Selected hymns from the Service to St. Matrona of Moscow

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!

St. Matrona of Moscow (source)

  
Selected hymns from the Service to St. Matrona of Moscow,
Translations of the Greek text written by Dr. Charalampos Bousias, Hymnographer of the Patriarchate of Alexandria
  
Prosomoia of the Stichera from Great Vespers in the Fourth Tone. As the brave one among martyrs.
Come, all you who love feasts, let us place a crown of our hymns upon the head of the sacred Matrona, the Spirit-bearer, the inspired treasury of Russia and new adornment of the Church of Christ, who was born blind according to the judgments of God, that the radiance of her wisdom might shine forth to the multitudes of people bearing the name of Christ.

Full of desire, let us now honor the godly Matrona, who was blind from her mother's womb, and from infancy tasted poverty and scorn from those her age, along with taunting and terrible abandonment, as we cry out to her: Rejoice, newly-shining star of Russia, whose virtuous life has illumined all.

O adornment from God and spiritual beauty, with humility and discernment, who beautified the multitudes of the faithful through your reverence, your surpassing life and God-given grace and chastity, O God-bearer Matrona, do not cease to entreat the Creator on behalf of those who honor you.
   

Sts. Xenia of St. Petersburg and Matrona of Moscow (source)

   

Doxastikon of the Stichera in the Plagal of the Second Tone.
The Lady Theotokos, who is the salvation of sinners, you prayed to ceaselessly, and you glorified her Son every day, O Matrona, as you lived your earthly life like an Angel. For you had the eyes of your soul turned towards the Lord, though your bodily eyes were closed from birth, and you thus were shown to be higher than the things of this earth. And you entered into the joy of your Lord, and partake of His beauty. Do not cease to intercede on behalf of us who honor your ever-memorable memory.

Idiomelon of the Litia in the First Tone.
Rejoice, today, all those who love the ranks of the Venerable Saints, honoring the newly-shining memory of Matrona, and straightaway let us cry out to her with rejoicing: O newly-planed shoot of Russia, and newly-founded support of the Church, who lived a life of asceticism in the world in these latter days, and who shown forth with great feats, ceaselessly entreat the Lord on behalf of our souls.

Doxastikon of the Aposticha in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone.
O spotless lamb of Christ the Chief Shepherd, the all-praised Matrona, let us hymn in contrition, for she dispersed the darkness of her bodily eyes through the unapproachable light of grace and illumined with the lightning of her virtue all of those bearing the ethos of Christ. And now, in the unspeakable beauty of her desired Bridegroom [Christ], she beholds with wide-open eyes in the heavenly bridal chamber, and she ceaselessly intercedes on behalf of our souls.
  

St. Matrona of Moscow, depicted (as is most correct iconographically) as she is in Paradise, with her eyes open (source)

  
Apolytikion in the Plagal of the First Tone
Unassailable eighth pillar of Russia, who was blind from birth, we reverently praise Matrona the ever-memorable, as a treasury of divine gifts and fervent love towards all those in danger, crying out scatter the darkness of our passions with the light of Your grace.

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone. O Champion General.
O most-radiant vessel of the uncreated Light, and most-straight canon of foreknowledge, let us now hymn Matrona the Blind, offering up mellifluous encomiums as rays of light at her endurance, humility and divine grace, crying out: Rejoice, O all-praised Mother.

Oikos
You appeared lately to us as a light-bearing Angel, O blind Matrona, the boast of Russia, for with humility and patience along with endurance of many pains and trials of life, you pleased the Lord, and you incite the faithful to cry out to you:
Rejoice, the flower of endurance,
Rejoice, the crown of incorruption.
Rejoice, driver away of dangerous atheism,
Rejoice, light-bearer of the graces of the Spirit.
Rejoice, lighthouse of foreknowledge and prayer of the heart,
Rejoice, lamp of humility and the godly life.
Rejoice, greatly-shining ray of the wisdom of God,
Rejoice, torch of consolation for those in trials.
Rejoice, shield of wisdom and nepsis,
Rejoice, fruit of the love of Christ.
Rejoice, blind nightingale of Russia,
Rejoice, nourishment of those far of and those close.
Rejoice, O all-praised Mother.

Synaxarion

On this day (May 2nd), the memory of our Venerable and God-bearing Mother Matrona, the Blind and Wonderworker, who lived in our days as an ascetic in the world.
 

Verses

Though you were blind, you foresaw everything

Beforehand, O ascetic of Russia, Matrona.

 

Exaposteilarion in the Second Tone. O Women hearken.

Your blessing, was heard before the rule of the godless in Russia by the city of those who love Christ, and in those terrible days, they took refuge in your grace, O Matrona, for you became the consolation of those in pains, O sweetness of all people of Russia.

Prosomoia of the Praises in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone.

O new adornment of Russia, Matrona, who lived your life unseen upon the earth, as something that is passing, and you reached the height of dispassion and perfection in Lord Pantocrator, O you who appeared as one called by God, intercede on behalf of us who celebrate your all-spotless memory.

O true Mother illumined by God, in these latter days, you surpassed the bodily blindness of your eyes, and reached the wisdom of God and came to dwell with Him, having been made worthy to behold the Pantocrator with incorrupt eyes, in the divine mansions. Ever entreat Him on behalf of us, O chaste one, that His spotless grace and great mercy may be sent down upon us.

The God-bearing multitudes of Russia now rejoice at your divine memory, O glorious and chaste ascetic, who lately shown forth with the rays of wisdom and foreknowledge, along with the ethos of Christ and humility. Therefore, she is now roused to honor your holy memory, and glorify the Lord, Who glorified you.

Doxastikon of the Praises in the Plagal of the First Tone.

With an astonishing heart, you endured martyrdom of blindness and paralysis upon the earth, which we, blind and paralyzed, have brought upon us by our sin, O Matrona, the adornment of venerable mothers. For you received the reward of glory on high and the fruit reaped from your spotless life by the Savior of all, Whom you entreat on behalf of those who honor your ever-memorable memory.

Megalynarion

You who were deprived of the light of your eyes from birth, O Matrona, let us praise you with reverence, as a Spirit-bearing ascetic of Russia, and new pride and vessel of grace.
(source)
  

St. Matrona of Moscow (source)

  

Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs, He has granted life!

Truly, the Lord is risen!

"O noetic sun of righteousness, Christ God..."

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!

Christ healing the man born blind (source)

  

O noetic sun of righteousness, Christ God, You Who from Your spotless condescension illumined him who was deprived of light from his mother's womb, shine also upon the eyes of our souls, showing us forth to be sons of the day, that we might cry out together in faith to You: Great and unspeakable is Your compassion towards us, O Lover-of-mankind, glory to You.
-Doxastikon of the Aposticha in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone from the feast of the Healing of the Blind Man

(source)
  

Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling down upon death, and upon those in the tombs He has granted life!

Truly the Lord is risen!

Elder Symeon Kragiopoulos on the Sunday of the Blind Man

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!

Christ healing the Blind Man (source)

  

5th Sunday After Pascha - May 25, 2014 (John 9: 1-38)

“Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?”

  

It doesn’t work this way. We sin, we don’t sin; who’s to blame, who’s not to blame and each of us is what we are. It only matters that the Lord, who is Light, the Physician, is present and is able to heal and illumine our souls so that we can feel and live the reality of our salvation. You’re not able to comprehend, nor express, this reality,  since you’ve never experienced what release means, never experienced healing from sin. You’ve never experienced what it means for God to illumine you, for the darkness within you to flee as the light of God enters.

  

But people today are complicated, multi-faceted, confused, and in one way or another, their souls are layered: layer upon layer of blindness, layer upon layer of callousness, layer upon layer of pride. For this reason they are never healed once and for all. As soon as you take a humble attitude, though, Grace intervenes and works a miracle: you are freed. But the work does not end here. This Grace, this light, this healing that comes proceeds also to the next layer further down. And here the sin is more unyielding, is more strongly rooted, the resistance is uncompromising. If you say, “May it be blessed, My God. I will look even deeper and I will acknowledge my stubbornness and my sin, and will humble myself”, then another miracle takes place. And in some incomprehensible way, the second and the third, the fourth and the fifth layers of the soul are put right. But some people will not accept this. They remain at the superficial layers, and spend their life like this and are never healed.  

Transcribed talks by Archimandrite Symeon Kragiopoulos

From: Holy Hesychasterion “The Nativity of Theotokos” Publications.

Translated:  by Fr. Matthew Penney

(source)

  

Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs, He has granted life!

Truly the Lord is risen!

Prayers for Physicians and Healthcare Workers, and St. Luke of Simferopol as their protector

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!

St. Luke the Blessed Surgeon, Archbishop of Simferopol of Crimea, depicted in his doctor's robes with surgical tools (source)

   

Among the many examples and protectors for Christian physicians and other healthcare workers, is St. Luke the Blessed Surgeon, Archbishop of Simferopol of Crimea (celebrated June 11th). St. Luke's life is a radiant example for Christians of our modern age, as he was a dedicated scientist, hard-working surgeon, loving husband, caring father, pious and reverent pastor of Christ's flock, and fiery confessor of His name amidst persecutions and tortures at the hands of the atheists. And the Saint's many astonishing miracles after his repose bear witness to the grace that the Lord gave to him, and the love that he still shares, especially for those who are suffering, and also for those caring for the suffering.
 

(source)

   

Metropolitans Lazar and Nektarios serving Akathist to St. Luke in Simferopol, and blessing the medical robes of the faithful (source)

   

The eve of St. Luke's feast in Crimea, for years, the local Metropolitan has gathered the physicians and healthcare workers to a special akathist to St. Luke, in which they serve an "agismos" service (blessing of the water) to bless their white medical robes, scrubs and coats. This is a beautiful opportunity to reaffirm the dedication of these healers to the True Healer of our souls and bodies, praying that they be strengthened, granted wisdom, discernment and compassion.

Below are two Orthodox prayers for physicians and healthcare workers. May the Lord strengthen them to always to His will!
 

Metropolitan Nektarios blessing medical robes in Argolidos (source)

 

Orthodox Prayer For Doctors and Nurses

O Lord Jesus Christ our God, Lover of Mankind, Physician of our souls and bodies, who didst bear the pain of our infirmities, and by whose wounds we are healed; Who gave sight to the man born blind; Who straightened the woman who was bent over for 18 years; Who gave speech and sight to the mute demoniac; Who not only forgave the paralytic his sins, but healed him to walk; Who restored the withered hand of a troubled man; Who stopped the flow of blood of her who bled for 12 years; Who raised Jairus’ daughter to life; And brought the four-day-dead Lazarus to life; And who heals every infirmity under the sun: Do now, O Lord, grant Thy grace to all those here gathered who have labored and studied hour upon hour, to go into all the world, and also to heal by the talent Thou hast given to each of them. Strengthen them, by Thy strength, to fear no evil or disease. Enlighten them to do no evil by the works of their hands, and preserve them and those they serve in peace, for Thou art our God, and we know no other, and to Thee we ascribe glory together with Thy Father who is from everlasting, and Thy most Holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
(source)
  

The Synaxis of the Holy Unmercenaries, with St. Luke the Surgeon in the center (source)

  

Another Orthodox Prayer for Physicians and Healthcare Workers
O Master, Lord our God, the Hope of all the ends of the earth, the Physician of our souls and bodies, hearken unto our entreaties on this auspicious day and hour, and to the pious love and godly fear of Your servants, as a witness to the truth of our faith, for help to all those who entreat Your mercy, and for therapy and complete healing of those who are suffering. Be the fellow worker of the physicians and surgeons, of the nurses and of all those who serve and work in service to the sick, and direct their minds and their hands towards the healing and consolation of our ailing and suffering brethren. Enlighten the physicians with perfect diagnosis, grant successful surgery and the nursing treatment of their diseases and illnesses, that, having been fully healed, Your suffering servants might in health, glorify You, together with their families and relatives, glorifying Your all-honored and magnificent Name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, through the intercessions of our all-spotless Lady Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary, our Father among the Saints Luke, Archbishop of Simferopol, the Physician, of the Holy wonderworking Unmercenaries Kosmas and Damian, Panteleimon the Great-martyr, and all of Your Saints. Amen.
   
(Note: This prayer was translated and altered from the Greek source here)
 

Christ, His Mother, and St. Luke guiding the Christian Physician (source)

  
Please also note that there is a lovely new publication of the brief life of St. Luke, his akathist, and the prayer to him for the sick, by St. Paisios Monastery.
 

Painting depicting St. Luke of Simferopol making rounds with both his medical robe, and his Panagia (source)

 

Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs, He has granted life!

Truly the Lord is risen!

Akathist to St. Matrona of Moscow

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!

St. Matrona of Moscow (source)

   

Akathist to St. Matrona of Moscow, the Venerable Wonderworker
Translated from the Church Slavonic by Mr. Andreas Moran here.

Kontakion 1

Chosen by the Holy Spirit of God from thy swaddling clothes, blessed eldress Matrona, thou didst receive bodily infirmity and blindness from God for thy spiritual cleansing. Thou wast enriched with the gift of foresight and wonderworking, and hast been adorned with an incorruptible crown from the Lord. Wherefore in gratitude we on earth offer unto thee crowns wrought from praises, crying out:

Rejoice, righteous mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
   
Ikos 1

As an angel in the flesh didst thou appear on earth, blessed Matrona, fulfilling the will of God. Though born in bodily blindness, yet the Lord, Who maketh wise the blind and loveth the righteous, enlightened thy spiritual eyes, that thou mightest serve His people, and the works of God be made manifest through thee. Wherefore with love we cry unto thee such things as these:

Rejoice, chosen by God from infancy;
Rejoice, thou that wast covered by the grace of the Holy Spirit from thy cradle;
Rejoice, thou that from childhood wast enriched with the gift of miracles;
Rejoice, thou that wast filled with wisdom from God on high;
Rejoice, thou that didst foresee the will of God through spiritual eyes;
Rejoice, thou that puttest to shame the wise of this age that are blinded in mind;
Rejoice, thou that leadest deluded souls unto God;
Rejoice, thou that relievest from grief and from sorrow;
Rejoice, righteous mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
   
Kontakion 2
When thou wast baptised, blessed one, the people and the priest beheld a wonderful pillar like smoke above thy head, and smelled a strong fragrance. Astonished, they wondered what this maid was destined to be, whilst singing unto God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2
Being enlightened in mind, the priest of God Vasily, discerned her whom he baptised to be a vessel of the grace of God, and called thee, righteous Matrona, a holy maiden. In our zeal we bring praises such as these:
Rejoice, thou that wast made fragrant in the holy font by the grace of the Holy Spirit;
Rejoice, for the sign of the cross was imprinted on thy chest;
Rejoice, thou prayerful one given to the people by God;
Rejoice, ever-burning candle, shining before the Lord;
Rejoice, thou that by the gift of miracles from God wast famed upon earth;
Rejoice, thou that by thine unfading crown art crowned by the Lord in heaven;
Rejoice, herald to sinners of the mercies of God;
Rejoice, thou that from the source of living water dost refresh the thirsty;
Rejoice, righteous mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
   
Kontakion 3
Thou didst feel the Power of God's grace whilst yet in infancy, blessed Matrona, stretching forth to the holy icons, and with a pure heart and infant lips proclaimed praise unto God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3
Having from God the gift of foresight from infancy, blessed mother, thou knewest the most hidden things in the hearts of them coming to thee, telling the future like the present, and by this set many people on the path of righteousness. Whereby thou didst glorify God, making wise the blind, and we cry out to thee thus:
Rejoice, wondrous seer;
Rejoice, denouncer of hidden sins;
Rejoice, brightest teacher of darkened souls;
Rejoice, merciful guide of them that had gone astray;
Rejoice, star pointing the way to the faithful;
Rejoice, candle giving light in the darkness of this age;
Rejoice, thou that didst serve the one God;
Rejoice, for by the grace of the Holy Spirit thou didst trample down the wiles of the devil;
Rejoice, righteous mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
   

St. Matrona of Moscow (source)

   

Kontakion 4
A storm of bewilderment and confusion in the people concerning thy miracles was dispelled, and them that were made wise by God, Who is wondrous in His saints, glorified and praised thee, and with thanksgiving sang unto God: Alleluia.

Ikos 4
Hearing how thou givest help in sicknesses of spirit and body, mother Matrona, people came to thee with hope, and, receiving favourable counsel and healing, gave thanks to God and sang unto thee:
Rejoice, for thou receivest them of a diseased and suffering soul;
Rejoice, for thou bestowest peace upon grieving souls;
Rejoice, enlightener of them that were in delusions;
Rejoice, teacher of piety;
Rejoice, reliever of our sorrows;
Rejoice, consoler in griefs;
Rejoice, blessed unmercenary;
Rejoice, benevolent healer of divers ailments;
Rejoice, righteous mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
   
Kontakion 5
As a divinely moving star, blessed mother Matrona, thou didst shine forth in evil times in the land of Russia as a new confessor, and didst bear the yoke of Christ boldly and fearlessly throughout thy life; and strengthened by the grace of God, thou gavest enlightenment to the bewildered, relief to the suffering, and healing to the sick, who thankfully cried unto God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5
Seeing miracles and healings given by thee through the grace of God - the lame walking, the paralytic and bedridden healed, evil spirits cast out of the possessed - many Russian people rushed to thee, mother, as to a source inexhaustible and drank from it profusely, and with tender heart cried out to thee thus:
Rejoice, called to the right path from infancy;
Rejoice, righteous one, bestowed upon us by God;
Rejoice, healer of our ailments;
Rejoice, speedy helper in our needs;
Rejoice, thou that enlightenest us through thine inspired advice;
Rejoice, quick resolver of our bewilderment;
Rejoice, thou that drivest away unclean spirits from the people;
Rejoice, thou that protectest from every evil by thy prayer;
Rejoice, righteous mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
   
Kontakion 6
Herald of the holiness and righteousness of thy life, blessed mother, the holy and righteous Father John of Kronstadt appeared to be when he saw thee in the church, and he called thee his heir and eighth pillar of Russia. And all that heard this glorified the Lord, proclaiming to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 6
Through thy prayers, mother Matrona, the light of God's grace shone in hearts of them having no knowledge of God and burdened by many sins which angered Him. And seeing the miracles performed by thee, they turned to the Lord, crying to thee in gratitude thus:
Rejoice, thou whose feats glorify God;
Rejoice, revealer to us of the glory of God;
Rejoice, guide of the faithless to the right path;
Rejoice, thou that cleansest by thy prayers those defiled by sins;
Rejoice, thou that callest us to repentance;
Rejoice, thou that dost admonish us to thank the Lord for all things;
Rejoice, thou who dost teach us to love the divine Church;
Rejoice, gatherer of the scattered sheep within the walls of the Church;
Rejoice, righteous mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
   
Kontakion 7
Wishing worthily to glorify the Most Holy Lady Theotokos, mother Matrona, thou didst order the people to have her depicted in the most honourable icon called "Seeker of the Perishing" and place it in God’s church in thy village, that all who look upon the bright face of the most pure one, might tenderly praise her, and to the Lord also cry out: Alleluia!
   
Ikos 7
The Lord gave thee as a new protectress, prayerful mediator, and intercessor with God, to the Russian people in the hard times when many forsook the holy Church; and thou, mother, by word and deed, didst set on the right path the fainthearted and deceived, revealing the wonderful miracles of God. Wherefore we hymn thee thus:
Rejoice, thou that dost feel ceaseless compassion for the country of Russia;
Rejoice, intercessor for our salvation;
Rejoice, thou that movest to compassion God the righteous Judge;
Rejoice, protectress of the diseased and wronged;
Rejoice, helper of the weak and desperate;
Rejoice, ceaseless warrior against the spirits of malice;
Rejoice, for at thee the demon chiefs do tremble;
Rejoice, for at thee angels and people rejoice;
Rejoice, righteous mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
   
Kontakion 8
Strange it was for the weak in faith and the unwise that, though born blind, thou couldest see and know not only the present, but also the future, for they knew not that the power of God is fulfilled in human weakness. And we, blessed mother, seeing the wisdom of God manifested in thee, cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 8
Many vexations and offences, exiles and reproaches didst thou bear, blessed mother, not complaining of these, but in all things thanking God. For these things and for teaching us each with patience to carry his cross, we praise thee thus:
Rejoice, thou that prayed without ceasing;
Rejoice, thou that drove away spiritual wickedness by fasting and prayer;
Rejoice, thou that hast gained graceful peace;
Rejoice, for by thy love many about thee were saved;
Rejoice, for thy life of service to many;
Rejoice, for after thy repose people are ever helped by thee;
Rejoice, for now thou fervently heedest our petitions;
Rejoice, thou that leavest not them that put their trust in thy care;
Rejoice, righteous mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
   

 St. Matrona of Moscow (source)

   Kontakion 9
All manner of sorrows and diseases thou didst bear, mother Matrona, ever leading the struggle with the forces of darkness, denouncing their machinations and guile, and expelling demons from the possessed; and up to the end of thy days thou didst help them in sufferings, illnesses and grievings, ever singing unto God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9
Eloquent orators are not able worthily to glorify thy holy life, nor the miracles wrought by thee through the power of God, most marvellous eldress. And we, wishing by hymns to praise God in His saints, and with heartfelt love inspired, dare to sing to thee thus:
Rejoice, thou that didst choose the narrow path and strait gates;
Rejoice, thou that shone by many virtues;
Rejoice, thou that didst reject all in life that is passing;
Rejoice, thou adorned with the precious crown of humility;
Rejoice, thou bird of heaven, that didst live the Gospel on earth;
Rejoice, thou that followed the Son of God Who had not where to lay His head;
Rejoice, thou rejoicing now in the mansions of paradise;
Rejoice, thou whose mercy is never failing to us sinners who pray to thee;
Rejoice, righteous mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
   
Kontakion 10
Wishing to save many people from bodily sufferings and spiritual sicknesses, thou didst stay all night in prayer, O righteous one of God, beseeching for them help and strengthening of our Lord Jesus Christ, singing to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 10
A rampart and protection wert thou in the days of thy life, blessed mother, to all who resorted to thee, and after death thou ceaselessly intercedest before God for the people who in faith run toward to thy tomb. Wherefore, hearken now unto us sinners, by sorrows, sickness and many griefs consumed, and hasten to help by thy prayers all that cry unto thee:
Rejoice, speedy intercessor for the distressed;
Rejoice, comforter of them bearing hardships;
Rejoice, guardian of worthy marriage;
Rejoice, pacifier of all that persist in strife;
Rejoice, defender of them brought unjustly to trial;
Rejoice, merciful advocate before God for those guilty before an earthly judgment;
Rejoice, refuge of them deprived of shelter;
Rejoice, protectress of all that call upon thee;
Rejoice, righteous mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
    
Kontakion 11
Thou didst hear angelic singing, worthy mother Matrona, whilst yet living on earth. And teach us, the unworthy, how we should glorify God in the Trinity worshipping Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, to Whom also the heavenly host unceasingly sing with a great voice: Alleluia.

Ikos 11
Thy life shineth with luminous light, blessed Matrona, enlightening the darkness of this too-busy world, and thou dost draw unto thee our souls. Wherefore we, by the ray of the grace of God, will be enlightened, and our mournful way in this temporal life shall pass in a manner pleasing to God, and thus attain unto the kingdom of God, where thou, mother, now takest up thine abode, hearing our voice calling to thee:
Rejoice, ever-burning candle of God;
Rejoice, precious pearl, illuminating us by the light of thy holiness;
Rejoice, sweet-smelling flower that by the Holy Spirit coverest us with fragrance;
Rejoice, rock of faith, stablishing the fainthearted in piety;
Rejoice, brightest star pointing out to us the right way;
Rejoice, good warrior of Christ, by the sword of prayer frightening demonic hosts;
Rejoice, for throughout thy life thou wast holy and undefiled;
Rejoice, for thy death is precious in the sight of the Lord;
Rejoice, righteous mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
  
Kontakion 12
The grace of God, already richly perceived even from the cradle, O blessed mother, will be with thee all the days of thy life. We believe without doubt, that also after thy repose this grace is with thee abundantly. Wherefore, falling down before thee, we pray: deprive not us still wandering on earth of thy help and intercession, beseeching the Lord to have mercy on all who sing unto Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 12
Singing of thy many and marvellous wonders, mother Matrona, we glorify God Who gave thee to the city of Moscow and to the Russian land in the days of atheism and persecution as a staunch pillar of piety and faith. Now, blessed mother, with grateful heart we hymn thee thus:
Rejoice, for thou hast attained the peace of Christ in thy soul;
Rejoice, for many people about thee thou didst lead to God;
Rejoice, for in thy feeble body, the power of God's grace was shown;
Rejoice, for in the finding of thine honourable relics, God’s mercy to us is revealed;
Rejoice, thou that dost bloom in the assembly of the saints of Moscow;
Rejoice, glorious adornment of the city of Moscow;
Rejoice, constant intercessor for the Russian land before God;
Rejoice, thou that callest all to repentance and prayer for the Russian land;
Rejoice, righteous mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
   Kontakion 13
O blessed mother, hear now our hymns of praise which we sing to thee, and ask for us of the Lord Jesus Christ, the remission of sins, a Christian death, and peaceful repose, and a good answer at His dread judgment, and that we shall be blessed with thee in the dwellings of Paradise to glorify the Holy Trinity, crying: Alleluia.

Repeat Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1

 St. Matrona of Moscow (source)

   Prayer
Blessed mother Matrona, thy soul in heaven standeth before the throne of God, thy body resteth upon earth, and thou bestowest divers miracles through grace given thee from on High. Look down with thy merciful eye upon us sinners who pass our days in sorrows, sicknesses and sinful temptations. Console us who are in despair. Heal our grievous ailments which God allowed because of our sins. Deliver us from many misfortunes and attacks of evil spirits. Beseech our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive us all our trespasses, transgressions and falls, and our sins committed from our youth up to the present day and hour. And by thy prayers obtain for us grace and great mercy, that we may glorify the Trinity, one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Troparion, Tone 2
Let us the faithful today praise blessed eldress Matrona made wise by God; flower of the land of Tula and glorious adornment of the city of Moscow, for whom daylight was unknown but who wast enlightened by the light of Christ and enriched by the gifts of insight and healing: Thou wast a sojourner and wanderer upon earth, but now in the heavenly chambers thou standest before the throne of God and intercedest for our souls.

Kontakion, Tone 7
Thou wast chosen from thy mother’s womb for service to Christ, righteous Matrona, treading a path of sorrows and griefs, but showing firm faith and piety which were pleasing to God. Wherefore, we venerate thy memory, and we beseech thee, blessed eldress: help us to dwell in God’s love.

Magnification
We magnify thee, O holy righteous blessed Matrona, and honour thy holy memory, thou that dost pray for us to Christ our God. 
   

 Sts. Xenia of St. Petersburg and Matrona of Moscow, two great ascetics and wonderworkers of Russia, who help many throughout the world (source)

   
Christ is risen from the dead, by dead, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs, He has granted life! Truly the Lord is risen!

Akathist to St. Paraskevi the Great Martyr of Rome

Jesus Christ, depicted with St. Paraskevi the Great Righteous Virgin Martyr of Rome (July 26) (http://www.mlahanas.de/Greece/Arts/AngelosAkotantos/ChristParaskevi.jpg)

     
Please note that the meter of this translation is not set to match the original music.
For the life of St. Paraskevi, see: http://full-of-grace-and-truth.blogspot.com/2009/07/st-paraskevi-great-martyr-of-rome.html.

  

Akathist to St. Paraskevi the Great Righteous Virgin Martyr of Rome
  

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone

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

Rejoice, Paraskevi, O comely virgin.
  

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

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

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

St. Paraskevi the Great Martyr (http://www.sakketosaggelos.gr/Article/800/)

  

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

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

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

St. Paraskevi the Great Martyr, holding her head that was severed for Christ (http://apantaortodoxias.blogspot.com/2012/02/blog-post_7613.html)

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

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

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

St. Paraskevi the Great Martyr of Rome (http://www.saintparaskevi.com/images/icon.jpg)

  

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

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

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

St. Paraskevi the Great Martyr (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8O345jDsfqG61XbvJk_SiPRC2UB7Fuq2G4IVnY0cH4pVkYpEcdNqpYTJU09I-4lmiZfARqtbKrDtC1ok_BqXUGZvirg3UmeEu-e5PzZzTUnBB_C0OA2PfGsq3lYqDwrTNk8t3eXjqDe2/s1600/Agia+Paraskevi.jpg)

  

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

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

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

St. Paraskevi before Antoninos, and in prison, receiving the vision of an Angel (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRaZrgMtUlX-KjF7at8IALLBw65M0DuLD9PLq9F3Yq2w9iwERPqfFAhw8RPm5yKibYbnoi7uxmQ3v4hLbg43Tkcs2p8UlDUti2lZkLQRvVvoYxtyd64Jo30jllzgiRx0YajPj49deryRR/s1600/25+martioy+375.jpg)

  

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

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

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

St. Paraskevi the Great Martyr of Rome (Source: www.eikonografos.com)

  

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

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

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

St. Paraskevi being raked in torture, and being thrown into the boiling tar (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGYZffn2pJcOVWGYVp2EcHanu7YUuWa7gCj97ageVmgo6ujzGxY6NRuad9nGRfkOHRbzHjjm9aVZ3e-7zXpekWrSn3yAMaIo9iwoNYjU5V6n6lOv78ak-RpJVR7ZBW4NmxKvgaav8C6UI/s1600/25+martioy+378.jpg)

  

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

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

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

St. Paraskevi driving away the dragon, and being crushed with a stone in torture (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGYZffn2pJcOVWGYVp2EcHanu7YUuWa7gCj97ageVmgo6ujzGxY6NRuad9nGRfkOHRbzHjjm9aVZ3e-7zXpekWrSn3yAMaIo9iwoNYjU5V6n6lOv78ak-RpJVR7ZBW4NmxKvgaav8C6UI/s1600/25+martioy+378.jpg)

  

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

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

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

  

St. Paraskevi the Great Martyr of Rome (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFe8E4mLvDM5M77i8ZPkzzLF827Jxxqp7FgKvUGC_BOYsn1j_CYjdFjAfNwR0T3oPIuPhcRMVW0JqQW-ZikqDpZuDv9XMHD-jJ7k2KUEYhLn6zcCEauXQiqIqqi8fW5dJvPTLeRS1M1waP/s1600/ag-Paraskevi-IMAA.png)

  

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

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

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

St. Paraskevi destroying the idols through her prayer, and receiving the crown of martyrdom by hanging (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMc1n-DEoD0HDnCD6Tgv_jxVQRP-loLcXBnsVrUrI2eRKNPMRMAGJzETSBbz71JHhEOrg-C3S_PNYAYqDTCt9mCGBbNktwMT5_hC3dF0rqeIXH1mH2Yky-05eTLsC5BqsHUPepZrKNxyWo/s1600/25+martioy+377.jpg)

  

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

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

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

St. Paraskevi the Great Martyr (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqRAfpTxtyuYMYFy5DZm8IRujRwTzQHIVij35jH3QQAiMb60jifEp75pVuWo6ocGZbhKxkCH34_wwIo-yN2eC5ajSu-QhCT9dHGYU5olR_sXPEHnfX5YxGmba80jAF1K8DHC0jUhaFpfP/s1600/image1.jpg)

  

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

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

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

Again, the Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone

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

Rejoice, Paraskevi, O comely virgin.

(http://voutsinasilias.blogspot.com/2010/07/26.html)

St. Paraskevi the Great Martyr of Rome (Source: www.eikonografos.com)

  

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