Prayers and Akathist to St. Basil the Great
Akathist to St. Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea Cappadacia
Kontakion 1
Chosen servant of the Heavenly King and great saint of the Church of Christ, shining through the confession of the right faith throughout the world, having great boldness towards the Holy Trinity, protect us from all troubles, who cry out to you with tenderness:
Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.
Ikos 1
The Creator of angels, who from eternity chose you, most blessed Father Basil, to be a great lamp for His Church, manifested you in an angel-like way of life: for by your greatness in the thought of God and in the wilderness, having labored in the wilderness, you have ascended to the heights of virtue. Moreover, you who have gained great glory in heaven, receive from us humble ones, to praise you who dare, these words of praise:
Rejoice, Vasily, namesake of the kingdom.
Rejoice, great hierarch of Christ.
Rejoice, unshakable pillar of the Church.
Rejoice, most honorable branch of the holy race.
Rejoice, you who have diligently served the Heavenly King from your youth.
Rejoice, having enriched your mind with all earthly wisdom, and especially heavenly wisdom.
Rejoice, thou who together with thy friend Gregory the Theologian prospered in wisdom.
Rejoice, you who converted your teacher Evbulus to Christ with wise words.
Rejoice, guardian of purity and chastity.
Rejoice, faithful guide to salvation.
Rejoice, destroyer of soul-destroying heresies.
Rejoice, God-wise teacher of the universe.
Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.
Kontakion 2
Seeing the Church of Christ overwhelmed by Arian evil-doing, and obeying God’s calling, you came, O Reverend Father, from the desert that you loved, to the city of Caesarea, where you received the grace of the priesthood and you were appointed archbishop, preaching the word of salvation to all the ends of the earth, faithful and teaching God, the Creator of all, all day long, to sing worthily: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Enlightening the minds of the faithful with the knowledge of God, Saint Basil of Christ, you explained the nature of beings, and you taught His hand to recognize the invisible God in creation. Likewise, we, enlightened by your godly teachings, cry out to you:
Rejoice, having created all things in six days by the knowledge of God, illuminating the faithful.
Rejoice, you who teach His wondrous deeds are worthy of praise.
Rejoice, adorned chamber of wisdom.
Rejoice, abundant treasury of theology.
Rejoice, for you have taught us to see the secrets of the wisdom of God throughout the world.
Rejoice, for you have taught us to see the greatness of God in small things.
Rejoice, you who paint the beauty of the primordial light.
Rejoice, you who have shown the firm power of the first word of God in the universe.
Rejoice, having depicted the speedy destruction of earthly glory with the former grass.
Rejoice, the Sun of Christ's Truth shining in the heavenly splendor, shining forth.
Rejoice, you who have turned away people from the laziness of the little creatures with their industriousness.
Rejoice, O man, king of creatures, who rules over passions.
Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.
Kontakion 3
We are strengthened by the power of the Most High, Holy Father Basil, you resisted the apostate Julian, and you begged the Lord and His Most Pure Mother to destroy his evil intentions against Christians, so that everyone might sing gratefully to the One God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Have great zeal for God the Almighty and take the sword of His word in your hand; you quickly cut off the tares of the pagan wickedness of Julian, but you established the faithful in piety; Teach us, Reverend Father, to serve God alone with a pure life, calling to you:
Rejoice, proud Julian, who courageously denounced his apostasy.
Rejoice, thou who destroyest his Christ-hating undertakings.
Rejoice, having struck him down with tearful prayer like a spear.
Rejoice, foretold of his imminent death.
Rejoice, people of God, like Moses of old Israel, freed from idolatry.
Rejoice, thou who destroyest the tares of wickedness.
Rejoice, you who abundantly satisfy the faithful with the food of the words of God.
Rejoice, you who have filled the heart with streams of grace.
Rejoice, you who firmly hold the tablets of Christ’s commandments.
Rejoice, you who have established the teaching of your mouth through your life.
Rejoice, good and faithful servant.
Rejoice, diligent worker of Christ's garden.
Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.
Kontakion 4
The storm of rage of King Walens, possessed by Arian evil-doing, you, Holy One of God, by the power of the Spirit living in you, you calmed, and you gave peace to the Church of the Saints, with your holy works and warm prayers to God, you sang to Him, rejoicing: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing the evil Walens, how you, the hierarch of God, stand in truth, and all the faithful obey your voice, the desire to turn you away from the right faith; For this reason, he sent his eparch Modest to you, and then he himself came to Caesarea. But you, God-bearing father, were not afraid of the king’s anger, nor the reprimands of his formidable commander; We, glorifying your firm confession, cry out to you:
Rejoice, unshakable champion of the right faith.
Rejoice, shepherd, ready to lay down your soul for the faithful.
Rejoice, you who showed Petrovo’s firm confession.
Rejoice, you who revealed Elijah’s zeal for the glory of the Holy Trinity.
Rejoice, thou who calmed the wrath of the wicked king by the divine service of the priesthood.
Rejoice, you who blocked the mouth of the evil commander with godly words.
Rejoice, for you were not afraid of punishment through exile and torment.
Rejoice, for you also desired to accept death for Christ.
Rejoice, you who endured persecution for your faith.
Rejoice, you who through many sorrows entered into the joy of the Lord.
Rejoice, you who fearlessly spoke the truth of Christ before kings and rulers.
Rejoice, you who have shown yourself to be a faithful servant of the Heavenly King by your firm confession.
Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.
Kontakion 5
Thou hast appeared, the God-bearing star, Saint Basil of Christ, with the bright rays of mercy, illuminating the dark night of sorrows, driving away the darkness of troubles, and showing everyone, sailing in the stormy sea of life, the right path to the Kingdom of Heaven, and all rejoicingly sing to the saving God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen all of you, O saint of God, as a loving father, I earnestly seek help from you in adversity and sorrow; You have had mercy on everyone, thereby showing the image of the true faith in yourself. Be, most kind father, a quick helper to us, overwhelmed by sins and sorrows, crying out with love to you:
Rejoice, lamp of love, shining forth from Christ.
Rejoice, imitating the Heavenly Father in mercy.
Rejoice, rich treasure for those who have nothing.
Rejoice, faithful refuge in need.
Rejoice, smooth ones, like Joseph of old, nourished.
Rejoice, you who founded many monasteries for the homeless and wretched in Caesarea.
Rejoice, you who wounded the lepers with your own hands, like the Good Samaritan, the healer.
Rejoice, you who healed your persecutor Modest’s illness and delivered him from the people’s execution.
Rejoice, you who protected the poor widow from the eparch’s insult.
Rejoice, you who have asked a sinful wife for forgiveness of sins from God.
Rejoice, Father, comfort to the orphans and the afflicted.
Rejoice, for there is admonition and correction in the sins of those who perish.
Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.
Kontakion 6
You appeared as a preacher to the whole world of the truth of Christ, Saint Father Basil, by the power of your gracious word, like the edge of a sword, piercing the sinful hearts and arousing them to repentance, so that everyone with a pure heart could sing to the Trinity of Saints: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
You have shone in the firmament of the Church, like a great luminous luminary, Father Basil, enlightening all under heaven with the understanding of the true faith, and driving away the darkness of sinful passions, from which you free us too, calling to you:
Rejoice, faithful servant of the Holy Trinity.
Rejoice, God-illuminated explainer of the mysteries of faith.
Rejoice, for you preached with great voice the Son of One Essence and the Spirit with the Throne to the Father.
Rejoice, for you have explained the truth about the Eternal Light, which shone from the Eternal Light, to the faithful.
Rejoice, Lord Savior, for you have confessed God incarnate and the Creator of all ages.
Rejoice, you who showed the mystery of two natures and one Hypostasis in Christ the Bose.
Rejoice, by the power of your royal word, open the commanded granaries to the rich.
Rejoice, you who have turned away the teachings of many from the selfishness of the unrighteous.
Rejoice, you who strike down soul-destroying drunkenness with words like thunder. Rejoice, destroyer of hard-heartedness and envy from hearts.
Rejoice, zealous teacher of abstinence.
Rejoice, never-ceasing preacher of repentance.
Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.
Kontakion 7
Although you have protected the faithful from the Arian congregations, you, holy Basil of God, have adorned everything in the church, and you have wisely composed the touching rite of the Divine Liturgy, and you have poured out many prayers, like fragrant myrrh, from your fire-inspired lips, in the image of forgiveness for your sins and for your departed brothers We ask, and we glorify the Most Holy Trinity, singing: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
The new Aaron was faithful in vain in you, Holy Father Basil, when you most divinely performed the Bloodless Sacrifice, giving the gift of the Holy Spirit, like a luminous robe adorned with precious stones. Now, in the altar on high, intercede for the Church, remember also us, who tenderly call to you:
Rejoice, bishop of God, who, like Aaron, received the grace of the priesthood in abundance.
Rejoice, you who have gained great boldness in prayer for people.
Rejoice, wise builder of the mysteries of God.
Rejoice, decorator of the church rite.
Rejoice, the service of the Liturgy is from Christ Himself, just as James the Apostle was taught.
Rejoice, prayer book, illuminated by the Spirit of God.
Rejoice, illuminated in your service by heavenly light, like nothing you have seen.
Rejoice, Angels, as if you were surrounded by some bright men.
Rejoice, for through your first prayer we are preparing for ourselves to receive the Mysteries of Christ.
Rejoice, for through your words on the evening of Pentecost we send kneeling petitions.
Rejoice, glory and adornment of the Caesarea throne.
Rejoice, for as a priest you have given from God grace-filled strengthening in service to the whole Church.
Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.
Kontakion 8
A strange and glorious vision was revealed about you, Saint Basil, to the Venerable Ephraim the Syrian: once God showed you to him, like a pillar of fire, reaching the heights of heaven, and then, having come to Caesarea, the venerable one saw you with a fiery tongue, teaching people and tenderly crying out to God: Alleluia .
Ikos 8
You were all aflame with the heavenly light of seraphim love, God-bearing Vasily; For your words are like lightning, scorching heresies, but enlightening the souls of the faithful with the flame of faith and love. Grant then, Father, through your prayer, to have even a small spark of your love, calling to the sips:
Rejoice, fiery pillar of heresies.
Rejoice, kindle the fire of true faith and unfeigned love.
Rejoice, firm denouncer of the lies of the Aryan heresies.
Rejoice, fiery zealot of the truths of Christ.
Rejoice, for you have put to shame the proud Eunomius, the Son of God, who blasphemed.
Rejoice, for you have overcome the Macedonian blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, destroyer of the superstitious wisdom of Nestorius.
Rejoice, zealous protector of the honor of the Most Holy Mother of God.
Rejoice, shepherd, illuminated by the heavenly radiance of love.
Rejoice, teacher of faith, lightning prophet of words.
Rejoice, God-planted olive tree, who has produced many saints of the Church.
Rejoice, vine, who has grown the godly champions of Orthodoxy.
Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.
Kontakion 9
The entire heretical congregation cannot resist the power of grace that dwells in you, holy father; For a certain young man, having fallen into the power of Satan, by the power of your prayer you took him away from the snares of the enemy, but having repented to Christ, you returned him, gratefully singing to the Savior God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
By your divinely inspired oracle, Saint Basil, having overcome and having seen the glorious miracle that happened on the young man, many from the heretic joined the Church as one, and you were also worthy to be faithful and obedient children, calling to you:
Rejoice, all the ends of the earth illuminated by heavenly teaching.
Rejoice, conquering the dark forces of hell by the grace of Christ.
Rejoice, you freed the young man from the snares of Satan.
Rejoice, having filled him with the Body and Blood of Christ.
Rejoice, for you did not allow your soul, redeemed by the Blood of Christ, to perish.
Rejoice, for having fallen into disastrous sin, you begged Christ to forgive the young man.
Rejoice, for you surprised people with a glorious miracle.
Rejoice, for by your conversion you have brought joy to the erring Angels.
Rejoice, ask the Lord to teach us angels to protect us.
Rejoice, bring the Guardian Angel closer to us through your prayer.
Rejoice, liberator from the slander of the enemy.
Rejoice, quick protector in temptation.
Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.
Kontakion 10
Although the Creator saves His verbal creation, showing you a steadfast protector of the faithful, Father Basil, and a guardian of His Church, may the light of Orthodoxy be revealed by you to the whole world, and all the faithful, grateful to the Trinity of Saints, sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
You are the wall of the Church, and you have appeared as a strong fence of the faithful, O great Basil in all the hierarchs, when in the city of Niceistem you opened the church gates with the power of your prayer and you have thus revealed the truth of the right faith, but you have stopped the mouths of those who blaspheme the name of Christ. For us, who profess the Lord the Savior Orthodoxy, open, Father, the doors of God’s mercy, through your intercession, so that we call to you:
Rejoice, earthly angel, guardian of the Church of Christ.
Rejoice, God's chosen protector of the faithful.
Rejoice, church gates, like Elijah of old,
opened by prayer.
Rejoice, holy temple, admired by heretics and returned to the faithful.
Rejoice, protecting the faithful from heresies.
Rejoice, you have preserved the Church of Christ undamaged from false teachings.
Rejoice, great name of Christ in heaven and magnifying miracles on earth.
Rejoice, you who have established Orthodoxy in the universe.
Rejoice, for through you the pride of the wicked has been laid low.
Rejoice, for through you you have lifted up the humility of the faithful.
Rejoice, for through you the holy faith is glorified.
Rejoice, for through you the Church of Christ admirably adorns itself.
Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.
Kontakion 11
Singing befittingly ascends to you from heaven, and not from earth, O wonderful Basil, for you were the manifestation of heaven on earth, you raised the minds of the faithful to heaven with your godly teachings, and now from heaven you mercifully look down on us and give us all abundant grace from The Bountiful Christ God, Whom the Angels in heaven will take out to eat: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
A luminous lamp, all shining with many gifts of God and virtues, you were, holy Vasily of God, enlighten us too, teach us in virtue and guide those who call you to the Kingdom of Heaven:
Rejoice, everlasting radiance and most luminous adornment to the Church of Christ.
Rejoice, for you have given Christians a true affirmation in the faith throughout all ages.
Rejoice, you have perfected the talents God has given you.
Rejoice, you who have collected from earthly wisdom all that is useful for salvation.
Rejoice, thou who bestowed miraculous healing on the Tsar’s son for the glory of orthodoxy.
Rejoice, you who have seen the chaste life of Anastasia the presbyter and his wife.
Rejoice, forgiving meekly those who offend you.
Rejoice, having overcome the slander against you with humility and patience.
Rejoice, you who established the rules of perfect living for the monk.
Rejoice, you have gathered many monks in the monasteries.
Rejoice, you who left rules and canons and saving teachings as the heritage of the Church.
Rejoice, through your godly writings you have provided a valuable treasure for the edification of Christians.
Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.
Kontakion 12
The great grace given to you by Christ God, Saint Father Basil, is not only to bring those who have gone astray to repentance, but also to convert many unfaithful people to Christ; When you were already mortally ill, approaching your blessed death, you, a Jewish doctor, with your wife and children, enlightened you with Holy Baptism and together with them you sang a song of gratitude to the Trinity of Saints: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
All the faithful sing great praises to you, O great hierarch Vasily, great, because you labored on earth until the end of your life for the glory of orthodoxy, you entered the Heavenly Holy of Holies, and as a faithful servant of God, you appeared before the Trinity of Saints, where you also prayed for us, O most kind father, by the faith of your children, who call you with love:
Rejoice, royal priesthood, most praiseworthy Vasily.
Rejoice, Holy Trinity, adorned village.
Rejoice, you who have glorified the Heavenly King with your miraculous deeds.
Rejoice, you who did not abandon your zeal for the glory of faith and in mortal illness.
Rejoice, for the sake of conversion you have asked God for a miraculous extension of your life.
Rejoice, having risen from your deathbed with your own hand, enlightening him through Baptism.
Rejoice, having conquered the power of evil through your labors and wisdom.
Rejoice, thou who hast obtained victory from the faithful tsar against his enemies.
Rejoice, you who are the only apostle in your labors.
Rejoice, with Saints Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom, at your command, you are glorified alone.
Rejoice, radiant with the incorruption of your relics and crowned with glory in heaven.
Rejoice, warm and great intercessor, given to us by God.
Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.
Kontakion 13
O most holy and great hierarch of Christ, Basil, the luminary of Orthodoxy and the guardian of the faithful! Look down from heaven on this praise brought by you, and with your prayers protect us from passions and troubles, in the right faith and grant us the Kingdom of Heaven, so that together with you and all the saints of the Trinity of Saints we sing forever and ever: Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “Creator of Angels...” and the 1st kontakion “Chosen of the Heavenly King...”.
Proceedings
Despite such a relatively short life, filled with such diverse and difficult affairs, St. Vasily left behind a rich contribution to patristic literature, where his works occupy one of the first places.
Here is a list of works that undoubtedly belong to him:
- Nine conversations for six days;
- sixteen discourses on various psalms;
- five books in defense of the Orthodox doctrine of the Holy Trinity against Eunomius;
- twenty-four conversations on various subjects;
- seven ascetic treatises;
- Moral rules, in two editions (long and short)
- (Greek)
From the beginning of the 16th century, the writings of St. Basil the Great have been published many times. The main editions are: Paris 1526, The Hague 1528, Basel 1532, Venice 1535, Basel 1551 and 1566. and Paris 1618. A complete Russian translation of the works of Basil the Great was published by the Moscow Theological Academy, in “Works of St. Fathers."
Liturgical creativity
Saint Basil was responsible for compiling the Liturgy, which was later named after him.
Basil the Great's view of church singing was expressed in the following words:
Since the Holy Spirit knew that it is difficult to lead the human race to virtue, that due to our inclination towards pleasure we are careless about the right path, then what does it do? The pleasantness of sweet singing is mixed with the teachings, so that along with what is sweet and euphonious to the ear, we inconspicuously accept what is useful in the word. For this reason, harmonious hymns of psalms have been invented for us, so that children of old age, or those who have not matured at all, apparently only sing them, but in reality teach their souls
.
