Prayer to Saint Innocent, Metropolitan of Moscow
“O good shepherd and wise teacher, image of good behavior for all who want to live piously, our holy father Innocent! To you, like a child to a father, we come running and pray, remembering your love for people: be an indestructible shield of the Holy Orthodox Church and our Fatherland, adorn the bishops with the splendor of holiness and wisdom, grant zeal to the shepherd in the service, establish monastics in the feat of the good course in obedience, Pray for Orthodox Christians to keep the holy, immaculate faith, and pacify the entire world through your intercession.
Our warm prayer book, all-Russian luminary, enlightener of Siberia and America, grant us an autumn blessing from the mountains in our present sorrows, and grant us consolation and deliverance from mental and physical illnesses; ask us from above for the spirit of meekness, chastity, humility, patience and love, so that we may live the rest of our lives in faith and repentance and in eternal life we will gratefully praise the Lord who glorified you - the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Trinity Consubstantial and Inseparable, now and ever and ever. Amen."
Other prayers to St. Innocent, Metropolitan of Moscow.
Troparion to Innocent, Metropolitan. Moscow
Thy midnight message went forth into all the midnight countries, / for those who received your word, / whom thou hast divinely taught, / thou hast enlightened the ignorant of Christ with the light of the Gospel, / thou hast adorned human customs, / Russian praise, our holy father Innocent, / pray to Christ God / for the salvation of souls ours.
Troparion, tone 3
The first teacher of the formerly dark pagan tribes, / the first to announce to them the path of salvation, / who labored apostolically in the enlightenment of Siberia and America, / our holy father Innocent, / pray to the Lord of all to grant greater peace to the universe / and great mercy to our souls.
Hieromartyr Hypatius, Bishop of Gangra
Memorial Days
: March 31 / April 13, November 16 / 29
| Saint Hypatius of Gangra | Apostle Philip |
Hieromartyr Hypatius, Bishop of Gangra, was the bishop of the city of Gangra[78] in Paphlagonia[79] (Asia Minor). In 325, he took part in the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea[80], at which the heresy of Arius was anathematized.
When Saint Hypatius was returning from Constantinople to Gangry in 326, he was attacked in a deserted place by followers of the schismatics Novatus and Felicissimus. The heretics wounded him with swords and stakes and threw him from a high bank into a swamp. Like the first martyr Archdeacon Stephen, Saint Hypatius prayed for those who were killing him. One Arian woman hit the saint on the head with a stone, and he died. The killers hid the body of the martyr in a cave, where it was discovered by a peasant who stored straw there. Having identified the body of the bishop, he hastened to report this to the city, and the inhabitants of Gangra honorably buried the relics of their beloved archpastor.
After his death, the relics of Saint Hypatius became famous for numerous miracles, especially the casting out of demons and the healing of diseases.
For a long time, Hieromartyr Hypatius was especially revered in the Russian land. Thus, in 1330, the Ipatiev Monastery was built in Kostroma, on the site of the appearance of the Mother of God with the Eternal Child and the upcoming saints - the Apostle Philip and the Hieromartyr Hypatius, Bishop of Gangra. This monastery subsequently occupied a significant place in the spiritual and social life of our people, especially during the Time of Troubles. The most ancient lists of the life of the holy martyr Hypatius were widespread in Russian writing, and one of them was included in the Four Menaions of Metropolitan Macarius (1542 - 1564). This life contains a record of the appearance of the Savior to Saint Hypatius on the eve of his martyrdom. Prayers, words of praise and teachings were composed for the venerated saint on the day of his memory. Reverent veneration of Saint Hypatius was also expressed in the liturgical creativity of Russian authors. In the 19th century, a new service to the Hieromartyr Hypatius was written, different from the service written by the Monk Joseph the Studite, contained in the March Menaion.
Akathist to Metropolitan Alexy, Holy Hierarch of Moscow and All Russia, Wonderworker
Kontakion 1
Chosen bishop and servant of the Great Bishop Jesus, blessed Alexie! Since we have been worthy of many of your blessings, but have nothing to repay, let us praise you and cry out from our hearts, preaching your miracles: ask us from the King of Heaven to pass comfortably through the rest of this life and reach the Mountainous Jerusalem, and there, having seen you in blissful joy, we will call to you : Rejoice, Alexie, great miracle worker and quick helper.
Ikos 1
Angel, frozen from the earth! The Angel of the Great Council, having foreseen the kindness of your soul, chose you before the age to bring the gospel of remission to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind. From here we, sinners, having received insight and remission of sins by the light of your deeds, cry out: Rejoice, most blessed root of good; Rejoice, kind son of honest parents. Rejoice, vegetation of the fragrant garden; Rejoice, adopted by spiritual rebirth to God the Father. Rejoice, sealed with the anointing of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, you who received the name like the myrrh poured out from above. Rejoice, dedicated to God from the shrouds; Rejoice, having courageously placed the yoke of Christ on yourself. Rejoice, earthly and fleeting, as you are capable of imputation; Rejoice, Thou Whose Man is a housekeeper - Jesus hired the morning worker into His vineyards. Rejoice, thou who holyly preserved the image of God and the likeness; Rejoice, beauty of soul and body, delighting the eyes of all. Rejoice, Alexie, great miracle worker and quick helper.
Kontakion 2
Seeing by the revelation of the Holy Spirit that they will not stand up to wickedness in the righteous judgment, but are like the dust that the wind sweeps up from the young nails, blessed Alexie, you did not take their advice, but, diligently studying the law of God, and inspired others to sing: Alleluia .
Ikos 2
The mind is received from above, you are a small creature, you should not work in vain in catching birds, you tried to leave everything that was red on the ground. We also invite you: Rejoice, you who were called to catch men, Rejoice, you who flew to the Mountains as if on wings. Rejoice, thou who has tested the sea of life through wisdom; Rejoice, his excitement has passed safely. Rejoice, good earth, who received the seed of the word of God; Rejoice, earth, which has produced fruit a hundredfold. Rejoice, wheat, who made heavenly bread; Rejoice, preserved in the heavenly granary. Rejoice, thou who hast found valuable beads and bought them for all; Rejoice, you wearing greens, as you have been nourished with delicious food from your youth. Rejoice, having strengthened yourself in asceticism through all-night standing and unceasing prayers; Rejoice, you drowned many demons in the sea of your tears. Rejoice, Alexie, great miracle worker and quick helper.
Kontakion 3
By the power from above, when the All-Holy Spirit clothed you, establishing you as the shepherd of the Russian Church, then you breathed in praise from all your people: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
It is fitting, Father Alexie, that songs should be sung to you from Heaven, and not from earth: who of man can tell the greatness of your shrine according to the dignity of your shrine? But we, conquered by your love, cry out to you: Rejoice, you who despise the deep and red world; Rejoice, inflamed with desire for the highest beauties. Rejoice, loving the One Christ from the heart; Rejoice, clinging to the One with all your soul. Rejoice, rule of pious faith; Rejoice, good worker of Christ's grapes. Rejoice, multiplying the gifted talent; Rejoice, thou who has entered into the joy of thy Lord. Rejoice, thou who satisfies us with spiritual sweets; Rejoice, incense pleasing to God. Rejoice, you who bring up the fragrance of prayer to the Throne of the Most High; Rejoice, loving representative of God for us. Rejoice, Alexie, great miracle worker and quick helper.
Kontakion 4
You tamed the storm of placeless thoughts, constantly stirred up by the devil, to the end and, rejoicing at such a victory, you solemnly sang to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing and seeing your great virtue, the Orthodox estate chooses you to be the shepherd of the Church of Christ, but we, rejoicing at this, say to you: Rejoice, thou worthily seated on the seat of the apostle; Rejoice, stern of the ship of Christ. Rejoice, wise teacher; Rejoice, charmless star, contained in the hand of Christ. Rejoice, tireless in the struggle of teaching; Rejoice, preacher of the unknown and secret Wisdom of God. Rejoice, impartial champion of Truth; Rejoice, accuser and defender of godless and wicked lips. Rejoice, jealous of the apostle’s teaching in a timely and untimely manner; Rejoice, the power given to you from above, wise and helpful people, knitting and decisive. Rejoice, comforter of the repentant; Rejoice, good guardian of your flock. Rejoice, Alexie, great miracle worker and quick helper.
Kontakion 5
With the rich Blood of Whom the human race was redeemed from the lawful oath by faith in vain, the Lord and zeal for Him are inflamed with love, you constantly proclaimed: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen your great spirit, courage and love for your Fatherland, the Grand Duke begged you to go to the godless Tsar Verdevir: but you, with kind and meek words, quenched his bitter anger against the Christian race. These are your blessings, our Father Alexy, we, the sons of Russia, confessingly and gratefully cry out to you: Rejoice, courageous warrior of the Spirit; Rejoice, pillar of our fortress from the face of the enemy. Rejoice, weapon, conquering adversaries without an army; Rejoice, shield, protecting from misfortunes. Rejoice, like a kokosh who protects its chicks; Rejoice, rod that strengthens those who fall. Rejoice, shepherd who drives away the wolves from the flock; Rejoice, you did not lay down your life for the sheep. Rejoice, true guardian of the love of Christ; Rejoice, not as your own, but as you who seek your neighbor. Rejoice, those who mourn will soon be heard; Rejoice, quiet refuge for those overwhelmed by sorrows. Rejoice, Alexie, great miracle worker and quick helper.
Kontakion 6
The preachers of your shrine to us are your incorruptible venerable relics, lying before our eyes for many years, even though sealed by your lips with your silence, they cry out incessantly: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
The glory of your many miracles arose not only in this glorious city, but also in the unfaithful Hagarites, from whom their wicked king Janibek desired, and prayed for his blind queen: you, having placed all your hope in the Doctor of souls and bodies, by the power of your prayers asked for her sight you are. We, amazed at such a glorious miracle, cry out to you: Rejoice, instrument pleasing to the miracles of God; Rejoice, you have revealed the treasure of the power of God in a meager vessel. Rejoice, prophecies to the fulfiller of the gospel; Rejoice, right hand of Jesus working miracles. Rejoice, language of Christ, healing with a word; Rejoice, preserver of the apostolic powers. Rejoice, enlightener of the blind; Rejoice, healer of the weak. Rejoice, seer of secrets; Rejoice, you who drive away demons from people. Rejoice, by the power of miracles and the unfaithful king, honor and exalt the Church; Rejoice, not only of the body, but also of spiritual vision. Rejoice, Alexie, great miracle worker and quick helper.
Kontakion 7
I want to please your Creator, not only did you sanctify the seventh day, but you spent the entire week of your life in holiness, singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
The Creator, the all-blessed Alexie, has shown you a new creation, earthly of an angel and heavenly of man. In the same way we miraculously sing to you: Rejoice, our Father, dwell in spirit in Heaven, and rest in body on earth; Rejoice, tell the wondrous greatness of God to all earthly beings. Rejoice, thou who subdued the flesh to the spirit; Rejoice, you who have captivated your mind into the obedience of faith. Rejoice, you who blocked the mouth of the roaring lion of hell; Rejoice, you who extinguished the fire of carnal lust. Rejoice, crushing idol of the love of money; Rejoice, having triumphed over all the machinations of the enemy. Rejoice, having denied yourself and subdued your will to the will of God; Rejoice, being fed with the hidden bread of Heaven. Rejoice, you who hungered and thirsted for the one truth; Rejoice, you who have infused the Kingdom of God within you. Rejoice, Alexie, great miracle worker and quick helper.
Kontakion 8
A strange miracle of your life, O saint, is flowing to your all-honorable relics, with whom you also offer small prayers, great grace is always given from God, and even acceptably, we joyfully proclaim to God with each other: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
Having your whole mind focused on the highest, you did not abandon your flock below, sending up prayers for it to the Most High Master, Reverend Alexis. Do not forget us now, who invite you earnestly: Rejoice, mountain, raised above Heaven by virtues; Rejoice, river, washing away our filth. Rejoice, source, quenching my sinful thirst; Rejoice, precious stone, decorate the entire Russian land. Rejoice, golden one, who brings forth all the glitter from itself; Rejoice, silver, purified by the sevenfold from the defilements of sin. Rejoice, cymbal, calling everyone to the praise of God; Rejoice, O lamp, illuminating those who sit in darkness. Rejoice, tree that overshadows the heat of sin; Rejoice, fragrant branch of the vine of Christ. Rejoice, healthy member of the Mystical Body; Rejoice, child of the glory of the resurrection. Rejoice, Alexie, great miracle worker and quick helper.
Kontakion 9
You have consumed every unplaceable passion by the grace of the Lord to the end in your dead flesh, Saint Alexis! In the same way you were like a tree planted by the springing up of waters, giving fruit in its season and singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Thou hast exalted Vetia of many things with the spiritual power of thy word, telling people the wondrous greatness of God and feeding hungry souls with bread from Heaven. We, with such an embracing heart, gratefully call you: Rejoice, cedar, multiplied in the Church of Christ, as in Lebanon; Rejoice, like a phoenix, thriving in the house of God. Rejoice, cypress tree, fill the hearts of the faithful with incense; Rejoice, grapes, pour out sweet wine of piety for us. Rejoice, princess, decorate the mountain fields; Rejoice, fruitful fig tree. Rejoice, wheat, nourishing smooth bread with pure bread; Rejoice, olive tree, oil of mercy. Rejoice, flower, prosperous from the root of Christ; Rejoice, sweet wine, churned out in the winepress of Jesus. Rejoice, you who are today fed with immortal drink; Rejoice, and prepare for us the heavenly table. Rejoice, Alexie, great miracle worker and quick helper.
Kontakion 10
Although you preached the law and the Gospel all your days to save the people entrusted to you, you taught them to sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
You are the wall, O all-blessed Alexis, of the Mountainous Jerusalem, from the ten commandments, like from the ten great stones, built by the Holy Spirit! For thou didst have the law of the Lord in the midst of thy womb, and so we say to thee: Rejoice, thou who knowest the One God, and whom He sent, Jesus Christ; Rejoice, for you did not bow down to the idol of temporary prosperity. Rejoice, for you have never taken the name of the Lord your God in vain; Rejoice, having dedicated every hour of your life to God from your youth. Rejoice, for you have honored all who are fathers and mothers; Rejoice, anger towards your neighbor has been completely destroyed in your heart. Rejoice, having driven away carnal lusts from yourself through fasting and labor; Rejoice, having always kept your hands from covetousness and theft. Rejoice, you have bridled your lips from condemnation and slander; Rejoice, having cleansed your heart from envy and hatred. Rejoice, thou who art departing from the arrogance of the Pharisees; Rejoice, true image of the publican's humility. Rejoice, Alexie, great miracle worker and quick helper.
Kontakion 11
The singing of the angels was accomplished when your holy soul was transferred from the earthly to the heavenly ones, whose one face cried out in One: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Your life shines with many bright rays, Father Alexie! Seeing you with many faces of righteous spirits, we cry out to you: Rejoice, prophet, having revealed the will of the Lord to us; Rejoice, apostle, preacher of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to those who repent. Rejoice, shepherd, zealous for the glory of God; Rejoice, martyr, who willingly laid down your soul for your flock. Rejoice, faster, who took up his cross on his frame and walked the narrow path in the footsteps of Christ; Rejoice, priest, who offered the Bloodless Sacrifice for people. Rejoice, Cherubim, upon whom rests the Lord of Glory; Rejoice, six-winged Seraphim, unceasingly cry out the Trisagion hymn to the Lord of Hosts. Rejoice, virgin-angelic one; Rejoice, having built many abodes for the praise of God. Rejoice, ever-present friend of God, the Venerable Sergius; Rejoice, as you desired to see him here as your successor, see him standing there together with you today before the Throne of God. Rejoice, Alexie, great miracle worker and quick helper.
Kontakion 12
The grace that was Jesus Christ was always preached to this city by your most pure lips. From now on, everyone who worships Christ says: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing your greatness, most wonderful Alexie, corrections and exploits, we are truly perplexed as to what we will call you; from all the good deeds, like a beautiful city, you created for yourself the Creator. We also cry out to you: Rejoice, having corrected Adam’s fall within yourself through the grace of Christ; Rejoice, after being expelled from the earthly paradise, the Heavenly paradise has been gained. Rejoice, Abel, sprinkled with the Blood of Christ; Rejoice, new Enoch, pleasing to the Lord. Rejoice, Elijah, ascended by the fiery chariot of virtues; Rejoice, Elisha, who received deep grace. Rejoice, Noah, saved from the flood of iniquities by the grace of Christ, as by the ark of trees that never rot; Rejoice, Abraham, who sacrificed not a son, but himself, to God. Rejoice, Isaiah, on the Throne, high and exalted, beholding the Lord face to face; Rejoice, O Israel, strengthened by prayer with God and receiving eternal blessing from Him. Rejoice, Samuel, bestow blessing upon the king; Rejoice, heir of God and joint heir of Christ. Rejoice, Alexie, great miracle worker and quick helper.
Kontakion 13
O our kind shepherd and many-lighted lamp, most honorable Alexy! Accept this little praise of ours for you and ask us from Christ God for confirmation in faith, to walk in all the commandments and justifications of the Lord blamelessly, and peace and prosperity to our Fatherland, so that we may be honored to sing to God forever in the most blessed joy: Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos and 1st kontakion)
