The Holy Prophet Elijah (Elias) is one of the greatest of the prophets and the first dedicated to virginity in the Old Testament. He was born in Tishba of Gilead into the Levite tribe 900 years before the Incarnation of the Word of God.
Saint Epiphanius of Cyprus gives the following account about the birth of the Prophet Elijah: “When Elijah was born, his father Sobach saw in a vision angels of God around him. They swaddled him with fire and fed him with flames.” The name Elijah (the Lord’s strength) given to the infant defined his whole life. From the years of his youth he dedicated himself to the One God, settled in the wilderness and spent his whole life in strict fasting, meditation and prayer. Called to prophetic service, which put him in conflict with the Israelite king Ahab, the prophet became a fiery zealot of true faith and piety.
During this time the Israelite nation had fallen away from the faith of their Fathers, they abandoned the One God and worshipped pagan idols, the worship of which was introduced by the impious king Jereboam. Jezebel, the wife of king Ahab, was devoted to idol worship. She persuaded her husband to build a temple to the pagan god Baal, which led many Israelites away from the worship of the true God. Beholding the ruin of his nation, the Prophet Elijah began to denounce King Ahab for impiety, and exhorted him to repent and turn to the God of Israel. The king would not listen to him. The Prophet Elijah then declared to him, that as punishment there would be neither rain nor dew upon the ground, and the drought would cease only by his prayer. Indeed, the word of Elijah was a torch (Eccles. 48: 1). The heavens were closed for three and a half years, and there was drought and famine throughout all the land.
During this time of tribulation, the Lord sent him to a cave beyond the Jordan. There he was miraculously fed by ravens. When the stream Horath dried up, the Lord sent the Prophet Elijah to Sarephta to a poor widow, a Sidonian Gentile who suffered together with her children, awaiting death by starvation. At the request of the prophet, she prepared him a bread with the last measure of flour and the remainder of the oil. Through the prayer of the Prophet Elijah, flour and oil were not depleted in the home of the widow for the duration of the famine. By the power of his prayer the prophet also performed another miracle: he raised the dead son of the widow.
After the end of three years of drought the Merciful Lord sent the prophet to appear before King Ahab, and promised to send rain upon the earth. The Prophet Elijah told the king to order all of Israel to gather upon Mount Carmel, and also the priests of Baal. When the nation had gathered, the Prophet Elijah proposed that two sacrificial altars be built: one for the priests of Baal, and the other for the Prophet Elijah who served the True God.
The Prophet Elijah told them to call on their gods to consume the sacrificial animals with fire, and he would call on his. Whichever was first to send fire on the sacrifice would be acknowledged as the true God. The prophets of Baal called out to their idol from morning till evening, but the heavens were silent. Towards evening the holy Prophet Elijah built his sacrificial altar from twelve stones, the number of the tribes of Israel. He placed the sacrifice upon the wood, gave orders to dig a ditch around the altar and commanded that the sacrifice and the wood be soaked with water. When the ditch had filled with water, the prophet turned to God in prayer. Through the prayer of the prophet fire came down from heaven and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, and even the water. The people fell down to the ground, crying out: “Truly, the Lord is God!” Then the Prophet Elijah had all the pagan-priests of Baal put to death, and he began to pray for rain. Through his prayer the heavens opened and an abundant rain fell, soaking the parched earth.
King Ahab acknowledged his error and repented of his sins, but his wife Jezebel threatened to kill the prophet of God. The Prophet Elijah fled into the Kingdom of Judea and, grieving over his failure to eradicate idol worship, he asked God to let him die. An angel of the Lord came before him, strengthened him with food and commanded him to go upon a long journey. The Prophet Elijah traveled for forty days and nights and, having arrived at Mount Horeb, he settled in a cave.
The Lord told him that the next day Elijah would stand in His presence.There was a strong wind that crushed the rocks of the mountain, then an earthquake, and a fire, but the Lord was not in them. The Lord was in “a gentle breeze” (3 Kings 19: 12). He revealed to the prophet, that He would preserve seven thousand faithful servants who had not worshipped Baal.
Later, the Lord commanded Elijah to anoint Elisha into prophetic service. Because of his fiery zeal for the Glory of God the Prophet Elijah was taken up alive into Heaven in a fiery chariot. The Prophet Elisha received Elijah’s mantle, and a double portion of his prophetic spirit.
According to the Tradition of Holy Church, the Prophet Elijah will be the Forerunner of the Dread Second Coming of Christ. He will proclaim the truth of Christ, urge all to repentance, and will be slain by the Antichrist. This will be a sign of the end of the world.
The life of the holy Prophet Elijah is recorded in the Old Testament books (3 Kings; 4 Kings; Sirach/Ecclesiasticus 48: 1-15; 1 Maccabees 2: 58). At the time of the Transfiguration, the Prophet Elijah conversed with the Savior upon Mount Tabor (Mt. 17: 3; Mark 9: 4; Luke. 9: 30).
Orthodox Christians of all times, and in all places, have venerated the Prophet Elijah for centuries. The first church in Russia, built at Kiev under Prince Igor, was named for the Prophet Elijah. After her Baptism Saint Olga (July 11) built a temple of the holy Prophet Elijah in her native region, at the village of Vibuta.
In iconography the Prophet Elijah is depicted ascending to Heaven in a fiery chariot, surrounded with flames, and harnessed to four winged horses. We pray to him for deliverance from drought, and to ask for seasonable weather.
Ode I, Irmos: When Israel walked on foot in the sea as on dry land, * on seeing their pursuer Pharaoh drowned, * they cried: * Let us sing to God * a song of victory.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
O Lord, open mine unworthy lips and grant me a word of understanding, that I may worthily hymn the memory of the blessed Seraphim, who with the angels doth now beseech Thee to deliver us from every grievous circumstance.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Thou wast a great intercessor before the Theotokos, O venerable one, and wast deemed worthy to behold her with the apostles. And now, cease not to visit thy children by thine intercessions.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
From thy youth, O venerable one, thou didst surrender thyself in mind unto the Lord, and having subdued the passions of thy body through rigorous abstinence, thou wast adorned with every virtue, O most wise one.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
O most blessed Sovereign Lady, who hast given birth unto the supremely good God in the flesh, cleanse thou my heart which is tormented by passions, that I may magnify thee with faith and love.
Canon II to the Venerable Seraphim, in Tone VIII:
Irmos: Having passed through the water as upon dry land, * and having escaped the malice of the Egyptians, * the Israelites cried aloud: * Unto our God and Redeemer let us now sing.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Thou didst tread the straight and narrow path to the heavenly kingdom in accordance with the commandment of Christ the Master, disdaining the broad and spacious path. And now do thou pray for us that keep thy most radiant memory.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Having ascended the mount of dispassion and taken up thy cross from thy youth, thou didst unfalteringly follow after Christ. And having acquired spiritual wisdom, thou didst attain the heavenly Jerusalem, O venerable one. Pray thou to the Lover of mankind on our behalf.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Standing now before the throne of God, O venerable one, intercede thou for the suffering Russian land; and by thy prayers, O venerable one, entreat salvation for the Christ-loving people of Russia.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Hearken, O Lady, unto those who flee to thee with faith and love, and who hymn thee with fear.
Ode III, Irmos: There is none as holy as Thou, * O Lord my God, * who hast exalted the horn of The faithful O good One, * and strengthened us upon the rock * of Thy confession.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Standing before God with the angels in thy prayer, O venerable one, pray thou for the whole world, that the assaults of the enemy be overcome and that Orthodox Christians be granted victory over their adversaries.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
From thy youth thou didst cleave with faith and love unto the Master of the hosts on high, O venerable Seraphim; and, shining forth like the sun in the wilderness of Sarov, thou wast a comfort to those who approached thee in sorrow. Pray thou that we be saved!
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
To those who pray unto thee, thou hast been revealed to be an unshakeable pillar and a refuge for those who have recourse unto the Monastery of Sarov, and abundant grace for those who receive healings.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
Our first mother Eve heard: In sorrow thou shalt bring forth children. And thou, O pure Virgin, hearing: The Lord is with thee! Rejoice! didst put to flight the grief of our first mother with this cry of joy!
Another Irmos: O Lord, Creator of the vault of Heaven * and Builder of the Church, * do Thou strengthen me in Thy love, O Summit of desire, * O Support of the faithful, * O only Lover of mankind.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Beseech Christ God, O blessed one, to deliver us from famine and plagues, from sudden death, from secret transgressions and wicked thoughts, that with a pure heart we may cry out to Christ: O Lord, save us by the supplications of the venerable one!
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Following after Christ the Master in meekness and humility, thou wast all things to all mankind; tirelessly instructing both rich and poor in piety, thou didst foresee the future as though it were the present. Beseech Christ God, O venerable one, to grant us forgiveness of our sins!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Deliver thy monastery from every assault of the enemy, O venerable one, and fill it with love and grace, that it heed not the cares of this life, but attain unto the goodness and beauty which save the soul.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Our trust and hope art thou, O most holy Sovereign Lady. Save the suffering Russian land and thy people that pray and call upon thy holy name!
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Sessional Hymn of the venerable one, Tone IV: Having utterly overcome the passions of the sea of life by abstinence, and attained unto the haven of dispassion, thou wast revealed as a vessel of abstinence, O venerable Seraphim. Beseech Christ God to grant us great 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.
Theotokion, Tone IV: When thou dost stand before the face of my Creator on the day of His righteous Judgment, O Lady, intercede for me, and deliver me from eternal torment, that I go not down into Hades, but that I be saved by thy defence, O most holy Theotokos.
Ode IV, Irmos: Christ is my power, * my God and my Lord, * the holy Church divinely singeth, * crying with a pure mind, * keeping festival in the Lord.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Today the Monastery of Sarov doth radiantly celebrate thy memory, O venerable one, beseeching thee: Ask of the Lord peace for the whole world and great mercy for our souls!
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
In thy great struggles didst thou flourish like a palm tree, O venerable one, sweetening the hearts of those who have recourse unto thee with fruitful words and a blameless life: Wherefore, do thou now pray that we obtain mercy from Christ our Saviour!
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
By thy prayers entreat God for us, O venerable Seraphim, and drive away the sinful darkness of our grief. Adorn with dispassion, faith and love all who honour thy most glorious memory!
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
Rejoice, O Virgin Sovereign Lady, thou beauty of the Churches, might and boast of the suffering Russian land! Pray to Christ God without ceasing, that He preserve us from misfortunes by thy prayers.
Another Irmos: I have heard report of Thy dispensation, O Lord, * and have glorified Thee * Who alone art the Lover of mankind.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
It is not the Monastery of Sarov alone, but the whole land of Russia which hath thee, O blessed one, as a fervent intercessor and speedy helper, almighty and invincible defender and mediator for our souls.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Be thou an intercessor and mediator for us before the most holy Trinity, and move thou to pray with thee the choirs of the saints whose life thou didst emulate, O venerable one. With them pray for peace and the good estate of the whole world, that in this age we may live a peaceful and quiet life, and in the future inherit eternal life.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Being great among fasters, O venerable one, thou didst lead an arduous monastic life in the wilderness, and didst end it in compunctionate prayer. Pray that we be saved!
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
Thou art our refuge and confirmation, O most pure Theotokos. Beseech thy Son and our God, that He grant us salvation and forgiveness of sins.
Ode V, Irmos: Illumine with Thy divine light, I pray, O Good One, * the souls of those who with love rise early to pray to Thee, * that they may know Thee, O Word of God, * as the true God, * Who recalleth us from the darkness of sin.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Unto all who come to thee thou hast been a true teacher and a great intercessor before the Theotokos. And now, O venerable one, cease not to pray for thy children, for thou hast great boldness.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Let the Christian people now enter into the temple of the Monastery of Sarov, bowing down before thy precious relics, O venerable Seraphim, and, glorifying Christ, let them ask of thee healing and salvation.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
The invisible enemy desired to affright thee when thou wast praying to God at night, O venerable one. But, put to shame by thy prayer, the most wicked one vanished.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.: O most pure Mary, beseech God Who was born of thee, that He grant forgiveness of transgressions unto thy servants.
Another Irmos: Illumine us O Lord with Thy commandments, * and with Thine arm raised on high * grant us Thy peace, * O Lover of mankind!
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Thou didst glorify the Monastery of Sarov with fasting and unceasing prayer, O venerable one, anointing the infirm with oil from the icon of the Theotokos and granting them healing in abundance. Pray thou now that our souls be saved!
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
O ye hierarchs and priests, rejoice with the monks of Sarov, and ye people, hymn together the blessed father, the calm haven of those who are tempest-tossed by sorrows, the ready healer of infirmities of body and soul.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Offer up thy prayers, O venerable one, as an acceptable and unblemished sacrifice unto the most holy Trinity, and forget not us who now keep thy memory. Beg mercy for those who hate, wrong and are angered against us, and deliver all from every sorrow.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Guide my mind which is tempest-tossed by many passions, O Sovereign Lady. Save us who have recourse unto thee, O Theotokos, for apart from thee we know none other help, O pure one.
Ode VI, Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging with the tempest of temptations, * I run to Thy calm haven, and cry to Thee: * Raise up my life from corruption, * O greatly Merciful One.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Thy holy soul was an abode of God, wherein the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit dwelt. Wherefore, we pray thee, O venerable one, dispel the slanders of the enemy from those who honour thee, and grant peace to the suffering land of Russia.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
O venerable Seraphim, we honour thy great struggles and labours in the wilderness and the sweetness of thy teaching, whereby thou hast enlightened many who came to thee, teaching them to hymn the consubstantial Trinity.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Following after Christ the Master in purity of life, thou didst complete the good race, O venerable one. Having ascended to the eternal mansions, thou dost behold there what the angels see. Wherefore, honouring thy memory, we glorify Christ.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
I now flee unto thee, O most pure one. Save and preserve me by thy supplications. For whatsoever thou desirest, that thou canst do, in that thou art the Mother of the Almighty.
Another Irmos: I will pour out my prayer unto the Lord, * and to Him will I proclaim my grief; * for my soul is filled with evils, * and my life unto Hades hath drawn nigh, * and like Jonah I pray unto Thee: * Raise me up from corruption, O my God.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
We are all full of sin, but thy prayers, O venerable Seraphim, ascend unto the Lord like fragrant incense. We now pray thee: Calm thou the raging storm of evil impiety in the land of Russia, and entreat the Lord for the salvation of our souls.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Truly blessed wast thou, O venerable Seraphim, having acquired riches through poverty, and through tears, joy, which thou didst abundantly bestow upon those who came to thee. And now emitting rays of miracles, thou dost heal all who have recourse unto thee in faith.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Having dug with thine own hands a well in the wilderness, O venerable one, thou didst give drink unto the thirsty that came unto thee. And now thou healest the diseases of the sick with the water of this well. Truly, the Master hath shown thee forth unto all as a miraculous intercessor and wonderworker, O venerable one.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
We confess thee to be indeed the Mother of God, the true Theotokos, for by thy birthgiving we have been delivered from the curse of corruption, by the tender compassion of God, the Lover of mankind, and have been called to life incorruptible.
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 Venerable One, Tone II: Having forsaken the beauty of the world and the corruption therein, * thou didst take up thine abode in the Monastery of Sarov. * And having lived there as an angel, thou didst become a path for many to salvation. * Wherefore, Christ hath glorified thee, O father Seraphim, * enriching thee with the gift of healings and miracles. ** Therefore, we cry out to thee: Rejoice, O our venerable father Seraphim!
Ikos: Having forsaken family and friends, and regarding riches as but dust, thou didst take up thine abode in the wilderness of Sarov; and having struggled against the passions like one of the bodiless hosts, thou wast deemed worthy to stand in the angelic choir. Wherefore, having received spiritual knowledge, grant even us, O venerable one, to chant this unto thee with understanding, saying: Rejoice, O blessed Seraphim, heavenly man and earthly angel! Rejoice, emulator of Christ in thy love! Rejoice, abode of the Holy Spirit! Rejoice, great joy of the despondent! Rejoice, source of healing! Rejoice, sweet consolation for sorrowful souls! Rejoice, calm haven for monks and most wise instructor! Rejoice, boast of the land of Russia! Rejoice, O our venerable father Seraphim!
Ode VII, Irmos: An Angel made the furnace bedew the holy Children. * But the command of God consumed the Chaldeans * and prevailed upon the tyrant to cry: * O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Wondrously was thy life shown to be full of the grace of the divine Spirit, O venerable one. Truly thou didst receive the blessed end of the righteous, rejoicing in Christ. And we cry out to Him who hath glorified thee: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Gathering together at thy holy monastery today, a multitude of people doth bow down before thy precious relics, O venerable Seraphim, and we all draw forth healings therefrom, crying out unceasingly: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
This report hath gone out into all the world, that a most glorious wonderworker hath appeared in Sarov, pouring forth a multitude of healings upon all who with faith approach and cry out: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
O Virgin Theotokos, who ineffably didst give birth unto the Word, thy Creator: With the venerable Seraphim beseech Him to have mercy upon our souls!
Another Irmos: The Children of Judaea, * who of old came to dwell in Babylon, * trampled underfoot the flame of the furnace * through their faith in the Trinity, * as they sang: ‘O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, and through the prayers of him who pleased Thee, the venerable Seraphim, preserve us from every soul-corrupting evil, that we may all cry out with compunction: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Who is not astounded, who doth not glorify the unfathomable abyss of Thy tender compassion, O Lord? For Thou hast revealed to the whole world him that pleased Thee, the venerable Seraphim, the fervent intercessor before Thee for us who cry aloud: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Accept this hymn of thanksgiving which we offer unto thee, O venerable Seraphim, and grant healing unto all of us who keep thy holy memory, and who bow down before the shrine of thy relics and cry aloud: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Thou art our refuge and confirmation, O most holy Theotokos. Entreat thy Son and our God to grant us salvation and forgiveness of sins.
Ode VIII, Irmos: Thou didst make flame bedew the holy children, * and didst burn the sacrifice of a righteous man with water. * For Thou alone, O Christ, dost do all as Thou willest, * Thee do we supremely exalt throughout all ages.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Having subdued the passions of the flesh and died to the world, thou didst receive the words of eternal life in thy heart, O blessed one, teaching all who had recourse unto thee to cry aloud: O ye works, praise ye the Lord, and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
At the glorification of thy precious relics, O venerable one, the Monastery of Sarov was filled with joy. And all the people cried out unto God Who is wondrous in His saints: O ye works, praise ye the Lord, and supremely exalt Him for ever!
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Being filled with the grace of the divine Spirit, O venerable Seraphim, through thy prayers beg forgiveness of sins for the faithful people that keep thy holy memory and cry out: Ye children, bless; ye priests, praise; ye people, and supremely exalt the Lord throughout all ages!
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
O Theotokos, who hast given birth unto the Saviour and Master of all, thou hast been shown forth to us as the mediatrix of salvation; wherefore, we pray thee: Grant salvation unto all who faithfully hymn thee throughout the ages.
Another Irmos: The King of heaven, * Who is glorified by the hosts of angels, * let us praise and supremely exalt throughout all ages.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
The most evil enemy, hating thy virtuous life, desired to cause thee to falter, O venerable one. But having put him to shame by the grace of God and the prayers of the Theotokos, thou didst glorify God, singing: O ye works, praise ye the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
As flashing lightning illumineth the firmament, so have the reports of thy wonders gone forth throughout all the world, O venerable one. And marvelling at thy glory, we cry out: O ye children, bless; ye priests, praise; ye people, supremely exalt the Lord throughout all ages!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Heal thou our minds which are disquieted by vain and passionate imaginings, O venerable one; quell thou the waves of evil disbelief in our land, and strengthen our hearts, which are crippled by worldly cares, that we may glorify Christ the Creator throughout all ages.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Rejoice, O fiery throne of the Lord! Rejoice, O ray of immaterial splendour! Rejoice, thou cloud of the radiant Sun of righteousness, Christ our Saviour, Whom we supremely exalt throughout all ages!
Ode IX, Irmos: It is impossible for mankind to see God * upon Whom the orders of Angels dare not gaze; * but through thee, O all-pure one, * did the Word Incarnate become a man * and with the Heavenly Hosts * Him we magnify and thee we call blessed.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Accept, and disdain not, our small tribute, offered unto thee from unworthy lips, O venerable one. Sanctify all who glorify thee, and deliver us from misfortunes, dangers and eternal torments, that we may hymn thee throughout the ages.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Manfully enduring the heat of the day and the cold of night in the solitude of the wilderness, thou wast an abode of the Wisdom of God, and didst hasten toward the unwaning radiance. Pray thou that we be saved!
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
This day is the monastery glorified, wherein thou didst consent to take upon thyself the yoke of Christ; for there didst thou spend thy days in the wilderness; and, enlightening by thy teachings the many who came unto thee, thou didst teach them to be children of the Church of Christ.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
Thou art our strength, thou art our boast and joy, our protectress, help, refuge and invincible intercessor. O most pure Theotokos, save thou thy servants!
Another Irmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, * we truly confess thee to be the Theotokos, * and with the choirs of bodiless hosts we magnify thee.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
Emulating the great fathers who of old shone forth in fasting and ascetic struggle, O venerable one, thou didst spend all the days of thy life in prayer, tears and labour, until thou didst attain unto the heavenly mansions. Wherefore as is meet, we bless thee.
Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.
With mighty power did Christ God gird thee about and strengthen thee to overcome the wiles of the demons, O venerable one. Wherefore, we now pray thee: Entreat God, the Lover of mankind, to deliver us all from the assaults and temptations of the enemies, and to save our souls.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
In our pain and sorrow, we flee to thee, O venerable one, and cry out from the depths of our souls: Be thou a calm haven and ready healer for the sick, and deliver us from every ill and want, that we may unceasingly magnify thee.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O most pure Virgin, thou didst give birth unto One of the Holy Trinity, the Son and Word, Whom do thou entreat with the saints and the righteous on behalf of thy servants who with faith ask forgiveness of sins.
Troparion, Tone IV: From thy youth didst thou love Christ, O blessed one; * and, aflame with the desire to serve Him alone, * thou didst struggle in the wilderness in unceasing prayer and labour; * and with compunction of heart, having acquired the love of Christ, * thou wast shown to be the beloved favourite of the Mother of God. * Wherefore, we cry unto thee: ** Save us by thy prayers, O our venerable father Seraphim.
As a true ascetic of Christ, O Blessed One, wast thou crowned; verily, with mortifications thou didst purify the eye of the soul, and wast therefore made worthy to see the God whom thou didst love and whom Moses had once seen; thou also receivest from him, O Calogero, the grace of thy miracles, through which thou has made thyself known to us, and thee we celebrate with hymns.
Holy, Venerable Father, Calogero, pray to God for us.
Thou wast made truly worthy to receive the gifts of the Spirit, O Father, and dost reward the faithful who celebrate thy holy memory by bestowing upon them peace and mercy; also, freeing them from all dangers, O glorious Calogero, thou leadest them by thy thy prayers to the never-waning light, O Blessed One.
Holy, Venerable Father, Calogero, pray to God for us.
O Holy Father Calogero, taking the yoke of Christ upon thy shoulders, thou didst come into the cave, having no fear of the assaults the enemy launched with beatings and vain noises, O holy one; but thou didst refute them with thy prayers, O mighty soul, pride of ascetics; therefore, constantly beseech Christ to have mercy upon us.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O unwedded Virgin, bulwark and boast of those who praise thee, save the faithful who beseech thee, and free them from all misery, O thou who didst didst give birth to God who of his good pleasure wast made incarnate.
O great Saint of God, O glorious and venerable father, Calogero, we rejoice with thee in the glory thou enjoyest both in heaven and on earth, as the reward for thy virtue and the graces with which the Lord hath enriched thee, working great miracles through thine intercession: in giving sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, speech to the dumb, and health to all manner of the sick.
Look down from the glory that is above, upon us who are humble and weak, burdened with our many sins, and who ask thy help and consolation; for thou, art our protector, thou art our guide and defence.
And, as thou didst hearken to the multitude of poor people who didst resort unto thee, so hearken unto our prayers. Incline to us thy loving kindness, and help us to fulfill God’s commandments without stain; firmly to keep the Orthodox Faith; to approach God in heartfelt contrition for all our sins; to make progress in Christian devotion and to be worthy of thy prayers before God.
Receive us under thy paternal care, and as in the world thou didst cast the devil from the bodies of a multitude of people, so do thou now cast out sin from our hearts.
Hearken unto us, who pray to thee in faith and love, and despise not us who seek thee as our defender. Now, and at the hour of our departure, help us and defend us by thy prayers from the wicked assaults of the devil, lest evil powers should have dominion over us; but let us be granted, by thy help, to inherit the blessedness of the heavenly mansions.
For we place our hope in thee, O kind-hearted father: be thou indeed our guide to salvation, and bring us to the unwaning light of eternal life, by thy good intercession before the throne of the Most Holy Trinity, so that we may glorify and hymn with all the Saints, the Name worthy of adoration, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
In our final summer at Newman Hall, one of the greatest joys was to celebrate the feast of St Calogero of Agrigento, a 6th century Sicilian saint who arrived on the island as an exile, fleeing persecution and heresy, and by so doing blessed Sicily with his fearless preaching of Orthodox dogma– becoming one of the most well-loved saints and wonderworkers of the island. See:
We were unable to celebrate his feast on his day, 18 June on the Church calendar, 1 July on the civil calendar- but will serve a litia before the icon, painted and presented in response to that Newman celebration, at the end of tomorrow’s Liturgy.
This happily reflects the celebrations held on and between the first two Sundays of July, in Sicily – and the icon remains a sign of friendship and proof that the saints bring us together in the bonds of Faith.
Though persecution and exile and the negatives of life caused St Calogero’s flight to Sicily, his preaching, miracles, and pastoral care in his new land show that blessings so often come through adversity – if only we take advantage and control of the new and unknown circumstances into which we are thrown.
Through exile, homelessness and escape from heresy came the preaching of Orthodoxy; countless miracles; the restoration of sight to the blind, speech to the dumb and hearing to the deaf; and the great consolation that this holy monk brought to the people of not only to the people of Byzantine Sicily, but to the Sicilian people to this day.
In the present dark times, an exiled, refugee saint should be an inspiration, opening our minds and hearts see that even in sorrow and darkness, God sends grace, light and life, and that seeds may be planted and new beginnings emerge even in adversity and trial.
Святый Преподобне Отче, Калогере, моли Бога о нас
Holy, venerable Father, Calogero, pray to God for us!
Troparion, Tone 8. By the streams of thy tears, thou didst make the soil of the desert fertile and with your deep groans didst make thy labours to bear fruit an hundredfold; and thou didst became a beacon for the whole world, radiating light by miracles, O Calogero, our Father; intercede with Christ-God to save our souls.
Glory be to the father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion. Tone IV: Celebrating today the sacred memory of Calogero with songs, we give glory to Christ, to him who grantest him the grace of miracles to heal infirmities.
Celebrating St Calogero in the refectory of Newman Hall: Summer 2020.
As we celebrate the feast of the Holy Wonderworkers Peter and Fevronia, we pray for all of the married couples within our community, mindful of the fact that marriage can be challenging in the modern world – in which marriage and the traditional family is undermined, eroded and attacked.
Whilst having supper with us in Newman Hall, Bishop Irenei reminded us that the primary aim of a husband and wife in the Holy Matrimony is to lead one another into the Kingdom of Heaven, and this is manifestly true of the marriage of Saints Peter and Fevronia. We need to never lose sight of this.
Wishing you a happy feast!
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us!
Prayer to the Holy & Right-believing Prince Peter & Princess Fevronia, the Wonderworkers of Murom
O greatly favoured ones of God and all-wondrous wonderworkers, right-believing Prince Peter and Princess Fevronia, intercessors for the city of Murom, preservers of honourable marriage and diligent advocates for all of us before the Lord! In the days of your earthly life ye showed forth a model of piety, Christian love and fidelity one to another, and thereby glorified lawful and blessed marriage. Wherefore, we have recourse unto you and pray with mighty zeal: Offer your holy supplications unto the Lord God for us sinners, and ask for us all things of goodly benefit to our souls and bodies: right faith, good hope, unfeigned love, unshakable piety, success in good works*; and by your supplications grant even more unto those united by the bond of matrimony chastity, love for one another in the bond of peace, oneness of mind of souls and bodies, an unsullied marriage bed, an undisgraced sojourn, long-lived progeny, the favour of children, homes full of goodness, and the imperishable crown everlasting glory in eternal life. Yea, O holy wonderworkers, disdain not our prayers which are offered unto you with compunction, but be ye our faithful helpers before the Lord, and vouchsafe that through your intercession we may receive eternal salvation and inherit the kingdom of heaven, that we may glorify the ineffable love for mankind of God Who is worshipped in Trinity – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit – unto ages of ages. Amen.
Troparion, tone 8: Having lived thy good life in piety, O blessed Peter, thou wast a most precious offspring of the pious root; and thus having pleased God in peace with thy spouse, the all-wise Fevronia, the holy monastic life was vouchsafed unto you. Beseech the Lord, that He preserve our homeland unharmed, that we may honor your memory unceasingly.
Kontakion, tone 8: Pondering the transitory glory and governance of this world, O Peter, thou didst live piously in peace with thy spouse the all-wise Fevronia, having pleased God with your alms and prayers. Wherefore, lying inseparably in the tomb even after death, ye invisibly impart healing. Pray now unto Christ, that He preserve our land and the faithful who glorify you.
We are looking forward to the Feast of the Holy Chief-Apostles Peter and Paul, next Tuesday, 12 July New Style, when we will again celebrate the Hours and Divine Liturgy in the Church of St Mary the Virgin, North Church St, Butetown.
We will begin the Hours at 10:00, with the Liturgy following at 10:30. We will break the Apostles’ Fast in the parish room afterwards, and you are invited to bring NON-LENTEN food to celebrate the feast.
Being able to celebrate the weekday feasts, now that there is a full-time parish-priest is a great blessing, as is the kindness of Father Dean and his parishioners in making this possible in St Mary’s.
The canon, the acrostic whereof is “Save Albion by thy prayers, O godly Alban”, in Tone VIII – the work of the Monk Joseph (Isaac Lambertsen)
Ode I, Irmos: O Lord Who didst fashion an all-glorious path for the people in the sea, make Thou the journey to heaven passable for us, that we may sing a new song unto Thee.
Holy Protomartyr, Alban, pray to God for us.
Send me grace from on high to purify my sinful mind, O Christ, that with boldness and without condemnation I may hymn Thy great martyr Alban, the invincible.
Holy Protomartyr, Alban, pray to God for us.
A great and undaunted witness to Thy truth was Alban, O God; for though he had not received holy baptism, yet so great was his zeal for the Faith that he gladly shed his blood for Thee.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Verulamium and the parts thereof were sanctified b y thy martyrdom, O Alban; for within its walls thou didst confess the true God and wast sentenced to death; and beyond it thou wast beheaded.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Even after giving birth thou hast remained ever-virgin, O all-pure and most immaculate Theotokos; wherefore, thou prayest in purity for thy sinful servants.
Ode III, Irmos: The bow of the mighty is become weak, and the strengthless have girded themselves with power; wherefore, my heart hath been established in the Lord.
Holy Protomartyr, Alban, pray to God for us.
All-joyously didst thou endure scourging for the sake of Christ, when thou didst spurn the worship of graven images, defying the unjust demand of the tyrant, O holy one.
Holy Protomartyr, Alban, pray to God for us.
Like Moses, who parted the Red Sea, so didst thou divide the rushing River Ver, which impeded thy path to martyrdom, O Alban, filling the people with amazement.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Bowing thy head before the executioner’s sword, thou didst surrender thy pure soul into the hands of Christ Jesus, Who hath caused it to dwell in paradise.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
In psalms, hymns and spiritual songs we lift up our voices in praise of thee, who alone among women gavest birth unto the Unapproachable One, O Virgin Theotokos.
Katavasia: Pray to God for us, O holy Protomartyr, Alban, for we fervently flee unto thee, the speedy helper and intercessor for our souls.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Sessional hymn, Tone III: Awed by the mighty works wrought through thee by the Almighty, O Alban, we sinners earnestly entreat thine aid: Look down from on high, O holy martyr, and deliver us from those who would destroy us, body and soul. Beseech the Master of all, that He take pity on us and save us, in that He loveth mankind. (Twice)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion*: Past understanding and beyond the mind of man is the awesome mystery of God wrought within thee, O divinely joyous Mistress; for, having conceived the Infinite One, thou gayest birth to Him, wrapped in flesh through thine all-pure blood. Him do thou ever beseech as Thy Son, O pure one, that our souls be saved.
*Replaced with the Stavrotheotokion on Wednesdays and Fridays
Stavrotheotokion: Thy pure Mother who knew not wedlock, O Christ, beholding thee hanging, dead, upon the Cross, said, weeping maternally: “How hath the iniquitous and thankless council of the Jews, who enjoyed Thy many and great gifts, rewarded Thee, O my Son? I hymn Thy divine condescension!”
Ode IV, Irmos: What criest thou, O Prophet Habbakuk? What hast thou seen which filleth thee with awe? Beholding God come forth from Thæman, I was afraid!
Holy Protomartyr, Alban, pray to God for us.
O thy steadfastness of soul, which withstood the threats of the tyrant, O martyr, and gave thee the strength to confess the one true God in the face of the idolaters!
Holy Protomartyr, Alban, pray to God for us.
Never cease to offer supplications before the all-holy Trinity, O wondrous one, that our manifold offences may be mercifully remitted and our grievous sins forgiven.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Before the dread throne, amid the ranks of the angels and saints, dost thou stand, mediating with Christ for the people of thy native land and all Christians.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Ye six-winged seraphim and many-eyed cherubim, stand in awe of the Maiden who is full of grace, for she is higher than you in honour.
Ode V, Irmos: O Lord Who by divine knowledge didst bring the ends of the earth into the light out of the night of ignorance, enlighten me with the dawning of Thy love for mankind.
Holy Protomartyr, Alban, pray to God for us.
Though a man of substance and property, yet through martyrdom thou didst exchange all earthly things for the pearl of great price, the holy Christian Faith, O Alban.
Holy Protomartyr, Alban, pray to God for us.
Holmhurst Hill, whereon thou didst seal thy witness, was drenched with thy blood when, beheaded by the sword, thou gayest thy pure soul into the hands of Christ, O martyr.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Yea, thy glory hath truly shone forth, undimmed, through all the ages, O blessed Alban; and, guided by thy light, we hasten to the mansions of heaven, where thou dwellest in splendour.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Pure and all-immaculate art thou, O Maiden, and replete with the grace of God; wherefore, thou standest with honour at the right hand of thy Son and our God.
Ode VI, Irmos: Mine iniquities have gone over my head, weighing down upon me like a heavy burden, and they drag me down into the depths of despondency; but before I sink, save me, O Lord!
Holy Protomartyr, Alban, pray to God for us.
Ravaged and destroyed were thy sacred relics and their shrine, O Alban, when ungodly blasphemers descended upon thy church like wolves upon a sheepfold; yet despite their predations thy grace hath never ceased to shine forth.
Holy Protomartyr, Alban, pray to God for us.
Against the vile heresy of Pelagius did the holy hierarch Germanus do battle in Britain, and therein he found thee a mighty ally; for which cause he took with him to Gaul a portion of thy precious and holy relics.
Holy Protomartyr, Alban, pray to God for us.
“Yesterday, in my ignorance of the true God, I was as one sitting in darkness and the shadow of death; but today, when I lay down my life for Him, I shall dwell in paradise, filled with His effulgent glory!” Alban cried out.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
“Everlasting life is the portion of those who cleave unto the God of the Christians; wherefore, put away thine unbelief from thee and believe on Him, that it may go well with thee in the life to come,” the martyr exclaimed to the tyrant.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Retribution from God awaiteth the accursed Nestorius, O all-pure Mistress, and all who revile thee and teach others to hold thee in contempt; for thou, O all-blessed one, dost bid all generations to call thee blessed.
Katavasia: Pray to God for us, O holy Protomartyr, Alban, for we fervently flee unto thee, the speedy helper and intercessor for our souls.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 2: Spec. Mel.: “Seeking the highest …”: Imbued with courage and bravery from on high, the glorious martyr Alban stood undaunted before the tyrant and boldly confessed Christ as the only God of all; and he utterly refused to offer sacrifice to false deities. Wherefore, having laid down his life for the Lord, he maketh earnest entreaty in behalf of our souls.
Ikos: Heeding well the words of the Saviour to His disciples, thou didst not fear him who could slay thy body, for he was unable to kill thy soul. For this cause, what was taught thee in the darkness by the Christian priest, whose life thou didst save, thou didst proclaim in the light; and what thine ear took in of his pure teaching, thou didst declare openly before the tribunal. Wherefore, having laid down thy life for the Lord, thou makest earnest entreaty in behalf of our souls.
Ode VII, Irmos: O Lord, make us emulators of Thy three children, opposing sin and trampling the fire of the passions underfoot, and chanting: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Holy Protomartyr, Alban, pray to God for us.
Succour and aid do thou send down upon us from on high, O blessed martyr, for we know thee to be a fervent advocate for those who chant: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Holy Protomartyr, Alban, pray to God for us.
On Holmhurst Hill thou didst pause, athirst; and when thou didst pray to God a spring of water gushed forth at His behest, for which thou didst cry: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Gildas the pious and the venerable Bede have reverently related thy life and martyrdom, O Alban, that, giving thanks for thee, we may chant: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O how manifold are thy mighty works, O Virgin Theotokos! What tongue can fittingly describe their magnitude? And who can number them? Yea, they transcend all understanding!
Ode VIII, Irmos: Becoming vanquishers of the tyrant and the flame by Thy grace, taking exceeding care to keep Thy commandments, the children cried out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Holy Protomartyr, Alban, pray to God for us.
Divine grace shineth forth with radiance from thy precious relics and sacred shrine, O wondrous martyr, whereby we all are illumined who cry: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Holy Protomartyr, Alban, pray to God for us.
Let every Christian soul give thanks unto God, Who is wondrous in His saints, for He hath given Alban to us as an earnest suppliant for all who cry: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Yielding pacifieth great offences, saith Solomon the wise; wherefore, thou didst reject the madness of idolatry. crying out with the faithful: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
A stranger wast thou to the pangs of parturition, O most immaculate Mother, for, passing forth from thy womb, Christ kept thee from all pain and preserved thy virginity intact.
Ode IX, Irmos: Let the assemblies of the heretics fall silent, for they do not confess thee to be the true Theotokos; but the prophets proclaimed thee from on high to be the Mother of God and the mediatress of our race. Wherefore, we magnify thee, O Virgin.
Holy Protomartyr, Alban, pray to God for us.
Light from on high shineth forth upon us through thee, O most pious Alban, dispelling the darkness of polytheism and the gloom of heresy, that we may tread the path of righteousness without faltering and attain the heavenly Sion.
Holy Protomartyr, Alban, pray to God for us.
Britain rejoiceth greatly in thy memory, O invincible martyr Alban, and bendeth its knee in gratitude for the many benefactions thou hast wrought for it, setting at nought the evil machinations of the devil and his minions.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
All Christendom is glad and danceth for joy, reverently celebrating thy memorial with prayers, hymns and godly feasts, O martyr of Christ; for, having thee as a champion and mediator, it magnifieth thee exceedingly.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Now and always do we proclaim thee our peerless intercessor, who pleadeth earnestly with thy Son, the Lord of hosts, that he take pity and deal mercifully with us. Wherefore, we magnify thee, O most blessed Virgin.
Troparion, Tone 3: With faith, piety and devotion let us hasten to the sacred shrine of the wondrous martyr Alban, the first in Britain to shed his blood for Christ the Lord, for Whom he willingly laid down his life; and let us pray that through his supplications our souls may find mercy and salvation.
Dear brothers and sisters, greetings as we celebrate the memory of St John the Wonderworker! Let us all celebrate his memory by praying the akathist!
KONTAKION I Chosen wonderworker and pleaser of Christ, who pourest forth inexhaustible streams of inspiration and a multitude, of miracles upon the whole world, we praise thee with love and call out to thee: Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!
OIKOS I An angel in the flesh wast thou manifested in these latter times by the grace of God Who ever careth for men. Seeing the beauty of thy virtues, we cry out to thee: Rejoice, thou who from earliest childhood wast adorned in piety. Rejoice, thou who didst ever live in fear of God and do His holy will. Rejoice, thou who didst manifest the grace of God through good deeds done secretly. Rejoice, thou who dost hearken to the prayers of those in distress. Rejoice, thou who didst hasten, full of love, to save thy neighbors. Rejoice, joy to all who fall down before thee with faith. Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!
KONTAKION II Beholding the abundance and variety of thy virtues, O holy Hierarch, we see in thee a living source of God’s wonders in our time. Thou dost refresh with thy love and miracles all who cry in faith to God: Alleluia!
OIKOS II Being filled with love and replete with theology, O divinely wise John, made wise by the knowledge of God and adorned with love for the suffering, teach us also to know the true God in love as we call out to thee in admiration: Rejoice, unshakeable stronghold of Orthodox truth. Rejoice, precious vessel of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, righteous denouncer of impiety and false doctrine. Rejoice, zealous fulfiller of the commandments of God. Rejoice, ascetic who didst not allow thyself to rest upon a bed. Rejoice, beloved shepherd of the flock of Christ. Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!
KONTAKION III By the power of the grace of God wast thou manifest as a father to orphans and instructor of the young, raising them in the fear of God and preparing them for the service of God. Wherefore all thy children look to thee with love in gratitude cry out to God: Alleluia!
OIKOS III Thou shouldst truly be praised from the heavens, and not from earth, O father John, for our words are feeble beside thy deeds. Yet offering to God what we have, we cry out to thee thus: Rejoice, thou who didst protect thy children by thine unceasing prayer! Rejoice, thou who didst ever guard thy flock with the sign of the Cross. Rejoice, thou whose love knew no bounds of country or race. Rejoice, bright luminary beloved of all. Rejoice, model of unceasing prayer and loving kindness. Rejoice, bestower of spiritual consolation upon those in need. Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!
KONTAKION IV Overwhelmed by the tempest of perils, we know not how to praise thee worthily, O Hierarch John. Thou didst travel to the ends of the earth to save thy flock and proclaim the glad tidings of the Gospel to those in darkness. Giving thanks to God for thine apostolic labors we cry out to Him: Alleluia!
OIKOS IV Those near and far have heard of the greatness of thy miracles, which are made manifest by the mercy of God even to our days. And so we also, marveling, cry out in awe: Rejoice, enlightener of those in the darkness of unbelief. Rejoice, thou who didst lead thy people from the Far East to the West. Rejoice, fountain of miracles poured forth by God. Rejoice, loving chastiser of those who have gone astray. Rejoice, swift consoler of those who repent of their sins. Rejoice, guide of those who walk the straight path. Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!
KONTAKION V Thou wast manifest to be a divinely bestowed light to stop the destructive forces of fallen nature, O holy Hierarch, preserving thy flock on the island of Tubabao from the deadly wind and storm, by thy prayer and the sign of the Cross. Teach us who call upon thee for help, O holy woderworker, to cry out in wonder unto God: Alleluia!
OIKOS V All who have trusted in thy help in desperate circumstances and adversities have found deliverance, O bold intercessor, before the Throne of God. Wherefore, we trust in thine intercession before God, and cry out to thee: Rejoice, thou who dost avert the dangers of the elements. Rejoice, thou who by thy prayer deliverest from need. Rejoice, inexhaustible giver of bread to the hungry. Rejoice, abundant wealth for those who live in poverty. Rejoice, consolation for those in sorrow. Rejoice, quick uplifting for those who have fallen. Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!
KONTAKION VI Preaching salvation though slow of speech, thou wast shown to be like a new Moses, leading thy people out of the captivity of the godless, O all-blessed John. Deliver us also from bondage to sin and the invisible foe, that, rejoicing, we may cry out to God: Alleluia!
OIKOS VI Shining forth in thy righteousness, thou didst do the impossible and persuade the authorities of this world to have pity on thy flock, O good shepherd. Wherefore, with them we also cry out to thee in thanksgiving: Rejoice, good shepherd who didst prepare for thy wandering flock a peaceful haven. Rejoice, thou who didst show the greatest care for children and the sick. Rejoice, helper of all who call thee with faith. Rejoice, for in thy weak body wast the power of God made manifest with abundance. Rejoice, thou who foilest the attacks of the unrighteous. Rejoice, destroyer of lies and exalter of truth. Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!
KONTAKION VII Desiring to glorify as is meet the ancient saints of the West, of lands which had fallen away from the truth, thou didst revive their veneration in the Orthodox Church, O lover of the saints of the East and the West. With them pray thou today in heaven on behalf of us who chant on earth: Alleluia!
OIKOS VII We see thee as a new chosen one of God, who wast manifest in the latter times as one of the holy Hierarchs of Gaul, exhorting thy flock to preserve the same Orthodox faith that they confessed, and astonishing the peoples of the West by thy holy life. Preserve us, that we too may abide in this Faith, who cry out to thee: Rejoice, thou who wast a new Martin by thy miracles and ascetic feats. Rejoice, thou who wast a new Germanus by thy confession of the Orthodox faith. Rejoice, thou who wast a new Hilary by thy divine theology. Rejoice, thou who wast a new Gregory by thy love and glorification of God’s saints. Rejoice, thou who wast a new Faustus by thy monastic fervor. Rejoice, thou who wast a new Caesarius by thy steadfast love for the canons of the Church of God. Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!
KONTAKION VIII A strange sight didst thou behold: in the New World thou didst encounter thy former flock in tribulation. Here wast thee called to suffer persecution and by thine patience, righteousness and instruction to guide the flock, and didst erect the church of the Mother of God, the Joy of All Who Sorrow. Now marveling at thy patience and longsuffering, we all cry out to God: Alleluia!
OIKOS VIII Giving thyself wholly unto Christ, O laborer of Christ’s vineyard, thou knewest no rest even at the end of thy much-suffering life; help us, the unworthy, in our labors as we strive to be faithful to Christ, crying out in praise to thee: Rejoice, thou who didst endure unto the end and so didst attain salvation. Rejoice, thou who wast deemed worthy to die before the Icon of the Mother of God. Rejoice, thou who didst keep thy faith and courage in the midst of unjust persecution. Rejoice, thou who didst labor to the end for thy flock and didst repose, seated, as a hierarch. Rejoice, thou who didst comfort the flock by being buried among it. Rejoice, thou who workest wonders for those who come to thy relics with faith and love. Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!
KONTAKION IX All the angelic hosts rejoiced at thy soul’s ascent to • the mansions of heaven, marveling at the wonders thou didst perform on earth through the action of the Holy Spirit, to Whom we sing: Alleluia!
OIKOS IX Orators find it impossible to describe thy life of sanctity with their many and eloquent words, O righteous father John, for thou didst become a living dwelling-place for the grace of the ineffable God. Yet, unable to be silent at the wonder revealed to our age of feeble faith, we glorify thee: Rejoice, divine palace from whence the counsel of the Good King is given. Rejoice, for in thy humble activity thou hadst angels serving with thee. Rejoice, thou who didst gain a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Rejoice, infirmary wherein every ailment is divinely healed. Rejoice, depository wherein thy holy labor of prayer was hidden. Rejoice, blessed temple of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!
KONTAKION X Desiring to save the world, the Savior of all hath sent unto us a new saint and through him hath called us forth from the dark abyss of sin. Hearing this call to repentance, we, the unworthy ones, in turn cry out to God: Alleluia!
OIKOS X Thou art a wall sheltering us from adversity, O father John, for through thy heavenly intercessions are we delivered from the attacks of demonic passions and from afflictions which beset us on earth. Before thy firm support of prayer, we cry with faith: Rejoice, sight to those who are blind. Rejoice, thou who by the power of prayer givest life to those on their bed of death. Rejoice, thou who with divine wisdom dost enlighten those in confusion and doubt. Rejoice, refreshing water to those perishing in the heat of sorrow. Rejoice, loving father to the orphaned and abandoned. Rejoice, holy teacher of those who seek the Truth. Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!
KONTAKION XI In thought, word and deed thy life was a hymn to the Most Holy Trinity, O most blessed John. For with much wisdom didst thou explain the precepts of the true Faith, teaching us to sing with faith, hope and love to the one God in Trinity: Alleluia!
OIKOS XI We see thee as a radiant lamp of Orthodoxy for those in the darkness of ignorance, O good shepherd of the flock of Christ. Thus, even after thy repose, thou dost reveal the Truth to those ignorant thereof, illumining the souls of the faithful, who cry out to thee such things as these: Rejoice, thou who with divine wisdom dost enlighten those who languish in unbelief. Rejoice, rainbow of quiet joys for the meek. Rejoice, thunder to those obstinate in sin. Rejoice, lightning burning up heresies. Rejoice, downpour of the dogmas of Orthodoxy. Rejoice, dew of the thought of God. Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!
KONTAKION XII With reverence and thanksgiving do we receive the grace that hath been poured out upon thee by God, O most lauded father John. Glorifying the wonders of a holy hierarch who once walked among us, we cry out to God: Alleluia!
OIKOS XII Singing praise unto God, the heavenly choir of saints rejoiceth that He hath not forsaken the fallen and faithless world, but hath manifested His almighty power in thee, his meek and humble servant. O blessed John, with all the saints we greet thee and give honor to thee: Rejoice, new star of righteousness which hath shone forth in heaven. Rejoice, new prophet who wast sent before the final reign of evil. Rejoice, thou who like Jonah dost warn all of the wages of sin. Rejoice, thou who like the Baptist John calleth all to prayer and repentance. Rejoice, thou who like Paul endured much for the sake of the Gospel and the preaching of the Faith. Rejoice, new apostle whose miracles instill in us faith and awe. Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!
KONTAKION XIII 0 all-radiant and most wondrous God-pleaser, holy hierarch John, consolation for all who sorrow, accept this, our offering of prayer, that through thy prayers to our Lord we may be delivered from fiery Gehenna and by thy God-pleasing intercession we may chant forever unto God: Alleluia! (Thrice)
OIKOS I An angel in the flesh wast thou manifested in these latter times by the grace of God Who ever careth for men. Seeing the beauty of thy virtues, we cry out to thee: Rejoice, thou who from earliest childhood wast adorned in piety. Rejoice, thou who didst ever live in fear of God and do His holy will. Rejoice, thou who didst manifest the grace of God through good deeds done secretly. Rejoice, thou who dost hearken to the prayers of those in distress. Rejoice, thou who didst hasten, full of love, to save thy neighbors. Rejoice, joy to all who fall down before thee with faith. Rejoice, O holy hierarch,Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!
KONTAKION I Chosen wonderworker and pleaser of Christ, who pourest forth inexhaustible streams of inspiration and a multitude of miracles upon the whole world, we praise thee with love and call out to thee: Rejoice, O holy hierarch, Father John, speedy helper amid misfortunes!
Prayers to the Holy Hierarch John Wonderworker of Shanghai & San Francisco
Prayer 1
O wondrous hierarch John, thou didst stretch thy heart to encompass within it a multitude of people from among diverse nations and peoples who honor thee. Look down at the humility of our words, which we offer out of love” for thee, and help us, O saint of God, to cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, so that we may labor for the Lord with fear and rejoice in Him with trembling. What shall we render unto thee for that joy which we have felt, beholding thy sacred relics in the holy church and glorifying thy memory? Truly, we have nothing to offer thee, except if we begin to correct our lives, becoming new men instead of old. Be an intercessor for us of this grace of renewal, O holy John; help us in our weaknesses; heal our sicknesses; cure our passions by thy prayers. O thou who didst depart this temporal life unto life eternal, to which the all-pure Mistress, the Directress of the Russian diaspora, guided thee by her wonder-working Kursk-Root Icon, whose companion thou wast on the day of thy repose, thou dost now rejoice in the choir of the saints who glorify the one God, Who is worshipped in Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer 2
O beloved Hierarch John, good shepherd and beholder of the hearts and minds of men! Thou prayest for us now at the throne of God, as thou thyself didst say after thy death: “Even though I have died, yet am I alive.” Beseech the most compassionate God, that He grant us forgiveness of sins, that we may come wakefully to our senses, and cry out to God, asking that we be given the spirit of humility, the fear of God and piety in all the ways of our life. As thou wast a merciful nurturer of orphans and a skilled instructor on earth, be thou now a guide and Christian understanding for us amid the turmoil of the Church; hearken to the groaning of the troubled youth of our corrupt times, who are tempest-tossed by most wicked demonic possession, and mercifully regard the despondency of our weak pastors, caused by the inroads of the corrupting spirit of this world, and who languish in idle indifference. Hasten thou to make supplication, we cry to thee with tears, O fervent advocate; visit us, who are orphaned, scattered over the face of all the world and in our homeland, astray in the darkness of the passions, yet who by our feeble love are drawn to the light of Christ and await thy fatherly instruction; that, having acquired piety, we may be shown to be heirs of the kingdom of heaven, where thou abidest with all the saints, glorifying our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be honor and dominion, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
This coming Tuesday is the feast of the Holy Protomartyr, Alban, and to celebrate his memory, we will serve a moleben before the saint’s relics and newly-painted icon in the Oratory Church at 16:00.
Their presence is a great blessing, and some of us make pilgrimages to pray before them week by week. However, it has been some months since a parish group did so, and we look forward to praying and venerating them in the week ahead.
The Cardiff Oratory, The Church of St Alban on the Moors, Swinton St, Splott, Cardiff CF24 2NT.
Saint Tikhon of Medin and Kaluga, in his youth received monastic tonsure at the Chudov monastery in Moscow, but through his love for solitude he settled at an isolated spot near Maloyaroslavl. He lived in asceticism in a deep dense forest, on the bank of the River Vepreika, in the hollow of an ancient giant oak. Once, during a hunt, Prince Basil Yaroslavich (grandson of Vladimir the Brave), came upon St Tikhon, angrily ordered him to leave his property immediately, and dared to raise his whip against the monk. At once, the hand of the prince grew numb. Taken aback by such punishment, the prince repented of his conduct and with humility asked forgiveness.
He received healing through the prayer of St Tikhon. The prince entreated the monk to remain always on his property and to build a monastery there for monks, promising to provide it with everything necessary. St Tikhon built a monastery in honour of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, which he headed. He guided the monastery until he reached a great old age, and he died in the year 1492, after receiving the great schema.
St Tikhon’s body was buried at the cathedral church of the monastery he founded. The celebration of St Tikhon was established at the Council of 1584.
The Orthodox Church in America
6/16/2016
Canon of the saint, Tone VIII:
Ode I, Irmos: Having passed through the water as upon dry land, * and having escaped the malice of the Egyptians, * the Israelites cried aloud: * Unto our God and Redeemer let us sing.
Venerable Father, Tikhon, pray to God for us.
Relying wholly upon almighty God, O divinely wise one, through desire and love thou didst furnish thy mind with wings to fly unto Him, that, abiding with Christ, thou mightest inherit eternal life
Venerable Father, Tikhon, pray to God for us.
Strengthened by trust in our supremely good God, O most blessed Tikhon, by fasting and prayer thou didst strive towards the good things which are to come.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Wondrous was thy life and the humility which thou didst acquire from thy youth, O all-blessed one; wherefore, having cut thyself off from the world, thou didst become a right skilful monk in whom the virtues flourished.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The Word of God, incarnate through thy most pure blood, O most pure Virgin, hath made clear to all His great and divine love; for He hath united human nature to the choir of the angels, and lifted it up unto those who dwell in heaven.
Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, Creator of the vault of Heaven * and Builder of the Church, * do Thou strengthen me in Thy love, O Summit of desire, * O Support of the faithful, * O only Lover of mankind.
Venerable Father, Tikhon, pray to God for us.
Through fasting and prayer thou hast acquired great boldness before God, O venerable Tikhon. Him do thou beseech, that He be merciful even unto us.
Venerable Father, Tikhon, pray to God for us.
Spurning transitory things here below, the things above, which are exalted, didst thou love, setting thy God-loving soul afire with divine zeal; and having done the will of the Most High, thou hast received the good things of heaven.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Desiring to enjoy the sweet things which are ever abiding, O venerable one, thou didst subsist on plants grown by thyself in the wilderness; and having thus reached the end of the struggle of thy life, thou dost now delight in everlasting good things.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Sovereign Lady, grant thine aid unto me, thy servant, give me understanding, and guide me to the path of salvation O Virgin. Deliver me from misfortunes and tribulations, for thou hast given birth to the Redemption of all.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Sessional Hymn, Tone IV: Considering the greatly tumultuous world and ephemeral vanity to be as dust, thou didst please God, acquiring the angelic life; wherefore, we pray, from the corrupting passions deliver us who ever honour thy memory in hymns, O blessed Tikhon our father.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Like a vine which hath not been cultivated, O Virgin, thou didst produce the most comely Grape, Who poureth forth upon us the wine of salvation which gladdeneth the souls and bodies of all. Wherefore, blessing thee as the cause of good things, we ever cry out to thee with the angel: Rejoice, O thou who art full of grace!
Ode IV, Irmos: Lord, I have heard the mystery of Thy dispensation; * I have considered Thy works, * and I have glorified Thy Divinity.
Venerable Father, Tikhon, pray to God for us.
With torrents of tears thou didst irrigate the wilderness, O blessed one, sowing therein the seed of thy labors; wherefore, in joy thou didst reap fruit an hundredfold, crying aloud: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Venerable Father, Tikhon, pray to God for us.
Mindful of the final day of this life, O venerable Tikhon, thou didst prepare thyself for thy departure at every hour, adorning thy soul with good works, awaiting the arrival of thy Master.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O Tikhon our father, never cease to pray for thy holy monastery and hermitage, which thou didst cultivate with much labour, asking that they be delivered from evil circumstances and all manner of tribulation, that we may all unceasingly hymn thee as a gracious father.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Christ the Lord, the King of all, loving thee as a divinely chosen Maiden, a scion of royal lineage, O Theotokos, wholly dwelt within thee, showing thee to be more exalted than the cherubim and the seraphim.
Ode V, Irmos: Illumine us O Lord with Thy commandments, * and with Thine arm raised on high * grant us Thy peace, * O Lover of mankind!
Venerable Father, Tikhon, pray to God for us.
Like a right flourishing tree planted by streams of water, O venerable father Tikhon, thou hast put forth the virtues as though they were many branches, receiving under thy shade those who desire salvation.
Venerable Father, Tikhon, pray to God for us.
Thou wast a fervent advocate in this life, O our blessed father Tikhon, imparting abundant health unto all by thy mediations; wherefore, we now rely on thy supplication even more, asking that through thee we may receive mercy and the remission of sins.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
By voluntary poverty thou didst acquire the kingdom of heaven; wherefore, thou pourest forth in abundance the gifts of spiritual healings upon all who with faith venerate thy most honoured memory, O Tikhon our venerable father.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The noetic Sun shone forth from thee O Theotokos, extending the brilliant rays of His divinity; wherefore with unceasing hymns, we all magnify thee O Sovereign Lady.
Ode VI, Irmos: I will pour out my prayer unto the Lord, * and to Him will I proclaim my grief; * for my soul is filled with evils, * and my life unto Hades hath drawn nigh, * and like Jonah I pray unto Thee: * Raise me up from corruption, O God.
Venerable Father, Tikhon, pray to God for us.
Thy precious body poureth forth great healing upon those who approach thy salutary tomb with faith, O Tikhon our father.
Venerable Father, Tikhon, pray to God for us.
By thine unceasing prayers unto God, O Tikhon our father, thou didst attain to the mansions of heaven, where the ineffable Light and the delight of the venerable are, with whom thou standest before the God of all, O father Tikhon.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Thou didst consider night to be like day, O blessed one, for thou gavest no rest to thy body, nor sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids, until thou didst reach the resting-place of heaven.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
By thy supplications tear apart the record of my transgressions, and grant me release from the grief and sufferings which beset me, O Sovereign Lady.
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: Forsaking thy homeland, O venerable one, thou didst make thine abode in the wilderness, * where thou didst show thy manner of life to be strict; * and amazing many by thy virtues, * thou didst receive from Christ the gift of miracles. * Wherefore, remember us who honour thy memory, that we may cry out to thee: ** Rejoice, O venerable Tikhon our father!
Ikos: Loving the divine commandments of Christ, O Tikhon our venerable father, and hating the delights of this world, thou didst leave thy homeland and eagerly hasten to the wilderness; and thou wast a beacon therein, enlightening those parts with the effulgence of the Spirit. Wherefore, approaching thy healing tomb with fervour, we cry out to thee: Rejoice, O Tikhon our venerable father!
Ode VII, Irmos: In Babylon, the pious youths did not worship the golden image, * but, bedewed in the midst of the fiery furnace, * they chanted a hymn, saying: * O supremely exalted God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Venerable Father, Tikhon, pray to God for us.
Thou didst struggle manfully in the wilderness and, receiving the effulgence of the Spirit, wast caught up to the heights of heaven, O venerable father Tikhon, where thou art now glorified with the angels.
Venerable Father, Tikhon, pray to God for us.
In the wilderness thou didst curb thy tongue with silence, O Tikhon our father, leading an untroubled life like an angel in the flesh.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Truly thou hast been deemed worthy of a good life, O venerable father Tikhon, obtaining it through purity and asceticism; and now thou standest before God with the ranks of the incorporeal beings.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The mind of man is at a loss as to how to understand the ineffable depths of thy birthgiving, O pure one; for, abasing Himself in His tender compassion, God hath made me wholly new by His incarnation.
Ode VIII, Irmos: The King of heaven, * Who is glorified by the hosts of angels, * let us praise and supremely exalt throughout all ages.
Venerable Father, Tikhon, pray to God for us.
Thou didst water the ground of thy heart with torrents of tears, O Tikhon our venerable father, and, standing immovably in prayer, thou didst glorify the Creator of all.
Venerable Father, Tikhon, pray to God for us.
By thy watchful vigils and frequent sighs, O blessed father Tikhon, the grace of the Holy Spirit grew within thee revealing thee as glorious.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
By the sufferings of asceticism and thy valiant struggles, O most blessed father Tikhon, thou didst cause the divine grain to grow, wherewith thou dost feed those who piously honour thy memory.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O most good Sovereign Lady who hast given birth in the flesh to the supremely good God, purify my heart, which hath been tormented by the passions, that I may glorify thee with faith and love.
Ode IX, Irmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, * we confess thee to be truly the Theotokos, * and together with the choirs of the bodiless hosts * thee do we magnify.
Venerable Father, Tikhon, pray to God for us.
In the depths of thy tears thou didst drown the serpent, the author of evil, O venerable father Tikhon, and as an excellent victor thou hast ascended to the heavens, where with the choirs of the angels thou dost unceasingly glorify the God of all.
Venerable Father, Tikhon, pray to God for us.
Thou wast possessed of a guileless life, adorned with the sweat of suffering, O all-praised and venerable father Tikhon; wherefore, thy spirit was filled with divine joy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Arrayed as with a royal crown, the city of Kaluga boasteth in thee O our venerable father Tikhon; having thy relics within its environs as a goodly guardian given it by the Lord.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O all-hymned Virgin who hast given birth unto God in the flesh, show forth those who glorify thee as ones who share in the divine light, and by thy supplications deliver us from the fire of Gehenna and from all the harm of the enemy.
Troparion, Tone IV: O Tikhon our venerable father, * thou wast shown to be a most radiant beacon in the midst of the Russian land; * for, having made thine abode in the wilderness * and led a strict way of life therein, * thou didst live like an incorporeal being, * for which cause God hath enriched thee with the gift of miracles. * Wherefore, hastening to the shrine of thy relics, * we say with compunction: ** O venerable father, entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.
