St. Paisios the Athonite on Death, Prayer for the Departed and the Last Judgment

The classic iconographic type depicting the dormition of St. Ephraim the Syrian, with the choirs of his beloved fellow monastics coming from afar to venerate him and pray for him (source)

  
LIFE AFTER DEATH
by Saint Paisios of Mount Athos
  
--Geronda [Elder], when a person dies, does he become immediately aware of his spiritual condition?

--Yes, he does, and says to himself, "What have I done?" But the result in fayda yok, [An expression in the Turkish language, which means: "There is no benefit, there is no progress or success".) that is, this awareness is of no benefit. This can be likened to a drunk man who kills his mother and goes on singing and laughing, but who, upon becoming sober and realizing what he has done, will wail and lament and say, "What have I done?" In much the same way, those who commit wrongdoings in this life are like drunken men. They don't understand what they're doing; they don't have a sense of their guilt. But when they die, this "drunkenness" disappears and they become aware of their real condition. The eyes of their soul are opened and they realize their guilt, because the soul, when separated from the body, moves, sees and perceives with an inconceivable speed.

  
Some people ask when the Second Coming will take place. But for the person who dies, the Second Coming is, in a way, taking place, because he is judged on the basis of the state in which he is found at the time of death.
  
--Geronda [Elder], in what state are the souls of the tormented found at this time?
--They are indicted, imprisoned, and suffer in accordance with the sins they had committed; and they await the final trial, the future Judgment. There are those who have been indicted, facing heavy sentences, and those who have been indicted, facing lighter sentences.
  
--What about the Saints and the thief? (St. Luke 23:32-33 and 39-43)
--The Saints and the thief are in Paradise; but they have not received the final glory, just as those who have been indicted are in hell but have not received the final sentence. Even though God has taught us from centuries ago: "Repent ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand?" (St. Matthew 3:2 and 4:17) He extends the time more and more, because He waits for us (with the pronoun "us", the Elder means all of humanity) to correct ourselves. But we, by remaining in our (unrepentant) misery, are unjust to the Saints because they cannot receive the final glory, which they are to receive after the future judgment.
  

St. Paisios the Athonite (source)

  
PRAYER AND MEMORIALS FOR THE DEPARTED
  
--Geronda [Elder], can the indicted souls who await trial pray?
--They are aware of their condition and seek help, but they cannot help themselves. Those who are in Hades desire only one thing from Christ: to live for five minutes in order to repent. We, who live, still have time for repentance, but those unfortunate ones who have fallen asleep cannot improve their condition on their own; they await help from us. This is the reason why we have an obligation to help them with our prayer.
  

--It is my belief that only about ten percent of the indicted dead awaiting trial are, as the demons do. They don't seek any help, and they also reject all help. For what can God do for them? It's like a child who has alienated himself from his father, squanders all of his property, and on top of that, curses him. What can his father do for him? But the other indicted ones, who still have a little philotimo, are aware of their guilt. They repent and are tormented because of their sins. They ask to be helped and are helped through the prayers of the faithful. [Saint Nectarios, in his study, A Treatise on the Immortality of the Soul and on the Sacred Memorials, ed. Basil Regopoulos, Thessaloniki 1973, p. 202, writes as a conclusion to what he developed on the basis of the witness of the Holy Fathers: "On the basis of all the above, it becomes clear that the soul after death is unable to do any solitary deed and be relieved from the indissoluble bonds of Hades. Only the Divine Liturgies, the prayers of family members, of the just, which are offered for them, including charity, become instrumental agents of deliverance and freedom from the bonds of Hades."] In other words, God provides an opportunity for them, now that they are awaiting trial, to be helped until the Second Coming takes place. And just as in this life when one who's a friend of the king can intercede and request help for someone awaiting trial, so, too, if one is "a friend" of God, he can intercede with prayer to God, and He can transfer the indicted souls of the dead from one "prison" to another, better one, from one "detention-cell" to another, better one. Or God may transfer them to a "room" or to an "apartment".

Just as we provide some comfort to the imprisoned with the refreshments and other material goods we bring to them, so are the dead refreshed by the prayers and the charity we execute for their souls. The prayers and the sacred memorial offered by the living for the dead are the final chance that God gives to the dead to be helped until the Final Judgment takes place. After the Judgment, there will no longer be any possibility for help.
  
God wants to help those who have fallen asleep because He cares about their ultimate salvation; but He does not help because He has a noble spirit. He does not want to give the devil the right to say: "How can you save him, since he did not labor to achieve it?" But when we pray for those who have fallen asleep, we give God the right to intervene. God is moved more by our prayers for the dead than by those for the living.
  

Kollyva offered for memorial services on the Saturday of the Souls as a symbol of the Resurrection, and out of love and compassion for our departed brethren (source)

  

This is the reason why our Church has the sacred memorials with the kollyva. [Kollyva (κόλλυβα): boiled wheat kernels. The wheat kernels express belief in everlasting life, according to what Jesus said, "Except a grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit" (St. John 12:24). It is a tradition among Orthodox Christians to bring a tray of boiled wheat kernels to church for the Memorial Service.] Memorials serve as the best attorney on behalf of the souls of those fallen asleep. They even have the power to bring a soul out of hell. At every Divine Liturgy, we should pray with kollyva for those who have fallen asleep. The wheat has a symbolic meaning: "It is sown in corruption; it is raided in incorruption" (1 Cor. 15:42) according to Sacred Scripture. Some people can't be bothered to boil some wheat and instead bring raisins, cookies or other pastries so that the priest may bless those things. Up on the Holy Mountain, there are some elderly monks who will prepare kollyva for every Divine Liturgy for those who have fallen asleep in the hope of the Resurrection and for the Saint commemorated that day, in order to have his blessing.

  
THE FUTURE JUDGMENT
  
--Geronda [Elder], how is the soul purified?
--When a person observes the Commandments of God, working to be cleansed of one's own passions, then the mind is enlightened; it attains spiritual vision, and the soul becomes as resplendent as it was before the Fall of man. This is the condition he will be in after the resurrection of the dead. But one can see the resurrection of his soul before the General Resurrection only if he is cleansed entirely from the passions. Then, his body will be Angelic, incorporeal, and will not be concerned with material nourishment.
  
--Geronda [Elder], how will the future Judgment take place?
--In the future Judgment, the condition of each person will be revealed in an instant, and each person on his own will proceed to where he belongs. Each person will recognize, as if on a television screen, his own wretchedness, as well as the spiritual condition of others. He will reflect himself upon the other, and he will bow his head, and proceed to the place where he belongs. For example, a daughter-in-law who sat comfortably with her legs crossed in front of her mother-in-law, who with a broken leg took care of the grandchild, will not be able to say, "My Christ, why are you putting my mother-in-law into Paradise without including me?" because that scene will come before her to condemn her..." (Note: Saint of Damascus writes: "For no one should imagine that there will be no recognition of one person by another on that fearful Day of the Judgment. Yes, truly each person will recognize his neighbor, not through the shape of the body, but by means of the vision of the eye of the soul.")
  

The Good Thief in Paradise (source)

  
THE FUTURE LIFE
  

--Geronda [Elder], I have brought some sweets for you to offer to your guests.

--Look how happy they are with that! In the other life we will be saying to ourselves, "In what foolish things we found joy! What things inspired us then!" While now our heart flutters over such things.
  

--Geronda [Elder], how can we understand this at this point in time?

--If you understand this from now, you will not say it in the next life. In any case, those who are to be found up there will be faring well. Have you any idea what handicraft they do there in Heaven? They constantly glorify God. (Note: Saint Symeon the New Theologian writes: "On the fearful Day of Judgment each sinful person will simply see, standing opposite them in the eternal life and in that inexpressible light, their fellow human beings; and they will be judged by them." On Repentance, Logos 5)

  
--Geronda [Elder}, in the other life will those in Hell see those in Paradise?

--Look, just as those who are out at night in the dark can see those who are in a lit room, so will those who will be in Hell see those in Paradise. And this will be an even greater hell for them. So, too, just as those who are in a lit room at night can't see those who are out in the dark, so will those who are in Paradise not see those in Hell. For if the saved were to see those who are condemned in Hell, they would be pained and grieved over their suffering, and would not enjoy Paradise, where "there is no pain..." And not only will they not see them, but they won't even remember if they had a brother or a father or a mother, if they, too are not in Paradise". The Psalmist says, "On that very day his thoughts perish" (Psalm 146:4). For if they are to be remembered, how can it be Paradise? Moreover, those in Paradise will have no awareness of that existence of others, nor will they remember the sins they had committed. For, if they were to remember their sins, they would not be able to bear, out of philotimo, the thought of ever having grieved God. (Source: The Family Life by Saint Paisios of Mount Athos, Spiritual Counsels IV)

(source)
  

Icon of the Second Coming of Christ and the Last Judgment (source)

  

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

Elder Symeon Kragiopoulos: "Make good use of pain..."

Christ being taken down from His Cross (source)

  

How good it would have been if we did not let pain go to waste! One way or another we will suffer. But our whole torture and struggle will go down the drain, unless we make good use of pain, unless we exploit it. We make good use of pain, we exploit pain when we take the correct stance.

  

There comes a time when someone feels the great good which comes out of pain and –no matter how strange it may seem– he says: “Nothing else benefits humanity as much as pain”.

  

When we talk about pain, we generally mean sickness and the overall physical decline of man and death. If it hadn’t been for these, we would have been like brutal beasts. Society would have been a jungle. But thanks to them, we get tamer.

  

A Christian is capable of making such good use of every pain, so that he can constantly be in paradise.

  

Know this: When pain will have completed the work it is supposed to do, God takes away. It is not difficult at all for God to remove whichever pain.

  

When we suffer, when a pain insists, let us think like that: “God wants something good to come out of this in me; and I act as if I do not get it. And all I do is moan and groan.”

  

Let there be no complaint, no rebellion, no kicking about. If possible, whichever pain you have, deal with it by saying these words: “Let it be blessed, my God. Whatever You want.” This way our pain won’t get wasted, but will be exploited to the full. We will take advantage of it, and the great good which saves will come to our hearts.

  

When God visits you with sorrows, say: “Thank you, my God. As I had absolutely no intention to embrace a few ugly things, a few pains, and truly follow your path, you caught up with me and gave me a few. How can I thank you enough?”

  

Holy Hesychasterion “The Nativity of Theotokos” Publications.

Archimandrite Symeon Kragiopoulos

(source)

  

Christ healing the Ten Lepers (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!

Elder Symeon Kragiopoulos: Are we recipients of God’s compassion?

Icon of the Parable of the Prodigal Son (source)

  

Are we recipients of God’s compassion?

The prodigal son from the first moment realised his mistake, his failure, but he did not immediately return to his father. Instead, he tried managing to live far away from him. Stubbornly, he tried to justify himself. But when he ends up in dire need, this causes him to come back to himself, to think correctly, to repent, and to take courage, the courage to go to his father and to confess everything he feels he did against him. There is always a tendency in man to want to appear honourable before God, having the conviction that he is something. Man must be hit hard, to feel that he is unworthy of salvation.  Man ought to rely οn God, οn the Father’s compassion. Every sinner is saved by the sacrifice of Christ and not by any human virtue of his.

  

When someone passes through the misfortune of the prodigal, when he is vanquished like this and is later found in the arms of God and enjoying his love, he will never leave no matter what. He is happy, because he has found the Father. He stays and tastes of his mercifulness.

  

No matter how much we have fallen, God is waiting for us to return without justifying ourselves, so as to give us all his goods. Today’s parable shows that he who fell greatly, very greatly, is saved, because he repented. He repented and was saved.

  

And so I wonder, are we the recipients of God’s compassion?

  

Archimandrite Symeon Kragiopoulos

Holy Hesychasterion “The Nativity of Theotokos” Publications

(source)

  

Icon of the Parable of the Prodigal Son (source)

  

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

Akathist to St. Catherine the Great Martyr

St. Catherine the Great Martyr and All-wise (source)

  
Akathist to St. Catherine the Great Martyr of Alexandra, the All-wise
  

Kontakion 1

With songs of praise let us hymn Catherine, the bride of Christ, the virgin martyr chosen from the imperial house and crowned in heaven; for she is the most glorious vanquisher of the tyrant, the most wise instructor of philosophers, and a guide to Christ for many. As thou hast boldness before the Lord, O great martyr Catherine, mercifully incline Him to the right needful petitions of those who cry out to thee:
Rejoice, O Catherine, most wise bride of Christ!
  

Ikos 1

Having preserved a purity equal to that of the angels, O holy virgin Catherine, thou didst hasten to the choirs of the angels, and with the angels thou hast been accounted worthy of divine illumination; and whilst chanting with them a hymn to the Trinity in the heavens, hearken unto us on earth who chant these things:

Rejoice, thou who from infancy wast set aside as a vessel of grace by the election of God the Father;

Rejoice, thou who through the wondrous economy of God wast instructed in the understanding of the greatness and glory of Christ the Son of God!

Rejoice, wondrous sign of the foreknowledge of God, which was made manifest in thee;

Rejoice, for when the Holy Spirit called thee, thou thyself didst earnestly hasten to His sanctity

Rejoice, thou who wast illumined by the light of pious faith;

Rrejoice, thou who wast reborn in the holy font!

Rejoice, honored dwelling-place of the sanctity of the Spirit;

Rejoice, fulfillment of the sufferings of Christ!

Rejoice, thou who on earth didst wash thy garments in the blood of the Lamb;

Rejoice, thou who didst join chorus with the holy virgins in heaven!

Rejoice, most radiant star, shining with the glory of miracles in the firmament of the Church;

Rejoice, thou who like a dove art also resplendent with meekness in the blessed kingdom of Christ!

Rejoice, O Catherine, most wise bride of Christ!

  

Kontakion 2

Seeing herself found worthy to receive a vision, the blessed Catherine hastened to the holy elder who had before entrusted the icon of the Mother of God to her; and she recounted to him how Christ, Who had appeared to her with His all-holy Mother, had hid His face from her, calling her foolish, poor and of mean birth, until such time as she forsook the infamy of idolatry. And hearing this, the venerable one instructed her in the mysteries of the Faith and baptized her; and in the renewal of the Spirit, she chanted to God in thanksgiving: Alleluia!

  

Ikos 2

Having acquired in her spiritual rebirth a good intellect, true nobility and imperishable riches, the holy Catherine was shown to be worthy of Christ the heavenly Bridegroom Who, appearing again to her, loved her and betrothed her to Himself with the ring He gave her; and recognizing the magnitude of God's good pleasure, she was so stricken with love for Him that she no longer pondered earthly things, but thought unceasingly of her Beloved. Having been accounted worthy of such grace, hearken thou unto these things from us:

Rejoice, for in the natural wisdom given thee, thou didst seek from God spiritual gifts which transcend nature;

Rejoice, for thou didst make foolish the wisdom, glory and riches of the world!

Rejoice, for thou didst not wish to take to thee a bridegroom from among the men of the world;

Rejoice, thou who in a vision wast betrothed by the Lord Christ Himself as His unblemished bride

Rejoice, for thou didst have the all-pure Mother of God herself as guarantor for thee and mediator with God the Son of God;

Rejoice, for thou didst truly receive from Christ a most marvelous ring for thy right hand, as a token of thy betrothal to thy heavenly Bridegroom!

Rejoice, for having been transformed by a wondrous transformation, thou didst put aside all thought of worldly things; rejoice, for thou didst diligently pursue the fragrance of the myrrh of Christ

Rejoice, good lover of the immortal Bridegroom;

Rejoice, receptacle of the fragrance of the Most High!

Rejoice, olive tree planted in the house of God;

Rejoice, cedar of Lebanon growing to a great height!

Rejoice, O Catherine, most wise bride of Christ!

  

Kontakion 3

The power of the Most High then gave to the holy Catherine the boldness fearlessly to denounce the impious Emperor Maximinus for offering sacrifices unto idols; and he was struck mute for many hours, unable to gainsay her words; and she chanted unto God in thanksgiving: Alleluia!

  

Ikos 3

Possessed of wisdom imparted to her from on high, when the impious Emperor set her before himself the holy Catherine confessed herself to be an emperor's daughter, and one who had mastered well the sciences of philosophy and rhetoric; and furthermore, as an open rejection of the worship of idols, she declared herself to be the bride of Christ. Mindful therefore of this thy bold confession, we offer up to thee such things as these:

Rejoice, bee who didst escape by flight the reek of idolatry;

Rejoice, dove who didst ever strive earnestly to preserve the purity of thy soul and body!

Rejoice, thou who, having strained thy whole mind to comprehend the mysteries of salvation in the Lord Christ, wast enriched with spiritual treasures;

Rejoice, for, exceeding zealous for the glory of Christ thy heavenly Bridegroom, thou didst strive in every way to lure erring people into the net of the Faith of Christ!

Rejoice, for, guided by the mighty arm of Christ, thou didst escape the tempest of idolatry;

Rejoice, for, directed by the divine commandments of the Master and afire with love for Him, thou didst earnestly hasten to the struggles that awaited thee!

Rejoice, for, invested with divine help, thou didst courageously make thy stand before the godless tribunal;

Rejoice, for by thy mighty boldness thou didst daunt the tyrannical emperor himself! Rejoice, fortress of faith erected by Christ to set unbelief at naught;

Rejoice, most radiant morning-star, heralding the dawn of salvation for those who through thee came to believe on Christ!

Rejoice, athlete who overcame the ruler of this world as a beacon overcometh darkness;

Rejoice, sanctified wall of the fold, guarding the sheep of Christ against the ravenings of the noetic wolf!

Rejoice, O Catherine, most wise bride of Christ!

  

Kontakion 4

Stirring up a tempest of wrath against the holy virgin, the emperor said to her: "Speak not evilly to me against our gods!" But the holy Catherine replied: "If thou desirest to shake the darkness of delusion from the eyes of thy soul, understand that thy gods are evil, and accept the true God Whose name, when merely uttered, or Whose Cross, when traced in the air, driveth away and destroyeth thy gods. If thou commandest, I shall disclose to thee the Truth, chanting unto God: Alleluia!"

  

St. Catherine the Great Martyr (source)

  

Ikos 4

Hearing thy wise and generous reply concerning the Faith of Christ, and fearing lest he be bested by thee, O most splendid maiden, the impious Emperor assembled wise men, fifty in number, from the far-flung regions of his realm, to argue with thee. But strengthened and assured of victory by the Archangel Michael, thou didst rejoice greatly and didst resolutely enter into debate with them. Wherefore, accept from us this praise:

Rejoice, for thou wast informed by the archangel concerning thy victorious triumph over thine opponents;

Rejoice, for, possessed of divine knowledge from heaven, thou didst right boldly and courageously put to shame the proponents of knowledge falsely so called!

Rejoice, for with a purified heart thou didst receive the grace of the Spirit of truth;

Rejoice, for, having made thyself steadfast by thy manner of life and constant reasoning, thou didst trample the falsehoods of the noetic foe underfoot!

Rejoice, melodious organ of the Spirit; rejoice, revealer of the mind of Christ!

Rejoice, thou who didst acquire the cherubim's knowledge of God;

Rejoice, thou who wast enflamed with the seraphim's love for God!

Rejoice, most wise of the wise; rejoice, thou who didst sharpen the sword of the Spirit against unbelief!

Rejoice, dispeller of impiety; rejoice, instructor of the faithful!

Rejoice, O Catherine, most wise bride of Christ!

  

Kontakion 5

Thou wast like unto a divinely radiant star, O Catherine, having by thy wise words prevailed in argument over the fifty rhetoricians and guided them to the Christian path that leadeth to Christ God, the Sun of righteousness, Who shone forth from the Virgin; but, condemned for Christ's sake to immolation and accompanied on their way by thy prayers, they joyously entered the fire, chanting: Alleluia!

  

Ikos 5

Seeing his edicts spurned and his exhortations ignored, the emperor turned to deceit, that he might seduce thee with blandishments, O blessed Catherine, promising to give thee half of his kingdom. But, preferring the Faith to earthly treasures, and loving Christ thy Bridegroom more than an earthly kingdom, and the vesture of martyrdom more than royal purple, thou didst reject his vain words. Wherefore, we offer up to thee these praises:

Rejoice, O virgin who didst denounce falsehood;

Rejoice, thou who didst trample the perfidious serpent underfoot!

Rejoice, for thou didst turn the pernicious doctrine of the infidels into a weapon for their destruction;

Rejoice, for, having stripped the gods they worshipped of their veneration, thou didst hold them up to mockery!

Rejoice, for the fifty member council of those who boasted themselves to be wise thou didst most wisely set at naught;

Rejoice, for thou didst unmask the foolishness of their earthly wisdom before the whole multitude

Rejoice, clarion of the Spirit, emitting the sound of true theology;

Rejoice, good confession of the Faith!

Rejoice, splendor of the light of the Gospel;

Rejoice, keeper of eternal laws!

Rejoice, thou who didst ascend the mountain of divine vision;

Rejoice, for the light of Christ having illumined those who disputed with thee with faith, received them unto salvation!

Rejoice, O Catherine, most wise bride of Christ!

  

Kontakion 6

Zealous to imitate the preachers and God-bearing apostles, thou didst boldly proclaim Christ the true God in the tyrant's presence, and throughout thy floggings and imprisonment thou didst chant to Him: Alleluia!

  

Ikos 6

He Who shone the effulgence of true knowledge into thy heart drove away the gloom of tribulations and did not leave thee to starve, sending food to thee by means of a dove; neither did He permit thee to be afflicted by thy pangs, for in prison He visited thee Himself, giving thee strength and promising thee many crowns. And thou wast strengthened all the more by Him, O thou who art patient of heart, and the Empress Augusta, the General Porphyrius and the soldiers who came to thee, thou didst convert to the light of the Christian Faith, teaching them to chant these things to thee:

Rejoice, phial of love divine;

Rejoice, for, imitating Chris, thou didst willingly go forth to suffer!

Rejoice, hard adamant;

Rejoice, all-honorable source of ineffable miracles!

Rejoice, thou who didst slay the enemy by thine endurance;

Rejoice, thou who didst bear the wounds of the Lord upon thy body!

Rejoice, thou who to the Empress Augusta and those who accompanied her didst show the way to the feat of martyrdom;

Rejoice, for thou wast a light amid the darkness!

Rejoice, for the Lord Himself, the Light of the world, revealed Himself to thee when thou wast in prison;

Rejoice, speedy liberator from the bonds of sin!

Rejoice, swift healer of the sick; rejoice, aid of our salvation!

Rejoice, O Catherine, most wise bride of Christ!

  

Kontakion 7

The godless Emperor, wishing to lure thee into idolatrous worship abominable to God, again set snares for thee, O all-wise one, seeking to distract thee by falsely praising thy beauty; but thou didst call beauty a transient thing and one that quickly passeth, and confessing Christ to be the living and true God thou didst chant unto Him: Alleluia!

  

St. Catherine the Great Martyr (source)

  

Ikos 7

The emperor displayed his wrath and inhumanity anew when he commanded the governor to break thy pure, virginal and holy body upon the wheel; but by the wondrous hand of the angel thou wast straightway loosed without having sustained any harm, the wheel suddenly broke apart, and in its breaking many unbelievers were slain. Seeing this, the emperor was stricken with terror, and the multitude of the people who were there present cried aloud: "Great is the God of the Christians!" And marveling at this, we cry out to thee:

Rejoice, for having embraced the immaterial life, thou didst bravely surrender the beauty of thy body to be laid waste;

Rejoice, for on thy body thou didst cause the radiance of God to blossom forth!

Rejoice, for thou didst give thine unblemished body over to divers grievous torments out of love for thy Creator;

Rejoice, for in the strength of that love thou wast shown to be victorious, uncowed by fear or the cruelty of torture!

Rejoice, for in divinely wise manner thou didst prefer to receive grievous beatings on thy body, for the sake of the superiority of spiritual comeliness;

Rejoice, for through the wounds thou didst suffer for Christ's sake thou didst desire to be adorned in vesture of truly royal purple!

Rejoice, for thou didst prevail over the sly words and temptations of the tyrant;

Rejoice, for thou didst cut down the cruel one's hopes of weakening the strength of thy resolve!

Rejoice, O martyr, sight precious and marvelous to the angels;

Rejoice, glory of companies of athletes!

Rejoice, splendid victory over the foe;

Rejoice, fear of the infidels!

Rejoice, O Catherine, most wise bride of Christ!

  

Kontakion 8

Beholding the strange renunciation of glory and the suffering for Christ of the empress, the general and his soldiers, let us betake ourselves far away from the world and the flesh, and soar aloft to the knowledge of God. For He is the beauty, the glory and crown of us who sing: Alleluia!

  

Ikos 8

Jesus became for thee thy whole delight and desire, O holy Catherine; for thou didst sweetly endure bitter torment for His sake, and didst trample underfoot the scepter offered thee, preferring the recompense that is to come. Wherefore, accept from us these praises:

Rejoice, for through thy divinely wise teachings the empress, believing, made haste to piety;

Rejoice, for, having endured the painful tearing away of her breasts and decapitation by the sword, through thee she was manifestly deemed worthy of the everlasting kingdom of heaven!

Rejoice, most radiant moon, driving away the gloom of unbelief from those who walk by night;

Rejoice, thou who didst illumine the companies of soldiers, benighted by idolatry, with thy virtues as with the rays of the sun!

Rejoice, dove of the comely Bridegroom that sang in the wilderness of this world below;

Rejoice, thou who didst gladden the Master of the heavenly hosts with the sweet song of thy confession!

Rejoice, thou who didst perfume the garments of Christ with sweet fragrance;
Rejoice, thou who didst seek Him Who was begotten before the everlasting hills like a hart upon the mountains of spices!
Rejoice, for thou didst sail easily and swiftly over the tumult of the sea of this world;
Rejoice, for thou didst arrive at the calm haven of ever-blessed life!
Rejoice, for by the salvation of those who were close to thee didst thou send great and divers riches before thee unto Christ;
Rejoice, for thou didst undertake the struggle of suffering out of love for Christ!

Rejoice, O Catherine, most wise bride of Christ!

  

Kontakion 9

Every angelic being was gladdened with joy, beholding thee, O most glorious Catherine, victorious over the dark prince of this world; and it welcomed thee into the heavens as a triumphant commander preceded by a company of martyrs, and chanted hymns of victory, crying aloud to God: Alleluia!

  

Ikos 9

The lips of the most eloquent of orators were stopped, for they were unable to gainsay thy words, and in silence they rendered honor to thy gifts. And although we are weak, yet do we dare to open our lips in thy praise, offering to thee this hymn:

Rejoice, melodious instrument of the Holy Spirit;
Rejoice, thou who didst acquire the mind of Christ!
Rejoice, ray of ineffable splendor;
Rejoice, thou who didst make plain divine dogmas!
Rejoice, adornment and confirmation of the city of Alexandria; rejoice, beauty and boast of Mount Sinai!
Rejoice, thou who didst imitate the zeal of Elijah;
Rejoice, thou who by the purity of thy soul and body didst reveal the unburnt bush!
Rejoice, thou who didst in purity love Him Who is pure;
Rejoice, O most glorious one who dost release those held captive by the dark foe!
Rejoice, thou who art resplendent with the comeliness of virginity and dost perfume martyrdom with the graces;
Rejoice, boast of martyrs and teacher of piety!

Rejoice, O Catherine, most wise bride of Christ!

  

Kontakion 10

Desiring to save thy soul, thou didst disdain thy body, O Catherine, and having given the tyrant thy consent to be beheaded, thou didst joyously depart hence, chanting to Christ God, thine immortal Bridegroom: Alleluia!

  

St. Catherine the Great Martyr (source)

  

Ikos 10  

A firm and unassailable bulwark didst thou show thyself to the women who accompanied thee and with lamentation called thee hard-hearted and indifferent to thyself, O bride of Christ, for thou didst not spare thy tender life in the bloom of its youth, in that thou didst spurn the earthly kingdom and goods offered thee. But thou didst forbid their unprofitable wailing and vain words, hastening all the more swiftly to unite thyself to thy Beloved through death; and for His sake thou hearest such things as these cried aloud:

Rejoice, thou who didst gladly bow thy head beneath the sword for the sake of Christ, the Head of the Church;
Rejoice, thou who with patience didst bring to a goodly end the course of thy struggle!
Rejoice, thou who wast not dissuaded from the path of the confession of Christ by tribulation, wounds or the sword;
Rejoice, thou who didst preserve the flame of love unquenched amid the streams of thy blood
Rejoice, good virgin maiden, for didst thou magnificently adorn thyself with most sacred sufferings;
Rejoice, for as was meet thou didst enter into the heavenly bridal chamber of Christ!
Rejoice, most radiant maiden, for, having loved the One thou didst desire, thou didst follow after Him, completing a most difficult course;
Rejoice, for by thy blood thou didst manifestly cry out to Christ thy Bridegroom: "I flee to the fragrance of Thy noetic myrrh which hath flowed forth, O my Bridegroom"!
Rejoice, for thou didst retire to splendid mansions, arrayed in bridal vesture, holding a virgin's lamp in thy right hand, and thy decapitated head in thy left;
Rejoice, for thy divinely wise prayer was acceptable to God; for those who call upon thy name with faith doth the Master save from temptations, granting them good health and delivering them from afflictions of soul and body!
Rejoice, adornment of martyrs; rejoice, mighty refuge of Christians!

Rejoice, O Catherine, most wise bride of Christ!

  

Kontakion 11

We have dared to offer thee hymnody of praise, and if it be that discourse faileth, the mind is at a loss what to say; yet thy most wise discourse, which rescued many from ignorance and the infamy of idolatry, moves us to chant to God, Who rendered thy mighty deeds wondrous: Alleluia!

  

Ikos 11

Beholding thee to be a luminous candle extinguished by decapitation, yet set up radiant upon a heavenly candlestick before the throne of the Holy Trinity, the holy angels worshipped Him Who liveth forever; and having received a command from the Master, they buried thy virginal body on Mount Sinai, that, as thou thyself didst desire, it not be seen by the enemies of the Lord. And we joyously send up this hymn to thee:

Rejoice, sun-like virgin who ascended to the heavens in spirit;
Rejoice, thou who didst attain unto the heavenly Zion!
Rejoice, crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord;
Rejoice, cup drawing forth joy from the abundance of the house of God!
Rejoice, thou who didst draw nigh in spirit to the everlasting tabernacle not fashioned by the hands of men;
Rejoice, for in thine incorrupt body thou dost rest on the mountain of the law, where the movement of the God of Sinai had been seen!
Rejoice, O virgin who hast followed in the train of the ruling Virgin Queen who is arrayed in vesture of unwoven gold, adorned in varied colors;
Rejoice, for through thee is the Mother of Life worthily hymned in the midst of timbrel-playing maidens!
Rejoice, for on thee shineth the majesty of Christ God; rejoice, intercessor before the eternal throne
Rejoice, thou who from the temple of the universe dost watch over those who pray to thee;
Rejoice, incense of prayers, offered up in our behalf, being well-pleasing to the Master!

Rejoice, O Catherine, most wise bride of Christ!

  

Kontakion 12

Grace hath been given thee by God to guide men to the knowledge of His truth which is hidden in mystery, and to grant unto all those requests which are profitable. Wherefore, we entreat thee with compunction, O wise virgin: illumine the eyes of our minds and set forth for us a passable way to heaven, that with thee we may hymn the one Source of wisdom, now and for all ages, chanting: Alleluia!

  

Ikos 12

Hymning the mighty struggles of thy martyrdom, we praise thee as an animate vessel of the salvation of men; for through thy knowledge God, refuting the wisdom of the wise of this age, called the wise orators into the holy people, the people of the renewal, for they were to suffer for Christ. Wherefore, O good virgin, draw us also who are benighted into the light of Christ, that we may cry out to thee:

Rejoice, mirror of the wisdom of God;
Rejoice, thou who hast been arrayed with the power of the Most High!
Rejoice, athlete anointed with the oil of gladness;
Rejoice, commander who sent forth the company of God to eternal greatness!
Rejoice, thou who hast entered into the splendor of the saints;
Rejoice, thou who standest in the choir of fiery servants, before Him Who dwelleth in light unapproachable!
Rejoice, thou who with thy voice dost increase the thunder of the thrice-holy hymn;
Rejoice, thou who tastest of the ineffable sweetness of the good things of paradise!
Rejoice, for praise and joy are above thy head;
Rejoice, for everlasting glory illumineth thee!
Rejoice, thou who hast been crowned with the crown of the kingdom of heaven by the Godhead in Three Hypostases; rejoice, mediatress of grace and endless glory for us!

Rejoice, O Catherine, most wise bride of Christ!

  

Kontakion 13

O holy great martyr Catherine! Receiving this hymn of praise, never cease to pray to the Lord in our behalf, that He deliver us from our enemies, visible and invisible; and by thy right acceptable mediation vouchsafe unto us the everlasting kingdom, that with thee we may chant unto God: Alleluia!

  

St. Catherine the Great Martyr (source)

  

First Prayer to the Great Martyr Catherine

O holy Catherine, virgin and martyr, true bride of Christ! We beseech thee as one who received a special grace whereby sweetest Jesus, thy Bridegroom, appeared to thee, that having put to shame the tyrant's deceits by thy wisdom and vanquished the fifty rhetoricians, giving them heavenly doctrine whereof to partake and leading them to the light of the true Faith, thou mightest likewise ask for us that same wisdom of God, that we also, having rent asunder all the snares of the tyrant of hades, and spurned the temptations of the world and the flesh, may show ourselves to be worthy of divine glory, may be made vessels meet for the spread of our holy Orthodox Faith, and that in the tabernacle of heaven we may with thee praise and glorify our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, unto all ages. Amen.

  

Second Prayer to the Great Martyr Catherine

O holy great martyr Catherine, chosen vessel of purity, pillar of Orthodoxy, our intercessor of good cheer, struggler for the law, saint who sleepest a holy sleep on the holy mountain! Because thou thyself hast revealed to Christians that they should ever pray to thee, we earnestly entreat thee: looking down from on high, hearken unto the sound of our supplication, mercifully regard the misfortunes of us sinners, visit the gloom of our minds, cause us to think of heavenly things and not of those of earth. By thine intercessions make haste to overcome the lusts of our flesh, our passionate attachment to the world and the wiles of the evil spirits who with malice wage war against us; that by thine intercession we may be shown to be free of their malicious assaults in the days of this life and from their aerial interrogations after our departure. O all-wise virgin, grant us all that we ask which is profitable, for thou canst ask many things of thy beloved Bridegroom, Christ our God. We know that the prayer of a righteous man availeth much when it worketh with the goodness of the merciful God, to Whom be glory, honor and thanksgiving, unto the ages of ages. Amen.

  

Troparion, tone 4

Your lamb Catherine, O Jesus, Calls out to You in a loud voice: I love You, O my bridegroom, And in seeking You, I endure suffering. In Baptism I was crucified so that I might reign in You, And died so that I might live with You. Accept me as a pure sacrifice, For I have offered myself in love. By her prayers save our souls, since You are merciful.

(source)
  

St. Catherine's body being brought to Mount Sinai where it exists to this day (source)

  

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