Prayers
Troparion to the Righteous Prince Vyacheslav of Czechia
voice 4
Today Angels and men rejoice together with common joy, / Heaven and earth rejoice brightly in your memory, holy one. / And we, sinners, diligently cry out to you: / pray to the Master for us, / to deliver us from misfortune / visible and invisible enemies ,/ honoring your blessed memory.
Troparion to the Blessed Prince Vyacheslav of Czechia
The most honorable branch of the pious, / the holy noble-believing Grand Duke Vyacheslav, / a champion of the Eastern Church in the Czechs, / and a warm refuge for the wretched and orphans, / like the second Abel, who kindly endured death, / was beheaded by the hand of his brother before the church gates. / Likewise, May Christ dwell you / as a confessor of the right faith in the heavenly abodes, / glorify your all-honorable memory in the Slovenian tongues / and grant you a quick helper to all who honor you. / Pray for your people to the Lord, / may he convert them to the fold of the Orthodox Church and save souls our.
Life
Blessed Vyacheslav (aka Vincheslav or Wenceslas), Prince of Bohemia, was the grandson of the holy Princess Lyudmila, who raised him in the Christian faith. Having received an excellent education from Presbyter Paul, a disciple of Saint Methodius, Saint Vyacheslav spoke Slavic, Latin and Greek and was comprehensively educated. His father, Prince Rostislav (Vratislav) died in 920 in a battle with the Ugrians (Hungarians), and 18-year-old Vyacheslav ascended the princely throne.
He ruled wisely and fairly, caring for the Christian education of his people. Ransoming the children of pagans sold into slavery, he gave them to be raised in the Christian spirit. Prince Vyacheslav was peace-loving, revered the clergy, and decorated churches. He worked hard to strengthen Christianity in the Czech Republic. He transferred the relics of the martyr Vitus to the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, and built for them a magnificent temple in the name of St. Vitus.
The German clergy, who had previously persecuted Saint Methodius, also opposed Saint Vyacheslav and stirred up envious nobles against him. These nobles began to intrigue against Vyacheslav and persuaded his younger brother Boleslav to take the throne. To get rid of Vyacheslav, Boleslav invited him to the consecration of the temple. Vyacheslav refused to believe the servants who warned him about the conspiracy. He went to the temple for Matins, and on the threshold of the temple he was killed by his brother and his friends. This happened in 935. The chopped body of Saint Vyacheslav lay for several days without burial, which is why the people were indignant and worried. The mother, having learned about the murder of Vyacheslav, buried his body in the church at the princely court. The blood spilled at the church doors could not be washed away for a long time. Boleslav, having become a ruler, set about eradicating Orthodoxy in the Czech Republic and introducing Catholicism. He insisted on serving the liturgy only in Latin. Under pressure from the people, who revered Vyacheslav as a martyr, the fratricide apparently repented and transferred his relics to Prague, where he buried them in the Church of St. Vitus. Passion-bearer Vyacheslav, together with Princess Lyudmila, are revered as patrons of the Czech Republic.
Blessed Prince Vyacheslav of Czechia
Vyacheslav (Vincheslav, Czech. Vaclav) Czech (+ 929 or 935?), holy passion-bearer, Czech prince, son of Prince. Vratislav and Dragomir. Memory March 4 (March 17), September 28 (October 11).
Blessed Vyacheslav (aka Vincheslav or Wenceslas), Prince of Bohemia, was the grandson of the holy Princess Lyudmila, who raised him in the Christian faith.
Having received an excellent education from Presbyter Paul, a disciple of Saint Methodius, Saint Vyacheslav spoke Slavic, Latin and Greek and was comprehensively educated. His father, Prince Rostislav (Vratislav) died in 920 in a battle with the Ugrians (Hungarians), and 18-year-old Vyacheslav ascended the princely throne.
He ruled wisely and fairly, caring for the Christian education of his people. Ransoming the children of pagans sold into slavery, he gave them to be raised in the Christian spirit. Prince Vyacheslav was peace-loving, revered the clergy, and decorated churches. He worked hard to strengthen Christianity in the Czech Republic. He transferred the relics of the martyr Vitus to the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, and built for them a magnificent temple in the name of St. Vitus.
The German clergy, who had previously persecuted Saint Methodius, also opposed Saint Vyacheslav and stirred up envious nobles against him. These nobles began to intrigue against Vyacheslav and persuaded his younger brother Boleslav to take the throne.
To get rid of Vyacheslav, Boleslav invited him to the consecration of the temple. Vyacheslav refused to believe the servants who warned him about the conspiracy. He went to the temple for Matins, and on the threshold of the temple he was killed by his brother and his friends. This happened in 935.
The chopped body of Saint Vyacheslav lay for several days without burial, which is why the people were indignant and worried. The mother, having learned about the murder of Vyacheslav, buried his body in the church at the princely court. The blood spilled at the church doors could not be washed away for a long time. Boleslav, having become a ruler, set about eradicating Orthodoxy in the Czech Republic and introducing Catholicism.
He insisted on serving the liturgy only in Latin. Under pressure from the people, who revered Vyacheslav as a martyr, the fratricide apparently repented and transferred his relics to Prague, where he buried them in the Church of St. Vitus. Passion-bearer Vyacheslav, together with Princess Lyudmila, are revered as patrons of the Czech Republic.
Akathist to the holy martyr Prince Vyacheslav of Czechia
Kontakion 1
Chosen by God, the meek warrior of Christ, the faithful Prince Vyacheslav, magnifyingly glorifying the Lord, we sing praises to you. But you, who have been taught Christian piety since childhood and have strengthened your people in the Orthodox faith, free us from all troubles, and let us sing: Rejoice, passion-bearing Vyacheslav, wonderful prince of the Czech country.
Ikos 1
The Creator sent angels, O Holy One of God, to the Orthodox Church to strengthen those who thirst for knowledge of the truth for good admonition and edifying guidance. We, marveling at the Providence of the Almighty about you, cry out to you with reverence: Rejoice, planter of the Christian faith; Rejoice, builder of God's temples. Rejoice, filled with the mind of the Gospel; Rejoice, jealous of the Apostle to the saints. Rejoice, you who contain the Holy Spirit in your heart; Rejoice, igniting fire of love in your soul. Rejoice, you who have revealed the path of spiritual ascent; Rejoice, the first adornment of your land. Rejoice, passion-bearing Vyacheslav, wonderful prince of the Czech country.
Kontakion 2
Seeing the Lord, the purity of your heart, our holy father Vyacheslav, chose you as His weapon, to give Christian enlightenment to the land of Czechs, so that, confirmed by your prayers and instructions, people cry out: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
You want to open the mind of saving faith, instructing you, holy mother of your father, in keeping the commandments of God, in the knowledge of the teachings of the books, as if the act of contemplation had been combined, a good Christian has appeared. Rejoicing in you, prince, we praise you with our tits: Rejoice, raised by blessed Lyudmila; Rejoice, you who were punished by your primordial matter. Rejoice, having comprehended the wisdom of the books; Rejoice, you who understand different languages. Rejoice, great in humility; Rejoice, strong in meekness. Rejoice, charity of the poor; Rejoice, care for the poor. Rejoice, passion-bearing Vyacheslav, wonderful prince of the Czech country.
Kontakion 3
We strengthen you with the power of the Most High, you grew in piety, you became more passion-bearing, having love for your neighbors and accepting love from them and, together with them, offering praise to the Creator and Savior: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Your parent Vratislav had the good will to leave his principality to you, leading you to the altar of God before the face of the saint, saying to him: “Teach, O Master, a blessing to my son, my heir.” We, seeing God’s favor on you, cry out to you: Rejoice, as you received the blessing of your forefathers; Rejoice, like the holy crowned King Constantine. Rejoice, thou who passest through the fasting life; Rejoice, remaining in all piety. Rejoice, wondrous enlightener of paganism; Rejoice, joyful affirmer of Orthodoxy. Rejoice, for the flock of Christ in your country is in your care; Rejoice, thinking about the verbal sheep of the land of the Czech Republic. Rejoice, passion-bearing Vyacheslav, wonderful prince of the Czech country.
Kontakion 4
A storm of circumstances and sorrows has risen over the Czech country, Prince Vratislav has died, his wife Dragomir has begun to rule incorrectly, Christian customs are corrupting and evil people are drawing closer to themselves; Otherwise, the Provider God sent you, Saint Vyacheslav, a strong guardian and wise ruler of your land, so that all people cry out to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing the good advice of blessed Lyudmila, you accepted, holy, your principality, eradicating the untruth of your mother, and you were a good father to your people, who cried out to you in joy: Rejoice, gray-haired on the throne of Borivoya; Rejoice, imitate Lyudmila in piety. Rejoice, Vratislav's heir; Rejoice, you have given Boleslav the inheritance. Rejoice, faithful steward; Rejoice, known protector. Rejoice, protector of your people; Rejoice, Christian sacristan. Rejoice, passion-bearing Vyacheslav, wonderful prince of the Czech country.
Kontakion 5
Having seen the murder of the God-loving Lyudmila, you did not complain, father, that your mother was involved in this crime, and you sent her away from your courtyard; follow, remembering the commandment of the Lord, you repented and, returning your mother to the city on the Vltava River, you cried out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
We see you as a grandson, honoring your foremother, not just in her life, but also after her death: for you brought her relics to the city of Prague, your glorious city, and placed her in the temple of St. George the Martyr, founded by your father; We also cry out to you: Rejoice, you who have brought the relics of the passion-bearer to the capital; Rejoice, you have placed the body of the martyr in the temple of the martyr. Rejoice, making your city glad; Rejoice, faithful and joyful people. Rejoice, in your life you became like the wise Lyudmila; Rejoice, teacher and imitator in death. Rejoice, thou numbered among the martyrdoms; Rejoice, thou who art numbered among the host of sufferers. Rejoice, passion-bearing Vyacheslav, wonderful prince of the Czech country.
Kontakion 6
The preachers of your piety are poor and wretched, to whom you have unceasingly done good, mercifully, looking upon every person and not rejecting anyone, so that all the people of the Czech land will glorify God for you, crying out: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Your righteous life has risen, blessed Vyacheslav, like a bright light and like an unsetting star, throughout your entire country. The people of Bohemia, enlightened by your rays, sing this song to you to this day: Rejoice, living in reverence; Rejoice, thou who observest all righteousness. Rejoice, God-glorified ascetic; Rejoice, saint of Christ. Rejoice, I interceded for the forgiveness of our sins; Rejoice, forgiveness of our sins to the petitioner. Rejoice, guide us to a righteous life; Rejoice, teach us to be blameless. Rejoice, passion-bearing Vyacheslav, wonderful prince of the Czech country.
Kontakion 7
Although Bohemia, the region given to you by God, was within your reach, Prince Radislav came with his army to the Czech land. But you, blessed one, not wanting to shed the blood of your people, called upon the prince who opposed you to a duel, as if the strongest would rule the country. Marveling at your great boldness, we exalt glory to our Savior for you, singing to him: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
Seeing the new chosen one of God, the silently standing army of the noble prince awaits the judgment of the Lord. And behold, Vyacheslav and Radislav descended, and they did not stand firm and fell, asking for forgiveness. And the warriors and people praised their prince and hurried like this: Rejoice, guardian of the Orthodox faith; Rejoice, guardian of Christian piety. Rejoice, cast your sorrows on the Lord; Rejoice, teach us to trust in God. Rejoice, good and meek warrior; Rejoice, bloodless battles to the winner. Rejoice, fence of Czech cities; Rejoice, most powerful Bohemian shield. Rejoice, passion-bearing Vyacheslav, wonderful prince of the Czech country.
Kontakion 8
We see a wondrous miracle of the Lord’s mercy on you, holy martyr Vyacheslav, having done pious deeds, you became obdurate at the advice of the German Caesar, and for this reason you were reproached by the assembled princes, yet you accepted this with meekness and kindness. Savior Christ, soften Caesar’s heart and meet you with love, promising to fulfill every desire of yours, as if you were filled with envy by the opposite prince. For this reason we offer unceasing praise to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
Having been filled with all love for the saints of God, blessed Father Vyacheslav, you asked Caesar for part of the relics of the martyr Vitus, and in the city of Praza you erected a church in honor of this saint. Therefore, accept this praise from us: Rejoice, jealous of the glory of the saints; Rejoice, you who created a temple in the capital city. Rejoice, you brought this temple to the martyr as a gift; Rejoice, having placed his relics there. Rejoice, after your death you yourself rested in this temple; Rejoice, thou art thou established in heaven with Saint Vitus. Rejoice, from the height of glory you have looked down upon your children; Rejoice, help with words in adversity. Rejoice, passion-bearing Vyacheslav, wonderful prince of the Czech country.
Kontakion 9
Put aside all earthly cares, although, Father, you have sought the monastic life, wanting to leave your region to your brother. This one, blinded by the eyes of the soul, does not recognize your innermost aspirations, but make a forge against you. Knowing that everything will work for the good of the one who loves God, we call to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Vetian words will not be able to adequately praise your brotherly love, wonderful: behold, when you told your servants that your brother wanted to kill you, you did not believe this, thinking of being this friend for yourself. When I was going to the temple to pray, Boleslav overtook you and struck you with a sword, throwing him to the ground and asking the meek man: “Brother, what did you intend?” For this reason, we give you this word of praise: Rejoice, you who unflatteringly loved your sincere ones; Rejoice, accept no harm from them. Rejoice, having dedicated your life to God; Rejoice, having laid down your soul to the Lord. Rejoice, for you prayed for your brother in heaven; Rejoice, for the Lord has heard your prayer. Rejoice, for you have not abandoned us sinners; Rejoice, for you wish for everyone to be saved. Rejoice, passion-bearing Vyacheslav, wonderful prince of the Czech country.
Kontakion 10
Although you could save your life and the soul of your brother, you flowed to the holy temple, but you were not ashamed of the house of God by the slander of Judas and overtook you at the church festival, not leading to sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
You have entrusted your soul to the Heavenly King, O passion-bearer, praying to the Lord for those who killed you. In the same way we sing to you, blessed prince: Rejoice, like a witness of the Lord; Rejoice, imitator of the ancient passion-bearers. Rejoice, you who met the First Martyr Stephen; Rejoice, united with blessed Lyudmila. Rejoice, you who kissed the martyr's regiments; Rejoice, all kissing passion-bearers. Rejoice, enjoy the vision of the Face of God; Rejoice, receive the uncreated light. Rejoice, passion-bearing Vyacheslav, wonderful prince of the Czech country.
Kontakion 11
The singing of the Most Holy Trinity from your lips, holy, rises unceasingly all the days of your life; Likewise, in the hour of death, your intelligent eyes did not turn away from the Creator of all things, even though your soul was being separated from your body, you cried out to the Savior God: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Your soul has already enjoyed the unevening light, prince, and your body has remained in the temple for three days, constantly bleeding blood, as if you were alive; follow the burial and return it, crying out: Rejoice, our wise and righteous father; Rejoice, our good and meek mentor. Rejoice, having become like Christ through your suffering; Rejoice, you who followed the torment of the Savior. Rejoice, you who acquired the Kingdom by shedding your blood; Rejoice, having reached heaven by acceptance of the ulcers. Rejoice, for you have boldness before the Creator; Rejoice, for you have interceded for your people. Rejoice, passion-bearing Vyacheslav, wonderful prince of the Czech country.
Kontakion 12
The grace of the Savior Christ will touch the heart of the daring murderer with your prayers, and in repentance Boleslav, cry out with tears: “I have sinned, and I know my sin and my iniquity!” Wanting to show my repentance not just in word, but also in deed, I took the relics of my brother to the city of Prague and laid them in the temple of the martyr Vitus, created by the blessed prince, so that all the faithful glorify God, wondrous in His saints, and cry out to Him in gratitude: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing your honorable memory, Vyacheslav the Wise, we glorify your righteous life, we honor your suffering death and we pray to you, holy prince: incline your ear from heaven and hear ever the prayers of your children crying to you: Rejoice, blessed peacemaker; Rejoice, wonderful miracle worker. Rejoice, thou who has attained the eternal Kingdom; Rejoice, thou who dwellest in the heavenly abodes. Rejoice, for you stand before the throne of the Most High; Rejoice, for you represent the Lord Christ for us. Rejoice, for the Lord accepts your prayers; Rejoice, for your people are protected from troubles. Rejoice, passion-bearing Vyacheslav, wonderful prince of the Czech country.
Kontakion 13
O wonderful servant of Christ, faithful Prince Vyacheslav, accept this small prayer in praise offered to you, look upon us weak, prone to sin, burdened with sorrows and, standing in heavenly glory to the Throne of the King of the reigning, pray that we may find His mercy on the day of judgment, on singing joy to the Most Holy Trinity: Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times, then Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1.
First prayer
O holy noble martyr prince Vyacheslav, chosen governor of the Czech land and all Slovenian Christians, warm representative before God! Today, in your memory, having unanimously gathered in this honorable temple and before your icon, tenderly praying, from the depths of our hearts we cry to you:
In your life you were a zealot and defender of the Orthodox faith - and you unwaveringly established us in it with your warm prayers to God.
You have diligently carried out the great service entrusted to you - and with your help, instruct us to remain in whatever we are called to eat.
You drove away the adversaries of the regiment from your fatherland with military strength and administrative wisdom - and overthrew all enemies, visible and invisible, against us who have taken up arms.
You tried to plant truth and peace and mercy within your country - and ask us from the merciful God for success in these virtues.
You shed your innocent blood like Abel at the hand of your brother before the church gates - and teach us, as one child of the Mother Church, brotherly love and meekness.
O great and glorious Prince Vyacheslav, for the sake of the greater glory of Heaven, you left the crown of your earthly reign and were righteously crowned with the crown of martyrdom! Now, with your wise mentor, your foremother Lyudmila, and all the saints standing before the Throne of God, do not forget us, the orphans and the wretched, as if you have left none of them in your belly. And through your intercession, arrange for us a quiet and sinless life and a procession towards the eternal kingdom, so that we may glorify God, wondrous in His saints, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Second prayer
O holy Prince Vyacheslav! We earnestly ask you to pray for us, may the Lord God forgive our sins, voluntary and involuntary, and cleanse us from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, may He deliver us from the snares of the devil and save us from human slander, may He establish us in true faith and piety, May He protect us from vain and soulful teachings, may we preserve our hearts from the temptations of this world and may we teach us to get rid of carnal passions and lusts, so that, with wisdom from above, and not earthly, we glorify the Consubstantial Trinity forever and ever. Amen.
Troparion
voice 4
Today Angels and people rejoice together with common joy, heaven and earth rejoice brightly in your memory, holy one. And we, sinners, diligently cry out to you: pray to the Lady for us, to deliver us from the scourge of visible and invisible enemies who honor your blessed memory.
Another troparion
voice 1
The pious root of the most honorable, holy noble Prince Vyacheslav, a champion of the Eastern Church in the Czech Church and a warm refuge for the poor and orphans, like the second Abel, you kindly endured death, beheaded by the hand of a brother before the church gates. In the same way, Christ installed you as a confessor of the right faith in the heavenly abode, glorifying your honorable memory in the Slovenian tongues and giving you a helper to all who honor you. Pray for your people to the Lord, may He convert them into the fold of the Orthodox Church and save our souls.
Greatness
We magnify you, holy and faithful Prince Vyacheslav, and honor your holy memory, for you pray for us to Christ our God.
