The Akathist to St Menas

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Kontakion 1: Chosen wonderworker and quick helper in sorrows, O holy great martyr Menas: we, the unworthy, bring thee songs of praise from our hearts; but do thou, as one who hast boldness before the Lord, save from all troubles those who cry out to thee: Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Ikos 1: An angel in the flesh thou didst appear on earth, O glorious Menas, for thou didst receive the word of Christ with a pure soul, and didst flee into the desert from the wickedness of the idols, where thou didst serve God like an incorporeal being: and we, remembering thy wondrous life, sing to thee with joy:

Rejoice, bright star of the Church of Christ;

Rejoice, blessed ray of the sun of Truth.

Rejoice, holy lamp, who enlightenest the faithful with thy life;

Rejoice, thou who teachest us to fulfil the commandments of God.

Rejoice, O image of Christian piety for the faithful;

Rejoice, thou who guidest those who have gone astray to the light of Christ.

Rejoice, thou who bringest the wrong-minded to reason;

Rejoice, correction of money-loving hearts.

Rejoice, thou who delightest our souls with spiritual peace;

Rejoice, thou who always comfortest us in our sorrows.

Rejoice, quick deliverance from troubles;

Rejoice, thou who drivest away our evil thoughts.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 2: Seeing the dominance of pagan polytheism in thy city, all-glorious Menas, thou didst languish in thy righteous soul; but in the midst of the darkness of sin, like a light, shining with a virtuous life, thou didst sing unceasingly to the Lord: Alleluia.

Ikos 2: Having an enlightened mind, having fulfilled the commandments of God, O passion-bearer of Christ, thou didst spend thy blameless life among lawless people, serving the Lord day and night with love, and we, glorifying God who strengthened thee, call to thee from the heart thus:

Rejoice, thou who teachest the faithful Christian hope;

Rejoice, thou who destroyest the wiles of the enemy through thine intercession.

Rejoice, thou who dissolvest our sorrows with the sweetness of thy prayers;

Rejoice, for in thy wondrous life thou didst give the despondent courage to drink.

Rejoice, faithful guardian of the Lord’s commandments;

Rejoice, steadfast zealot of piety and the Orthodox faith.

Rejoice, thou who coverest with love those who honour thee;

Rejoice, thou who always helpest us in temptations.

Rejoice, glorious creator of spiritual peace;

Rejoice, honourable vessel, filled with grace.

Rejoice, thou who waterest the faithful with the currents of thy miracles;

Rejoice, thou who anointest the wounds of our souls with the oil of thy prayers.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 3: Guided by the power of God, thou didst forsake worldly glory and military honour for Christ’s sake and chose to serve the Lord in the deserts and mountains, like an angel unceasingly calling to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3: Having thy heart inflamed with zeal for the glory of God, thou didst stand boldly before the impious prince, O long-suffering one of Christ, denouncing the madness of the idols; but he, inflamed with rage and unable to bear the words of grace coming from thy lips, betrayed thee to many torments, but we, remembering the feat of thy confession, with love call to thee thus:

Rejoice, thou who wast wounded by thorns at the hands of the lawless;

Rejoice, thou who wast scorched by fire for the sake of confession.

Rejoice, thou who didst endure the cutting of thy members;

Rejoice, for thy body was pierced by sharp needles.

Rejoice, thou who wast cruelly struck on the head with a hammer;

Rejoice, thou who didst receive many wounds for Christ’s sake.

Rejoice, for thy feast of struggles satisfiest the faithful with courage;

Rejoice, thou who teachest us patience in temptations.

Rejoice, for by thy sufferings thou didst convert many to Christ;

Rejoice, thou who didst conquer thy tormentors with the firmness of thy faith.

Rejoice, for in thy labours thou hast revealed an image of spiritual strength;

Rejoice, thou who hast put to shame the vanity of idolatrous wickedness.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 4: The storms of persecution against the Church of Christ passed through the days of Constantine the Great, and Christians erected a church in Alexandria in honour of thy glorious name, most honourable Menas, where they placed thine honourable relics, which we now venerate and sing to God, wondrous in the saints: Alleluia.

Ikos 4: Hearing of the feat of thy confession, O glorious martyr, we sing to thee with warm love and glorifying thy wondrous patience, with tenderness we bring thee songs such as these:

Rejoice, thou who enrichest our poverty with faith;

Rejoice, thou who showest thy merciful intercession to the faithful.

Rejoice, thou who revealest to us the treasure of the spiritual world;

Rejoice, thou who coverest the cities and villages in which thy name is revered.

Rejoice, protector of Christian homes from fiery destruction;

Rejoice, comforter of those who suffer unjustly.

Rejoice, good guide of travellers;

Rejoice, carefree passage for those sailing upon the sea.

Rejoice, thou who deliverest the faithful from sudden death;

Rejoice, gracious intercessor for the grieving.

Rejoice, thou who always helpest us in our sorrows;

Rejoice, for by thy prayers thou turnest our sorrows into joy.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 5: Thou hast passed through thy life as a God-bearing star, O all-praised Menas, day and night serving the Lord with ardent love; therefore, at the end, by the feat of martyrdom, thou hast sealed thy faith and received from God a crown of incorruptible glory, and in heaven with the faces of the saints thou singest to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 5: Seeing our sorrows and illnesses, blessed Menas, thou intercedest for us before the Throne of the Lord and with thy constant prayers thou protectest those who honour thy name from many troubles and misfortunes. Therefore, even now, protect those who come to thine intercession, so that we always may cry to thee thus:

Rejoice, unashamed intercessor of the faithful;

Rejoice, excellent helper of the suffering.

Rejoice, merciful intercessor for us before God;

Rejoice, steadfast zealot of the Law of God.

Rejoice, fragrant incense of prayer unto God;

Rejoice, chosen vessel of the Holy Trinity.

Rejoice, thou who through thy prayers reconcilest those in enmity;

Rejoice, thou who protectest the faithful with peace and love.

Rejoice, for by thy righteous life thou teachest pious living;

Rejoice, constant helper of good deeds.

Rejoice, good teacher of repentance;

Rejoice, tireless intercessor for us.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 6: A preacher of the truth of God, a certain Jew, appeared to be blessed by thee, O glorious Menas; for he, having seen a miracle by which a Christian, who unlawfully wanted to hide his treasures, was exposed, having renounced his wickedness and having received the faith of Christ, sang to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6: The light of the Christian faith shone in the heart of that Jew, when thou miraculously returned, O victorious Menas, his treasures, unlawfully hidden by the Christians, his friends: for by thine intercession evil was turned into good; and the Jew received Christian baptism and forgiveness of sin. And we, constantly remembering this wondrous thing, say to thee from the heart:

Rejoice, thou who transformest evil into good through thy prayers;

Rejoice, thou who turn evildoers to repentance.

Rejoice, enlightener of those blinded by passions;

Rejoice, steadfast zealot of God’s truth.

Rejoice, thou who correctest evil paths through thine intercession;

Rejoice, thou who guide our feet to the haven of the law of the Lord.

Rejoice, O noble adornment of the Church of Christ;

Rejoice, constant help of God’s servants.

Rejoice, tireless intercessor for us;

Rejoice, God-given protector in sorrows.

Rejoice, inexhaustible source of miracles;

Rejoice, gracious comforter of those who honour thy memory.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 7: Wishing to reveal to the world the inexhaustible sources of Thy mercy, O Christ our God, Thou hast granted us advocates and intercessors before Thee, Thy bold holy martyrs, who have testified to the firmness of their faith, even to the point of suffering blood; in whom, glorifying Thee, the only good God, we tenderly cry out to thee: Alleluia.

Ikos 7: Filling thy heart with the evangelical grace of the New Testament, O Great Martyr Menas, thou wast burnt with the fire of love for the Divine Lord, and united with the ranks of the holy martyrs, with whom, standing before the Throne of the Almighty, do thou pray for those who honour thy memory with faith, who bless thou with songs such as these:

Rejoice, glorious martyr of the Lord;

Rejoice, victorious warrior of Christ.

Rejoice, merciful intercessor of Christians;

Rejoice, our constant intercessor.

Rejoice, merciful healer of our ailments;

Rejoice, holy deliverer from various misfortunes.

Rejoice, powerful helper in the struggle with passions and enemy attacks;

Rejoice, for by thy prayers thou preservest us from sinful falls.

Rejoice, O All-Rich Treasury of God’s Gifts;

Rejoice, O cup filled with spiritual consolation.

Rejoice, thou who dispelest our sorrows with thy prayers;

Rejoice, thou who kindlest our hearts with love for God.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 8: Thou hast appeared as a wanderer on earth, O glorious Menas, always seeking the Lord with a pure heart; therefore, having received the crown of martyrdom, thou hast gloriously ended thy life; and now, being established in the Kingdom of Heaven with the angels, thou cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 8: Having submitted thyself entirely to God, O victorious Menas, thou hast passed harmlessly through the sea of ​​earthly temptations and wast established in the haven of Divine peace in the Abode of the Heavenly Father. Therefore, remember us, who honour thy memory, at the Throne of God, who praise thee with songs such as these:

Rejoice, thou who hast revealed an image of immaculate service to God;

Rejoice, thou who hast strengthened many for the feat of confession.

Rejoice, for thou now teachest us patience through thy life;

Rejoice, thou who instructest each one to bear his cross without complaint.

Rejoice, perfect teacher of spiritual poverty;

Rejoice, thou who enlightenest our hearts with the light of humility;

Rejoice, excellent champion of Orthodox Christians;

Rejoice, protection of faithful people from misfortunes and evils.

Rejoice, constant help to those who suffer;

Rejoice, merciful healing of the sick.

Rejoice, most honourable sufferer of Christ;

Rejoice, intercessor, given to us by the Lord.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 9: Thou hast cast away all worldly sweetness from thy soul, O Martyr Most Rich, and therefore, having left behind thy military honour, thou hast appeared as a warrior of the Heavenly King, shining forth with firmness of faith and righteous courage. Now in Heaven, standing before Christ, thou criest out with the angels: Alleluia.

Ikos 9: The wordy orators cannot recognise the power of Christ, with which thou hast clothed thyself like a weapon, O glorious Menas, and have conquered the lawless tormentors in thy patience. But we, with humble hearts and contrite souls, praising thy feat, with tenderness we call out to thee such songs:

Rejoice, consolation of those who suffer unjustly;

Rejoice, all-effective admonition to those who have offended.

Rejoice, good land, which hast brought forth the fruit of virtues;

Rejoice, for with thine honest sufferings thou hast illuminated the Syrian land.

Rejoice, for thou hast shown many glorious miracles after thy death;

Rejoice, holy lily, which didst flourish in the midst of idolatrous impiety.

Rejoice, for thou wast tested like gold in the furnace of sorrows;

Rejoice, thou who didst shine with the light of the truth of the Gospel.

Rejoice, thou who warmest those who flow to thee with the warm rays of thy prayers;

Rejoice, thou who protectest those who honour thee from unexpected evils.

Rejoice, praise of the Holy Mountains of Athos;

Rejoice, constant protection of Orthodox people.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 10: Thou didst miraculously grant salvation to a merchant who was coming to venerate thy local relics; for he suffered death from a lawless money-lover, and, resurrected by thou, sang to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 10: Thou didst appear as a warm protector and defender to that merchant, O Holy Menas; for having raised him who was killed for gold, thou didst expose the unjust murderer; and we, remembering this miracle, tenderly sing to thee:

Rejoice, glorious miracle worker;

Rejoice, O gracious intercessor.

Rejoice, terrible rebuke of evildoers;

Rejoice, constant protection of those who honour thee.

Rejoice, thou who didst resurrect the murdered merchant;

Rejoice, thou who didst convert a lover of money and a murderer to repentance.

Rejoice, thou who hast made good sacrifices;

Rejoice, thou who givest warmth from thine heart to thine intercessor.

Rejoice, quick listener to those who humbly pray before thine icon;

Rejoice, O faithful guardian from the wiles of the evil one and evil people.

Rejoice, thou who destroy life’s misfortunes with thy prayers;

Rejoice, thou who dissolvest our sorrows with spiritual peace.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 11: We bring thee a song of praise, O praiseworthy martyr, opening the lips of our humble heart with love: we glorify thy wondrous life and glorify thy martyr’s death, calling out to God who strengthenst thee: Alleluia.

Ikos 11: With the light of the glorious miracle of the appearance, thou hast enlightened the heart of Eutropius, darkened by the love of money, O Saint, for he thought to leave for himself the silver plate with thy name prepared as a gift to thee, and he saw his beloved servant and that plate sinking in the depths of the sea; but nevertheless, by thine intercession, the servant was again saved, singing songs of gratitude to thee; and we, praising this miracle, tenderly cry out to thee thus:

Rejoice, thou who turned the heart of Eutropius to repentance;

Rejoice, thou who didst save that slave in the depths of the sea.

Rejoice, for by the manifestation of thy miracle thou didst transform sorrow into joy;

Rejoice, thou who didst save thy faithful servant from drowning.

Rejoice, constant helper of the upright in heart;

Rejoice, O intercessor before God for those who honour thy name.

Rejoice, thou who protectest us from evil misfortunes;

Rejoice, thou who showest thy help to Orthodox people.

Rejoice, thou who teachest truthful and honest living;

Rejoice, thou who helpest in the fulfillment of good undertakings.

Rejoice, thou who protectest us from the temptations of sin;

Rejoice, thou who fulfillest our requests for good and salvation.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 12: A certain woman named Sophia recognised the grace of thy merciful intercession, O glorious Menas, for she, coming to thy church to worship, was saved by thee from the dishonour of the lawless soldier and cried out to God in gratitude: Alleluia.

Ikos 12: Singing of thy many miracles, all-praiseworthy great martyr, we remember the lame and the mute who prayed fervently in thy church; for thou didst appear to them and didst miraculously heal them; and we, remembering this miracle, fervently pray to thee: and strengthen our feet, weakened by many iniquities, and open the lips of our hearts worthily to sing to thee with songs such as these:

Rejoice, thou who didst strengthen the paralytic’s legs;

Rejoice, thou who didst loosen the bonds of the mute tongue.

Rejoice, merciful healer who hast appeared to many;

Rejoice, thou who didst bring many unbelievers to faith with glorious miracles;

Rejoice, joy and praise for the lovers of God;

Rejoice, refuge and consolation of strangers.

Rejoice, gracious feeder of the poor;

Rejoice, unashamed intercessor for widows and orphans.

Rejoice, deliverance of the faithful from misfortunes and evils;

Rejoice, O firm protection of those who honour thee.

Rejoice, good comforter in times of trouble;

Rejoice, holy helper in life’s sorrows.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 13: O holy and glorious Great-Martyr of Christ, Menas, accept now this small song brought to thee with zeal, and cover with thy prayers those who come running to thy holy icon and who lovingly honour thy honourable memory, so that by thine intercession we may always be protected from evil in peace and piety for the rest of our life, praising God, who is wondrous in His saints, singing the Angelic song: Alleluia. [This kontakion is said three times.] 

Ikos 1: An angel in the flesh thou didst appear on earth, O glorious Menas, for thou didst receive the word of Christ with a pure soul, and fled into the desert from the wickedness of the idols, where thou didst serve God like an incorporeal being: and we, remembering thy wondrous life, sing to thee with joy:

Rejoice, bright star of the Church of Christ;

Rejoice, blessed ray of the sun of Truth.

Rejoice, holy lamp, who enlightenest the faithful with thy life;

Rejoice, thou who teachest us to fulfil the commandments of God.

Rejoice, O image of Christian piety for the faithful;

Rejoice, thou who guidest those who have gone astray to the light of Christ.

Rejoice, thou who bringest the wrong-minded to reason;

Rejoice, correction of money-loving hearts.

Rejoice, thou who delightest our souls with spiritual peace;

Rejoice, thou who always comfortest us in our sorrows.

Rejoice, quick deliverance from troubles;

Rejoice, thou who drivest away our evil thoughts.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 1: Chosen wonderworker and quick helper in sorrows, O holy great martyr Menas: we, the unworthy, bring thee songs of praise from our hearts; but do thou, as one who hast boldness before the Lord, save from all troubles those who cry out to thee: Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Prayer to the Great Martyr Menas: O passion-bearer, holy martyr Menas! Looking at thine icon and remembering the healings thou givest to all who come to thee with faith and reverence, we fall down before thou and, bending the knees of our hearts, with all our souls we pray to thee, be our intercessor before our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for our infirmities, accompany and comfort us in times of our sorrows, granting us the memory of our sins, help in misfortunes and troubles of this world, and in all the troubles that befall us in this vale of tears. Amen.

Parish News – 17th November

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Dear brothers and sisters,

The last week has been a celebratory one of much activity and great blessings, having seen the visit of the Myrrh-Streaming Hawaiian-Iveron Icon to Cardiff and its veneration in the Oratory Church before its subsequent short visit to Chippenham, where it was also venerated and the faithful anointed, as they were in Cardiff the previous evening.

Several hundred people gathered at St Alban’s, greeting the icon with hymns and flowers, before a full moleben chanted according to the typikon, with both canon and akathist – the service being celebrated by the South Wales clergy, with the welcome presence of Father Sorin, and Father Youhanna from Risca.

We were pleased to have so many visitors from across South Wales and the West of England, and especially to have so many families, and to see people stay until so late.

Though there was little evidence of myrrh streaming on Tuesday, on Wednesday morning the icon streamed much myrrh, soaking a cloth on Branks’s sideboard, allowing us to soak it up with our prayer-ropes and cotton wool pads.

Even though the visit to Chippenham was very short, with the icon heading to our new monastic podvorie in Abingdon, those gathered enjoyed a festal day of chatting in the sun, enjoying a meal together, before the Cardiff pilgrims returned to South Wales and a few Wessex parishioners chanted the akathist hymn in honour of the Mother of God.

Back in Cardiff, the Marian festal-mood continued with the public offering of the Rule of the Mother of God in the Oratory Church, on Thursday.

On Saturday, the Cardiff clergy celebrated the Divine Liturgy for the Gloucestershire faithful, marking the feast of the Dedication of the Church of the Holy Great-Martyr George, in Lydda.

Back in Cardiff, it was wonderful to have a full complement of singers on the kliros, and we are grateful to them for their chanting, and – of course – for all who contributed to our Sunday service, which ended with another anointing of the faithful with myrrh from the Hawaiian Icon. We were glad to have new faces among the faithful, making up a little for those absent due to the virus that is doing the rounds.

Tomorrow, I will offer a moleben before our copy of the Hawaiian Icon here in Wiltshire, where I am staying so that I am able visit some of the local faithful, before continuing visits in Glastonbury and serving a moleben and house-blessing. I pray that the grace of the Mother of God will touch those who were unable to visit the icon, but who will be anointed in tomorrow’s visits.

On Thursday, we will gather in St Alban’s Church at 15:00 and offer a moleben for the Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the other Bodiless Powers: the Archangels Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salaphiel, Jegudiel, Barachiel, and Jeremiel. Confessions will be heard after the service, and can also be heard in the evening for those who make a prior arrangements. Please ask, if needed.

I will serve a funeral in Newport on Friday morning, asking your prayers for the newly departed Nicholas, and back in Cardiff we will chant the akathist to the Precious and Life-Giving Cross at 15:00.

Saturday will see our local pilgrimage to the churches of St Cadoc and Merthyr Dyfan, in Barry – early Christian sites associated with Saints Cadoc, Deruvian and Teilo. Our pilgrimage will start with a bring-and-share lunch at Tracy’s house at noon, before heading to St Cadoc’s for pilgrim prayers at 14:00, and then devotions in Merthyr Dyfan. Please contact me or Tracy if you require further details.

I am very happy that next Sunday coincides with the feast of the Holy Great-Martyr Menas, and look forward to offering prayers for the future of the parish before his icon. Some of us have received great favours and blessings through his prayers, and know him to be a fervent and swift intercessor.

As Advent approaches, we look forward to baptising our catechumens, Max and Joseph, and formalising catechesis with the other young people who would like to enter the catechumenate, considering Holy Baptism.

May I remind you that we need an indication of how many people would like to order a copy of the 2025 St Herman of Alaska Calendar, dedicated to the Saints of Wales and costing around £10. Please let us know asap, so that a order may be submitted.

Asking your forgiveness for Christ’s sake.

Hieromonk Mark

Revisiting the Rule of the Mother of God

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The form of prayer that we in the Orthodox Church call the Rule of the Mother of God finds its origins in the monastic life of the Egyptian desert, where some of the fathers prayed the angelic salutation to the Mother of God one hundred and fifty times, reflecting the one hundred and fifty psalms of the Psalter. This, of course, mirrors the western rosary in its original and complete form.

St Seraphim of Sarov encouraged his disciples to pray to the Mother of God following a simple version of the rule, having his spiritual children copy it, with each mystery followed by the prayer. When he died, his disciple, Zosima, found a book recording the miracles that the Mother of God granted those who prayed to her with this devotion.

St Seraphim instructed his spiritual daughters, the nuns of Diveyevo to keep this prayer rule, reciting it as they walked three times around the ‘canal’ that the Mother of God instructed to be dug around the monastery. For praying the rule they made, and continue to make, a special lestovka with 150 steps, and they continue this devotion in obedience to St Seraphim, and to do so they make a modified version of the traditional Russian leather lestovka (ladder), that is an alternative to prayer ropes and chotki, was used by St Seraphim to recite the Jesus prayer, as we see his icons.

The second St Seraphim connected with this prayer rule, the Bishop of Dmitrov and new-martyr came from a family of Orthodox Old Believers and his father wrote the liturgical service for the canonisation of St Seraphim of Sarov in 1903.

He prayed the Rule of the Mother of God every day adding prayers of intercession at the end of each decade,

Whilst St Seraphim of Sarov also prayed in a similar way, he did not reveal his prayers.

We very much hope that this can become the focus of group prayer in our communities, as it can be prayed by any number of people in an informal setting, without the need for clergy. We simply need an icon-corner, reverence and love for the Mother of God.

Богородице Дево, радуйся, благодатная Марие, Господь с Тобою, Благословенна Ты в женахъ и благословенъ Плодъ чрева Твоего, яко Спаса родила еси душъ нашихъ.

Rejoice, O Virgin Mother of God, Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee! Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, for thou hast borne the Saviour of our souls.

Милосердия двери отверзи намъ, Благословенная Богородице, надеющиися на Тя, да не погибнемъ, но да избавимся Тобою от бедъ, Ты бо еси спасение рода христианскаго.

Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness, O most blessed Mother of God. As we set our hope in thee, let us not be confounded, but through thee may we be delivered from all adversities. For thou art the salvation of the Christian race.

Usual opening prayers with Psalm 50 and the creed, then…

First decade: Let us remember the birth of the Mother of God. Let us pray for mothers, fathers and children.

Our Father…

  • Rejoice, O Virgin Mother of God, Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee! Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, for thou hast born the Saviour of our souls. (Богородице Дево, радуйся… x 10)
  • Troparion, Tone IV: Thy nativity, O Virgin Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to all the world; for from thee hath shone forth Christ our God, the Sun of righteousness, Who hav­ing annulled the curse, hath given His blessing, and having abolished death, hath granted us life everlasting.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness, O most blessed Mother of God. As we set our hope in thee, let us not be confounded, but through thee may we be delivered from all adversities, for thou art the salvation of the Christian race. (Милосердия двери отверзи намъ…) 
  • O Most Holy Lady Theotokos, save and protect thy servants (names of parents and relatives), and to the departed grant rest with the saints in thine eternal glory.

Second decade: Let us remember the feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin and Mother of God. Let us pray for those who have lost their way and fallen away from the church.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Troparion, Tone IV: Today is the prelude of God’s good will and the proclamation of the salvationof men. The Virgin hath manifestly appeared in the temple of God and proclaimeth Christ unto all. To her let us cry aloud: Rejoice, O thou fulfilment of the Creator’s dispensation!
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, save and protect and reunite (or join) to the Holy Orthodox Church thy servants (names) who are lost and have fallen away.

Third decade: Let us remember the Annunciation of the Blessed Mother of God – let us pray for the soothing of sorrows and the consolation of those who grieve.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10
  • Troparion, Tone IV: Today is the crown of our salvation, and the revelation of the mystery which is from before the ages! The Son of God becometh the Son of the Virgin, and Gabriel announceth the glad tidings of grace. Wherefore, with him let us cry out to the Theotokos: Rejoice, O thou who art full of grace! The Lord is with thee!
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, soothe our sorrows and send consolation to thy servants (names) who are grieving or sick.

Fourth decade: Let us remember the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin with the righteous Elizabeth. Let us pray for the reunion of the separated, for those whose dear ones or children are living away from them or missing.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • It is truly meet to bless thee, O Theotokos, ever-blessed and most immaculate, and the Mother of God. More honourable than the cherubim, and truly more glorious than the seraphim; who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word; the true Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, unite Thy servants (names) who have been separated.

Fifth decade: Let us remember the Birth of Christ. Let us pray for the rebirth of souls, for new life in Christ.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Troparion, Tone IV: Thy nativity, O Christ our God, hath shone forth the light of knowledge upon the world; for therein those who worship the stars have been taught by a star to worship Thee, the Sun of righteousness, and to know Thee the Orient from on high. O Lord, glory be to Thee!
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, grant me, who was baptized into Christ, to put on Christ.

Sixth decade: Let us remember the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, and the words uttered by St. Simeon: Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also (Luke 2:35). Let us pray that the Mother of God will meet our souls at the hour of our death, and will contrive that we receive the Holy Mysteries with our last breath, and will lead our souls through the terrible torments.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Troparion, Tone I: Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos full of grace, for from thee hath shone forth the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening them that are in dark­ness. Be glad thou also, O righteous elder, who receivest in thine arms the Deliverer of our souls, Who granteth us Resurrection.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, grant me with my last breath to partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ and do thou thyself lead my soul through the terrible ordeals [of the toll-houses].

Seventh decade: Let us remember the flight of the Mother of God with the God-Child into Egypt. Let us pray that the Mother of God will help us avoid temptation in this life and deliver us from misfortunes.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Kontakion, Tone VIII: To thee, the Champion Leader, we, thy servants, dedicate a feast of victory and of thanksgiving, as ones rescued out of sufferings, O Theotokos; but as thou art one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be do thou deliver us, that we may cry to thee: Rejoice, thou Bride unwedded!
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, let me not be led into temptation in this life and deliver me from all misfortunes.

Eighth decade: Let us remember the disappearance of the twelve-year old boy Jesus in Jerusalem and the sorrow of the Mother of God on this account. Let us pray, begging the Mother of God on this account.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Troparion, Tone 7: Receive me who sighest, O Lord, since Thou art merciful, and have mercy on me as the publican, through the intercession of Thy Mother.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, Most-Pure Virgin Mary, grant me to pray unceasingly the Jesus Prayer.

Ninth decade: Let us remember the miracle performed in Cana of Galilee, when the Lord turned water into wine at the words of the Mother of God: They have no wine (John 2:3). Let us ask the Mother of God for help in our affairs and deliverance from need.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Troparion, Tone 3: Overwhelmed in the abyss of life, we have a haven of salvation in thee, O Mother of God. Do thou save from all trouble those who flee to thy goodness.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, help me in every enterprise and deliver me from all needs and sorrows.

Tenth decade: Let us remember the Mother of God standing at the Cross of the Lord, when grief pierced through her heart like a sword. Let us pray to the Mother of God for the strengthening of our souls and the banishment of despondency

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Troparion, Tone 6: Weep not for me, O Mother, seeing in the tomb the Son conceived in the womb without seed, for I shall arise and be glorified: as God I shall exalt with glory-unceasing those who with faith and love magnify thee.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, Blessed Virgin Mary, strengthen my spiritual fortitude and drive despondency far from me.

Eleventh decade: Let us remember the Resurrection of Christ and ask the Mother of God in prayer to resurrect our souls and give us a new courage for spiritual feats.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Tone V: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, resurrect my soul and grant me constant readiness for spiritual contest [podvig].

Twelfth decade: Let us remember the Ascension of Christ, at which the Mother of God was present. Let us pray and ask the Queen of Heaven to raise up our souls from earthly and worldly amusements and direct them to striving for higher things.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Troparion, Tone IV: Thou didst ascend into glory, O Christ our God, having gladdened Thy disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. And this blessing convinced them that Thou art the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, deliver me from vain thoughts and grant me a mind and a heart that strives for the salvation of the soul.

Thirteenth decade: Let us remember the Upper Room and the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and the Mother of God. Let us pray: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me (Psalm 50).

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Troparion, Tone VIII: Blessed art Thou, Christ our God, Who didst make the fishermen wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them didst draw the world into Thy net. O Lover of mankind, glory to Thee.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, send down into my heart and strengthen within it the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Fourteenth decade: Let us remember the Dormition of the Blessed Mother of God, and ask for a peaceful and serene end.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Troparion, Tone I: In giving birth thou didst preserve thy virginity, and in thy falling asleep thou hast not forsaken the world, O Theotokos. Thou hast been, translated to life, as thou art the Mother of Life. And by thy supplications thou dost deliver our souls from death.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, grant me a peaceful and serene ending to my life.

Fifteenth decade: Let us remember the glory of the Mother of God, with which the Lord crowned her after her removal from earth to heaven. Let us pray to the Queen of Heaven not to abandon the faithful who are on earth but to defend them from every evil, covering them with her honourable Protecting Veil.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Troparion, Tone IV: Overshadowed by thy coming, O Mother of God, we the right faithful people, cel­ebrate today with splendour, and gazing at thine all-precious image, we say with compunction: Cover us with thy precious omophorion, and deliver us from all evil, entreating thy Son, Christ our God, that He save our souls.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, save me from all evil and cover me with Thy Most-Honourable Omophorion.

Rejoice, O Mother of God!

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We magnify thee, O all-holy Virgin, divinely elect Maiden, and we honour thy holy image, whereby thou pourest forth healings upon all who have recourse to it.

What a momentous few days it has been, with the great blessing of the Hawaiian-Iveron myrrh-streaming icon of the Mother of God to Cardiff and Chippenham: days of much travelling and little sleep, but immeasurable joy for those involved.

The icon’s late arrival in Cardiff was due to the throngs of the faithful – four hundred people or more – who flocked to Lazarica, to pray and venerate the Icon in Bournville.

Though the lateness in Cardiff was a challenge, knowing that so many had been able to gather to honour the Mother of God in St Lazar’s was a great joy. We pray for the blessing and grace of the Mother of God to pour forth upon Father Nenad, the Serbian Orthodox parish faithful, and the constant flow of pilgrims who make their way to Lazarica to venerate the Hilandarska-Trojerucica Icon.

The Icon did not arrive in Cardiff until 19:30, and in the vastness of the Oratory Church, it was difficult to ascertain the numbers of pilgrims until the veneration, when we realised that there were several hundred faithful gathered to pray and receive the blessing of the Mother of God. We were pleased to have Father Sorin with us, and to welcome Father Youhanis, the Coptic priest from Risca.  

It was lovely to see that the Mother of God was greeted and honoured with so many flowers, and their remaining presence in the Oratory Church now is a testimony to the love of the faithful for the Theotokos.

Though the myrrh was less abundant than the following morning, people commented that it could be smelled in the street outside and the environs of the Oratory Church. I look forward to the offering of the “Rule of the Mother of God” / «Богородичное правило» in St Alban’s this afternoon, as a sort of “after-feast” for the icon’s visit.

Wednesday started with the Icon visiting our senior sister’s house, where the clergy had breakfast, before a brief visit to Chippenham, and during the course of the meal the Icon streanmed much myrrh, which soaked the cloth beneath it, so that we were able to soak it up with our prayer ropes and lots of cotton wool. The fragrance greeted us, when we finally arrived back in Cardiff and sat down for supper in the late evening.

It was a short, but welcome visit that brought the blessing of the Mother of God to Chippenham, where Father Nectarios chanted a moleben, before the faithful venerated the icon and were anointed with myrrh.

We were blessed to have a group of young people with us, and after the departure of the icon, the day was treated as a feast day with a meal and afternoon of conversation. I was pleased to hear that after we departed, the day continued in Chippenham with the chanting of the akathist.Immense thanks to those who chanted, served, cooked, cleaned brought vast amounts of flowers and submitted names for commemoration, which we will continue to commemorate the names submitted in prayers to the Mother of God this week, and to all who came to honour the Mother of God.

Our gratitude must especially be directed to the Oratorians, especially to Brother Francis Xavier, who stayed up very late, as we did not lock up and leave St Alban’s until after midnight. May the blessing of the Mother of God give him and his brethren strength.

Our hope and prayer is that the visit of the icon of the Mother of God will bring strength, help and consolation to all who came to honour the Queen of Heaven, and that whether their prayers are answered or not, their Faith is fortified and love for her increased!

O most glorious Lady, Queen of heaven and earth, Virgin Theotokos! Falling down now before thy precious icon, with compunction in our hearts we give voice to this, our meager entreaty; for we are unprofitable servants who deserve condemnation, yet hope to find mercy through thine almighty mediation before the Judge. We believe and trust, O Mistress, that thy Son, Who desireth not death of sinners, will hearken to thy mediation, and have now been informed of this by the wondrous sign of myrrh streaming from thy holy icon, from whence thou hast poured forth healings in abundance upon all who with love and faith have recourse unto thee. Wherefore, we cry out to thee with tears: Have pity on our wretchedness, forgive us our unfaithfulness, break thou the arrogance of our pride, dispel the numbness of our hardened hearts, regard the sighing of those beset by despondency, and make us chaste by the expectation of future reward. And grant, O Lady, that our Church may stand unshakably in the Truth and a goodly increase in love. Protect us from all the wiles of the demons and the vain beliefs of the heretics, and gather the scattered faithful together, that all who glorify thee in Orthodox manner on earth may also be vouchsafed to glorify with song in the heavens the most worshipful name of the Holy Trinity and thy merciful aid to us, unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Parish News – 11th November

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Dear brothers and sisters,

Many thanks to all who contributed to yesterday’s parish celebration of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, following Monday’s celebration of the feast on its proper date.

It was lovely to celebrate the feast in the Oratory on Monday, even though most people were unable to be with us, hence Sunday’s continuing parish celebration, with a longer chance to spend time together after Liturgy.

It was lovely to have Father Mark, Alla and Yuriy back, with Father’s presence freeing me to help on the kliros.

We look forward to our Marian celebrations continuing with tomorrow’s arrival of the Wonderworking Hawaiian-Iveron Icon of the Mother of God in Cardiff, after a parish visit to Pontypool.

Whilst understanding the unpredictability of evening traffic, we will be ready to greet the icon at 18:30 at the doors of the Oratory Church, Swinton St, Cardiff CF24 2NT.

We will the chant the moleben to the Mother of God, and you are invited to submit names for commemoration by the clergy throughout the service, and it would be helpful for you to prepare clearly written or printed lists in advance. Please let us know the names of the Orthodox sick, for Hierodeacon Avraamy to commemorate in the litanies.

There will be a collection basket for the Hawaiian Icon Association next to the icon, and we ask the faithful  to be generous in their support for the grace-filled visits of the icon throughout the world. 

You are also invited to remember the Oratory Church in your giving, being mindful that this event is not isolated, but indicative of the hospitality that the Oratorians show to the Orthodox faithful week after week, as we gather to pray and serve in St Alban’s, surrounded by such warmth, generosity and kindness.

On its eastward progress, the Wonderworking Icon will stop to Chippenham on Wednesday morning, making a station there for a moleben and veneration at Masha’s home around 10:30.

It was only yesterday that the parishioners of St John’s were informed that we will be leaving, and this was a cause of sadness for some of them, and emotional upset for one parishioner (who has been very supportive of our presence), who was comforted and reassured by Father Mark the Younger. We are very grateful for the immense warmth and kindness that has been shown by rank and file parishioners. It is unfortunate that the explanation for our departure hides behind “orders from above” and seeks to absolve and exonerate the West Cardiff Ministry team of any responsibility for their actions, and of the fact that our move back was with the support and encouragement of their lead minister, whose judgment and authority were trusted, to our cost and disadvantage. Our thoughts are with those who have been so kind and generous to us.

Our parish committee is waiting to hopefully view a property owned by the now defunct Free Serbian Orthodox parish. Due to charity regulation, this property, in Ely will go to auction, but we are very interested to see it. We know there are structural issues, and need to ascertain the degree to which this affects the building and its use. Several other possible buildings are being explored for hire.

We must pray fervently for our parish and its future, and increase our prayers, so that our present trials bring us closer to God: tomorrow being a prime opportunity to pray together.

As we have said on WhatsApp, some of our sisters are offering prayers to the Mother of God every evening at 20:00, praying the much loved prayer – 

Ца­ри́­це моя́ Преблага́я, На­де́ж­до моя́, Бо­го­ро́­ди­це, При­я́те­ли­ще си́­рых и стра́н­ных Предста́тельнице, скор­бя́­щих Ра́­дос­те, оби́­ди­мых Покрови́тельнице! Зри́ши мою́ беду́, зри́ши мою́ скорбь; помози́ ми, я́ко не́мощну, окорми́ мя, я́ко стра́нна! Оби́ду мою́ ве́­си, разреши́ ту, я́ко во́лиши: яко не и́мам ины́я по́­мо­щи, ра́­зве Те­бе́, ни ины́я Предста́тельницы, ни благи́я Уте́шительницы, то́кмо Те­бе́, о Бо­го­ма́­ти! Я́ко да сохрани́ши мя и покры́еши во ве́­ки ве­ко́в. Ами́нь.

O my most blessed Queen, O Theotokos my hope, guardian of orphans, intercessor for strangers, joy of the sorrowful, protectress of the wronged: Thou seest my misfortune, thou seest mine affliction; help me, for I am weak; feed me, for I am a stranger. Thou knowest mine offence: Absolve it as thou wilt, for I have no other help beside thee, no other intercessor, nor good consoler, except thee, O Mother of God. Do thou preserve and protect me unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Please consider joining them, or joining your voice in offering prayers to the Mother of God, in honour of her Kursk Root Icon, or to St John the Wonderworker. In addition to the akathists available online, I posted an English language canon to St John earlier today: 

https://russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com/a-canon-to-st-john-the-wonderworker

After the icon visits, Thursday will see a service at 15:00 in the Oratory Church, and I will then hear confessions either side of the service, as well as hearing evening confessions in Nazareth House.

Saturday will see the clergy fulfil their monthly obedience in serving the Liturgy in Cheltenham, and the faithful there would very much like to welcome Cardiff parishioners. Given that virtually none of them drive, they are rather cut off and isolated, but always keenly ask about the Cardiff faithful that have supported them over the years.

This month’s quite simple pilgrimage will see us visit the ancient Christian sites of St Cadoc’s and Merthyr Dyfan in Barry, and I would appreciate an indication of who will be able to attend to help decide what services will be celebrated. Please let me know as soon as possible.

May I ask your prayers for the newly departed Nikola, and for the Sesević family, as arrangements are made for Nikola’s funeral in Newport, next week.

In Christ – Hieromonk Mark

A Canon to St John the Wonderworker

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Some of our parishioners, who are praying the akathist to St John the Wonderworker for the intention of our parish, after the news of its eviction from St John’s by the (Anglican) Local Ministry Team, have asked for a canon to pray to the great wonderworker, for his help.

The following canon was published by our late Bishop Alexander of Buenos Aires, and, I believe, is the one written by Father Seraphim (Rose) of Platina.

A Canon to St John the Wonderworker Tone 2, the Acrostic wherewith is: Holy John, Wonderworker of the latter times.

Ode I, Irmos: Having traversed the depths of the Red Sea with dry-shod feet, Israel of old vanquished the might of Amalek in the wilderness by Moses’ arms stretched out in the form of the Cross.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Help me, O Christ my Lord, to praise with purity of heart Thy blessed servant John, whose life of unceasing labour and prayer Thou hast revealed to us as both a reproof and a source of inspiration for our feeble faith.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

O Hierarch John, Thou art a lamp that shineth forth out of the dark apostasy of our evil times, beckoning us to follow Thee out of the nether chaos of our passions and to abide with Thee in Christ the Light that dieth not.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Love for the all-wise and all-compassionate God, the simple Unity in Trinity, did give Thee both the divine wisdom of the great Elders of ancient times and the simple guilelessness of a child, O blessed John, enabling Thee to touch countless souls with the grace bestowed upon Thee.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Young, defenceless orphans flock to Thee, the old and infirm beg consolation from Thee, and all we who have fallen into sin seek the healing balm of Thy heavenly intercession. Holy Hierarch John, saint and wonderworker in our midst, pray for us.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

John Thou didst behold prostrated before Thy sacred images, praying alone in the deep hours of the night warring with sleep and keeping constant vigilance over his soul. O blessed Mother of God, warm our hearts that we too may pour out such ardent love for Thee.

Ode III, Irmos: By establishing me on the rock of faith, Thou hast enlarged my mouth over my enemies, and my spirit rejoiceth when I sing: there is none holy as our God, and none righteous beside Thee, O Lord.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

O blessed one, Thou didst have as Thy ancestor a saint, whose name Thou wast given as a monk. Truly did his spirit rest upon Thee, for Thou didst become, like the great John of Tobolsk, a holy hierarch, a zealous missionary to foreign lands, and a miracle-worker even after Thy repose.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Having the heavenly saints as Thy instructors, Thou wast as a child taught the life of ascetic struggle and unconquerable faith in Christ. Preferring this learning above all other, Thou didst become an earnest student of Orthodox sanctity.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Never ceasing to nourish Thy soul with the Lives of Saints, Thou didst carefully study their every thought, word and action, thereby perceiving their otherworldly mind and spirit and acquiring these for thyself: for indeed Thou didst become like Thy instructors, a saint by whom God is glorified.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

When a child in Kharkov, the blessed John devoutly prayed before Thine Ilyetskaya icon. O Sovereign Lady, cleanse our unclean hearts and grant us such childlike faith.

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone 2: Who can fathom the mysterious ways of sanctity? Who can perceive the celestial beauty of Thy life enshrouded in the garments of humility? Thou, O John. wast illumined by the Light that came into the world, and the world knew it not. (Twice).

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

O Queen of Heaven, Thou abidest now with all the saints whom Thou didst strengthen and console during their sojourn on earth. And behold! A new saint is among them, the righteous John, praising Christ with Thee forever.

Ode IV, Irmos: From a Virgin didst Thou come, not as an ambassador nor as an angel, but the very Lord Himself incarnate, and didst save me, the whole man. Wherefore I cry to Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Lord.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

O holy Hierarch, Thou wast sent as a shepherd at Christ’s flock to Shanghai, where Thou didst become known as a wonderworker and healer of diseases, a great ascetic who gavest no repose or comfort to the temple of Thy body, but rather sanctified it through the constant work of prayer.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Neglecting no opportunity of helping those in need, Thou didst boldly walk through the slums and dark alleys of Shanghai, gathering sick and starving orphans and providing them with Thy fatherly protection. Do Thou take us, too, under Thy care.

Deliverer of the oppressed, Thou didst see no separation between Thy good works and Thy constant prayers, for in both didst Thou serve God and raise people from the mire of suffering.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Ever following the injunctions of Christ, Thou didst feed Him when He was hungry, take Him in when He was homeless, clothe Him when He was naked, visit Him when He was sick and in prison: for in everyone didst Thou see His divine image.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Receive our prayers, O Mother of God, as Thou didst once receive the prayers of the blessed John while he served in the Shanghai Cathedral dedicated to Thee, the Surety of Sinners, and besought Thee to save those languishing in sin and Sorrow.

Ode V, Irmos: Thou Who art the light of those lying in darkness, and the salvation of the hopeless, O Christ my Saviour, I rise early to pray to Thee, O King of peace, Enlighten me with Thy radiance, for I know no other God beside Thee.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

When Thou didst bring Thy flock to the Philippine Islands, O Hierarch John, Thou didst show thyself to be a new Moses, leading Thy people out of bondage and always trusting in the protection of the merciful God.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

O protector of those in danger and tribulation, through Thy holy prayers Thou didst deliver Thy flock on the island from certain destruction, averting the violent typhoons even as Thy Master Christ calmed the stormy waters of Galilee.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Revealing from East to West, from the remote corners of the world, the glory with which God doth endow His saints, Thou didst allow no earthly distance to hinder Thy heavenly ministry. Even now, from where space is effortlessly traversed by the angelic powers, come to our aid and bring our petitions before the Lord.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Keeping vigil on a remote island, the blessed John prayed before Thy wondrously renewed icon. O Thou Who art the Quencher of Sorrow and the relief of affliction, we run to Thy motherly protection and tell the burdens of our hearts.

Ode VI, Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, I appeal to the unfathomable abyss of Thy compassion: from corruption raise me up, O God.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Endeavouring to find refuge for Thy flock, who had no secure place whereon to lay their heads, Thou didst bring them under Thy mantle to the New World. Let us likewise find refuge in Thy prayers.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Reaching then the land wherein the ancient ascetics of Gaul attained to holiness, Thou didst once more grace it with the presence of a saint, returning the French people to the Orthodox and apostolic faith, and tirelessly labouring to ground them on the firm Rock of salvation.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Of all the saints, both of East and West, wast Thou an ardent disciple, O holy Hierarch; wherefore, in Thy travels Thou didst learn of the saints of different lands, introducing the faithful to yet more residents of the heavenly mansions, with whom Thou art now glorified.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Foretelling future events, seeing mystically within the hearts of men, hearing prayers and thoughts across great distances, Thou wast shown to be in the presence of the realm beyond earthly limitations, amazing all who had eyes to see and moving them to greater faith and devotion.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Thou gavest birth to Him who gave me life, O Most Pure Virgin. Let me not squander this gift by desiring that which endeth in death, but like our blessed John let me seek that fountain which springeth up into everlasting life, Thy Son Christ our God.

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 VIII: Chosen Wonderworker and superb servant of Christ, who pourest out in the latter times, inexhaustible streams of inspiration and multitudes of miracles. We pray thee with love and call out to thee, O holy hierarch John, Wonderworker of the latter times.

Ode VII, Irmos: When the golden image was worshipped in the plain of Dura, Thy three children despised the godless order, thrown into the fire they were bedewed and sang: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Having purified thyself in Thy work of prayer, O holy one, Thou wast deemed worthy to behold the ineffable light that cometh directly from God. Surrounded by the uncreated essence of Divinity, Thou wast lifted above the earth, knowing the bliss of wordless prayer, of the silence of the future age.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Elder in the tradition of the desert saints of Thy native Russia. seer of the heart and well-spring of God-revealed counsel, Thou wast sent at a time when men of Thy stature had disappeared from the face of the earth. In Thee we see precious gift from God and thus do honour Thy words of wisdom.

Leaving behind the vain wisdom of this world, Thou didst choose the foolishness of God which is wiser than men, and thus wast Thou chosen of Him to confound the prudent and mighty, bringing to naught their carnal understanding. Marvelling at His ways past speech, we cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Awe and wonder are born in us as we behold Thy life, O blessed one, for Thou wast both a wise teacher of theology and a Fool for Christ’s sake, a hierarch and a humble servant of the poor. Thou was a compassionate friend of all, yet was alone with God in the secret chambers of Thy spirit.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The blessed John did always wear Thy Optina icon upon his heart, O Most Holy Virgin: likewise let us always remember Thee in the tabernacles of our hearts, for Thou art the sacred Tabernacle which did wondrously bear God.

Ode VIII, Irmos: O ye work, praise the Lord God, Who descended into the fiery furnace with the Hebrew children and changed the flame into dew, and supremely exalt Him unto all ages.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Thy flock of Shanghai rejoiced at they return to them in America, where Thou didst end Thy days as an unrelenting champion of Orthodoxy, experiencing sorrows from those who despised Thee for Thy holy life, yet meeting Thy false accusers with the meekness made invincible through Christ.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Even as Thy great ascetic preceptors did teach Thee, Thou didst know the love of God as suffering of heart endured in the spirit of devotion, and didst call out in Thine hour of trial: O ye works, praise the Lord God, and supremely exalt Him unto all ages.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Rare are those who can go on the narrow and rugged path that Thou hast trod. O saint, for in Thy sorrows Thou didst with courage place Thy trust only in God, being tested like gold in the forge and thereby entering the celestial habitations purified in spirit.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

To Thee, O Joy of All Who Sorrow, the ever-present recourse of the blessed John in his tribulations, we cry with faith: grant us that spiritual joy which is undiminished in adversity.

Ode IX, Irmos: God the Word, Who came forth from god, and who by ineffable wisdom came to renew Adam after his grievous fall to corruption through eating, and who ineffably took flesh from the holy virgin for our sake, him do we the faithful with one accord magnify with hymns.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

In a divine manner was Thy soul’s departure known beforehand to Thee, and Thou didst prepare to meet the mystical Bridegroom, Christ, to Whom Thou dost not cease to pray for us sinners.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Marvelling at the death of a newly manifested saint, Thy flock did find their sorrow turned to gladness, feeling the victorious joy of Pascha and glorifying God for giving them a new intercessor in heaven.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Even after Thy blessed repose Thou dost grant instruction, healing and consolation to all who come to Thee, O blessed John. As Thou dost now give miraculous help to the blind, sick and sorrowing, so also pour the healing balm of Thy prayers on us who bear the wounds of sin.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Silently praying before the Kursk Icon of God’s Mother, the new apostle John departed from earth to paradise. And let us, knowing not the hour of the end of our sojourn here, offer such heartfelt devotion to Her who reigns with the King of glory.

Troparion, Tone VI: Glorious apostle to an age of coldness and unbelief, invested with the grace-filled power of the saints of old, divinely-illumined seer of heavenly mysteries, feeder of orphans, hope of the hopeless, Thou didst enkindle on earth the fire of love for Christ upon the dark eve of the day of judgment; pray now that this sacred flame may also rise from our hearts.

The Canon to the Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred of Wessex

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St. Alfred (born 849) was King of Wessex from 886 until his death on October 26 899. He was the fifth son of his father, Æthelwulf, and never expected to become king. He loved learning and loved the Lord Jesus Christ, and most likely looked forward to a life of contemplation in the Church. Such was not to be his fate.

He was thrust into kingship at the age of 22, during a time of near-constant serious threat from the heathen Viking Danes. Through much hardship and wise preparation, he defeated Guthrum the Dane in a decisive battle, ending the Viking threat for many years. As a term of the surrender, Guthrum received Holy Baptism as Æthelstan, along with 30 of his jarls (Danish noblemen), with Alfred himself standing as godfather to Guthrum and his men. This is an example of the justice and mercy of the saint, as he showed care for the souls of not only his own people, but his former enemies.

When he was finally able to rule in peace, he began a program of education, requiring that all of his Thegns and Aldermen (nobility) learn to read and write, and that all freemen of England teach their sons the same. He personally translated Boethius’ “Consolation of Philosophy” and St. Gregory’s “On Pastoral Care,” among many other books, and had them propagated throughout his land, spreading the light of holy knowledge to all his people.

The Canon of the Saint, Tone VIII

Feast Day: November 8, 2024 / October 26

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

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

O Thou, the King of heaven, through the entreaties of Thy favourite Alfred, Who sought wisdom and truth from his youth up and took consolation in psalms and prayers, free my lowly soul from sin.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

As one who loved the kingdom on high, O great Alfred the Wise, England’s Shepherd and England’s Darling, believing with a pure mind and loving God’s saints, thou dost worship and preach the King and Master of all.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Illumined by the divine light, O righteous Alfred, thou knewest that true nobility is in the mind and so rebuilt a House of Wisdom, most sincerely entrusting thyself to the King of the ages and teaching thy people the commandments of Christ.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Sovereign Lady, thou portal of the divine Dayspring, open to me the door of repentance and by thine intercession deliver me from the gates of deadly sin.

Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, Shaper 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, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Striving to receive heavenly rewards, O right-believing Alfred, thou hast followed Him Who called thee, in no wise being tempted by the demon darkness of the heathen, but becoming a beacon of light unto them through the divine Spirit.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Having cleaved unto Christ and set all thy hope on Him, thou, O wise King, hast shown that true greatness is in forgiveness, thus attaining the heavenly kingdom, granted unto us by the All-good God through His all-pure sufferings.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Burning with faith, O blessed one, thou hast shown forth the Wisdom of God by bearing thy cross, the weapon of salvation, the invincible victory, the hope of all Christians and ever the glory of thy land.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Having fallen from heavenly citizenship, O all- pure one, I have become like unto a wild beast and am wholly condemned, O thou who gavest birth to the Judge, save me from all condemnation.

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

Sessional hymn of the saint, Tone VIII: Having yearned for the kingdom of heaven and beheld its beauty in creation, thou wast taught the mysteries of the Lord of all. The Cross shone forth in thy midst, signifying that thou shouldst conquer therein. Therefore, the eyes of thy soul opened, O wise Alfred, beseech Christ our God that He may grant remission of sins to those who with love celebrate thy holy memory. Twice

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

Theotokion: Having conceived the Wisdom and Word in thy womb not being consumed, thou, O Mother of God, gavest birth for the world to Him Who sustains the world, and didst bear in thine arms Him Who upholds all things, the Creator of all. Therefore, O most holy Virgin, I beseech thee and glorify thee with faith, that I may be delivered from transgressions and on the day of judgement, when I stand before the face of my Maker, grant me thine aid, O pure Virgin and Sovereign Lady.

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

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Christ the Lord granted thee holy baptism and instructed thee from childhood through thy noble and godly parents, teaching thee, O wise Alfred, to worship Him as the only King, so preparing thee for kingship both on earth and in heaven.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Christ the Sun of Righteousness enlightened thee, O righteous Alfred, with His most bright grace, revealing thee, together with thy companion the holy King Edmund, as a valiant warrior and beacon of light to the benighted heathen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Thou, O blessed one, wast God-loving in nature and right wondrous in thy divine works, therefore this little island has brought forth a great man, a new David who overcame a new Goliath, and thee do we glorify with faith.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Ever-virgin who gavest birth to the Sun of righteousness, enlighten my soul which has been darkened by sin.

Ode V, Irmos: Waking at dawn, we cry unto Thee: Save us, O Lord! For Thou art our God, and we know none other than Thee.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Having risen at dawn to the never-waning Sun and Master, O learned Alfred, thou wast filled with light, keeping fast and feast, preaching the faith and restoring the Church, and so wisdom has taken the place of the sword.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Arrayed in love and justice as a robe of royal purple, thou becamest a law-giver like unto Moses, teaching the commandments of Christ and establishing His word as law in the King’s English, and now thou hast gone to dwell in the kingdom on high.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

O Alfred, unshakeable pillar of the English Church and people, thou hast joined the choirs of the saints, having trampled down Odin and all his demons underfoot, pleasing the White Christ by thy virtuous works and words.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Cleanse my soul, which has been defiled by fleshly pleasures through the treachery of the serpent, O Virgin.

Ode VI, Irmos: I pour forth my prayer unto the Lord and to Him I declare my sorrow; for my soul is full of evil and my life has drawn nigh unto hell, and like Jonah I pray unto Thee: Lead me up from corruption, O God!

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Thou didst gather the faithful remnants of the Church together, O righteous Alfred, and through them didst calm the storm-tossed hearts of all and return them to the fold together with the newly baptised, glorifying the Word and Wisdom of God; so gather us together in these latter times anew.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Having believed in the White Christ Who grants life to all, thou, O wise Alfred, didst make the heathen to spurn the worship of Odin and receive the kingdom of heaven with joy; so help us in these latter times to trample down the old demons anew.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Guided by Thy hand, O Word, through Thee the King brought the heathen to cast aside the deepest darkness of ignorance and the tempest of cruel godlessness, and come unto the calm havens of piety with joy; so in these latter times bring us unto the calm havens of piety with joy anew.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O holy Maiden, heal my heart, which has fallen sick, grievously wounded by the sting of the evil one, and by thine entreaties vouchsafe healing unto me and save me who trust in thee, O all-pure 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 of the saint, Tone II: Today the wise Alfred glorifies the White Christ among his faithful people and so builds a House of Wisdom. Therein he puts to shame all the heathen, showing the Cross to be the greatest weapon of kings against all enemies. Pray for us, O righteous one, and build a House of Wisdom among us today that there we may glorify the White Christ anew. For this great battle standard has appeared for our sakes and for our salvation.

Ikos: Today let us honour the great Alfred, for, hearing the words of David, he recognised the three parts of the Cross in the cedar, the pine and the cypress, in which the suffering of the Saviour was accomplished. And, victorious, he set it before all the heathen, that they might bend their necks before the Son of God, accepting illumination from the Church of God. For this great battle standard has appeared for our sakes and for our salvation.

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

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Keeping Thy precepts, the peace-loving Alfred submitted to Thy law and has given this law to all. In this wise he has vanquished the heathen hordes, knowing that the only true conquest is the conquest of the heart, crying out to Thee: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God!

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Thy Cross, which has drawn all from the pit of destruction, O right-believing Alfred, has been revealed as the vanquisher of the demons forever and the salvation and glory and greatness of our land.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

By godly works thou hast made thy heart into a temple of God, O greatly loved Alfred, and didst likewise build sacred churches for Him, making one thy land and becoming the first of the Kings of the English.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Committing sins by my will and enslaved by shameful habits, now do I flee to thy habitual loving-kindness, O all-holy Sovereign Lady, save me who am in despair!

Ode VIII, Irmos: In his folly the Chaldean tyrant heated the furnace sevenfold for the pious youths; 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 above all for all ages!

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Adorned in a raiment of loving-kindness and goodly meekness, thou, O wise Alfred, wast crowned with a mind great in the virtues; and having been translated from earth to the kingdom on high, thou criest: Ye priests, bless; ye people, exalt Christ above all forever!

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Beholding thee in joy in the kingdom of God, O righteous Alfred, we magnify Christ Who has revealed thine honoured festival, which, brighter than the rays of the sun enlightens us who sing with faith: Ye people, exalt Christ above all forever!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Wise is thy desire and godly is thy cast of mind, O wise Alfred, thou boast of kings. For having restored thy people to the true faith, thou didst adorn thy land with fair churches, crying: Ye people, exalt Christ above all forever!

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Birthgiver of God, enlighten the eyes of my soul which have been blinded by my many transgressions; grant peace to my mind and heart, which have been vexed by divers temptations, I pray thee, and save me who cry: Ye priests, bless; ye people, exalt the pure one above all for all ages!

Ode IX, Irmos: Heaven was awe-struck and the ends of the earth were amazed, that God appeared in the flesh and thy womb became more spacious than the heavens. Therefore, the ranks of men and angels magnify thee as the Birthgiver of God.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Thy memory inspires all who honour thee, O wise Alfred, and from thy capital in Winchester that is saved by God, the House of Alfred became the House of England, as the holy Cuthbert foretold thee, driving away the darkness of divers passions and enlightening those who praise thee with the never-waning light.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Having finished thy life in holiness, now thou dwellest with the saints, full of holiness and wisdom. Therefore, as once before thou didst restore the faith of the White Christ to thy land, O blessed Alfred, revelation to the latter times, pray to Christ our God that the true faith may be restored in this land once more.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

O immortal King from everlasting, Thou hast vouchsafed Thy heavenly kingdom to the righteous Alfred, whom of old Thou didst grant to reign piously on earth and who loved Thee in purity together with his holy family. By his supplications have mercy on us all, O Lord.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Having conceived, thou gavest birth to the King and Creator of all, O Virgin. And, lo! as a Queen now dost thou stand at His right hand. Therefore, I beseech thee: at the hour of judgement deliver me from standing on the left side and number me with the sheep on the right side.

Troparion, Tone IV: Hearkening to the White Christ, thou camest forth from thy flood-girt fastness to overcome the heathen and lead them forth to holy baptism. Thou didst build churches, strongholds, shires and swift ships, restoring the law of God and making thyself beloved of all. O wise King and glory of free England, who reignest in the Winchester of the heavenly England, thou who didst vanquish heathendom by Christendom, establish anew the Orthodox Faith in thy land that we may glorify God, Who alone made thee great.

 

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

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

O Thou, the King of heaven, through the entreaties of Thy favourite Alfred, Who sought wisdom and truth from his youth up and took consolation in psalms and prayers, free my lowly soul from sin.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

As one who loved the kingdom on high, O great Alfred the Wise, England’s Shepherd and England’s Darling, believing with a pure mind and loving God’s saints, thou dost worship and preach the King and Master of all.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Illumined by the divine light, O righteous Alfred, thou knewest that true nobility is in the mind and so rebuilt a House of Wisdom, most sincerely entrusting thyself to the King of the ages and teaching thy people the commandments of Christ.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Sovereign Lady, thou portal of the divine Dayspring, open to me the door of repentance and by thine intercession deliver me from the gates of deadly sin.

Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, Shaper 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, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Striving to receive heavenly rewards, O right-believing Alfred, thou hast followed Him Who called thee, in no wise being tempted by the demon darkness of the heathen, but becoming a beacon of light unto them through the divine Spirit.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Having cleaved unto Christ and set all thy hope on Him, thou, O wise King, hast shown that true greatness is in forgiveness, thus attaining the heavenly kingdom, granted unto us by the All-good God through His all-pure sufferings.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Burning with faith, O blessed one, thou hast shown forth the Wisdom of God by bearing thy cross, the weapon of salvation, the invincible victory, the hope of all Christians and ever the glory of thy land.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Having fallen from heavenly citizenship, O all- pure one, I have become like unto a wild beast and am wholly condemned, O thou who gavest birth to the Judge, save me from all condemnation.

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

Sessional hymn of the saint, Tone VIII: Having yearned for the kingdom of heaven and beheld its beauty in creation, thou wast taught the mysteries of the Lord of all. The Cross shone forth in thy midst, signifying that thou shouldst conquer therein. Therefore, the eyes of thy soul opened, O wise Alfred, beseech Christ our God that He may grant remission of sins to those who with love celebrate thy holy memory. Twice

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

Theotokion: Having conceived the Wisdom and Word in thy womb not being consumed, thou, O Mother of God, gavest birth for the world to Him Who sustains the world, and didst bear in thine arms Him Who upholds all things, the Creator of all. Therefore, O most holy Virgin, I beseech thee and glorify thee with faith, that I may be delivered from transgressions and on the day of judgement, when I stand before the face of my Maker, grant me thine aid, O pure Virgin and Sovereign Lady.

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

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Christ the Lord granted thee holy baptism and instructed thee from childhood through thy noble and godly parents, teaching thee, O wise Alfred, to worship Him as the only King, so preparing thee for kingship both on earth and in heaven.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Christ the Sun of Righteousness enlightened thee, O righteous Alfred, with His most bright grace, revealing thee, together with thy companion the holy King Edmund, as a valiant warrior and beacon of light to the benighted heathen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Thou, O blessed one, wast God-loving in nature and right wondrous in thy divine works, therefore this little island has brought forth a great man, a new David who overcame a new Goliath, and thee do we glorify with faith.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Ever-virgin who gavest birth to the Sun of righteousness, enlighten my soul which has been darkened by sin.

Ode V, Irmos: Waking at dawn, we cry unto Thee: Save us, O Lord! For Thou art our God, and we know none other than Thee.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Having risen at dawn to the never-waning Sun and Master, O learned Alfred, thou wast filled with light, keeping fast and feast, preaching the faith and restoring the Church, and so wisdom has taken the place of the sword.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Arrayed in love and justice as a robe of royal purple, thou becamest a law-giver like unto Moses, teaching the commandments of Christ and establishing His word as law in the King’s English, and now thou hast gone to dwell in the kingdom on high.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

O Alfred, unshakeable pillar of the English Church and people, thou hast joined the choirs of the saints, having trampled down Odin and all his demons underfoot, pleasing the White Christ by thy virtuous works and words.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Cleanse my soul, which has been defiled by fleshly pleasures through the treachery of the serpent, O Virgin.

Ode VI, Irmos: I pour forth my prayer unto the Lord and to Him I declare my sorrow; for my soul is full of evil and my life has drawn nigh unto hell, and like Jonah I pray unto Thee: Lead me up from corruption, O God!

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Thou didst gather the faithful remnants of the Church together, O righteous Alfred, and through them didst calm the storm-tossed hearts of all and return them to the fold together with the newly baptised, glorifying the Word and Wisdom of God; so gather us together in these latter times anew.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Having believed in the White Christ Who grants life to all, thou, O wise Alfred, didst make the heathen to spurn the worship of Odin and receive the kingdom of heaven with joy; so help us in these latter times to trample down the old demons anew.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Guided by Thy hand, O Word, through Thee the King brought the heathen to cast aside the deepest darkness of ignorance and the tempest of cruel godlessness, and come unto the calm havens of piety with joy; so in these latter times bring us unto the calm havens of piety with joy anew.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O holy Maiden, heal my heart, which has fallen sick, grievously wounded by the sting of the evil one, and by thine entreaties vouchsafe healing unto me and save me who trust in thee, O all-pure 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 of the saint, Tone II: Today the wise Alfred glorifies the White Christ among his faithful people and so builds a House of Wisdom. Therein he puts to shame all the heathen, showing the Cross to be the greatest weapon of kings against all enemies. Pray for us, O righteous one, and build a House of Wisdom among us today that there we may glorify the White Christ anew. For this great battle standard has appeared for our sakes and for our salvation.

Ikos: Today let us honour the great Alfred, for, hearing the words of David, he recognised the three parts of the Cross in the cedar, the pine and the cypress, in which the suffering of the Saviour was accomplished. And, victorious, he set it before all the heathen, that they might bend their necks before the Son of God, accepting illumination from the Church of God. For this great battle standard has appeared for our sakes and for our salvation.

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

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Keeping Thy precepts, the peace-loving Alfred submitted to Thy law and has given this law to all. In this wise he has vanquished the heathen hordes, knowing that the only true conquest is the conquest of the heart, crying out to Thee: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God!

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Thy Cross, which has drawn all from the pit of destruction, O right-believing Alfred, has been revealed as the vanquisher of the demons forever and the salvation and glory and greatness of our land.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

By godly works thou hast made thy heart into a temple of God, O greatly loved Alfred, and didst likewise build sacred churches for Him, making one thy land and becoming the first of the Kings of the English.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Committing sins by my will and enslaved by shameful habits, now do I flee to thy habitual loving-kindness, O all-holy Sovereign Lady, save me who am in despair!

Ode VIII, Irmos: In his folly the Chaldean tyrant heated the furnace sevenfold for the pious youths; 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 above all for all ages!

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Adorned in a raiment of loving-kindness and goodly meekness, thou, O wise Alfred, wast crowned with a mind great in the virtues; and having been translated from earth to the kingdom on high, thou criest: Ye priests, bless; ye people, exalt Christ above all forever!

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Beholding thee in joy in the kingdom of God, O righteous Alfred, we magnify Christ Who has revealed thine honoured festival, which, brighter than the rays of the sun enlightens us who sing with faith: Ye people, exalt Christ above all forever!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Wise is thy desire and godly is thy cast of mind, O wise Alfred, thou boast of kings. For having restored thy people to the true faith, thou didst adorn thy land with fair churches, crying: Ye people, exalt Christ above all forever!

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Birthgiver of God, enlighten the eyes of my soul which have been blinded by my many transgressions; grant peace to my mind and heart, which have been vexed by divers temptations, I pray thee, and save me who cry: Ye priests, bless; ye people, exalt the pure one above all for all ages!

Ode IX, Irmos: Heaven was awe-struck and the ends of the earth were amazed, that God appeared in the flesh and thy womb became more spacious than the heavens. Therefore, the ranks of men and angels magnify thee as the Birthgiver of God.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Thy memory inspires all who honour thee, O wise Alfred, and from thy capital in Winchester that is saved by God, the House of Alfred became the House of England, as the holy Cuthbert foretold thee, driving away the darkness of divers passions and enlightening those who praise thee with the never-waning light.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Having finished thy life in holiness, now thou dwellest with the saints, full of holiness and wisdom. Therefore, as once before thou didst restore the faith of the White Christ to thy land, O blessed Alfred, revelation to the latter times, pray to Christ our God that the true faith may be restored in this land once more.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

O immortal King from everlasting, Thou hast vouchsafed Thy heavenly kingdom to the righteous Alfred, whom of old Thou didst grant to reign piously on earth and who loved Thee in purity together with his holy family. By his supplications have mercy on us all, O Lord.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Having conceived, thou gavest birth to the King and Creator of all, O Virgin. And, lo! as a Queen now dost thou stand at His right hand. Therefore, I beseech thee: at the hour of judgement deliver me from standing on the left side and number me with the sheep on the right side.

Troparion, Tone IV: Hearkening to the White Christ, thou camest forth from thy flood-girt fastness to overcome the heathen and lead them forth to holy baptism. Thou didst build churches, strongholds, shires and swift ships, restoring the law of God and making thyself beloved of all. O wise King and glory of free England, who reignest in the Winchester of the heavenly England, thou who didst vanquish heathendom by Christendom, establish anew the Orthodox Faith in thy land that we may glorify God, Who alone made thee great.

Prayer: O holy right-believing Alfred, great king of Wessex and father of the English nation, hear our supplication.

Thou hast shown us an indelible example of courage and faith in the marshes of Æthelney, when all England was suffering the depredation of the heathen Danes. Thou didst build up the defenses of thy kingdom as thou didst also strive to increase the Christian Faith in thy kingly heart, showing an example of true wisdom to friend and foe alike; enlightening thy people, showing mercy to thy vanquished foes, wisely preparing for war, but striving always for a holy peace.

Thou didst love learning and render into English many holy books, sending them out to all thy people, raising up their minds and hearts in the light of true knowledge. Thou didst renew the ancient laws of England, becoming a new Justinian, showing an example of the righteous judgement required by God of all who are in seats of power.

We, thy spiritual children, ask now thy strong intercession before the King of kings; help us in our time of trouble. Be like Elijah and grant us a double portion of thy spirit that thirsted after these virtues of courage, faith, steadfastness in the face of uncertainty and fear, the love of the Lord that bringeth holy wisdom, and righteous and merciful judgement in the fear of God.

O Alfred, wise king, do thou entreat Him to guide us steadily, as He guided thee, and to grant order, justice, peace, and tranquility to our native land.

In the name of the Father to Whom thou drawest nearer every day, the Son Whose love thou didst teach to all, and the Holy Spirit Who fillest thy heart, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

 

The Visit of the Wonderworking Hawaiian-Iveron Icon to the Cardiff Oratory

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Dear Fathers, brothers and sisters,

Through the good offices of the fathers and brothers of the Oratory of St Philip Neri, it will be the joy and privilege of the Cardiff parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia to greet and receive the wonderworking, myrrh-weeping Hawaiian-Iveron icon of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos in the Oratory Church on the evening of Tuesday 12th November, at 18:30.

This icon, a copy of the Montreal Iveron Icon of the Mother of God (Our Lady of the Portal), began weeping perfumed oil in 2007, and having been examined by the hierarchy of the Russian Church Abroad was confirmed as a miraculous image.

This has been confirmed over the decades, as the Mother of God has touched countless lives  through her holy icon, and granted healing to the sick, children to the childless, peace to those in strife, employment to the jobless, and all manner of help and graces to those in need.

Our own parish has been touched by miracles and graces, and we have seen the icon stream and drip myrrh copiously, especially in St Alban’s Abbey when placed with the portion of the Protomartyr’s relics enshrined there. Yet again, it seems that the Queen of Martyrs has willed her wonderworking-icon to be with the relics of St Alban.

We sincerely hope that our Catholic and Anglican friends – some of them generous benefactors to our community in various ways – will be able to join us and our brothers and sisters from the Orthodox parishes of Cardiff  to honour the Mother of God, venerate the icon and be anointed with the holy myrrh, which is the sign of the mercy and abundant grace of our all-pure and all-holy Lady, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary.

We will greet the icon at the gates of St Alban’s Church, CF24 2NT, at 18:30, though prepared for some flexibility in arrival time, with the custom being that we greet wonderworking icons of the Mother of God, as the Queen of heaven and earth with flowers, as Our Lady, herself, is greeted and honoured in her holy images.

In Christ – Hieromonk Mark

Weekly News – 28 November

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Dear brothers and sisters, 

It is with great sorrow that I have to share the sad news that despite welcoming us back to St John’s in January with all sorts of bright and cheery talk of partnership, cooperation and working together to provide Christian witness and spiritual support for the people of Cardiff, the West Cardiff Ministry Area Council (whoever that may consist of) has given our parish three months notice to leave St John’s, making clear that none of our possessions may remain in the building after the end of January.

Their email refers to…

“developments which now necessitate us giving you three months notice that from January 2025, we will no longer be willing or able to accept hire bookings, for worship or prayer purposes, from you. This follows a decision by the West Cardiff Ministry Area Council that our church buildings will only in future be available for hire – for worship or prayer purposes –  by congregations and denominations who are members of Cytûn : Churches together in Wales or CTBI. As I understand it, you are members of neither ecumenical instruments and so, from January 2025, we will no longer able to accept such bookings from you.”

In a nutshell, unless we are members of an organisation with some members that deny even the Holy Trinity, the Lord’s divinity, and even the Holy Mysteries, the local Anglican clergy are UNWILLING to allow us to even pay to worship in any of their buildings.

I have to admit to incomprehension as to how we have moved from the affirmative and positive talk in Llŷs Esgob on 27 December last year, and a cheery welcome back to the Crescent, to effectively being asked to leave.

How times have changed in St John’s since Mother Frances, who always took an interest in the welfare of the parish and its faithful, and did everything to support our mission.

We now have to work rapidly to find a temporary solution, at the very least, and our prayers and sharing ideas now have an added force and urgency. At the same time, we are exploring more permanent solutions to our situation.

Though I am away until tomorrow, these are days of emails and messages, as we begin to address the urgency of our situation.

Back in Cardiff, on Thursday we will have a moleben to the Mother of God in honour of her Protecting Veil for the guidance and protection of our community at 15:00. We will chant a panikhida for St Demetrios on Saturday afternoon at 15:00, gathering in the Oratory Church for both services.

I will hear confessions on both days, but with Fr Mark away, Sunday will only allow for a few confessions whilst the church is arranged for Liturgy. 

Any other confessions and the reception of Holy Communion will need to be after Liturgy, and we will need to know before the service if the Holy Gifts are to be reserved.

Next Monday – 4th November – is the feast of the Kazan Icon, and we will celebrate the Liturgy in the Oratory Church at 10:30.

Our parish observance of the feast, on Sunday 10th November, will allow us to celebrate together, and we have extended our hire time to allow for an unrushed trapeza. We will post information regarding food on WhatsApp, so please keep an eye.

Many thanks to all who contributed to services and our pilgrimage over the last week.

Saturday’s pilgrimage to Lazarica was a great joy and blessing, all the more so in the light of our ever increasing trials and hardships.

It was lovely for our parishioners to meet the Bournville faithful for Liturgy, and for us to have the privilege to offer the akathist to the Mother of God before the Hilandarska-Trojeručica icon of the Mother of God.

We are extremely grateful to Father Nenad for his great kindness and warm welcome.

Despite the growing storm-clouds we encounter, we must not allow our adversities to overshadow our celebrations and rob us of joy and grace. The darker our surroundings, the brighter the Light of Christ shines to dispel the darkness.

Our current circumstances must force us to pray more and with greater attention and devotion.

Whatever our sorrows, and whatever tests us, the Lord is Risen, the gates of hell have been shattered and death has been conquered!

Asking your forgiveness for Christ’s sake.

May God bless you.

Hieromonk Mark

The Canon to the Venerable Fathers of Optina

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Canon of the Venerable Fathers, 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!

Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.

Ye are a rule for monastics, O healers of the infirm and sorrowful. O shepherds of lost sheep, teach us to offer hymnody worthily unto you.

Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.

Rejoice, O honoured Paisius our father, chief shepherd of the monastic folds, who guided ranks of monks to the heavenly pasture and hast instructed the ends of the Russian land!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Theodore, the monk of Svir, with many tears and a life of sorrow endured evils; yet, being steadfast and strong of mind, he spiritually begat a son, Leo, amid his pangs.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Virgin Mother Theotokos, entreat Christ Who was incarnate of thee, that He preserve the Russian land, and that He save our souls, in that He is merciful.

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.

Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.

Thou didst set Christ, the Chief Cornerstone, as the firm foundation of thy struggles, and didst become the first of the company of elders, O Leo; and thou didst receive the grace to dispel the infirmities of those who suffer cruelly.

Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.

O Leo, thou didst cry out thus to those who oppressed thee: “I shall chant unto my God for as long as I have my being! Who will separate me from His love? Therein will I remain until the end, doing His will with boldness!”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Truly blessed was the venerable Macarius, for he fed the souls of the hungry, freely nourishing all with his grace-filled discourse, doing away with their spiritual starvation, and bringing peace to souls beset by the tempest of the passions.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

From thee, O Mother of God, hath a torrent of sweetness poured forth, watering all men and washing away the defilement of their souls, O Virgin Theotokos; wherefore, from all tribulations do thou save those who venerate thy precious image.

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone IV, Spec. Mel. “Thou hast appeared…”: Ye have been shown to be instruments of the Holy Spirit, O venerable fathers, and have been vouchsafed gifts of prophecy; for in your souls the unapproachable light shone forth. (Twice)

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

Theotokion: At a loss how to hymn thee worthily, who art more exalted than all creation, O Theotokos, we beseech thee: Freely have mercy upon us!

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

Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.

O most wise Macarius, thou didst glean spiritual grain from the writings of the holy fathers, and didst feed hungry souls.

Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.

As the instructor of monks in the Monastery of the Forerunner, by thy life of abstinence, O Anthony, pray thou for those who praise thee.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

As brethren in the flesh and spirit, O divinely wise pastors Moses and Anthony, ye guided your sheep to the pasture.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O pure Theotokos, divine flower and root which put forth a Shoot, unceasingly pray for us who hymn thee as the Theotokos.

Ode V, Irmos: Enlighten us with Thy commandments, O Lord, and with Thine upraised arm grant us Thy peace, O Thou Who lovest mankind.

Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.

Elisha received a twofold measure of grace from Elijah, and upon thee, O father Ambrose, did the grace of fathers Leo and Macarius rest.

Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.

O Ambrose, thou didst acquire within thyself love, the perfection of the virtues; for thou wast all things to all men, and a refuge for the poor.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

O Ambrose, with divine food thou didst nourish starving hearts, and didst nurture thy sheep on the pasture of the Word.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Mother of God, our fervent helper: illumine us who pray to thee, ever making entreaty for us, thine unworthy servants.

Ode VI, Irmos: I pour forth my prayer unto the Lord, and to Him do I declare my grief; for my soul is full of evil and my life hath drawn nigh unto hell, and like Jonah I pray: Lead me up from corruption, O God!

Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.

Thou wast a true son, O Joseph, having acquired unfeigned obedience, the begetter of dispassion; and as one meek, pure and merciful, thou didst humbly say: “I am useless without my father!”

Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.

The chaste-minded Joseph faithfully followed in the steps of his father: he humbled himself even unto death, thus emulating Christ the Master. Wherefore, we beseech him: Teach thou humility even to us sinners!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Having acquired the love of thy father, O Anatolius, with him thou didst shepherd the reason-endowed flock; and now, O father, forget us not, but be thou mindful of thy sheep and guide them, seeking thy lost children and leading us all to salvation.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

I know thee to be the helper of my life and my steadfast preserver, O Virgin, who doest away with the tumult of temptations and fendest off the assaults of the demons; and I ever pray thus, that thou mayest deliver me from my passions.

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,  VIII: Spec. Mel. “To thee, the champion leader…”: Having withdrawn from this vain world and discovered a treasure through your pure life, ye have not ceased your care for sinners in this world; but, as guides for the lost, deliver us from the vanity of this world, that we may say: Rejoice, O divinely wise elders!

Ikos: Emulating the angels, ye withdrew from the world, desiring to make your abode in the wilderness; yet forget us not who are still in the world, we sinners pray, that, delivered from ­delusion, we may address you thus: Rejoice, physicians of spiritual sicknesses; rejoice, healers of bodily ailments! Rejoice, ye who transcended the understanding of the wise; rejoice, ye who guided the unwise to understanding! Rejoice, ye who offered up unceasing prayers; rejoice, mediators before God for sinners! Rejoice, O divinely wise elders!

Ode VII, 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!

Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.

O father Hilarion, having withdrawn from the world, abandoning all that is therein and considering it but dung, thou didst cleave unto the elders Leo and Macarius, and hast received from Christ the authority to drive out evil spirits.

Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.

Isaacius, the compassionate monk, comforted those who came to him, helping them in every way, as parents help their children.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

No prophet is without honor, save only in his own house, for they drove away all the prophets; and thou, O venerable father Barsanuphius, being driven out, wast vouchsafed blessedness, having endured exile for righteousness’ sake.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Virgin Theotokos, pray to thy Son for us who with faith have recourse to thy mercy and worship Him, that we may be delivered from tribulations and temptations.

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

Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.

Nectarius hath come to share in eternal glory, having spurned the glory of this life; for every one who humbleth himself will be exalted.

Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.

Let the fathers Anatolius, Nectarius, Isaacius and Nicon be blessed; for, having suffered lawfully, they join chorus for all ages.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Driven out by apostates, the fathers were not troubled, but cried aloud: “Our life is in the heavens!”

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Disdain not those who require thine aid, O Virgin, and who hymn and exalt thee supremely forever.

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

Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.

Truly ye acquired every virtue, and every gift was given you. Yet save your flock, praying for them.

Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.

We have accepted the commandment, Give thanks for all things, that we may praise God, in that He hath given you to us, O holy guides to His kingdom.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

O our intercessors, pray ye earnestly for the land of Russia, and save all who celebrate your memory with faith.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O holy Mistress, help us sinners, and deliver our homeland from the evil foe. We beseech thee: keep us under the shelter of thy wings.

Troparion, Tone I: Abiding in unceasing prayer, and embracing the wicked as well as the good with love, O venerable elders of Optina, ye served God and your neighbours, and through vigils, tears and fasting received the gift of divers miracles. Glory to Him Who hath given us such mediators! Glory to Him Who hath glorified you! Glory to God Who is wondrous in His saints!