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 But they are far from those who have withdrawn themselves, and very close to those who keep the commandments of Christ and have the grace of the Holy Spirit.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...
When and by whom were the works written?
Iconography: Resurrection of Christ Dates: XIX century. 1894 Icon painting school or art center: Palekh school of icon painting Icon painter: Vasily Aleksandrovich Khokhlov Origin: received from A.V. Khokhlova, 1960s. Material: wood, gesso, tempera, gold. Dimensions of the icon: height 29.7 cm, width 19.8 cm. The literary basis of the complex multi-figure composition is the Psalter and the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus. This icon is one of the best examples of Palekh ancient writing. Inv. No. GMPI 3601. DI-419-I. © State Museum of Palekh Art Literature: 1. Palekh school 1923-1950. Lacquer miniatures of icon painters. Munich, 2011. No. 12. P. 42.
The spiritual uplift that the words of the akathists evoke requires reading them while standing, which is why they are also called “non-saddle chants.” And, of course, one of the brightest and most joyful is the Akathist to the Resurrection.
Few such akathists are known from the history of the Christian church. One of the first such chants was created by Patriarch Philotheus of Constantinople (14th century), who called his hymn “Akathist to the Life-Giving Sepulcher and the Resurrection of the Lord.”
In the Russian Church, interest in this type of hymnography appeared only in the 19th century, when they were created by many clergy, as well as pious laity. However, not all such texts were blessed by the clergy for general church use.
Prot. Maxim Kozlov writes that:
“By 1901, for every 158 permitted there were 291 (or more) unauthorized akathists. This could be due to non-compliance with the requirements for spiritual literature, or to the existence of a previously approved akathist with the same dedication.”
Akathist of Baron Nikolai Nolde
The work created by Baron N.K. Nolde became one of the first akathists to the Resurrection, blessed for reading by believers.
Nikolai Karlovich came from an ancient family of Courland nobles. His ancestors were in Russian service from the middle of the 17th century and lived in Tula. Nicholas's father served in the military department, distinguished himself in the war with Napoleon (1812), and had medals. His son was also an active person: he chose military service and rose to the rank of lieutenant. After his resignation, he was an active deputy of the noble assembly of the city of Belyov, the caretaker of the local public school.
In addition, Nikolai Karlovich was known as a devout man, often visited the Holy Zhabynsk Hermitage near Belev, and wrote spiritual poetry.
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His akathist to the Resurrection became one of the few approved for church-wide reading.
It was published, however, only in 1889, when the baron was already in Siberian exile. What led Nolde to such an end was the then common passion for gambling. Having lost, he was put on trial and exiled. But, according to the inscrutable fate of the Lord, the servant of God Nikolai remained in history as the author of the akathist, which believers still read today.
Creation of Patriarch Sergius
Quite late, in 1974, another akathist to the Resurrection was published, which previously could not be published due to government restrictions. It was created, presumably, in the 1920s. Metropolitan Sergius (Stragorodsky), future patriarch.
Those were difficult years of persecution, when it seemed that the Church could not stand. But it was then that Metropolitan Sergius wrote many liturgical hymns. Among them there are akathists:
- Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, painted during imprisonment;
- Bogolyubsky image of the Mother of God.
- A special place is occupied by the akathist to the Resurrection, which sounds like a challenge to the surrounding reality, a firm hope: people may be faint-hearted, afraid, grieving, but Christ will win!
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).
1st Akathist to the Resurrection of Christ
Compiled by Baron Nikolai Karlovich Nolde. Approved by the Holy Synod on June 6, 1860, No. 1326.
Iconography: Resurrection of Christ - Descent into Hell Dates: XV century. Third quarter of the 15th century. Icon painting school or art center: Novgorod school Origin: from the Church of the Assumption on Volotovo Field near Novgorod. Material: wood, tempera. Dimensions of the icon: height 89.5 cm, width 59.5 cm From the festive rite. In the center of the composition is Christ in a three-quarter turn, trampling on the broken gates of hell, with a large cross in his left hand. On either side of him are kneeling Adam and Eve. NGOMZ 2179. © Novgorod State United Museum-Reserve Literature: Icons of Veliky Novgorod from the 11th to early 16th centuries. The authors of the project are L.V. Nersesyan and S.V. Obukh. M. Northern pilgrim. 2008. No. 37.
Kontakion 1.
Chosen Voivod and Lord, eternal death to the victor, as if he were delivered from spiritual mortification, I will sing praises to You, Your servant, who was created by You. But you, who have victory over death, free us from the death of sin, calling: O risen Jesus, resurrect our souls.
Ikos 1.
The angels of Your resurrection, O Christ the Savior, sing unceasingly in heaven, and grant us on earth with a pure heart to sing to You:
Incomprehensible Jesus, enlighten all the faithful, enlighten the erring one too.
Jesus, risen, quickening everyone with Himself, quicken me who died in sin.
Jesus, ascend into heaven and lift up those who hope in You, and lift me up to the ground when I bow down.
Jesus, sit at the right hand of the Father and share the glory with those who love You, do not deprive me of Your glory.
Jesus, although you come to judge the living and the dead, do not judge me according to my deeds, but deal with me according to Your mercy.
Risen Jesus, resurrect our souls.
Kontakion 2.
Visiting the fallen people, God, you are in their own way, who was inherent in all and, resurrected, giving all the lord to be saved: the blessing and a deadly sin of revitalization, calling: allilia.
Ikos 2.
The mind does not comprehend the mysteries of the Divine, how can the Source of life resurrect, killing death? For this reason, with our hearts experiencing the joy of the resurrection and enlightened by this, with the voice of spiritual joy we cry out to You:
Jesus, enter through the closed doors, enter into the house of my soul.
Jesus, who met the disciples on the way, protect me also on the way of this life.
Jesus, who set their hearts on fire with your words, also set my cold heart on fire.
Jesus, who made Himself known in the breaking of bread, let us know You in the Divine Eucharist.
Jesus, who promised the Holy Spirit as Your disciple, sent down to me this Comforter Spirit from the Father.
Risen Jesus, resurrect our souls.
Kontakion 3.
By the power of the Divine you raised up Lazarus, raise up him who was corrupted by passions and who has been lying for many years in the tomb of unrepentance, so that the one who is being saved may rise up according to Your voice and sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 3.
Have power over death, from the hell of your soul you called out to Jesus. Call me also from the depths of sin, and I, having purified my feelings, will shine unapproachable in the light of You, and joyfully sing the victorious song:
Jesus, death to the conqueror, conquer my evil passions.
Jesus, giver of life, give me saving life.
Jesus, source of joy, make my heart glad in Your truth.
Jesus, filling me with five thousand loaves of bread, nourish me with the bread of heaven.
Jesus, hope of the fallen, take me out of the pit of my ashes.
Risen Jesus, resurrect our souls.
Kontakion 4.
The storm of passions confuses and drowns me, but I pray to You Jesus, like Peter, extend a helping hand to me and, having raised me up by the power of Your resurrection, teach me to sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 4.
Hearing the joyful news of Your resurrection, O Jesus, the heavens rejoice, and the earth rejoices; and we, celebrating eternal joy, dare to cry out to You:
Jesus, who sits unapproachable in the light, be accessible to everyone according to Your mercy.
Jesus, love Thy creatures, do not forget the last one.
Jesus, draw hearts to yourself, soften my damned heart.
Jesus, fulfill all good requests, fulfill my request, and above all, love Thee.
Jesus, accept every drop of tears, do not reject my prayers.
Risen Jesus, resurrect our souls.
Kontakion 5.
God-pleasing life flows from You, O Jesus, Son of the living God! For this reason I pray to Thee, that the murderer may not destroy me, and may not my mouth be stopped, crying out to Thee: Alleluia.
Ikos 5.
Having seen in the spirit of the risen Lord, come, let us drink new beer, not from the stone, but from the source of the incorruptible and life-giving tomb of the Savior, also the barren land of our souls. Having rained, teach everyone to sing to Him:
Jesus, imbue us with Your Blood, grant me to endlessly receive this most venerable Blood.
Jesus, send down rain on the righteous and on the sinful, to irrigate and bring forth spiritual fruit.
Jesus, who did not disdain the sinner who repented, let me also wash your nose with tears of thanksgiving.
Jesus, river Thomas: “who have not seen the blessing, but have believed,” give the world unfeigned faith.
Jesus, the river: “seek and ye shall find,” grant that I may find the only thing I need.
Risen Jesus, resurrect our souls.
Kontakion 6.
Preach in the spirit of unceasing joy Your life-giving resurrection, Jesus my God, may I also be a sinful participant in this resurrection, singing to You unceasingly in the mountainous Jerusalem: Alli Luia.
Ikos 6.
The Lord Jesus Christ, having shone forth to the whole world with His resurrection, now fills all things with light, heaven and earth and the underworld; Let all creation celebrate the rise of Christ, in which we affirm with a cry:
Jesus, fill everything with Your light, enlighten my darkened eyes.
Jesus, who unites heaven and earth, lead me from earth to heaven.
Jesus, descended by the light of the Divine into the underworld, descend into the underworld of my soul.
Jesus, who brought forth from the dungeons of hell the souls that were waiting for Thee, bring me also, a sinner, out of the darkness of despondency, as my life is approaching hell.
Jesus, stretch out your most pure hands to everyone, embrace the accursed one too.
Risen Jesus, resurrect our souls.
Kontakion 7.
Although He reveals the power of His Divinity, the Lord is covered with the seal of Caiaphas, so that without violating it before the guards, He will arise victoriously and teach the song: Alleluia.
Ikos 7.
It is marvelous and incomprehensible how yesterday I was buried in You, Christ, today I am in spirit with You who has risen, and I sing like this:
The risen Jesus, who gave life to all, blessed my mind, so that it may follow You.
Jesus, having sanctified the earth with Your feet, sanctify my thought, which ascends to You.
Jesus, who was not forbidden to inscribe Your most pure image, let me also have the image of Your resurrection in my soul.
Jesus, having received the widow’s two mites, accept this song from me.
Jesus, who did not condemn the harlot, but guided her on the path of truth, do not condemn my unclean lips, who kiss You in song.
Risen Jesus, resurrect our souls.
Kontakion 8.
It is strange that God has become human and has risen with mental vision, let us put aside all worldly cares, so that we may raise up the King of all and sing to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 8.
You had all the love for fallen people, O Jesus, and you placed the God-speaking Habakkuk on the divine guard, so that the luminous angel will show, speaking clearly about Your resurrection . In the same way, we call to you, sice:
Jesus, guarded by the soldiers, sent a guardian angel to guard my soul, through whom I drive away my sins.
Jesus, who has blinded your eyes with the piercing splendor of the Divine, turn my eyes away from vanity and enlighten me to the knowledge of the truth.
Jesus, who asked the Apostle Peter, “Do you love Me?”, let me have an image of his love.
Jesus, who forgave that apostle for his renunciation, forgive me also for my constant renunciation of Your commandments.
Jesus, who gave the power to bind and decide, release me from my iniquities.
Risen Jesus, resurrect our souls.
Kontakion 9.
All human nature, received by You, is glorified by Your resurrection, Jesus, and for this reason You grant incorruptibility to all our bodies. Moreover, we, seeing this sign in the remains of the saints, cry out with tenderness: Alleluia.
Ikos 9.
The branches of the God-speaking tree mature in spirit, meeting Thee coming from the tomb, and instead of peace they bring Thee a song like the Sun of Truth and the Master, with them our prayers will be accepted. me:
Jesus, who received the ointment poured out on You, accept also the praises poured out by me.
Jesus, Sun of truth, enlighten my soul.
Jesus, fishermen who made fishers of men, catch my evil will into Your obedience.
Jesus, who made Saul the supreme apostle, brought to my senses also the erring one.
Jesus, through the prayers of this apostle and all Your saints, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Risen Jesus, resurrect our souls.
Kontakion 10.
To save the human race, Jesus, you came down to earth and God took our weaknesses, so that your strength may appear in them, striving to sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 10.
Risen King, Jesus Christ, our Savior! You, who descended into the underworld of the earth and crushed the eternal faiths containing bound souls, free me from the bonds of sin, crying out to You:
Jesus, having entrusted your beloved disciple to Your Mother, entrust me also to Her saving care.
Jesus, turn the suffering of Your Mother into joy, let me, the accursed one, patiently bear my cross.
Jesus, having given Thy Mother as the world's intercessor, grant that I, a sinner, may also be under Her roof.
Jesus, who was not forbidden to touch You as a baby, grant me their kindness.
Jesus, saying to the harlot: “Go, and sin no more,” let no one anger You.
Risen Jesus, resurrect our souls.
Kontakion 11.
Grant me to bring tender singing about Your resurrection to You, O my Savior! And in it may my soul receive the oil of healing from harmful dreams, and may I sing to You: Alleluia.
Ikos 11.
Having received light from Your resurrection, having received the rays of grace, and through them, as if in a mirror seeing spiritually Your life-giving rise, we bow to Your Honest Cross, and sing Your Holy Resurrection We praise our mother:
Jesus, who bows down into heaven, accept our worship graciously.
Jesus, who fell asleep in the flesh as if he were dead, put to death our carnal lusts.
Jesus, who gave Himself everything for the salvation of men, let me also completely surrender to You.
Jesus, who ascended into heaven to prepare a place for those who love You, place me also in Your abode.
Jesus, who is gray-haired at the right hand of the Father, number me among the right hands of the sheep.
Risen Jesus, resurrect our souls.
Kontakion 12.
Give grace to me too, O beloved Jesus of all, and accept my prayer as a tribute offered to You, and banish from my soul all evil thoughts, so that I will sing to You without judgment: Alleluia.
Ikos 12.
Singing Your all-glorious resurrection, we magnify You, O Jesus Christ our God! And we believe that you grant eternal life to everyone. For this reason, on this appointed and holy day, as brothers we will embrace each other, we will forgive all those who hate us through the resurrection, and with one mouth and one heart we will cry out to You. :
Jesus, who bless those who bless Thee, bless even now my feasible labor.
Jesus, sanctify those who trust in You, sanctify my desires and intentions.
Jesus, who promised to be with the faithful until the end of the age, remain always with me, a sinner.
Jesus, Word of the Hypostasis of the Fathers, cleanse my unworthy word for Your song.
Jesus, saving Passover, bringing me from death to life, place me in Your palace, illuminating the robe of my soul.
Risen Jesus, resurrect our souls.
Kontakion 13.
O Jesus Christ, trampling down death and giving free life to those in their graves! Accept this little prayer of ours into the stench of the fragrance of the spiritual, and grant to us who are in the tombs of negligence eternal life, that we may sing to You. Hallelujah.
This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos and the 1st kontakion.
Prayer to the risen Lord Jesus.
Glory to Thee, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, for Thou hast once again vouchsafed me, unworthy, having passed through the field of holy fasting, to worship Thy Divine Passion and see all joy The glorious day of Your Resurrection from the tomb, in which You freed the souls of the righteous who were in hell from time immemorial. This is the Divine freedom of spirit and flesh, my dearest Savior, and I wish that you may resolve me, who am bound by many sins, and may the life-giving light of the Risen One shine forth Your knowledge in my gloomy soul. I see Your countless bounties and ineffable love for mankind, as if You did not bring me into existence from non-existence, and adorned Your image with Your likeness, the Lord of fasting for all creatures below You forsook me, but even so, having fallen from the heights and enslaved to the enemy, you did not forsake, but, having redeemed me with Thy priceless Blood, Thou hast provided me with the grace of baptism, so that I may flow into the first possession. But I, the accursed one, having become a carnal mind, turned back and again became a slave of sin and passions, and one by one destroyed all the gifts of Thy grace. And now, for what I will do, we know not; Having both remembered the words of Your most pure lips, that You did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance, and I, as one of these, with faith and humility come to the living to Your sleepy tomb, do not carry the fragrances and stench of the world, (for I am naked and empty good deeds), but above all I have hope to find in him forgiveness of my sins and renewal of my unclean life. Look upon me, who repent and want to serve You, and do not reject the grace of Your Resurrection! By Thy life-giving death and burial I have put to death my fierce passions, so that even as I am dead and buried, I live in this world. By Your glorious rise, raise up my soul, mortified by sins, and revive my conscience, which is most needed in the world. By Your Ascension, tear me away from the vain and soul-destroying blessings of the earth, and make me wise on high, so that no one should live and please himself, but You, the Lord and my God, serving and working as if I were worthy to worship Your Resurrection on earth, so I will be worthy to see You, my dearest Redeemer, and in heaven, for accepting death on the cross, were crowned with glory and honor, and became at the right hand of Your Majesty, with the archangels and angels, and with all those redeemed by You my brothers, forever and ever I sing to you: Hallelujah! 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.
Akathists to the Lord and holidays
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Akathist to the Resurrection of Christ
Kontakion 1
Chosen Voivode, Lord of Heaven and earth, we offer victorious songs of thanksgiving to You, Your servants, who have now descended into hell and resurrected everything with You, and we celebrate our deliverance with a bright cry: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 1
The Angel of the Lord, on the Sabbath evening, descended from Heaven in a great coward, rolled away the stone from the door of the tomb of Jesus and sat on it. From his fear the guards shook and were as if dead. We worship the Risen Living God with the myrrh-bearers and preach the secret Pascha, crying out: Christ is risen, and the princes of hell have fallen. Christ is risen, and fears the gates of hell. Christ is risen, and the gates of brass are broken. Christ is risen, and the strongholds of hell are laid waste. Christ is risen, and death weeps. Christ is risen, and hell, groaning, cries out: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 2
Mary Magdalene, and Mary of James, and Salome saw the young man in the tomb of Jesus, dressed in white clothing and sitting on his gums, being horrified. He said to them: “Are you looking for Jesus Crucified? There is no voice here, as it is spoken. Come, see the place where the Lord lies, and as you go quickly cry out as His disciple: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.”
Ikos 2
The unreasonable mind, searching for understanding, Peter and the other disciple went to the tomb and, having entered it, seeing one robe lying and the sir, who was on the head of Jesus, not lying with the robe, but an individual retinue in one place, and having believed, he cried out with joy: Christ is risen, and all creation rejoices. Christ is risen, let heaven rejoice. Christ is risen, and the Angels rejoice for us. Christ is risen, and the underworld is enlightened. Christ is risen, let us exclaim with joy, having been saved from death. Sing to the Lord, all the earth: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 3
The Lord endowed His disciples with power from above after the Resurrection. And when they went to Galilee, to the mountain, Jesus commanded them, and Jesus said to those who came to them: “To Me is all power in Heaven and on earth. So as you go, teach all languages, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all the things that are commanded to you.” Tiy bowed to Him, calling: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 3
Having in her heart love for the Teacher, Mary Magdalene, standing outside the tomb, weeping and seeing Him risen from the dead, like a heli-climber, asked: “If You took Him, tell me where You laid Him, and I will take Him.” Moreover, above all hope, having heard: “Mary, I ascend to my Father and your Father and my God and your God,” I came to the disciples, saying: Christ is risen, and the sting of sin has been dulled. Christ is risen, and the world is saved from the flood of sin. Christ is risen, and we are freed from working for the enemy. Christ is risen, and the deception of the devil has been abolished. Christ is risen, and the handwriting that was on us has been blotted out. Christ is risen, and all creation is renewed, calling: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 4
Having a storm of doubtful thoughts within, Thomas the disciple spoke as if he had seen the Lord, saying to them: “Unless I see the mark of the nails in His hand, and put my finger into the marks of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I have no faith,” but having become convinced , cry out with joy: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 4
Hearing Thomas the disciple see the Lord, and wanting to see Him with his eyes, he said: “I have no faith.” After eight days Jesus came with the door closed, standing in the midst of the disciple and saying to Thomas: “Bring this finger to My hand, and look upon My hand, and bring your hand and place it in My side: and be not unfaithful, but faithful.” And Thomas answered and said: Christ is risen, You are my Lord. Christ is risen, You are my God. Christ is risen, and all incorruption and life have been received. Christ is risen and risen from the dead. Christ is risen, and we will be delivered from condemnation and torment. Christ is risen, and life has risen from the grave to the world who sings: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 5
The deities were not scorched by fire; Thomas boldly touched the rib of Spasovo. Moreover, be enlightened by God, having become incarnate for our salvation and again with the resurrected flesh, having come to know. By the same unbelief, the blessed twin affirms the church faith, even as he confesses in accordance with the cry: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 5
Having seen Jesus risen, the disciples were afraid, afraid to see the spirit. Jesus, however, assure them by showing them His hand and nose and ribs, the same fish were baked and poisoned from the honeycombs of the bees before them. Thus, having become confident and putting aside our fear and sorrow, we girdle in joy: Christ is risen, we will accept the worst, and give us the best. Christ is risen, and hell has been put to death by the brilliance of His Divinity. Christ is risen, and the darkness is destroyed, and the dark demons are driven away. Christ is risen, and human nature, corrupted by passions, has been renewed. Christ is risen, and our iniquities have been cleansed. Christ is risen, and we, having put on incorruption, offer this song to Him: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 6
Sending preachers into the world after Thy Resurrection, Thy God-bearing apostles, O Christ, Thou didst proclaim to them, blowing: “Receive the Holy Spirit. Forgive their sins, their sins will be forgiven; and they hold on, they hold on.” In the same way, grant that to this day, throughout the entire world, the children of the Church, who have been absolved from their sins, constantly glorify Your mercy and with pure souls sing in joy: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 6
Thou hast shone forth, O Christ, and in the dark places of hell the light of Thy Resurrection has shone, forgiveness and weakness, and the gospel of deliverance, O Great Merciful One, to the souls contained there from eternity. Moreover, from the serpent, the murderer, we are despoiled, playfully, rushing towards Your light, singing: Christ is risen, and our bonds are torn to pieces. Christ is risen, and the shadow of death is transformed into eternal life. Christ is risen, and the power of death will no longer be able to hold a person. Christ is risen, and the tormenting insolence is cast down. Christ is risen, and we have been given heaven instead of hell to live. Christ is risen, and the world sings evermore: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 7
Although you wanted to serve the fallen Adam, our Savior, you appeared on earth, and you did not find it on earth, you even descended to hell in search, and, having met you down in the depths of the earth, you sing with all those who are being saved: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and gave life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 7
You laid the foundation for new life in the world, O Lord, with Your glorious Resurrection. The old thing is all past: hell, death, and the power of the devil. Now all creation is known, and before they were darkened, now like the sons of God, they rejoice, singing: Christ is risen, having poured out an abyss of mercy and bounty on our race. Christ is risen, raising us with Himself into the pit of those who fell. Christ is risen, and we will be delivered from the snares of demons. Christ is risen, and the sorrow of sin has been transformed into the sweetness of heavenly life. Christ is risen, and the tree of slaying came to life. Christ is risen, and He has raised us to our former state, so we call: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 8
Wandering with Cleopas and Luke all over, sixty furlongs from Jerusalem, and not being known by them, you, O Savior, reviled their unbelief and hard-heartedness, saying: “Isn’t this fitting for Christ to suffer and bring into His glory?” And, beginning from Moses and being a prophet from all, you taught them to sing: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 8
You gave everything to Yourself, being God and perfect man, O Savior, to your two disciples in Emmaus; My eyes were dumb and opened, and I knew You, but You were invisible to me, and I cried to myself: Christ is risen, and life reigns. Christ is risen, and expose the devil's flattery. Christ is risen, and the idol's sacrifice ceases. Christ is risen, and the whole earth offers Him a sacrifice of praise. Christ is risen, and we, having tasted the unheard food of old, now taste eternal food. Christ is risen, and we are partakers of everlasting joy, singing: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 9
All the Angels, O Christ the Savior, are singing your Resurrection in heaven. Grant us also on earth with a pure heart to sing in joy: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 9
Beth the world and teacher of languages Paul, the God-speaking one, cries out like a trumpet: “Christ is risen from the dead, The firstfruits of the rising of the dead. Just as in Adam everyone dies, so in Christ everyone will come to life.” Moreover, having seen the Resurrection of Christ, we cry out in joy: Christ is risen, and the prince of the world is cast down. Christ is risen, and the underworld trembles. Christ is risen, and death was sacrificed in victory. Christ is risen, and hell was captured by His power. Christ is risen, and we are freed from the indestructible bonds of hell. Christ is risen, and we, having been delivered from incorruption, are sons of the resurrection, appearing, and we sing: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 10
Although you endured crucifixion and death to save the human race from the work of the enemy, O Lord, having been buried, you rose from the dead on the third day. The same Angel, shining in the tomb, preaches the good news to the women, saying: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 10
The third after the Resurrection, Jesus appeared on the sea of Tiberias, fishing for Simon Peter, and Thomas, and Nathanael, and the son of Zebedee from His disciples and, as the Lord of all, commands me to place the ship on the right hand, and the word will be done soon, and there will be many fish multitude, and a strange supper is ready upon the earth. Now let us also mentally enjoy it, O Lord, when we sing: Christ is risen, and to Him has been given power in heaven and on earth. Christ is risen and the Kingdom of God is here. Christ is risen, and His Body, like the Bread of Life, is acceptable to all. Christ is risen, and we taste His Blood, as the Immortal Source. Christ is risen, and Adam, free, rejoices with us. Christ is risen, and Eve, having been delivered from her bonds, rejoices, calling: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 11
The song of all-contrition is offered to the Risen One, Peter, for I have thrashed for having denied You, and thrashed and confessed: “Lord, You weigh all, You weigh, because I love You.” Thresh and hear from You the sweetest calling to the flock: “Feed My lambs, feed My sheep.” In the same way he calls: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 11
Light to the Giver, like the sun, you shone for three days from the grave and enlightened everything with the light of true knowledge of God. In the same way, let us sit in the darkness of unbelief and doubt with the apostles, for we are the Lord, and we are no longer tormented: “Who are you?” But the Risen One is glorifying; in tenderness we call: Christ is risen, and enlighten all things with His Resurrection. Christ is risen, and eternal light has risen in the darkness and shadow of death to those who sit. Christ is risen, and He has given to the faithful the radiance that secretly overshadows the Spirit from above. Christ is risen, and the spiritual tow was opened before the blind. Christ is risen, and we know the Father of lights. Christ is risen, let all who have rejected the Lord of glory be put to shame and sing with us: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 12
By Your grace, showing every person the most convenient path of salvation, O Christ, You spoke to Simon Peter: “When you are old, you lift up your hands, and He will girdle you and lead you, even if you did not want to,” signifying by which death He will glorify God. You commanded your beloved disciple to remain until you arrive. Moreover, even though the apostles were separated, they are still bound by a union of love, according to the hymn: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 12
Singing Your three-day Resurrection, O Christ, we rejoice in Your immutable promise. You promised to be with us until the end of the century, delivering us from all evil and guiding us to eternal life. For this reason, glorifying Thee, we cry out: Christ is risen, and we are now freed from all harm. Christ is risen, and has seated us at the right hand of the Father with Himself. Christ is risen, and has made us partakers of His eternal glory. Christ is risen, and the strong enemy who crushed the forefather of old has been crushed. Christ is risen, and with the Angels we, before abandonment, are established. Christ is risen, and with Him He will resurrect everything, calling: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 13
O great and most sacred Easter, Christ Jesus our Savior, we gratefully confess Your great saving mercy, as You have again made us, unworthy, worthy to taste the joy of Your Bright Resurrection. Grant us, in the eternal days of Your Kingdom, more truly and more perfectly than You, the Sweetest, to partake of communion, so that with the Angels and all the saints forever and ever we may sing joyfully: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
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) ...
