St. Porphyrios: "Your house can be a monastery, if you wish..."

An Orthodox Family that gathers in prayer and love at home (source)

  
"Your house can be a monastery, if you wish. There is no difference in this. It is sufficient for you to do what I am saying. It is not the place that makes the Monastery. It is the way of life. Go, pray, and have patience in everything...One can be in Omonia Square***, and there have a concentrated nous like he on Mount Athos. And one can be on Athos, and not have a concentrated nous, like he is in Omonia."
-St. Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia
  
(source)
  
***Note: Omonia Square in Athens is a busy and distracted square in Athens. Compare to Times Square in New York City. Of note, St. Porphyrios worked for many years in the Polyclinic of Athens right here, and proves that one can become a Saint anywhere.
  

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

An Athonite Vigil for the Whole World

The Holy Belt of the Theotokos, Vatopedi Monastery, Mount Athos (source)

  

This Friday evening, March 27th, 2020, all the Athonite Fathers of the Holy Mountain will be serving vigil in prayer for the whole world, that we might be delivered from the threat of Coronavirus. Besides fervent prayer to Christ and His Mother, they will also be seeking the intercessions of St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr, who has throughout history helped deliver many from plagues and infectious diseases (similar to how many are praying to St. Nikephoros the Leper  along with the Holy Unmercenaries for help during this pandemic). May we pray for the Athonite Fathers out of thanksgiving for their unending prayer for the whole world, and may we join them, according to our ability, entreating our Lord to deliver us all.

 

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

Selected hymns to the Newly-Canonized Athonite Elders Joseph the Hesychast and Ephraim and Daniel of Katounakia

St. Joseph the Hesychast - Commemorated August 16 / 28th (source)

 

Excerpts from the service to the Saint Joseph the Hesychast, written by his spiritual son, Elder Joseph of Vatopedi (official translations likely to be offered from his spiritual children at a later date)

Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone. O speedily hearken.

The offspring of Athos and the great adornment of Monks, * defender of ascesis, haven of silence and prayer, * our Father you were revealed to be, * through your life you showed us, Grace's ways of salvation, * saving through your entreaties those who faithfully pray to you. * And therefore intercede with the Lord, * O Righteous Father Joseph.

  

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone. O Champion General.

O Father, through the rivers of your tears were purified, * and through your vigilant prayers to God you were filled with light, * and adorned by your Bridegroom, with the soul's pure raiment, * and you lived life incorruptible while on the earth, * having imitated lives of the Monastic Saints, and with them you pray * for salvation for those hon'ring you.

St. Joseph the Hesychast, depicted with his spiritual sons (source)

   
Oikos

The offspring of Athos you appeared to be, and the boast of Monastics, having shown forth in the latter years, in which faithlessness and carelessness have multiplied, while you in no way were swayed by delusion or laziness. Come, therefore, let us imitate his zeal and God-loving fervor, for he loved God with his whole being, and cleaved to Him alone throughout his life. But, our most-compassionate Father Joseph, we entreat you, together along with the Choir of Venerable Saints with whom you rejoice; intercede for salvation for those honoring you.

  
Synaxarion

On this day (August 16th or 28th), we celebrate the memory of our Venerable and God-bearing Father Joseph, the student of hesychasm throughout his life with martyrical endurance, till he departed to the Lord on August 15th. His feast is translated to this day due to the Feast of the Theotokos.

  

Verses

You hasten from the earth to the vault of heaven,

In which you were previously, through theoria.

  

Saint Joseph the Hesychast and Cave-dweller (source)  

Brief biography of St. Joseph the Hesychast from the website of St. Anthony's Monastery in Arizona

Francis Kottis (Saint Joseph’s name before his monastic tonsure) was born in Paros¹ on February 12, 1897, the fourth of seven children to the simple but pious couple George and Maria Kottis. Because of their extreme poverty, Francis left home at the age of seventeen to work in Piraeus² as a merchant to support his large family. When he was twenty-three years old he was engaged to a pious girl and lived in exemplary chastity, never touching his fiancee for fear of coming to the point of kissing her.

One day he beheld a wondrous vision of two angels in the form of palace guards, leading him to serve the heavenly king. After this vision, he became pensive and lost all interest in worldly things; he spent his time reading the lives of saints, especially those of the great ascetic Fathers, which ignited in his heart the desire to become a monk. He then called off his engagement, and in preparation for his life on the Holy Mountain,³ he started conditioning himself to ascetic struggles by fasting and praying in the countryside of Athens. In 1921, after two years of living ascetically in the world, he finally made his way to the Holy Mountain, his heart longing for a God-bearing spiritual guide to teach him the art of noetic prayer, and he began traversing the crags and caves in search of one. After searching for sometime without success, he decided to join the brotherhood of Saint Daniel of Katounakia.⁴ Renowned for his discernment and exalted spiritual life, Saint Daniel chose a moderate ascetical program for his brotherhood. Francis, however, was inclined to a more austere spiritual life and total dedication to unceasing prayer of the heart, which requires great silence and humility, and thus he stood out from the rest of the brotherhood. Saint Daniel knew he could not stay with his brotherhood, but he also knew that Francis needed a companion, a fellow ascetic, in order to avoid delusion. So he told him that until a co-struggler could be found for him, he should cultivate the Jesus Prayer alone in some remote cave, coming to him occasionally for spiritual guidance. One day, after suffering many temptations, he was granted a vision of the uncreated light, and he received the gift of ceaseless prayer. From that point on until his death, the prayer was said in his heart unceasingly, granting him exalted spiritual states and divine visions. Eventually, a suitable co-struggler, Father Arsenios, was sent to him by Saint Daniel. These two spiritual warriors would be inseparable companions for the rest of their lives, leading an austere ascetical life together. In the beginning Father Arsenios regarded Francis as his geronda,⁵ even though Father Arsenios had already been tonsured a monk and Francis was still a layman. However, on the Holy Mountain, to be a geronda, you have to be obedient to a geronda until his death. Therefore, following Saint Daniel’s advice they became disciples of two humble old gerondas in Katounakia named Joseph and Ephraim. It was not long before one of them, Saint Joseph, reposed in the Lord. Geronda Ephraim, now their sole geronda, was soon convinced by the exceptional lifestyle of young Francis that this spiritual warrior should be officially enrolled in the angelic monastic order. Thus, the day of his monastic tonsure was set for Sunday, August 31, 1925, the commemoration day of the deposition of the precious sash of the Theotokos. His tonsure took place in the cave of Saint Athanasios the Athonite,⁶ and he received the name Joseph, after his reposed geronda. After some years, Geronda Ephraim also fell asleep in the Lord, and the young Father Joseph became a proper geronda. Soon he began attracting monastic aspirants, but few of them were able to endure his severe ascetic program. Eventually, the nucleus of his brotherhood would consist of five disciples: his co-ascetic Father Arsenios; Father Athanasios, his brother in the flesh; Father Joseph the Cypriot, who would later become the geronda of the Holy Monastery of Vatopaidi;⁷ Father Ephraim, later abbot of the Holy Monastery of Philotheou⁸ and future geronda of thirty-three monasteries in Greece, the US, and Canada, including Saint Anthony’s Monastery in Arizona; and Father Haralambos, later abbot of the Holy Monastery of Dionysiou.⁹ Also, it is noteworthy to mention Saint Ephraim of Katounakia;¹⁰ although he belonged to a different brotherhood, he was guided spiritually by Saint Joseph, and thus is also considered one of his disciples. In 1938, seeking greater solitude, Saint Joseph and his community moved from Saint Basil’s Skete to a cave at Little Saint Anne’s,¹¹ but after 15 years of living in the harsh conditions of Little Saint Anne’s, the fathers’ health started to deteriorate, and so in 1953, Saint Joseph decided to move the community farther down the mountain, near the sea, to New Skete,¹² where he would spend the last six years of his life. A few months before his death, he was visited by the Virgin Mary, whom he held in special reverence, and was promised by her, that she would take him on her feast day. Thus the saint fell asleep in the Lord, on August 15, 1959, the day the Orthodox Church celebrates the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God. Saint Joseph’s legacy has been carried on by his disciples, who have reestablished the practice of noetic prayer and watchfulness on the Holy Mountain, brought Athonite monasticism to the United States and Canada, and encouraged many Orthodox faithful through the publishing of his life and letters. Today the spiritual grandchildren of Saint Joseph, who endearingly refer to him as “Pappou Iosif” (Grandfather Joseph in Greek), call upon him to help them in their spiritual life, and he in turn stands before the throne of God and intercedes for his spiritual children and grandchildren, and all those who call upon him.

(source)

 

Megalynarion

The boast of Mount Athos did you become, * and the famed pinnacle of the perfect hesychasts, * O rejoice, O Joseph, and mystic like Palamas, * of the uncreated grace, which shines upon us all.

(source)

  

The New Choir of Athonite Fathers: Saints Joseph the Hesychast, Ephraim of Katounakia, Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia and Paisios the Athonite (source)

 

Selected hymns from the service to St. Ephraim of Katounakia (Commemorated February 27th), written by Dr. Charalampos Bousias, Hymnographer of the Patriarchate of Alexandria

 

Apolytikion in the Plagal of the First Tone. Let us worship the Word.

O newly-shining lamp-lighter of noetic prayer, as a dweller of Katounakia and a light of the Holy Mountain, who illumined all with the light of your virtues, O most-divine Ephraim, who proceeded to the heights of theosis, dispassion and nepsis: Do not cease to entreat Christ for us.

 

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone.

Let us praise the hard-working, prayerful and neptic ascetic of Katounakia, who was lifted up from every baseness of the nous towards the virtues through purification, as one equal to the Angels, let us mortals praise him with psalms and divine hymns, crying out: Rejoice, O most-divine Father.

 

Oikos

The Angels were astonished, beholding your feats in Katounakia, O Ephraim, and the chaste citizens of Athos beheld the grace that dwelt in you through your monastic way of life, and they cry out these things with compunction in soul:

Rejoice, bodiless one bearing flesh,

Rejoice, inheritor of Heaven.

Rejoice, defender of dispassion and nepsis,

Rejoice, fellow-dweller with non-possessiveness and grace.

Rejoice, unassailable foundation of prayer of the heart,

Rejoice, greatly-varied stream of perfect obedience.

Rejoice, you who were a disciple at the feet of Joseph,

Rejoice, you who showed to all the virtue of your heart.

Rejoice, godly offspring of Thebes,

Rejoice, goodness by canon and knowledge.

Rejoice, dweller of Katounakia,

Rejoice, protector of those who approach you.

Rejoice, O all-venerable Father.

 

Synaxarion

On this day (February 27th), the memory of our Venerable and God-bearing Father Ephraim, who lately lived in asceticism in Katounakia.

 

Verses

Obedience, prayer and a harsh way of life

You lived, O Ephraim, in Katounakia.

   

Sts. Joseph the Hesychast and Ephraim of Katounakia (source)

  

Brief life of Saint Ephraim of Katounakia

Our Venerable and God-bearing Father Ephraim, who lived in asceticism in Katounakia of Athos in a God-pleasing manner, was born on December 6th, 1912 in Ampelochorio of Thebes. A child of parents with four children, John and Victoria Papanikita, he received in holy baptism the name Evangelos. From childhood, he loved Christ and was raised beside monks and nuns, desiring to imitate their way of life equal to the Angels. In Thebes he came to know his later spiritual fathers Ephraim and Nikephoros, and he became their grace-filled novice in the cell of the Venerable Ephraim the Syrian in Katounakia. He struggled from childhood spiritually with ceaseless prayer of the heart, the bending of the knees, fasting and utter obedience, towards the perfection of virtue and theosis. On September 14th 1933, the youth Evangelos left the world and proceeded to the holy Mount Athos to life the angelic way of life besides his spiritual fathers Nikephoros and Ephraim. After six months he was tonsured a monk of the little schema with the name Longinos. In 1935 he was tonsured a great-schema monk with the name Ephraim, and was later ordained a Priest of the Most-high God. Through divine grace and the blessing of his Elder, he was spiritually united with the Venerable Joseph the Hesychast, who helped him on his ascetical path. After the repose of Elder Nikephoros in 1973, who was truly harsh in his training, while the Venerable Ephraim was obedient to him willingly and without grumbling, he continued in his synodeia. This teaches us that, all things come from utter and true obedience to spiritual guides out of love for Christ, and is the only way to escape the assaults of Belial. He was made worthy of revelations of God in ecstasy during the Divine Liturgy, beholding unspeakable states. He richly received from God the grace of discernment, and was shown to be a preserver of the traditions of the Fathers, having a true Orthodox mindset, and having fled the honors and glory of men. Venerable Ephraim, from youth had the thorn in his flesh of vision problems, and needed stronger corrective lenses over time. After a stroke in 1996, he remained bed-bound until his repose on February 14/27th 1998, and he was buried in the cemetery of his cell. His precious and myrrh-streaming Relics were uncovered and are treasured in his cell named after the Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, and have been shown to be a spring of healings.

 

Megalynarion.

Rejoice, you who lived the life surpassing nature in asceticism in Katounakia, and approached Heaven through your vigils, prayers and nepsis, O spirit-bearing Ephraim, the pride of Athos.

(source)

  

Icon depicting Deisis with Christ, the Theotokos, and Sts. Panteleimon, Athanasios and Peter of Athos above. Below are depicted Saints Nektarios the Wonderworker, Arsenios of Paros and Daniel of Katounakia (source)

 

Selected hymns from the service to St. Daniel of Katounakia (Commemorated the Monday after the Sunday of the Athonite Fathers, or the Second Sunday of Matthew after Pentecost), written by Dr. Charalampos Bousias, Hymnographer of the Patriarchate of Alexandria

 

Apolytikion in the Plagal of the First Tone. Let us worship the Word.

You lived a chaste way of life on Athos, O adornment of Katounakia, and Daniel, who became like God, as you tirelessly gathered sweet honey from the crags like a bee, O wise one. Therefore, we who have all been nourished by your graces partake of your favor.

 

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone. O Champion General.

The follower of the virtue and discernment of the Venerable Athonite Fathers let us praise, who shown forth with wisdom and self-control, as an unerring guide to the faithful in mind, who became all things to everyone. Let us cry out to Daniel, who is beloved of Christ: Rejoice, O venerable one.

St. Joseph the Hesychast, depicted with his spiritual sons (source)

 

Oikos

Desiring the things of Heaven, O Daniel, you wisely lived your life, and therefore, you despised all things that pass away, and in Katounakia, inclined your nous towards the Lord, rousing the choirs of ascetics to cry out to you:

Rejoice, pearl of Athos,

Rejoice, director towards wisdom.

Rejoice, sweetly-singing swallow of self-control,

Rejoice, fellow dweller with the noetic armies [of the Angels].

Rejoice, precious offspring of Smyrna, who was deified through asceticism,

Rejoice, sweet and refreshing drink from the divine spring.

Rejoice, radiance of those who live in asceticism on Athos,

Rejoice, joy of the sacred Fathers of the desert.

Rejoice, ever-radiant light-house of purity,

Rejoice, golden tower of estrangement [from the world].

Rejoice, friend of the sacred Nektarios,

Rejoice, lamp of the choir of ascetics.

Rejoice, O venerable Daniel.

 

Synaxarion

On this day, the memory of our Venerable and God-bearing Father Daniel, who lately lived in the desert of Katounakia on Athos.

 

Verses.

Christ, Whom you hymned in asceticism on Athos,

You now hymn with your lips, O Daniel, in Heaven.

St. Daniel of Katounakia (source)

  

Brief life of St. Daniel of Katounakia

The founder of the monastic brotherhood of the Danielaioi, in Katounakia of Athos, our Venerable Father Daniel lately shown forth with the rays of the ascetical way of life, and illumined all the people bearing the name of Christ through his unerring guidance, and wise teachings. He was from Smyrna, from a large family, and from childhood desired to please Christ and to offer his life to Him.  To this end, and through the blessing of St. Arsenios of Paros and of his mother, he left for Athos. He lived in asceticism in obedience and humility in the Monasteries of St. Panteleimon and Vatopedi, and later in the desert of Katounakia, as desert-loving sparrow. There, he lived a way of life equal to the Angels, and through his written teachings, he guided towards theosis a multitude of piously-minded people and monastics, including the nuns of Kehrovouniou Monastery of Tinos, and the Monastery of the Holy Trinity [and St. Nektarios] on Aegina. He was united with a close friendship with the Venerable Nektarios, and greatly gave rest to the friend of Greek letters, Alexandros Moraitis. He was discerned by his ceaseless prayer and his estrangement from all things of this life, and was numbered together with the ranks of the Angels. In the cell of the Holy Athonite Fathers in Katounakia, he founded his synodeia, which is known for its hospitality like its Elder and Founder, and is also known for its musical education and beautiful chanting, and there is treasured the Saint's precious and grace-flowing Relics.

 

Megalynarion

Rejoice, the canon of discernment, O Daniel, the newly-shining adornment of the Fathers. Rejoice, you who ceaselessly lived the monastic life, and guided to the life to come, O Athonite of godly mind.

(source)

  

Saint Joseph the Hesychast (source)

  

See here for a video of the Athonite Fathers of Vatopedi chanting the apolytikia of these newly-canonized Fathers for the first time. May we have their blessing!

 

The Newly-canonized Athonite Fathers: Saints Joseph the Hesychast, Ephraim and Daniel of Katounakia (source)

 

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

Selected hymns to St. Ieronymos of Simonopetra

St. Ieronymos of Simonopetra (Source)

  
Selected hymns to St. Ieronymos of Simonopetra,
translated from the Greek service in his honor, written by Metropolitan Joel of Edessa
(note, hymns not set to match the meter)
  

Apolytikion in the Plagal of the First Tone.

The adornment of the Athonite Fathers, and the root of the Sacred Cenobium of Simonopetra, you have been shown to be in these latter days, O Ieronymos, for you have risen as a light in the city of Athens, illumining the multitudes of the faithful, and do not cease to intercede on behalf of us who hymn you.

St. Ieronymos of Simonopetra (source)

  

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone.

As a most exact imitator of the Venerable Saints, and Abbot of Athos, Ieronymos, the faithful praise you from their heart, for you lived in Athens like an angel, and guided many to the Savior. Therefore, we cry out to you: Rejoice, O all-famed Father.
   

St. Ieronymos of Simonopetra (source)

     

Oikos.

You shown as an angel on Athos, O Ieronymos, in the latter days, O God-bearer, as the Abbot of the Monastery of our Blessed and Venerable Father Simon, and you illumined both monastics and those in the world, who cry out to you:
Rejoice, the vessel of many graces,
Rejoice, member of the choir of the Saints.
Rejoice, boast of the Cenobium of Simon,
Rejoice, hymn of praise of the whole of Athos.
Rejoice, for you humbled yourself for Christ,
Rejoice, for you conquered the unseen enemy.
Rejoice, for you shown forth amidst the Athenians,
Rejoice, for manfully you ruled over your passions.
Rejoice, the boast of unmarried men,
Rejoice, boldness for chaste married people.
Rejoice, staff for many living in the world,
Rejoice, healing of the afflictions of mortals.
Rejoice, O all-famed Father.
  

Illumination from the official manuscript of the Patriarchal Proclamation of the Canonization of St. Ieronymos of Simonopetra, depicting the Saint confessing pilgrims at Holy Ascension (source)

Synaxarion

On the 9th of this month (May), the memory of our Venerable Father Ieronymos of Simonopetra, who reposed in Athens on the 6th of January, and as this day is the glorious feast of Theophany, his feast is transferred to this day [the translation of his Holy Relics.]
  

St. Ieronymos of Simonopetra (source)

     

Verses

O Ieronymos, remember all of those,

Who praise your memory in hymns.

  

Illumination from the official manuscript of the Patriarchal Proclamation of the Canonization of St. Ieronymos of Simonopetra, depicting The Dormition of St. Ieronymos of Simonopetra (source)

  
This, our new Venerable Father Ieronymos of Simonopetra, was born in 1871 in Reis-Dere of Asia Minor to pious parents  Nicholas and Maria, who raised him, teaching him the law of the Lord. At a young age, he entered the cenobium of Simonopetra on Mount Athos, and was discerned there for his humility, his prayer and his obedience. He was made Abbot of this uplifted Monastery of the Venerable Simon. 

St. Ieronymos of Simonopetra (source)

He was known for his asceticism and his virtue of discernment. When he later resigned the Abbacy, he was placed at the Metochion of the Divine Ascension in Vyrona of Athens. He was a man of prayer, worship and almsgiving. He showed signs of the prophetic charism. He reposed in the Lord venerably in Athens on December 24th of the Old Calendar, and January 6th of the New Calendar in 1957. He showed forth many signs of holiness, both to those asleep and awake. His feast is translated to the 9th of May, which was the day of the translation of his Holy Relics.

St. Ieronymos of Simonopetra (Source)

  

Megalynarion

Rejoice, you who underscored asceticism, the pride of Athos, the joy of the Athenians. Rejoice, the radiant vessel of the Venerable, and the Abbot of the Monastery of Simon, O Ieronymos.
(source)
  

The Sacred Icon and Relics of St. Ieronymos of Simonopetra, treasured by the Holy Dependency of the Ascension of Christ, Vyrona, Athens, where the Saint served for many years and later reposed (source)

  

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

Akathist to St. Kosmas Aitolos, the New Hieromartyr and Equal-to-the-Apostles

St. Kosmas Aitolos the New Hieromartyr (source)

  
Akathist to St. Kosmas Aitolos, the New Hieromartyr and Equal-to-the-Apostles, New Enlightener of Greece
  
Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone.
The all-praised and valorous one among the New Martyrs, and the God-inspired root of Aitolia, let us hymn Kosmas, crying out with one voice: Through your intercessions before the Compassionate One, deliver those who honor you from dangers, that they might cry to you: Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
You appeared to be an Angel guiding all of Greece, revealing things divine, O Kosmas, (3) and through your preparation in a godly manner, you made the teachings of the Hagarenes to disappear. Therefore, we offer to you this graceful ode, and cry out these things:
Rejoice, through whom Christ is glorified,
Rejoice, through whom the enemy is deposed.
Rejoice, the all-glorious son of Aitolia,
Rejoice, the thrice-joyous nourisher of piety.
Rejoice, multicolored crown of pious priests,
Rejoice, unfading rose of holy athletes.
Rejoice, treasure of impoverished Greeks,
Rejoice, you who dissipate faithless foreigners.
Rejoice, you who fight against the armies of atheists,
Rejoice, you have joined the choirs of the Saints.
Rejoice, through whom the multitudes are made to remember,
Rejoice, through whom the faith is strengthened.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
You loved the life of virginity and purity from a young age, and you hastened to Panagia's Mountain [Athos] with insatiable desire for asceticism, O Kosmas, ever crying out with joy: Alleluia.
  
Truly, the divine darkness seized your nous from the things of the earth in an awesome manner, O Kosmas, and desiring the life pleasing to God, you dwelt in the Monastery of Philotheou. Therefore, you became a type for all those who cry out these things:
Rejoice, teacher of chastity,
Rejoice, mystic of hesychia.
Rejoice, the most-sacred canon of earthly and heavenly things,
Rejoice, radiant robe of virgins.
Rejoice, high hard to climb of mystical visions of God,
Rejoice, voluminous tome of ineffable thoughts.
Rejoice, you who deprived yourself of comforts,
Rejoice, you who rent slavery for those upon the earth.
Rejoice, whose way of life equaled the Angels in all things,
Rejoice, divine spouse of poverty.
Rejoice, merchant of purity,
rejoice, fighter against evil.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
You poured forth your holy prayer which served as an antidote against teachings and thoughts of sin, and against the dishonorable assaults of the passions filled with stench, and, O godly-minded one, you proceeded as a sword against them, crying out to the Savior: Alleluia.
  
Though you brought joy to the ranks of the bodiless Angels, who beheld the height of your godly knowledge, how could the multitudes of the people not hasten to praise you with words, O Champion? For they gather today to honor your memory and to cry out to you, O God-bearer:
Rejoice, grape-cluster of reverence,
Rejoice, shield of manliness.
Rejoice, possessor of heavenly streams,
Rejoice, you who fill with amazing graces.
Rejoice, deposer of the passions of the demons,
Rejoice, you who sought the repose of the Bodiless.
Rejoice, you who partake of the desirable things for those who love God,
Rejoice, you who stood against pleasures in a manly manner.
Rejoice, radiant chosen one of the Trinity,
Rejoice, tiller of the Holy Mountain.
Rejoice, perfect knower of love,
Rejoice, you who obtained eternal life.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.

Living upon the Holy Mountain in the divine Spirit, you tasted of heavenly gifts, and became a light shining upon a stand, driving away the darkness of passions that afflict the soul, O all-blessed one, as you cried out in mind the hymn: Alleluia.
   

St. Kosmas Aitolos (source)

  
They came as lions with terrible cries upon the human-minded people under the yoke [of slavery], and you arose and went to them, bringing the voice of Paul, as you in all things were poor like him. Therefore, we cry out to you:
Rejoice, the adornment of the Angels,
Rejoice, the foundation of orators.
Rejoice, you who corrode enemy tyrants,
Rejoice, beloved one of the greatly-pained Greeks.
Rejoice, for you dispersed the bonds of faithlessness,
Rejoice, for you warm the souls of those in bonds.
Rejoice, eternal shame for those who deny Christ,
Rejoice, heavenly peace of the Orthodox.
Rejoice, vessel of manliness in soul,
Rejoice, joyous diadem of the Venerable.
Rejoice, you who exalt the horn of the faithful,
Rejoice, you who rout the ranks of the enemies.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
As God-slaying beasts, many were enraged by you, O God-bearer, but through your asceticism, you became like sparrow, O divine Kosmas, being arrayed with beauty in soul, and with fasting and prayer, you cried out with your voice ceaselessly: Alleluia.
   
Your divine inspiration to deliver from mania, aroused the children of Hagar to slay you, as you bore the prayer of [Christ] the Arch-Sacrifice, while the manly race of Greeks cries out:
Rejoice, offspring of Aitolia,
Rejoice, adornment of Macedonia.
Rejoice, divine hyacinth of Epirus,
Rejoice, fragrant narcissus of Illyria.
Rejoice, you who fortified Nafpaktos and Agrapha with gifts,
Rejoice, you who honored Skiathos and Skopelos with teachings.
Rejoice, lyre of Corfu,
Rejoice, trumpet of Parga.
Rejoice, unassailable wall of Zitsa,
Rejoice, godly boast of Konitsa.
Rejoice, moon-bearing lamp of Cheimarras,
Rejoice, pride of all of Greece.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
O Father, through your preaching of piety and the dogmas of the Fathers, you condemned the lynching by atheism, boldly chanting against those who deny Christ and drying up their currents, while you honored the Holy Trinity, teaching them to cry out: Alleluia.
  
Having been withered by the grace of your words, the children of Hagar cast their webs to catch you like a spider, O Kosmas, and you were shown to be perfect to the ranks of other faiths, and to you we cry out in song:
Rejoice, light of Ioannina.
Rejoice, pasture of theologians.
Rejoice, you who changed the mindset of thieves,
Rejoice, you who revealed the fall of the murderer.
Rejoice, equal of Paul and radiant type.
Rejoice, newly-founded surrounding wall of Venerable Champions.
Rejoice, for you foretold of the deliverance of the Ionian,
Rejoice, for you foresaw the fall of the tyrants.
Rejoice, for you spoke beforehand of the rising of Klada,
Rejoice, for you told of the deposition of many.
Rejoice, you who cast to the ground the storm of the enemies,
Rejoice, you who hated earthly wealth.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
The Greek people gathered from the multitude of your words as dripping honey, as they were shown the way of salvation through your words chosen by God, for you spoke to mankind, O one blessed by God, who now chant along with you: Alleluia.
  

St. Kosmas Aitolos (source)

  

You appeared as a new Paul in these latter years, and through your journeys and struggles, O Champion, you dissolved the godless army of the Hagarenes, as you directed your nous to the things of Heaven, as we cry out to you:
Rejoice, theologian and preacher,
Rejoice, soul-nourishing teacher.
Rejoice, deliverer of the woman from the demons,
Rejoice, censurer of bitter adulterers.
Rejoice, greatly-beloved flower that gives fragrance to the faithful,
Rejoice, unassailable wall that drives back the enemies.
Rejoice, you who sowed the word of piety,
Rejoice, you who brought light to those in the shadows of sin.
Rejoice, eternal spring of graces,
Rejoice, true and calm harbor.
Rejoice, O Kosmas, adornment of priests,
Rejoice, O Kosmas, divine adornment of the whole world.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
A truly strange sight by men working evil, as they saw the choir of the faithful listening to your words, O all-joyous one, and their souls were transformed, as they were compelled to cry out with you, O wise one: Alleluia.
  
The God-bearing Prophet, in the land of Epiros, spoke the word of the Lord, seeing beforehand that the mountains of Levkados would be a perfect refuge for people, as you blessed the ends of the world, while the multitudes cry out to you these things:
Rejoice, astonishment of those of other races,
Rejoice, deliverance of our race.
Rejoice, boldness for the leaders of the Greeks,
Rejoice, pain for those Hebrews who hate Christ.
Rejoice, for you wondrously cut off the storm at Souliou,
Rejoice, for you speedily cast out the pride of the atheists.
Rejoice, for you hasten to the prayers of the pious,
Rejoice, for you shake the thrones of the impious.
Rejoice, radiant knowledge of grace,
Rejoice, chaste vessel of faith.
Rejoice, fellow mouth of the poor,
Rejoice, tongue of enslaved peoples.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
Breathing rage, the God-killers fell upon you, the offspring of Aitolia, and Champion Kosmas, while you revealed Christ to them, and they spoke in whispers, while the faithful cried out: Alleluia.
  
You poured forth the waters of piety through your newly-granted graces, granting the sweetness of healings, and watering all, O ever-memorable one, who hymn your glorious memory, and cry out to you:
Rejoice, waves of gifts,
Rejoice, protector of sacred dogmas.
Rejoice, you who lifted up well-adorned women,
Rejoice, you who cast down men who are lovers of wealth.
Rejoice, for you made to triumph the fighters for unity,
Rejoice, for you made foolish the leaders of the world powers.
Rejoice, for you healed the burdens of the poor,
Rejoice, for you made the wealthy nation disappear.
Rejoice, all-perfect sacrifice of Christ,
Rejoice, our ready defender.
Rejoice, the deliverer from all trials,
Rejoice, savior from incomparable dangers.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
You blew the new trumpet of salvation, revealing the Kingdom of Christ. For through your abundant teachings, you made to wither the fires of passion, teaching those who heard you to ceaselessly cry out: Alleluia.
  

St. Kosmas Aitolos (source)

  
You desired to die amidst the pains of martyrdom more than anything, O Hieromartyr, as you sought to be hung on behalf of Christ, O Father of Champions, and you were made crimson through your precious blood, O Kosmas graced by God, and therefore we all cry out to you:
Rejoice, God-bearing Martyr,
Rejoice, great trophy-bearer.
Rejoice, you who were zealous willingly for feats [of martyrdom],
Rejoice, you who willingly desired to wrestle [the enemy].
Rejoice, you who joyously were baptized in fire and water,
Rejoice, you who astonished the enemy through the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, for you showed the way of endurance,
Rejoice, for you dissipate the choir of the lawless,
Rejoice, stranger to the ways of the [worldly] life,
Rejoice, mighty worker, causing trembling in the demons.
Rejoice, defender of many pregnant women,
Rejoice, victory of Orthodox peoples.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
You guide us all to offer up hymns of doxology, in honor of your precious head, as you say, along with the Prophet David: "We have passed through the fire of the lawless, and have come to repose", and to the Lord you cry out: Alleluia.
  
You enlighten the multitudes with light, as you were shown to be a pillar and our teacher through your martyrdom, and through the streams of your blood, you watered the ranks of other peoples, who are astonished at your deeds, and who cry out along with us:
Rejoice, fellow-traveler of the Righteous,
Rejoice, Saint of the Greeks.
Rejoice, you who gladdened the ranks of the Venerable Saints,
Rejoice, you who increased the feast of the Martyrs.
Rejoice, for you have blessed the ends of the earth,
Rejoice, for you given thanks to the Giver of life.
Rejoice, all-fragrant pasture of Priests,
Rejoice, all-praised pride of Champions.
Rejoice, free healer of the sick,
Rejoice, ever-flowing stream of wonders.
Rejoice, unemptying spring of miracles,
Rejoice, you who partake of the pastures of freedom.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
Through the grace of the Paraclete [the Comforter], your Body was taken up from the waters by Mark, who rejoiced as one who found gold tried in the furnace, and which was then hidden within the earth by your children, O one blessed by God, as they cried out in reverence the hymn: Alleluia.
  
As we chant to you melodiously, we praise your end, as ones who are lovers of Martyrs, for you willingly were sacrificed for Christ like a lamb, and through your faith poured forth your blood, astonishing us all, as we cry out to you these things, O God-bearer:
Rejoice, radiant founder of crowns,
Rejoice, new guide of the Venerable Saints.
Rejoice, august Temple of the Trinity,
Rejoice, wise teacher of men.
Rejoice, divine adornment of Orthodox Monastics,
Rejoice, height hard to climb of supreme virtues.
Rejoice, for you adorned the earth of Illyria,
Rejoice, for you watered the gardens of Greece.
Rejoice, ode chanted to Christ,
Rejoice, dwelling-place of the pure life.
Rejoice, partaker of eternal nourishment,
Rejoice, joiner in the table with the Angels.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
O all-praised Father, the adornment of the Orthodox, and Hieromartyr of the Lord, Kosmas, (3) we who cry out from the depths of our heart, entreat you to never cease to intercede for us, strengthening those who hymn you, and who cry out to the Savior: Alleluia.

And again, the Kontakion.  
(source)

 

St. Kosmas Aitolos (source)

  

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

Akathist to St. Sophrony of Essex

St. Sophrony of Essex (source)

  
Akathist to St. Sophrony of Essex
Translated from the original Greek text, written by an anonymous Athonite Monk, "To the newly-revealed Venerable Elder Sophrony, descended from Russia, who lived in asceticism on Athos, and shown in all things as a spiritual guide in Europe as well, and in Great Britain, showed the ways of godly knowledge in the Holy Spirit, and founded there the Holy Monastery of the Precious Forerunner and Baptist John."
  

Sts. Sophrony of Essex and Silouan the Athonite, from the Monastery of St. John in Essex (source)

  
Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone
You were fortified by the Spirit from childhood, O Sophrony, and were zealous for the ways of Christ. You fled the delusion of Asia, and were made beautiful among the sacred monks of Athos, and the light of your philosophy, divine words and books has shown forth from the East to the West.
  
You were shown to all to be a light-bearing guide, O Sophrony, beloved of Christ, (3) and now in the Heavens, you dwell with all the Saints entreating Christ. Do not cease to seek salvation for all who cry out:
Rejoice, you who shown forth in the last years,
Rejoice, you who lived a perfect life.
Rejoice, you who left the land of Russia, O Sophrony,
Rejoice, speaker to Orthodox flocks.
Rejoice, you who beheld the Uncreated Light greatly from childhood,
Rejoice, you who experienced the abyss of darkness and terrible alienation.
Rejoice, you who fled New Age religion as a sparrow,
Rejoice, vessel teaching to all Orthodox teachings.
Rejoice, you who are governed by the Light of Christ,
Rejoice, you who drive far away the darkness of Satan.
Rejoice, O Blessed Sophrony.
  
Having fled Orthodoxy and seeking salvation, you then returned to Christ in truth, and wholly offered your soul to the way of repentance and struggles everywhere, having left Russia and France, you hastened speedily to Athos, crying out: Alleluia.
  
Desiring divine knowledge philosophically, you sought [Truth] in drawing and art, but you later found the divine Giver of Wisdom [Christ] in the monastic life, as you rejoiced in the cenobium as a holy witness of His. Therefore, we cry out to you:
Rejoice, you who hastened to the flock of Christ,
Rejoice, you who fled vain deeds.
Rejoice, you who were zealous for the mindset of obedience,
Rejoice, you who joined the city of Christ.
Rejoice, for you went to the Monastery of St. Panteleimon on Athos,
Rejoice, for you followed the path of this Saint and Martyr.
Rejoice, for you looked upon St. Silouan as your Elder,
Rejoice, for you who beheld monasticism as rising above the passions.
Rejoice, you who had tears of mourning,
Rejoice, you who were set aflame with prayers and nepsis.
Rejoice, you who were not swayed by the bitterness of the demons,
Rejoice, you who were proved a soldier of Christ.
Rejoice, O Sophrony, bearer of pain.
  
To you was given the greatly-multiplied Grace of Monasticism, and later the Priesthood, O Sophrony, and you became a father, and guide and shepherd of monks on Athos, offering the remission of offenses through the power of Christ, to Whom you cried out: Alleluia.
  
Monks readily hastened to gather guidance from you on Athos, O Sophrony, while you desired a deserted place, which you found on the cliffs of Athos, where you dwelt in asceticism, bearing tears, and therefore we say to you:
Rejoice, friend of the wise and of the Saints,
Rejoice, utter enemy of the demons.
Rejoice, minister of the people bearing the name of Christ,
Rejoice, utterly perfect physician of monastics.
Rejoice, you who lived philosophically with nepsis and ceaseless prayers,
Rejoice, you whose nous was enriched with Christ and sacred theology.
Rejoice, you who bore afflictions and pains,
Rejoice, you who endured many illnesses and evils for Christ.
Rejoice, for you were meek and filled with grace,
Rejoice, you who struck the ungraceful demons.
Rejoice, you who lived amidst wars,
Rejoice, you who consumed all the twisted ways of the demons.
Rejoice, O mighty Sophrony.
  
With the zeal of the Divine Spirit, and with grateful obedience of your Monastery, O Sophrony, you left for the land of France, serving the flock of Christ as a spirit-bearer, and you wisely saved souls, singing to the Holy Spirit: Alleluia.
  

St. Sophrony of Essex (source)

  
You traveled to Britain, O Sophrony, preparing a house for the Orthodox by founding the Monastery of St. John the Baptist, giving to drink of strange [good] wine to those of another place and amidst other faiths, and therefore we say to you:
Rejoice, you who lived the Orthodox faith,
Rejoice, you who were shown perfect in deeds.
Rejoice, you who lived as an Equal-to-the-Apostles in Britain,
Rejoice, you who sowed the Light of the Divine Spirit.
Rejoice, you who mystically filled the mountain with monastics,
Rejoice, example for traveling among those of other faiths.
Rejoice, you who abided in the traditions of the Church,
Rejoice, you who fled heresies of other faiths.
Rejoice, spring of water of the Spirit,
Rejoice, unsleeping flame and lamp.
Rejoice, you whose words and deeds shown before all,
Rejoice, you who joined together deeds and words.
Rejoice, O philosopher Sophrony.
  

With your theological tongue, you expressed the theology of Apostles of the Savior of old, and bearing the Divine Spirit like them, you steadfastly led the nations to Christ, preaching repentance, as they cried out with you to Christ: Alleluia.

I honor how Christ bestows equal grace upon the humble mourners of these last days as those of the first, and He lifts us up above all dangerous offenses, O Sophrony, as you said to all, and we say again to you:
Rejoice, imitator of Christ in all things,
Rejoice, you who lived the faith of the Saints.
Rejoice, you who received the Spirit of theologians,
Rejoice, you who lived holy humility.
Rejoice, divine liturgist bearing purity of soul,
Rejoice, struggler cutting off a multitude of temptations.
Rejoice, discerning ascetic and slayer of the passions,
Rejoice, you who wisely governed the nature of the body.
Rejoice, you who kept the light yoke of Christ,
Rejoice, enemy mocking the demons.
Rejoice, you who kept your nous in the tortures of Hades,
Rejoice, you who were lifted up through prayer and hope.
Rejoice, O most-steadfast Sophrony.
  
You obtained a nous of the Venerable Saints, a nous of Christ, as the Apostle Paul, moved by the Spirit, bore pains in his life in the Christ, and through the grace of the Resurrection of Christ, you thusly taught all your children to ever do this, chanting together: Alleluia.
  
You distinguished the worldly sadness of death from the joy-making sorrow of pure mourning, clearly showing the causes of both, the former from love of self, a bitter and atheistic death, while the second, one instead of hope and joy. Therefore, we cry out to you:
Rejoice, O comforting Sophrony,
Rejoice, disciple and rhetor of Christ.
Rejoice, scribe of Christ through the Divine Spirit,
Rejoice, author of wise books for the nations.
Rejoice, you who mystically passed on the life of St. Silouan,
Rejoice, for you showed the way of strict asceticism in secret.
Rejoice, you who passed on the way of the Venerable Athonite Fathers,
Rejoice, you who widened the array of all the Saints.
Rejoice, lifter up from the abyss of offenses,
Rejoice, speedy deliverer of souls.
Rejoice, you who granted freedom to souls,
Rejoice, you who showed the compassion of Christ.
Rejoice, O Sophrony, taught by God.
  
Beholding the rage of the legion of demons at the repentance of your former child, as a good Briton and a faithful servant of Athos, as a priest but afflicted in spirit, you approached St. Silouan for the wounded one, seeking salvation, crying out: Alleluia.
     

St. Sophrony of Essex (source)

  
Showing forth victory of the Spirit, you counselled your prodigal son to return to Christ, and even though he was far from you, and crying out in many ways, you wrote to him extensively of the Orthodox Faith to cast out delusion, as one bearing Christ. Therefore, we cry out to you:
Rejoice, book of repentance,
Rejoice, school of salvation.
Rejoice, you who cast off the coverings of delusion,
Rejoice, you who proclaim divine purity.
Rejoice, enlightener of the young Britain living amidst darkness,
Rejoice, light for the people living in the darkness of the world.
Rejoice, you who were adorned with hesychasm and asceticism,
Rejoice, you who lived hesychastically in the community of the nations.
Rejoice, lifter up from the abyss of heresies,
Rejoice, deliverer for those fallen into schism.
Rejoice, who in secret were mystically lifted up,
Rejoice, you who shine forth with divine Light.
Rejoice, O ever-memorable Sophrony.
  
The whole world has come to know your God-inspired books, which are easily read, but filled with words of wisdom of the ancient Scriptures, along with struggles of the ancient Saints, which we have come to know, as you put deeds together with words, as we chant together: Alleluia.
  
You appeared before everyone in the world, O blessed one, being gladsome with the Uncreated Light, and you interacted with others spiritually as true members of Christ, revealing the Church, from which you are honored, as you hear:
Rejoice, worker of noetic prayer,
Rejoice, mystic of Christ and the Saints.
Rejoice, deposer of atheistic civilization,
Rejoice, you who stand before the Saints with perfect deeds.
Rejoice, you who bestowed godly and continual vigilance,
Rejoice, you who kept an appearance of humility and joy of Christ.
Rejoice, you who mightily cast away laziness,
Rejoice, you who drove out all depression.
Rejoice, our perfect teacher,
Rejoice, defender of the poor and afflicted.
Rejoice, speedy helper towards salvation,
Rejoice, fellow traveler on the light path [of Christ].
Rejoice, O most-famed Sophrony.
 
You cast out fear, and vainglorious and false shame in the face of your mighty humility, and those who were lost in the labyrinth of delusion, having heard your wise sermons taught by God, were led to hymn Christ, singing: Alleluia.
  
You were zealous for the words of the illiterate Apostles, Prophets, and Venerable Saints, O Sophrony, whose former struggles you entered into, as the Savior said, being continually inspired by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we say to you:
Rejoice, you who traveled the narrow path,
Rejoice, you who led to the spacious way of Christ.
Rejoice, you who bore witness with the Martyrs,
Rejoice, you who mystically endured as a Saint.
Rejoice, you who were zealous for the life of the Venerable Savas,
Rejoice, you who kept the strength of Pachomios in many ways.
Rejoice, you who traveled the middle path of Euthymios,
Rejoice, you who were obedient like the most-radiant Theodosios.
Rejoice, follower of the Venerable Saints of Athos,
Rejoice, you who joined the lights of Sinai.
Rejoice, light-bearer for Monastics,
Rejoice, pilot for storm-tossed Ascetics.
Rejoice, O most-venerable Sophrony.
  
You filled the choirs of Monastics and Laity with seed, as they desired to imitate your life that imitates Christ, and all generations have reaped the harvest of Christ, as the pious Orthodox everywhere hasten to chant along with you: Alleluia.
  

St. Sophrony of Essex, holding an icon of his beloved spiritual father, St. Silouan the Athonite (source)

  
You ever hasten to multiply steadfastness in soul a hundred-fold, as one of the God-bearing Fathers of the Savior, and an offspring of the Russian Land of St. Sergios, as the founder of Monasteries in the West which have multiplied, as we say to you:
Rejoice, cycle of Monastics,
Rejoice, intercessor for those repenting.
Rejoice, follower of Ascetics of Britain,
Rejoice, fellow traveler with Orthodox Europe.
Rejoice, you who joined the hundred monasteries of the Venerable Columba,
Rejoice, for you possessed many virtues like the Venerable Cuthbert.
Rejoice, fellow mystic with St. Neot of Cornwall,
Rejoice, sharer of the virtues of St. Aidan.
Rejoice, follower of the Venerable Nectan,
Rejoice, equal in way of the Wise Bede.
Rejoice, sharer of the all-joyous Ninian,
Rejoice, you who also joined St. Daniel of Wales.
Rejoice, O most-reverent Sophrony.

You did not fall from divine heights, as one bearing the Grace of humility, as you lived with unfailing love, and you lived as a guide and shepherd, driving away all enemies and demons from us, through the help of the Spirit, O Sophrony, as we hasten to chant together to Christ: Alleluia.
  
Shining with the light of Christ before all, you proceeded to the ranks of all the Saints, with whom your soul has come to dwell, O chaste Sophrony, shining with the Spirit. As you are filled with Him, intercede for those who praise you with these things:
Rejoice, discerning forms of Light,
Rejoice, shower of perfect illumination.
Rejoice, you who dispersed shadows of falsehood,
Rejoice, you who showed the ways of life.
Rejoice, you who continually covered from the darkness of delusion,
Rejoice, you who opened for many the light-bearing way of Christ.
Rejoice, you who burned up the delusion of East Asia,
Rejoice, you who sanctified the lands of Western Europe.
Rejoice, you who honored St. Athanasios the Athonite,
Rejoice, you who kept nepsis like St. Peter [the Athonite].
Rejoice, fellow mystic with St. Martin of Tours,
Rejoice, pointer towards the famed St. Benedict.
Rejoice, O teacher Sophrony.
  
Rejoicing in the Heavens above, you have not abandoned us, O Sophrony, but you pray that we, the poor and afflicted ones who hymn you, might be saved, have become proclaimers of your God-pleasing life, and read your books, bearing the Divine Scriptures, chanting: Alleluia.
  
Into a world frozen by mania against Christ, you have been granted to us as warmth, O Sophrony, as you help us, along with the Saints who everywhere, in all things and always, have taught the ways and words of the One Church, teaching us to say:
Rejoice, founder of the Monastery of the Baptist,
Rejoice, intercessor for our souls,
Rejoice, golden-winged eagle of the Spirit,
Rejoice, you who appear as a lion of Divine Grace.
Rejoice, ox plowing the souls of many Christians,
Rejoice, divine Shepherd, delivering us from evils.
Rejoice, friend of the milk-bearing Saints of the West,
Rejoice, divine nourisher of the Venerable Saints of Britain.
Rejoice, perfect son of St. Silouan,
Rejoice, our Father and all-perfect one.
Rejoice, proclaimer and shower of the light of Christ,
Rejoice, deliverer from darkness and sadness.
Rejoice, God-inspired Sophrony.

O Father Sophrony, who lived philosophically, joining together words and reverent deeds, (3), O theologian of the Divine Light, and worker of joy-making sorrow, pray ceaselessly for nepsis for us, O perfect teacher, as you chant together with the Angels: Alleluia.

And the Kontakion again. 

  

(source)

 

St. Sophrony of Essex (source)

     

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