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Yakov , Revered in all Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. | |||||||||||||||||||
Origin of the name
The name Yaakov is interpreted as a derivative of the word Akev
“heel, footprint,” since Jacob came out of his mother’s womb, grabbing the heel of his older brother, Esau (Gen. 25:26). In addition to the proper name, the Hebrew יעקוב [Yaakov] is a verb in the third person masculine future form and is translated “(he) will follow, will follow.”
From an etymological point of view, this name can be understood as a truncated form of the name common in the 2nd millennium BC. e. among the Semitic peoples of the Middle East named yahqub-el
, or
ya'akub-el
, the original meaning of which is `the Lord protected [me]' (cf. the name Akiva - Hebrew
עֲקִיבָא
).
Biography
Receiving the birthright
The story of Jacob is told in the Book of Genesis (chap. 25, 27-50). It begins with the fact that God revealed to the pregnant Rebekah that she would give birth to twins, who were destined to become the ancestors of two nations, and the people that would come from the eldest of the brothers would be subject to the descendants of the younger.
As the twins grew up, their personalities emerged: Jacob was “a gentle man, dwelling in tents,” and Esau was “a skilled hunter, a man of the fields” (Gen. 25:27). The father was more inclined towards Esau, while the mother preferred Jacob (Gen. 25:28). Taking advantage of the fatigue and hunger of Esau, who returned from hunting, Jacob exchanged his birthright for bread and lentil stew (Gen. 25:29–34). With the help of Rebekah, Jacob fraudulently obtained from Isaac the blessing intended for the firstborn (Gen. 27:1–29).
The entire subsequent life of Jacob, as it is told in the book of Genesis, represents retribution for the deception, thanks to which he received the birthright and the blessing of his father (forced flight from home, hard many years of service in a foreign land, substitution of a bride, return home fraught with danger, night struggle Pnuel, the rape of his daughter, the death of his beloved wife, the disappearance of his beloved son); Only after being gradually purified by these trials was Jacob able to spend the last years of his life in peace and contentment.
Yaakov's Dream
Main article
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Jacob's Ladder
Flight to Haran
To save Jacob from the revenge of Esau, who intended to kill his brother, Rebekah persuaded Isaac to send Jacob to the city of Haran (Northern Mesopotamia - Aram-Naharaim) so that he could marry there the daughter of her brother Laban, his cousin (Gen. 27:42-46; 28:1–2).
Family life
File:Tissot Jacob and Rachel at the Well.jpg Tissot, Jacob and Rachel, 1896-1902
Jacob was warmly received by Laban (Gen. 29:13–14). He fell in love with Laban’s youngest daughter Rachel and agreed to serve Laban for seven years for her (Gen. 29:18). When, after the appointed time, the time came for the marriage, Laban replaced Rachel in the dark with her older, less attractive sister Leah. Laban explained to Yaakov, who discovered the substitution the next morning, that according to local custom, the youngest daughter should not be married off before the eldest; he also gave Rachel to Jacob, obliging him to work for her for another seven years (Gen. 29:25–28). As a dowry for his daughters, Laban gave two maidservants - Zilpah (in the Russian tradition Zilpah) for Leah and Bilkha (in the Russian tradition Bilhah) for Rachel.
During Jacob's twenty-year stay in Laban's house (Gen. 31:38, 41), ten of his eleven sons were born, who later became the ancestors of the tribes of Israel (see below).
After Joseph was born, Jacob decided it was time to return to Canaan. To Laban’s offer to reward him for his many years of service, Jacob responded with a request to separate for him all the motley cattle of Laban’s herd, and then, resorting to cunning, achieved a significant increase in the number of motley cattle in the herd (Gen. 30:32–42). Having become the owner of a large flock and other wealth (Gen. 30:43), Jacob aroused the envy of Laban's sons. Noticing that Laban's attitude towards him had changed, Yaakov secretly left Haran and headed to Canaan. God appeared in a dream to Laban, who set out in pursuit, and warned him not to harm Jacob, and, having caught up with Jacob in Gilead, Laban reconciled with his son-in-law and entered into an alliance with him (Gen. 31). Fearing Esau's revenge, Jacob sent him some of his livestock as a gift. Contrary to Jacob's fears, Esau greeted his brother friendly.
Fight with an angel
Upon his return from Mesopotamia, he lived in Canaan, keeping with his flocks the camps of Abraham and Isaac. One day, during a night vigil near Pnuel, an angel appeared to him, with whom Jacob wrestled until dawn, demanding to bless him. In the fight he injured his thigh, but God was pleased with his zeal. Jacob received a blessing and a new name - Israel (“Having power over the powers”), with the parting words: “ ...you have fought with God, and you will overcome men.
"(Gen.32:27,28).
Leaving for Egypt
The subsequent fate of Jacob is inseparable from the story of his beloved son Joseph, whose disappearance caused him deep grief (Gen. 37:33–35). A few years later, a famine in Canaan prompted Jacob to send his sons - with the exception of Benjamin - to Egypt to buy grain there (Gen. 42:1-4). Joseph, who by this time had become an Egyptian dignitary, revealed himself to his brothers during their return to Egypt with Benjamin and sent for their father. Jacob headed to Egypt, and near Beersheba, God appeared to him “in visions at night,” promising to accompany Jacob to Egypt, produce a great nation there from him, and subsequently lead this people out of Egypt (Gen. 46:1–4).
Jacob arrived in Egypt with his entire family, household, and property. Here Jacob met with Joseph, who then introduced his father to Pharaoh. With the permission of Pharaoh, Joseph settled Yaakov and his brothers in “the best part of the land of Egypt,” in the land of Goshen (Gen. 47:6,11), where Yaakov spent the last 17 years of his life. Shortly before his death, Jacob made Joseph vow to bury him next to his ancestors in Canaan (Gen. 47:29–31). Jacob blessed his sons before his death (Gen. 49) and died at the age of 147 years. According to Egyptian custom, his body was embalmed, transported to Canaan, and his sons solemnly buried him in the Machpelah cave (Gen. 50:1-13).
What is known about the Apostle James, the brother of the Lord, from the Bible
The name Jacob is translated from Hebrew as “suppressor” or “follower.” It was this ancient name that was given to one of the sons of Joseph the Betrothed, the husband of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Christ. James and Jesus were half-brothers. And initially, when the Lord began his ministry in the land of Israel, his brother according to the flesh did not support his teachings.
Jacob was a Nazirite. These people dedicated themselves to God and took sacred vows of celibacy, abstinence from food other than bread, and from drinking wine. They led an ascetic and strict life in order to acquire the spirit of God in their hearts. Because of his adherence to Old Testament teaching, the future apostle could not follow Jesus.
However, when Christ, resurrected after the crucifixion, appeared to his brother and called him to serve, all doubts disappeared, and the righteous man joined the number of 70 apostles with whom the Christian church began. And, moreover, according to John Chrysostom, Christ himself appointed James bishop of Jerusalem.
The period of the saint’s service as a bishop is mentioned in the Bible, the Acts of the Apostles and other sources. In addition, the letter of James is included in the New Testament. The apostle's work was diligent and difficult. Jerusalem, the city that crucified Christ, did not tolerate the new Church. The Jews expelled Christians from the city and killed them. Therefore, serving in such an important spiritual position became a serious test.
But, despite the difficulties and the threat to his life, Jacob courageously fulfilled his duty. Thus, he participated in the first Council of the Apostolic Church. Servants of Christ gathered in his house to listen to the divinely inspired voice and spread the Word of God. St. Paul calls James the pillar of the church. James participated in deciding which of the apostles would go where to preach.
The authorship of James belongs to the Christian liturgy, written to serve the Lord. Later, Saints John Chrysostom and Basil the Great shortened it. This is so that ordinary people can understand and participate in the church service. However, the Syrian Christian Church still serves this ancient liturgy.
The severity and holiness of the Lord's brother were obvious even to his enemies - the Pharisees and Talmudists. Opponents of the true faith recorded that the apostle healed people and delivered Jerusalem from bad weather. His ascetic and strict lifestyle, constant prayers and kneeling, which made the skin on his knees like that of a camel, did not allow Jacob to be accused of atheism or other sins. Therefore, his opponents retreated before holiness.
The people loved Jacob. People revered him as a holy ascetic and sage. If there was no hope left, they came to the apostle's house to find help. Therefore, in the city the servant of Christ was called “obli”, “ofli” - a stronghold. When there were rebellious unrest in Jerusalem, ordinary residents trusted in him.
On the days of the great holidays, Easter, Jacob preached the Word of God to all the people flocking to the city. And the power of his speeches was such that it aroused the hatred of the servants of the Jewish religion. When the apostle was already in his sixty-sixth year of life, the high priest Ananias decided to kill the brother of the Lord.
The Jew assembled a Sanhedrin, accused the highest Christian bishops of breaking the law and demanded renunciation of the Lord. Jacob and those with him rejected the demands of the high priest and were executed. According to Christian sources, Jacob was thrown from the roof of Solomon's Temple and stoned. The historian Josephus names this martyrdom as the reason for the fall of Jerusalem.
Descendants of Jacob
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Tribes of Israel
The tribes of the descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob formed, according to the Bible, the Israeli people.
When first listing the tribes, the Bible calls them by the names of the 12 sons of Jacob (Gen. 49:28). Jacob had two wives - Leah, Rachel, and the wives' maidservants - Bilhah (Bilhah) and Zilpah (Zilpah).
Template:Yaakov's children Yosef had two sons: Menashe and Ephraim, whom Yaakov elevated to the ancestors of two independent tribes instead of their father Yosef (Gen. 48:5; cf. Ib. 14:4), which increased the number of tribes to 13.
In Talmudic literature
In rabbinic literature, Jacob is seen as a symbol of the Jewish people, the chosen one among the patriarchs (Gen. R. 76:1), a model of virtue and justice, to whom God even revealed the secret of messianic deliverance (Mid. Ps. 31:7) and, placing him above all the rest of mortals and just below the angels (Med. Ps. 8:7), imprinted his face on His throne (Gen. R. 82:2).
After his death, Jacob—unlike the other patriarchs—continues to remain connected with the destiny of Israel, suffering when adversity befalls Israel, and rejoicing when the hour of deliverance comes for Israel (Mid. Ps. 14:7; Psi. R. 41:5 ). The contrast between the characters of Jacob and Esau is interpreted in rabbinic literature as a substantial antagonism between the spiritual beauty of Israel and the ugliness of the pagan world, the inevitable conflict between which is symbolized by the struggle between Jacob and Esau, which they began in the womb (Gen. R. 63: 6, 8).
Texts of prayers to the saint
In the Orthodox tradition, a canon and an akathist, as well as less voluminous chants, are dedicated to Jacob, the brother of the Lord. They pray to the saint on memorial days or if there is some request to the ascetic for help. The akathist and canon should be read in front of the images, with lit candles and a lamp. During prayer, one should not be distracted by everyday worries; one should focus on serving God.
Akathist (from the Greek Ο ΑκάθιστοςΎμνος - “a song that is sung while standing”) is a type of poetic prayer. Before the akathist, opening prayers are read. Consists of 12 ikos, 13 kontakia and closing prayers. According to the rules, the 13th kontakion is read three times, with bows. Then the 1st ikos and 1st kontakion from the beginning of the akathist are repeated. Then the final prayers are read, and in conclusion - “It is worthy to eat.”
Canon (Greek κανών - “rule”, “norm”) is a type of prayer addressed to the saints; it is included in many services and in the rules of home prayer. The canon consists of irmos and troparia. The melody of the canon obeys one of eight voices. Before the canon, as well as before the akathist, opening prayers are read.
Troparion
For thou hast, righteously, received the Gospel as a disciple of the Lord, /
like a martyr imashi the indescribable, /
boldness as a brother of God, /
pray like a hierarch: /
pray to Christ God for the salvation of our souls.
Kontakion
Father's Only Begotten God the Word, / who came to us in the last days, / the Divine Jacob, / the first to show you / the shepherd and teacher of the people of Jerusalem, / and the faithful builder of the spiritual sacraments // so we all honor you, apostle.
Akathist
Kontakion 1
To the Apostle of Christ, the most glorious hierarch, the unconquerable pillar of the Church of Christ and the martyr, James the wise, the blessed brother of God, let us sing praises, as an intercessor and a quick helper ours. But you, standing before the throne of the Most Holy Trinity, do not cease to pray for us and with your prayers save us from all troubles and evils, who celebrate your memory with faith and call:
Rejoice, Jacob, first hierarch of the Church of Jerusalem and glorious martyr.
Ikos 1
Creator of angels and Creator of all creation, show you, O Jacob, like a multi-bright star, shining in the firmament of the Church, driving away the darkness of false faith, enlightening the world with the feat of light. We, resorting to your intercession, joyfully bring you:
Rejoice, for you have been chosen by God to announce the mysteries of salvation;
Rejoice, for thou art a brother according to the flesh of the Lord, a disciple and witness of His ineffable mysteries;
Rejoice, glory to the Universal Church;
Rejoice, for you who brought the words of God to people among the ardent Jews without fear and loudly;
Rejoice, true ruler of the church;
Rejoice, God-wise teacher of the incomprehensible mysteries of God;
Rejoice, ruler of Jerusalem below, who now dwells in Jerusalem above;
Rejoice, for you brought a pure sacrifice to the King and Creator, whom you confessed before your tormentors, holy martyr;
Rejoice, Jacob, first hierarch of the Church of Jerusalem and glorious martyr.
Kontakion 2
From afar I saw your life, Father Jacob, and received your brother Christ the Lover of Mankind, as you were the eldest son in the family of the righteous Joseph the Betrothed. From an early age, as a Nazarene, he was dedicated to God, having a life of abstinence. By your goodness and purity of mind, you appeared to be a sincere disciple of Christ, and you were vouchsafed at the throne of the Lord to sing eternally: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
And when Herod the king sought the Child of Jesus in order to destroy Him, the Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream with the verb: “Rising up, take the Child and His Mother and flee to Egypt " But you, Jacob, as you were a relative in the flesh of Jesus, stayed with Joseph and His Mother, running with them to Egypt. As Christ’s closest friend from infancy, accept from us, Jacob, zealous praise:
Rejoice, for you have become a son of those who walk in the way of the Lord;
Rejoice, for you have seen God face to face through Christ;
Rejoice, for you have received much grace from Christ;
Rejoice, for thou art enlightened by the light of Christ;
Rejoice, for as the beginning of the shepherd of Christ, you were the brother and successor of the apostles;
Rejoice, for you have been granted greater honor from Christ;
Rejoice, for through Christ you have found the Heavenly Father;
Rejoice, for even now you see Christ in an indescribable light;
Rejoice, Jacob, first hierarch of the Church of Jerusalem and glorious martyr.
Kontakion 3
After the Ascension of the Savior, the face of the apostles, without competing for glory, chose Jacob the Righteous to minister to Christ in holy Zion. The Lord especially appeared to you after consecrating you to the throne of the Church of Jerusalem, thereby showing His favor towards you. We marveled at such God’s favor for you, and we sing to the Almighty: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
The apostolic ministry is difficult; you have found yourself in the midst of the most insidious and ardent enemies of the Christian faith. For thirty years you tirelessly preached and confirmed the saving faith in the Holy City and the land of Palestine. Moreover, thanks to the Creator and our Savior, we praise you, the great chosen one of God:
Rejoice, for Jerusalem was pointed out to you by the Providence of the Lord for preaching the Word of God;
Rejoice, for you have received great power from God;
Rejoice, evangelist of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world;
Rejoice, baptizing the Jewish people in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit;
Rejoice, good shepherd and bright teacher, for with you God has adorned his church;
Rejoice, from this well we will drink living water;
Rejoice, for having accepted the apostolic cross, you tirelessly followed the Savior’s footsteps;
Rejoice, for through the illumination of the Divine Spirit you destroyed the darkness of false faith and enlightened the hearts of the faithful;
Rejoice, Jacob, first hierarch of the Church of Jerusalem and glorious martyr.
Kontakion 4
You, O Righteous Father, converted many Jewish people to the Church of Christ, out of great trust in your word. By your righteous life, you gained love and respect from the unconverted Jews. For this reason, praising your tireless labors, we earnestly call to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Despite the hatred of Christians of the Sanhedrin and the high priests of the Jews, who slander Christians as enemies of the law of Moses, you, Father James, wisely testified: turning to faith X Christova - does not fall away from the true faith of the fatherland. But we, seeing your great virtue, tireless shepherd of the Church of Christ, gratefully call to you:
Rejoice, for through your righteous life you have subdued and put to shame your evil enemies;
Rejoice, for you hinder the paths of all enemies with the breadth of the Divine mind;
Rejoice, for through the grace pouring out from your lips, you taught the verbal sheep to believe in the Trinity of the Consubstantial;
Rejoice, unshakable pillar of piety and unassailable wall of the Church;
Rejoice, for you have shone forth among those who exist in the darkness of foolishness, calling everyone to the height of piety;
Rejoice, for having gathered your flock by preaching your lofty life, you have delivered it from fierce wolves;
Rejoice, for the Brother of God, who valiantly confessed the Son of the Most High God on earth;
Rejoice, for you are adorned with wisdom, illuminated by grace, adorned with peaceful beauty, holy apostle.
Rejoice, Jacob, first hierarch of the Church of Jerusalem and glorious martyr.
Kontakion 5
You served the hierarch in the Church of Jerusalem with great prudence, paying tribute to the true faith of the fathers. The zealots of the Old Testament law see in you, Father Jacob, as the image of the high priest of Israel. We, who gave you great wisdom, continually sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Carrying out his holy earthly path from his mother’s womb, he was honored to enter the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. You prayed earnestly for the remission of the sins of the people. Your knees have become hard, Father James, from incessant bowing in prayer. For this reason, we praise you according to your heritage, as our prayer book before God:
Rejoice, for through your virtuous life you enlightened your people, like the shining sun;
Rejoice, for he taught us to despise the flesh and to adhere to the immortal soul;
Rejoice, diligent worker of the heliport of Christ;
Rejoice, for you have received the grace of the Divine Spirit and have destroyed the darkness of false faith;
Rejoice, for you have completely enslaved the flesh to the spirit;
Rejoice, tireless prayer to God;
Rejoice, for you have yoked your flock with a covenant of love;
Rejoice, for you were filled with grace, the light of the world and the salt of the universe;
Rejoice, Jacob, first hierarch of the Church of Jerusalem and glorious martyr.
Kontakion 6
You were enlightened by the Holy Spirit, Father James, when you wisely arranged the rite of the Divine Liturgy. He became like a sower of good seed, bearing a hundredfold fruit. And now from heaven you look mercifully upon us and give us all abundant grace from the generous Christ God, and to him the angels in heaven eat: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
You were taught to serve the Divine Liturgy from Christ Himself. You, Father James, laid down the law of the life of the Church of Christ, with your life-giving spirit, laying down the law and revealing the ineffable mysteries of God. Sanctifying your flock with the sacraments of the church and teaching the mysteries of the faith. We sing to you, the faithful servant of the Holy Trinity:
Rejoice, decorator of the church rite;
Rejoice, for you have enlightened the world, O blessed one, with your teachings.
Rejoice, for through you the light of the knowledge of God has been poured out into the world by the Holy Spirit;
Rejoice, for through you the secrets of heaven and earth were inscribed;
Rejoice, for you have ascended in spirit into the mysteries of God;
Rejoice, for with the Divine dawns of your preaching, a gracious light has arisen for those who sit in the darkness of delusion;
Rejoice, for with a pure mind and holy lips you have offered salvation to all the faithful;
Rejoice, for God the Word has richly enlightened you with the radiance of Divine grace;
Rejoice, Jacob, first hierarch of the Church of Jerusalem and glorious martyr.
Kontakion 7
In the midst of those preaching the word of Christ to the pagan people, there was strife and controversy about the law of Moses. For this reason, the Apostolic Council was quickly assembled in the city of Jerusalem, under your representation, Father James. Your weighty word about the salvation of the soul in the Christian Church, without preserving the entire rite of the Law of Moses, the council unanimously accepted you and through the apostles you announced to the churches. We please you, having taught you the right to understand the teachings of Christ and to sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
He wisely admonished, Father Jacob, at the council about the end of the time of the Old Testament Covenant and again about the Providence of God about the conversion and salvation of the pagan peoples. By the representation at the Council of the Apostles, the hierarch of the Church of Jerusalem - the Mother of Churches, the heresy of the Latin popes about the Divine establishment of the primacy of the throne of Rome is overthrown. We, like the great one in the hierarchy of Christ, cry to you:
Rejoice, interpreter of the will of God, the entire church of Jewish Christians submitted to him without a murmur;
Rejoice, for you teach about salvation by the grace of Christ not only to the Jews, but also to the pagans;
Rejoice, for you testify to the agreement of the word of Christ with the teachings of the prophets and the traditions of the fathers;
Rejoice, for you offered saving laws to those sitting in darkness and led them to the light of good faith;
Rejoice, dawn of the intelligent light, church luminary, saintly beauty;
Rejoice, deep well of true knowledge of God;
Rejoice, for rivers flow from your God-speaking womb;
Rejoice, for thou hast appeared the cup of wisdom, filled with virtue;
Rejoice, Jacob, first hierarch of the Church of Jerusalem and glorious martyr.
Kontakion 8
You appeared, Father Jacob, as a wise Christian, a peacemaker and interpreter of the Law and Truth in the word - the message “to the twelve tribes in dispersion”, who were in considerable ferment and perplexity about the teaching of Christ. You enlightened and admonished that the will of God is the will of the God of Israel, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In the same way, teach us to sing from the bottom of our hearts to the Creator and Creator: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
The apostolic sermon also reached those living far from the Holy City by the tribe of Israel. There was confusion among the righteous Jews: the appearance of Christ is the hope of the people of God or the overthrow of the law of Moses. Truly, Father James, you provided for the Church of Jerusalem wisely, without abandoning the rite of Moses - you strengthened those converted in the grace of Christ. You said to Paul the Apostle: “How many thousands of Jews have believed, and all are zealots of the Law.” We praise you, the one who has acquired the mountain wisdom:
Rejoice, for with the word of God's understanding you delivered people from ignorance and brought them to Christ;
Rejoice, for you have acquired the Divine Mind;
Rejoice, for through your labors you brought the sheep of words to the water of salvation;
Rejoice, for righteously the lot of pastoral care for souls has been given to you;
Rejoice, for you have attracted the hearts of the flock and are filled with love for you;
Rejoice, as the dawn of the sun hast thou shone upon the world through thy teachings, O God-voice;
Rejoice, skillful catcher of human souls;
Rejoice, shining light of Divine grace;
Rejoice, Jacob, first hierarch of the Church of Jerusalem and glorious martyr!
Kontakion 9
The prophets of many things do not dare to speak about your wisdom, Father James. When there was murmuring among the Jewish converts about the teachings of Christ, having heard that a person is saved only by faith, they believed falsely, as if to please those converted by the “tongue”, the works were abolished the law of Moses. Then you, Father James, in your message teach us that there is saving faith not in book teaching and external confession alone, but in faith promoted by love and deeds in the name of X Ristovo. To Him, the merciful Lover of Mankind, we incessantly cry: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
You knew, Father Jacob, how the sacrificial faith of Abraham was damaged, in the hypocritical and dead faith of the Jewish leaders. You faithfully rebuke the “teachers of wisdom” and instruct the people in the Christian faith - be patient in trials, trust in God, bear burdens in humility. We, as a God-wise mentor, sing with gratitude:
Rejoice, for you proclaim: the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead;
Rejoice, for you teach: have joy when you fall into various temptations;
Rejoice, for you have enlightened: blessed is the man who endures temptation and receives the crown of life;
Rejoice, as you say: patience overcomes the trials of your faith;
Rejoice, for you are wise: to the one who knows to do good, and to the one who does not, there is sin;
Rejoice, for you have taught: every thing of this world is enmity to God;
Rejoice, as you call: pray for each other, for the prayer of the righteous can accomplish much;
Rejoice, as you cry: he who turns a sinner from the error of his path saves the soul from death.
Rejoice, Jacob, first hierarch of the Church of Jerusalem and glorious martyr!
Kontakion 10
You, Father James, strengthened those who were converted in the faith and prepared them for the suffering that was to come. He called for true unity with the prophets, patience and prayerful trust in God, who contains everyone and everything in His right hand. And grant us, the unworthy, with your prayers, to sing wisely to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Thus you taught, your people, the saving faith of Christ: “For faith is pure and undefiled before God, to visit the orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep undefiled for yourself “from the world” and also “Mercy is the life of the soul.” We, Father James, tirelessly cry to you, who prays for the renewal of our petrified and withered hearts:
Rejoice, as you said: judgment without mercy to him who has not shown mercy.
Rejoice, for you admonish: the anger of a husband does not bring about the righteousness of God.
Rejoice, for you enlighten: the fruit of righteousness in the world is sown by those who create the world.
Rejoice, as you say: The Lord resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Rejoice, for you cry: humble yourself before the Lord and he will exalt you.
Rejoice, our guide in heaven.
Rejoice, you who are not a false interpreter of the words of God.
Rejoice, you who move us to the feat of active love.
Rejoice, Jacob, first hierarch of the Church of Jerusalem and glorious martyr!
Kontakion 11
The Jewish leaders who had fallen from grace saw that many men and women were being added to the Church of Christ, trusting for the sake of the all-glorious apostle. They are evil-minded, false teachers, put an end to this. For the Sanhedrin was intolerable to the true righteous man who served the Lord blamelessly. But, Father Jacob, bless us, strengthen us and instruct us to grow in saving faith, singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
On the days of the celebration of Passover, the entire tribe of Judah and many pagans gathered in the city of Jerusalem. But you, Father Jacob, tirelessly preached the words of eternal life. Knowing about the departure, in these days, the prosecutor Festus, the head of the Jewish council, decided to kill you, the shepherd of the Holy City. We earnestly cry out to you as a courageous warrior of Christ:
Rejoice, for you fearlessly preached the truth of Christ before the leader.
Rejoice, shining light of Orthodoxy.
Rejoice, impartial guardian of the rules of the church.
Rejoice, for the Church of Christ admirably adorns itself with you.
Rejoice, for with God-wise teachings you raise the minds of the faithful to heaven.
Rejoice, for you have destroyed the fortress of preaching the winter of charms.
Rejoice, all-wise craftsman, holy hierarch and preacher.
Rejoice, for Christ sent forth a ray of the Sun of Truth, enlightening the whole earth.
Rejoice, Jacob, first hierarch of the Church of Jerusalem and glorious martyr!
Kontakion 12
The Jewish high priest, the Sadducee Anan, commanded to convene a great meeting of the people before the temple of Jerusalem. But you were seduced by flattery, Father Jacob, on the krill of the Holy Temple, where the wicked asked before the council of people: “Rivers to us about the Crucified One.” But you have been clothed with the strength that God has given you, ready to endure all kinds of torment for Christ’s sake. We, to God, in your martyrdom, strengthened you, with a great voice we sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Having been filled with the Holy Spirit, you, God-bearing Father, spoke before the people: “He sits in heaven, at the right hand of the Power of the Most High, and is coming to the clouds of heaven.” Hearing this wickedness, they gnashed their teeth and rushed forward with one accord. The Holy Apostle was cast down from the corner of the Holy Temple. Having gotten down on his knees, he prayed to the Creator for mercy on those who were killing you. He was stoned to death at the wall of the Holy Temple. There he was buried by your flock. We, you, who appear before the throne of the Holy Trinity, joyfully call:
Rejoice, for you were overthrown from the Jews, and you were considered worthy of the heavenly palaces.
Rejoice, for the imitator of the passion of the Lord was killed.
Rejoice, apostolic foundation of the mountain of Jerusalem.
Rejoice, for you brought a pure sacrifice to the King and Creator.
Rejoice, for you have sacredly entered into the Heavenly Church; we pour blood, blessed one.
Rejoice, for we have a strong intercessor before God.
Rejoice, as the righteous one stands before the throne of the Holy Trinity, enjoying incorruptible honors.
Rejoice, invincible hieromartyr, highly praised hierarch and universal lamp.
Rejoice, Jacob, first hierarch of the Church of Jerusalem and glorious martyr!
Kontakion 13
Oh, glorious Apostle James, brother of the Lord, many-bright lamp of the Church of Christ. Accept from reverent hearts with love the praise offered to you. Ask us from Christ God for confirmation in faith, forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal condemnation, and may we be honored in the Kingdom of Heaven, together with you, to sing to God forever: Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos and the 1st kontakion.
Ikos 1
Creator of angels and Creator of all creation, show you, O Jacob, like a multi-bright star, shining in the firmament of the Church, driving away the darkness of false faith, enlightening the world with the feat of light. We, resorting to your intercession, joyfully bring you:
Rejoice, for you have been chosen by God to announce the mysteries of salvation;
Rejoice, for thou art a brother according to the flesh of the Lord, a disciple and witness of His ineffable mysteries;
Rejoice, glory to the Universal Church;
Rejoice, for you who brought the words of God to people among the ardent Jews without fear and loudly;
Rejoice, true ruler of the church;
Rejoice, God-wise teacher of the incomprehensible mysteries of God;
Rejoice, ruler of Jerusalem below, who now dwells in Jerusalem above;
Rejoice, for you brought a pure sacrifice to the King and Creator, whom you confessed before your tormentors, holy martyr;
Rejoice, Jacob, first hierarch of the Church of Jerusalem and glorious martyr.
Kontakion 1
To the Apostle of Christ, the most glorious hierarch, the unconquerable pillar of the Church of Christ and the martyr, James the wise, the blessed brother of God, let us sing praises, as an intercessor and a quick helper ours. But you, standing before the throne of the Most Holy Trinity, do not cease to pray for us and with your prayers save us from all troubles and evils, who celebrate your memory with faith and call:
Rejoice, Jacob, first hierarch of the Church of Jerusalem and glorious martyr.
Prayer
Oh, great saint of God, God-chosen and God-glorified Apostle James, brother of the Lord! You are the great bishop of the Holy City, our warm intercessor and intercessor standing before the Throne of the Most Holy Trinity. Do not reject us from your intercession, but raise us up, cast down by many sins. As a holy martyr, having the power to decide and bind, resolve the evils of our souls and the love of God, consider us partakers of the Kingdom of Heaven, make us blessed through your prayers. Pray to Christ the Savior, that He may grant us to carry out our earthly journey without stumbling, and that we may be granted eternal and blessed life in heaven, and there, together with you, we will praise the Indivisible Trinity , glorify the One Divinity of the Father, and the Son, and the All-Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Canon
Song 1
Irmos: The ancient Israel walked across the dark abyss with damp feet, and defeated the power of Amalek in the desert with the cross-shaped hands of Moses.
This is a good gift, O Jacob, and a perfect gift from the Father of lights to give to man, teach him to receive communion, O apostle, pray to those who sing.
Enlightened by the light, the good one, of the Divine Spirit and having laid down the laws with Him, the Church of the nations is governed, like an apostle of Christ, the most blessed of the Holy Mysteries.
You adorned the apostolic face, in all things, as the first hierarch, anointed with the self-deed of the Word, as a disciple and brother of God, a most sacred preacher.
Theotokos: We draw from the source of healings, like the Source of life, the Pure Virgin Mother of God, who gave birth to life, and healing for the soul, and renewal of the body.
Song 3
Irmos: Your Church rejoices in You, O Christ, calling: You are my strength, Lord, and refuge, and confirmation.
The tribe of Judah rejoices over you today, as Christ’s lordships see you covered with light.
The pagan Church possesses the God-blessed star, the blessed preacher, and is illuminated by the Divine Light.
You laid down the law of life for the Church of Christ, by the Life-giving Spirit you laid down laws and prophesied.
Theotokos: Whom didst thou give birth to in the flesh, O Mother of God, from the Father who rose, the Pure One, Jacob as the God of all sermons.
Sedalen, voice 8
You were a relative in the flesh of Jesus, and from Him, O apostle, you received much grace and taught everyone enlightenment and reason, to all-wise Jacob, and idolatry flattery from the root. yarking. Those who are representatives and flatterers of darkness unjustly kill you, preaching the Savior. For this reason, we cry out to you: pray to Christ, the God of sins, to grant those who honor your holy memory with love.
Theotokos: The Sun is clouded with understanding, the Divine Light is a gold-forged lamp, Undefiled, Unglamorous, All-blameless Lady, my soul is darkened by the blinding of passions, the dawn of dispassion Shine, I pray, and wash my defiled heart with streams of tenderness, and with tears of repentance and cleanse me from the trouble of my deeds, yes I call You with love: Mother of God Ever-Virgin, pray to Christ the God of sins to forgive my taxes, for I have hope in You, Thy servant.
Song 4
Irmos: For the sake of Love, Generous, Your image, You stood on Your Cross, and the nations melted away: For You are, O Lover of mankind, my strength and praise.
You brought horses into your sea, O apostles, O Savior, and enlightened the tongues, drawing you to your knowledge, O Master.
Unfoul, like a mirror, appeared, and the primordial rays of the Uncreated Trinity are known to receive, you shone forth to all.
With the help of the stone, he sees the sanctified prophecy and crushes the charms of rotten vanity by the power of the Spirit.
Theotokos: Having entered, O Mother of God, into Thy womb the Eternal Word, born from the Father inexpressibly, reveals James the Apostle.
Song 5
Irmos: You, Lord, my Light, you came into the world, Holy Light, turning those who sing Your praises from darkness of ignorance to faith.
You, Lord, Light, have shown the brilliance of Jacob, shining and changing earthly ignorance and darkness.
You, Lord, with the free voice of your preaching, Your righteous brother, an imitator of the Passion, we kill.
Can the earthly mind of singing praises bring you virtues, enlightened by grace, Jacob?
Theotokos: You will find a truly Divine dwelling, O Virgin, our salvation, the Word, providing.
Song 6
Irmos: I will devour Thee with a voice of praise, Lord, the Church cries out to Thee, having been cleansed from the blood of demons, for the sake of mercy the blood flowed from Thy ribs.
He clothed you with the best clothing of the law, and the hierarch reveals the most honorable Aaron of old, who received you into the brotherhood for the sake of mercy.
The organ, the actions of the Spirit, delighting all thoughts and bringing to God those saved from work, the most cruel, you were the most noble.
Having thirsted, you drank the waters of life, and rivers flowed from your God-speaking womb, flowing throughout the universe with the Divine Spirit.
Theotokos: Eve gave birth to death by disobedience, but the Mother of God, having conceived Life, gave birth to the Ageless and Ancient One, who repaid her debt for all.
Kontakion, voice 4
The Father's Only Begotten Word, who came to us in the last days, the divine Jacob, first showed you to the people of Jerusalem a shepherd and a teacher, and a faithful builder of spiritual sacraments: also We all honor you, apostle.
Ikos
We will surely sing the birth of you Joseph, the first hierarch of Jerusalem, Jacob the God-seer, and the brother of the Lord with songs of praise, and we will cry out to you: grant us the perfect gift from the Father of lights and take away the sorrow that is present from many sins, for the Ishmaelites brought the enemy to our heel and surrounded us , whose bows you will soon break, sacredly revealed, for we all honor you, apostle.
Song 7
Irmos: In the cave of Abraham, the youths of the Persians, with love of piety rather than with flame, scorched, crying out: Blessed are you in the temple of Your glory, O Lord.
As in the cave, in the upper room we are enlightened, by the Divine coming of the Spirit, mysteriously, God-speaking, You cried out: Blessed are You in the temple of Your glory, O Lord.
From above, the green breath of the apostle, with a fiery tongue, proclaimed the majesty of God’s dispensation: blessed art thou in the temple of thy glory, O Lord.
The visions of the active exposition of the story, from the tablet, as spiritual, you taught people: Blessed are you, my God, calling, Lord.
Theotokos: Having recreated the world, in Your womb, the Bride of God, the Divine service shows the performer Jacob, crying: Blessed are You among women, the All-Immaculate Lady.
Song 8
Irmos: He stretched out his hand, O Daniel, the gaping lion in the den; Having quenched the fiery power, girded with virtue, zealots of piety, youths, crying: bless, all the works of the Lord, the Lord.
Thy apostles, O Savior, have spread out my arms, blessed thou, ascending, O Master, to Thy Beginningless Father, and thou hast caused thou to cry out with joy: bless all the works of the Lord spoda.
Just as you promised, you did not lie as your apostle, you sent the Spirit. This Jacob, Master, enlightens with lightning, illuminates the universe with lightning and cries out to You: bless all the works of the Lord the Lord.
Wisdom, O Jacob the wise, you had hypostatically as a Teacher, I teach you the unspeakable and unspeakable mysteries, and you raised up the call to the piety of people: bless all the works of the Lord spoda.
Theotokos: To the mountain revealed in thought, the Pure Virgin, the prophet saw Thee, from Thee the most honorable Stone was cut off, saving the universe truly, Divinely singing: bless all the works of the Lord the Lord.
Song 9
Irmos: The uncut stone from the uncut mountain, to you, O Virgin, the cornerstone was cut off - Christ, the aggregate of the dispersed nature. Thus, having fun, we magnify You, Mother of God.
Come, all the First See, the Church of the Lamp, the priests, James, with hymns, as a hierarch and preacher of Christ, the same name of the righteous one, we magnify.
Divine communion, as he is of the endless Kingdom, and God’s called brother, and true life, the name of the host, the sacred secret, we magnify you, Jacob.
Standing before the throne, blessed one, is the crown bearer of the Trinity, who honor your memory with faith, to enjoy imperishable honors, as the hierarch, Jacob, is favorable to your Lord.
Theotokos: You, who were born of the Virgin without artifice, O theophany, by your teachings clearly teach the honor of God, O Incarnate Word, we who believe in Negozh today are worthily magnified.
Criticism
According to some modern scholars, the narrative of the book of Genesis is the result of a selection made in a vast corpus of legends, which are based on the idea of \u200b\u200bthe chosenness of Jacob as the heir of the forefathers of the Jewish people Abraham and Isaac, to whom the land of Israel was promised. However, in order to fulfill his calling, Jacob was often forced to resort to immoral acts, which brought upon him Divine punishment. This existential conflict permeates Yaakov's entire life, giving it a tragic overtones: he is destined to go through many trials, spend most of his life outside the Promised Land and die outside it. Despite this, Jacob does not lose faith in the final fulfillment of destiny, which is expressed in the blessing that he gives to his sons before his death: Jacob blesses the ancestors of the 12 tribes of Israel in his sons and announces to them the future of their descendants in the Promised Land.
Researchers believe that the biblical books contain echoes of other versions of the legend about Jacob (especially in the prophet Hoshea book 12: 4–5, 13). It is possible, however, that these discrepancies are the result of later interpretations of the Genesis account.
The story of Jacob forms a large part of the biblical epic of the patriarchs. Like his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaac, Jacob wanders from one Canaanite kingdom to another with herds of cattle, and although the country was promised by God to his descendants, Jacob, like his ancestors, does not have his own land and behaves like a foreigner. He does not recognize local religious cults and maintains a close spiritual connection with the “God of the Fathers”, who entered into a Covenant with them. Yaakov sees his life and the lives of his descendants through the prism of historical mission.
Various elements of the epic of the patriarchs, and, in particular, the story of Jacob, indicate the great antiquity of the tradition, which arose many centuries before being recorded in writing in the era of the Kings (10th-8th centuries BC). For example, the forms of marriage and family relations in the story of Jacob are parallel to those that existed in Northern Mesopotamia in the 2nd millennium BC. e. and known from documents of the 15th century. BC BC, found in Nuzi. These same documents show that the purchase of birthrights was widely practiced among the peoples of the Middle East. The biblical epithets “God of Abraham”, “God of Isaac”, “God of Jacob” or “God of my father” find a complete analogy in the epithets “God of my father”, “God of your father” in ancient Syrian documents of the 19th century. BC e., discovered in Cappadocia. Other epithets of God, especially Shaddai, also testify to the extreme antiquity of the story. The story of the attack on Nablus, according to some researchers, reflects a very early (even before the Exodus) attempt by some Israelite tribes to settle in Canaan.
Meaning and veneration in Orthodoxy
The Apostle James was buried not far from the place of his death. Later a monument was erected here. The Jewish war that followed the death of the martyr was considered among the city residents as a punishment for the killing of a righteous man. But even after death, people sought to find spiritual help from the apostle, so they came to the temple, built in a cave, where the saint fasted during Christ.
According to legend, the relics of Jacob, the brother of the Lord, were found in 351. Jacob, Simeon and Zechariah appeared to the righteous hermit Epiphanius three times and ordered them to take their bodies from the burial place. The found remains shone with a wondrous light and were transferred to Mount Zion, and after a while a temple was built there in honor of the saints. Centuries later, after many wars and troubles that befell Jerusalem, the relics of the brother of the Lord ended up in Constantinople, in the Chalcopratian temple. In the 20th century, part of the saint’s remains were kept in Russia, in Moscow. These shrines were transferred to the Old Jerusalem Compound in 1853 by Muravyov, who received them as a gift from Patriarch Erofey I of Alexandria.
In Novgorod, the Apostle James was revered as a patron and protector, and here, in the St. Sophia Cathedral, parts of his remains and vestments were also kept. Churches were built in honor of the saint. There were two of them in Novgorod. The apostle was revered not only in the North of Rus', but also in other regions. For example, reliquaries of the remains of a saint were discovered in Smolensk and Moscow. In Rus', the name Jacob was common among the common people.
On the icons the apostle is depicted as a thin old man, exhausted by prayer and fasting, with skin hardened from prostrations to the ground. He is dressed in a hair shirt and a white omophorion and phelonion. The face of the righteous is meek and sad. In the hands of the apostle is the charter.
Orthodox Christians turn to Jacob in prayer in cases where they have doubts about their faith. The great teacher and mentor, the first apostle to perform the sacred sacraments, will help you strengthen your love for God even in moments of despair and sadness. During his lifetime, the saint performed healings for the sick, which is why people still pray to him for the cure of ailments and ailments. Turning to the brother of Christ helps in any troubles in life, thanks to his love for people and meekness of spirit.
The liturgy written by Saint James was not known in Russia until the 20th century. It was first served in 1970 in Leningrad. Now this rite of worship is performed in some dioceses. Traditionally, this is done on memorial days: October 23, as well as on the first Sunday after Christmas, as well as January 4 - the Council of the Seventy Apostles.
