejoice, you blessed pair who raised a Daughter who is most blessed among women!
Rejoice, you whom God heard amid your barrenness!
Rejoice, for your tearful entreaties passed up to heaven and reached the ear of the God of Israel!
Rejoice, for your temporal reproach has been transformed into eternal glory in heaven and on Earth!
Rejoice, O holy and righteous Joachim and Anna, Ancestors of God!

Kontakion 3:
Filled with the power of God, the angel of the Lord appeared to the holy Joachim in the wilderness and said to him, “God has heard your prayer and has been pleased to grant you His grace! Behold, Anna your wife will conceive and bear you a Daughter, who will be the joy of the whole world!” And having said these things the incorporeal one commanded him to return to the Temple of Jerusalem, where he would find his spouse praying, that with her he might also chant there the hymn of praise to the God of Israel: Alleluia!  

Sts. Joachim and Anna embracing Panagia (source)

  
Ikos 3:
Having great sorrow in your heart, O holy Anna, you entered the garden of your home, where your eye saw little chicks lying in a bird's nest in a tree, and you immediately added supplications to your prayers, that the Lord might permit you to become the mother of a child. And lo!! The angel of the Lord appeared to you, saying: “Your prayer has been heard, your sighs have passed beyond the clouds and your tears have come before God! Behold, you will conceive and bear an all-blessed Daughter, in whom all the peoples of the earth will be blessed, and through whom salvation will be given to the whole world! Her name will be Mary!” Mindful of these most angelic tidings, let us chant these things to the ancestors of God:
Rejoice, you who were chosen for ineffable glory!
Rejoice, you who walked blamelessly in all the commandments of the Lord!
Rejoice, you who received eternal consolation amid your fleeing sorrow!
Rejoice, you who were exalted beyond expectation by the right hand of God!
Rejoice, for your humility and tribulation the Lord remembered you!
Rejoice, for you were chosen to become the forebears of the Son of God!
Rejoice, O holy and righteous Joachim and Anna, Ancestors of God!

Kontakion 4:
Beset by a storm of doubt and perplexed by the angel's tidings to him, the righteous Joachim immediately set out for the city of Jerusalem, where he found before the gates of the Temple the holy Anna, greatly glorifying the Lord, who declared to him the joy of the angelic appearance and the prediction of her childbirth. Wherefore, when he had told his spouse of his own vision, he cried with her unto the Lord: Alleluia!
  

St. Anna holding the Theotokos (source)

  
Ikos 4:
When Anna's relatives and friends heard of her all-glorious conceiving, they glorified the God of Israel. And he divinely wise Anna promised the fruit of her womb to the service of God and offered up fervent thanks to the Lord. And singing with splendor the most glorious conception of the holy Maiden Mary, we say upon her blessed parents:
Rejoice, joyous heralds announcing to us the Redeemer Who is come into the world!
Rejoice, grandparents of God Who in His mercy assumed our form!
Rejoice, you who through your blessed Daughter provided flesh for the Word of God!
Rejoice, you who called the incarnate God your grandson!
Rejoice, worthy servants of the great mystery of piety!
Rejoice, most excellent means of God's condescension to men!
Rejoice, O holy and righteous Joachim and Anna, Ancestors of God!

Kontakion 5:
You were chosen to give birth in the flesh to the all-holy Birth-giver of God, the divinely radiant star who showed forth Christ God, the Sun of Righteousness, O most blessed Joachim and Anna, and have received the enviable title of Ancestors of God. At her holy birth heaven and earth rejoiced and the whole human race was sanctified, crying out to the God of Israel Who is wondrous in His Saints: Alleluia!
  

St. Anna embracing the Theotokos (source)

  
Ikos 5:
Looking as parents upon the Mother of the Creator, the holy Maiden Mary who was born of you, you reverently ministered unto her as the ark of God; wherefore, do not turn away from us who fall down before you in prayer and say:
Rejoice, you who were filled with radiant jubilation at the birth of the holy Maiden Mary!
Rejoice, you who were filled with delight at the sight of the holy Maiden!
Rejoice, you who were moved to compunction at the sound of her voice!
Rejoice, you who after these tidings were blessed by the high priest of God!
Rejoice, you who tended well the unblemished ewe lamb in your house!
Rejoice, you who received the Mother of the Lamb and Shepherd as your Daughter!
Rejoice, O holy and righteous Joachim and Anna, Ancestors of God!

Kontakion 6:
You were shown to be proclaimers of the wonders of God, O Saints, when you fulfilled your vow to God and with glory brought the three-year old holy Maiden Mary to the Temple of God, that She might abide there in the Holy of Holies; and for these things you hastened with joy to chant unto the God of your fathers, the glorification: Alleluia!
  

St. Anna embracing the Theotokos (source)

  
Ikos 6:
The divine Maiden shown forth like the full moon at Her honored entry into the Temple of the Lord and the angels marveled at Her beauty. And taken Her from your hands, O holy Joachim and Anna, the High Priest Zachariah led Her into the Holy of Holies with honor, for She was truly the living ark of God; and he blessed you as is proper with such praises as these:
Rejoice, you who have given birth to the universal joy of the human race!
Rejoice, you who have nurtured the cause of the restoration of mankind!
Rejoice, you who brought the living ark of God to the Temple of the Lord!
Rejoice, you who gave your holy Daughter to dwell in the Holy of Holies!
Rejoice, you who are revealed as the relatives of God who will become incarnate!
Rejoice, you who conversed with the angels!
Rejoice, O holy and righteous Joachim and Anna, Ancestors of God!

Kontakion 7:
Having fulfilled the desire of your soul and given your promise to God, O al-blessed Joachim, you departed this earthly life in holiness and righteousness, passing on to the Lord. Wherefore, we ask you to petition Him that we also may be counted worthy to receive a peaceful and unashamed end, crying out to Him: Alleluia!
  

Sts. Joachim and Anna embracing the Most-holy Theotokos (source)

  
Ikos 7:
You led a new and God-pleasing life in your widowhood, O holy Anna, abiding at the Temple of God and ministering to your all-blesses Daughter, wherefore, we praise you as a true and God-pleasing widow and the grandmother of Christ and with love we fervently honor you and your husband, Joachim the grandfather of God, and offer you such hymns as these:
Rejoice, you just ones whose righteousness shines like the sun forever!
Rejoice, you friends of the angels, who truly dwell with the Saints in the presence of God!
Rejoice, you who stand near to the throne of heaven!
Rejoice, you who have great boldness before Christ God!
Rejoice, adornment of the Church Triumphant in heaven!
Rejoice, good supporters of the Church militant on earth!
Rejoice, O holy and righteous Joachim and Anna, Ancestors of God!

Kontakion 8:
O holy and righteous Anna, having reached the end of your earthly journey, in the arms of your holy Daughter, the Birth-giver of God Mary, you slept the sleep of death and were transported unto God with hope; wherefore, glorifying your holy dormition, we entreat you, O most honored grandmother of God; When we also begin to fall into the sleep of death, beseech Christ the Savior that our soul may part gently from our body and escape the power of the demons, and that we may be granted eternal salvation, and may cry out to Him in the joy of the Saints: Alleluia!  

The first steps of Panagia, before her parents, Sts. Joachim and Anna (source)

  
Ikos 8:
The whole Christian world blesses you as is proper, O holy righteous and ancestors of God Joachim and Anna and in prayer glorifies your honored names. The Church of Christ celebrates your memory with splendor and offers hymns of praises unto you:
Rejoice, beacons who graciously illuminate the darkness of our souls!
Rejoice, you who mercifully look down upon mortals from the heavenly heights of your glory!
Rejoice, you who ever pray with Mary the Birth-Giver of God!
Rejoice, you who with great might move Christ God to mercy!
Rejoice, you who save from all misfortunes those who cherish faith and love for you!
Rejoice, you who deliver those who call upon your help in prayer from a violent and sudden death!
Rejoice, O holy and righteous Joachim and Anna, Ancestors of God!

Kontakion 9:
All the angels of God and the choirs of the Saints of God in heaven greet you, O holy and righteous ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna, and on earth the generations of men praise you with prayerful hymns and cry out to God in thanksgiving for your intercession: Alleluia!
  

Sts. Joachim and Anna, with Christ and the Most-holy Theotokos (Source)

  
Ikos 9:
Our eloquence does not suffice to praise you fittingly, O holy forbears of Christ; yet as you are merciful, do not reject our inadequate praises, but be fervent intercessors and advocates for us before the Lord, fulfilling the deficiency of our souls with your holy supplications, that we may cry out to you this hymn of thanksgiving:
Rejoice, mediators who win for us the joy and eternal glory we desire!
Rejoice, fervent advocates before the Lord who acquire temporal and eternal blessings for us!
Rejoice, you who by your intercession preserve the faithful from deadly pestilence!
Rejoice, you who by your supplications dispel mortal plagues!
Rejoice, you who by your mediation cause earthquakes and violent storms to cease and restore calm!
Rejoice, you who amid all tribulations and misfortunes hasten to our aid!
Rejoice, O holy and righteous Joachim and Anna, Ancestors of God!

Kontakion 10:
 O holy and righteous ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna, you have shown yourselves to be beneficial helpers of those who desire salvation of soul and diligently strive for this. Being called the guardians of monks and nuns, and offering unto God common supplication for all the faithful, that in thanksgiving into Christ the King of glory, Who has glorified you throughout the world, they all may cry out: Alleluia!
  

Sts. Joachim and Anna embracing at the Golden Gate (source)

  
Ikos 10:
With the bulwark of your prayers, O holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, preserve and protect us from the temptations of the diabolical who seeks the destruction of our souls; for we know that your petition before the face of Christ our God, your Grandson according to the flesh, is able to accomplish much. Never cease to make supplications to Him on behalf of all who with love honor you and cry aloud:
Rejoice, fruitful olive trees pouring forth the oil of the mercy of God upon us in abundance!
Rejoice, you two cypress trees of excellent foliage who turn the burning heat of our passions into the stillness of dispassion!
Rejoice, purple and fine linen of which the tabernacle of God's dwelling place was wrought!
Rejoice, turtle doves mated for life, who brought forth the immaculate dove!
Rejoice, you who reign eternally with your Daughter the Queen of all!
Rejoice, you who celebrate with Her in splendor in Her heavenly mansion in Sion on high!
Rejoice, O holy and righteous Joachim and Anna, Ancestors of God!

Kontakion 11:
Mercifully accept our hymns of praise and do not deprive us of your compassions, O holy Joachim and Anna, ancestors of Christ; for though we are unworthy of your holy intercessions because of our sins, yet as you are good and full of pity, grant it to us and help us to cleanse ourselves of defilement of sin through repentance, that in purity of heart we may chant unto our Creator the hymn of praise: Alleluia!
  

Sts. Joachim and Anna embracing the Theotokos (source)

  
Ikos 11:
O Brethren, let us recognize the holy ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna, as two radiant candles which lit the universal Lamp. Illuminated with the brightness of their heavenly glory, let us sing to them such words as these:
Rejoice, you were counted worthy to raise Her who is beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim!
Rejoice, you who were resplendent with heavenly brightness!
Rejoice, you who were filled with the sweet fragrance of the Spirit!
Rejoice, you who bear unto God the incense of your prayers for the whole Christian world!
Rejoice, you who ever stand before the throne of Christ with Mary the God-Bearer and John the Baptist!
Rejoice, you who stand near the throne of heaven!
Rejoice, O holy and righteous Joachim and Anna, Ancestors of God!

Kontakion 12:
O holy ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, ask the Lord that He grant us divine grace and mercy, forgiveness of sins and correction of life; and never cease to entreat the countenance of Almighty God in our behalf, in that you have acquired great boldness before Him. Falling down before you with fervor for this purpose, we beseech you as our true intercessors and helpers and with real compunction cry out to the Creator of all: Alleluia!
  

St. Anna embracing Panagia (source)

  
Ikos 12:
Singing of the great might of your intercessions before God, O righteous Joachim and Anna, we magnify Christ the Lord Who has magnified you; we sing also the praises of His all-immaculate Mother who was born of you; and in our zeal we offer you these right fitting praises:
Rejoice, you who are glorified from the East even unto the West!
Rejoice, O our protectors whose vigilance in intercession is never wavering!
Rejoice, you who grant your gracious help to every Christian soul!
Rejoice, you who fulfill the entreaties and petitions of the pious!
Rejoice, most excellent healers of the infirmities of soul and body who exact no fee!
Rejoice, most diligent and pleasing mediators who obtain for us temporal and eternal good things!
Rejoice, O holy and righteous Joachim and Anna, Ancestors of God!

Kontakion 13:
O holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna! We entreat you with zeal and love, falling down before the footstool of your feet; we ask that you beseech the Lord God, that He will deliver us from the everlasting damnation prepared for sinners, that, saved by the loving-kindness of our God and aided by your holy prayers, we may sing in thanksgiving to Him the angelic hymn: Alleluia!

(Kontakion 13 is read 3 times, then read Ikos 1 è Kontakion 1)

The wondrous, myrrhstreaming icon of St. Anna embracing the Theotokos, treasured currently by St. Tikhon's Monastery in Waymart, PA (source)

  
Prayer to the Holy and Righteous Ancestors of God Joachim and Anna:
O ever-glorious and righteous forbearers of Christ, holy Joachim and Anna who stand before the heavenly throne of the great King and possess boldness before Him; He was well pleased to become incarnate of your all-blessed Daughter, the all-pure Birth-giver of God and Ever-virgin Mary. We, the sinful and unworthy, come to you as mighty intercessors and diligent advocates for us. Entreat His goodness, that He turn away His wrath from us, which we deserve because of our deeds and that, overlooking our countless transgressions, He may turn us to the way of repentance and set us firmly upon the path of His commandments. By your supplications preserve our life in peace. Ask that we may be successful in good things. By your intercession, may God grant to us all things necessary for life and piety and may He deliver us from all peril, misfortune and sudden death. May He allow us to live out our lives in peace and tranquility, in all piety and purity. Having thus passed from this transitory life in peace, we may attain unto everlasting rest, where by your holy entreaty, may we be granted the heavenly Kingdom of Christ our God, to Whom is due all glory, honor and worship with the Father and all-Holy Spirit, unto the ages of ages.
(source)
  

St. Anna holding the Theotokos (source)

  

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

Akathist to St. John Maximovitch the Wonderworker

St. John Maximovitch, Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco, the Wonderworker (source)

AKATHIST  HYMN to Our Father among the Saints
JOHN Archbishop of Shanghai & San Francisco, the Wonderworker

Kontakion 1
Chosen wonderworker and pleaser of Christ, who pourest forth inexhaustible streams of inspiration and a multitude, of miracles upon the whole world, we praise thee with love and call out to thee:
Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!

Ikos 1
An angel in the flesh wast thou manifested in these latter times by the grace of God Who ever careth for men. Seeing the beauty of thy virtues, we cry out to thee:
Rejoice, thou who from earliest childhood wast adorned in piety.
Rejoice, thou who didst ever live in fear of God and do His holy will.
Rejoice, thou who didst manifest the grace of God through good deeds done secretly.
Rejoice, thou who dost hearken to the prayers of those in distress.
Rejoice, thou who didst hasten, full of love, to save thy neighbors.
Rejoice, joy to all who fall down before thee with faith.
Rejoice, O holy hierarch, father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!

Kontakion 2
Beholding the abundance and variety of thy virtues, O holy Hierarch, we see in thee a living source of God's wonders in our time. Thou dost refresh with thy love and miracles all who cry in faith to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 2
Being filled with love and replete with theology, O divinely wise John, made wise by the knowledge of God and adorned with love for the suffering, teach us also to know the true God in love as we call out to thee in admiration:
Rejoice, unshakeable stronghold of Orthodox truth.
Rejoice, precious vessel of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, righteous denouncer of impiety and false doctrine.
Rejoice, zealous fulfiller of the commandments of God.
Rejoice, ascetic who didst not allow thyself to rest upon a bed.
Rejoice, beloved shepherd of the flock of Christ.
Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!

Kontakion 3
By the power of the grace of God wast thou manifest as a father to orphans and instructor of the young, raising them in the fear of God and preparing them for the service of God. Wherefore all thy children look to thee with love in gratitude cry out to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 3
Thou shouldst truly be praised from the heavens, and not from earth, O father John, for our words are feeble beside thy deeds. Yet offering to God what we have, we cry out to thee thus:
Rejoice, thou who didst protect thy children by thine unceasing prayer!
Rejoice, thou who didst ever guard thy flock with the sign of the Cross.
Rejoice, thou whose love knew no bounds of country or race.
Rejoice, bright luminary beloved of all.
Rejoice, model of unceasing prayer and loving kindness.
Rejoice, bestower of spiritual consolation upon those in need.
Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!

Kontakion 4
Overwhelmed by the tempest of perils, we know not how to praise thee worthily, O Hierarch John. Thou didst travel to the ends of the earth to save thy flock and proclaim the glad tidings of the Gospel to those in darkness. Giving thanks to God for thine apostolic labors we cry out to Him: Alleluia!

St. John Maximovitch the Wonderworker (source)

Ikos 4
Those near and far have heard of the greatness of thy miracles, which are made manifest by the mercy of God even to our days. And so we also, marveling, cry out in awe:
Rejoice, enlightener of those in the darkness of unbelief.
Rejoice, thou who didst lead thy people from the Far East to the West.
Rejoice, fountain of miracles poured forth by God.
Rejoice, loving chastiser of those who have gone astray.
Rejoice, swift consoler of those who repent of their sins.
Rejoice, guide of those who walk the straight path.
Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!

Kontakion 5
Thou wast manifest to be a divinely bestowed light to stop the destructive forces of fallen nature, O holy Hierarch, preserving thy flock on the island of Tubabao from the deadly wind and storm, by thy prayer and the sign of the Cross. Teach us who call upon thee for help, O holy woderworker, to cry out in wonder unto God: Alleluia!

Ikos 5
All who have trusted in thy help in desperate circumstances and adversities have found deliverance, O bold intercessor, before the Throne of God. Wherefore, we trust in thine intercession before God, and cry out to thee:
Rejoice, thou who dost avert the dangers of the elements.
Rejoice, thou who by thy prayer deliverest from need.
Rejoice, inexhaustible giver of bread to the hungry.
Rejoice, abundant wealth for those who live in poverty.
Rejoice, consolation for those in sorrow.
Rejoice, quick uplifting for those who have fallen.
Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!

Kontakion 6
Preaching salvation though slow of speech, thou wast shown to be like a new Moses, leading thy people out of the captivity of the godless, O all-blessed John. Deliver us also from bondage to sin and the invisible foe, that, rejoicing, we may cry out to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 6
Shining forth in thy righteousness, thou didst do the impossible and persuade the authorities of this world to have pity on thy flock, O good shepherd. Wherefore, with them we also cry out to thee in thanksgiving:
Rejoice, good shepherd who didst prepare for thy wandering flock a peaceful haven.
Rejoice, thou who didst show the greatest care for children and the sick.
Rejoice, helper of all who call thee with faith.
Rejoice, for in thy weak body wast the power of God made manifest with abundance.
Rejoice, thou who foilest the attacks of the unrighteous.
Rejoice, destroyer of lies and exalter of truth.
Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!

Kontakion 7
Desiring to glorify as is meet the ancient saints of the West, of lands which had fallen away from the truth, thou didst revive their veneration in the Orthodox Church, O lover of the saints of the East and the West. With them pray thou today in heaven on behalf of us who chant on earth: Alleluia!

St. John Maximovitch the Wonderworker (source)

Ikos 7
We see thee as a new chosen one of God, who wast manifest in the latter times as one of the holy Hierarchs of Gaul, exhorting thy flock to preserve the same Orthodox faith that they confessed, and astonishing the peoples of the West by thy holy life. Preserve us, that we too may abide in this Faith, who cry out to thee:
Rejoice, thou who wast a new Martin by thy miracles and ascetic feats.
Rejoice, thou who wast a new Germanus by thy confession of the Orthodox faith.
Rejoice, thou who wast a new Hilary by thy divine theology.
Rejoice, thou who wast a new Gregory by thy love and glorification of God's saints.
Rejoice, thou who wast a new Faustus by thy monastic fervor.
Rejoice, thou who wast a new Caesarius by thy steadfast love for the canons of the Church of God.
Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!

Kontakion 8
A strange sight didst thou behold: in the New World thou didst encounter thy former flock in tribulation. Here wast thee called to suffer persecution and by thine patience, righteousness and instruction to guide the flock, and didst erect the church of the Mother of God, the Joy of All Who Sorrow. Now marveling at thy patience and longsuffering, we all cry out to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 8
Giving thyself wholly unto Christ, O laborer of Christ's vineyard, thou knewest no rest even at the end of thy much-suffering life; help us, the unworthy, in our labors as we strive to be faithful to Christ, crying out in praise to thee:
Rejoice, thou who didst endure unto the end and so didst attain salvation.
Rejoice, thou who wast deemed worthy to die before the Icon of the Mother of God.
Rejoice, thou who didst keep thy faith and courage in the midst of unjust persecution.
Rejoice, thou who didst labor to the end for thy flock and didst repose, seated, as a hierarch.
Rejoice, thou who didst comfort the flock by being buried among it.
Rejoice, thou who workest wonders for those who come to thy relics with faith and love.
Rejoice, O holy hierarch, father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!

Kontakion 9
All the angelic hosts rejoiced at thy soul's ascent to • the mansions of heaven, marveling at the wonders thou didst perform on earth through the action of the Holy Spirit, to Whom we sing: Alleluia!

Ikos 9
Orators find it impossible to describe thy life of sanctity with their many and eloquent words, O righteous father John, for thou didst become a living dwelling-place for the grace of the ineffable God. Yet, unable to be silent at the wonder revealed to our age of feeble faith, we glorify thee:
Rejoice, divine palace from whence the counsel of the Good King is given.
Rejoice, for in thy humble activity thou hadst angels serving with thee.
Rejoice, thou who didst gain a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Rejoice, infirmary wherein every ailment is divinely healed.
Rejoice, depository wherein thy holy labor of prayer was hidden.
Rejoice, blessed temple of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, O holy hierarch, father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!

Kontakion 10
Desiring to save the world, the Savior of all hath sent unto us a new saint and through him hath called us forth from the dark abyss of sin. Hearing this call to repentance, we, the unworthy ones, in turn cry out to God: Alleluia!

St. John Maximovitch (source)

Ikos 10
THou art a wall sheltering us from adversity, O father John, for through thy heavenly intercessions are we delivered from the attacks of demonic passions and from afflictions which beset us on earth. Before thy firm support of prayer, we cry with faith:
Rejoice, sight to those who are blind.
Rejoice, thou who by the power of prayer givest life to those on their bed of death.
Rejoice, thou who with divine wisdom dost enlighten those in confusion and doubt.
Rejoice, refreshing water to those perishing in the heat of sorrow.
Rejoice, loving father to the orphaned and abandoned.
Rejoice, holy teacher of those who seek the Truth.
Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!

Kontakion 11
In thought, word and deed thy life was a hymn to the Most Holy Trinity, O most blessed John. For with much wisdom didst thou explain the precepts of the true Faith, teaching us to sing with faith, hope and love to the one God in Trinity: Alleluia!

Ikos 11
We see thee as a radiant lamp of Orthodoxy for those in the darkness of ignorance, O good shepherd of the flock of Christ. Thus, even after thy repose, thou dost reveal the Truth to those ignorant thereof, illumining the souls of the faithful, who cry out to thee such things as these:
Rejoice, thou who with divine wisdom dost enlighten those who languish in unbelief.
Rejoice, rainbow of quiet joys for the meek. Rejoice, thunder to those obstinate in sin.
Rejoice, lightning burning up heresies. Rejoice, downpour of the dogmas of Orthodoxy.
Rejoice, dew of the thought of God.
Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!

Kontakion 12
With reverence and thanksgiving do we receive the grace that hath been poured out upon thee by God, O most lauded father John. Glorifying the wonders of a holy hierarch who once walked among us, we cry out to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 12
Singing praise unto God, the heavenly choir of saints rejoiceth that He hath not forsaken the fallen and faithless world, but hath manifested His almighty power in thee, his meek and humble servant. O blessed John, with all the saints we greet thee and give honor to thee:
Rejoice, new star of righteousness which hath shone forth in heaven.
Rejoice, new prophet who wast sent before the final reign of evil.
Rejoice, thou who like Jonah dost warn all of the wages of sin.
Rejoice, thou who like the Baptist John calleth all to prayer and repentance.
Rejoice, thou who like Paul endured much for the sake of the Gospel and the preaching of the Faith.
Rejoice, new apostle whose miracles instill in us faith and awe.
Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!

Kontakion 13
0 all-radiant and most wondrous God-pleaser, holy hierarch John, consolation for all who sorrow, accept this, our offering of prayer, that through thy prayers to our Lord we may be delivered from fiery Gehenna and by thy God-pleasing intercession we may chant forever unto God: Alleluia!

Sts. John the Forerunner and John Maximovitch entreating Christ (source)

   

This Kontakion is recited thrice, whereupon Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1 are repeated.

Ikos 1
An angel in the flesh wast thou manifested in these latter times by the grace of God Who ever careth for men. Seeing the beauty of thy virtues, we cry out to thee:
Rejoice, thou who from earliest childhood wast adorned in piety.
Rejoice, thou who didst ever live in fear of God and do His holy will.
Rejoice, thou who didst manifest the grace of God through good deeds done secretly.
Rejoice, thou who dost hearken to the prayers of those in distress.
Rejoice, thou who didst hasten, full of love, to save thy neighbors.
Rejoice, joy to all who fall down before thee with faith.
Rejoice, O holy hierarch, father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!

Kontakion 1
Chosen wonderworker and pleaser of Christ, who pourest forth inexhaustible streams of inspiration and a multitude of miracles upon the whole world, we praise thee with love and call out to thee: Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!

The holy and wonderworking Relic of St. John Maximovitch in the Cathedral of the Joy of All Who Sorrow, San Francisco (source)

Prayers to the Holy Hierarch John Wonderworker of Shanghai & San Francisco

Prayer 1

O wondrous hierarch John, thou didst stretch thy heart to encompass within it a multitude of people from among diverse nations and peoples who honor thee. Look down at the humility of our words, which we offer out of love" for thee, and help us, O saint of God, to cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, so that we may labor for the Lord with fear and rejoice in Him with trembling. What shall we render unto thee for that joy which we have felt, beholding thy sacred relics in the holy church and glorifying thy memory? Truly, we have nothing to offer thee, except if we begin to correct our lives, becoming new men instead of old. Be an intercessor for us of this grace of renewal, O holy John; help us in our weaknesses; heal our sicknesses; cure our passions by thy prayers. O thou who didst depart this temporal life unto life eternal, to which the all-pure Mistress, the Directress of the Russian diaspora, guided thee by her wonder-working Kursk-Root Icon, whose companion thou wast on the day of thy repose, thou dost now rejoice in the choir of the saints who glorify the one God, Who is worshipped in Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Icon of St. John Maximovitch from the newly-built Sretensky Monastery (Source)

Prayer 2

O beloved Hierarch John, good shepherd and beholder of the hearts and minds of men! Thou prayest for us now at the throne of God, as thou thyself didst say after thy death: "Even though I have died, yet am I alive." Beseech the most compassionate God, that He grant us forgiveness of sins, that we may come wakefully to our senses, and cry out to God, asking that we be given the spirit of humility, the fear of God and piety in all the ways of our life. As thou wast a merciful nurturer of orphans and a skilled instructor on earth, be thou now a guide and Christian understanding for us amid the turmoil of the Church; hearken to the groaning of the troubled youth of our corrupt times, who are tempest-tossed by most wicked demonic possession, and mercifully regard the despondency of our weak pastors, caused by the inroads of the corrupting spirit of this world, and who languish in idle indifference. Hasten thou to make supplication, we cry to thee with tears, O fervent advocate; visit us, who are orphaned, scattered over the face of all the world and in our homeland, astray in the darkness of the passions, yet who by our feeble love are drawn to the light of Christ and await thy fatherly instruction; that, having acquired piety, we may be shown to be heirs of the kingdom of heaven, where thou abidest with all the saints, glorifying our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be honor and dominion, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

(source)

   

St. John Maximovitch the Wonderworker (source)

   

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

Akathist to St. Irene Chrysovalantou

St. Irene the Venerable Wonderworker, Abbess of the Monastery of Chrysovalantou (source)

 

Akathist to St. Irene Chrysovalantou

By Fr. Gerasimos of Mikra Agia Anna
(except the last ode where the available text was lacking, and was supplemented from a different text)

  

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone.

As the pinnacle of Venerable Saints and Virgins, and a true and greatly flowing spring of wonders, we honor you, O Venerable Mother Irene, but as one nourished with the peace of the Spirit, keep us in the bond of peace, for those who cry out to you: Rejoice, O Mother, equal to the Angels.

  

An Angel was sent down from heaven to you, O Irene, to relate to you unspeakable knowledge (3), and through revealing hidden and secret things, you were made shining with radiance, through which you illumine everyone who cries out to you, O Venerable one:

Rejoice, through whom Christ was exalted,

Rejoice, through whom the enemy was consumed.

Rejoice, the icon of purity inscribed by God,

Rejoice, the cedar of manliness that is unshaken.

Rejoice, perceptible height of heavenly virtues,

Rejoice, depth of notable and soul-nourishing gifts.

Rejoice, for you appeared as the pinnacle of the Venerable,

Rejoice, for you became the chastity of virgins.

Rejoice, you who unfold the ethos of the Venerable,
Rejoice, you who uproot the tares of the passions.
Rejoice, through whom love shines forth,
Rejoice, through whom delusion groans.
Rejoice, O Mother, equal to the Angels.
   
You were the perfect and all-joyous root of good planting, and from your youth you were distinguished as beautiful in appearance, but surpassingly beautiful in soul, and you were guided and ordered by fear of the age to come, crying out: Alleluia.
   
Coming to know your future through the divine Spirit, Ioannikios the Great Ascetic, prophesied that you, O Irene, would remain in the Monastery of Chrysovalantou, and to you we cry out these things:
Rejoice, rose of gladness,
Rejoice, lily of virginity.
Rejoice, imprint of heavenly beauty,
Rejoice, partaker of earthly deprivation.
Rejoice,  refuge of the Bridegroom of souls for those condemned,
Rejoice, spotless diadem of radiant youth.
Rejoice, you who wedded [Christ] the Word without corruption,
Rejoice, joyous fragrance of the Angels.
Rejoice, cinnamon of chaste virgins,
Rejoice, gladsome beauty of souls.
Rejoice, radiant adornment of virtues.
Rejoice, O Mother, equal to the Angels.
   
You disdained all worldly glory and the time of your youth and superficial honor, counting them as refuse, that you might gain Christ, Whom you loved. And He casts down fire from heaven upon those who chant unto you with fervor: Alleluia.
   
You hastened as a blessed thirsty doe to the divine Monastery of Chrysovalantou, in which springed forth the eternal waters from the ages, from which you drank in faith, and through which you water all those who cry out to you things like these:
Rejoice, moon of chastity,
Rejoice, vessel of dispassion.
Rejoice, imprint of eternal life,
Rejoice, radiance of unspeakable joy.
Rejoice, vineyard bringing forth incorruption from the beginning,
Rejoice, tree heavy-laden with all kinds of noetic fruit.
Rejoice, for you pour forth the streams of eternal life,
Rejoice, unemptying spring of graces.
Rejoice, river of wonders founded by God,
Rejoice, vessel of chaste fragrances,
Rejoice, waterfall of many healings.
Rejoice, O Mother, equal to the Angels.
   
You lived according to the writings [of the Scriptures] and with divine praise, you were silent and spoke, O Venerable one, and you were shown to be full of exalted works, O Mother of the ranks of Monastics, whom you taught, and who cry out together with you: Alleluia.

   

St. Irene Chrysovalantou (source)

  

You deposed the dark mania of Belial through your voice emanating from God, for you were enriched by Christ Who was your defender, and you readily dissolved the schemes of the evil one. Therefore, offering you the tokens of victory, we cry out these salutations:

Rejoice, the casting down of bodiless enemies,

Rejoice, the pillar of many struggles.

Rejoice, you who overcame the boldness of Belial,

Rejoice, you who glorified the grace of the Savior.

Rejoice, all-magnificent trophy of feminine nature,

Rejoice, all-honored statue standing immovable.

Rejoice, for you shine forth with the rays of divine light,

Rejoice, enclosure keeping out the enemy.

Rejoice, the beloved one among chaste Monastics,

Rejoice, ray of heavenly peace.

Rejoice, vessel towards unapproachable peace.

Rejoice, O Mother, equal to the Angels.

 

Through divine providence, you received the abbacy of your Monastery, O Venerable one, and you lead it truly with instruction and greater education, by word and example, confirming those who chanted: Alleluia.

 

You led your chosen inheritance of your sheep, O thrice-blessed and chaste one, to the Promised Land, making them worthy of the peace that surpasses understanding, offering them to the Word, therefore they cry out these things to you, O Mother:

Rejoice, steadfast in guidance,

Rejoice, tongue of counsel.

Rejoice, God-beholding directer of virgins,

Rejoice, fellow dweller with, and equal to the Angels.

Rejoice, sweetest mouth of practical teachings,

Rejoice, peaceful gaze for troubled hearts.

Rejoice, education for those living in holy asceticism,

Rejoice, light for those laying in darkness.

Rejoice, leader of chaste souls,

Rejoice, lifting up of many fallen ones.

Rejoice, mighty deposer of the enemy,

Rejoice, remover of terrible passions.

Rejoice, O Mother, equal to the Angels.

  
Beholding the Angel's presence, O Venerable one, as a ray of divine light,  you hymned the Source of light, and were lead by the angels to heal those who cry out: Alleluia.
 
Shining with divine light, with praxis and theoria, you prayed at light and were behold as a radiant lamp, lifting up your arms the whole night, as did Arsenios the Great, fervently praying to your Creator, Who also receives these as we cry out:
Rejoice, ray of heavenly light,
Rejoice vessel of unsurpassable beauty.
Rejoice lamp of praxis and theoria,
Rejoice, lark of the breath of grace.
Rejoice, character and imitator of the famed Moses,
Rejoice, type no lesser than the wise Arsenios.
Rejoice, for you revealed the hidden things of the heart,
Rejoice, for you impart twice as many hearings.
Rejoice, pure and spotless as turtle doves,
Rejoice, lamb marked by Christ God.
Rejoice, equalling joyous flowers,
Rejoice, tuneful song of swallows.
Rejoice, O Mother, equal to the Angels.
 
Enduring the evil that the prince of darkness breathed against you, as the senseless one waged war against you with temptations. But you wholly laughed at him, and stood as steadfast as a diamond, gazing upon Christ, and never ceasing to chant: Alleluia.
   

St. Irene Chrysovalantou (source)

   

A young man of Caesarea was terribly possessed by the demons, and you healed him, O chaste one, calling upon the Blessed Basil together with Anastasia, therefore we cry out to you these things with a proper mind:
Rejoice, the deliverance of the sick,
Rejoice, the dissolver of evil forces.
Rejoice, beautifully-flowing spring of healings,
Rejoice, fully-laden olive tree of gifts.
Rejoice, very precious body of divine energy,
Rejoice, sharp blade cutting away magic energy.
Rejoice, for you do not neglect the cry of those suffering,
Rejoice, for you depose the mania of the demons.
Rejoice, destroyer of bodiless enemies,
Rejoice, savior of lost souls.
Rejoice, fervent protector for those who entreat you,
Rejoice, shield and foundation for those storm-tossed.
Rejoice, O Mother, equal to the Angels.
  
Strange deeds and various wonders are seen worked by you, O God-bearer, for you hearkened to every voice of those in need and you could tell of their futures beforehand, compelling all to cry out: Alleluia.
  
Wholly full of amazement, O godly-minded [Abbess], was she who beheld you in an unspeakable manner, for she strangely saw your servant [Angel] standing before you, seeking to fulfill your command, and she cried out things such as these:
Rejoice, the glory of the Church,
Rejoice, the wealth of sympathy.
Rejoice, the joyous adornment of peace,
Rejoice, the sacred resemblance to the bodiless [Angels].
Rejoice, for you revealed a prelude to eternal life,
Rejoice, shining account of the angelic life.
Rejoice, most-ready defender of those in dangers,
Rejoice, most-fervent helper of those who are wronged.
Rejoice, deliverer from unjust judgment,
Rejoice, savior of the blood of the righteous.
Rejoice, you who instruct us by sleep,
Rejoice, you who inform of future things while awake.
Rejoice, O Mother, equal to the Angels.
  
You were lifted up towards the height of heaven, and in venerable manner, the soulless cypress trees understanding this, bowed before you like rational beings, bowing before the height of your grace which translates towards a godly height those who cry out: Alleluia.
  
You were truly seen to be a rose of virginity, and a light of purity, O All-venerable one, and you send out the ever fresh apples of your words like flowers, gladdening those who cry out:
Rejoice, haven of many graces,
Rejoice, love of those desiring to be perfect.
Rejoice, myrrh-vessel of sacred holiness,
Rejoice, holy servant of knowledge.
Rejoice, most-fragrant apple bearing the fragrance of chastity,
Rejoice, unfading tree, reaching towards Paradise.
Rejoice, for you were watered by the vine of incorruption,
Rejoice, lamp of divine goodness.
Rejoice, sense of rejoicing from above,
Rejoice, incomparable hearing of the faithful,
Rejoice, most-precious beloved one of God.
Rejoice, O Mother, equal to the Angels.
  
As you were seen to be chaste and mindful, through your prayers to God, you delivered your servant Nicholas from his terrible possession, and he then glorified you, crying out to you in peace, O Mother: Alleluia.
  

St. Irene Chrysovalantou (source)

   

As you were about to repose, you beheld a vision of Angels leading you towards divine glory, for you shone bright light the sun, and hastened to the Word as one bearing a lamp, illumining through grace those who radiantly cry out to you: O Mother:
Rejoice, O God-bearing Venerable one,
Rejoice, lamp-bearer among virgins.
Rejoice, equal in honor to the immaterial Angels,
Rejoice, fellow-dweller with all the Venerable Saints.
Rejoice, fellow traveler of Ascetics bearing many virtues.
Rejoice, astonishing array of many kinds of gifts.
Rejoice, for at the hour of your repose you were shining,
Rejoice, for you shine upon the minds of those approach you.
Rejoice, fellow-converser with the uncreated light,
Rejoice, joyous inheritor of the bridal chamber,
Rejoice, our light-bearing guide.
Rejoice, O Mother, equal to the Angels.
  
All the multitudes of the Orthodox offered hymns of victory, and divine fragrance, having gathered at your divine body, together with the Hierarchs and Leaders, and their life was filled with fragrance, for those who glorified you, crying out: Alleluia.
  
You were nourished truly by the uncreated light, as the Lord gladdened your grave in glory like a green pasture, giving fragrance to the ranks of the faithful, and giving immaterial gifts towards the healing of those who cry out:
Rejoice, fragrance of Christ,
Rejoice, shameful stench to the enemy.
Rejoice, for you pour forth immaterial fragrances,
Rejoice, deliverance from every passion.
Rejoice, fragrant peace of heavenly mercies,
Rejoice, mystical deliverance against soul-corrupting pollutions.
Rejoice, for you pour myrrh into the hearts of the faithful,
Rejoice, for you cleanse the bosoms of their souls.
Rejoice, our fervent refuge,
Rejoice, steadfast defense against enemies.
Rejoice, famed defender of Christ,
Rejoice, fervent protector of those who cry out.
Rejoice, O Mother, equal to the Angels.
  
Your pour forth the grace of peace, O Mother, truly as another life-giving spring, for you drown hateful bitterness as drowning waters against this wretchedness, cleansing those who cry out: Alleluia.
 
While hymning your pains, we praise you, O Mother, as a bride of the Savior, O Venerable one, for through your pure life you approached Christ as a spotless one. Therefore, make Him to dwell with us, for those who cry out with fervor:
Rejoice, divine chosen one of Christ,
Rejoice, ethical myrrh honored by God.
Rejoice, communicant with immaterial radiance,
Rejoice, treasure of godly goodness.
Rejoice, flowered crown of pious Nuns,
Rejoice, glorious boast of pure Ascetics.
Rejoice, utter deposer of bitterness,
Rejoice, guide towards total peace.
Rejoice, through whom we are delivered from evil,
Rejoice, through whom we are filled with love.
Rejoice, the harmony of these odes,
Rejoice, the healing of my soul.
Rejoice, O Mother, equal to the Angels.
  
O All-hymned Mother, who has found the Word Who is holier than all the Saints, (3) receive these our salutations, and deliver from every evil of the devil, and save from all trials, those who cry out: Alleluia.
  
Again, the Kontakion.
        

(source, and source)
  

St. Irene Chrysovalantou (source)

   

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