Orthodox and church holidays and fasts
Today is an Orthodox church holiday: * Great Martyr Euphemia the All-Praised (memory of the miracle by which Orthodoxy was established, 451). * Equal to the Apostles Grand Duchess Olga of Russia, in holy baptism Helena (969) and other saints whose names we remember on this day... Tomorrow:
* Martyrs Proclus and Hilary (c. 98-117).
* St. Michael Malein (962) and other saints whose names we remember on this day... Holidays are expected: 07/26/2021
- * Cathedral of the Archangel Gabriel.
* St. Stephen Savvait (794) and other saints whose names we remember on this day... 07.27.2021
- * Apostle Aquila of the 70 (I) and other saints whose names we remember on this day...
07.28.2021
- * Martyrs of Kirik and Julitta, his mother (c. 305). *** Equal to the Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir, in holy baptism Vasily, Baptist of Rus' (1015) and other saints whose names we remember on this day...
All Orthodox and church holidays and fasts...
Orthodox Saints of God
The holy saints of God show special love and mercy to those who honor their holy memory.
It seems to many that the saints are far from us. But they are far from those who have withdrawn themselves, and very close to those who keep the commandments of Christ and have the grace of the Holy Spirit.
The holy saints in their earthly life turned to God for help in healing their ailments, sorrows and deliverance from temptations, asking God that even after death He would honor them with the gift of helping people in various cases of life.
The saints have reached the Heavenly Kingdom and there they see the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ; but by the Holy Spirit they also see the suffering of people on earth. Many holy saints of God received special grace from God, and He deigned them to be intercessors before Him for deliverance from our sorrows and bodily ailments, in which they themselves were tempted.
The saints rejoice at our repentance and mourn when people leave God and become like foolish cattle. They feel sorry that people live on earth, not knowing that if they loved each other, then there would be freedom from sin on earth: and where there is no sin, there is joy and gladness from the Holy Spirit, so that, wherever you look, everything sweet, and the soul wonders why it feels so good, and praises God. The saints hear our prayers and have the power from God to help us. The entire Christian race knows about this. We must remember: in order for a prayer to be heard, one should pray to the holy saints of God with faith in the power of their intercession before God, in words coming from the heart.
In our prayers we turn to the Lord God, to His Most Pure Mother - our Intercessor and Helper, to the holy Angels and holy people - the saints of God, because for their sake the Lord God is more likely to hear us sinners, our prayers. The Saints have different names: prophets, apostles, martyrs, saints, saints, unmercenaries, blessed, righteous, confessors. more>>
The Lord says: “When you light a candle, you do not put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it gives light to everyone in the house. So let your light shine before people, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:15-16). Saints are bright stars that show us the way to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Let us treasure the closeness of the holy saints of God to God and turn to them for help, remembering that they love us and care about our salvation. It is good to pray to the holy saints of God on those days when the Church celebrates their memory.
«Holy Saints of God, pray to God for us!»
Saints: life, memory, suffering...
To the chosen saint of God, to all the saints, who have shone throughout the world from time immemorial and who have received crowns of glory in Heaven, we offer songs of praise. But you, who have great boldness towards the Lord, free us from all troubles, and let us call to you in praise: Rejoice, all saints, warm prayer books for the whole world to God.
Ikos 1
The angelic council, diminished by the fall of the proud angels and by you, all the saints, is replenished, brightly triumphs on the day of your memory, and convenes the entire universe for spiritual joy. We, imitating them, call you joyfully: Rejoice, holy ones, foreseen by God from eternity and ordained to heavenly glory; Rejoice, from all generations, places and times, in the chosen service of the Lord. Rejoice, having justified your election by deeds of piety; Rejoice, for having shown us the right path to Heaven through the image of your good deeds. Rejoice, having lived righteously before the written law of God, according to the law of conscience; Rejoice, having lived a pious life in the shadow of the law. Rejoice, you who have shone brightly with virtues in the new grace; Rejoice, in these last times you have pleased God and received bribes with the first. Rejoice, having passed from earthly sorrows to heavenly peace; Rejoice, having been privileged to behold the inscrutable glory of God. Rejoice, from the faces of the incorporeal you constantly praise the Most Holy Trinity; Rejoice, you who always pray to Her for all those who honor you. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 2
Seeing the Orthodox Church of Christ and the Church, the numerous faces of the saints, as if adorned with beautiful flowers of paradise, she brightly honors their memory and magnifies the Most Pure Mother of God with Christ God who was born of Her, crying out a song of praise to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Ask the Lord for enlightenment of our minds, holy saints of God, so that, having shaken off our earthly attachments, we may ascend with our hearts and minds to the heavenly village inherited by you and to us, and we will cry out to you joyfully: Rejoice, Old Testament forefathers and patriarchs, ancestors according to the flesh of Christ the Son of God; Rejoice, for by the blessing of God your generations have multiplied like the stars of heaven. Rejoice, having preserved your right faith in the true God in the midst of the darkness of ancient wickedness; Rejoice, having looked forward with hope to the promised Redeemer. Rejoice, for from your flame arose the Most Bright Light - the Mother of God Mary; Rejoice, for from Her was born the Conqueror of death and hell. Rejoice, having received salvation through faith in the coming Christ; Rejoice, having received a blessing instead of the ancient oath. Rejoice, you who awaited the coming of Christ in hell; Rejoice, He has delivered you from the torments of hell. Rejoice, you have been elevated to Heaven with glory; Rejoice, with the faces of angels in the eternal abode of the Heavenly Father in the universe. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 3
By the power of the Highest overshadowing, the saints, who boldly took up arms against the principles and powers of the evil of heaven, and having defeated those deceits, have accomplished all your good undertakings, singing to the all-powerful, philanthropic God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having the holy prophets, glorious settlements in the monasteries of the house of the Heavenly Father and enlightened by the ever-present light of the face of God, the ineffable one, truly, with all the saints, enjoy the bliss of which we on earth wish to be partakers, we sing to you: Rejoice, holy prophets, in God’s election before your birth; Rejoice, you who faithfully worked for Him before Christ’s incarnation. Rejoice, sanctified from infancy by the grace of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, a message from the Lord to admonish the erring children of Israel. Rejoice, you who foretold the glorious birth of Christ from the Virgin; Rejoice, stars, who preceded the coming of the true Sun. Rejoice, you who boldly exposed the lawbreaking kings of Israel; Rejoice, having mercilessly cut off all human wickedness with the sword of the word of God. Rejoice, faithful servants of the Lord, having fulfilled all His desires; Rejoice, you who spoke the truth without fear before the authorities. Rejoice, you who have endured much sorrow in the world; Rejoice, with all the elect triumphant in Heaven in eternal glory. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 4
Having escaped from the storms of life, all the saints have gone into heavenly peace, into green and cool places, where there are sweats of inscrutable sweetness, the food of the glory of God incorruptible, the singing and voices of those celebrating; there you triumph with all the angelic forces, singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
The eye has not seen and the ear has not heard, and the heart of earthly man has not sighed with joy and sweetness, which you now enjoy, holy apostles. For this reason, we reverently cry to you: Rejoice, holy apostles, with the Forerunner John, the closest friends of Christ; Rejoice, according to the Most Holy Virgin Mary, primate at the Throne of the Holy Trinity. Rejoice, having proclaimed to the world the mystery of our redemption; Rejoice, you who have enlightened the darkened people with the light of the faith of Christ. Rejoice, the seed of the word of God has appeared in all human hearts; Rejoice, you who reap the fruits of your labors in the heavenly helicopter city. Rejoice, holy fathers, who affirmed the confession of the Orthodox faith during the seven Ecumenical Councils; Rejoice, having calmed the storm of heretical wickedness. Rejoice, having explained to us the dogmas of the Orthodox faith; Rejoice, and until now, through your teaching, you have protected the Church of Christ from heresies and schisms. Rejoice, holy hierarchs, who have shone brightly in word and life; Rejoice, in the non-evening light, with your spiritual children who now dwell. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 5
God-rich, Savior, through Your blood, redemption and faithfully served all the saints on the earth, now in the firmament of the Church they shine like bright stars, and guide all of us, floating on the sea of this passionate life, on the right path leading to the Heavenly Fatherland; For this reason we sing with joy and gratitude to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen the holy martyrs, as in this world everything is vanity and is involved in corruption, having striven to please the eternal God and through enduring fierce torment, the corruptible to the incorruptible can be changed, for which you have been honored to stand at the terrible Throne of the Lady in eternal glory, in which do not forget us, who honor your memory and those who cry out to you are: Rejoice, holy passion-bearers, who have sealed with your blood your right faith in Christ; Rejoice, you who are not afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rejoice, you who have endured terrible torment; Rejoice, having shown the image of Christ’s passion. Rejoice, you who have defeated the fierce tormentors of ferocity; Rejoice, having passed through fire and water and entered into eternal rest. Rejoice, confessors and holy martyrs, who suffered for piety and veneration of holy icons; Rejoice, venerable martyrs, who conversed with God in prayer and trampled upon the devil through suffering. Rejoice, for the glory and honor of the Heavenly King who fought courageously; Rejoice, having received the victorious honor from Christ in Heaven. Rejoice, you who have received great grace from the Lord; Rejoice, you who perform many and varied miracles for the glory of God in the heavenly places. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 6
They preach Christianity, give birth to your glory, all saints; For you, like a planted paradise, appeared in the midst of the Church, having the tree of life of the Lord Himself, from Him you tasted the sweets of paradise, all of you who were quickly perishing in this world in despise, and joyfully entered into the heavenly helicopter city, singing: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
The orthodoxy and virtues of the venerable father, like the sun, shine throughout the whole world and enlighten us on the dark path of this life, so that we do not get lost in the desert of sin and soul-destroying heresies. For this reason, we sing praises to them: Rejoice, reverend fathers, who have forsaken peace and love in the world for the sake of God by the will of God; Rejoice, reverend mother, who completed the earthly course in day and night struggles. Rejoice, desert women, who lived in caves and mountains with wild animals; Rejoice, fasters, who passed through their temporary life in hunger and thirst. Rejoice, pillars, who endured the filth and heat of the Kingdom for the sake of Heaven; Rejoice, hermits, who have sought God in the silence of the heart. Rejoice, virgins, who have preserved chastity and followed the immaculate Lamb of Christ; Rejoice, novices, having acquired the humility of Christ. Rejoice, having lived angelically in their community in mutual brotherly love; Rejoice, wisdom and meekness of the former mentor of the monks. Rejoice, all hard workers, who have acquired the perfection of virtues; Rejoice, having entered into the rest of your Lord. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 7
Although the All-Good Lord will reveal to the world that all those who please Him do not work in vain, but that a great reward has been prepared for them in the Kingdom of Heaven; For this reason, He glorified the hosts of His saints, who served variously on earth; Yes, and we are jealous of those lives, and we hope for the same eternal glory, we sing to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
“Believe in Me, even if you die, you will live,” says the Lord. For you, all saints, these Master’s verbs are quite befitting; Even though you died on earth in the flesh, but always live in your souls in the higher settlement, you perform many and ineffable miracles in the world, and with your warm intercession to God you help us, who proclaim to you: Rejoice, you who are on high, having come to know the true God with your wise mind; Rejoice, having preserved your right faith in the Holy Trinity immaculately. Rejoice, having confessed Christ the Son of God, the true God and perfect Man; Rejoice, you who undoubtedly believed in His saving passion. Rejoice in Orthodoxy, like shining stars; Rejoice in righteousness, like a prosperous date. Rejoice, you who lived in flesh on earth but lived in Heaven in mind; Rejoice, having passed on temporary death for endless life. Rejoice, you who have walked the narrow path of the Gospel; Rejoice, you who have reached the narrow gates of the Kingdom of Heaven. Rejoice, eternal blessings of the heiress; Rejoice, intercessors for our salvation with warmth towards God. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 8
This mountainous country, where all the saints rest after their earthly toils, imagining with our minds, even though we cannot comprehend the bliss that exists there, we are earthly and clothed in flesh, however, by faith, understanding this and anticipating with our hearts, we sing to the wondrous God in our saints: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
Count the multitude of stars and name them all, O Lord Almighty, You alone weigh the names of all those who have pleased You. But we, who are the work of Thy hand, like the sand of the sea, can not call this and all the saints by name, except Thy most noble servants, who from the beginning of the world have pleased You, we call, saying: Rejoice, Adam and Eve, forefathers of the entire human race; Rejoice, Abel and Seth, first diligence in the world of piety. Rejoice, Noah, the second generation of our ancestor, and Abraham, the successor of God's covenant; Rejoice, Moses, the seer of God, and Aaron, the first priest of the Old Testament. Rejoice, Enosh and Elijah did not taste death in the flesh and were raptured into Heaven; Rejoice, Isaiah, David and Daniel, spectators of the mysteries of God Almighty. Rejoice, Joachim and Anno, who gave birth to the Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ our God; Rejoice, Peter, Paul, James and John, most chosen apostles of Christ. Rejoice, Nicholas, Vasily, Gregory, John and Athanasius, steadfast pillars of the Church of Christ; Rejoice, Anthony, Pachomius, Euthymius, Hilarion and Savvo, great mentors of monks. Rejoice, George, Demetrius, Eustratius and Panteleimon, great martyrs of Christ; Rejoice, Varvaro, Irino, Paraskeva, Ekaterino and all the martyrs, who magnified the triumph of faith with their blood. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 9
All Thy saints, O Lord, imitating the angelic rite, ceaselessly glorify Thy Most Holy Name in Heaven, “Holy, Holy, Holy,” crying out; with them we, sinners on earth, cry out with mortal lips: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The vain wisdom is perplexed to say: how you, all saints, were servile to us, formerly men, not overcome by passions quickly, by your courage you conquered your bodiless enemies. We, who glorify the Lord who strengthened you, praise your valor and cry out with emotion: Rejoice, holy ones, who have loved the Lord with all your soul; Rejoice, you who did not spare His love for the sake of your life. Rejoice, world and victorious ruler of the world; Rejoice, you who have destroyed all the nets of the ancient serpent like a spider. Rejoice, having humbled yourself under the strong hand of the all-good Providence of God; Rejoice, having submitted your will to the will of the Heavenly Father. Rejoice, having glorified the Lord in your souls and bodies; Rejoice, having magnified Him in all your deeds. Rejoice, you who lifted up your hands to do good deeds; Rejoice, you who guided your steps on the right path. Rejoice, having not set your hearts on earthly wealth and pleasure. Rejoice, you who have always thought about heavenly blessings and eternal joy. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 10
Walking the right path of salvation and learning about the destinies of God's righteousness, all holy things, appearing like fruitful trees when the waters issue, and bringing to God the fruit of your virtues in its time. Now in the mountainous Eden of indescribable enjoying bliss, remember us, your children, your fatherly the care of those who praise our salvation and sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
The wall is strong for us against the face of the enemy, you are, all saints, and the warmth of the prayer book to Christ for all kinds of Christians. In the same way, since we are always protected by you from the arrows of the invisible fighter, we joyfully cry: Rejoice, great adornment of the human race; Rejoice, joy and consolation that is ours in our earthly journey. Rejoice, in the battle with the enemies of our salvation, you are our strong helper; Rejoice, for through your prayers you protect us from the sword of God’s wrath. Rejoice, you yourself have been tempted, and you help us in temptation; Rejoice, you who greatly rejoice at the repentance of us sinners. Rejoice, having lived righteously in various places on earth at all times; Rejoice, even if you have sinned, even if you have washed away the filth of sins with true repentance and tears. Rejoice, having passed away from Adam even to this day in the hope of eternal life; Rejoice, you who came from the East and the West and rested in the bosom of Abraham. Rejoice, for your host is always multiplying with new arrivals from the earth; Rejoice, for by you the place of fallen spirits in the cathedral of angels is filled. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 11
Our songs of praise, even if they were numerous, are not sufficient to glorify your virtues, all the saints; and it is more convenient for us who are weak to love silence; but let us not appear lazy and ungrateful for what we have received, for the sake of the mercy and goodness of God, we sing to the Master who glorified you: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
You are the lamps of the unevening light, all saints, at the Throne of the Most Holy Trinity with the angelic ranks in prayer for us, ever-burning, and instructing those who cry out to you on the bright path of salvation: Rejoice, lamps of the immaterial fire; Rejoice, inhabitants of the abodes of the Heavenly Father. Rejoice, bunch of grapes of Christ; Rejoice, fragrant flowers of heaven. Rejoice, you who give life to the river, who give us water in our spiritual thirst; Rejoice, rain-bearing clouds, cooling us in the heat of temptation. Rejoice, spiritual winds that drive away the winter of despondency from our hearts; Rejoice, sweet-songs of glory, who proclaim to us the spiritual spring of eternal bliss. Rejoice, mental mountains that lead us to Heaven; Rejoice, intelligent rays of the Sun, pouring His mercy upon us. Rejoice, good helmsmen, who save us from the drowning of sin; Rejoice, returning guide, who guide us to the heavenly fatherland. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 12
Grace given to you from God as a reward for your many virtues, whoever is able to confess from earthly beings about holiness! Just as the drops of the sea can be exhausted one by one, the sum of your miracles and the blessings you have given us cannot be powerfully exhausted. For this reason, we joyfully celebrate your glorious celebration, and we all call to the Lord who works in you: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing Thee, O Lord Almighty, we praise all Thy most holy name, for from the beginning of the world at different times Thou hast revealed Thy ever-memorable saints, Who has pleased Thee alone in the Glorious God of the Trinity, and through their prayers Thou hast delivered from all evils those who cry to them: Rejoice, holy saints of God with the Most Holy One all creation by the Ever-Virgin Mary; Rejoice, you too, disembodied Angels, guardian of the human race. Rejoice, holy kings and princes, who reigned piously on earth and inherited the Kingdom of Heaven; Rejoice, good city rulers, for you have been honored to dwell in the heavenly city. Rejoice, impartial earthly judge, who received justification and mercy from the Heavenly Judge; Rejoice, shepherd of the zeal of the verbal sheep, praised and glorified by the Chief Shepherd Christ. Rejoice, righteous farmers, who served God in simplicity of heart and kindness; Rejoice, patient wanderer who has reached the Heavenly Fatherland. Rejoice, foolishness, reproach and reproach of Christ for the sake of the one who endured; Rejoice, unmercenaries, who gave healing to the sick and received rewards in Heaven. Rejoice, men and wives of every age and rank who have pleased God, for you are one in the Lord and your souls are in the hand of God; Rejoice, for in the future, together with your souls and bodies, you will share in eternal glory. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 13
O all-blessed saints of God, all saints who have received the inheritance of eternal blessings! Receive this song of our praise, and with your favorable prayers to God, ask us for forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal torment, so that with you in our Heavenly Fatherland we sing to God: Hallelujah. This kontakion is read three times. Then the 1st Ikos “The Council of Angels...” and the 1st Kontakion “To the Chosen Saint...”.
PRAYER
O blessed saints of God, all the saints who stand before the Throne of the Most Holy Trinity and enjoy indescribable bliss! Behold, now, on the day of your common triumph, look mercifully upon us, your lesser brothers, who bring you this song of praise and through your intercession asking for mercy and remission of sins from the Most Blessed Lord: we know, truly we know, for all that you desire, ask Him you can. Therefore, we humbly pray to you: pray to the merciful Master, may he give us the spirit of your zeal for keeping His holy commandments, so that, following in your footsteps, we will be able to pass through the earthly field in a virtuous life without vice and in repentance reach the glorious villages of paradise, and there, together with with you glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen
Orthodox prayers and icons of the Mother of God and saints
The word “icon” comes from the Greek language and means “image”, “image”. The image of the icon is consecrated with holy water and special prayers, through this consecration the grace of the Holy Spirit is imparted to the icon, and the icon is already revered by us as holy. According to the Orthodox dogma of icon veneration, approved by the VII Ecumenical Council, “the honor given to an icon relates to its prototype, and the one who worships the icon worships the hypostasis of the person depicted on it.” The Council especially emphasizes that we give veneration to icons, and not the worship that is due to God alone. “The icon mysteriously contains within itself the presence of the one whom it depicts, and this presence is the closer, more grace-filled and stronger, the more the icon corresponds to the church canon.”
All Icons of the Mother of God and Saints
Prayer in the Christian life. What is prayer? About prayer
Prayer is the most important part of the spiritual life of every believer. Through prayer, a person turns to God, asks him and asks for forgiveness from him. In other words, prayer is nothing more than a person’s way of talking with God. About prayer...
The basis of the life of an Orthodox Christian is fasting and prayer. Prayer, said Saint Philaret of Moscow, “is a conversation between the soul and God.” And just as in a conversation it is impossible to listen to one side all the time, so in prayer it is useful to sometimes stop and listen to the Lord’s answer to our prayer.
Prayer does not require a specific time, place, circumstance or form. It can be verbose - long, and laconic - short. The prayer can be said at any time of the day or night, and anywhere. A person can pray under all circumstances of his life: when he is sick or healthy, when he is happy or sad, when he succeeds or fails, when he is in the company of his enemies or in the circle of his friends, when he is abandoned by everyone, or when he in the midst of your beloved family. But God’s temple serves as a special place of prayer. On Sundays, as well as on weekdays, if time permits, we should go to church to pray, where our brothers and sisters in Christ - Christians - gather to pray together, all together. This kind of prayer is called church prayer.
Every Orthodox Christian must pray daily, morning and evening, before and after eating food, before starting and at the end of any task (for example: before teaching and after teaching, etc.).
In the morning we pray to thank God for preserving us last night, to ask for His Fatherly blessing and help for the day that has begun.
In the evening, before going to bed, we also thank the Lord for a successful day and ask him to keep us during the night.
Before and after meals we pray to thank God for His gifts and ask Him to bless and sanctify the food.
In order for the work to be done successfully and safely, we must also, first of all, ask God for blessings and help for the upcoming work, and upon completion, thank God.
Unfortunately, many people forget about the necessity and importance of prayer, and resort to it only in cases of feeling hopeless. However, even in these cases, as practice shows, God does not forget about the person and gives him his love and support. But not a single prayer will bring anything good to a person if he simply reads it without thinking about what is said. Therefore, it is extremely important, when turning to the Creator in prayer, to truly feel every word.
God is the best of interlocutors; he will always hear a person and help him. You should not be embarrassed to talk to God even about the most secret things that are in your soul. The main thing is to do it with true faith in God.
“True prayer does not consist in words and saying them, but true prayer consists “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23). When we pray to God, we must stand before Him not only in body, but also in spirit; and say prayer not only with your lips, but also with your mind and heart; and not only bow our heads and knees, but also our hearts before Him; and raise our intelligent eyes to Him with humility. For all prayer must come from the heart; and what the tongue says, the mind and heart must say.” Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk.
And no matter what happens during the day, everything happens according to the will of God; all, without exception, are circumstances in which the Lord wished to place you, so that you could be His presence, His love, His compassion. His creative mind, His courage... And, besides, whenever you encounter this or that situation, you are the one whom God put there to carry out the ministry of a Christian, to be a part of the Body of Christ and the action of God. If you do this, you will easily see that sometimes you will have to turn to God and say: “Lord, enlighten my mind, strengthen and direct my will, give me a fiery heart, help me!” At other times you will be able to say, “Oh my God, thank you!”
In the Christian catechism, that is, in the instruction on the Christian faith, it is said about prayer this way: “Prayer is the offering of the mind and heart to God and is a person’s reverent word to God.” Prayer has extraordinary power. “Prayer not only defeats the laws of nature, not only is it an insurmountable shield against visible and invisible enemies, but it even holds back the hand of the Almighty God Himself, raised to defeat sinners,” writes Saint Demetrius of Rostov.
In the New Testament, prayer is a living connection between the children of God and their infinitely good Father, with His Son Jesus Christ and with the Holy Spirit. The grace of the Kingdom is “the unity of the entire Holy Trinity with the entire spirit.” Thus, prayer life is a constant and natural presence in the presence of the Trisagion of God and in communion with Him. Such vital communion is always possible because through baptism our being has become one with Christ. Prayer is Christian because it is communion with Christ and grows in the Church, which is His Body. Its dimensions are the dimensions of Christ's love.
“Prayer is not telling God our needs. Prayer is the condition under which Divine power can contact our spirit and act in us. God is omniscient and knows us better than we know ourselves.” Archimandrite Rafail (Karelin) (XX century).
Akathist to all saints
Kontakion 1
To the chosen saint of God, to all the saints, who from time immemorial have shone throughout the world and received crowns of glory in heaven, we offer praise. But you, who have great boldness towards the Lord, free us from all troubles, and let us call to you in praise: Rejoice, all saints, warm prayer books for the whole world to God.
Ikos 1
The angelic council, diminished by the fall of the proud angels and by you, all the saints, is replenished, brightly triumphs on the day of your memory, and convenes the entire universe for spiritual joy. We, imitating them, call you joyfully: Rejoice, holy ones, foreseen by God from eternity and ordained to heavenly glory; Rejoice, from all generations, places and times in the service of the Lord's election. Rejoice, having justified your election by deeds of piety; Rejoice, for by the image of your good deeds you have shown us the right path to heaven. Rejoice, having lived righteously before the written law of God, according to the law of conscience; Rejoice, having lived a pious life in the shadow of the law. Rejoice, you who have shone brightly with virtues in the new grace; Rejoice, in these last times you have pleased God and received bribes with the first. Rejoice, having passed from earthly sorrows to heavenly peace; Rejoice, having been privileged to behold the inscrutable glory of God. Rejoice, from the faces of the incorporeal you constantly praise the Most Holy Trinity; Rejoice, you who always pray to Her for all those who honor you. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 2
Seeing the numerous faces of the saints, as if she were adorned with beautiful flowers of paradise, she brightly honors their memory and magnifies the Most Pure Mother of God with Christ God who was born of Her, crying out a song of praise to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Ask the Lord for enlightenment of our minds, holy saints of God, so that, having shaken off our earthly attachments, we may ascend with our hearts and minds to the heavenly village inherited by you and to us, and we will cry out to you joyfully: Rejoice, Old Testament forefathers and patriarchs, ancestors according to the flesh of Christ the Son of God; Rejoice, for by the blessing of God your generations have multiplied like the stars of heaven. Rejoice, having preserved your right faith in the true God in the midst of the darkness of ancient wickedness; Rejoice, having looked forward with hope to the promised Redeemer. Rejoice, for from your tribe a bright light has risen - the Mother of God Mary; Rejoice, for from Her was born the Conqueror of death and hell. Rejoice, having received salvation through faith in the coming Christ; Rejoice, having received a blessing instead of the ancient oath. Rejoice, you who awaited the coming of Christ in hell; Rejoice, He has delivered you from the torments of hell. Rejoice, you have been raised to heaven with glory; Rejoice, with the faces of the angels in the eternal abode of the Heavenly Father in the universe. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 3
By the power of the Highest overshadowing, the saints, who boldly took up arms against the principles and powers of the evil of heaven, and having defeated those deceits, have accomplished all your good undertakings, singing to the all-powerful, philanthropic God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having the holy prophets, glorious settlements in the monasteries of the house of the Heavenly Father and enlightened by the ever-present light of the face of God, the ineffable one, truly, with all the saints, enjoy the bliss of which we on earth wish to be partakers, we sing to you: Rejoice, holy prophets, in God’s election before your birth; Rejoice, you who faithfully worked for Him before Christ’s incarnation. Rejoice, sanctified from infancy by the grace of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, for a message from the Lord to admonish the erring children of Israel. Rejoice, you who foretold the glorious birth of Christ from the Virgin; Rejoice, stars, who preceded the coming of the true Sun. Rejoice, you who boldly denounced the lawbreaking kings of Israel; Rejoice, having mercilessly cut off all human wickedness with the sword of the word of God. Rejoice, faithful servants of the Lord, having fulfilled all His desires; Rejoice, you who spoke the truth without fear before the authorities. Rejoice, you who have endured much sorrow in the world; Rejoice, with all the elect triumphant in heaven in eternal glory. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 4
Having escaped from the storms of life, all the saints have gone into heavenly peace, into green and cool places, where there are sweats of inscrutable sweetness, the food of the glory of God incorruptible, the singing and voices of those celebrating; there you triumph with all the angelic forces, singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and the heart of earthly man has not sighed with joy and sweetness, which you now enjoy, Holy Apostles. For this reason, we reverently cry to you: Rejoice, holy Apostles, with the Forerunner John, the closest friends of Christ; Rejoice, according to the Most Holy Virgin Mary, primate at the Throne of the Holy Trinity. Rejoice, having proclaimed to the world the mystery of our redemption; Rejoice, you who have enlightened the darkened people with the light of the faith of Christ. Rejoice, the seed of the word of God has appeared in all human hearts; Rejoice, you who reap the fruits of your labors in the heavenly helicopter city. Rejoice, holy fathers, who affirmed the confession of the Orthodox faith through the seventh ecumenical councils; Rejoice, having calmed the storm of heretical wickedness. Rejoice, having explained to us the dogmas of the Orthodox faith; Rejoice, even to this day, through your teaching, you have protected the Church of Christ from heresies and schisms. Rejoice, holy hierarchs, who have shone brightly in word and life; Rejoice, in the non-evening light, with your spiritual children now living. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 5
God-rich, Savior, through Your blood, redemption and faithfully served all the saints on the earth, now in the firmament of the Church they shine like bright stars, and guide all of us, floating on the sea of this passionate life, on the right path leading to the heavenly fatherland; For this reason we sing with joy and gratitude to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen the holy martyrs, as in this world everything is vanity and is involved in corruption, having striven to please the eternal God and through enduring fierce torment, the corruptible to the incorruptible can be changed, for which you have been honored to stand at the terrible Throne of the Lady in eternal glory, in which do not forget us, who honor your memory and those who cry out to you are: Rejoice, holy passion-bearers, who have sealed with your blood your right faith in Christ; Rejoice, you who are not afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rejoice, you who have endured terrible torment; Rejoice, having shown the image of Christ’s passion. Rejoice, you who have defeated the fierce tormentors of ferocity; Rejoice, having passed through fire and water and entered into eternal rest. Rejoice, confessors and holy martyrs, who suffered for piety and veneration of holy icons; Rejoice, venerable martyrs, who conversed with God in prayer and trampled upon the devil through suffering. Rejoice, for the glory and honor of the Heavenly King who fought courageously; Rejoice, having received the victorious honor from Christ in heaven. Rejoice, you who have received great grace from the Lord; Rejoice, you who perform many and varied miracles for the glory of God in the heavenly places. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 6
They preach Christianity, give birth to your glory, all saints; For you, like a planted paradise, appeared in the midst of the Church, having the tree of life of the Lord Himself, from whom you tasted the sweetness of paradise, all of you who are quickly perishing in this world in despise, and joyfully entered into the heavenly helicopter city, singing: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
The orthodoxy and virtues of the venerable father, like the sun, shine throughout the whole world and enlighten us on the dark path of this life, so that we do not get lost in the desert of sin and soul-destroying heresies. For this reason, we sing praises to them: Rejoice, reverend fathers, who have forsaken peace and love in the world for the sake of God by the will of God; Rejoice, reverend mother, who completed her earthly course in day and night struggles. Rejoice, desert women, who lived in caves and mountains with wild animals; Rejoice, fasters, who passed through their temporary life in hunger and thirst. Rejoice, pillars, who endured the filth and heat of the Kingdom for the sake of Heaven; Rejoice, hermits, who have sought God in the silence of the heart. Rejoice, virgins, who have maintained chastity and followed the immaculate Lamb of Christ; Rejoice, novices, having acquired the humility of Christ. Rejoice, having lived angelically in their community in mutual brotherly love; Rejoice, wisdom and meekness of the former mentor of the monks. Rejoice, all hard workers, who have acquired the perfection of virtues; Rejoice, you who have entered into the rest of your Lord. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 7
Although the All-Good Lord will reveal to the world that all those who please Him do not work in vain, but that a great reward has been prepared for them in the Kingdom of Heaven; For this reason, He glorified the hosts of His saints, who served variously on earth; Yes, and we are jealous of those lives, and we hope for the same eternal glory, we sing to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
“Believe in Me, even if you die you will live,” says the Lord. For you, all saints, these Master’s verbs are quite befitting; Even though you died on earth in the flesh, but always live in your souls in the higher village, you perform many and ineffable miracles in the world, and with your warm intercession to God you help us, who proclaim to you: Rejoice, O heavenly one, through your wise mind of the true God, who have come to know the true God; Rejoice, having preserved your right faith in the Holy Trinity immaculately. Rejoice, having confessed Christ the Son of God, the true God and perfect man; Rejoice, you who undoubtedly believed in His saving passion. Rejoice in Orthodoxy, like shining stars; Rejoice in righteousness, like a prosperous phoenix. Rejoice, having lived in heaven in your flesh and in heaven; Rejoice, having passed away temporary death for endless life. Rejoice, you who have walked the narrow path of the Gospel; Rejoice, having reached the narrow gates of the Kingdom of Heaven. Rejoice, eternal blessings of the heiress; Rejoice, you who intercede for our salvation with warmth towards God. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 8
This mountainous country, where all the saints rest after their earthly toils, imagining with our minds, even though we cannot comprehend the bliss that exists there, we are earthly and clothed in flesh, however, by faith, understanding this and anticipating with our hearts, we sing to the wondrous God in our saints: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
Count the multitude of stars and name them all, O Lord Almighty, You alone weigh the names of all those who have pleased You. But we, who are the work of Thy hand, like the sand of the sea, can not call this and all the saints by name, except Thy most noble servants, who from the beginning of the world have pleased You, we call, saying: Rejoice, Adam and Eve, forefathers of the entire human race; Rejoice, Abel and Seth, the first diligence in the world of piety. Rejoice, Noah, the second generation of our ancestor, and Abraham, the successor of God's covenant; Rejoice, Moses, the seer of God, and Aaron, the first priest of the Old Testament. Rejoice, Enosh and Elijah, who did not taste death in the flesh and were taken to heaven; Rejoice, Isaiah, David and Daniel, spectators of the mysteries of God Almighty. Rejoice, Joachim and Anno, who gave birth to the Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ our God; Rejoice, Peter, Paul, James and John, most chosen Apostles of Christ. Rejoice, Nicholas, Vasily, Gregory, John and Athanasius, steadfast pillars of the Church of Christ; Rejoice, Anthony, Pachomius, Euthymius, Hilarion and Savvo, great mentors of monks. Rejoice, George, Demetrius, Eustratius and Panteleimon, great martyrs of Christ; Rejoice, Varvaro, Irino, Paraskeva, Ekaterino and all the martyrs, who magnified the triumph of faith with their blood. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 9
All Thy saints, O Lord, imitating the angelic rite, ceaselessly glorify Thy Most Holy Name in heaven, “Holy, holy, holy,” crying out; with them we, sinners on earth, cry out with mortal lips: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The superstitious spirits are perplexed to say: how are you, all the saints, who were servile to us and who were once human beings, who were not quickly overcome by passions, and by your courage you defeated your bodiless enemies. We, who glorify the Lord who strengthened you, praise your valor and cry out with emotion: Rejoice, holy ones, who have loved the Lord with all your soul; Rejoice, you who did not spare His love for the sake of your life. Rejoice, world and victorious ruler of the world; Rejoice, you who have destroyed all the nets of the ancient serpent like a spider. Rejoice, having humbled yourself under the strong hand of God’s all-good providence; Rejoice, having submitted your will to the will of the Heavenly Father. Rejoice, having glorified the Lord in your souls and bodies; Rejoice, you who have magnified Him in all your deeds. Rejoice, you who lifted up your hands to do good deeds; Rejoice, you who have guided your steps to the right path. Rejoice, having not set your hearts on earthly wealth and pleasure; Rejoice, you who have always thought about heavenly blessings and eternal joy. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 10
Walking the right path of salvation and learning about the destinies of God's truth, all saints appeared like fruitful trees when the waters issue, and bring to God the fruit of your virtues in their time. Now in the mountainous Eden of indescribable, enjoying bliss, remember us, your children, your fatherly care for our salvation, praising and singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
The wall is strong for us against the face of the enemy, you are, all saints, and the warmth of the prayer book to Christ for all kinds of Christians. In the same way, since we are always protected by you from the arrows of the invisible fighter, we joyfully cry: Rejoice, great adornment of the human race; Rejoice, joy and consolation that is ours in our earthly journey. Rejoice, in the battle with the enemies of our salvation, you are our strong helper; Rejoice, for through your prayers you protect us from the sword of God’s wrath. Rejoice, you yourself have been tempted, and you help us in temptation; Rejoice, you who greatly rejoice at the repentance of us sinners. Rejoice, having lived righteously in various places on earth at all times; Rejoice, even if you have sinned, even if you have washed away the filth of sins with true repentance and tears. Rejoice, having passed away from Adam even to this day in the hope of eternal life; Rejoice, you who came from the East and the West and rested in the bosom of Abraham. Rejoice, for your host is always multiplying with new arrivals from the earth; Rejoice, for by you the place of fallen spirits in the cathedral of angels is filled. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 11
Our songs of praise, even if they were numerous, are not sufficient to glorify your virtues, all the saints; and it is more convenient for us who are weak to love silence; but let us not appear lazy and ungrateful for what we have received, for the sake of the mercy and goodness of God, we sing to the Master who glorified you: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
You are the lamps of the unevening light, all saints, at the Throne of the Most Holy Trinity with the angelic ranks in prayer for us, ever-burning, and instructing those who cry out to you on the bright path of salvation: Rejoice, lamps of the immaterial fire; Rejoice, inhabitants of the abodes of the Heavenly Father. Rejoice, bunch of grapes of Christ; Rejoice, fragrant flowers of heaven. Rejoice, you who give life to the river, who give us water in our spiritual thirst; Rejoice, rain-bearing clouds, cooling us in the heat of temptation. Rejoice, spiritual winds that drive away the winter of despondency from our hearts; Rejoice, sweet-songs of glory, who proclaim to us the spiritual spring of eternal bliss. Rejoice, mental mountains that lead us to heaven; Rejoice, intelligent rays of the Sun, pouring His mercy upon us. Rejoice, good helmsmen, who save us from the drowning of sin; Rejoice, faithful guides who guide us to the heavenly fatherland. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 12
Grace given to you from God as a reward for your many virtues, whoever is able to confess from earthly beings about holiness! Just as the drops of the sea can be exhausted one by one, the sum of your miracles and the blessings you have given us cannot be powerfully exhausted. For this reason, we joyfully celebrate your glorious celebration, and we all call to the Lord who works in you: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing Thee, O Lord Almighty, we praise all Thy Most Holy Name, for from the beginning of the world at different times Thou hast revealed Thy ever-memorable saints, Who has pleased Thee alone in the Glorious God of the Trinity, with whose prayers Thou hast delivered from all evils those who cry to them: Rejoice, holy saints of God with the Most Holy One all creation by the Ever-Virgin Mary; Rejoice, you too, disembodied angels, guardians of the human race. Rejoice, holy kings and princes, who reigned piously on earth and inherited the Kingdom of Heaven; Rejoice, good city rulers, for you have been granted residence in the heavenly city. Rejoice, impartial earthly judge, who received justification and mercy from the heavenly Judge; Rejoice, shepherd of the zeal of the verbal sheep, praised and glorified by the Chief Shepherd Christ. Rejoice, righteous farmers, who served God in simplicity of heart and kindness; Rejoice, patient wanderer who has reached the heavenly fatherland. Rejoice, foolishness, reproach and reproach of Christ for the sake of the one who endured; Rejoice, unmercenaries, who gave healing to the sick and received rewards in heaven. Rejoice, men and wives of every age and rank who have pleased God, for you are one in the Lord and your souls are in the hand of God; Rejoice, for in the future, together with your souls and bodies, you will share in eternal glory. Rejoice, all saints, for the warmth of the whole world to the God of the prayer book.
Kontakion 13
O all-blessed saints of God, all saints who have received the inheritance of eternal blessings! Accept this our singing of praise, and with your favorable prayers to God, ask us for forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal torment, so that with you in our heavenly Fatherland we sing to God: Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
Prayers to all saints
First prayer
Holy God and rest in the saints, glorified by the angels with a thrice-holy voice in heaven, praised on earth by man in His saints, giving grace to each by Your Holy Spirit according to the bestowal of Christ, and by that ordaining to the Church of Your Holy Ones apostles, prophets, and evangelists , you are shepherds and teachers, whose word of preaching, to You who acts all in all, has been accomplished in many ways, saints in every generation and generation, having pleased You with various benefactors, and to You, having left us the image of your good deeds, in the joy that has passed, prepare, in He himself was tempted, and he helped us those who were attacked. All these saints and (the name of the saint) remembering and praising their godly lives, I praise You Samago, who acted in them, and believing in Your goodness, the gift of being, I diligently pray to You, Holy of Holies, grant to me a sinner to follow their teaching, life, love, faith, long-suffering, and their prayerful help, and moreover Your all-effective grace, the heavenly ones with them will be honored with glory, praising Your Most Holy Name, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.
Second prayer
O blessed saints of God, all the saints who stand before the Throne of the Most Holy Trinity and enjoy indescribable bliss! Behold, now, on the day of your common triumph, mercifully look upon us, your lesser brothers, who bring you this song of praise and through your intercession asking for mercy and remission of sins from the Most Blessed Lord: we know, truly we know, for all that you desire, ask Him you can. Therefore, we humbly pray to you: pray to the merciful Master, may he give us the spirit of your zeal for keeping His holy commandments, so that, following in your footsteps, we will be able to pass through the earthly field in a virtuous life without vice and in repentance reach the glorious villages of paradise, and there, together with with you glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer three
To you, about all holiness and (the name of the saint), as guiding lamps, who with your deeds illuminated the path of the heavenly sunrise, I, a great sinner, humbly bow the knee of my heart and from the depths of my soul I cry: beg for me, the Lover of Mankind, God, that he will not allow me to wander further along the crossroads sin, but let my mind and heart be enlightened by the light of His grace, as if we illuminate and strengthen it, I will be able to continue the rest of my earthly life on the right path without stumbling, and through your intercession to the Most Good Lord I will be honored, for a little while partaker of your spiritual meal in the heavenly throne of the King of glory. To Him, with His Beginningless Father and the Most Holy, Good and Life-Giving Spirit, be glory, honor and worship forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer four
O holy servant of God (name), having fought a good deed on earth, you have received in heaven the crown of righteousness, which the Lord has prepared for all who love Him; In the same way, looking at your holy image, we rejoice at the glorious end of your life and honor your holy memory. You, standing before the Throne of God, accept our prayers and bring them to the All-Merciful God, to forgive us every sin and help us against the wiles of the devil, so that, having been delivered from sorrows, illnesses, troubles and misfortunes and all evil, we will live piously and righteously in the present We will be worthy through your intercession, even though we are unworthy, to see good on the land of the living, glorifying the One in His saints, the glorified God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
Holy Fathers on Prayer
“Prayer is a great weapon, an unfailing treasure, wealth that never runs out, a serene haven, a foundation of peace; prayer is the root, source and mother of countless blessings and is more powerful than royal power.” St. John Chrysostom.
“Prayer in its rank is higher than alms.” St. Isaac the Syrian.
“Prayer is the emergence in our hearts of one after another reverent feelings towards God.” St. Feofan, the Recluse of Vyshensky.
“During prayer, let our speech and supplication be combined with decorum, calmness and modesty. Let us think about the fact that we stand before the face of God and that we must please the eyes of God both by the position of the body and the sound of the voice.” Sschmch. Cyprian of Carthage.
“You must abstain from marital affairs in order to engage in prayer; to abstain from worries about wealth, from the desire for earthly glory, from the enjoyment of pleasures, from envy and every evil deed against our neighbor, so that when our soul is in silence and not disturbed by any passion, in it, as in a mirror, God’s purity and uncloudedness will be insight." St. Basil the Great.
“When starting a prayer, leave yourself, your wife, your children, part with the earth, pass through heaven, leave every creature visible and invisible, and begin by praising Him who created everything, and when you praise Him, do not wander your mind here and there, do not talk about fabulous things. pagan, but choose words from the Holy Scriptures.” St. Basil the Great.
“Every place and every time is convenient for us to pray.” St. John Chrysostom.
Orthodox prayers to the holy saints. Holy saints of God.
Orthodox prayers for those in need for various needs and infirmities.
Prayers and akathist on All Saints' Day
Troparion and Kontakion to All Saints Prayers to All Saints Akathist to All Saints Majesty
Troparion and Kontakion on the Feast of All Saints
Troparion, tone 4
Even as Thy martyr throughout the world, Thy church has been adorned with scarlet and fine linen, with the blood of Thy one, O Christ God, he cries out: send down Thy bounties upon Thy people, grant peace to Thy living and great mercy to our souls.
Kontakion, tone 8
As the firstfruits of nature, to the Planter of creation, the universe brings to Thee, O Lord, God-bearing martyrs, with those prayers in the deep world Thy Church, Thy life preserved by the Mother of God, O Omni-merciful One.
PRAYERS TO ALL SAINTS
First prayer
Holy God and rest in the saints, glorified by the angels with a thrice-holy voice in heaven, praised on earth by man in His saints, giving grace to each by Your Holy Spirit according to the bestowal of Christ, and by that ordaining to the Church of Your Holy Ones apostles, prophets, and evangelists , you are shepherds and teachers, whose word of preaching, to You who acts all in all, has been accomplished in many ways, saints in every generation and generation, having pleased You with various benefactors, and to You, having left us the image of your good deeds, in the joy that has passed, prepare, in He himself was tempted, and he helped us those who were attacked. All these saints and (the name of the saint) remembering and praising their godly lives, I praise You Samago, who acted in them, and believing in Your goodness, the gift of being, I diligently pray to You, Holy of Holies, grant to me a sinner to follow their teaching, life, love, faith, long-suffering, and their prayerful help, and moreover Your all-effective grace, the heavenly ones with them will be honored with glory, praising Your Most Holy Name, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.
Second prayer
O blessed saints of God, all the saints who stand before the Throne of the Most Holy Trinity and enjoy indescribable bliss! Behold, now, on the day of your common triumph, mercifully look upon us, your lesser brothers, who bring you this song of praise and through your intercession asking for mercy and remission of sins from the Most Blessed Lord: we know, truly we know, for all that you desire, ask Him you can. Therefore, we humbly pray to you: pray to the merciful Master, may he give us the spirit of your zeal for keeping His holy commandments, so that, following in your footsteps, we will be able to pass through the earthly field in a virtuous life without vice and in repentance reach the glorious villages of paradise, and there, together with with you glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Akathist to ALL SAINTS
How to read the akathist correctly
Kontakion 1
To the chosen saint of God, to all the Saints, who have pleased the Lord from eternity, who have shone throughout the world, and who rejoice in the heavenly abodes, we bring you songs of praise, we are unworthy; You, who have all-hopeful boldness towards the common Master and God, free us from all troubles through your favorable intercessions, and let us call to you: Rejoice, All Saints, common prayer books to God for the whole world.
Ikos 1
The angels representing the terrible throne of the King of glory triumph, praising God in you, all His Saints (as if the fall of the proud angels is fulfilled by you) and convening the whole universe for joy; We are jealous of them, calling to you like this: Rejoice at the all-validated Patriarchs, who rose before the law and in the law on the earth. Rejoice, the rulers of the Lord of hosts praising the Lord of Hosts with the disembodied. Rejoice, holy prophets, chosen by God before your birth. Rejoice, you who faithfully worked for Him before the incarnation of Christ. Rejoice, holy apostles, for the cherubim are filled with many eyes and the wisdom of God. Rejoice, for you were all foreseen by God, called and glorified equally by grace. Rejoice, holy martyrs in the lawful shadow of goodness in God the Almighty who suffered. Rejoice, and in the new grace according to Christ Jesus you who bravely fought. Rejoice, holy hierarchs, sanctified by God to offer sacrifices acceptable to Him. Rejoice, you who are clothed in righteousness to complete the praise of Christ. Rejoice, reverend fathers who have offended the earth for love for the Creator. Rejoice, you have taken upon yourself the good yoke of Christ, and have diligently followed Him. Rejoice, All Saints, common prayer books to God for the whole world.
Kontakion 2
Seeing your holy Church numerous with you, All Saints, like beautiful flowers of paradise, brightly honor your cathedral and sing to Christ God, who is glorified in your memories, together with you and with us: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Reasonably, O All Saints, you have reasoned about the Kingdom of Heaven, for you have striven for it with many virtues and labors in every possible way and have courageously endured various sorrows, temptations and sufferings with thanksgiving: for this reason, having gone to the Eternal King, you have received great honors and are half pure: we cry out to you: Rejoice , patriarchal saints, who knew the Most High God and were faithful in covenant with Him. Rejoice, for before Him men who have found virtues are more perfect than others. Rejoice, God-wise prophets, who have foreseen the far future. Rejoice, you who proclaimed the coming of the Son of God to earth. Rejoice, holy apostles, for you have been appointed princes from the Lord throughout all the earth. Rejoice, for all the ends of the earth are filled with your power. Rejoice, holy martyrs who gave themselves over to their various passions for Christ. Rejoice, you who have imputed nothing to the cruel tormentors of desire. Rejoice, saints, who have acquired the mind of immaterial illumination. Rejoice, having destroyed every darkness about God, the true light, and unreason. Rejoice, venerable ones, who have obeyed the earthly wisdom of the Divine Spirit. Rejoice, having confirmed your desire for your Master Christ in every possible way. Rejoice, All Saints, common prayer books to God for the whole world.
Kontakion 3
Overshadowed by the power from above, you saints, strengthened against every evil enemy of the evil one, and having completed all your good undertakings without any stumbling, pleasing to God, in the malice of a strong enemy, subverted to the end, chanting to the all-powerful, philanthropic God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having, All Saints, a fair number of settlements in many monasteries to the house of the Heavenly Father, you will inherit a truly worldly life; With the ever-present light of the face of the Lord enlightening you, you enjoy ineffable glory; We also invite you to this: Rejoice, patriarchal saints, who have often conversed with God on earth. Rejoice, and those who see His Divine face in heaven will see. Rejoice, Holy Prophets, who lived a wonderful life for a time. Rejoice, you who have comprehended endless life with eternal glory. Rejoice, holy apostles, for you who strengthen the universe with piety are the pillars of faith. Rejoice, you who save all the faithful from heretical evil without harm. Rejoice, holy martyrs, in suffering there is a grace-filled illumination from above. Rejoice, you who have received communion to unapproachable glory. Rejoice, saints, who escaped the passionate dark Babylon. Rejoice, you who have reached the highest and brightest Zion. Rejoice, venerable saints who accomplished day and night deeds. Rejoice, you who rest ever in the unevening days of the Kingdom of God. Rejoice, All Saints, common prayer books to God for the whole world.
Kontakion 4
Having escaped from the storms of life, All the Holy Ones have come to the stillness of heaven, to green and cool places where there are sweats of inscrutable sweetness, the food of the glory of God incorruptible, the singing and voices of those celebrating, there you rest and rejoice with all the angelic forces, singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing from you, All Saints, that God has prepared for you, He gives to those who love Him so much reward, which the eye has not seen and the ear has not heard and the heart of man has not sighed, we rejoice with great tenderness, and wishing with your God-pleasing prayers that we too will receive, we cry out to to you: Rejoice, patriarchal saints, who have deeply loved God and are themselves more beloved by God. Rejoice, for their depths have also been prepared for the repose of the souls of the righteous. Rejoice, holy prophets, who have acquired a pure heart to receive the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, you who have been deemed worthy to see what is invisibly understood. Rejoice, holy apostles, for you are truly honest friends of Christ the Savior who loved you. Rejoice, you who zealously loved His commandments, as teachers of truth. Rejoice, holy martyrs, who mercilessly shed your blood for Christ. Rejoice, for your blood streams down until the end of Belial. Rejoice, saints, on the solid rock of faith in Christ have been built. Rejoice, thou who have appeared unshakable by the waves of temptation. Rejoice, venerable ones, who labored through fasting in the temporal life of Christ. Rejoice, you who have been granted reasonable food in the heavenly commandments. Rejoice, All Saints, common prayer books to God for the whole world.
Kontakion 5
The God-bearing stars have appeared, All the Holy Ones, decorating the church sky and all who are wandering along the sea of this passionate life, given to you from the sun of the truth of Christ God with illuminating grace, you guide them on the path saved to the eternal Fatherland, leading them, singing: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen, O Saints of All, that in this world all sorts of vanity and corruption are involved, you have endeavored with all your soul to please the Eternal God: and your labors are not in vain: change the corruptible to the imperishable, and above all you have been worthy to stand at the terrible throne of the Lady in eternal glory: with the same we cry to you like this: Rejoice, patriarchal saints, who have received the blessing from God Almighty. Rejoice, ancestors, who multiplied the generations of the earth like the stars of heaven. Rejoice, holy prophets, the Divine radiance of the world has shone. Rejoice, you who guide all people to the light of pious deeds. Rejoice, holy apostles, who were sent forth like lightning into the universe. Rejoice, you who have enlightened people with Divine grace. Rejoice, holy martyrs, for you were tempted with gold in the fire of torment. Rejoice, you have shown images of the passion of Christ on yourself. Rejoice, holy sanctuary, great mysteries of God. Rejoice, betrothed to Christ, rejoicing in the bright devil. Rejoice, venerable ones, who have served the Lord with honor and righteousness. Rejoice, honored by Him with eternal glory and honor. Rejoice, All Saints, common prayer books to God for the whole world.
Kontakion 6
The Christian generations preach your glory, All the Saints, for the planted paradise has appeared in the midst of the Church, having the tree of life of the Lord Himself, having tasted of the Unworthiness all that is soon perishing in this world in despise and joyfully in the beautiful city on high, singing: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Rising to the whole world the enlightenment of your perfect virtues, All Saints, giving thanks for them, glorify the Heavenly Father, who has given you so much grace of His greatness. To you, as a warm prayer book for us, we joyfully chant this: Rejoice, patriarchal saints, as great luminaries of the whole world. Rejoice, for from you many righteous women have arisen, like luminous candles. Rejoice, holy prophets, who have adorned your souls with many virtues. Rejoice, blessed blessings from God forever. Rejoice, holy apostles, for the two-edged swords of the Lord's vengeance. Rejoice, you who slay the Divinity and humanity of Christ, who blaspheme. Rejoice, holy martyrs, souls darkened by despondency and enlightened by grace. Rejoice, you who have destroyed the fierce darkness of spiritual and physical enemies. Rejoice, shepherd, having armed yourself with Christ as the head of the Church. Rejoice, you who destroyed the blasphemous heads of heretics. Rejoice, saints, who have lived like angels on earth. Rejoice, you who have come to the city of imperishable Eden. Rejoice, All Saints, common prayer books to God for the whole world.
Kontakion 7
Desiring, All Saints, to pass away from this charming age, endeavoring to carry out their course in a narrow and sorrowful way, having accomplished the goodness of God immaculately in the law of the Lord, having comprehended the reward prepared for you, chanting gratefully to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
The Creator and Master, all of you Saints, have shown a new grace to all of you: even though you died on earth in the flesh, but in souls in the higher villages you are always alive, many and ineffable miracles in the world work for living people and with your warm intercession to God you assist those crying out to you for such : Rejoice, patriarchal saints, who have endured much sorrow with great thanksgiving to God. Rejoice, you who have entered into the unspeakable joy of your Lord. Rejoice, holy prophets, enriched with Divine gifts. Rejoice, heralds filled with all goodness. Rejoice, holy apostles, like lambs sent from the shepherd Christ in the midst of wolves. Rejoice, you who subdue the fierce beasts of heresy through the meekness of grace. Rejoice, holy martyrs, who walked the cruel path of Christ the Lord. Rejoice, having ascended to the breadth of heavenly space. Rejoice, you sacred mysteries, guardians of the never-slumbering Church of God. Rejoice, teachers, who guide the sheep of words into the heavenly fence. Rejoice, venerable ones, for having clothed yourself in the mortification of passions before death. Rejoice, having passed from temporary death to eternal immortality. Rejoice, All Saints, common prayer books to God for the whole world.
Kontakion 8
Your strange migration, All Saints, leading from the earth to heavenly bright places, the imams of the vanity world have withdrawn, thinking that you have conquered the world and all the evil in it, leaving us the image of your good deeds, and filled with so much joy in victory, triumphant with the light of the angels , singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
All of you, Saints, do not abandon those on high and those below, you always reign with Christ the eternal king and remember us unworthy before Him, praying for our salvation; For this reason, from our zeal we cry out to you: Rejoice, patriarchal saints, for your exaltation from God is glorified in blessings. Rejoice, for your glory from the human race will always be blessed. Rejoice, holy prophets, who have strengthened their minds with grace-filled boldness. Rejoice, you who have bowed to the Divine Spirit with all humility. Rejoice, holy apostles, for the bows are stretched and the arrows of the mighty are sharpened. Rejoice, you who have humbled your intentions, like the plague of the proud. Rejoice, holy martyrs, armed with the weapon of the cross. Rejoice, invincible warriors of Christ who have appeared. Rejoice, sacred teaching, who have the mouth of God. Rejoice, shepherd, who brought the worthy from the unworthy. Rejoice, venerable ones, who have broken the networks of the enemy by breaking the thought of God. Rejoice, by humility we lift you up to the eternal shelters of those who have flown. Rejoice, All Saints, common prayer books to God for the whole world.
Kontakion 9
Every angelic nature was amazed at the great gift from above given to all of you, Saints; for in you, in your weak human flesh, the power of God is made perfect. We are strengthened by it, abundant in all kinds of virtues, and with your pure souls you are naturally numbered among the angelic forces, singing to the omnipotent God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Having rejected the many-prophesied messages, with the true heart in the songs of you, All Saints, we magnify, we honor your wonderful multitude and we praise your God-pleasing deeds and glory, invitingly this: Rejoice, patriarchal saints, prophet and founder of the law. Rejoice, you who have typified Christ’s slaughter in many ways. Rejoice, holy prophets, high-voiced organs of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, you who proclaimed to the world the renewal of the fallen human race. Rejoice, holy apostles, for loud clouds giving broadcasts. Rejoice, you who testify to the consubstantial existence of the Father, the Son of God. Rejoice, holy martyrs, who endured various kinds of languor for Christ. Rejoice, you who have exhausted the charm of idols to the core. Rejoice, holy saints, who have acquired spiritual weapons with words. Rejoice, you who have brought down all blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, reverend ones, who have left their possessions and loved the poverty of Christ. Rejoice, you who have reached the inexhaustible. Rejoice, All Saints, common prayer books to God for the whole world.
Kontakion 10
For those who want to be saved, help us, All Saints, with your prayers to God; For you, having received complete salvation, have boldness towards Him, for the prayers of you, the righteous, in haste, can do much, but we earnestly demand these, and sing together with you: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
The wall is natural to all mankind, All the Saints who faithfully come to you in God, and prayer books to Christ for the entire Christian race, and so, triumphantly in your memory, we confess your true faith in God, and all goodness and shrines, crying out: Rejoice, Patriarch saints, because you believed in God, and faith in the truth is imputed to you. Rejoice, for from Him you have received much stronger power. Rejoice, holy prophets, who have the vision of God in their souls. Rejoice, you who have proclaimed with your tongue the Divine calling. Rejoice, holy apostles, for you have placed golden shields in the armor of the Church of Christ. Rejoice, you who protect believers in Christ from all enemies. Rejoice, holy martyrs, who endured knitting for the Lord. Rejoice, you who have firmly restrained every demonic army. Rejoice, good shepherd, good fallen sheep of Christ. Rejoice, for your sake and your soul’s sake, prepare them quickly. Rejoice, saints, who have hated the pleasures of this world. Rejoice, you who have received the incorruptible institution of life. Rejoice, All Saints, common prayer books to God for the whole world.
Kontakion 11
All singing is overcome by these songs, even as you in heaven, the numbered Saints, with angelic faces surrounding the Divine Throne, sing, praising and thanking God, who has vouchsafed you with inscrutable goodness. We sing about this on earth, so powerfully, with mortal lips, to the One and Only God: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
The luminous luminaries that have risen throughout the universe, we see you, All Saints, with the immaterial ones standing before the throne of the Most Holy Trinity in the highest, filled with great joy and illuminated by the Divine rays of the Trisolar light, illuminating the faithful, crying out to you like this: Rejoice, patriarchal saints, for you are the kinship of light to the world of Christ, the Son of God. Rejoice, for from your tribe the bright light of the Mother of God Mary has risen. Rejoice, holy prophets, enlightened by the immaterial dawn of the Most Holy Trinity. Rejoice, thou who dwellest in the highest near the Trisian Light that exists. Rejoice, holy apostles, red noses who have gained the gospel of peace. Rejoice, having ascended by your virtues to a heavenly dwelling. Rejoice, holy martyrs, torment adorned with lordship. Rejoice, you who are clothed in victorious glory from Christ the conqueror. Rejoice, saints, for you have received the Tri-Shining Light into your hearts. Rejoice, sons of day and light who are by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, saints, enlightened within by grace. Rejoice, you who have destroyed the darkness of the soul from passions. Rejoice, All Saints, common prayer books to God for the whole world.
Kontakion 12
The grace given from God to all of you, Saints, as well as your multitude, whoever is able to speak. Is it Himself who counts the multitude of stars and names the names of all! Just as your countless multitude and the unspeakable virtues of your works, deeds and sufferings, pleasing to God, so also the inscrutable reward from the one who rewards each according to his deeds, received naturally with the same angels, singing to the omnipotent God: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing Thee, Lord Almighty and King of Glory, we praise all, for from the beginning of the entire universe Thou hast revealed Thy ever-memorable Saints, to Thee, the eternal Father and Thy Only Begotten Son and the Most Holy Consubstantial Spirit, who have pleased You, with their prayers, from all hostile circumstances, redeeming the faithful who cry out to them like this: Rejoice, patriarchal forefathers and holy fathers, whose names endure from generation to generation. Rejoice that your all-honorable souls rest in heavenly villages. Rejoice, holy prophets, who have made the prophecy and beheld the angelic lordship. Rejoice, holy apostles, who filled the world with their teachings and passed on to eternal peace. Rejoice, holy martyrs, who sanctified the earth with your blood and received victorious honor in heaven. Rejoice, O sacred teaching, people who fell by the rod of the Holy Spirit and entered into the fence of heavenly glory. Rejoice, reverend fathers, who laid the foundations of virtues and achieved joy in the Lord. Rejoice, virgins, who have maintained chastity and who will follow the blameless Lamb of Christ on Mount Zion. Rejoice, desert women, who bore the burden of the day and the plague, and received the reward of eternal joy. Rejoice, fasting women, who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for you are already satisfied. Rejoice, confessors and all hardworking women who have received repose from the Lord. Rejoice, all righteous women of both sexes, for all of your souls are in the hand of God. Rejoice, All Saints, common prayer books to God for the whole world.
Kontakion 13
O all-blessed and ever-memorable servants of God, All Saints, having received the inheritance of the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world and enjoying the glory of God with the angelic multitudes, we humbly fall to you according to the Most Holy Theotokos; Having accepted the present offering, pray to the Lord and God to deliver us from all evils and free us from eternal torment, crying out to Him: Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
Ikos 1
The angels representing the terrible throne of the King of glory triumph, praising God in you, all His Saints (as if the fall of the proud angels is fulfilled by you) and convening the whole universe for joy; We are jealous of them, calling to you like this: Rejoice at the all-validated Patriarchs, who rose before the law and in the law on the earth. Rejoice, the rulers of the Lord of hosts praising the Lord of Hosts with the disembodied. Rejoice, holy prophets, chosen by God before your birth. Rejoice, you who faithfully worked for Him before the incarnation of Christ. Rejoice, holy apostles, for the cherubim are filled with many eyes and the wisdom of God. Rejoice, for you were all foreseen by God, called and glorified equally by grace. Rejoice, holy martyrs in the lawful shadow of goodness in God the Almighty who suffered. Rejoice, and in the new grace according to Christ Jesus you who bravely fought. Rejoice, holy hierarchs, sanctified by God to offer sacrifices acceptable to Him. Rejoice, you who are clothed in righteousness to complete the praise of Christ. Rejoice, reverend fathers who have offended the earth for love for the Creator. Rejoice, you have taken upon yourself the good yoke of Christ, and have diligently followed Him. Rejoice, All Saints, common prayer books to God for the whole world.
Kontakion 1
To the chosen saint of God, to all the Saints, who have pleased the Lord from eternity, who have shone throughout the world, and who rejoice in the heavenly abodes, we bring you songs of praise, we are unworthy; You, who have all-hopeful boldness towards the common Master and God, free us from all troubles through your favorable intercessions, and let us call to you: Rejoice, All Saints, common prayer books to God for the whole world.
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What a Christian Should Remember
There are words of Holy Scripture and prayers that it is advisable to know by heart.
1. The Lord's Prayer “Our Father” (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4). 2. The main commandments of the Old Testament (Deut. 6:5; Lev. 19:18). 3. The main gospel commandments (Matt. 5, 3-12; Matt. 5, 21-48; Matt. 6, 1; Matt. 6, 3; Matt. 6, 6; Matt. 6, 14-21; Matt. 6, 24-25; Matthew 7, 1-5; Matthew 23, 8-12; John 13, 34). 4.Symbol of Faith. 5. Morning prayers and evening prayers according to a short prayer book. 6. The number and meaning of the sacraments.
The sacraments must not be mixed with rituals. A ritual is any outward sign of reverence that expresses our faith. A sacrament is a sacred act during which the Church calls on the Holy Spirit, and His grace descends on the believers. There are seven such sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Communion (Eucharist), Repentance (Confession), Marriage (Wedding), Blessing of Anointing (Unction), Priesthood (Ordination) ...
