Whilst the now traditional British summer weather is making our weekend visit to St Anthony’s Well look doubtful, I am nevertheless sharing the Akathist to St Anthony, knowing that some parishioners and friends will add it to their collection of akathist hymns and use it in their home-prayers.

Kontakion 1: Chosen wonderworker and most marvellous servant of Christ, venerable Father Anthony! Lovingly praising thy God-pleasing life, we offer God a song of thanksgiving for thee. And as thou hast great boldness toward the Lord, free from all dangers us who joyfully call on thee: Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life! 

Ikos 1: Having loved the angelic life from thy youth, thou didst desire to walk in God’s commandments, venerable Father, and, with thy heart flaming toward to the Lord of Hosts, thou didst raise thy mind unto the divine, counting all things temporary and earthly as loss. Therefore, marvelling at God’s providence for thee, with faith we call upon thee:  

Rejoice, worthy son of devout parents. 
Rejoice, for thou wast raised in piety. 
Rejoice, for thou didst follow Christ from youth. 
Rejoice, for thou didst reckon earthly vanity as nought. 
Rejoice, fervent worker of Christ’s vineyard. 
Rejoice, great teacher of the desert dwellers. 
Rejoice, for thou didst desire salvation for all. 
Rejoice, for thou hast shown the true monastic path. 
Rejoice, luminous lamp ignited with divine fire. 
Rejoice, unshakable rock of faith in Christ. 
Rejoice, radiant with the grace of the Holy Spirit. 
Rejoice, thou who wast graced with the gift of working wonders.  
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!

Kontakion 2: Seeing that the enemy of mankind wished to destroy thee for ascending to spiritual heights, O God-bearing Father, but was shamed by thy struggle and humility in constant fasting and prayer, thou hast crushed the head of the invisible serpent, singing to God with compunction: Alleluia.  

Ikos 2: Knowing with thy heart and mind all worldly goods to be swiftly passing and fleeting, thou didst shut thyself in a dark cave, mortifying thy passions and working only for the Lord. Wherefore, praising thine angelic living, we exclaim to thee:  

Rejoice, for thou hast placed thy hope in God. 
Rejoice, for thou hast shamed the folly of the enemy. 
Rejoice, fearless destroyer of the devil’s schemes. 
Rejoice, for thou resemblest an angel in thy purity and holiness. 
Rejoice, for thou didst sanctify the wilderness by thy struggles. 
Rejoice, for thou hast guided many to the Heavenly Kingdom. 
Rejoice, for thou didst overthrow despicable pride. 
Rejoice, for thou hast taught lowliness of mind. 
Rejoice, light that enlightens all with the divine wisdom. 
Rejoice, radiant star illuminating all with the brightness of thy struggles. 
Rejoice, for thou didst live to the glory of God. 
Rejoice, good and long-suffering shepherd. 
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!

Kontakion 3: Strengthened by the divine power, most blessed Anthony, thou didst remain in fasting, prayer, unceasing labours, and vigils, overcoming all temptations of the enemy and singing to God, Who covered thee with grace, Alleluia.  

Ikos 3: Having a pure mind and a spotless soul, blessed Father, thou didst comprehend the vanity and inconstancy of this world, and, desiring the eternal blessings, thou didst renounce temporary goods. Wherefore, honouring thee, we sing: 

Rejoice, lover of blessed humility. 
Rejoice, searcher of spiritual wisdom. 
Rejoice, for thou didst ascend the heights of dispassion. 
Rejoice, for hast offered thyself wholly to God. 
Rejoice, for thou resemblest thy Lord in thy guilelessness. 
Rejoice, for thou wast wealthy in poverty. 
Rejoice, grace-filled adornment of the desert. 
Rejoice, all-radiant lamp of the world. 
Rejoice, banisher of terrifying demons. 
Rejoice, destroyer of their delusions. 
Rejoice, for thou art wiser than the wise of this world. 
Rejoice, zealous ascetic. 
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!

Kontakion 4: Stilling the storm of evil temptations, thou didst settle in the wilderness, most blessed Anthony, traversing the sorrowful path of the monastic life, trampling all the snares of the enemy and casting off his deception, and didst sing to Christ, Who strengthened thee: Alleluia.

Ikos 4: Hearing of thy God-pleasing life, O venerable one, seekers of God’s truth came to thee from near and far and thou hast received them with love and guided them to salvation. With compunction of soul, we praise and cry out to thee: 

Rejoice, rule and foundation of desert dwellers. 
Rejoice, good teacher of Christ’s flock. 
Rejoice, adornment of Christ’s Church. 
Rejoice, glory of monastics. 
Rejoice, for thou didst offer thyself as a sacrifice to the Lord. 
Rejoice, for thou didst mortify thy sinful passions. 
Rejoice, joy of the angels. 
Rejoice, full vanquisher of the demons. 
Rejoice, dweller of the wilderness. 
Rejoice, zealous struggler for stillness. 
Rejoice, for thou showest the right path. 
Rejoice, announcer of the Kingdom of Heaven.  
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!

Kontakion 5: Like a divinely moving star thou didst appear to the monastic world, venerable Father Anthony, thou wast an image of faithfulness in word, life, love, faith, and purity, singing to the Lord: Alleluia. 

Ikos 5: Seeing thy pure and holy living, Father Anthony, the enemy of the human race frequently attacked thee, but defeating him with thy humility, thou didst not depart from the way of salvation. Wherefore, we cry out to thee: 

Rejoice, partaker of eternal life. 
Rejoice, great teacher of salvation. 
Rejoice, for thou hast served God alone with thy life. 
Rejoice, for thou didst take up the yoke of Christ. 
Rejoice, for thou hast exposed the wiles of the demons. 
Rejoice, for thou hast directed to the way of salvation. 
Rejoice, keeper of purity. 
Rejoice, beholder of the Light of the Trinity. 
Rejoice, raising of the fallen. 
Rejoice, banishment of demonic power.  
Rejoice, solid pillar of faith. 
Rejoice, perfected teacher.  
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!

Kontakion 6: Having heard the Gospel preaching: “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me,” O Father Anthony, thou hast renounced worldly treasures, and, undertaking a life of fasting and struggles in the wilderness, thou didst acquire the treasures of heaven. Give us wisdom, O kindly-hearted Father, to not incline our hearts to the quickly perishing things of this earth, but to ponder the things above, exclaiming to the Lord of Hosts: Alleluia. 

Ikos 6: Thou didst shine forth as a divinely radiant light in the Egyptian wilderness, O Father Anthony, shining with the rays of thy virtues and miracles. Remembering thy struggles, we bless thee and say:  

Rejoice, for venerable saints are crowned by thee. 
Rejoice, for men are saved through thee. 
Rejoice, grace-filled visitation of the sick. 
Rejoice, helper of strangers. 
Rejoice, destroyer of enmity. 
Rejoice, annihilator of the enemy. 
Rejoice, peace and steadfastness of the faithful. 

Rejoice, swift deliverance from dangers. 
Rejoice, extinguisher of guile and craftiness. 
Rejoice, consolation of the despairing. 
Rejoice, defender of the Orthodox. 
Rejoice, helper of Christians.  
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!

Kontakion 7: Desiring to undertake a worthy struggle, thou didst account all temporary things as nought, dwelling in poverty and humility in the wilderness, conversing with the One God and singing ceaselessly to Him: Alleluia. 

Ikos 7: The Lord revealed a truly new guide for monastics in thee, O Father Anthony. Many who learned of thy God-pleasing and righteous life and the heights of thy spiritual wisdom, heeded thy words as the words of a great servant of God. To thee we sing:  

Rejoice, for thou resemblest Abraham in faith. 
Rejoice, for thou resemblest David in meekness. 
Rejoice, for thou hast acquired the zeal of Elijah. 
Rejoice, for thou hast followed the way of the Forerunner. 
Rejoice, for thou didst pour forth water in the desert by thy prayers. 
Rejoice, for thou didst raise paralytics from their beds. 
Rejoice, for thou gavest sight to the blind. 
Rejoice, for thou hast healed many diseases. 
Rejoice, most marvellous and divinely wise guide of monks. 
Rejoice, fervent servant of Christ. 
Rejoice, most gentle consolation of the sorrowful. 

Rejoice, most beloved boast of monks.  
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!

Kontakion 8: Having seen the strange and supernatural life of the venerable Paul, O blessed Anthony, thou didst marvel at the height of his struggles and virtues. Seeing his soul ascending to the heavens and surrounded by angels, thou didst cry out to God, Who is wondrous in His saints: Alleluia. 

Ikos 8: Thou didst rejoice with great joy, O Father Anthony, beholding with thy clairvoyant eyes the ascent of the soul of the venerable Ammon. Wherefore, we beseech thee with much wonder:  

Rejoice, for thou didst ever raise thine eyes to the heavens. 
Rejoice, for thou hast loved heavenly glory above all. 
Rejoice, for thou hast sanctified thy heart with ceaseless prayer. 
Rejoice, for thou hast established thy mind in God. 
Rejoice, for thou didst foresee the future as present. 
Rejoice, for thou hast acquired lofty gifts through humility. 
Rejoice, for thou hast freed those held captive by evil spirits. 
Rejoice, for thou grantest spiritual and bodily health. 
Rejoice, intercessor in hardships and calamities. 
Rejoice, defender in tribulations and afflictions. 
Rejoice, for thou forsakest not us here on earth. 
Rejoice, for thou dost offer thy prayers for us sinners.  
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!

Kontakion 9: All angelic beings marvelled at the height of thine ascetic feats, for thou didst become like an angel in every way whilst still in the weakness of the flesh and, strengthened by the power of the Almighty, thou didst become abundant in virtues. Therefore, thou hast joined the ranks of angels, singing to the Almighty God: Alleluia. 

Ikos 9: Human eloquence is not sufficient to praise thy life, O Father Anthony: for who can recount all thy fastings, vigils, illnesses and labours? Who can count thy tears and sighings for God? But, moved with our love for thee, we dare to sing this to thee: 

Rejoice, great dweller of the wilderness. 
Rejoice, teacher of perfection. 
Rejoice, servant of the true God. 
Rejoice, for thou hast banished demons out of the desert. 
Rejoice, thunder that strikest the devil. 
Rejoice, for thou hast revealed his wiles. 
Rejoice, vessel of God’s grace. 
Rejoice, abode of the Holy Spirit. 
Rejoice, adornment of fasters. 
Rejoice, praise of saints. 
Rejoice, foundation of monks. 
Rejoice, glory of the Fathers.  
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!

Kontakion 10: Thou wast a faithful guide to those who desired to be saved, and now leadest us to salvation through thy saintly intercessions, so that with thy help we may reach the Kingdom of Heaven, where the never-silent angels sing: Alleluia. 

Ikos 10: Thou wast a strong and unassailable rampart to thy followers, protecting them from demons’ arrows, remaining a wall and protection from the Devil’s snares to those who call on thee:  

Rejoice, earthly angel. 
Rejoice, heavenly man. 
Rejoice, pure and honourable abode of holiness. 
Rejoice, receptacle of great virtues. 
Rejoice, ardent lover of piety. 
Rejoice, denouncer of heresies. 
Rejoice, fulfilment of Christ’s love. 
Rejoice, instruction of monks. 
Rejoice, firm haven of the faithful. 
Rejoice, mighty uplifting of the fallen. 
Rejoice, strength of the infirm and the paralysed. 
Rejoice, consolation of the despairing and hopeless. 
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!

Kontakion 11: Accept our tender singing, which we lift up to thee with love and diligent praise, O Father Anthony. Mercifully incline thine ear to us and vouchsafe to guide us to true repentance through thy prayers, so that we may sing to God: Alleluia.  

Ikos 11: Thou wast revealed on earth as a light-receiving lamp of the true Light, O venerable Anthony, enlightening the hearts of the faithful by thy struggles and miracles and instructing in the way of virtuous and God-pleasing living. Wherefore, thou hearest hear from all:  

Rejoice, all-wise instructor. 
Rejoice, trustworthy leader. 
Rejoice, for thou gavest thyself wholly to God’s will. 
Rejoice, for thou didst love the Lord Jesus above all. 
Rejoice, for thou hast shone forth patiently enduring various sorrows. 
Rejoice, for thou hast acquired eternal wealth through voluntary poverty. 
Rejoice, for thou didst spend thy life in patience and hardship. 
Rejoice, for thou hast bravely endured bitterness of the desert. 
Rejoice, for thou didst inspire the slothful to ascetic struggle. 
Rejoice, surety for the sinners’ correction. 
Rejoice, converser with angels and saints. 
Rejoice, zealous intercessor for the whole world.  
Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!

Kontakion 12: Knowing the grace given thee by God, we reverently kiss thine image adorned with holiness, servant of God, and pray to thee: forsake us not in thine intercessions to Christ God, to Whom we gratefully sing: Alleluia. 

Ikos 12: Singing of thy life, we also praise thy peaceful end, O venerable Father Anthony, and beseech thee: be a quick helper in all good to us who call upon thee: 

Rejoice, dweller of heaven,

Rejoice, for thou standest before the Consubstantial Trinity. 
Rejoice, joy of angels. 
Rejoice, converser with saints. 
Rejoice, true pleaser of God. 
Rejoice, chosen servant of the Lord. 
Rejoice, fervent intercessor for all who call upon thy name. 
Rejoice, teacher and hope of all who honour thee. 
Rejoice, for thou wast imbued with the grace of God. 
Rejoice, for thou wast filled at the Divine spring. 
Rejoice, for thou wast bedewed with saving tears. 
Rejoice, for thou wast clothed in garments of incorruption. 
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!

Kontakion 13: O venerable Father Anthony, eternally alive in the never-ending day of Christ’s Kingdom, beseech the Master of all to deliver us from calamities, misfortunes, and eternal torments, so that we may sing to Him in His Kingdom unto ages of ages: Alleluia. (Thrice)  

Ikos 1: Having loved the angelic life from thy youth, thou didst desire to walk in God’s commandments, O venerable Father, and, with thy heart flaming toward to the Lord of Hosts, thou didst raise thy mind unto the divine, counting all things temporary and earthly as loss. Therefore, marvelling at God’s providence for thee, with faith we call upon thee:  

Rejoice, worthy son of devout parents. 
Rejoice, for thou wast raised in piety. 
Rejoice, for thou didst follow Christ from youth. 
Rejoice, for thou didst reckon earthly vanity as nought. 
Rejoice, fervent worker of Christ’s vineyard. 
Rejoice, great teacher of the desert dwellers. 
Rejoice, for thou didst desire salvation for all. 
Rejoice, for thou hast shown the true monastic path. 
Rejoice, luminous lamp ignited with divine fire. 
Rejoice, unshakable rock of faith in Christ. 
Rejoice, radiant with the grace of the Holy Spirit. 
Rejoice, thou who wast graced with the gift of working wonders.  
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!

Kontakion 1: Chosen wonderworker and most marvellous servant of Christ, venerable Father Anthony! Lovingly praising thy God-pleasing life, we offer God a song of thanksgiving for thee. And as thou hast great boldness toward the Lord, free from all dangers us who joyfully call on thee: Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life! 

Prayer: O our venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony! We believe that thou hast great boldness in prayer standing before the throne of the Holy Trinity, and the All-Merciful Lord always hears thee, His faithful servant. Wherefore, we humbly fall down before thee with compunction, O Saint of God: never cease to intercede for us to the Lord, Who is worshipped and glorified in the Trinity, that He may look mercifully on us and not let us perish in our sins, but wouldst raise the fallen and give correction to evil and wretched lives, averting our future transgressions, and forgive all faults committed in word or thought from our birth to the present hour. O ascetic of virtue, seeing the infirmity and sorrow of the present times, ceaselessly entreat Christ God to not withdraw His loving-kindness from us, but to preserve us from worldly temptations, the devil’s snares, and fleshly desires, so that we may receive all that is necessary for this temporary life, deliverance from affliction and tribulation, and unyielding patience to the end. Implore that we may lead the rest of our lives in peace and repentance and to pass from earth to heaven escaping tribulations, the aerial demons, and eternal torments, and be worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom with thee and all the saints that pleased our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ, to Whom is due all glory, honour, and worship, together with His unoriginate Father and His All-Holy, Good and Life-Creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Troparion, Tone IV: Emulating the demeanour of the zealous Elijah, and following the Baptist with forthright steps, O father Anthony, thou wast a dweller in the desert, and hast made the whole world steadfast by thy supplications. Wherefore, entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.

Kontakion, Tone II, “Seeking the highest”: Having cast off the tumults of life, thou didst live a life of stillness to the end, emulating the Baptist in every way, O all-venerable one. Wherefore, we honour thee with him, O Anthony, first among the fathers.

   

Canon of the holy myrrh-bearer, the acrostic whereof is: “With love do I hymn Mary Magdalene”, the composition of Theophanes, in Tone VIII

Ode I, Irmos: Having traversed the water as though it were dry land, and escaped the evil of Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us chant unto our Deliverer and God!

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles, Mary Magdalene, pray to God for us.

Adorned with godly beauties and divinely radiant splendors, O Mary, illumine my darkened heart with thy supplications.

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles, Mary Magdalene, pray to God for us.

The Word of the Father sanctified thee, manifestly delivering thee from the malice of evil spirits. And, becoming His disciple, thou wast filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Filled with life-creating waters from a never-failing Wellspring, the Master Who appeared upon earth in His loving-kindness, thou didst dry up the muddy torrents of sin.

We hymn thee, the Mother of the Creator of our nature, O Maiden who hast reconciled fallen human nature with God, O most immaculate Mistress and Theotokos.

Ode III: Irmos: O Lord, Fashioner of the vault of heaven and Creator of the Church: establish me in Thy love, O Summit of desire, confirmation of the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind.

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles, Mary Magdalene, pray to God for us.

Loving first the First Cause of good things, Who in the goodness of His heart hath deified our nature, thou didst follow Him zealously, O Mary, submitting to His divine precepts.

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles, Mary Magdalene, pray to God for us.

Loving first the First Cause of good things, Who in the goodness of His heart hath deified our nature, thou didst follow Him zealously, O Mary, submitting to His divine precepts.

Lamenting, thou didst reach the tomb of the Deliverer, O maiden, and wast the first to behold the divine resurrection. Wherefore, thou didst show thyself to be a herald of the glad tidings, crying out: Christ is risen! Clap your hands!

The Word Who was incarnate of thine all-pure blood, O all-pure one, in the richness of His goodness saveth me, releasing me from the condemnation of the first fall. Him do thou unceasingly beseech, that He save thy flock.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Sessional hymn of the myrrh-bearer, Tone VIII, Spec. Mel. “Of the Wisdom…”: Thou didst truly and manifestly, as a disciple, minister to the Word, Who had abased Himself in His surpassing loving-kindness, O Mary Magdalene; and beholding Him lifted up upon the Cross and laid in the tomb, thou didst lament, weeping. Wherefore, we honor thee and with faith observe thy solemnity. O glorious myrrh-bearer, entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins to those who with love honor thy holy memory.

Ode IV, Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles, Mary Magdalene, pray to God for us.

Possessing a mind devoid of the tumult of worldly vanity, thou didst minister unto Him Who came to save the whole world from ­deception.

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles, Mary Magdalene, pray to God for us.

Bathed in thy tears thou didst reach the life-bearing tomb, O Mary, and didst behold the angel, who announced the resurrection of Christ.

Thy heart was blameless in the precepts of Christ, and thou didst desire Him alone, Who is beautiful in comeliness, O right glorious one.

O Maiden, the sleep of sin hath overtaken me through the slumber of slothfulness. By thy vigilant supplication do thou rouse me to repentance.

Ode V, Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy face from me, O Light never-waning? And why hath a strange darkness covered me, wretch that I am? But turn me, and guide my steps to the light of Thy commandments, I pray.

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles, Mary Magdalene, pray to God for us.

Our first mother, seeing the one who of old deluded her with his words and drove her from paradise trampled under the feet of pure women who have acquired manly integrity, rejoiceth with them eternally.

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles, Mary Magdalene, pray to God for us.

Wounded with love for Him Who died and was enclosed in a tomb, breathing forth life for all, O honorable Mary Magdalene, thou offerest myrrh to His sweet love, and pourest forth the perfume of thy tears.

After the divine suffering and the awesome ascension of the Savior, thou didst go forth, announcing the word everywhere, as a glorious disciple of the Word, and pursuing the many who were deceived by ignorance.

He Whose good pleasure it was, in His boundless mercy, to be born of thee, O all-holy Maiden, delivereth me, who have fallen into the cunningly wrought pitfalls of sin. Him do thou beseech, that those who hymn thee with faith may be delivered from all harm.

Ode VI, Irmos: Cleanse me, O Savior, for many are my transgressions; and lead me up from the abyss of evils, I pray, for to Thee have I cried, and Thou hast hearkened to me, O God of my salvation.

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles, Mary Magdalene, pray to God for us.

The dew of thy words dispelled the burning heat of the disciples’ grief, O honored one, for thou didst cry out: “Christ hath risen! Our Life hath appeared! The brilliant Sun hath shone forth!”

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles, Mary Magdalene, pray to God for us.

The dew of thy words dispelled the burning heat of the disciples’ grief, O honored one, for thou didst cry out: “Christ hath risen! Our Life hath appeared! The brilliant Sun hath shone forth!”

Behold, thy splendid commemoration hath shone forth, illumining the faithful who hymn thee thereon, and dispelling the darkness of the temptations of the evil demons, O right ­wondrous one.

O all-immaculate one, thou hast been shown to be a noetic and untouchable mercy-seat of sanctity, a lustrous candlestick, and a bridge leading to God those who confess thee to be the Theotokos.

Kontakion of the myrrh-bearer, Tone III, Spec. Mel.“Today the Virgin…”: Standing before the Cross of the Savior with many others, suffering with the Mother of the Lord and pouring forth tears, the all-­glorious one made this offering as praise, saying: “What is this strange wonder? Is it Thy will to suffer, O Thou Who sustainest all creation? Glory to Thy dominion!”

Ikos: Without leaving heaven, Christ, the King and Master of creation, descended as He desired, and of His own will took upon Himself transitory flesh. Watching Him nailed to the Cross, His immaculate Mother stood nearby with the honored virgins. And Mary Magdalene was also there, weeping, who, ever showing most fervent faith, had followed Christ. And when she looked upon the tomb, she cried out in expectation: “Thy good pleasure hath it been to suffer! Glory to Thy dominion!”

Ode VII, Irmos: In the furnace the Hebrew children boldly trod the flame underfoot and transformed the fire into dew, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles, Mary Magdalene, pray to God for us.

Thou hast dispelled divers ailments, having the Word working within thee, before Whom thou now dost stand, O myrrh-bearer, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles, Mary Magdalene, pray to God for us.

Thou hast dispelled divers ailments, having the Word working within thee, before Whom thou now dost stand, O myrrh-bearer, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!

Before the others thou alone didst behold Christ our Life arisen, but thou didst suppose Him to be a gardener, and didst cry out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!

Having conceived and given birth to the immortal God, O pure one, thou didst halt the course of death. To Him let us all chant: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!

Ode VIII, Irmos: Madly did the Chaldæan tyrant heat the furnace sevenfold for the pious ones; but, beholding them saved by a higher Power, he cried out to the Creator and Deliverer: Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles, Mary Magdalene, pray to God for us.

Splendid was thy life, O Magdalene, and it shone forth with the rays of thy virtuous acts and thy divine preaching at God’s behest, and with beams of love for the Creator, to Whom thou dost chant with the angels: Ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely forever!

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles, Mary Magdalene, pray to God for us.

Splendid was thy life, O Magdalene, and it shone forth with the rays of thy virtuous acts and thy divine preaching at God’s behest, and with beams of love for the Creator, to Whom thou dost chant with the angels: Ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely forever!

Thou didst stand before the Cross, O glorious Mary, beholding the unjust slaughter of Him Who, in His ineffable mercy, had abased Himself; and, overflowing with tears and sighs, thou didst cry out: “What is this strange mystery? How is He Who is by nature Life and hath slain death, Himself put to death and dieth?”

With oneness of mind we glorify thee, the Mother of God, who art more exalted than creation, O pure one; for in thee hath the condemnation which began with Adam been annulled, and the fallen nature of men been restored, which ­chanteth: Ye priests, bless; ye people, exalt Him supremely forever!

Ode IX, Irmos: Heaven was stricken with awe, and the ends of the earth were amazed, that God hath appeared in the flesh, and that thy womb became more spacious than the heavens. Wherefore, the ranks of men and angels magnify thee as the Theotokos.

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles, Mary Magdalene, pray to God for us.

Thou hast now been transported to divine joy, to the broad expanse of paradise, to the noetic and heavenly mansions, where the ranks of the venerable dwell, and where the voice of those who keep splendid festival is heard, O God-bearing Mary. Wherefore, we all call thee blessed.

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles, Mary Magdalene, pray to God for us.

Nought didst thou prefer on earth to the love of Christ God, and consumed by His beauties alone and following His steps, directly illumined by the rays He sendeth upon thee, O most honored one, thou didst cry out: “Thee do I magnify, O greatly Merciful One!”

Having received divinely imparted deification, having drunk of the torrent of grace, and in godly manner received recompense for thy pangs, O Magdalene, disciple of the Word, numbered with the ranks of the angels, by thy supplications preserve those who honor thee with love.

As the Mother of Him Who suffered for us, deliver me from soul-corrupting passions; as thou art merciful, loose thou the bonds of mine offenses; and as thou art good, bless now my soul, which hath been vexed by the temptations of the demons, O Virgin ­Theotokos, that I may hymn thee, the most hymned one.

Troparion, Tone I: The honorable Mary Magdalen followed after Christ, Who for our sake was born of the Virgin, keeping His precepts and laws. Wherefore, celebrating thy most holy memory today, through thy supplications we receive remission of sins.

The Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, celebrated July 20 (August 2)

Canon I, in Tone II 

Ode I, Irmos: Let us chant a hymn of victory to the Lord, Who of old guided His people in the sea, and therein engulfed Pharaoh and all his army.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Desiring to behold the fiery power of the miracles of Elias, his fiery and honored tongue and strength of spirit, we have assembled as is meet.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

O God-bearer, our lips and the muteness and lack of skill of our tongue do thou rectify by the activity of the Spirit which is within thee, and illumine us, that we may hymn thy wonders.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Thou dost grant that which transcendeth nature unto those who have submitted to Thine honored precepts, O Word, and Thou dost make the portals of the rain subject to them through the Spirit, confirming their word.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

To the Lord Who was born of the Virgin and Who hath renewed the world, and Who for her sake hath bestowed upon us life divine, we chant a hymn of victory, for He hath been glorified.

Canon II, the acrostic whereof is: “I sing praise to the great Elias,” the composition of Hieromonk Pachomius, in Tone VIII 

Irmos: Having traversed the water as though it were dry land, and escaped the evil of Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us chant unto our Deliverer and God!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Thou hast been shown to be a harp struck by the plectrum of God, O most wondrous prophet, hymning the omniscient God Who rewardeth all according to their deeds.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

O wondrous prophet, unable to endure falsehood, thou didst denounce the unrighteous king for his iniquity. Wherefore, thou didst impose God’s sentence of condemnation, full of wrath, upon him.

O divine Elias, prophet and forerunner of grace, having denounced Ahab, the iniquitous king, as a transgressor of the Law, thou didst destroy the shameful prophets as ungodly.

O ye faithful, let us make haste to praise the Mother of Christ in hymns as is meet, for she gave birth unto the Savior of all, Who is the Master of life and death.

Ode III, Irmos: Establishing me upon the rock of faith, Thou hast enlarged my mouth against mine enemies, for my spirit doth exult when I chant: There is none holy as our God, and none righteous save Thee, O Lord!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

He Who alone sustaineth every living thing by His good will, through a raven provided thee with a banquet as a chosen guest, O Prophet. To Him do we all cry out: Thou art our God, and there is none holy save Thee, O Lord!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Grace be to the Benefactor and Guardian Who, in His ineffable providence, nourished the widow and the prophet. To Him do we all cry out: Thou art our God, and none is holy save Thee, O Lord!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

O thou who didst forbid the rain-laden clouds to pour forth, when the widow of Zarephath was deprived of food, thou didst cause the remnant of her food to increase continually; and didst cry out: None is holy save Thee, O Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou alone, surpassing everyone from ages past, hast been vouchsafed great things transcending nature, for thou didst receive the infinite God of all creation within thy womb and didst give Him flesh. Wherefore, we all honor thee as the Theotokos.

Canon II, Irmos: O Lord, Fashioner of the vault of heaven and Creator of the Church: establish me in Thy love, O Summit of desire, confirmation of the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

With mercy didst thou chastise all, and takest pity on all that with faith have recourse to thee in thy temple. And in asking help of thee they have in no wise erred.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Thou didst rebuke Ahab, the ungodly king, O divine prophet, and thou didst judge him with the judgment of God as a violator of the law.

The shameless Queen Jezebel sought to slay thee, O prophet most divine, for thou didst pronounce the sentence of death upon her unholy priests, as was meet.

O Mistress, we hymn thee as a place of the priesthood of glory and the altar which held Christ, the Bread of life, O pure one.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Sessional hymn, Tone VIII, Spec. Mel. “Of the Wisdom…”: O ye faithful, with hymns let us all praise Elias the Tishbite, the wellspring of miracles and adornment of prophets; for, being immortal while yet in the flesh, as a mortal he assureth us of the resurrection of the dead. Wherefore, having boldness before God, he granteth healing to those who ask with faith, and earnestly beseecheth Christ to bestow remission of offenses upon those who with love celebrate his holy memory. (Twice)

Theotokion: Having fallen into subtle temptations through the activity of mine enemies, visible and invisible, I am caught fast in the tempest of my countless offenses. And I flee to the haven of thy goodness, as to my fervent help and protection, O pure one. Wherefore, O most pure lady, earnestly entreat Him Who was incarnate of thee without seed, in behalf of all thy servants that unceasingly pray to thee, O all-pure Theotokos, who dost ever beseech Him to grant remission of offenses to those who hymn thy glory as is meet.

Ode IV, Irmos: I have heard report of Thy dispensation, O Lord, and have glorified Thee Who alone lovest mankind.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Thou art shown to be one that cutteth off evil at its root and a planter of virtue, O wise prophet. Wherefore, we bless thee.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

With reproaches the widow who fed thee upbraided thee for the death of her son, moving thee to raise him from the dead.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Thou didst clearly signify the glory of the Trinity with thy threefold breathing, and didst hand back alive the child to his mother.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

O how thou didst burn, aflame with divine fire and zeal, O prophet, denouncing the king who wrought iniquities!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O pure one, who without seed didst conceive God, we entreat thee ever to pray for thy servants.

Canon II, Irmos: I heard report of Thee, O Lord, and was afraid; for by the ineffable Counsel of the Godhead, Thou, Who art God eternal, didst issue forth, incarnate, from the Virgin. Glory to Thy condescension, O Christ! Glory to Thy power!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

The Lord crowned thee a prophet, O most wise one, granting thee the grace to foretell things of the future as though they were of the present. Wherefore, beholding now the fulfillments of thy words, we bless thee ever with praises as a true prophet.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

As the soul of Thy prophet was most greatly adorned with humble-mindedness, O Christ God, aflame with zeal which surpasseth fire he destroyed the shameful priests.

Reflecting the Light with thy countenance, like a mirror, thou dost stand before the face of Christ, O most wondrous prophet, whence do thou mercifully visit us, that with praises we may all bless thee as a prophet.

Having acquired thee as our hope and confirmation, an impregnable rampart of salvation, O all-hymned one, we are delivered from all evil.

Ode V, Irmos: O Lord, Bestower of light and Creator of the ages: guide us in the light of Thy commandments, for we know none other God than Thee.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

The law of thy fathers hath showed thee forth as a true man of prayer, O Elias, a wonderworker who transformed the nature of the elements and utterly consumed the righteous sacrifice with water.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

As thou art a true minister of God, thou didst utterly put to shame the prophets of abominable shame, O venerable and most blessed Elias, clearly marking the power of the Trinity.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Rendering priestly service through the word of grace, O Elias, consumed with zeal as with fire thou didst slay the shameful priests with thy blameless hands.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

To thee that gavest birth unto Christ, the Creator of all, we cry out: Rejoice, O pure one! Rejoice, thou who hast shone forth the Light upon us! Rejoice, thou who didst contain the infinite God!

Canon II, Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy face from me, O Light never-waning? And why hath a strange darkness covered me, wretch that I am? But turn me, and guide my steps to the light of Thy commandments, I pray.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

O prophet Elias, whom the unwaning splendor of divine grace hath revealed, having diligently acquired a mind most divine, thou dost move the pious to hymnody.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Who doth not marvel at thy divine zeal, O wondrous prophet? And who doth not hymn Christ Who hath given thee such great might?

With prophecy wast thou adorned by God, O Elias, most wondrous prophet; wherefore, having wholly united thyself to God, denouncing falsehood, thou didst lead the Israelites to the knowledge of God.

O Theotokos, who gavest birth to the never-setting Sun, enlighten me who am utterly benighted by the passions, and fill me with light divine.

Ode VI, Irmos: The uttermost abyss of offenses hath surrounded me, O Lord, but lead up my life from corruption, as Thou didst the Prophet Jonah, O Lord.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

A pillar of piety and the pure life, an instiller of purity, and an emulator of the angels wast thou, O wondrous God-bearer Elias.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

The wrath of the prophet-slaying woman, having frightened thee who had received the power to bind and loose the downpouring of the rains, O wondrous Elias, caused thee to flee.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Having stooped to the ground, thou didst raise on high the supremely exalted eye of thy mind, by thine eminent entreaty causing the rains to be loosed; and with showers thou didst water the furrows of the earth.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The bush on Sinai, which touched the Fire without being consumed, prefigured thee, the Ever-Virgin Mother, O all-hymned Theotokos Mary.

Canon II, Irmos: Cleanse me, O Savior, for many are my transgressions; and lead me up from the abyss of evils, I pray, for to Thee have I cried, and Thou hast hearkened to me, O God of my salvation.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

A hymn of supplication do thou offer unto God, O most honored prophet, on behalf of all that have recourse to thy divine temple, that we may honor thee as a great helper.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

The mind of man doth not suffice to praise thy life as is meet, O prophet; for, beholding the transfiguration of Christ, thou wast exalted far above the noetic ranks.

He that is Lord and Creator of all hath appeared to us in accordance with thy prophecy, O blessed Elias, calling all men to the knowledge of Him, for He loveth mankind.

O Mary, pure vessel of virginity, cleanse thou my mind of the gloom of the passions, and fill my heart with righteousness, O all-immaculate one.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone II: O prophet, foreseer of the mighty works of our God, Elias of great renown, who by thy voice didst restrain the cloud of rain: on our behalf entreat Him Who alone loveth mankind.

Ikos: Beholding the great iniquity of men and the great love of God for mankind, the prophet Elias was troubled and grew wroth; and he addressed pitiless words to the Merciful One, crying out: “Be Thou angered against those who deny Thee, O righteous Judge!” But he did not move the compassion of the Good One to torment those who deny Him, for He Who alone loveth mankind doth ever await the repentance of all.

Ode VII, Irmos: The fiery bush on the mount and the dew-bearing furnace of Chaldæa manifestly prefigured thee, O Bride of God; for in thy material womb thou didst receive the divine and immaterial Fire without being consumed. Wherefore, to Him Who was born of thee do we chant: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Most gloriously vested with divine and formidable power, thou didst undertake a long journey, having eaten of food which sufficed thee for forty days, O wondrous Elias. Wherefore, thou didst say on Horeb: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

The mild and gentle breeze revealed the Lord to thee, O Elias, who wast zealous for God Almighty: not the wind of the tempest, nor the earthquake, nor yet the fearsome fire. Wherefore, to meek Jesus didst thou chant: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Like the great Moses, thou wast vouchsafed the vision of God and prophecy, O wondrous Elias, anointing prophets and kings with the Spirit. And having borne witness to the glory of Christ on Tabor, thou didst chant: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In times past thou didst, supernaturally and without seed, give birth in the flesh to the unoriginate and preëternal Lord, the Son, Power and Wisdom of the Father, O all-pure one, unto the restoration of mortals. Wherefore, we cry out to Him Who was born of thee: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Canon II, Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the youths who had come forth from Judæa trod down the flame of the furnace with their faith in the Trinity, chanting: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

The people of Israel who came against thee with a captain of fifty thou didst utterly consume with fire from heaven as unworthy, O divine Elias.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Thou wast a most divine prophet who wast rightly illumined with the vision of God, O most honored Elias; and thou didst straightway put an end to the sacrifices offered to Baal.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Inasmuch as the all-holy Spirit gave thee the gift to prophesy, O most honored prophet Elias, thou didst foretell the coming of the Son of God and didst sin not, O all-blessed one. To Him do we chant: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Truly, as was meet, the poison of death was poured forth through the judgment of God and the hand of the prophet upon the shameful priests who ate unrighteously at the table of Jezebel.

O Mother of God, save me who am held fast by the abyss of offenses, and rescue me from all the malice of the foe, that, saved by thee, I may magnify thine aid.

Ode VIII, Irmos: The bodies of the pious youths, clad in the same purity as their souls, quivered with awe, and the irresistible fire, though fed with boundless fuel, recoiled; but as the ever-living flame faded away, an everlasting hymn was chanted: O all ye works of the Lord, hymn ye the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Well did Ahab find the just destruction of his house, through the prophet’s condemnation, to be the dread retribution for his vile commission of murder. And with fiery mind the Tishbite chanted a hymn unto the Bestower of life: All ye works of the Lord, hymn and supremely exalt Him for all ages!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Fire rained down from heaven for thee, O Elias, twice consuming captains of fifty, in that thou art God’s chosen minister; for to Him Who controlleth everlasting life thou didst in godly manner declaim the hymn: All ye works of the Lord, hymn and supremely exalt Him for all ages!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

On Tabor Christ showed thee to be an initiate of the mystery of His divine incarnation, in that thou wast an instiller of purity and a most divine scion of virginity, showing the unapproachable light of the Godhead in His Body to thee who criest out: All ye works of the Lord, hymn and supremely exalt Him for all ages!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Most rich was the womb of the Mother of God; for, having received the Word in the coarseness of the flesh and wrought therefrom a form earthly according to hypostasis, it was shown to be the city of God wherein the Most High was well-pleased to dwell. To Him do we chant: All ye works of the Lord, hymn and supremely exalt Him for all ages!

Canon II, Irmos: The King of heaven, Whom the hosts of angels hymn, praise and exalt ye supremely for all ages!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

He that, as God, knoweth all things, entrusteth to thee, O Elias, in that thou art faithful, the knowledge of things to come and of things that shall come to pass; and He showeth thee things which are afar off as though they were near.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Having strengthened thy mind with pious boldness, O blessed prophet, thou dost foretell those things that are far off as though they were near, O most honored prophet.

Having cleansed thy mind of all defilement, O divine prophet, thou didst therefore become completely holy, guiding all to the Light of God.

The Word, to Whom thou didst ineffably give birth, do thou entreat on behalf of those who faithfully honor thee, O pure Theotokos.

Ode IX, Irmos: Thee do we magnify, O blessed and most pure Theotokos, who through thy virginal womb ineffably didst make God incarnate, the Luminary Who shone forth before the sun and hath come to us in the flesh.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Having lived on earth the course which man cannot change, and crossed the Jordan’s stream by means of his mantle, the Tishbite, that air-borne charioteer, made a strange and heaven-traversing journey in the Spirit.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

The Tishbite, aflame with the zeal of piety, was taken up on a fiery chariot; and he let drop his mantle; and Eliseus, clad therein, received divine grace which he could not conceal.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

The Tishbite and Moses the God-seer beheld in revelation on Tabor what eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, and what hath not entered into the hearts of earth-born men: the Lord Almighty, incarnate.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Theotokos, we magnify thee, who didst remove the severe condemnation which was of old the correction of our first mother, and who art ever the reconciliation of our race to God, a bridge to the Creator.

Canon II, Irmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, we confess thee to be in truth the Theotokos, magnifying thee with the incorporeal choirs.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Thou hast been deified by the immaterial splendor of the life-creating Trinity, O prophet Elias; wherefore, we all set thee forth as an intercessor to God for the world, O blessed one.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Thou wast known as an angel on earth, O divine prophet, and in heaven as a man of God; for the Lord Himself said: “Because thou art a stern man, O Elias, thou canst not endure iniquitous Israel. Come thou up to Me, that I may come down!”

Thou didst live on earth as one of the bodiless ones, O divine prophet, and now, upborne to heaven, thou joinest chorus with the angelic choirs. From on high watch over us that hymn thee, O blessed one.

Thou dost hold in thine arms God Who upholdeth all things, and thou dost feed the Nourisher Who became like unto us, O pure one. Him do thou beseech, that He grant to thy people deliverance from all oppressors.

Troparion, Tone IV: The angel in the flesh, the foundation of the prophets, the second forerunner of the Coming of Christ, the glorious Elijah sent grace down from on High upon Elisha, to dispel infirmities and to cleanse lepers. Wherefore, he poureth forth healings upon those who honor him.