Vasiliki Rallis on the Revelation of Sts. Raphael, Nicholas and Irene of Lesvos

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!   

This is a moving talk from Mrs. Vasiliki Rallis, who was one of the many simple villagers who witnessed the appearing and miracles and the finding of the Holy Relics of Sts. Raphael, Nicholas and Irene in Thermi of Lesvos. Her talk is in Greek with English subtitles (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!

Quote from Elder Ephraim of Arizona on Holy Pascha

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!

The Resurrection of Christ (source)

March 24th, 1980. Holy Pascha.

Today is the Resurrection of Christ.

"Come, receive the light, from the never-setting light..."

O, never-setting, perfect light that never sets, surpassingly bright and surpassingly white, O how you magnetize my nous, my soul, my heart! I desire you endlessly, with love and eros unending. When will I be made worthy of the gift of the compassion of my Most-Holy God the Father, to partake of You unto the ages of ages!

My unworthiness troubles me, that I am not worthy of such a place among the saved, but I am worthy of hell and of eternal punishment.

The Resurrection, the eternal Pascha, attracts me terribly. It draws me above the state of things. Above heaven. Above to the sure desire, which I greatly desire to find. But, when will this occur?

O Pascha, together with the Angels, with the Saints, dressed in white, who so greatly desire me and attract me! New songs and unspeakable words are chanted and praised to God, with an awesome, but also unspeakable peace and serenity.

O Pascha, without end, and transformation of the unspeakable joy and Festival! My Father and my God, preserve me from every evil that I myself might be made worthy, I the refuse, one day to be found at that Pascha which cannot be described in human words, nor expressed and spoken of.

Rejoice and exalt, you to as well, O my Lady Theotokos, at the arising of Your Son and God. In the divine beauty of your Son and God, remember me, the wretched one, that I might be found together with you in the eternal Pascha!

...It is the day of Resurrection, let us brilliantly shine forth, O people, Pascha, the Lord's Pascha.

I greet you this year, my Pascha.

(source)

Elder Ephraim at Pascha at St. Anthony's Monastery, Arizona (source)

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

Truly He is risen!

St. Leonidas with his Seven Disciples: Sts. Vasilissa, Galini, Theodora, Kallida, Nike, Nounechia and Charissa the Martyrs of Corinth

St. Leonidas with his fellow martyrs and disciples: Sts. Vasilissa, Galini (or Galina), Theodora, Kallida (or Cali), Nike, Nounechia and Charissa (or Chariessa) the Martyrs of Corinth - Commemorated April 16th and on Bright Wednesday (Source)

St. Leonidas with his Seven Disciples: Sts. Vasilissa, Galini (or Galina), Theodora, Kallida (or Kali), Nike, Nounechia and Charissa the Martyrs of Corinth

These holy Martyrs struggled in Corinth during the holy days of Pascha under the reign of the Emperor Decius (249-251AD)

St. Leonidas was "exarch" in the spiritual realm, in other words, was an abbot of a group of disciples of the Lord. They were all seized in Troizinia of the Peloponnese during the days of Holy Week, and led to Corinth. Nounechia and Vasilissa (the mother of Nunechia), Galine, Theodora, Kalida, Nike and Charissa were led with him to the governor Venousto.

There, the governor tried to sway them at first with flattery, but later with threats, to forth St. Leonidas and the seven women to deny their faith in Christ. The Martyrs, however, remained unshaken. Venoustos, doubting that St. Leonidas would remain steadfast in his faith in Christ, ordered him to be hung up high and for his body to be torn apart with terrible instruments. He then gave the command to drown the Martyr in the Corinthian Gulf together with the women Saints.

St. Leonidas the Martyr, before the sea were he was martyred (source)

And though these women Martyrs were led by the executioners and thrown into the sea, they walked upon the waters as on dry land, as St. Charissa chanted like the Prophetess Miriam, while the Egyptians were being drowned in the Red Sea: "I have run one mile, O Lord, and an army pursued me, but I did not deny You, O Lord. Save my spirit." As the boat reached them, they continued to chant odes until their executioners tied them with stones and drowned them in the depth of the sea. The Saints entered into Paradise on the great day of Holy Saturday.

Pious Christians gathered their Holy Relics and buried them, at the place were years later was built the famed Lechaion Basilica, which, at the time of its construction, was the largest known church in the world. The church was destroyed, however, and the Holy Relics of the Saints were lost until 1917, when pious inhabitants of Epidavros received visions to dig in a certain place, and that they would find a sacred treasure. At the place where they dug, they found a sarcophagus, which which were placed the Holy Relics of the Seven Women Martyrs, and another sarcophagus with the Holy Relic of the Martyr Leonidas. Immediately, the faithful people began to build a church in honor of the Saint, in which they placed the Holy Relics. To this day, the Holy Relics of St. Leonidas and his seven women disciples are treasured in the Holy Church of the Annunciation in Epidavros, and are festally taken to the Church of the Holy Martyr Leonidas (in the same town) on Bright Wednesday annually for their feast day.

(source)

The full life of the Saints are part of the life of their spiritual brother and teacher, St. Kodratos, written by Nikephoros Gregoras. It can be found in Patrologia curses completus, series graces.

St. Leonidas with his seven disciples (source)

Selected hymns translated from the Service to St. Leonidas the Martyr and his seven female disciples. (Note that the hymns are not metered)

Prosomoia of the Stichera from Great Vespers in Tone Four. As the brave one among martyrs.

Let us all honor the brave and divine Martyrs of Christ, the all-perfect Leonidas, and together with him, those virgin and martyred young women, who faithfully and steadfastly confessed Christ together with him, and they all received the crowns of victory, as manly champions of our spotless and holy faith.

You followed after Christ, O all-glorious Leonidas, and you became a dwelling place for Virgins, and you struggled together with them, wholly casting down the passions of the body, and you struggled with manliness, approaching the Lord wearing a crown, being martyred in a godly manner, as most-brave Martyrs.

You loved Christ, and you followed after His teachings, gathering your beauty together, O Venerable Ones, in the Spirit, and you were led by the famed Leonidas, and with manliness kept the good confession of Christ, and you all struggled together, while you ever now rejoice in Heaven.

St. Leonidas with his seven disciples (source)

Doxastikon of the Stichera in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone.

You hearkened to the words of Christ the Teacher, and with manliness you took up His Cross of martyrdom. And having lived a holy life, through your blood, and in the depths of the sea, you were put to death with radiance, O all-perfect Martyrs: Leonidas the glorious, Chariessa and Nike, Nounechia, Vasilissa, Galini, Theodora and Kallis, the beautifully victorious Virgins of the Lord, with spotless and sacred lives. Entreat Him on behalf of us, that we be delivered from the traps of the enemy, we who praise you in faith, and with fervor celebrate your all-sacred memory.

Idiomelon of the Litia in the First Tone.

Come, O faithful, let us gather together in the house of the Lord, and let us hymn with hymns of praise the glorious athlete of Christ, Leonidas the Martyr, and those precious women who were crowned together with him, having been martyred through a terrible martyrdom. These with boldness and bravery in mind imitated the confessors, and became martyrs in their disposition, that we might find grace in the Heavens on the day of judgment.

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

Let us trumpet forth with the trumpet of song, and let us hymn with rejoicing the true athletes of Christ the the martyrs of the true faith, for they smashed down the wiles and threats of the enemy upon the firm rock of their hearts, and struggled with manliness in mind, and though cast into the depths of the sea, they harmoniously chanted to the Lord: "I have run one mile with you, O Lord, and I have not denied You, though an army persued me; save my spirit." O beautifully victorious Martyrs, and the sacred choir of Leonidas: intercede with the Lord, as you have great boldness before Him, on behalf of those who with faith and fervor hymn your all-honored memory.

St. Leonidas with his seven disciples (source)

Apolytikion in the Third Tone. The world has found you.

You have become a great defender of Epidavros, O Leonidas, and you were not shaken by the wiles of belial, as you cast down the honor to the demons, and you confessed Christ with boldness, together with the wise Women, O All-blessed Ones, ceaselessly entreat that we be granted the great mercy.

Kontakion in the Fourth Tone. O You Who were lifted up upon the Cross.

Let us now honor the protectors of Epidavros, and let us praise the famed Martyrs, Leonidas the glorious soldier of Christ, and the seven Women Champions who celebrate together with him, who now stand at the Throne of glory, fervently entreating. Christ on behalf of those who with faith celebrate their memory.

Oikos.

You counted all the things of the earth as refuse, and now dwell before the Heavenly Throne in glory, as worthy Martyrs of the Lord, for you, O Leonidas, were hung upon the wood, and you life was then ended by being cast into the sea together with your fellow athletes. Having reached Him, O true soldiers of the Lord, you were received and made worthy of the good things of Heaven, and you now ever entreat Christ on behalf of those who with faith celebrate their memory.

Synaxarion

On this day (April 16th, or Bright Wednesday), the memory of the Holy Martyrs Leonidas, Chariessa, Nike, Galini, Kallidos, Nounechias, Vasilissa and Theodora.

St. Leonidas with his seven disciples (source)

Verses

To Leonidas

The bosom of the sea receives Leonidas, who has reached the bosom of Abraham.

To Chariessa

"The sea," says Chariessa, "does not frighten me, but the sea becomes a foretaste of graces for me."

To Galini and Nike

Galini and Nike are cast into the deep, bringing up victory and peace from the storm.

To Kallida

The depth of the sea receives Kalida, who was aflame with eros for the beauty of the Lord, loved by her soul.

To Nounechia

Having found a reward of salvation from the deep, you were shown to be mindful, O Nounechia.

To Vasilissa and Theodora

The womb of the sea receives two daughters, who fled the womb of the enemy.

St. Leonidas with his seven disciples (source)

Exaposteilarion in the Third Tone. O Apostles from afar.

In hymns let us praise the Martyr Leonidas and his seven-membered band, who fled to Christ, having cast down belial.

Prosomoia of the Praises in the First Tone. O all-praised Martyrs.

O beautifully victorious Martyrs of God, who honored the Lord Who is the Creator of all creation, you were in no way swayed by the threats of the enemy, and you lawlessly were put to death. And now you intercede that our souls might be grated peace and the great mercy.

Having reached your blessed end through martyrdom in the depth of the sea, O glorious Martyrs, you truly  dried up the rivers of vanity and the streams of evil through your steadfastness. Therefore, entreat that our souls be granted peace and the great mercy.

Come, O faithful, let us all bless Leonidas, Nike and Chariessa, and Nounechia, Vasilissa, Galini, Kalida, and Theodora, who have come to dwell in the Kingdom, and let us cry out to them: through your prayers to Christ, may He grant peace to His world.

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

Come, O band of people who love the Martyrs, to glorious Epidavros that has gathered as is truly right to honor the glorious Martyrs, and with reverence, let us embrace the treasury of their Relics, and praise them as worthy athletes of the Lord: O spiritual priest, glorious Leonidas, together with the Seven Women, the foundations of the Church, entreat God on behalf of us, that He have compassion upon us, and save the souls of those who praise your sacred struggle.

Megalynarion.

Rejoice, O all-radiant lights, divine Leonidas, and the seven-numbered Choir of Women Martyrs, the pride and protectors of glorious Epidavros, and our defenders in the faith.

(source)

St. Leonidas with his seven women disciples (source)

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

Fr. George Florovsky: "And Ascended into Heaven..."

The Holy Ascension of Christ (source)

  
“AND ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN....”
V. Rev. George Florovsky, D.D.
“I ascend unto My Father and your Father, and to My God, and Your God” (John 20:17). In these words the Risen Christ described to Mary Magdalene the mystery of His Resurrection. She had to carry this mysterious message to His disciples, “as they mourned and wept” (Mark 16:10). The disciples listened to these glad tidings with fear and amazement, with doubt and mistrust. It was not Thomas alone who doubted among the Eleven. On the contrary, it appears that only one of the Eleven did not doubt—Saint John, the disciple “whom Jesus loved.” He alone grasped the mystery of the empty tomb at once: “and he saw, and believed” (John 20:8). Even Peter left the sepulcher in amazement, “wondering at that which was come to pass” (Luke 24:12).  
  
The disciples did not expect the Resurrection. The women did not, either. They were quite certain that Jesus was dead and rested in the grave, and they went to the place “where He was laid,” with the spices they had prepared, “that they might come and anoint Him.” They had but one thought: “Who shall roll away the stone from the door of the sepulcher for us?” (Mark 16:1-3; Luke 24:1). And therefore, on not finding the body, Mary Magdalene was sorrowful and complained: “They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him” (John 20:13). On hearing the good news from the angel, the women fled from the sepulchre in fear and trembling: “Neither said they anything to any man, for they were afraid” (Mark 16:8). And when they spoke no one believed them, in the same way as no one had believed Mary, who saw the Lord, or the disciples as they walked on their way into the country, (Mark 16:13), and who recognized Him in the breaking of bread. “And afterward He appeared unto the Eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them who had seen Him after He was risen” (Mark 16:10-14).  
  
From whence comes this “hardness of heart” and hesitation? Why were their eyes so “holden,” why were the disciples so much afraid of the news, and why did the Easter joy so slowly, and with such difficulty, enter the Apostles’ hearts? Did not they, who were with Him from the beginning, “from the baptism of John,” see all the signs of power which He performed before the face of the whole people? The lame walked, the blind saw, the dead were raised, and all infirmities were healed. Did they not behold, only a week earlier, how He raised by His word Lazarus from the dead, who had already been in the grave for four days? Why then was it so strange to them that the Master had arisen Himself? How was it that they came to forget that which the Lord used to tell them on many occasions, that after suffering and death He would arise on the third day?  
  
The mystery of the Apostles’ “unbelief” is partly disclosed in the narrative of the Gospel: “But we trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel,” with disillusionment and complaint said the two disciples to their mysterious Companion on the way to Emmaus (Luke 24:21). They meant: He was betrayed, condemned to death and crucified. The news of the Resurrection brought by the women only “astonished” them. They still wait for an earthly triumph, for an exernal victory. The same temptation possesses their hearts, which first prevented them from accepting “the preaching of the Cross” and made them argue every time the Saviour tried to reveal His mystery to them. “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” (Luke 24:26). It was still difficult to understand this.  
  
He had the power to arise, why did He allow what that had happened to take place at all? Why did He take upon Himself disgrace, blasphemy and wounds? In the eyes of all Jerusalem, amidst the vast crowds assembled for the Great Feast, He was condemned and suffered a shameful death. And now He enters not into the Holy City, neither to the people which beheld His shame and death, nor to the High Priests and elders, nor to Pilate—so that He might make their crime obvious and smite their pride. Instead, He sends His disciples away to remote Galilee and appears to them there. Even much earlier the disciples wondered, “How is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world?” (John 14:22). Their wonder continues, and even on the day of His glorious Ascension the Apostles question the Lord, “Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). They still did not comprehend the meaning of His Resurrection, they did not understand what it meant that He was “ascending” to the Father. Their eyes were opened but later, when “the promise of the Father” had been fulfilled.   In the Ascension resides the meaning and the fullness of Christ’s Resurrection.  
  
The Lord did not rise in order to return again to the fleshly order of life, so as to live again and commune with the disciples and the multitudes by means of preaching and miracles. Now he does not even stay with them, but only “appears” to them during the forty days, from time to time, and always in a miraculous and mysterious manner. “He was not always with them now, as He was before the Resurrection,” comments Saint John Chrysostom. “He came and again disappeared, thus leading them on to higher conceptions. He no longer permitted them to continue in their former relationship toward Him, but took effectual measures to secure these two objects: That the fact of His Resurrection should be believed, and that He Himself should be ever after apprehended to be greater than man.” There was something new and unusual in His person (cf. John 21:1-14). As Saint John Chrysostom says, “It was not an open presence, but a certain testimony of the fact that He was present.” That is why the disciples were confused and frightened. Christ arose not in the same way as those who were restored to life before Him. Theirs was a resurrection for a time, and they returned to life in the same body, which was subject to death and corruption—returned to the previous mode of life. But Christ arose for ever, unto eternity. He arose in a body of glory, immortal and incorruptible. He arose, never to die, for “He clothed the mortal in the splendor of incorruption.” His glorified Body was already exempt from the fleshly order of existence. “It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body” (I Cor. 15:42-44). This mysterious transformation of human bodies, of which Saint Paul was speaking in the case of our Lord, had been accomplished in three days. Christ’s work on earth was accomplished. He had suffered, was dead and buried, and now rose to a higher mode of existence. By His Resurrection He abolished and destroyed death, abolished the law of corruption, “and raised with Himself the whole race of Adam.” Christ has risen, and now “no dead are left in the grave” (cf. The Easter Sermon of Saint John Chrysostom). And now He ascends to the Father, yet He does not “go away,” but abides with the faithful for ever (cf. The Kontakion of Ascension). For He raises the very earth with Him to heaven, and even higher than any heaven. God’s power, in the phrase of Saint John Chrysostom, “manifests itself not only in the Resurrection, but in something much stronger.” For “He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God” (Mark 16:19).  
  
And with Christ, man’s nature ascends also.   “We who seemed unworthy of the earth, are now raised to heaven,” says Saint John Chrysostom. “We who were unworthy of earthly dominion have been raised to the Kingdom on high, have ascended higher than heaven, have came to occupy the King’s throne, and the same nature from which the angels guarded Paradise, stopped not until it ascended to the throne of the Lord.” By His Ascension the Lord not only opened to man the entrance to heaven, not only appeared before the face of God on our behalf and for our sake, but likewise “transferred man” to the high places. “He honored them He loved by putting them close to the Father.” God quickened and raised us together with Christ, as Saint Paul says, “and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephes. 2:6). Heaven received the inhabitants of the earth. “The First fruits of them that slept” sits now on high, and in Him all creation is summed up and bound together. “The earth rejoices in mystery, and the heavens are filled with joy.”  
  
“The terrible ascent....” Terror-stricken and trembling stand the angelic hosts, contemplating the Ascension of Christ. And trembling they ask each other, “What is this vision? One who is man in appearance ascends in His body higher than the heavens, as God.”   Thus the Office for the Feast of the Ascension depicts the mystery in a poetical language. As on the day of Christ’s Nativity the earth was astonished on beholding God in the flesh, so now the Heavens do tremble and cry out. “The Lord of Hosts, Who reigns over all, Who is Himself the head of all, Who is preeminent in all things, Who has reinstated creation in its former order—He is the King of Glory.” And the heavenly doors are opened: “Open, Oh heavenly gates, and receive God in the flesh.” It is an open allusion to Psalms 24:7-10, now prophetically interpreted. “Lift up your heads, Oh ye gates, and be lifted up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty....” Saint Chrysostom says, “Now the angels have received that for which they have long waited, the archangels see that for which they have long thirsted. They have seen our nature shining on the King’s throne, glistening with glory and eternal beauty.... Therefore they descend in order to see the unusual and marvelous vision: Man appearing in heaven.”  
  
The Ascension is the token of Pentecost, the sign of its coming, “The Lord has ascended to heaven and will send the Comforter to the world”   For the Holy Spirit was not yet in the world, until Jesus was glorified. And the Lord Himself told the disciples, “If I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you” (John 16:7). The gifts of the Spirit are “gifts of reconciliation,” a seal of an accomplished salvation and of the ultimate reunion of the world with God. And this was accomplished only in the Ascension. “And one saw miracles follow miracles,” says Saint John Chrysostom, “ten days prior to this our nature ascended to the King’s throne, while today the Holy Ghost has descended on to our nature.” The joy of the Ascension lies in the promise of the Spirit. “Thou didst give joy to Thy disciples by a promise of the Holy Spirit.” The victory of Christ is wrought in us by the power of the Holy Spirit.  
  
“On high is His body, here below with us is His Spirit. And so we have His token on high, that is His body, which He received from us, and here below we have His Spirit with us. Heaven received the Holy Body, and the earth accepted the Holy Spirit. Christ came and sent the Spirit. He ascended, and with Him our body ascended also” (Saint John Chrysostom). The revelation of the Holy Trinity was completed. Now the Spirit Comforter is poured forth on all flesh. “Hence comes foreknowledge of the future, understanding of mysteries, apprehension of what is hidden, distribution of good gifts, the heavenly citizenship, a place in the chorus of angels, joy without end, abiding in God, the being made like to God, and, highest of all, the being made God!” (Saint Basil, On the Holy Spirit, IX). Beginning with the Apostles, and through communion with them—by an unbroken succession—Grace is spread to all believers. Through renewal and glorification in the Ascended Christ, man’s nature became receptive of the spirit. “And unto the world He gives quickening forces through His human body,” says Bishop Theophanes. “He holds it completely in Himself and penetrates it with His strength, out of Himself; and He likewise draws the angels to Himself through the spirit of man, giving them space for action and thus making them blessed.” All this is done through the Church, which is “the Body of Christ;” that is, His “fullness” (Ephesians 1:23). “The Church is the fulfillment of Christ,” continues Bishop Theophanes, “perhaps in the same way as the tree is the fulfillment of the seed. That which is contained in the seed in a contracted form receives its development in the tree.”  
  
The very existence of the Church is the fruit of the Ascension. It is in the Church that man’s nature is truly ascended to the Divine heights. “And gave Him to be Head over all things” (Ephesians 1:22). Saint John Chrysostom comments: “Amazing! Look again, whither He has raised the Church. As though He were lifting it up by some engine, He has raised it up to a vast height, and set it on yonder throne; for where the Head is, there is the body also. There is no interval of separation between the Head and the body; for were there a separation, then would the one no longer be a body, nor would the other any longer be a Head.” The whole race of men is to follow Christ, even in His ultimate exaltation, “to follow in His train.” Within the Church, through an acquisition of the Spirit in the fellowship of Sacraments, the Ascension continues still, and will continue until the measure is full. “Only then shall the Head be filled up, when the body is rendered perfect, when we are knit together and united,” concludes Saint John Chrysostom.   The Ascension is a sign and token of the Second Coming. “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).The mystery of God’s Providence will be accomplished in the Return of the Risen Lord. In the fulfillment of time, Christ’s kingly power will be revealed and spread over the whole of faithful mankind. Christ bequeathes the Kingdom to the whole of the faithful. “And I appoint unto you a Kingdom as My Father has appointed unto me. That ye may eat and drink at My table in My Kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Luke 22:29-30). Those who followed Him faithfully will sit with Him on their thrones on the day of His coming. “To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne” (Rev. 3:21). Salvation will be consummated in the Glory. “Conceive to yourself the throne, the royal throne, conceive the immensity of the privilege. This, at least if we chose, might more avail to startle us, yea, even than hell itself” (Saint John Chrysostom).  
  
We should tremble more at the thought of that abundant Glory which is appointed unto the redeemed, than at the thought of the eternal darkness. “Think near Whom Thy Head is seated....” Or rather, Who is the Head. In very truth, “wondrous and terrible is Thy divine ascension from the mountain, O Giver of Life.” A terrible and wondrous height is the King’s throne. In face of this height all flesh stands silent, in awe and trembling. “He has Himself descended to the lowest depths of humiliation, and raised up man to the height of exaltation.”What then should we do? “If thou art the body of Christ, bear the Cross, for He bore it” (Saint John Chrysostom).“With the power of Thy Cross, Oh Christ, establish my thoughts, so that I may sing and glorify Thy saving Ascension.” Originally published in Saint Vladimir’s Seminary Quarterly, Vol. 2 # 3, 1954.
(source)
  

The Ascension of Christ (source)

  

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

"You have risen from the dead as You said, O Giver of life..."

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!

Christ healing the man born blind (source)

  

You have risen from the dead as You said, O Giver of life, and You appeared to Your holy Disciples after Your Resurrection, and worked wonders, giving sight to the blind, with whom we magnify You unto the ages.
-from the Matins Canon of the Sunday of the Blind Man

(source)

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

Truly the Lord is risen!

"Let Heaven rejoice, and let those upon the earth dance..."

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!

Christ speaking with the Samaritan Woman (source)

   

Let Heaven rejoice, and let those upon the earth dance, for Christ, Who was born of the Virgin, has appeared as a man to deliver all mankind from corruption through His own death, and He has shown forth with wonders, as the Samaritan Woman seeks water to be granted to her from the Spring of healings, as the Only Immortal One.
-Kathisma from the feast of the Samaritan Woman

(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!

"You pour forth the water of wisdom and of life upon the world, O Savior..."

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!

The Feast of Mid-Pentecost (source)

  

Standing in the middle of the temple, at the godly middle of the feast, He cried out: "Let him who is thirsty, come to me and drink, for he who drinks from this divine water, from his belly will pour forth rivers of my teachings, and he who believes in Him Who sent me, the divine Begetter [Father], will be glorified together with me." Therefore, we cry out to you: Glory to You, O Christ God, Who richly pours forth the steams of Your philanthropy upon Your servants.
  
You pour forth the water of wisdom and of life upon the world, O Savior, calling all to drink of the waters of salvation, for Your divine law, received by men, quenches the burning coals of delusion. Therefore, he will not thirst unto the ages, but will be satiated with You, O Master and heavenly King. Therefore, we glorify Your might, O Christ God, and we entreat that the remission of offenses might be sent down richly upon Your servants.
-Kathismata from Matins of the Feast of Mid-Pentecost

(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!

"Where are the seals on the grave? Where are Pilate's guard of soldiers, closely guarding?"

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!

The Holy Myrrhbearers seeing the Angel at the empty Tomb of Christ (source)

 
The Myrrhbearing Women went in early morning to bring spices to the tomb of the Lord, and when they saw the stone was rolled away, their hope was shaken, and they said to one another: "Where are the seals on the grave? Where are Pilate's guard of soldiers, closely guarding?" But a shining Angel became the messenger of hidden things to the women, and he said to them: "Why do you seek the Living among the dead, Who gave life to the race of men? Christ our God has risen from the dead, as the Almighty One, granting to all of you incorruption and life, illumination, and the great mercy.
-Idiomelon of the Stichera from the feast of the Holy Myrrhbearers, by Anatolios

(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!

Paraklesis to the New Martyred Fathers of Ntaou Penteli

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!

Holy Martyred Venerable Fathers of Ntaou Penteli - Commemorated on Bright Tuesday (source)

   

Paraklesis (Supplication Service) to the Holy New Venerable Martyred Fathers of the Monastery of Christ Pantocrator, TAO (Ntaou) Penteli

written by Fr. Athanasios of Simonopetra
   

   The Priest says the "Blessed is our God...". If it is during the Paschal period, "Christ is risen" is chanted three times. Then, the Psalm "O Lord, hear my prayer, give ear to my supplication..." is read, followed by "God is the Lord..." x4, with verses.
 

Fourth Tone. O You Who were lifted on the Cross.

O Venerable Martyrs of Penteli, as true sons of light and of the Resurrection, and as you stand before Christ rejoicing, you do great things through your holy intercessions. Entreat Him on behalf of all those who call upon your prayers, and grant them the fulfillment of their requests.
  

Glory. Both now.

O Theotokos, we shall never be silent...
  
Then Psalm 50, followed by the Canon in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone.
  

Ode I. Crossing the waters.

O Fathers, heal us both the body and the soul, and visit us through your prayers for us to the compassionate Master, to Whom were proved to be spotless sacrifices.
  
Direct our every thought to ponder the Lord, and to deny the world with manliness, O Fathers, and keep us from giving all meaning to the things of this world.
  
You approached the Master as servants, out of an abundance of love, and took up His Cross on Mount Penteli, O God-bearers, do entreat Him Whom you love on behalf of us.
  

Both now. Theotokion.

The world rejoices in you, O Virgin Lady, as the one who gave birth to the Redeemer, Whom may you ever entreat, together with the multitude of the Venerable Athletes, on behalf of our souls.
 

Ode III. Of the vault of the heaven.

Truly, what is sweeter than to dwell together as brethren, O Saints, for having counted natural family as nothing, with the Spirit as the cause of your unity, you loved the brethren, and you strengthen us.
  
Through dwelling on the Lord's Commandments and psalmody, with fervor you were granted the divine Monastic Schema, and received this weapon of the Lord, through which you strengthen us, O blessed ones.
  
Having the memory of Jesus breathing within your soul at all times, O Venerable Ones, you water the thirsty souls of those now standing here, entreat that we might cultivate this ceaseless prayer.
   

Theotokion

You gave birth to the Lord in a manner surpassing nature, He Who arrayed Himself in humility, entreat Him that we be granted a humble mind and thoughts, O Theotokos.
  
Deliver those who entreat you with fervent faith, O multitude of Venerable Athlete Fathers, and grant the solution to all their requests.
  
Look down on us, in your good favor...
  
Then the Priest says the entreaty, followed by the Kathisma.

The Holy Monastery of Christ Pantocrator, Ntaou Penteli (source)

     

Second Tone. O fervent prayer.

O sacred Fathers of the Monastery of the Pantocrator, you were shown by the Lord to be Martyrs bearing crowns. Entreat Him, we pray, to drive away all dangers of bodies and souls.
  

Ode IV. I have hearkened and heard, O Lord.

As ones who have found salvation in the Monastery of the Savior, O thrice-blessed ones, grant salvation of soul for all of us you praise your struggle, O Fathers.
  
O most-sacred regiment, and sacred dwelling places of the God of peace, we pray that you give peace to our soul through the Divine Spirit.
  
As ones filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, O most-venerable ones, you offer up our prayers, that we might draw closer to Christ the Master.
  

Theotokion.

O unwedded Lady, the protecting wall for every praying soul, do not neglect me, the wretched one, but deliver me from every trial.
  

Ode V. O Lord enlighten us.

Grant deliverance of souls and bodies through your intercessions for us, O Saints, as ones who ever stand before the Lord with boldness.
  
You were afflicted with infirm human nature, O all-precious one, therefore, we pray that you strengthen those who are storm-tossed by temptations and trials.
  
You were granted true victory, O blessed ones, as voluntary sacrificial lambs, therefore grant us victory over our enemies.
  

Theotokion.

I fall as a sparrow before the tramps of the enemy as one senseless, the wretched one. Therefore, O Virgin, deliver me from the beasts.
  

Ode VI. My entreaty I pour out.

You were truly numbered with the Resurrection, having been transformed together with the Resurrected Christ, therefore drive away from us all the bitterness of death, O Venerable Athletes, intercede for us, that we might stand before the Lord as He desires.
  
My life is troubled by the hater of souls, as are my eyes and my mind, therefore, O God-bearing Fathers, who behold the glory of the Savior, enlighten me, the blind one, that I might see the light of my heart.
  
Christ has put death to death, through His death on the Cross, and as you were celebrating the joyous glory of His Resurrection, you suddenly proceeded from death to life. Therefore, make us also children of the Resurrection.
  

Theotokion.

My words are restrained and by thoughts are slowed when I meditate on your divine glory, O Virgin, which you were made worthy of beyond all men. Therefore, as one of your thieves, I cry out: O my soul, magnify the Lady.

Deliver those who entreat you with fervent faith, O multitude of Venerable Athlete Fathers, and grant the solution to all their requests.
  
Spotless one, who by a word did bring to us the word eternal...

Then the Priest says the entreaty, followed by the Kontakion.

The Holy Monastery of Christ Pantocrator, Ntaou Penteli (source)

  

Second Tone. A protection of Christians.

You were shown to be the protectors of our monastery, and you offer up entreaties to the Master, and you pray on behalf of all Christians, and you straightaway hasten to help, O wonderworkers, as deliverers, and you grant healing of every terrible affliction and errors of souls, O divine and sacred Fathers, the boasts of your Monastery.

Prokeimenon

Let the righteous rejoice in the Lord...(2)
Verse: Precious in the sight of the Lord...
Let the righteous rejoice in the Lord...

Gospel According to St. John (John 6:37-40).

All that the Father gives me will come to me; and him who comes to me I will not cast out.  For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me;  and this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up at the last day.  For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

Glory.

Through the intercessions of the Venerable Athletes...

Both now.

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos...

Verse: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy...

Plagal of the Second Tone. Having placed all their hopes in Heaven.

Having disdained every evil and worldly thing, you approached the Savior, and took up the Cross through asceticism, and as brethren in all things, you beheld the Mount of Penteli to be as Tabor, O Venerable Ones, as you worked towards theosis. Therefore, you were also received by the Lord through martyrdom on His Radiant day, and you ever behold His beauty. Make us worthy of this also, and intercede for us fervently.

Then the Priest says the: "Save, O God, Your people, and bless Your inheritance..."

The Holy and Wonderworking Relics of the Martyred Fathers of Ntaou Penteli (source)

  

Ode VII. Once from out of Judea.

You were granted grace, O Fathers, not only for believing rightly in the Lord, but also for suffering on behalf of Him as His children suffering the passion, and you ever lift high your cross. Therefore, make us to be His imitators along with you with joy.

You truly put to death all fleshly concerns while still in the body through asceticism, O God-bearing and blessed Fathers, therefore, deliver all of us who honor you in faith, O Champions.

As a vessel full of virtues, you fulfilled every godly deed, and therefore, having taken refuge in the harbor of the Lord, you grant us grace from Heaven, O Ascetics, for those who desire salvation.

Theotokion.

Your Son works wonders, O Birth-giver of God, for all those who love His divine life, and for those who take up His Precious Cross with all willingness, therefore make us worthy to venerate it with joy.
  

Ode VIII. The King of the Heavens.

With joy, you have entered the Lord's Kingdom bearing lamps, O Fathers, make us all worthy to inherit it as well.
  
Through martyrdom, you have proceeded on the heavenly road towards the mansions of the Saints, and you protect us who hymn you through your intercessions.
  
O God-bearing Fathers, you partake of the uncreated, Taborean Light, drive away from us the darkness of sadness and the passions.
  

Theotokion.

When your Son comes to judge the world in His divine glory, O Virgin, deliver me from my just condemnation.
  

Ode IX. Saved through you, O Pure Virgin.

You shine with divine rays upon our hearts through your holy memory, O blessed ones, and you raise me up, the wretched one, from the burning of this life.

O Fathers, you send down heavenly peace from above for all those suffering, and you speedily entreat for their deliverance.
  
Heal the afflictions of those who venerate your precious Relics through the Grace of the Lord, and grant us your blessing, O Holy Fathers.
  

Theotokion.

Creation and all men rejoice, having obtained you as our mediator to the Master and Creator and Most-Good One, O Mother.
  

Holy Chapel of the Martyred Fathers, Ntaou Penteli (source)

  

Then, "Truly it is meet to call you blest...", followed by the Megalynaria.

Rejoice, O Monastery of the Pantocrator, for you have obtained the Fathers as a great wealth, who once lived within you in asceticism, and were later glorified by the Master with perfection together through Martyrdom.
  
With faith, let us venerate the sacred Relics of the Fathers, that breathe forth myrrh and are sacred, and to their children, they grant the lot of rich graces through the Holy Spirit.
  
Deliver all of us from illnesses and every trying circumstance, as we entreat for your defense and blessing, O sacred Fathers, to the glory of the Lord Pantocrator.
  
O band of Fathers, in this Monastery you lived your lives in a God-pleasing manner, and were perfect through the sacred crown of Martyrdom, which you received while skipping, and you invisibly stand beside us, strengthening us.
  
You transfigured the holy Monastery in which you lived through the joy of the Resurrection, and you partake in the life and divine glory on high of Mount Tabor, O all-precious Fathers.
  
All the ranks of Angels, God's Messengers...

Then the Trisagion, followed by the Apolytikion of the Saints:

  

Apolytikion in Tone 4

As spotless lambs of the Savior, dashing out of various nations, the flock gathers together at Pantokratoros. Having been put to death by the rage of the barbarians, rejoicing you enter into heavenly pastures. Therefore holy martyrs of Christ, interceed on behalf of our souls.

Then the Priest says the Entreaty, commemorating the names he wishes, followed by the Apolysis, and then the final hymns:

  

Second Tone. All those you protect.

As true inheritors of all of the blessings of Christ, O Venerable Champion Fathers, receive our requests, and ever grant that which is for our benefit, and drive away the cloud of trials and afflictions from our souls, that the sweet face of the Lord might shine within our hearts, Whose light you ever partake in with joy.
  
Lady, do you receive...
  
My numerous hopes are placed...
  
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers...
  
(Or if during the Paschal period, "Christ is risen from the dead...")
(source)
 

Holy Martyrs of Ntaou Penteli (source)

 

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

Truly the Lord is risen!

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

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!

Christ healing the man born blind (source)

  

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

(source)
  

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

Truly the Lord is risen!

"Being Life itself, and the spring of incorruption..."

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!

Christ speaking to the Samaritan Woman St. Photini (Source)

  

Being Life itself, and the spring of incorruption, You sat beside the spring, O Compassionate One, and for the Samaritan Woman who asked of You, You filled her with the waters of all wisdom, as she hymned You.

The life of all that live, the spring of all good things, the Lord richly rains down His teachings [for all], and cries to the Woman: Give me water to drink, that I might grant you water to dry up the springs of your sins.

O Lord, you are the river of eternal life, and the abyss of mercy, O Good One, and while You were traveling, You sat by the Well of the Oath, and cried out to the Samaritan Woman: Give me water to drink, that you might receive the waters of forgiveness.
-from the Canon for the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman St. Photini
  
(source)
  

Christ has 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!

"He who thirsts, let him come to me and drink..."

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!

Christ preaching in the Temple (source)

  

When the middle of the feast arrived, Christ ascended to the Temple, and preached, saying to those Jews who had come to Him: He who thirsts, let him come to me and drink of the water of eternal life, that he might never thirst unto the ages, for he who believes in me, from his belly will flow rivers [of living water], and will have the light of life.
-Idiomelon of the Aposticha from the Feast of Mid-Pentecost, by St. John of Damascus

(source)
  

Christ has 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 the Holy Archangel Michael the Taxiarch

Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen!

The Holy and Wonderworking Icon of the Archangel Michael the Taxiarch, Mantamados, Lesvos (source)

  

Akathist to the Holy Archangel Michael the Taxiarch

Kontakion 1
O chosen leader of the heavenly hosts and defender of the human race, we that are delivered by thee from afflictions offer unto thee this hymn of thanksgiving; and as thou dost stand before the throne of the King of Glory, do thou free us from all dangers, that with faith and love we may cry unto thee in praise:
Rejoice, O Michael, great supreme commander, with all the hosts of Heaven!
  
Ekos 1
With the tongues of angels it is meet that thou be praised as first among the fiery choirs of angels, O Michael; but until  we are taught by thee the tongue of the bodiless ones, hearken thou to such things as these from tongues which, though human, are yet thankful:
Rejoice, primordial star of the world! Rejoice, candle of truth and righteousness brightly gleaming!
Rejoice, first receiver of the rays of the uncreated light among the choirs of angels! Rejoice, captain of Angels and Archangels!
Rejoice, thou in whom the glory of the Maker's right hand shineth most of all!
Rejoice, thou by whom the assemblies of all the bodiless creation are adorned!
Rejoice, O Michael, great supreme commander, with all the hosts of Heaven!
  

Kontakion 2
Perceiving with the eyes of faith the greatness of thy spiritual beauty and the power of thy right hand which beareth lightning, O Archangel of God, we, as earthly ones and wrapped in flesh, are filled with wonder, joy, and thanksgiving to the Creator of all, crying out with all the hosts of heaven: Alleluia!
 

Ekos 2
A mind pure and free of passions do thou entreat for us, O most wondrous Michael, leader of the heavenly ranks, that having ascended in thought from the earthly to the heavenly, we may sing to thee a hymn of praise thus:

Rejoice, nearest beholder of the ineffable beauty and goodness of God!

Rejoice, intimate initiate of the all-good counsels of the Most Holy Trinity!

Rejoice, faithful fulfiller of the pre-eternal judgments of the Trinity!

Rejoice, thou at whom the heavenly armies are lovingly amazed!

Rejoice, thou whom those born of earth glorify with faith!

Rejoice, thou before whom the hosts of hades tremble!

Rejoice, O Michael, great supreme commander, with all the hosts of Heaven!

    

Kontakion 3

Manifesting within thyself the invincible power of zeal for the glory of God, thou didst stand at the head of the choirs of angels against the malice-breathing most-proud morning star. With him and his dark comrades being cast down from on high to the nether regions, the heavenly armies most gloriously led by thee, with gladness, as with one mouth, before the throne of God cried aloud: Alleluia!

   

Ekos 3

All the Christian race hath thee, O Archangel Michael, as a great protector and a wondrous helper in battle with adversaries; therefore, desiring to be vouchsafed thy most wondrous protection, we cry to thee on the day of thy festi­val thus:

Rejoice, thou by whom Satan was hurled down like lightning from Heaven!

Rejoice, thou by whom the protected human race goeth up to Heaven!

Rejoice, most wondrous adornment of the all-radiant world above!

Rejoice, most glorious defense of the fallen world below!

Rejoice, thou who wast in no wise vanquished by the powers of evil!

Rejoice, thou who with all the angels of God hast been established in truth and righteousness forever by the Grace of God!

Rejoice, O Michael, great supreme commander, with all the hosts of Heaven!

Kontakion 4
From the tempest of temptations and dangers do thou deliver us who with love and joy celebrate thy most radiant festival, O foremost of the angels; for thou art a great helper in misfortunes, and at the hour of death a guardian and intercessor against evil spirits for all that cry to thy and our Master and God: Alleluia!

The Wondrous Icon of the Archangel Michael, Panormitis (source)

  
Ekos 4
Seeing thy boldness against the legions of Satan, all the ranks of the angels strove with joy to follow thee into battle for the name and glory of their Master, crying aloud: Who is like unto God? And knowing that Satan was cast down beneath thy feet, we cry out to thee as victor:

Rejoice, thou through whom peace and tranquility were established in Heaven!

Rejoice, thou by whom the spirits of evil were put down even unto hades!

Rejoice, thou who dost direct the angelic armies and the hosts of the invisible world to the destruction of evil!

Rejoice, thou who, unseen, dost quell the strife and turmoil of the elements of the visible world!

Rejoice, wondrous defender of them that wage warfare against the spirits of evil under the heavens!

Rejoice, strong helper of them that weaken amid the temptations and dangers of this age!

Rejoice, O Michael, great supreme commander, with all the hosts of Heaven!

Kontakion 5

A divinely-flowing fountain of most great miracles didst thou reveal thyself to be in thy temple at Chonae, for not only was the great and terrible serpent which abode in that place destroyed by thy power, but also streams of water which heal every bodily ailment were revealed, that all might cry out with faith to the Master of the angels Who doth glorify thee: Alleluia!

   

Ekos 5

Hearing and knowing thee to be a great beacon shining among the choirs of angels, O most wondrous Michael, to thee, after God and the most holy Mother of God, we flee; illumine with the rays of thy light all of us that cry unto thee:

Rejoice, conductor and guardian of the God-chosen people in the wilderness!

Rejoice, great intermediary of the law given on Sinai by the hand of Moses!

Rejoice, thou through whom the judges and leaders of Israel found strength and protection!

Rejoice, thou through whom the prophets and high priests of the Jews received the gift of knowledge from the omniscient God!

Rejoice, thou who providest the God-fearing lawgivers with mystical wisdom!

Rejoice, thou who places judgment and righteousness in the hearts of them that do good!

Rejoice, O Michael, great supreme commander, with all the hosts of Heaven!

   

Kontakion 6

When once Manoah saw thee, the proclaimer of the judgments of God, he was filled with doubt and fear, think­ing that he would live no longer on earth; but learning from his wife of the goodness of thine appearance and the meek­ness of thy words, and that he was to beget, according to thy word, his son Sampson, in joy and thanksgiving he cried to God: Alleluia!

   

Ekos 6

Thou didst shine forth wondrously with glory, O Michael, when thou didst stand before Joshua, son of Nun, in the form of a man, saying: Loose thy sandal from off thy foot; I am the supreme commander of the hosts of the Lord. Marveling at such an appearance of thine, with love we cry unto thee:

Rejoice, vigilant guardian of divinely-crowned heads!

Rejoice, speedy subduer of them that oppose authority as opposers of the command of God!

Rejoice, pacifier of disturbance among the people!

Rejoice, invisible abolisher of the customs of the impious!

Rejoice, for thou dost enlighten them that doubt in the hour of cruel perplexity!

Rejoice, for thou dost free the tempted from pernicious slander!

Rejoice, O Michael, great supreme commander, with all the hosts of Heaven!

Kontakion 7

Desiring to show that the lot of the children of men is not haphazard, but is continually held in His right hand, the Master of all gave thee as a helper and guardian to the kingdoms of the earth, that thou mightest prepare the tribes and peoples for the eternal kingdom of God; therefore all, knowing of thy great service to the salvation of mankind, thankfully cry unto God: Alleluia!

The holy icon of the Archangel Michael, Taxiarches, Chios (source)

   

Ekos 7

New wonders did the Maker and Master of all show us on earth through thee, O supreme commander, when thou didst wondrously save the temple dedicated to thy name from inundation by the waters of the river, commanding the streams of the torrent to flow into a cavern of the earth: see­ing this, the blessed Archippus with his spiritual children thankfully cried aloud to thee:

Rejoice, indestructible rampart of the holy temples of God!

Rejoice, invincible barrier to enemies of the Christian Faith!

Rejoice, thou through whose command the elements are brought under subjection!

Rejoice, thou by whom all evil designs are defeated!

Rejoice, thou who bearest joy to the faithful from the throne of the Almighty!

Rejoice, thou who leadest unbelievers to the path of truth and righteousness!

Rejoice, O Michael, great supreme commander, with all the hosts of Heaven!

   

Kontakion 8

A strange miracle of thy power, O supreme commander of God, did Abbachum himself experience when, according to the command of God to transport him, thou didst bear him speedily from Judea to Babylon to give food to Daniel, who was imprisoned in the lions' den; wherefore, marvel ling at the great act of thy power, he cried out with faith: Alleluia!

   

Ekos 8

Thou art in the highest, O Michael, standing before the throne of the King of Glory, yet not far from those below, battling continually with the enemies of man's salvation. Wherefore, all that desire to reach the longed-for heavenly homeland cry out to thee with one accord:

Rejoice, leader of the thrice-holy hymn of the angels!

Rejoice, ever ready mediator and guardian of those born of earth!

Rejoice, thou who didst strike down proud Pharaoh and the unbelieving Egyptians in a wondrous manner!

Rejoice, thou who didst most gloriously lead the faithful Jews in the wilderness!

Rejoice, thou through whom the flame was quenched in the furnace of Babylon!

Rejoice, O Michael, great supreme commander, with all the hosts of Heaven!

   

Kontakion 9

All the monks of holy Mount Athos in joyful trembling came, beholding how thou didst save the God-fearing youth who had been violently cast into the depths of the sea with stones by ungodly lovers of money; wherefore, the monastery adorned with thy name, having received him, thankfully cried out to the Lord: Alleluia!

    

Ekos 9

The words of orators and the thoughts of philosophers do not suffice to tell of thy power, O Michael; how in one night thou didst strike down one hundred eighty-five thou­sand of the warriors of Sennacherib, King of Assyria, that he might learn to blaspheme the name of the Lord no more. And we, honoring thy holy zeal for the glory of the true God, with gladness cry to thee:

Rejoice, unconquerable leader of Orthodox armies!

Rejoice, fear and downfall of the forces of error!

Rejoice, implanter of right faith and reverence for God!

Rejoice, uprooter of dissension and soul-harming heresies!

Rejoice, thou who didst often strengthen the pious Maccabees on the field of battle!

Rejoice, thou who didst strike down Heliodorus, captain of Antiochus, in the temple itself!

Rejoice, O Michael, great supreme commander, with all the hosts of Heaven!

   

Kontakion 10

Unto us that desire to be saved be thou a firm helper, O supreme commander of God, delivering and preserving us from dangers and temptations, above all from our evil habits and sins, that progressing in faith, hope, and love, with joy because of thy most wondrous aid, we may cry unto the Master of angels and men: Alleluia!
   

The wonderworking icon of the Archangel Michael at his Holy Monastery on the island of Thassos, Greece (source)

   

Ekos 10

A rampart art thou unto men that believe, O supreme commander of God, and a pillar of strength in battle with enemies visible and invisible; therefore, being delivered through thee from the nets of demons, with thankful hearts and lips we cry unto thee:

Rejoice, invincible opponent of the enemies of the faith and adversaries of the Church!

Rejoice, tireless helper of the humble proclaimers of the Gospel!

Rejoice, thou who enlightenest them that sit in the darkness of false faith with the light of the faith of Christ!

Rejoice, thou who guidest into the path of repentance and truth those made foolish by false wisdom!

Rejoice, terrible avenger of those that take the name of God in vain!

Rejoice, lightning-bearing chastiser of those that foolishly scoff at the mysteries of the holy Faith!

Rejoice, O Michael, great supreme commander, with all the hosts of Heaven!

   

Kontakion 11

Every song of praise is defeated O supreme commander of God, by the multitude of thy miracles, which are per­formed by thee not only in Heaven and on earth, but also in the dark shadows of the nether regions, where thou didst bind the serpent of the abyss with the chains of the power of the Lord, that those delivered from his malice might bless the Master of Heaven and earth, crying aloud: Alleluia!

   

Ekos 11

A light-bearing servant of truth and the purity of divine worship wast thou shown to be, O supreme commander, when, foreseeing the snares of the spirit of darkness, thou didst forbid him in the name of God so that he dare not reveal the hidden body of Moses, departed leader of Israel, to the sensual sons of Israel for idolatrous veneration; there­fore, honoring now the right-radiant feast of thy Synaxis, thankfully we cry unto thee:

Rejoice, thou who didst preserve the purity of the knowledge of God among the Jews in the days of the Old Testament!

Rejoice, thou who didst uproot the tares of error many times in the days of the New!

Rejoice, destroyer of heathen prophets and idols!

Rejoice, fortifier of Christian ascetics and passion-bearers!

Rejoice, thou who fillest the weak in spirit with the power of the Grace of God!

Rejoice, thou who girdest the weak in the flesh with the armor of faith!

Rejoice, O Michael, great supreme commander, with all the hosts of Heaven!

   

Kontakion 12

Grace from God in Heaven do thou ask for us who sing to the glory of thine all-honorable name, O Michael, that overshadowed by thy protection, we may live in all piety and purity until, loosed by death from the bonds of flesh, we may be vouchsafed to stand before the fiery throne of the King of Glory, and cry aloud with the angelic choirs: Alleluia!

   

Ekos 12

Hymning thy manifold wonders, accomplished for our salvation O Michael, we pray to the Lord and Master of all that the spirit of zeal for the glory of God that is in thee in no wise be lacking in us who cry out to thee:

Rejoice, thou who dost most wondrously set upon the summit of power the faithful servants of God in a seasonable time!

Rejoice, thou who dost invisibly overthrow the arrogant and unworthy from the height of power and glory!

Rejoice, thou who shalt gather the chosen from the four comers of the earth on the last day!

Rejoice, thou by whom sinners, like tares, according to the voice of God, shall be committed to eternal fire!

Rejoice, thou by whom Satan with his angels shall be cast into the lake of fire forever!

Rejoice, thou through whom the righteous shall dwell most gloriously in the mansions of the heavenly Father!

Rejoice, O Michael, great supreme commander, with all the hosts of Heaven!

   

Kontakion 13

O most wonderful leader of Angels and Archangels, for thy most marvelous service in the salvation of mankind accept from us the voice of praise and thanksgiving which we now offer unto thee, and as thou art full of the power of God, shelter us with thine immaterial wings from all ene­mies visible and invisible, that to the Lord glorified by thee and Who hath glorified thee we may continually cry: Alleluia! Thrice.

   

And again Ekos 1 and Kontakion 1.

The wonderworking icon of the Holy Archangel Michael, Tharri, Rhodes (source)

   

Prayer to the Holy Archangel Michael

O holy and great Archangel of God Michael, first among the angels that stand before the inscrutable and transcen­dent Trinity, overseer and guardian of the human race, who with thine armies didst crush the head of the most-proud Morning Star in Heaven and dost ever put to shame his evil and cunning on earth, to thee do we flee with faith and to thee we pray with love; be thou an invincible shield and a firm bulwark of the Holy Church and our homeland, pro­tecting them with thy lightning-bearing sword from all ene­mies, both visible and invisible. Be thou a guardian angel, a most wise counselor and helper of Orthodox Christians, of our country, bringing them from the throne of the King of kings enlightenment and power, joy, peace, and consolation. Be thou the chief captain and companion in arms of our Christ-loving armed forces, crowning them with glory and victory over adversaries, that all who oppose us may know that God and His holy angels are with us. And leave not without thy help and protection, O Archangel of God, also us who glorify thy holy name today; for behold, even though we be great sinners, nevertheless we desire not to perish in our iniquities, but rather to turn to the Lord and be quickened by Him unto good works. Illumine, therefore, our minds with the light of God's countenance, which con­tinually shineth on thy lightning-like forehead, that we may understand what the good and perfect will of God is con­cerning us, and know all that which we ought to do, and that which we ought to despise and abandon. Strengthen through the Grace of the Lord our weak will and feeble state, that, made firm in the law of the Lord, we may hence­forth cease to be tossed to and fro by earthly thoughts and the lusts of the flesh, enticed away, like senseless children, by the quickly-perishing beauties of this world, foolishly forgetting the eternal and heavenly for the sake of the corruptible and earthly. Above all these things, do thou ask for us from on high a true spirit of repentance, unfeigned sor­row before God and contrition for our sins, that we may spend the number of days that remain to us of this transito­ry life not in gratifying our senses and in slavery to our passions, but in wiping out the evil things we have done by tears of faith and heartfelt contrition, by struggles of purity and holy deeds of mercy. And when the hour of our end and liberation from the bonds of this body of clay draweth nigh, O Archangel of God, leave us not defenseless against the spirits of evil in the upper air, who are accustomed to hinder the ascent of man's soul on high, that guarded by thee we may attain without hindrance those most glorious dwelling-places of Paradise, where there is neither sorrow, nor sighing, but life everlasting, and be vouchsafed to behold the most radiant countenance of our all-beneficent Lord and Master, fall down with tears at His feet, in joy and compunction shouting aloud: Glory to Thee, our most dear Redeemer, Who, because of Thy great love for us unworthy ones, hast been pleased to send Thine angels in the service of our salvation! Amen.

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Icon of the Holy Archangel Michael, Jerusalem (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!