Who is Abraham of Bulgaria
There is little information about the life of Saint Abraham. It is known that he lived in the XIII-XIV centuries, in the city of Bulgur, on the banks of the Volga. According to the chronicles, the righteous man was originally a Muslim and was engaged in trade with Russia. On merchant trips to the Slavic principalities, he learned about Christianity and accepted the new faith.
Having accepted Orthodoxy, Abraham, who had previously been kind-hearted and generous, became even more merciful and virtuous. Upon returning to Bulgur, he came to the city square and began to preach the Word of God. The residents of the city loved the merchant, so they began to gently object to him and try to convince him to return to Islam.
Abraham showed perseverance and renounced his former religion. Then they began to threaten him that they would take away his property. And this did not bother the saint. The enraged residents of the city attacked the Christian and began to beat him. Then he was hung upside down and tortured. But the righteous man remained adamant.
Seeing the strength of Abraham’s spirit, the city authorities decided to execute him. On April 1, 1229, the martyr was executed on the banks of the Volga River. He was quartered and his head cut off. Russian merchants who were in the city buried the saint’s relics in a Christian cemetery. At the site of the preacher’s death, a spring filled with the purest water, where people began to receive healing from illnesses. Miracles also occurred at the grave of Abraham, where young children were especially often cured.
The bulgur burned in the fire. Chroniclers believed that the terrible fate of the once rich city was heavenly punishment for the murder of an innocent Christian preacher. Soon the surrounding lands were conquered by the Principality of Vladimir, whose ruler, Georgy Vsevolodovich, revered Abraham as a saint.
In exchange for making peace with the local authorities, the prince demanded that the body of the righteous man be given to him. The relics of the martyr were solemnly transferred to the Vladimir Dormition Princess Monastery, where miracles of healing and salvation of the suffering continued. In addition to the remains, the saint’s chains were brought to the monastery and placed on sick people. Abraham is considered the patron and protector of infants. The chronicles also recorded facts of healing of eye diseases after veneration of the relics of the righteous.
With the communists coming to power, the remains of the righteous man were removed from the monastery and transferred to the museum. The abbess of the monastery managed to hide a particle of the relics and give it to a local resident, who in 1992 gave the shrine to Bishop Eulogius. The abbess acted shrewdly and correctly, because during the Soviet years the body of the martyr was lost in the museum collections. Their whereabouts are currently unknown. However, when the Vladimir Assumption Monastery was restored in 1993, a fragment of the saint’s relics was also placed there.
Akathist to the Holy Martyr Abramius of Bulgaria
Kontakion 1
Chosen, more passion-bearing than Christ and wonderfully miraculous, in your suffering received the crown from the hand of the Almighty and with the angels standing before His throne, we praise you with songs of love and pray, with your prayers free us from all troubles and sorrows, calling to you: Rejoice, martyr and miracle worker Abram.
Ikos 1
The cohabitant of angels and the intercessor of men, you truly appeared, O worthy martyr, with the favor of all the Creator Christ God, You loved Him and for Him you suffered even to the point of blood in an unshakable confession. Therefore, accept this praise from us: Rejoice, bright star of piety; Rejoice, shining light, who shone gloriously in the darkness of wickedness. Rejoice, denouncer of Mohammed’s malice; Rejoice, fearless preacher of the Christian faith. Rejoice, good listener of the Gospel teaching; Rejoice, dear guardian of the Lord's law. Rejoice, I will exchange a temporary purchase for eternal heavenly acquisition; Rejoice, beads of the faith of Christ are very valuable to acquire. Rejoice, having enlightened your soul with the teachings of Christ; Rejoice, thou who hast been worthy of the grace-filled overshadowing from above. Rejoice, you who have appeared as a dwelling of virtues, adorned with cleanliness; Rejoice, beautiful abode of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, martyr and miracle worker Abramiya.
Kontakion 2
Seeing Christ the Lord your soul, prepared for the reception of the seed of the word of God by purity and almsgiving, enlighten you with the light of His knowledge, blessed one, like Cornelius the centurion of old, so having remembered your former virtues with loving kindness, make thee a fellow-partner in the Heavenly Kingdom, where the angels eat with the angels. Hymn to the Most Holy Trinity: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
God-enlightened reason was given to you, Avramie, with which you clearly understood the soul-destroying futility of Mohammed’s evil faith, and you shied away from it, but you tried to seek Christ with all your soul; We also cry out to you: Rejoice, blessed follower of Christ; Rejoice, most sincere lover of His commandments. Rejoice, fragrant babe of the highest paradise; Rejoice, beautiful blossom of the city of Jesus. Rejoice, you who count earthly wealth for nothing; Rejoice, you who despise corruptible acquisitions. Rejoice, satisfied beggar; Rejoice, having sent your treasures to grief through the hands of the poor. Rejoice, for you have not strayed into the snare of covetousness; Rejoice, for you remained elusive through the love of money. Rejoice, wise merchant of the Kingdom of Heaven; Rejoice, faithful servant, who has aggravated the gift given to you. Rejoice, martyr and miracle worker Abramiya.
Kontakion 3
The power of the Most High strengthen you for the suffering feat, martyr Saint Avramie; Not being able to bear to see the destruction of human souls, you were kindled with jealousy because you lived for God, and standing in the middle of the marketplace, you fearlessly exposed Mohammed’s delusion, teaching your brethren to piously believe in Christ, but you did not shy away from suffering for Him, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having darkened souls with malice, the Bulgarians did not want to penetrate into the mind of your divine words, but laid a murderous hand on you, crushing your compositions with a fierce beating. We, gratifying your suffering, say: Rejoice, you who loved Christ with all your souls; Rejoice, love for Him has been revealed through the plagues raised for Him. Rejoice, jealous of the apostle; Rejoice, former organ of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, mouth full of blessings of the Gospel; Rejoice, proclaim the words of eternal life. Rejoice, you who endured the fierce beating for the sweet Jesus; Rejoice, you who graciously accepted reproach and annoyance for Him. Rejoice, for you remained steadfast in your confession of Christ; Rejoice, for you have appeared unyielding to caresses and deception. Rejoice, passion-bearer, undefeated in courage; Rejoice, O good victor, immutable in patience. Rejoice, martyr and miracle worker Abramiya.
Kontakion 4
Breathing a storm of anger, the wicked Bulgarians torment you, like a gentle beast of divia, trying to turn you away from Christ to their wickedness with torment; but with no success in darkening, for we are strengthened by the power from above, you put to shame their cunning, in the midst of torment, silently confessing Christ, the only Creator and God, and crying out to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing your admonishing words, your tormenting ones, becoming like a deaf asp, I wounded your long-suffering body with deep wounds, holy Abram, as if there was no place on it, safe and unhurt. Marveling at the majesty of your patience, we call to you: Rejoice, teacher of piety; Rejoice, shamer of wickedness. Rejoice, thou adorned with wounds, as with valuable utensils; Rejoice, thou adorned with thy blood as with scarlet. Rejoice, you who brought the fat burnt offering to Christ; Rejoice, you who laid down your soul for the love of Jesus. Rejoice, you who were united in suffering with Christ, who was crucified for our salvation; Rejoice, rejoice in the heavenly Lord of the House. Rejoice, stand at the throne of God with heavenly powers; Rejoice, contemplating with your frank face the glory of the Trisian Divinity. Rejoice, reach down from the heights of heaven with your kindness towards us earthly beings; Rejoice, save the faith and love of those who have for you from troubles. Rejoice, martyr and miracle worker Abramiya.
Kontakion 5
The God-wise preacher and apostle, who joyfully accepted the wounds for the name of Christ, imitated you in your suffering, Abram, crying out against those who tormented you: I honor Christ, I love Him alone and I sincerely desire to die for Him, and I live with Him forever, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen you, the wicked tormenting Bulgarians, the unyielding and invincible confessor of Christ, you cut off first your hand and nose, and also your honorable head with a sword, and thus valiantly ending your course, you went to the heavenly abode, but from us on earth you hear this praise: Rejoice , invincible confessor of Christ; Rejoice, strongest adamante of patience. Rejoice, new martyr, equal in honor to the ancient great martyr; Rejoice, glorious crowned one, crowned with grief. Rejoice, enriched by miracle-working grace from the Lord; Rejoice, all-merciful healer. Rejoice, rest in the fragrance of the holy thing; Rejoice, fragrances of heaven fragrance the souls of the faithful. Rejoice, source of many different gifts; Rejoice, ever-flowing river of miracles. Rejoice, inexhaustible treasure of mercy for the suffering; Rejoice, abundant medicine for those who are sick. Rejoice, martyr and miracle worker Abramiya.
Kontakion 6
The valor of your suffering, martyrdom will be preached in the Russian country; Moreover, having heard your glorious death and the grace of your miracles, the blessed Grand Duke George wanted to obtain you as an intercessor for his capital city Vladimir, and he tried to bring your relics from the Bulgarians, calling to Christ God, who crowns the martyrs: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
You shone gloriously with the rays of miracles, after the transfer of your honorable relics, holy Abraham, to the city of Vladimir, which brightly flaunts them, like a valuable treasure; We, who honor you, your multi-healing cancer, call to you: Rejoice, praise and affirmation of our city; Rejoice, monastery of the Mother of God, where you rest, everlasting intercession. Rejoice, for those who labor in it will receive grace-filled help; Rejoice, for their protection and protection. Rejoice, thou who art quickly the healer of those who are ill; Rejoice, trustworthy excitement for those who are discouraged. Rejoice, all-desirable consolation for those who mourn; Rejoice, abundant wealth for the poor. Rejoice, healing of sick babies; Rejoice, strengthening those who are weary. Rejoice, helper of those who are zealous for piety; Rejoice, you who continue hastily in fasting and prayer. Rejoice, martyr and miracle worker Abramiya.
Kontakion 7
Although the Lord, a lover of mankind, has shown an abundance of His bounties to the Russian country, He has given us a new passion-bearer and a God-pleasing prayer book, flowing miracles of grace and freely healing the sick; In the same way, we thank the Lord who has been good to us and we brightly celebrate the transference of your venerable relics, falling to them with love and calling to Christ: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
We please you with love, a new martyr and noble sufferer, Christ’s confessor and glorious wonderworker, and rejoicing at your coming to us, we say: Rejoice, radiant star, who flowed from the Bulgarians to the city of Vladimir; Rejoice, unflickering ray of the sun of Christ's righteousness. Rejoice, servant of the Lord, marvelous in miracles; Rejoice, O righteous one, glorified in heaven and on earth. Rejoice, by the incorruption of your relics you assure the truth of the resurrection of the dead; Rejoice, show the image of immortality in a mortal body. Rejoice, for you have been given the grace to pray for us and motivate us to good deeds; Rejoice, for even after your repose you have given good deeds to those in need. Rejoice, save from the deadly ulcers and diseases that come to you; Rejoice, help the needy and the offended. Rejoice, shameless hope of God-loving souls; Rejoice, you who love you are a constant consolation. Rejoice, martyr and miracle worker Abramiya.
Kontakion 8
It is strange to see a dead body, revealing ever-present life, lying in a grave and healing ailments; but, martyr of Christ Abram, rest in your holy relics in this temple, we believe without a doubt, as in your spirit you have not separated from us, unworthy, who stand by your honorable shrine with love and gratefully call to Christ: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
You are all on high, holy of God, in the lordship of the saints you triumph and enjoy the ineffable blessings of heaven; We know that you do not forget us earthly and earthly, but from the heavenly heights you mercifully come to us, challenging us to honor you with these praises: Rejoice, affirmation of piety; Rejoice, praise be given to Orthodoxy. Rejoice, blessed overshadowing of the Russian lands; Rejoice, bright joy for the city of Vladimir. Rejoice, long-suffering rose of the grapes of Christ; Rejoice, citizen of the mountainous city, heavenly Jerusalem. Rejoice, abide in the glorious martyr's face; Rejoice, all-blessed dweller of Paradise. Rejoice, heir of the Kingdom of Christ; Rejoice, partaker of eternal blessed life. Rejoice, our refuge and protection; Rejoice, quick and free healing of ailments. Rejoice, martyr and miracle worker Abramiya.
Kontakion 9
All the angels of heaven received you joyfully in the abode of paradise, the suffering God-wise Abram, where your holy soul, tempted by the fire of suffering, received the honor of victory from Christ our God, the righteous rewarder of those who strive for his holy name on earth; glorifying them in heaven, He vouchsafes them to be on high at the throne of His presence, where a ceaseless song is sung to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
You remained uncaught by the evil spirit and the deception of the evil one, the passion-bearer, who was willing rather to die than Christ and the saints who renounced their faith in Him, therefore, as a noble confessor of Christ, we please you and call you: Rejoice, you who have shown wonderful courage; Rejoice, for you were enlightened by the dawn of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, for you have shaken off cowardly fear; Rejoice, for you have protected yourself with the shield of faith. Rejoice, never-ceasing evangelist of the power of God, perfected in the weakness of mankind; Rejoice, true worshiper, bow down to the Creator in spirit and truth. Rejoice, man of spiritual desires, seeking Christ in the land of Mohammed’s wickedness; Rejoice, having rejected this ungodly charm. Rejoice, I will buy a temporary thing, and at the same time an eternal, heavenly one; Rejoice, wanderers and beggars nourished by your righteous labors. Rejoice, head anointed with the oil of mercy; Rejoice, city of virtues, watered by the blood of suffering. Rejoice, martyr and miracle worker Abramiya.
Kontakion 10
Sincerely desiring our salvation, praying for us at the throne of God, Abramie, the sufferer of Christ, and with your prayers assisting us in the difficult journey of earthly life, may we die in repentance and piety, so that we may be worthy to sing with you to Christ and our God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Having acquired the wall of protection through your holy prayers, O wonderful Abram, we rejoice in our sins and honor with love the memory of your beheading and the relics of your saints, calling: Rejoice, our great intercessor; Rejoice, divinely enlightened inhabitant of heaven. Rejoice, wonder-working and merciful one; Rejoice, good listener of those in sorrow. Rejoice, anticipating the petitions of those who call upon you in troubles; Rejoice, you have brought sinners to correction. Rejoice, healing myrrh for many different ailments; Rejoice, you are a great healer not only of physical illnesses, but also of mental illnesses. Rejoice, thou who driveth away unclean spirits from men; Rejoice, unenvious giver of gifts of grace. Rejoice, delight our souls with the fragrance of your relics; Rejoice, through your miracles you confirm us in the truth of the holy Orthodox faith. Rejoice, martyr and miracle worker Abramiya.
Kontakion 11
Do not despise the singing of the prayer service and this humble praise, O martyr; Behold, by faith and love we strive for you, the shrine of your relics is united together, we please you, our intercessor, and we pray: pray for us, I will take it to the Lord, for we know your unrestrained boldness towards Him and the grace-filled action of your prayers. Having such a representative, we gratefully call upon our God, wondrous in our saints: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Illuminated by the luminous Trinity radiance of the mountain, holy Abraham, illuminate our hearts, covered with sinful darkness; May we, having kindled our extinguished lamps with the oil of good deeds, be honored with the bridal chamber of Christ, where you dwell with the saints and hear this praise from us: Rejoice, given to our patron by God; Rejoice, angelic man. Rejoice, blessed one who loves the poor; Rejoice, host of strangers, become like that ancient forefather Abraham. Rejoice, for your hand has abundantly helped those in need; Rejoice, for you have squandered perishable wealth wisely. Rejoice, having exchanged it for incorruptible heavenly blessings; Rejoice, enjoy the bliss of the merciful. Rejoice, stand before the Lamb of God in the martyr's face; Rejoice, rejoice in the village of the righteous. Rejoice, in your suffering you revealed wonderful valor; Rejoice, you who bear the marks of the Lord Jesus Christ on your body. Rejoice, martyr and miracle worker Abramiya.
Kontakion 12
Ask us for grace and mercy from Christ and our God, holy and glorious passion-bearer Abraham; We believe beyond doubt that if you ask, the all-good Lord will grant you; Likewise, for us sinners, do not cease to implore His compassion and ask us for a gift that is beneficial to everyone, so that we call all good things to the culprit and gift-giver of God: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
We sing your suffering death, we glorify your honorable relics from the Bulgarians to Vladimir, from whom you constantly flow currents of miracles, striving to call you: Rejoice, archangels and angels to serve with you; Rejoice, primate of the patriarchs and prophets. Rejoice, fellow apostle; Rejoice, beauty of the martyrs. Rejoice, companion of saints and saints; Rejoice, cohabitant of the righteous and all saints. Rejoice, for you have been adorned above all the miracles of your deeds; Rejoice, in your honest and multi-healing relics, abide with us. Rejoice, you who gloriously work miracles with them; Rejoice, our consolation and consolation in sorrows. Rejoice, healing for those who are sick; Rejoice, correction of those who sin. Rejoice, martyr and miracle worker Abramiya.
Kontakion 13
O glorious passion-bearer of Christ Abramie, having graciously accepted this little prayer of ours, beg the King of kings and Lord of lords, Christ our God, to deliver us from all sorrow and need in this life and eternal torment after our death, so that in the Kingdom of Heaven we may be worthy to sing together with you To him: Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
The history of the appearance and meaning of the akathist
The desire to compose an akathist to the saint was first expressed by Mikhail Zhelyabuzhsky in the 1830s. This man was a local official and landowner and received a miraculous healing at the relics of the martyr. Therefore, he turned to the local priest with a request to compose the text of a song of praise. However, the Holy Synod - the highest spiritual body of the Orthodox Church - rejected the need for an akathist.
But in the Dormition Princess Monastery this text was read. The abbess of the monastery repeatedly turned to the heads of the church and asked them to publish an akathist. After stubborn requests from Mother Superior Maria, in 1876 the chant was composed by Andrei Fedorovich Kovalevsky.
Since then, before the relics of the saint, the nuns read this sacred text, glorifying the life, torment and faith of the saint. Liturgy was also served in his honor on certain days. Nowadays, akathists are read on memorable dates. The martyr Abraham is solemnly honored several times a year: April 14, May 23, July 6 and October 17.
Shrines in memory of Saint Abraham
His memory is also honored in the city of Bolgar, which is located on the site of the former Bulgar. Having transferred a particle of his relics there, it was decided to build a temple, and in the place where he died, a well was made above the healing spring. You can also see a small chapel nearby.
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Everything has not survived to our times, as it was destroyed during the Soviet period. Only in 1993 work was carried out to rebuild the shrine. In 2007, a large-scale restoration was carried out. The temple is so beautiful that crowds of fans constantly go there, but not only to admire its beauty, but also to bow to the icon of Abraham the Bulgarian Wonderworker. Her main strength is helping sick children recover and helping with personal business. They also ask him for a good Christian death with repentance.
After the archbishop's request, part of the relics and face were moved to the Annunciation Cathedral in Kazan. This happened in 1873. A lot of people came. The celebration lasted for a whole week, which was called Avraamieva. The Liturgy was conducted by the bishop himself, and after that a service was held with the reading of an akathist to the martyr and wonderworker Abraham of Bulgaria. It was even allowed to take the icon out of the icon case and place it on the lectern.
The main days of his memory fall on:
- 14th of April;
- May 19;
- July 6;
- 17 October.
It is on these days that there are the largest number of worshipers next to the icon and near the relics. Everyone hopes for his help, but we should not forget that for the most part, everything depends on the strength of our faith.
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God bless you!
You will also be interested in watching a video story about the holy martyr:
Reading rules
Akathist (from the Greek Ο Ακάθιστος Ύμνος - “a song that is sung while standing) is a type of poetic chant glorifying a saint.
When reading the akathist, you should pray to the east, in front of the images. Light a lamp or candle. First, the opening prayers are read. The Akathist consists of 12 ikos, 13 kontakia and final prayers. According to the rules, the 13th kontakion is read three times while making bows. Next, repeat the 1st Ikos and 1st Kontakion from the beginning, and then the prayer. At the end they sing “It is worthy to eat.”
