Paraklesis to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

St Nicholas the Wonderworker (source)

  
Note: May this be offered in prayer to St. Nicholas, that through his intercessions to the Lord, that mercy, life, peace, health, salvation and visitation may be granted to all those sick and suffering throughout the world, and especially, that he grant peace, unity, forgiveness and reconciliation to the Orthodox churches threatened with divisions, hatred and enmity. Archbishop Elpidophoros also recently requested the parishes of the GOA to consider praying the Paraklesis for St. Nicholas' blessing and intercessions, especially entreating for his help rebuilding his church at Ground Zero. May the Saint's blessing we with us all, and may we imitate his love for Christ and for his fellow men! Also, please note that the text below is not set to the Byzantine musical meter.
  

Paraklesis to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

The Priest says the "Blessed is our God...", followed by the Psalm "O Lord hear my prayer..." (Psalm 142).

Tone 4.

God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us, blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord. (x4, with verses)

Troparion in the Fourth Tone.

Let us hasten to the all-sacred Icon of the Hierarch, O faithful, and cry out to him, we who are drowning in many sins: Hasten, O Nicholas, Hierarch of the Lord, that through your holy intercessions to the Lover-of-mankind, that we all may be delivered from every danger, sadness and corruptions, and terrible illness.

Glory.

Apolytikion of the Saint of the Church.

Both now. Theotokion.

O Theotokos, we shall never be silent...

Then Psalm 50.
  

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (source)

  

Ode I. Plagal of the Fourth. The Charioteers of Pharaoh.

 O Saint of God, intercede for us.

Through your prayers, O sacred Nicholas, entreat God that the dark cloud of my sadness would be dispersed, O all-blessed one, that I may be filled with gladness and joy, for you stand before the King of all.

O Saint of God, intercede for us.

I am surrounded by the storms of passions on all sides, and a frenzy of thoughts. Make my soul vibrant and guide me safely to the harbor of the will of Christ, through your prayers, that I might glorify you, O Nicholas.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

The fellow-dweller of the Apostles and the Venerable you were shown to be, ever full of divine radiance. Show those who venerate your sacred Icon today to be partakers of light through your prayers, O all-blessed Nicholas.

Theotokion.
Both now and forever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

O Spotless One, you received within your womb the uncontainable fire, I entreat you with faith that you deliver me from Gehenna, and from the multitude of my offenses, and deliver me from Hell, through your fervent prayer.

Ode III. You are the foundation.

That we might glorify you and praise you as is proper, grant us peace, O blessed Nicholas, through your intercessions.

Through your fervent entreaties, O Nicholas, cut off the assaults of afflictions, we pray.

Deliver me, O Nicholas, from the passions and temptations that surround us, and the multitude of dangers, through your intercessions, and save me.

Theotokion.

I have you, O All-Spotless One, as the protector of my life, and an unassailable wall, therefore, I do not fear my passing from this vain life.

Deliver your servants from dangers, O Theotokos...

Look down on me...

And the Priest makes the entreaty.

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (Source)

  

Ode IV. I have hearkened.

Hasten to deliver me, O Nicholas, from the multitude of illnesses and many offenses that I have fallen into, O All-Sacred One, through your intercessions to the Master.

You delivered three innocent young men from death; hasten to deliver me, O Nicholas, from eternal condemnation.

I am justly condemned, for I have lived my life in heedlessness and I am wretched. Through your intercessions, O Saint Nicholas, guide me on the path of repentance.

Theotokion.

Cleanse me from filth, and raise me up who am dead, O Ever-virgin Theotokos, you who gave birth to Him Who gave life to the dead.

Ode V. Why do you deprive from me.

Unflinching in mind, you ascended to the Lord on high, from Whom you received the grace of the greatest wonders, O blessed Nicholas. Therefore, deliver your entreaters from dangers and illnesses.

At your divine memory, O Nicholas, the multitude of Priests rejoice, and the choirs of the Faithful partake of your wonders and are nourished with joy, and they hymn you as their own protector and call upon you O great one.

Being radiant with divine light, your heart was truly shown to be Paradise, in the midst of which the Lord placed the Tree of Life. Entreat Him, O Father, that your servants partake of the nourishment of Paradise and of glory.

Theotokion.

I have placed in you, O Lady, all of my hopes for salvation. Therefore, I entreat you, do not disdain me who am terribly storm-tossed by the waves of temptations, but grant me your help, as your Son did to Peter, and save me.

Ode VI. My entreaty.

I am tossed about by the storm of dangers, but they have not been able to drown me, O Blessed One, for I have been ever enriched to have you as my Guide towards the calm harbor, and that I might reach Heaven through you, O Hierarch Nicholas.

Have compassion on your servants, O All-Blessed One, and grant them health and deliverance as one good who loves mankind by nature, and deliver from dangers and trials through your divine intercessions to God, O Nicholas of godly mind.

You once were seen to deliver young generals from death, O Father, in like manner, deliver us from every trial and illness, O Nicholas, that I might honor your memory with fervor.

Theotokion.

O Lover-of-Good, through your fervent intercessions, raise me up from my heavy sleep and laziness, and do not let your servant sleep unto death, for I inscribe you as my protector and guide in life.

Look down with compassion, O Blessed Nicholas, and through your intercessions, deliver our souls from every danger, for your entreaters.

O Spotless One, who by a word did bring to us the Word eternal...

And the Priest reads the entreaty.

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (source)

  

Kontakion in the Fourth Tone.

The rays of your wonders, O Nicholas, have illumined everything under the sun, and you dissolve the clouds of trials and relieve the attacks of dangers, for you are a most-fervent protector.

Prokeimenon.

Your Priests, O Lord, are clothed with righteousness, and your Righteous Ones shall rejoice. (2)

Verse.

The Righteous will boast in glory, and will rejoice upon their beds.
Your Priests, O Lord, are clothed with righteousness, and your Righteous Ones shall rejoice.
  

The Gospel according to Saint John (10:1-9)

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; ² but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. ³ To him the gatekeeper opens; the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴ When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. ⁵ A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” ⁶ This figure Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.⁷ So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. ⁸ All who came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not heed them. ⁹ I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.

Glory.

Through the intercessions of the Hierarch, O Lord of mercy, wash away my many personal offenses.

Both now.

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos...

Plagal of the Second. Having placed all their hopes.
O Merciful One, have mercy on me...

I have passed all my life in heedlessness, and I have reached my end, having been shown to be fruitless and foolish, O Surpassingly Good One, and I only have shown forth evil deeds that now burden me and are hard to bear, O Lover of mankind. Through Your mercy, incline to drive them away, and grant me contrition and a saving return, through the fervent intercessions of Nicholas, O God, whose intercessions I offer to you, along with her who gave birth to you.

The Priest says the "Save O God, Your people..."

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (source)

  
Ode VII. The Hebrew Children

You were shown to be a deliverer of those who travel, and a protector of widows, a harbor for orphans, and an enricher of the poor. Therefore, deliver us from dangers through your intercessions.

You work strange wonders for those far off at sea and for everyone under the sun. Ever hastened to deliver those who are suffering and delivering them from illnesses and dangers.

You are seen to be the Physician of all those with illnesses and dangers, O thrice-blessed Nicholas. Therefore, heal the affliction of my soul and grant me strength through your godly intercessions.

Theotokion.

Lift up your hands, O Virgin, to the compassionate God and King, that through your mighty intercessions, your entreaters be delivered from terrible temptations and illnesses and dangers.

Ode VIII. The King of Heaven.

Save those who are now sinking into the depths of temptations, and save your entreaters, O Nicholas, granting them deliverance through your intercessions.

As one nourished in the pastures of Heaven, O Blessed One, make those who hymn you to partake of that glory, and deliver them through your prayers.

Having been illumined by the unapproachable Light, O Father, shine upon the souls of those who are in trials, dissolving all of the dark clouds of their temptations.

Theotokion.

You, O Lady, were made worthy to give birth to the most-compassionate Savior of the world, therefore, I hastened to your fervent help.

Ode IX. Saved through you, O Theotokos.

All creation has come to know, O Blessed Nicholas, of your virtues and the abyss of your wonders, therefore, she rejoices and names you as her protector.

O All-blessed Nicholas, save from dangers your entreaters, who glorify you with faith, for you are an imitator of the Savior worthy of wonder.

As you are nourished with heavenly good, in the divine Bridal Chamber, O Father Nicholas, blessed by God, save us and cover us through your protection.

Theotokion.

O Mary Theotokos, please make good again my soul that was made evil through sin, and make me to be a partaker of eternal good things.

Truly it is proper to call you blessed...
  

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (source)

  

Megalynaria.

O Blessed Nicholas, do now stand beside us as a protector and guardian, and deliver all of us from all kinds of dangers, all those upon the earth and the sea, those who fervently call upon you and magnify you.

Rejoice, the steadfast pride of the Fathers, and the pure adornment of the Trinity, the protector of the faithful, and the helper and protector of those who sail, O Father Nicholas.

In sicknesses, we have you as our Physician, in dangers, our deliverer, a guide for orphans, and enricher of the poor, and savior of those upon the sea, and joy of those in sorrows, O wise Nicholas.

We have you as a protector for orphans and widows, the feeder of the hungry, the enricher of the poor, the deliverer of captives, and savior of those sailing, O All-blessed one, wise Nicholas.

All the ranks of Angels...

Then the Trisagion, followed by the Apolytikion of the Saint: "The truth of things have revealed thee to thy flock..." Then the entreaty by the Priest, the Apolysis, followed by the hymns:

Second Tone. When from the tree.

You received grace richly from God to bestow healings for those under your protection, O Saint Nicholas, and for those who hasten to you, drive away the demons, and incurable passions, through your protection. Therefore, we entreat you: intercede with the Lord, that we who hymn you may be all delivered from dangers.

Lady do you receive...

My numerous hopes are placed...
(source)

   

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the Fervent Protector (source)

  

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

Akathist to St. Herman of Alaska

St. Herman of Alaska (source)

  
Akathist to St. Herman of Alaska
  

Kontakion 1

O Chosen Doer of Wonders, most glorious favorite of Christ, our God bearing Father Herman, Alaska's adornment, the joy of all Orthodox in America. We sing to you, our heavenly protector and powerful intercessor before God, these songs of praise. Cease not to pray for your children, who cry fervently to you:
Rejoice our blessed Father Herman of Alaska, America's most glorious doer of wonders.
  

Ikos 1

The Creator of the Angelic Hosts, called you, Father Herman, to proclaim the Orthodox faith in the new land and to be the founder of the monastic way in the remote lands of the North. You were sent, as was the Apostle Paul, to those sitting in darkness so that the light of Orthodoxy might brightly shine to all the ends of the world. We, the inhabitants of the American continents, bring you this thanksgiving and sing this song of praise to you, our heavenly protector:
Rejoice, our Father Herman, our glory, our adornment;
Rejoice, bringer of the light of the true faith to our lands;
Rejoice, gatherer of your own glory by your great spiritual effort;
Rejoice, most honored branch of Valaam Monastery;
Rejoice, praise and joy of the Church in America;
Rejoice, comforter and protector of all of us;
Rejoice, our blessed Father Herman of Alaska, America's most glorious doer of wonders. 
    

Kontakion 2

In your early youth, O Blessed One, enkindled by the flame of love for the Lord, you desired to serve God and Him alone. As an offering, you dedicated your youth to God, beginning your journey from the hermitage of Valaam, where many novices sang ceaselessly to God: Alleluia!
  

Ikos 2

The Most High granted you spiritual wisdom in your youth that you might know the beauty and sweetness of heaven. For this reason, the wise Igumen Nazary, teacher of the blessed Seraphim of Sarov, taught you God's wisdom and the Lord's way. Therefore, the Holy Church praises you:
Rejoice, glorious Herman dedicator of your youth to Christ;
Rejoice, disciple together with Seraphim of Sarov;
Rejoice, performer of spiritual labors in glorious Valaam;
Rejoice, honored by all the brethren of Valaam Monastery;
Rejoice, learner of spiritual wisdom in Valaam;
Rejoice, glorified now by the Orthodox Church;
Rejoice, our blessed Father Herman of Alaska, America's most glorious doer of wonders. 
    

Kontakion 3

The power of the Most High directed the divinely-wise primate of the Church in Russia, Gabriel, to send preachers of the Orthodox Faith to Alaska. The apostolic choice fell on you, O Blessed Herman, therefore, all the people enlightened by the Light of Christ through your labors and the personal example of your life, sang to the Lord: Alleluia!
  

Ikos 3

Showing great zeal not only in your spiritual labors as a novice, but also in your Apostolic fervor as you preached to a people sitting in darkness, you, O Blessed Herman, revealed the light of Christ to them with great power. Remembering your labors as a novice and your efforts to preach; with love we praise you:
Rejoice, uncomplaining giver of obedience to your Igumen;
Rejoice, beginner of a long journey to preach;
Rejoice, steadfast in your love for the land of your birth;
Rejoice, inflamed with love for your new found home;
Rejoice, initiator of the monastic way in America;
Rejoice, zealous preacher of the Orthodox Faith;
Rejoice, our blessed Father Herman of Alaska, America's most glorious doer of wonders.
    

Kontakion 4

O Blessed Father Herman, you endured storms of evil attacks and sorrows, by your efforts you persevered in this new land. Therefore, Christ glorified you with the gift of foresight, enriching you with miracles, granting you the Kingdom of Heaven where, together with the angels, you praise God in song: Alleluia!
  

St. Herman of Alaska (source)

  

Ikos 4

Hearing of the miracles revealed to your people when a forest fire and tidal wave were made to cease by your prayers, we implore you from the depths of our hearts and entreat you to aid us who call to you:
Rejoice, ascetic and prophet glorified by God;
Rejoice, holy favorite of God;
Rejoice, our intercessor and healer;
Rejoice, helper of many who called out to you;
Rejoice, healer of many afflicted and suffering;
Rejoice, our merciful and humble Father;
Rejoice, our blessed Father Herman of Alaska, America's most glorious doer of wonders. 
    

Kontakion 5

O Blessed One, you have shone like the North Star on Spruce Island, the New Valaam, illuminating all of America with the brightness of your love and prayer, full of God's power, so that from every corner of it the Orthodox people will sing fervently to God: Alleluia!
  

Ikos 5

Observing your humility, all are in awe of you, O Father Herman, for your rigorous asceticism and perseverance in monastic struggles. In this you followed the example of Anthony of the Caves, the founder of monasticism in Russia, even as he that of Anthony the Great, first monk of the world. You, the founder of monasticism in our land, chose in your great humility the way of a simple monk. Therefore, the holy choir of hierarchs and hieromonks sings these songs of praise to you:
Rejoice, founder of monasticism in our land;
Rejoice, imitator of Anthony the Great and Anthony of the Caves;
Rejoice, crowned, as they were, with heavenly glory;
Rejoice, promising the building of a glorious hermitage where you labored;
Rejoice, giver of your relics to your hermitage;
Rejoice, revealing a source of miracles from them to all the world;
Rejoice, our Blessed Father Herman of Alaska, America's most glorious doer of wonders. 
    

Kontakion 6

The wilderness of the North proclaims your works and miracles, revealing you to be a new branch of the vineyard of the Church of Russia in America. The forests and wilderness are permeated with your prayers. Following the example of the ancient hermits, you cried out in the silence of the night to God: Alleluia!
  

Ikos 6

You enlightened the people who were living in darkness; you showed them an example of the monastic way of life. O our Godbearing Father Herman, pray that we all, giving thanks to the Lord, may ceaselessly sing you these words of praise:
Rejoice, first saint of our land;
Rejoice, founder of the monastic way in our land;
Rejoice, faithful servant of the Holy Trinity;
Rejoice, humble founder of the church of the Resurrection;
Rejoice, glorious hermit of the hermitage of Spruce Island;
Rejoice, loving father of the children who came to him;
Rejoice, our blessed Father Herman of Alaska, America's most glorious doer of wonders. 
    

Kontakion 7

The Lord chose you, O Blessed One, to bring the light of the knowledge of God to the land of the Aleuts and there to sow the seeds of the Orthodox faith. You taught all to embrace the true faith and to call out to God: Alleluia.
  

St. Herman of Alaska (source)

  

Ikos 7

You reached the heights through prayer, O Blessed One. You did not forget those who were in the depths of the earth. You manifested great concern for homeless orphans, building an orphanage and a school for them. You taught them the commandments of the Lord. Therefore, because of these labors, accept from us these praises:
Rejoice, defender of the poor and orphaned;
Rejoice, their good protector;
Rejoice, builder of a home for the orphaned;
Rejoice, servant to God with your labors;
Rejoice, provider of earthly bread to the orphaned;
Rejoice, nourisher of orphans with words of eternal life;
Rejoice, our blessed Father Herman of Alaska, America's most glorious doer of wonders. 
    

Kontakion 8

The Lord who loves mankind, O Blessed One, gave you the gifts of foresight and healing in His desire to manifest through you a source of compassion for his people. You brought them to the love of God through your works and many words of instruction. Enlightened by the light of your spiritual labors, the people called to the Lord: Alleluia!
  

Ikos 8

The people newly illumined by the light of the Christian Faith came to you in times of illness and sorrow. As a father who loved his children, you interceded for all, bringing forth healing and comfort to all who came to you for help. Your glory has gone forth throughout all Alaska and we, your spiritual children, glorify you:
Rejoice, our merciful father;
Rejoice, our unmercenary and gracious physician;
Rejoice, merciful healer of our infirmities;
Rejoice, our speedy helper in time of trouble and need;
Rejoice, foreseer of coming events as of the present;
Rejoice, perceptive reprover of hidden transgressions;
Rejoice, our blessed Father Herman of Alaska, America's most glorious doer of wonders. 
    

Kontakion 9

O Blessed One, you spoke with angels, according to your own testimony, relating how the angels came to you in your hermitage and you had sweet conversation with them. Now you are in the Kingdom of Heaven where with hosts of angels you pray ceaselessly to the Creator of all and the Maker of this praise: Alleluia!
  

Ikos 9

Who can enumerate the miracles witnessed by your people? The waves of the sea and a fire in the forest were calmed by your prayers. When there was a great tidal wave, you caused the stormy seas to cease by your prayers before the icon of the Mother of God, saying: "The water shall not go beyond this line." Therefore, we sing to you thus:
Rejoice, wondrous pacifier of the waters;
Rejoice, most glorious savior from a forest fire;
Rejoice, savior of the hierarch Innocent who called to you from the sea;
Rejoice, because of his prayer to you the wind at sea changed;
Rejoice, revealer of many miracles during your life;
Rejoice, revealer of many miracles even after your death;
Rejoice, our Blessed Father Herman of Alaska, America's most glorious doer of wonders. 
    

Kontakion 10

We bring to you a song of praise, O blessed father, concerning your righteous life. We sing praises of your honored death. You foreknew the day and hour of your blessed end. Most glorious also was your burial. For forty days a great storm raged at sea and your prophecy concerning your burial was fulfilled. Your disciple Gerasim, sensing a wondrous fragrance at the time of your death, sang to God: Alleluia!
  

St. Herman of Alaska (source)

  

Ikos 10

You were a most glorious doer of wonders during your life, O Father. At your death you manifested this wondrous miracle: your body remained incorrupt in the chapel for many days after your death. The Aleut people who saw a flaming pillar ascending to Heaven at the hour of your death, sang to you thus:
Rejoice, for your righteous end has assured us of your holiness;
Rejoice, for your ascension to Heaven was like a pillar of fire;
Rejoice, for your relics exuding an odor of sanctity are left as our inheritance;
Rejoice, for many miracles are made manifest at your reliquary;
Rejoice, giver to us of a source of holy water and healing;
Rejoice, for from this water many who are afflicted received healing;
Rejoice, our blessed Father Herman of Alaska, America's most glorious doer of wonders. 
    

Kontakion 11

O Holy Father, from your hermitage in the North, in the midst of the wilds of nature, you sang ceaseless praises to the Holy Trinity. Moved by the Spirit you foresaw the great flowering of this vineyard planted in the soil of America and you called out with the angels of Heaven: Alleluia!
  

Ikos 11

To all future members of the monastic order, you are a source of light and illumination. For you foretold, O Blessed One, the founding of a monastery and of an archbishop's throne in this land. Today a choir of hierarchs and of monastics glorifies you in these words:
Rejoice, instructor of monastics and converser with angels;
Rejoice, most glorious founder of the ascetic way in our land;
Rejoice, foreseer of the growth of this great vineyard of Christ;
Rejoice, fulfillment of this prophecy to the coming generations;
Rejoice, giver of a true image of the monastic way;
Rejoice, for your love is made manifest to all;
Rejoice, our blessed Father Herman of Alaska, America's most glorious doer of wonders. 
    

Kontakion 12

Seeing your grace and your great boldness before God, we entreat you, O blessed father Herman, to pray fervently to the Lord, that He will protect His Holy Church from faithlessness and schism, from false teaching and willfulness, that we may sing to God Who has dealt bountifully with us: Alleluia!
  

Ikos 12

We praise your glorification, O Blessed One, we bless you, O most powerful Intercessor and Protector of our Church, and with love we sing to you:
Rejoice, protector of all who honor you;
Rejoice, speedy responder and helper to all;
Rejoice, founder of Orthodoxy in our land;
Rejoice, strengthener of those who come to the Orthodox Faith;
Rejoice, most glorious protector of the Church in America;
Rejoice, her first saint and her wondrous Father;
Rejoice, our blessed Father Herman of Alaska, America's most glorious doer of wonders. 
    

Kontakion 13

O Most glorious favorite of God, Our Blessed Father Herman, Accept this humble prayer we offer up in praise to you. Standing now before the Throne of the Almighty Lord, ceaselessly pray for us. In joy we sing to God:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

(Repeat Kontakion Thirteen 3 times)
(Then continue below)

   

St. Herman of Alaska (source)

     

Ikos 1

The Creator of the Angelic Hosts, called you, Father Herman, to proclaim the Orthodox faith in the new land and to be the founder of the monastic way in the remote lands of the North. You were sent, as was the Apostle Paul, to those sitting in darkness so that the light of Orthodoxy might brightly shine to all the ends of the world. We, the inhabitants of the American continents, bring you this thanksgiving and sing this song of praise to you, our heavenly protector:
Rejoice, our Father Herman, our glory, our adornment;
Rejoice, bringer of the light of the true faith to our lands;
Rejoice, gatherer of your own glory by your great spiritual effort;
Rejoice, most honored branch of Valaam Monastery;
Rejoice, praise and joy of the Church in America;
Rejoice, comforter and protector of all of us;
Rejoice, our blessed Father Herman of Alaska, America's most glorious doer of wonders. 
    

Kontakion 1

O Chosen Doer of Wonders, most glorious favorite of Christ, our God bearing Father Herman, Alaska's adornment, the joy of all Orthodox in America. We sing to you, our heavenly protector and powerful intercessor before God, these songs of praise. Cease not to pray for your children, who cry fervently to you:
Rejoice our blessed Father Herman of Alaska, America's most glorious doer of wonders.
  

---

St. Herman of Alaska (source)

     

Prayer to St. Herman of Alaska

O most wondrous, favorite of God, our blessed Father Herman, as a good laborer you did your great spiritual work in a harsh climate in this land. In your service to God, you were faithful in the little things. And, as the Lord said: "You have been faithful over a little, I well set you over much." Now, when this word has been fulfilled in you, the Lord has set you over our whole Church, as her heavenly protector. We all call to you in fervent prayer: Entreat the Lord to keep our Holy Church steadfast in Orthodoxy and to reveal her to be an adornment of our land.
May He protect her from all the dark powers of the enemy and drive out all adversaries. May He grant us purity of faith and beauty of soul. Pray He will grant us all the spirit of peace and love, the spirit of humility and meekness and drive out the sin of pride. Save us from self praise.
Be our guard from false teachings. Give healing to the sick; to the sorrowful be a comfort. To those who hunger for spiritual truth, give the heavenly food; that we may attain our true desire, and receive the good reward at the final Judgment. With all the saints we will praise with song: the Life creating Trinity, the Ineffable Father, the True and Only-Begotten Son, the Comforter, Holy Spirit, for ever.
Amen.
(source)
  

St. Herman of Alaska (source)

  

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

Prayer to St. Christopher before driving

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!

(source)

  

Prayer before driving (to St. Christopher),
Translated from Greek By Fr. Ayman Kfouf.
The Orthodox tradition describes saint Christopher as a tall man of tremendous strength who made a living carrying people across a raging river. One day his passenger was a child who grew so heavy as they crossed the river that St. Christopher feared they would both drown. He was amazed that such a small child could overcome someone so mighty as himself. The child then revealed that he was Christ, and the heaviness was caused by the weight of the world which He bore. St. Christopher a patron Saint for travelers and drivers, thus many Christians place his icon in their modes of transportation, especially upon the blessing of a new vehicle.

(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. Menas the Great Martyr and Wonderworker

St. Menas the Great Martyr and Wonderworker (source)

 
Akathist to St. Menas the Great Martyr and Wonderworker

Kontakion 1

The entire world has found you to be a great champion when in grave perils; for many you have saved from losses: tracking the thieves‚ driving away deprivations and fulfilling the requests of those that run to you in faith; for these we pray to you‚ be merciful to us who sing to you: Rejoice‚ O Holy Martyr Menas the great passion bearer.

Eikos 1

The Word of God enlightened the world by His incarnation‚ and through Him sprung forth the multitude of the martyrs which spilled their blood in great sufferings‚ making themselves protectors of those in need; for this we sing to you:

Rejoice‚ unwaning star.

Rejoice‚ ray of immaterial fire.

Rejoice‚ the light of those at loss.

Rejoice‚ the revealer of the kidnappers.

Rejoice‚ the mystery that exposes the wicked deeds.

Rejoice‚ the dam that stops the drifting.

Rejoice‚ the pillar that hinders the rudeness.

Rejoice‚ the depth that loses the gluttony.

Rejoice‚ the breath that strengthens the hearts of those in suffering.

Rejoice‚ the hand that discovers the lootings.

Rejoice‚ the chain that bonds the lawless.

Rejoice‚ the fog that clouds the unclean thoughts.

Rejoice‚ O Holy Martyr Menas the great passion bearer.

Kontakion 2

A swift victor you were shown forth against the persecutors who wish to loot the work of the unfortunate poor and extinguish his being with menacing trials; for this we cry out to you: Rejoice‚ O Holy Martyr Menas the great passion bearer.

Eikos 2

Let no lawless men deign to rule over us‚ O Holy Martyr‚ when they rise against us like the waves of the sea that come bubbling on the wings of the raging wind; but let them fall from your face like the wheat of the field  so we can bless you saying:

Rejoice‚ our strong hope.

Rejoice‚ the fall of the unlawful enemies.

Rejoice‚ the tamer of the insatiable beasts.

Rejoice‚ the moderation of the arrogant kidnappers.

Rejoice‚ for those that disrespect your commandments tremble in fear.

Rejoice‚ for those that do not seek your name as a helper are suffering.

Rejoice‚ for those that do not glorify your wonders are lost.

Rejoice‚ for those that distress you are troubled.

Rejoice‚ for those that thank you boast of joy.

Rejoice‚ for all creation rejoices of your mercy.

Rejoice‚ for all that have trespassed repent in fear of you.

Rejoice‚ the savior of those humiliated.

Rejoice‚ O Holy Martyr Menas the great passion bearer.

Kontakion 3

Righteousness and peace having in your thoughts‚ you have left the war camp of Phrygia‚ being unable to watch the pagan worship; for this‚ going up the mountain‚ with fasting and prayers you cleansed your soul of sin and strengthened your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ‚ singing: Alleluia!

Eikos 3

The pagans‚ unable to bear your holy deeds that exposed their deceiving idol worship‚ for you were preaching the faith in Christ to the people and you were proving that He is God That performs wonders‚ not the stone and the brass of the idols‚ they put you through tribulations that you have lovingly accepted.  

Rejoice‚ the one that was whipped all over your body with leather thongs.

Rejoice‚ the one that was burned with fire in the end.

Rejoice‚ the one that endured the stinging of the iron thistles.

Rejoice‚ for you were pierced all over with spears.

Rejoice‚ for you have suffered iron mallets on your temple.

Rejoice‚ for other works you have endured with patience.

Rejoice‚ for you have not blamed God for your passions.

Rejoice‚ especially for you have fought with joy against flesh and blood.

Rejoice‚ for Alexandria was terrified by your strong faith.

Rejoice‚ for the tyrants were reprimanded by your daring deeds.

Rejoice‚ for not having anything else to scare you with‚ they commanded that you be slain by sword.

Rejoice‚ for many of the watchers were blessing you saying:

Rejoice‚ O Holy Martyr Menas the great passion bearer.

Kontakion 4

The blessed faith of the East finally raising the Cross among the pagan nations‚after the fall of the tyrant monarchs enemies of Christianity‚ your church was built in Alexandria by a Christ loving citizen‚ in the time of Constantine the Emperor; and there your holy remains were brought so we can bow to them and sing: Alleluia!

Eikos 4

Lifting our voices to you we cry out: hasten‚ O Holy Martyr‚ and protect us; do not neglect our hopes in your great mercy; for where else can we can hope to be alleviated in our sinfulness if not in you‚ after our Savior and His most pure Mother‚ if not in you who have suffered with love for Christ and for our salvation; extend your hand to us‚ O Holy Martyr‚ so we can bless you singing:

Rejoice‚ the founder of lost items.

Rejoice‚ the one that brings them back in their original state.

Rejoice‚ the boast of honest citizens.

Rejoice‚ the happiness of the merchants with honest weights.

Rejoice‚ the unsleeping watcher of villages and towns who suffer losses.

Rejoice‚ the salvation of those threatened by flame or storm.

Rejoice‚ the redeemer of the nations that trouble with terrible invasions and unrighteous oppressions.

Rejoice the advisor of the travelers that ask your help.

Rejoice‚ the savior of men from sudden death.

Rejoice‚ the escape of the ships tormented by storms and thievery.

Rejoice‚ the alleviation of the oppressed and plaintive soul.

Rejoice‚ our own fast protector in sufferings.

Rejoice‚ O Holy Martyr Menas the great passion bearer.

Kontakion 5

Food for the salvation of our lives send us from God‚ O Holy Martyr‚ so we do not perish from the multitude of the passions that pile up on us‚ for we are all sinners; but what sin or what multitude of trespasses can ever overcome the boundless mercy of God‚ having as intercessors the hosts of the martyrs singing with us: Alleluia!

Eikos 5

A humble and contrite heart God will no despise‚ says the Holy Emperor and Prophet David. For this‚ humiliating ourselves until the end‚ we fall down to you‚ O Holy and Great Martyr Menas‚ pray to God for us sinner so He would alleviate our pains by destroying our enemies that fight against His commandments.  Come near us then‚ O holy Martyr‚ come near us in our suffering‚ so we can glorify your wonders singing:

Rejoice‚ intercessor to God of those in pain.

Rejoice‚ steadfast help in Him.

Rejoice‚ powerful aid for those that keep His commandments.

Rejoice‚ unashamed hope of Christians.

Rejoice‚ incense well received in heavens through prayer.

Rejoice chosen vessel of the Holy Trinity.

Rejoice‚ the one that do not wish the wickedness of people.

Rejoice‚ the one that cry for their lack of skills.

Rejoice for you teach them to live in communion and love.

Rejoice‚ for you always inspire them to good deeds.

Rejoice‚ for you brought many to repentance.

Rejoice‚ for you always pray for all.

Rejoice‚ O Holy Martyr Menas the great passion bearer.

Kontakion 6

The Jew who was suffering because of the Christian who was hiding the money that he left in his care‚ wanted to be baptized seeing the miracle‚ as you uncovered the truth; and the Christian‚ trembling in fear of his wicked deed against his soul for his love of silver‚ repented crying to God: Alleluia!

Eikos 6

The oath breaker Christian and the shrewd friend of the Judean‚ as he was exiting your church where he has given false witnessing‚ that he does not know of that money‚ was kidnapped by the horse; and loosing on the way a ring and a key‚ you showed them to his wife at home‚ asking her to send to her husband the gold of the Jew‚ and as it happened immediately the trick was discovered.

Rejoice‚ the revealer of the hidden trick.

Rejoice‚ finder of the stolen gold.

Rejoice‚ shaming of the wicked deeds.

Rejoice‚ bitterness following their pursuit.

Rejoice‚ fulfillment of the duties of faith.

Rejoice‚ baptizer of the Judean.

Rejoice‚ repentance of the lost Christian.

Rejoice‚ glory of the Eastern Church.

Rejoice‚ for through your miracle the power of the gift of grace was shown forth.

Rejoice‚ for through the work of grace two souls were saved.

Rejoice‚ worthy worshipper of Christ.

Rejoice‚ O Holy Martyr Menas the great passion bearer.

Kontakion 7

How could we break the enchanted chains that the devil uses to bond the weak souls pulling them to him‚ if we would not have our thoughts meditating upon salvation? Therefore‚ strengthening our minds through the powers of the Holy Martyrs chosen by God‚ clear the fog of deception and loose the ties of the deceiver trough repentance‚ singing: Alleluia!

Eikos 7

Glory to you Holy Emperor‚ Almighty God That have chosen Your Holy Martyrs and Apostles from among us‚ so they can free us from the snares of the enemy and share with us Your inexpressible good things‚  so thus Your All Holy name be glorified and we can sing:

Rejoice‚ Menas loved by God.

Rejoice‚ O blessed Martyr.

Rejoice‚ tireless warrior.

Rejoice‚ courageous brave.

Rejoice‚ untainted mind.

Rejoice‚ sleepless watcher.

Rejoice‚ skilful physician.

Rejoice‚ un-bribed judge.

Rejoice‚ unbiased supporter.

Rejoice‚ unending gift.

Rejoice‚ giver of good gifts.

Rejoice‚ worker of many wonders.

Rejoice‚ O Holy Martyr Menas the great passion bearer.

Kontakion 8

Your name‚ more than any of the saints‚ is wished by the Christians‚ O Menas‚for they find in you the fast and full discovery of any loss they suffer. For this also suffering today they sit in front of your holy icon and with faith they pray to have mercy on them and fulfilling their need they can give glory to you singing: Allelluia! 

Eikos 8

Tired of the waves of trials that come against us‚ we cannot fight and we are not worthy of mercy‚ because we have no repentance‚ deepening ourselves in wicked thoughts and deeds; for this we fall down to you  to save us from the temptations that burden us and to strengthen us in the love of God‚ so escaping from our enemies we could sing to you:

Rejoice‚ tower of strength.

Rejoice‚ ray of joy.

Rejoice‚ powerful protector.

Rejoice‚ wall of salvation.

Rejoice‚ reassuring thought.

Rejoice‚ saving shore.

Rejoice‚ holy light.

Rejoice‚ undefeated weapon.

Rejoice‚ heavenly Angel.

Rejoice‚ godly gift.

Rejoice‚ protector of Christians.

Rejoice‚ who have mercy on the poor.

Rejoice‚ O Holy Martyr Menas the great passion bearer.

Kontakion 9

Let the passions you endured be a help toward our own passions and let the wounds of your body be a protection for the pains that trouble our rest. Give us therefore‚ in perils‚ your patience‚ O Holy Martyr‚ so through it we May achieve the salvation of our souls and strengthen our shortcomings‚ so we can sing: Alleluia!

Eikos 9

With your blood shed for the love of Christ wash the uncleanness of our sins‚all blessed one‚ and with the multitude of your wonders change the minds of those that oppress us so we are not wrongly condemned‚ and they could not darken the truth of our causes according to their will‚ for you are the one that exposes all wickedness and you are worthy for us to sing:  

Rejoice‚ the embrace of those oppressed in judgments.

Rejoice‚ victory of the soldiers that fight for the faith.

Rejoice‚ fertile land of good deeds.

Rejoice‚ beautiful flower from Syria.

Rejoice‚ pearl chosen by God.

Rejoice‚ rose with good fragrance among the thorns of idolatry.

Rejoice‚ precious stone from the treasures of Egypt.

Rejoice‚ gift through which the purpose of the Eastern Magi was fulfilled.

Rejoice‚ cedar grown among the cedars of Lebanon.

Rejoice‚ land irrigated by the Jordan waters.

Rejoice‚ sleepless guardian of the monasteries of the Holy Mountain. 

Rejoice‚ faithful teacher of those who travel to the Holy Sepulcher of our Savior.

Rejoice‚ O Holy Martyr Menas the great passion bearer.

Kontakion 10

The remains of the traveler killed by the wicked host to take his gold he was going to take to your church‚ cutting him in pieces and burying him in the garden‚ you unearthed‚ and‚ next day‚ making him again whole as he was‚ you gave him life. Terrified by this miracle the murderer fell down to your feet and with tears implored mercy. And the travelers awaken as from a dream after death gave glory to God singing: Alleluia!

Eikos 10

In vain was the attempt of the guilty host to hide the killing of the foreigner‚whom spending the night at his place‚ he hosted. And you‚ following him unseen for the love he had for you‚ you showed yourself the next day as a royal soldier‚ asking the host to give you the traveler‚ and him‚ lying about it‚ you discovered his acts and reprimanded him greatly.

Rejoice‚ miracle above all miracles.

Rejoice‚ for you were given the gift to restore and to resurrect the body slain into pieces. 

Rejoice‚ for the guilty one was terrified by your power.

Rejoice‚ for the victim did not know why he was so terrified and hard on himself.

Rejoice‚ for you did not want this miracle to be told immediately.

Rejoice‚ for through your economy both were in great awe.

Rejoice‚ the one that made the traveler fulfill his wish‚ worshiping you.

Rejoice‚ for following on his promise he brought great gifts into your church.

Rejoice‚ helper of all that run to you.

Rejoice‚ helper of all that glorify you.

Rejoice‚ provider of dowry to the poor girls.

Rejoice‚ the one that lifts the burden of those in great debt.

Rejoice‚ O Holy Martyr Menas the great passion bearer.

Kontakion 11

The Mystery of the providence that was fulfilled through you‚ Menas‚ being able to restore the body slain into pieces of the murdered traveler and to bring him back to life‚ is incomprehensible; for this‚ wondering of the gift that was given to you from God‚ in faith we sing: Alleluia! 

Eikos 11

The self loving Eutropious‚ promising a vessel of silver for your church‚ and making two in the same time‚ thought that the one that had your name on it was more beautiful than his; so he decided to keep it for himself. But you disliking this wrongdoing took the vessel from his servant that was bathing in the ship and kept them both in the sea until Eutropious understood his greed and repented.

Rejoice‚ for immediately you took out the servant with the vessel from the sea.

Rejoice‚ for the servant unharmed shown forth to his master.

Rejoice‚ for giving thanks to God‚ he took the vessel in the church.

Rejoice‚ for you have reprimanded Eutropious for his daring act.

Rejoice‚ the restorer of his greedy attitude.

Rejoice‚ for you have saved the innocent servant from death.

Rejoice‚ for in this way you wanted to show the power of true faith.

Rejoice‚ for you changed the wrong will‚ not for the object‚ but for the wrong endeavor

Rejoice‚ for you brought glory to God through your miracle.

Rejoice‚ for His name was glorified through your wonders.

Rejoice‚ for in His name you suffered so you can partake in His victory.

Rejoice‚ O Great Martyr ready to help.

Rejoice‚ O Holy Martyr Menas the great passion bearer.

Kontakion 12

Sophia‚ a women from the land of Fecozalia that was coming to your church to pray‚ seeing her self in danger of being abused by a soldier‚ asked you for help with voice‚ and immediately you saved her‚ exposing him with shame to the others; for this the women gave glory to God singing: Alleluia!  

Eikos 12

The paralytic and a dumb women‚ that were sitting near your church with other sick people‚ waiting for their healing‚ saw you in the middle of the night‚saying: “You‚ the paralytic‚ wake that lady and flee from here”; at what words‚the paralytic‚ for he thought he was being sent away from you‚ was not moving; but you‚ asking him again‚ he had to listen and immediately they realized they were cured.

Rejoice‚ for the paralytic ran away terrified.

Rejoice‚ for the frightened dumb women spoke. 

Rejoice for you have cured other sick also.

Rejoice‚ for you humiliated the unfaithful.

Rejoice‚ for you gave joy to the lovers of Christ. 

Rejoice‚ for you sheltered the foreigners.

Rejoice‚ for you fed the hungry.

Rejoice‚ for you had mercy on the widows.

Rejoice‚ the protector from perils.

Rejoice‚ the savior of Sophia.

Rejoice‚ the comforter of the oppressed.

Rejoice‚ O Holy Martyr Menas the great passion bearer.

Kontakion 13

(said three times)

O‚ all blessed Martyr Menas‚ listen to the voice of our prayer that we bring to you with all our heart‚ save us from all diseases and dangers so we can praise your commemoration and become witnesses of the miracles that‚ with the power of the gift of the Holy Spirit‚ you work for those who sing in faith to you: Alleluia! 

And again we sing the Eikos 1 

Eikos 1

The Word of God enlightened the world by His incarnation‚ and through Him sprung forth the multitude of the martyrs which spilled their blood in great sufferings‚ making themselves protectors of those in need; for this we sing to you:

Rejoice‚ unwaning star.

Rejoice‚ ray of immaterial fire.

Rejoice‚ the light of those at loss.

Rejoice‚ the revealer of the kidnappers.

Rejoice‚ the mystery that exposes the wicked deeds.

Rejoice‚ the dam that stops the drifting.

Rejoice‚ the pillar that hinders the rudeness.

Rejoice‚ the depth that loses the gluttony.

Rejoice‚ the breath that strengthens the hearts of those in suffering.

Rejoice‚ the hand that discovers the lootings.

Rejoice‚ the chain that bonds the lawless.

Rejoice‚ the fog that clouds the unclean thoughts.

Rejoice‚ O Holy Martyr Menas the great passion bearer.

Kontakion 1

The entire world has found you to be a great champion when in grave perils; for many you have saved from losses: tracking the thieves‚ driving away deprivations and fulfilling the requests of those that run to you in faith; for these we pray to you‚ be merciful to us who sing to you: Rejoice‚ O Holy Martyr Menas the great passion bearer.

After this we say this prayer :

Prayer to the Holy Great Martyr and Wonderworker Menas of Egypt.

O‚ Most Holy and all-lauded Great Martyr and wonder-worker Menas; receive this prayer from me‚ your unworthy servant‚ because to you‚ as a true fountain of healings‚ ready to help and miraculous helper‚ I come with tears of repentance to your holy icon and pray: See my loss‚ O Holy Martyr‚ my insufficiency and my wickedness‚ see the wounds and the plague of my soul. Therefore I pray to you‚ blessed and Holy Menas‚ hasten to help me with your holy prayers and sustain me your servant. Take heed to my sorrows and do not overlook me the sinner‚ for I know‚ O Holy Martyr of God that you endured dreadful and terrifying tortures from the lawless ones for the love of Christ‚ but through these sufferings you live enlightened today and you found the gift from God. We are certain that even after your divine passing from this ephemeral life‚ all the ones that asked your help with faith in your church were not deceived and continued to receive your help. For who called you for help and you did not hear? Or who called you‚ O wonder-worker‚ and you overlooked? Or who‚ being at loss and running to your help‚ you did not recovered his deficit?

Your miracles and your help compelled me also‚ the wicked and the sinner‚ to run to your help. I heard of the merchant from the land of Isauria that was coming to your church to pray and not only had you revealed his murderer‚ but you also recovered his loss giving him back the purse with gold; but O‚ great wonder‚ even the dead man‚ cut into pieces‚ you healed and made healthy.

In the same manner you took out of the water the servant of Eutropious with the golden vessel he was holding in his hands‚ because he had promised it to your church. Also the women Sophia‚ that was coming to worship in your temple‚ not only you saved her from the soldier that was forcing her into sin‚but you also reprimanded him according to his deeds. In the same manner the paralytic who was coming to your church you healed immediately. And the dumb woman started speaking and she spoke clearly. So the Judean that gave his Christian friend a sum of money and the Christian denied to have received it‚ taking an oath into your very church‚ you not only saved the Christian from his lying oath‚ but even the Jew‚ seeing the miracle‚ believed in you and became a Christian.  These miracles of yours‚ O Holy Martyr‚ make me believe that you are ready for every good deed and you are ready as a quick and miraculous helper.

Therefore I am convinced that everyone that runs to you‚ asking your help with faith‚ you do not overlook. I also believe that you are the same‚ O Holy Martyr‚yesterday and today‚ and that all that run to you do not return without help. For this I also today‚ being at loss and in distress‚ I run to you in faith and‚ with tears‚ kneeling down‚ I pray to you‚ O Holy and Great Martyr Menas‚ intercede for me‚ the one at loss and in distress‚ to Christ‚ the Son of God that have not overlooked your martyr prayer‚ but listened to you‚ gave you strength and received you in the holy abodes. Pray to Him so I May receive help and mercy through your prayers‚ and I can be saved from my losses and my tribulations‚so I can glorify and bless the all holy name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit‚ now and forever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

(source)

     

St. Menas the Great Martyr and Wonderworker (source)

   

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