Akathist to Saint Mary of Egypt and Saint Zosimus

Kontakion 1

We glorify You, Heavenly Father, for You raise up sinners to sainthood in response to their repentance and from the boundless creativeness of Your compassionate and merciful ways. Whether we live in the depth of depravity or in the peace of prayer, You know our heart and You call us forth into Your marvelous light. We see Your unfathomable love illustrated so clearly in the lives of the penitent Saint Mary of Egypt and the priest Saint Zosimus. We therefore exalt You, Gracious Father, and cry out to Your holy saints, saying:

Rejoice, Saint Mary, beloved penitent and giver of hope.
Rejoice, Saint Zosimus, humble priest and finder of true holiness.
Rejoice, unity of all saints from every walk of life.

Ikos 1

“Forgive me for God’s sake,” said Saint Mary when she was found by Saint Zosimus in the desert beyond the Jordan River. Indeed, forgive us, holy saints of God, as we approach you with our praises and supplications. Forgive us, in the Name of God, for we are sinful men and women and we humbly bow down before you. Henceforth, let all the repentant say, “Lord, have mercy upon me a sinner,” as we devotedly bring forth words of praise to God’s wonderful saints:

Rejoice, for you are filled with the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, for you pour out your blessings upon us.
Rejoice, for you left behind your former pursuits.
Rejoice, for you satisfied your spiritual thirst in the desert.
Rejoice, for you understood each other’s desire for purity.
Rejoice, for you beheld each other’s holiness of life.
Rejoice, for God filled you with interior peace and beauty.
Rejoice, for your repentance and humility were acceptable.
Rejoice, for you fill us with awe and inspiration.
Rejoice, for you accept our quest for spiritual prosperity.
Rejoice, for God shines His wisdom and forgiveness through you.
Rejoice, for you manifested the Church in a wilderness gathering.
Rejoice, unity of all saints from every walk of life.

Kontakion 2

Saint Mary of Egypt, holy desert dweller, may we not depart this life until we understand the ways of repentance and the benefits of prayer. To that end, may we also not live another day devoid of your guidance. Lead us beyond the dreadful sins of our disobedience and above the plateau of any spirituality gained thus far. Let us touch your feet in veneration of your holiness, Saint Mary, as we reach out from our entrenched and habitual wickedness. We implore you to cause the desert sun to burn away the coarseness of our conduct and melt the hardness of our heart, so that we may assemble in peace and say to one another: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

The fruit of your repentance, blessed hermitess, provides holy nourishment for all those enslaved to character defects and demonic tendencies. Many people are poisoned and corrupted, not only by carnality but by escapism and intellectualism. Among believers and unbelievers, there is widespread starvation for purity and serenity. We therefore turn to you, Saint Mary, hoping to receive the fruits of your labor, so that we may partake of holiness and offer you rightful praises in return:

Rejoice, holy desert mother, for the modern world is refreshed by your fruitful austerity.
Rejoice, woman of prayer, for the Church celebrates your feats of piety during Great Lent.
Rejoice, Godly-minded penitent, for the consequences of your solitude are of comfort to many.
Rejoice, grace-filled servant of God, for the results of your obedience bring hope to all.
Rejoice, for God blessed you with spiritual insight, and we turn to you with our defects.
Rejoice, for God fed you with His Word, and we run to you with our heartaches.
Rejoice, for though you were driven by unseemly passions, you were drawn close to God.
Rejoice, for though you sank down into the pit of perversion, you found your true purpose in prayer.
Rejoice, for the power and mercy of God were confirmed in your life.
Rejoice, for you spurned the lies of Satan and kept your eye single.
Rejoice, for all true Christians rejoice with you in your victory.
Rejoice, for we also pray to overcome all impurities through Christ.
Rejoice, Saint Mary, beloved penitent and giver of hope.

Kontakion 3

Saint Zosimus, blessed abba, your lifetime of holiness endears you to those who have loved God since childhood as well as those who have tasted the bitterness of waywardness. You are a light in the darkness, for the love of God’s Commandments always filled your heart and directed your steps throughout your entire life. All those blessed with your holy intercession therefore say: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

You have shown us, Saint Zosimus, that true holiness springs forth from a pure heart. Until we worship God in repentance and humility, and unless we love one another, then all our achievements are open to delusion and division. You are admirable, for you overcame sundry temptations to which many people, believers and unbelievers, have submitted their souls with either relish or regret. We therefore turn to you, holy priest and monk, and ask your blessing upon us as we offer you these praises:

Rejoice, man of virtue, for God infused you with a desire for sacred humility.
Rejoice, holy father, for you acquired the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, blessed elder, for you died to self and rose with your Savior, Jesus Christ.
Rejoice, for God chose you for a purpose, and we turn to you in our imperfection.
Rejoice, for God granted you ultimate meaning, and we run to you in our insufficiency.
Rejoice, for though you were already a monk, you endeavored to bring forth new spiritual fruit.
Rejoice, for though you practiced the monastic rule, you sought further illumination upon your path.
Rejoice, for you journeyed from a familiar monastery and into the mysterious wilderness.
Rejoice, for there you found salvation from your own thoughts.
Rejoice, for you walked forward into a desolate land under the sun.
Rejoice, for there you met a living human being who had conquered the devil.
Rejoice, Saint Zosimus, humble priest and finder of true holiness.

Kontakion 4

We see that the saints arise from various walks of life, both men and women, to the glory of God and for the edification of the faithful. They come from respected parents as well as dysfunctional backgrounds, from the educated and the unschooled, from the priesthood and the workforce, and many from the monastery and the desert. Whether known or unknown to us, their constant prayers enable us to say: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Saint Mary and Saint Zosimus, we venerate you and all the saints who exhibit God’s diversity in creation and unity of Church. You have shown us that all people can find a path and a purpose, if only we repent and exercise humility. May everyone answer the divine call to service, as we honor some of our predecessors who continue to shine forth a glorious light upon our spiritual journey:

Rejoice, Saint Matrona of Moscow, through sightlessness you transcended all barriers to holiness.
Rejoice, Saint Xenia of St. Petersburg, through homelessness you blessed people and built a church.
Rejoice, Saint Sofia of Suzdal, through imprisonment you lived in the freedom of unceasing prayer.
Rejoice, Saint Anna of Kashin, through renunciation of the world you gained the love of the people.
Rejoice, Saint Arsenius of Konevits, monk and coppersmith who brought an icon of the Theotokos to Russia from Mount Athos.
Rejoice, Saint Herman of Alaska, Russian missionary who became a cherished saint in the New World.
Rejoice, Saint Patapios of Thebes, simple hermit who preached the Word of God.
Rejoice, Saint Publia of Antioch, widow and deaconess who raised her son in holiness of life.
Rejoice, Saint Theodore of Novgorod, Fool for Christ who wisely foretold of impending famine.
Rejoice, Saint Gregory the Byzantine, humble monk of Mount Athos who gave spiritual guidance to Saint Gregory Palamas.
Rejoice, Saint Caluf, martyr of Egypt, who said, “I endure everything in expectation of the future life.”
Rejoice, Saint Benedict of Nursia, who said, “The evil of murmuring must not for any reason at all be shown by any word or deed.”
Rejoice, unity of all saints from every walk of life.

Kontakion 5

Saint Mary, on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, you were obstructed from entering a church by an invisible force. You were not accepted, because you had not yet renounced your unacceptable pursuits. Nonetheless, our merciful God desired your salvation. While others entered the church unobstructed, you were left alone outside to ponder the meaning of your life and the way of the Holy Cross, so that you might say: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

You later said to Saint Zosimus, “May God defend us from the evil one and from his designs, for fierce is his struggle against us.” You have thereby taught us, holy mother, that although the devil can tempt and torment, God seeks us and offers us a path to the Eternal Kingdom where all the righteous dwell. In recognition of our own struggles, and in repentance of our harsh ways, we bring these supplications to you:

Rejoice and remove all coldness from our heart.
Rejoice and banish all competition from our mind.
Rejoice and eliminate all negativity from our speech.
Rejoice and rid all delusions from our service to the Church.
Rejoice and demolish the barricade of our impure passions.
Rejoice and clear the snags of our corrupted perceptions.
Rejoice and break the chains of our defiled choices.
Rejoice and crumble the tower of our tainted customs.
Rejoice and fill us with hope and faith.
Rejoice and move us to repent and pray.
Rejoice and encourage us to persevere and overcome.
Rejoice and lead us to victory through the Cross of Christ.
Rejoice, Saint Mary, beloved penitent and giver of hope.

Kontakion 6

As you lamented your former pursuits, Saint Mary, you saw an icon of the holy Theotokos. Then, with deep faith and profound humility, you repented before the Mother of God and you implored her mercy upon your grievous condition. You asked her to open the doors of the Church to you, so that for the first time in your life you could truly say: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Saint Mary, you were then included with the others who were entering the church to celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. Your repentance was accepted, and you were able to understand the lifegiving power of the Holy Cross and the Blood of Jesus Christ. You dedicated yourself to the Virgin Mother, referring to her as the Acceptress of Repentance. In like manner, may we all bow to the Theotokos today with heartfelt praises:

Rejoice, Mother of God, for your Innocent Son calls sinners to repentance.
Rejoice, Virgin Birthgiver, for your pity extends to those who have defiled their purity.
Rejoice, for you offer help to those who have no other resources.
Rejoice, for you accept the repentance of the most disgraceful.
Rejoice, for you desire the salvation of all the possessed.
Rejoice, for you take back what the devil has captured.
Rejoice, for you commiserate with the turmoil of the human heart.
Rejoice, for you understand the misperceptions of the mortal mind.
Rejoice, for you lift up those who admit to their failings.
Rejoice, for Saint Mary of Egypt is the fruit of your mercy.
Rejoice, for you instilled within her confidence in your compassion.
Rejoice, Acceptress of Repentance who opened the doors of the Church to Saint Mary of Egypt.

Kontakion 7

Saint Mary, you devotedly prayed to the Theotokos for guidance, from that day onward and throughout the remainder of your life of solitude. Your only desire was to please God and to honor the wishes of the holy Virgin Mother. This new pursuit led you into the desert beyond the Jordan River, where you would pray unceasingly and continue to say: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

Never again did you see another human being, not until many years later when you were found by Saint Zosimus, for you were immersed in prayer and fasting. You kept before you the image of the icon of the Mother of God as you worked out your salvation in the arena of the desert, hidden in Christ. We therefore beseech your acceptance, Saint Mary of Egypt, of our earnest praises:

Rejoice, brilliant sunray of repentance.
Rejoice, desert lily of humility.
Rejoice, firm rock of faith.
Rejoice, spacious sky of hope.
Rejoice, amazing variety of creation.
Rejoice, glad receiver of salvation.
Rejoice, sturdy root of unity.
Rejoice, lasting fragrance of prayer.
Rejoice, luminous star of vigilance.
Rejoice, splendid morning of obedience.
Rejoice, pure oasis of victory.
Rejoice, enduring vine of sanctity.
Rejoice, Saint Mary, beloved penitent and giver of hope.

Kontakion 8

Saint Zosimus, lover of God since childhood, you reached the peak of spirituality in accordance with rules and standards, as well as through study of the Scriptures. However, since it is the way of Satan to especially target those who love God, the evil one planted within you germs of pride in your achievements. You began to regard yourself as perfect and not in need of any assistance. “Is there a man in the desert who has surpassed me?” Nonetheless, God had compassion upon your struggle, and you said: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

An angel came to you and directed you to undertake a spiritual journey, leaving behind your former pursuits and opening your heart to learn the merciful ways of God through someone who had conquered the devil. We marvel at God’s tender care of His beloved ones and His calling forth of all sinners to salvation. For this reason, Father Zosimus, we bring rightful praises to you:

Rejoice, for an angel guided your steps.
Rejoice, for you humbly proceeded as instructed.
Rejoice, for you sought to live in the presence of God.
Rejoice, for you avoided the approval of men.
Rejoice, for you went forward into the unknown.
Rejoice, for you repudiated the taunting of Satan.
Rejoice, for you hungered for imperishable food.
Rejoice, for you thirsted for redemptive waters.
Rejoice, for you crossed over the Jordan as a seeker of truth.
Rejoice, for you entered the desert as though it were a church.
Rejoice, for the sun shone like a glowing candle.
Rejoice, for the vast land was open to the prayerful.
Rejoice, Saint Zosimus, humble priest and finder of true holiness.

Kontakion 9

We know that Jesus Christ can cause the lame to walk and the blind to see, and even raise the dead back to life again. Saint Zosimus, may our feet follow the Savior wherever He leads, for He desires to give us abundant life and not death. May our eyes, like yours, behold the image of God in everyone we meet, that with you we may say: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

Father Zosimus, you exalted the Holy Cross in the good soil of your heart. After a lifetime of serving God and others, you separated the wheat from the chaff in your acquisition of knowledge and practices. You believed in God and yearned for deeper faith and utter repentance, wandering the desert with childlike trust and priestly conviction. May we emulate your holy quest as we offer you these praises:

Rejoice, strong oak of patience.
Rejoice, ample foliage of virtues.
Rejoice, flowing shroud of worship.
Rejoice, perpetual wave of prayer.
Rejoice, bright springtime of truth.
Rejoice, delicate scent of devotion.
Rejoice, rich reservoir of Psalms.
Rejoice, golden vessel of blessings.
Rejoice, ready seeker of righteousness.
Rejoice, new journey of faith.
Rejoice, full profit of consecration.
Rejoice, pure heart of renewal.
Rejoice, Saint Zosimus, humble priest and finder of true holiness.

Kontakion 10

The lives of Saint Mary of Egypt and Saint Zosimus demonstrate the sovereignty of God over His creation. God created male and female, and both can attain to true holiness through repentance and humility. Let us not puff ourselves up in superficial adherence to rules, or delude ourselves in the adoption of false spiritual notions, or surrender ourselves to worldly systems of thought, for all these things can be achieved without purity of heart. Instead, let us emulate Saint Mary and Saint Zosimus who intercede for us as they say: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

All the saints were clean of heart, no matter their walk of life, or their family history, or their cultural heritage. Nobody is instantly acceptable by birthright, and no seeker is unacceptable if they repent of their former pursuits. With this in mind, let us again honor some of our predecessors with fitting praises:

Rejoice, Saint Lucillian at Byzantium, upon reaching old age you were baptized a Christian and became a martyr.
Rejoice, Saint Bessarion of Egypt, upon being baptized as a youth you made a pilgrimage to the desert monasteries.
Rejoice, Saint Anysia of Thessalonica, upon the death of your parents you lived a life of prayer and were martyred.
Rejoice, Saint Athanasios of Athos, upon being orphaned you were raised by a nun and you founded a monastery on Mount Athos.
Rejoice, Saint Gleb Andreivich, for you were the holy and youngest son of Saint Andrei Bogolyubsky.
Rejoice, Saint Concordia of Rome, for you were the foster mother of Saint Hippolytus.
Rejoice, Saint Theodore of Novgorod, for you were the holy brother of Saint Alexander Nevsky.
Rejoice, Saint Nahum of Ochrid, for you were a disciple of Saints Cyril and Methodius.
Rejoice, Saint Gurias of Kazan, while falsely imprisoned you wrote a book for children.
Rejoice, Saint Eutropia of Alexandria, while ministering to imprisoned Christians you were arrested and martyred.
Rejoice, Saint Julian of Dalmatia, who said, “Do not trust the gods you have made with your hands, rather know the God Who out of nothing created Heaven and earth.”
Rejoice, Saint John of Damascus, who said, “What right have emperors to style themselves lawgivers in the Church?”
Rejoice, unity of all saints from every walk of life.

Kontakion 11

When Saint Zosimus found Saint Mary in the desert, she told him the story of her life. Saint Zosimus was edified by her example of utter repentance and profound humility. Herein we see again the marvel of holiness in diversity: for a priest who was accustomed to serving at the altar learned from a woman who had been hindered from entering a church. Through God’s mercy, two people heretofore unknown to each other were now unified for a purpose, and they said: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

Each one implored the prayers and blessings of the other, and related to each other in acceptance of their mutual pursuit of truth and sanctity. Let us also pray for one another and learn something from everyone, always exalting the Cross of Christ with our words and deeds. Now, let us bring more praises to the wondrous Saint Mary of Egypt and the honorable Saint Zosimus:

Rejoice with all the monasteries old and new.
Rejoice with all the priests in every church.
Rejoice with all the people during Great Lent.
Rejoice with all the solitaries in clefts of rocks.
Rejoice in every language known to man.
Rejoice in every Christian home under Heaven.
Rejoice in the farthest corner of the earth.
Rejoice in the smallest town in the world.
Rejoice by the Jordan River.
Rejoice on the Mount of Olives.
Rejoice from the sycamore tree.
Rejoice at the Pool of Siloam.
Rejoice, unity of all saints from every walk of life.

Kontakion 12

“Glory to God Who bestows great gifts on those who love Him,” said Saint Zosimus. The holy father returned to the monastery, but beheld Saint Mary one more time when he went to her a later with Holy Communion. Upon approaching the Jordan River, he saw Saint Mary on the other side. She then walked on the water, crossing over the Jordan to receive Holy Communion. Father Zosimus trembled and said: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Saint Mary departed this life shortly after receiving Holy Communion. She was found by Saint Zosimus, another year later, when he again entered the desert in search of her. He buried her, with the help of a lion that dug up the earth for the old priest. Saint Zosimus then glorified God for the remainder of his life, passing on the story of Saint Mary of Egypt. We therefore dutifully offer praises to these two magnificent saints of God:

Rejoice, for you give us a spiritual perspective on life.
Rejoice, for you provide us with a model for human relationships.
Rejoice, for your ways were acceptable to the Eternal God and to the holy Theotokos.
Rejoice, for you were of service to each other and to the whole Church of Christ.
Rejoice, for you show us that purity of heart is the utmost pursuit.
Rejoice, for you teach us that God responds to those who seek Him.
Rejoice, for you fill us with the joy of repentance.
Rejoice, for you endow us with the peace of humility.
Rejoice, for all the priests learn piety from you.
Rejoice, for the monks and nuns are encouraged by you.
Rejoice, for all the people find hope in you.
Rejoice, for the sinners are awakened by you.
Rejoice, unity of all saints from every walk of life.

Kontakion 13

From the monasteries to the deserts, from the great cathedrals to the simple missions, the holy influence of Saint Mary of Egypt and Saint Zosimus is felt by all the faithful. Let us apply their spirituality to our various walks of life, according to God’s purpose and mercy, so that we may all gather together now and in the Kingdom of Heaven: Alleluia!

(This kontakion is read thrice)
And again Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1:

Kontakion 1

We glorify You, Heavenly Father, for You raise up sinners to sainthood in response to their repentance and from the boundless creativeness of Your compassionate and merciful ways. Whether we live in the depth of depravity or in the peace of prayer, You know our heart and You call us forth into Your marvelous light. We see Your unfathomable love illustrated so clearly in the lives of the penitent Saint Mary of Egypt and the priest Saint Zosimus. We therefore exalt You, Gracious Father, and cry out to Your holy saints, saying:

Rejoice, Saint Mary, beloved penitent and giver of hope.
Rejoice, Saint Zosimus, humble priest and finder of true holiness.
Rejoice, unity of all saints from every walk of life.

Ikos 1

“Forgive me for God’s sake,” said Saint Mary when she was found by Saint Zosimus in the desert beyond the Jordan River. Indeed, forgive us, holy saints of God, as we approach you with our praises and supplications. Forgive us, in the Name of God, for we are sinful men and women and we humbly bow down before you. Henceforth, let all the repentant say, “Lord, have mercy upon me a sinner,” as we devotedly bring forth words of praise to God’s wonderful saints:

Rejoice, for you are filled with the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, for you pour out your blessings upon us.
Rejoice, for you left behind your former pursuits.
Rejoice, for you satisfied your spiritual thirst in the desert.
Rejoice, for you understood each other’s desire for purity.
Rejoice, for you beheld each other’s holiness of life.
Rejoice, for God filled you with interior peace and beauty.
Rejoice, for your repentance and humility were acceptable.
Rejoice, for you fill us with awe and inspiration.
Rejoice, for you accept our quest for spiritual prosperity.
Rejoice, for God shines His wisdom and forgiveness through you.
Rejoice, for you manifested the Church in a wilderness gathering.
Rejoice, unity of all saints from every walk of life.

A Prayer

Saint Mary of Egypt, we beseech you to accept our prayer, in the Name of God, for we turn to you in veneration of your holiness and in supplication of your intercession. We also wish to dedicate our lives to the Virgin Mother and to go wherever she directs us. In this way, we shall be blessed with true happiness and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.

Saint Zosimus, we implore you to bless all our endeavors, for the sake of Christ, as we turn to you in admiration of your spiritual journey. We also desire to seek and find true holiness, and to abide in Jesus Christ forevermore. For this we pray, and for this we thank you and all the saints in Heaven. Amen.

blog.obitel-minsk.com 

Orthodox Prayer for Doctors and Nurses

O Lord Jesus Christ our God, Lover of Mankind, Physician of our souls and bodies, who didst bear the pain of our infirmities, and by whose wounds we are healed; Who gave sight to the man born blind; Who straightened the woman who was bent over for 18 years; Who gave speech and sight to the mute demoniac; Who not only forgave the paralytic his sins, but healed him to walk; Who restored the withered hand of a troubled man; Who stopped the flow of blood of her who bled for 12 years; Who raised Jairus’ daughter to life; And brought the 4-day-dead Lazarus to life; And who heals every infirmity under the sun:

Do now, O Lord, grant Thy grace to all those who have labored and studied hour upon hour, to go into all the world, and also to heal by the talent Thou hast given to each of them. Strengthen them, by Thy strength, to fear no evil or disease. Enlighten them to do no evil by the works of their hands, and preserve them and those they serve in peace, for Thou art our God, and we know no other, and to Thee we ascribe glory together with Thy Father who is from everlasting, and Thy most Holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

By:https://byztex.blogspot.com

St. John the Theologian - Commemorated September 26 / May 8 Paraklesis to the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian

St. John the Theologian - Commemorated September 26 / May 8

Paraklesis to the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian (amateur translation)
written by Fr. Gerasimos Mikragiannanitou (of Little St. Anne's Skete, Mount Athos)

The Priest says the “Blessed...”, and the Psalm “O Lord hear my prayer...”, followed by “God is the Lord...” as in the Paraklesis, then the following:

Tone Four

As the beloved disciple of the Lord, and the pinnacle of the Apostles, O Theologian, and the most-ready protector of the faithful, deliver us from every danger and want, and entreat that we might be granted remission of offenses, and the divine light from above, for those who in fervent faith hasten to your holy intercessions.

Glory. The same.

Both Now.

O Theotokos, we shall never be silent of your mighty acts, all we the unworthy; had you not stood to intercede for us, who would have delivered us, from the numerous perils? Who would have preserved us all until now with our freedom? O Lady, we shall not depart from you; for you always save your servants, from all tribulation.

We read Psalm 50, followed by the Canon, whose acrostic reads:

“Grant us your protection, O blessed one. Gerasimos”

Ode I in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone

O Apostle of Christ, intercede on our behalf.

Shining with divine wisdom, O wise Theologian, as an Apostle of Christ, deliver, from the dangerous traps of Belial, those who hasten to you with fervor.

O Apostle of Christ, intercede on our behalf.

Shining, O blessed one, with the rays of the noetic sun, drive away the darkness of the passions from my soul, O Theologian, through your light-bearing intercessions.

Akathist to St. Paraskevi the Great Martyr of Rome

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone

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

Hail, Paraskevi, O comely virgin.

Hymns I offer to you the beauty of virgins, O chaste Paraskevi, martyr of Christ

O chaste Paraskevi, martyr of Christ, O chaste Paraskevi, martyr of Christ.

 For you struggled boldly, and you enlighten and shine with the rays of wonders on those who hymn you, and we offer you hymns with fervor:

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

Hail, Paraskevi, O comely virgin.

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

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

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

Hail, Paraskevi, O comely virgin.

Akathist to St. Iakovos Tsalikis of Evia

Note: The following is an amateur translation from the Greek text, offered for the many who love the Saint and who benefit from his speedy help. Also note that the meter of this translation is not set to match the original music.

Akathist to our Venerable Father Iakovos, who lately shown forth in Evia,
translated from the Greek text written by Dr. Charalampos Bousias


Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone. O Champion General.
In Evia you lived practically, and were adorned with the pure roses of virtues, giving fragrance to your fellow refugees in these latter days, O Father, you who equalled the feats of the sacred David [of Evia] and the most sympathetic deliverer of those who suffer, therefore we cry out: Rejoice, O blessed Iakovos.

You were shown forth to be a light-bearing angel to us in our days, O Iakovos, lover of God (3), for you ceaselessly directed your nous towards God, having also trampled upon the enemy through asceticism, therefore we cry out to you:
Rejoice, O pillar of chastity,
Rejoice, O lamp of spotlessness.
Rejoice, dwelling-place of the Three-Sun Godhead,
Rejoice, offspring of Livisiou of Makri.
Rejoice, newly-illumined light of God-bearing ascetics,
Rejoice, abyss of humility and canon of mindfulness.
Rejoice, you who granted heavenly gifts to those who came to you,
Rejoice, you who watered them with mystical rain.
Rejoice, icon of the wisdom of the Creator,
Rejoice harbor of love of the age to come.
Rejoice, radiant ray of sympathy,
Rejoice, standard of prayer and fasting.
Rejoice, O blessed Iakovos.

You followed the steps of the former desert ascetics in these days, O Father, and showed forth the Monastery of St. David to be a strong valve of the steadfast, O Iakovos, who ceaselessly cry out to God at your struggles, Alleluia.

O holy one, you were an offspring of Livisiou, and from your childhood days you traveled paths as a refugee, tasting bitterness, and were deprived of bread for your food, while the faithful you made fully fed, who therefore cry out to you these things:
Rejoice, bread of the hungry,
Rejoice, lighthouse of those storm-tossed.
Rejoice, you who granted the water of salvation to all,
Rejoice, you who trampled upon the enemy who hates good.
Rejoice, fruitful tree distributing fruits,
Rejoice, most radiant star of divine sympathy.
Rejoice, for your made full the hearts of those hungry,
Rejoice, for you cast out every tribulation for those close to you.
Rejoice, you who grant joy to the faithful,
Rejoice, corruption, casting away the demon.
Rejoice, image of the life in Christ,
Rejoice, standard of the modest life.
Rejoice, O blessed Iakovos.

Having received divine power, you escaped the traps of childhood, and kept the robe of your soul chaste and white, ever casting out evil words far from you, O venerable Iakovos, and we cry out with fervor: Alleluia.

You hastened to the Monastery of the Venerable David as a deer to the springs of waters, and you were filled with true asceticism as a gift from God, O venerable one, watering with the streams of joy those who cry out to you in faith:
Rejoice, the well of steadfastness,
Rejoice, the nectar of gladness.
Rejoice, example of the monastic way,
Rejoice spiritual pillar of beauty.
Rejoice, most fragrant myrrh of the truly pure life,
Rejoice, star shining with the rays of grace to the faithful people.
Rejoice, for you quench the fires of the flesh,
Rejoice, for you pour forth gifts of healing.
Rejoice, ever-flowing river of wonders,
Rejoice, fierce striker of the demons.
Rejoice, through whom evil is conquered,
Rejoice, through whom every mortal is strengthened.
Rejoice, O blessed Iakovos.

Having a burning faith, you gave yourself to a multitude of struggles, and softened your flesh as wax, O ascetic, that your nous might be winged towards our Lord and God, O all wondrous Iakovos, to Whom you chanted in a spotless tongue: Alleluia.

The godly-minded David heard your fervent prayer, O divine Iakovos, and not only made you to serve in his monastery, O Father, but made you the sacred Abbot, O Iakovos, to whom we cry out:
Rejoice, the might of young chastity,
Rejoice, the boast of divine fasting.
Rejoice, you who were zealous for the deeds of the Fathers,
Rejoice, you who trampled upon the roaring of the enemy.
Rejoice, earthly angel, communicant with the Venerable,
Rejoice, heavenly man, guide on the monastic way.
Rejoice, for you lately lived ascetically on Evia,
Rejoice for you rightly were granted the crown of glory.
Rejoice, paintbrush of the graces of the Spirit,
Rejoice, newly-radiant lamp of purity.
Rejoice, deposer of shameful passions,
Rejoice, imitator of God-bearing men.
Rejoice, O blessed Iakovos.

Wishing to imitate the ways of the divine David, you approached him man-to-man every evening, O wise one, and throughout the whole night, O Father Iakovos, you chanted to the Creator, and mystically chanted, crying out: Alleluia.

Akathist to St. Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia

Commemorated December 2. 

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone. 
The most-holy temple of the Comforter, 
And the beloved of the All-Pure Theotokos, 
Let us praise Porphyrios from our heart, 
For he loves and heals all, and protects, 
And intercedes, that we be granted theosis. 
Therefore, we cry out:
Hail, O Father Porphyrios. 

 
You lived unknown and hidden in the world, 
O shepherd of the Father's sheep. 
And having meditated on the life 
Of St. John Kalyvites, with zeal you hastened, 
O venerable one, to imitate his life. 
Therefore, we cry out to you these: 
Hail, O shepherd of the rational sheep, 
Hail, O source of healing for the passions. 
Hail, the fervent friend of purity, 
Hail, the godly mystic of the ineffable. 
Hail, most-pure vessel of the monastery of the Spirit, 
Hail, organ equaling a divine river of grace. 
Hail, for you are a guide to men, 
Hail, for you guide athletes in their struggles. 
Hail, star giving the light of the mysteries, 
Hail, you who taught us the things of salvation. 
Hail, the glorious offspring of Evia, 
Hail, you through whom we are delivered from pain. 
Hail, O Father Porphyrios.