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Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, Cardiff : Kazan Icon of the Mother of God published a note.

Posted 6 hours ago

Congratulations to Father Luke on his nameday!As we celebrate the feast of the All-Praised Apostle and Evangelist, Luke, we congratulate the Archpriest Luke on his nameday.

Even before his reception into the Russian Church Outside of Russia, he served and ministered to the Russian Orthodox faithful in South Wales for decades, whether in the Swansea-Llanelli parish, or in his relief duties in the church of St Nicholas in Cardiff. Father Luke is the senior member of the ROCOR clergy in Wales!

We look forward to the resumption of Church life at the western end of the Russian Orthodox mission in South Wales, where there is already a long request list for baptisms and weddings.

May God give Father Luke good-strength and bless his labours.

Многая и благая лѣта! Many, blessed years!

Troparion, Tone 5: The holy apostle, the all-hymned Luke,/ who is acknowledged by the Church of Christ/ as the recorder of the acts of the apostles/ and the splendid author of the Gospel of Christ,/ let us praise with sacred hymns,/ as a physician who healeth the infirmities of man/ and the ailments of nature,/ who cleanseth spiritual wounds// and prayeth unceasingly for our souls. ... Click Here To See MoreClick Here To See Less

Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, Cardiff : Kazan Icon of the Mother of God published a note.

Posted 1 day ago

The translation of the relics of the Righteous Lazarus of the Four-Days, Bishop of Kition.Today, the Orthodox Churches that maintain the Patristic Calendar celebrate the translation of the relics of the Righteous Lazarus of the Four-Days, Bishop of Kition, which took place in the 9th century.

The Righteous Lazarus, brother of Martha and Mary, lived in the village of Bethany, not far from Jerusalem, and during His earthly life, the Lord Jesus Christ often visited the house of Lazarus, whom he loved very much and called his friend (John 11: 3; John 11: 11). When Lazarus died and had already lain in the grave for four days, the Lord raised him from the dead (John 11, 17 - 44).

The Resurrection of Lazarus is remembered by the Orthodox Church on the Saturday of the sixth week of Great Lent, the eve of Palm Sunday: "Lazarus Saturday".

Many Jews, having heard of this wonder, came to Bethany and, having become convinced of the reality of this greatest miracle, became followers of Christ. For this, the high priests wanted to kill Lazarus.

The Righteous Lazarus is mentioned in the Gospels one more time. When, six days before Easter, the Lord again came to Bethany, the risen Lazarus was also there (John 12, 1 - 2, John 12, 9 - 11).

According to Eastern Church tradition, after the Resurrection of Christ, Lazarus fled Judea because of the threats against him, escaping to Cyprus, where Saints Paul and Barnabas appointed him as the first ‘over-seer’ – epi skopos – i.e. bishop of Kition (modern-day Larnaca). where he lived for another thirty years.

In 890 the sacred relics of St Lazarus were found in Kition, deposited in a marble chest, on which was written: "Lazarus the Four days, friend of Christ", and in 898, the Emperor, Leo VI, the Wise (886 - 911) ordered their translation to Constantinople, placing them in the church dedicated to the St Lazarus.

The same, pious Emperor, had the present cathedral of St Lazarus built over his marble sacophagus, which rests in the crypt below the sanctuary.

Pray to God for us, O Holy God-Pleaser Lazarus, for we eagerly betake ourselves to thee, who art a speedy helper, and intercessor for our souls. ... Click Here To See MoreClick Here To See Less

Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, Cardiff : Kazan Icon of the Mother of God published a note.

Posted 7 days ago

The canon for the Synaxis of the Venerable Fathers of Optina: tone 8.Ode 1, 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.

Exalting our instructors, let us say: Ye are a holy seed, O venerable fathers, ye praise of the land of Russia and confirmation of your children!

Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.

Rejoice, O honoured Paisius our father, thou 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 3, 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 bring 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, a torrent of sweetness hath 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.

Sedalion, Tone 4: 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.

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 4, 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, O Anthony, by thy life of abstinence, 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 5, 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 double 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 feed 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 unto thee, ever interceding on behalf of us, thine unworthy servants.

Ode 6, Irmos: I pour forth my prayer unto the Lord, and unto Him do I declare my grief; for my soul is full of evil and my life hath drawn nigh unto Hades, 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 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, Tone 8: Having withdrawn from this vain work and discovered a treasure through your pure life, ye have not abandoned 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 deception, 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 7, Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the youths who had come forth from Judea 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 honour, 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 8, 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 everyone 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 9, Irmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, we who confess thee to be in truth the Theotokos, magnify 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 evil enemies. We beseech thee: keep us under the shelter of thy wings.

Troparion, Tone 1: 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 neighbors, 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! ... Click Here To See MoreClick Here To See Less

Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, Cardiff : Kazan Icon of the Mother of God published a note.

Posted 2 weeks ago

A year without parish pilgrimage to Walsingham.Dear all,

It was our hope, if not quite expectation, that by now circumstances would have allowed us to return to Walsingham, and that this evening would have seen our arrival, our first-visit to the Holy House and the Orthodox shrine-chapel, a meal in the refectory and that we would be getting ready for compline in an hour or so, and then a pilgrim refreshment visit to The Bull.

After the success of last year’s parish pilgrimage, another group was looking forward to returning to England’s Nazareth today, for a week of services, prayer, reflection and time together.

Sadly, present circumstances have not allowed that, and it has not been possible to visit Walsingham and celebrate in the tiny chapel in the shrine at all, this year. This has been a great sorrow, perhaps one of the greatest hardships of the year.

It is the custom that a few of us go in February, to celebrate the Meeting of the Lord; in Bright Week to celebrate the altar-feast of the chapel of the Life-Giving Spring; and again in October/November. Our most dedicated Walsinghamites from Old St Mellon’s make an additional two or three more journeys to Walsingham each year!

So... this has been a year when we have felt the loss of Walsingham, but we look forward to returning with great eagerness.

Walsingham remains in our thoughts and prayers, and I encourage those who would have been making the journey this week to find a little time to remember the shrine and village, the appearance of the Mother of God to the Lady Richeldis in the 11th century, and the Holy House, dedicated to the Annunciation.

I particularly ask your prayers for Mother Melangell and the small band of the Orthodox faithful who keep alive the Orthodox presence there, even though they do not even have access to the Orthodox Chapel of the Life-Giving Spring. May God give them good strength and may the Mother of God, Our Lady of Walsingham, preserve them under her Protecting Veil.

Again, I include the ‘Walsingham akathist hymn’, for the pilgrims and all who wish to honour the Mother of God, Our Lady of Walsingham.

In Christ - Fr Mark

The Akathist Hymn to the Walsingham Icon of the Mother-of-God

Kontakion One: O Sovereign Lady, Mother-of-God and Ever-Virgin Mary, thine honoured icon is set up in the village of Walsingham, granting unto us comfort in times of trouble and as a well-spring of joy, so that with faith we may ever cry out unto thee : Rejoice, thou who art full of grace.

Ikos One: In the time when Edward, son of Ethelred, ruled over the English people, the lady Richeldis, a devout widow, desired to honour the most holy Mother-of-God with some godly work, and with deep fervour she prayed that her petition might be granted, and prompted by her ardent yearning, we cry out and say:

Rejoice, gracious Lady, thou wonder of Walsingham.
Rejoice, holy mother, glory of Jerusalem.
Rejoice, sacred cypress of Sion.
Rejoice, resplendent joy of Israel.
Rejoice, thou purest rose of Jericho.
Rejoice, thou blazing star of Bethlehem.
Rejoice, golden ark containing the Master of the Law.
Rejoice, holy vessel that holds the sacred myrrh.
Rejoice, thou who art full of grace.

Kontakion Two: In spirit the most holy Mother-of-God led the widow Richeldis unto Nazareth and showed her the house, where she had received the salutation of the Archangel Gabriel, and she said to her “Behold this place, my daughter, and measure it carefully with thine eye, that thou mayest build its like in Walsingham: and thus shall all people cry out unto my Son : Alleluia.”

Ikos Two: The virtuous widow marked in her mind the length and breadth and height of the holy house and resolved to set up its like near her home unto the singular honour of the holy Annunciation, so that all people, seeking the Mother-of-God as a strong helper, might say:

Rejoice, thou who didst receive the message of the Archangel.
Rejoice, thou root from which grew up mankind’s gracious redemption.
Rejoice, thou who didst become a mother through humility.
Rejoice, thou who hast conceived in virginity.
Rejoice, thou who didst give birth in Bethlehem, the House of Bread.
Rejoice, Mother of the Bread, which comes down from heaven.
Rejoice, thou who feedest the hungry with good things.
Rejoice, thou who givest wholesome water to the sick.
Rejoice, thou who art full of grace.

Kontakion Three: Three times the Mother-of-God visited the lady Richeldis in the same way, confirming her promise that she would be present amongst the English people and amongst all the peoples of the world, desiring all to glorify God and to sing: Alleluia.

Ikos Three: At once the lady Richeldis sought to build the holy house with all speed. She summoned her skilled craftsmen so that they might cut and shape the timbers for the building, as the Mother-of-God had desired, and together they sang:

Rejoice, mother of the Creator of heaven and earth.
Rejoice, maiden who didst house God in her womb.
Rejoice, safe harbour for all sea-faring peoples.
Rejoice, protecting haven for the people of England.
Rejoice, faithful guardian of the holy dwellings of monks.
Rejoice, thou chief solace against all tribulation.
Rejoice, pathway leading to Him, Who is the Way.
Rejoice, gateway in which the Prince doth sit and eat.
Rejoice, thou who art full of grace.

Kontakion Four: The lady Richeldis looked out upon a fair meadow, strewn with flowers and wet with drops of rain and dew from on high, yet in two places, chosen beforehand by the Mother-of-God, neither moisture nor dew was to be found: and, seeing this sign, she sang: Alleluia.

Ikos Four: Perceiving the sign of divine blessing, the widow saw that in this beautiful meadow she must establish a new Nazareth to stand, like the first one of old, as a signal of mankind’s reconciliation with God, and so she cried aloud unto the Mother-of-God:

Rejoice, thou golden candlestick of the Light.
Rejoice, gilded censer encompassing the divine Fire.
Rejoice, thou ladder, by which God came down from heaven
Rejoice, golden vessel enfolding the sacred Lamb
Rejoice, root from Jesse that restorest Adam who had fallen
Rejoice, well-spring that washest away the tears that Eve shed
Rejoice, steadfast protection for the peoples of these northern islands
Rejoice, glorious adornment of the holy churches
Rejoice, thou who art full of grace.

Kontakion Five: The lady Richeldis instructed her carpenters to shape the beams and rafters for the holy house, so that all the wood might fit together precisely: and, as they worked, with one voice they sang aloud: Alleluia.

Ikos Five: When all the timber had been made ready, the widow began to doubt where the holy house was to be, for there were two places which, like Gideon’s woollen fleece, remained dry amidst all the wetness that encircled them, and yet with faith she started to sing:

Rejoice, radiant fleece that Gideon saw of old.
Rejoice, vine that puttest forth a branch that cannot wither.
Rejoice, tree of radiant fruit unblemished.
Rejoice, land that flowest with milk and honey.
Rejoice, uncut mountain that containest the unshakeable Rock.
Rejoice, deep bowl that holdest the everlasting Manna.
Rejoice, cup that surroundest the sweet wine of eternal life.
Rejoice, dwelling-place of Him, Who renews creation.
Rejoice, thou who art full of grace.

Kontakion Six: The noble lady Richeldis decided to build on the first of the two plots of equal size, where the chapel of the holy martyr Lawrence later stood, close by two wells of water, and seeing her intention all the people chanted: Alleluia.

Ikos Six: The workmen began the footings, as a firm foundation for the heavenly house, and they laboured with all their skill and strength, but gradually the work became troublesome, for they found that no piece of timber seemed to agree with another: yet even in their frustration and sad perplexity, they raised their voices and sang, saying:

Rejoice, solace for those in anxiety.
Rejoice, sure security for those in bewilderment.
Rejoice, thou who dost ever put forth a helping hand.
Rejoice, thou who dost pour out grace from thy holy icons.
Rejoice, ewe that gavest birth to the Lamb Who is the Shepherd.
Rejoice, chosen dwelling of God the All-Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, thou who dost arouse the sleeping conscience.
Rejoice, thou who dost calm the troubled heart.
Rejoice, thou who art full of grace.

Kontakion Seven: The carpenters were perplexed because they were unable join together their own distinctive handiwork, and therefore at the command of the lady Richeldis they laid every thing aside for the time being and went to their rest, gently singing to the Lord: Alleluia.

Ikos Seven: Knowing that it was the intention of the Mother-of-God herself to anchor the holy house amid the surging troubles of the world, the noble lady Richeldis prayed all that night that a further sign might be given by the Mother-of-God, and she said:

Rejoice, our hope in life and when we come to die.
Rejoice, thou who givest a peaceful end to our life.
Rejoice, our defender in the dread day of judgment.
Rejoice, our deliverance from the fire that knows no end.
Rejoice, habitation of the God, Whom no man can approach.
Rejoice, gentle hearer of all our petitions.
Rejoice, life-giving well-spring of healings.
Rejoice, wide sea that consumest all our passions.
Rejoice, thou who art full of grace.

Kontakion Eight: The most holy Mother-of-God, the chief builder of her own dwelling, with the assistance of the hands of holy angels, planted the holy house firmly in the second plot of land, two hundred feet distant from the first, and when they saw this, the angels, archangels and all the bodiless powers of heaven cried out in awe: Alleluia.

Ikos Eight: As dawn broke the next day, the carpenters came to take up their tools and with amazement they saw that every timber was firmly joined, floor and window, walls and door, and above the rafters a neat thatch of reeds covered the roof, all better than they had originally had in mind, and with rejoicing each man stood still in amazement and with thanksgiving sang:

Rejoice, Queen and mighty Empress of heaven and earth.
Rejoice, guide that showest us all the way to heaven.
Rejoice, steadfast confirmation of the faith.
Rejoice, sweet-smelling incense of prayer.
Rejoice, thou gateway that leadest to Paradise.
Rejoice, thou bridge that carriest us over into the Kingdom.
Rejoice, refuge of all despairing sinners.
Rejoice, joy of the angels and of all mankind.
Rejoice, thou who art full of grace.

Kontakion Nine: Giving thanks to the most holy Mother-of-God for her gracious sign, disclosed in the completion of the holy house, the lady Richeldis gazed in wonder at the perfection of the skilled handiwork accomplished by both men and angels, and she praised the Lord and cried out: Alleluia.

Ikos Nine: Since that time our Sovereign Lady, the most holy Mother-of-God and Ever-Virgin Mary, has made manifest many miraculous signs and wonders unto those who have visited her holy house and who call out to her, standing before her icon in their distress:

Rejoice, treasure-house of mercy beyond price.
Rejoice, assurance of salvation for sinners.
Rejoice, consolation of sorrowing parents.
Rejoice, nourishment and guide unto their children.
Rejoice, thou who dost search for those who have gone astray.
Rejoice, thou who dost raise up those that have fallen.
Rejoice, spreading oak under whose canopy many take shelter.
Rejoice, mighty olive-tree that healest the sick through its oil.
Rejoice, thou who art full of grace.

Kontakion Ten: Hastening by land and water, those who are sick and suffering, press onwards with faith and expectation, guided by the milk white glow of the stars towards the habitation of the Star of the Sea, singing without ceasing unto God: Alleluia.

Ikos Ten: Through the ages many have been cured of grievous illnesses: those, half-dead with sufferings, have revived: the lame have been made whole : the blind have received their sight and the crab of cancer has been made to walk straight, so that all cry out with thankfulness and praise:

Rejoice, maiden who givest sight to the blind.
Rejoice, mother who grantest healing to the deaf.
Rejoice, thou who dost strengthen the feet of the lame.
Rejoice, thou who entreatest the Word to give speech to the dumb.
Rejoice, ever-present strength for the sick.
Rejoice, helper and defender of those who are injured.
Rejoice, thou who dost grant health to our bodies.
Rejoice, thou who by thy Son hast brought salvation to us all.
Rejoice, thou who art full of grace.

Kontakion Eleven: Though hindered by wind and storm, the deaf, the wounded and those disturbed in mind have landed safely in this harbour, provided by the Mother-of-God: and the lepers have recovered from their infirmity : so that all, washed clean and made whole, cry out with us: Alleluia.

Ikos Eleven: Those, possessed by wicked and unclean spirits, have found healing and rest: and souls, deeply perturbed by spiritual temptations and deluded imaginings, have found solace against all tribulation, and we cry out with them:

Rejoice, thou whom the dark and wicked spirits fear.
Rejoice, helper of Christian people, given us by God.
Rejoice, fountain that drownest the sorrows of our hearts.
Rejoice, deliverance from all false imaginings.
Rejoice, thou who dost relieve our pains and afflictions.
Rejoice, thou who dost soothe our suffering minds.
Rejoice, thou container of Him, Who cannot be contained.
Rejoice, burning bush that yet remained unscorched.
Rejoice, thou who art full of grace.

Kontakion Twelve: All those, who seek the Mother-of-God with humble affection, recalling the solemn joy of her Annunciation, join together with the angelic hosts at this new Nazareth and sing unto the Holy Trinity: Alleluia.

Ikos Twelve: All the people, that travel to Walsingham, rejoice to see the celebrated holy house, built in honour of the heavenly Empress and of the joyous salutation of the Archangel and, standing before her holy icon, they cry aloud, as did Gabriel at the first Nazareth in ancient times:

Rejoice, thou who art full of grace.
Rejoice, for the Lord truly dwells in thee.
Rejoice, thou who art the throne of the King of all.
Rejoice, thou through whom the Creator becomes a child.
Rejoice, mother of the Dayspring that has no evening.
Rejoice, mother of the Star that never sets.
Rejoice, thou who art blessed amongst women.
Rejoice, thou who bringest joy to all generations.
Rejoice, thou who art full of grace.

Kontakion Thirteen: We have offered unto thee, O most holy Lady, Mother-of-God, this meagre song of praise and thanksgiving, and we entreat thee to deliver us from all danger and distress, for thou hast great boldness of speech towards thy Son, even our God Himself : therefore, beseech Him to set us free from every misfortune and constraint, that we may cry aloud : Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

[then we sing again Ikos One and Kontakion One]

Ikos One: In the time when Edward, son of Ethelred, ruled over the English people, the lady Richeldis, a devout widow, desired to honour the most holy Mother-of-God with some godly work, and with deep fervour she prayed that her petition might be granted, and prompted by her ardent yearning, we cry out and say:

Rejoice, gracious Lady, thou wonder of Walsingham.
Rejoice, holy mother, glory of Jerusalem.
Rejoice, sacred cypress of Sion.
Rejoice, resplendent joy of Israel.
Rejoice, thou purest rose of Jericho.
Rejoice, thou blazing star of Bethlehem.
Rejoice, golden ark containing the Master of the Law.
Rejoice, holy vessel that holds the sacred myrrh.
Rejoice, thou who art full of grace.

Kontakion One: O Sovereign Lady, Mother-of-God and Ever-Virgin Mary, thine honoured icon is set up in the village of Walsingham, granting unto us comfort in times of trouble and as a well-spring of joy, so that with faith we may ever cry out unto thee: Rejoice, thou who art full of grace.

Prayer to the most holy Mother-of-God: O Sovereign Lady, Mother-of-God most high, who didst inspire the lady Richeldis to stablish the holy house at Walsingham for the veneration of thy holy Annunciation, entreat thy Son, even our God, to send down grace upon us for the healing of soul and body, that, as we approach and kiss thy holy icon and drink the wholesome water drawn up from thy spring, we may ever praise and glorify the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Troparion, Tone 2: In ancient times thou didst bestow thy heavenly protection upon the island of Britain, most holy Mother-of-God, by planting in Walsingham thy holy house, which suffered destruction at the hands of hostile men. But now, having been restored, it is radiant with glory and in faith thy holy icon is venerated by thy devoted servants. We magnify thee and, singing thy praises, we cry out unto thee : Rejoice, most holy Lady, who didst give birth unto Christ our God. ... Click Here To See MoreClick Here To See Less

Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, Cardiff : Kazan Icon of the Mother of God published a note.

Posted 2 weeks ago

Prayers to the Holy and Great-Martyr Minas for the intention our parish.Dear brothers and sisters,

Some of the members of community are already aware of the Holy Great-Martyr Minas (Menas), and his reputation as a great wonderworker, but this Egyptian martyr is little known in the Russian Orthodox Church, these days at least.

However, he once had a truly international reputation, and his shrine, near modern day Maryut, south east of Alexandria, in Egypt, was once one of the most popular places of pilgrimage sites in the early Middle Ages. In the wake of Islamic expansion into North Africa it fell into disrepair, until it was forgotten and lost until its rediscovery in 1905.

However, the memory of St Minas never died, and he has remained one of the most popular saints in Egypt, and is widely venerated in Greece, Cyprus and the Balkans.

This is what St Nikolai Velimorović wrote of him:

Menas was an Egyptian by birth and a soldier by profession. As a true Christian, he was not able to witness the abominable sacrificial offerings to the idols and left the army, the town, the people and everything else, and went to a deserted mountain, for it was easier for him to live among the wild beasts than with pagans. One day Menas clairvoyantly discerned a pagan celebration in the town of Cotyaeus. He descended into the town and openly declared his faith in Christ the Living God. He denounced idolatry and paganism as falsehood and darkness. Pyrrhus, eparch of that town, asked Menas who he was and where he was from. The saint replied: ``My fatherland is Egypt, my name is Menas. I was an officer, but witnessing the worship of idols, I renounced your honors. I now come before you all to proclaim my Christ as the true God, that He may proclaim me as His servant in the Heavenly Kingdom.'' Hearing this, Pyrrhus subjected St. Menas to severe tortures. They flogged him, scraped him with iron claws, burned him with torches, and tortured him by various other means, and finally beheaded him with the sword. They threw his body into a fire so that Christians would not be able to retrieve it, but Christians recovered several parts of his body from the fire nevertheless. They reverently buried those remains, which were later transferred to Alexandria and buried there, where a church was built over them. St. Menas suffered in about the year 304 and went to the Kingdom of Christ. He was and remains a great miracle-worker, both on earth and in heaven. Whoever glorifies St. Menas and invokes his help with faith, receives his help. The saint has often appeared as a warrior on horseback, arriving to help the faithful or punish the unfaithful.

Though it is more than a month until his feast, it is my hope to dedicate the week ahead to the memory and prayers of St Minas, for the intention of our parish at this difficult time, and I ask as many of you who can to join me to pray the canon to the Great-Martyr, daily if possible for the sake of the Russian Orthodox community, for its parishioners, benefactors and many friends.

If possible, print an icon of the Great-Martyr and light a candle before it, when you pray, as an offering for our parish, currently homeless and without services in Cardiff.

Let us unite in prayer, asking the great wonderworker Minas to help us in our adversities.

With love in Christ - Hieromonk Mark

Церковнославянский текст: akafistnik.ru/kanony-svyatym/kanon-svyatym-velikomucheniku-mine-kotuanskomu-frigijskomu-muchenika...

Romanian: doxologia.ro/canon-cantari/canon-de-rugaciune-catre-sfantul-mare-mucenic-mi

Canon to the Martyr Minas and Company by St. John of Damascus, in Tone IV:

Ode 1, Irmos: The people of Israel, having fled across the watery deep of the Red Sea with dryshod feet, beholding the mounted captains of the enemy drowned therein, sang with gladness: Let us chant unto our God, for He hath been glorified!

Holy Great-Martyr, Minas, pray to God for us.

O ye sacred people, now passing gloriously not over the Red Abyss but the sea of the struggles of Minas the sufferer, with glorious Moses and Miriam, the wise woman and prophetess, let us sing unto our God, for He hath been glorified!

Holy Great-Martyr, Minas, pray to God for us.

O Minas, champion of piety, thou wast well pleased to stand as a warrior of Christ before the fierce destroyer and the wicked tormenter who breathed the anger of threats and the heat of wrath. And thou wast His beacon, crying aloud: Let us sing unto our God, for He hath been glorified.

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

Thou, O Christ, didst foretell: When I be lifted up, I will draw those born of earth; and Thou didst do this indeed, summoning from the ends of the world the ranks of martyrs and the people that cry out in joy: Let us sing unto our God, for He hath been glorified!

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

The rod of Aaron which budded prefigured thee, O Virgin, the root which sprung forth from Jesse, which shone forth to the world God incarnate, the imperishable bloom. Him do thou ever entreat on behalf of us that have recourse to thee, O Theotokos.

Ode 3, Irmos: Let us not boast of wisdom, power or riches, but in Thee, the hypostatic Wisdom of the Father, O Christ, for none is holy save Thee, O Lover of mankind.

Holy Great-Martyr, Minas, pray to God for us.

The tormenter, stung by thy most wise words, wounded thee without mercy with rawhide thongs, thinking thereby to bow thee down, O invincible martyr.

Holy Great-Martyr, Minas, pray to God for us.

Directing the eyes of thy mind to the Lord, thou didst endure unbearable oppression with a most courageous spirit, O right glorious one.

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

Fearing not the exceeding painful torment, but breathing with divine zeal, thou didst depart for the struggles, crying: unlooked for and uninvited, I have come!

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

He that was incarnate of Thee and Who accepted voluntary death hath led up from the gates of hell me who have been slain by the evil tasting of the tree.

Katavasia: Pray to God for us, O Holy Great-Martyr Minas, for we eagerly betake ourselves to thee, who art a speedy helper and intercessor for our souls.

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

Sedalion, Tone 8: Egypt, which before had been held fast by the cruel darkness of ignorance, shone thee forth, O divinely wise martyr Minas, as a beacon to all the world, who by the rays of thy divine struggles dost mightily disperse the night of ungodliness. Wherefore, radiantly celebrating thy radiant and honored day, we earnestly cry out to thee: O adornment of sufferers, entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins to them that with love honour thy holy memory.

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

Repeat sedalion.

Ode 4, Irmos: Seated in glory on the throne of the Godhead, Jesus most divine is come on a light cloud and with His incorrupt hand hath saved them that sing: Glory to Thy power, O Christ!

Holy Great-Martyr, Minas, pray to God for us.

By the shedding of thy blood they extinguished the ember of polytheism, and the legion of demons was drowned, and the Church of Christ, which praises thee, was watered thereby, O most blessed passion-bearer Minas.

Holy Great-Martyr, Minas, pray to God for us.

O martyr, by being lifted up on the tree thou dost portray the passion on the Cross of Him that slew the cruel serpent; thou dost endure lacerations which win for thee that delight which is in the Heavens, O most valorous one.

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

Thou didst undergo a trial of pain past nature, O sufferer, and divine love, strengthening thy nature, caused thee to receive forgetfulness, urging thee to reach out for wounds, rejoicing.

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

Ineffably didst thou give birth unto God incarnate, Who fashioned for Himself a home of thy blood, and in godly manner is known in two essences and wills, O thou that knewest not wedlock.

Ode 5, Irmos: The impious perceive not Thy glory, O Christ; but we, waking at dawn out of the night, hymn Thee, O Lover of mankind, Radiance of the glory of the Father's Divinity, O Only-begotten One.

Holy Great-Martyr, Minas, pray to God for us.

Luminous with the bright rays of thy witness, having overshadowed dark godlessness, O most wise one, thou hast enlightened the faithful of the fullness who hymn thee, O all-laudable one.

Holy Great-Martyr, Minas, pray to God for us.

Every contrivance of the foe hath vanquished away through thy mighty endurance, for neither hunger, nor wounds, nor immolation, nor subjection to iron hooks clouded thy resolve.

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

Surrounded by faith as the sun is by its rays, thou didst make thine abode in the desert and didst enlighten all the cities, preaching Christ, the Son of God, Who came in the flesh, O glorious one.

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

The Deliverer, born of thee in manner surpassing nature, maketh me new who am subject to corruption, freeing me from the ancient curse, O pure Mother of God. Him do thou entreat, that He save me.

Ode 6, Irmos: I have come to the depths of the sea, and the tempest of my many sins hath engulfed me, but, as Thou art God, lead up my life out of the depths, O most Merciful One!

Holy Great-Martyr, Minas, pray to God for us.

Burned by fire, thy wounds rubbed raw with haircloth, yet thou didst remain without pain, for divine grace, being present, strengthened thee, O Minas.

Holy Great-Martyr, Minas, pray to God for us.

Thou dost stand condemned before the tribunal of the tyrants, denouncing the falsehood, O ever memorable one, and giving thyself to the faithful as a pillar of piety.

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

With the sweat of thy struggles thou didst dry up the falsehood of idolatry, and didst fashion of thyself a temple of the honoured Trinity, O right wondrous passion-bearer Minas.

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

Heal thou the incurable passions of my soul with the balm of thy goodness, O all-immaculate one, who didst give birth to Christ, the good Saviour, for them that are in the world.

Katavasia: Pray to God for us, O Holy Great-Martyr Minas, for we eagerly betake ourselves to thee, who art a 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; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 4: O Passion-bearer Minas, * Christ our God, the imperishable Crown of martyrs, * took thee from a transient army, * and showed thee forth * as a partaker of the incorruptible and heavenly.

Ikos: The memory of the martyrs is a cause of great gladness for us, for it showeth forth courage amid suffering and victory over the enemy in the radiant and joyful confession of grace. Come ye, therefore, all ye that love this festival, and let us be glad therein, keeping the memory of the passion-bearer Minas as the best and abiding time of our gladness, and receiving the gift of being loosed from our passions, for Christ God is the Bestower thereof, the imperishable Crown of martyrs.

Ode 7, Irmos: Blessed art Thou, O all-hymned Lord, God of our fathers, Who saved the children of Abraham in the fire, they that sought the truth righteously, and Who slew the Chaldeans.

Holy Great-Martyr, Minas, pray to God for us.

With wounds didst thou strip off sin's garment of skin, and thou didst robe thyself in vesture which groweth not old and which grace, appearing, wore, O blessed one.

Holy Great-Martyr, Minas, pray to God for us.

By the burning zeal of thine honourable and mighty struggles hath wicked and thorny godlessness been utterly consumed, O martyr, and the leaping flame of ignorance is extinguished by the streams of thy blood, O most blessed one.

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

Possessed of abundant gifts, thou dost pour forth miracles upon them that celebrate thine honoured festival, O right wondrous Minas; and thou dost aid them that sing: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

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

Blessed is the Fruit of thy blessed womb, Whom the hosts of Heaven and the assemblies of those born of earth do bless, He that hath delivered us from the ancient curse, O blessed one.

Ode 8, Irmos: O Almighty Deliverer of all, descending upon the pious youths amid the flame, Thou didst bedew them and teach them to sing: All ye works, bless and hymn the Lord!

Holy Great-Martyr, Minas, pray to God for us.

O Minas, thou wast revealed as a crown-bearer; having set at nought the enemies of the Cross of thy Lord, thou didst put them to shame and didst cry out, O most blessed one: All ye works of the Lord, praise and supremely exalt Him unto the ages!

Holy Great-Martyr, Minas, pray to God for us.

God hath wrought wonders in thy memory, pouring forth healings, both spiritual and bodily, through thy relics upon us that cry out: All ye works of the Lord, praise and supremely exalt Him unto the ages!

Holy Great-Martyr, Minas, pray to God for us.

Thou didst offer God thy service; and having bowed thy head to the ground, thou wast beheaded by the sword, O martyr, crying aloud: All ye works of the Lord, praise and supremely exalt Him unto the ages!

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

Today is the Holy Church adorned with your blood, as with purple and fine linen, O Minas, Victor and Vincent, who cry out: All ye works of the Lord, praise and supremely exalt Him unto the ages!

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

Virgin remaineth the womb of her that bore the Saviour Who without seed was conceived of the Holy Spirit, God uncircumscribable wrapped in flesh, the Word co-unoriginate with the Father. Him do all works praise and supremely exalt as Lord unto the ages!

Ode 9, Irmos: Christ Who uniteth disparate natures, the cornerstone uncut by hands, hath been cut from thee, the unquarried mountain, O Virgin. Wherefore, in gladness we magnify thee, O Theotokos.

Holy Great-Martyr, Minas, pray to God for us.

Thou didst love no less than thou wast beloved, O passion-bearer, laying down thy beloved life for Christ Who loved thee and Who glorified thy witness with Himself, O ever memorable one.

Holy Great-Martyr, Minas, pray to God for us.

As a lampstand aflame with the light of three suns did the three inseparable martyrs appear: Minas, Victor, and Vincent, illuminating the faithful and dispersing the gloom of the demons.

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

Accept, as that which is thy due, our praise of thee which proceedeth from a readiness which, I know, surpasseth, our words; and from thy treasuries bestow upon us gifts without number.

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

Of old rightly did all the prophets praise thee, the Mother of the King and Master; and now, the apostles and martyrs magnify thee, glorifying thee with us.

Troparion, Tone 8: With great valour of soul, didst thou strive in martyrdom, and having fought the good fight, O divine Great Martyr Minas, from Heaven hast thou received the gift of miracles; for God hath shown thee to the world as a worker of great signs, and He made thee our protector and a swift help in afflictions and ever-vigilant defence from harm. ... Click Here To See MoreClick Here To See Less

Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, Cardiff : Kazan Icon of the Mother of God published a note.

Posted 2 weeks ago

The Akathist Hymn to the Protection of the TheotokosKontakion 1: O Chosen by the pre-eternal God, Queen of heaven and earth higher than all creation, who hast in days past entered praying into the Church of the Blachernae we, offering Thee with thanksgiving due veneration, flee with faith and compunction under Thy shining vestment for we lie in darkness. And Thou who hast invincible power dost set us free from every affliction that we may cry to Thee: Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Ikos 1: Archangels and angels with John the Forerunner, John the Divine and the choir of all the saints, were present with Thee, their Queen, in the Church of the Blachernae and hearing Thy moving supplication for all the world, they cried out with wonder as follows:

Rejoice, O pre-eternal good will of God the Father Who has no beginning of days.
Rejoice, timeless and most pure who contained God the Son.
Rejoice, Thou chosen dwelling-place of God the all-holy Spirit.
Rejoice, Thou never-ceasing wonder of the angelic hosts on high.
Rejoice, Thou all-threatening terror of the dark forces of hell.
Rejoice, Thou whom the many-eyed cherubim meet in the air.
Rejoice, Thou to whom the six-winged seraphim ascribe praises.
Rejoice, Thou whose most precious veil we born on earth thankfully venerate.
Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 2: Saint Andrew with Epiphanios having seen Thee inside the Church praying God in the air for all Christians, acknowledged Thee to be the Mother of Christ our God Who ascended into heaven and falling to the ground they joyfully venerated Thine all-precious veil, crying: Alleluia!

Ikos 2: Thou, O Theotokos Virgin art knowledge unknowable in defense of Orthodox people. Therefore our enemies know not how strong is the prayer of the Mother of God: while we well aware of Thine all-mighty protection cry to Thee with tender feeling:

Rejoice, Most merciful Comforter of all the afflicted and heavy laden.
Rejoice, never sleeping Guide of all those who have strayed and gone blind.
Rejoice, Thou who by Thy supplication dost swiftly appease the wrath of God rightly poured out on us.
Rejoice, Thou who by an all-powerful behest dost tame our evil passions.
Rejoice, strong waker of sleeping consciences.
Rejoice, easy overcomer of sinful practices.
Rejoice, Thou for whose sake hell groans and the spirits of evil tremble.
Rejoice, Thou for whose sake the gates of paradise are opened to all.
Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 3: Power from on high overshadows those who run for refuge with faith and reverence to Thy precious protection: for to Thee alone, O all holy and all pure only Mother of God is it given that every petition of Thine be fulfilled. Therefore the faithful of all ages glorify Thee and Thy Son, crying: Alleluia!

Ikos 3:O Lady, having a never-failing wealth of mercy, Thou dost stretch the hand of help to all the ends of the earth: and dost give healing to the sick, relief to the suffering, sight to the blind, and to all everything that is expedient for them as they cry aloud in thanksgiving:

Rejoice, indestructible fortress and bulwark of Orthodox kingdoms.
Rejoice, principle adornment of holy churches and altars.
Rejoice, truest guard of holy monasteries.
Rejoice, vigilant Helper of stouthearted city governors.
Rejoice, unconquerable Leader of Christian captains and armies.
Rejoice, holy mirror of justice for judges who take no bribes.
Rejoice, perfect knowledge for teachers and those who bring up children.
Rejoice, Blessing of pious homes and families.
Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 4: O Lady, Thou dost help us held fast by a storm of many afflictions: for Thou dost stand before the altar of the Lord, lifting Thine hands and praying that the Lord of glory look down on our unworthy prayer and hearken to the petitions of those who call upon Thy holy Name crying to Thy Son: Alleluia!

Ikos 4: The Lord God heard Joshua, son of Nun, praying and He commanded the sun to stand still until he defeat the enemy. The Lord Jesus now hears Thy supplication, O chosen dwelling of the Holy Spirit. Therefore we sinners, putting our trust in Thy protection, make bold to say to Thee, Mother of God:

Rejoice, Thou who art lit by the Sun of the mind and who dost enlighten us with the light that never sets.
Rejoice, Thou who hast illumined the whole earth by the brightness of Thy most pure soul.
Rejoice, Thou who hast made glad the whole heavens by the purity of Thy body.
Rejoice, Protector and Provider of the holy monasteries of Christ.
Rejoice, Thou who art the strength and understanding of the pastors of the Church.
Rejoice, Guide of God-fearing monks and nuns.
Rejoice, untroubled rest of the pious aged.
Rejoice, secret gladness of pure virgins and widows.
Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 5: When Moses who saw God lifted his arms while the battle with Amalek raged, Israel overcame and when he let his hands fall, Amalek was victorious and strengthened by those who hold up his arms, Israel defeated the enemy: and Thou, O Mother of God, having raised Thine hands in supplication, even though no man hold them up, dost always conquer the enemies of Christ and art an invincible shield for us who cry: Alleluia!

Ikos 5: The assemblies of saints when they had seen Thee in the air inside the church of the Blachernae stretching Thy hands in prayer to Thy Son and God, sang Thee a song in thanksgiving with the archangels and angels: while we, our hands fortified by Thee made stronger than the arms of Moses, cry aloud with compunction:

Rejoice, Thou whose love and mercy towards us alone hold up Thine hands for us.
Rejoice, Thou before Whom our enemies, visible and invisible, cannot stand.
Rejoice, Thou who drivest away the dark hordes of our passions and lusts.
Rejoice, Thou who holdest in Thine hand without being consumed, the divine fire of Christ and who with it dost set us in our coldness aflame.
Rejoice, Thou who crownest with a fair crown of chastity those who fight against the flesh.
Rejoice, Thou perpetual Converser with those who strive in fasting and silent prayer.
Rejoice, Thou speedy Comforter of those who fall from despair and sadness.
Rejoice, Thou who dost by grace provide us with humility and patience.
Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 6: Saint Roman the Melodist, appeared as an unfailing proclaimer of Thy grace and mercy when he had received from Thee in a dream a paper roll to swallow: for thereby made wise, he began to sing with skill in Thine honour and to write praises for the saints, calling out with faith: Alleluia!

Ikos 6: O Virgin, Maid of God, who hast shone forth the Dawn from the true Sun of righteousness, enlightening all with the wisdom of Thy God and Son and who leadest all to knowledge of the truth those who cry to Thee:

Rejoice, Thou who hast given birth to Christ in the flesh, Power of God and wisdom of God.
Rejoice, Thou who hast confounded the foolish wisdom of this world, and who hast guided those blinded by it on the way of truth.
Rejoice, Preserver of our holy faith and teacher of Orthodox dogma.
Rejoice, Uprooter of impious heresies and corrupting divisions.
Rejoice, Thou who well knowest secret and unforeseen difficulties and dost tell those whom it is proper about them.
Rejoice, thou who puttest to shame false seers and vain divining.
Rejoice, Thou who in the hour of perplexity dost put a good thought in our hearts.
Rejoice, Thou who dost turn us from perilous purposes and senseless desires.
Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 7: The all-seeing, long-suffering Lord, wishing to manifest the unsearchable deep of His mercies and love for mankind, chose Thee alone to be His Mother, and made Thee into an invincible defense for His people: that even though one of them appear worthy of condemnation by the righteous judgement of God, yet all the more shall he be preserved for repentance by Thy mighty protection, crying: Alleluia!

Ikos 7: O Lord, Thou hast shown in Thine all-pure Mother, how wonderful are Thy works when Her most marvellous veil was revealed in Her hand shining brighter than the rays of the sun and with it She protected the people in the Church of Blachernae: for hearing of such a sign of Her defense, held by fear and joy, all say:

Rejoice, thou veil not made by hand of man that is spread over the whole world like a cloud.
Rejoice, Thou who dost hold in Thine hands the banner of Thy Son, the pre-eternal Bishop.
Rejoice, Thou who hast thereby made manifest a new mercy and new grace in the Orthodox Church.
Rejoice, pillar of cloud who protects all of us in the world from temptations and scandals.
Rejoice, pillar of fire amidst the darkness, showing us all the path of salvation.
Rejoice, visible strength of manifest strivers for godliness.
Rejoice, secret Giver of understanding to the secret servants of God in this world.
Rejoice, Thou who also leavest not without Thy grace and protection me who am stripped of all good works.
Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 8: Angels sang Thy praises when Thou didst appear in wondrous wise from heaven in the Church of the Blachernae and apostles gave Thee glory. The choir of holy Bishops and monks and the band of holy women extolled Thee, the Forerunner with John the Divine venerated Thee, and the people present in the Church cried aloud with joy: Alleluia!

Ikos 8: The Lord Who reigns over all things above and below, when He had seen Thee, His Mother, standing in the Church and praying with tender feeling to Him, said: Ask, O my Mother, because I shall never turn from Thee but will fulfil all Thy petitions and teach all to sing to Thee in thanksgiving:

Rejoice, Ark of the law in which is kept the sanctification of all mankind.
Rejoice, all-holy Jar in which the bread of eternal life is preserved for those who hunger for righteousness.
Rejoice, all-golden Vessel in which the flesh and blood of the divine Lamb are prepared for us.
Rejoice, Thou who dost receive in Thine all-powerful arms those forsaken by the physicians.
Rejoice, Thou who dost raise from their bed of sickness those crippled in body but not in spirit and faith.
Rejoice, Thou who givest a new and better understanding to those who are perishing from infirmity of mind.
Rejoice, Thou who dost wisely trip us up on the stubborn path of sin and passion.
Rejoice, Thou who dost turn to mercy the cruelty of our unrepentant hearts.
Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 9: The whole assembly of angels offers Thee praises, Thou true Mother of God and Defender of all who run to Thee, knowing how with Thine unfailing protection Thou dost
Rejoice the righteous, protect and deliver the poor, and pray for all the faithful crying: Alleluia!

Ikos 9: The wordy orators, become as dumb fish, are at a loss as to how to praise as is due, the great feast of Thine all-precious protection: for all the things said by them about Thee suffice not to number Thy mercies alone. And we, seeing Thy good works without number, cry with gladness:

Rejoice, Thou who dost guard us from the deadly plague in which all perish.
Rejoice, Thou who dost preserve cities and villages from sudden earthquakes.
Rejoice, Thou who dost lead us out with Thy strong arm from flood and drowning.
Rejoice, Thou who by the dew of Thy prayers dost deliver us from the kindling of fire.
Rejoice, Thou who dost provide against hunger of soul and body by the Bread of life.
Rejoice, Thou who dost lead away from our heads the blows of lightning and thunder.
Rejoice, Thou who dost save us from the attacks of strangers and secret murderers.
Rejoice, Thou who dost guard us with peace and love against family quarrels and the enmities of those of our own blood.
Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 10: Wishing to save mankind from the error of the enemy, the Lord Who loves mankind gave us on earth Thee His Mother to be our help, protection and defense, for Thee to be the Comforter of those that sorrow, the Joy of the afflicted, the Defender of the injured, and to raise all from the depth of sin, singing: Alleluia!

Ikos 10: "O King of heaven," spoke the all-pure Queen in prayer as She stood with the angels, "do Thou accept every man praying to Thee and calling upon my name for help, that he go not away from my face empty and unheard." Hearing this most good supplication, the assemblies of the saints cried in thanksgiving:

Rejoice, Thou who crownest with blessed fruits the husbandmen pure in hand and heart.
Rejoice, Succour and righteous Rewarder for all those who honestly trade.
Rejoice, Reprover before all nations of those who keep not their oaths and whose gains are unjust.
Rejoice, unexpected Helper of those in distress in their travels by land and water.
Rejoice, Thou who makest glad with the fruits of faith and the spirit childless couples.
Rejoice, unseen Tutor of motherless orphans.
Rejoice, strong Defender of those in captivity and exile.
Rejoice, ever-watchful Guardian of those sitting in bonds and prison.
Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 11: Hearing a most moving song and attending to Thy prayer for us, we beg Thee, O Virgin Theotokos, look not away from the voices of Thy servants for we run to Thee in assaults and affliction and in our distress we pour out our tears before Thee, crying: Alleluia!

Ikos 11: Seeing Thee in the air inside the Blachernae Church burning in prayer as a candle aflame with light, I gave voice together with a multitude of people there present: how can this be that the Mother of my Lord has come to me? And Saint Andrew with Epiphanios prayed warmly to Thee, crying:

Rejoice, abundant Giver of all spiritual and bodily gifts.
Rejoice, true Advocate of sinners who have started to repent.
Rejoice, perpetual Champion of those fighting with enemy passions and intents.
Rejoice, invisible Tamer of cruel and bestial masters.
Rejoice, secret Rest and Consolation of humble and suffering servants.
Rejoice, most longed-for Fulfiller of blessed marriages.
Rejoice, swift and painless relief of mothers in childbirth.
Rejoice, our only Help in the hour of death.
Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 12: Ask Thy Son to give us divine grace; stretch towards us a helping hand; ward off from us every enemy and adversary and give our lives peace that we parish not grievously without repentance, but accept us, O our Protector, in the eternal mansions, that, rejoicing we may cry to Thee: Alleluia!

Ikos 12: Singing the praises of Thy mighty protection, we praise Thee for Thou art to us all our firm Advocate and we venerate Thee who dost pray for us: for we believe and we trust that Thou wilt beg of Thy Son and God eternal and temporal good things for all who cry thus to Thee with love:

Rejoice, strong Defense of the whole inhabited earth.
Rejoice, sanctification of all the earthly and heavenly elements.
Rejoice, Thou Blessing of all the seasons of the year.
Rejoice, Thou Conqueror of all assaults and temptations that come from the world, the flesh and the devil.
Rejoice, unhoped for Reconciliation of those who are at daggers drawn.
Rejoice, Amendment without their knowledge of unrepentant sinners.
Rejoice, Thou who dost not turn away those despised and forsaken by all.
Rejoice, Thou who dost pluck from the pit of destruction those that indeed despair.
Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 13: O all-praised Mother, Most pure Lady, Virgin, Theotokos, to Thee do I lift up the eyes of my soul and body, to Thee do I stretch forth my hands grown feeble and I cry from the depth of my heart: look down on the faith and humility of my soul; shelter me with Thy almighty protection, that I be saved from all assault and distress, and in the hour of my death, be by me, O Thou all-blessed, and deliver me from the torment prepared for me because of my sins, that, venerating Thee, I may ever cry: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! [3 times]

Ikos 1: Archangels and angels with John the Forerunner, John the Divine and the choir of all the saints, were present with Thee, their Queen, in the Church of the Blachernae and hearing Thy moving supplication for all the world, they cried out with wonder as follows:

Rejoice, O pre-eternal good will of God the Father Who has no beginning of days.
Rejoice, timeless and most pure who contained God the Son.
Rejoice, Thou chosen dwelling-place of God the all-holy Spirit.
Rejoice, Thou never-ceasing wonder of the angelic hosts on high.
Rejoice, Thou all-threatening terror of the dark forces of hell.
Rejoice, Thou whom the many-eyed cherubim meet in the air.
Rejoice, Thou to whom the six-winged seraphim ascribe praises.
Rejoice, Thou whose most precious veil we born on earth thankfully venerate.
Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 1: O Chosen by the pre-eternal God, Queen of heaven and earth higher than all creation, who hast in days past entered praying into the Church of the Blachernae we, offering Thee with thanksgiving due veneration, flee with faith and compunction under Thy shining vestment for we lie in darkness. And Thou who hast invincible power dost set us free from every affliction that we may cry to Thee: Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

First Prayer: O all-holy Virgin, Mother of the Lord of the hosts on high, Thou Queen of heaven and earth and almighty Defender of our country, accept from us Thine unworthy servants this song of praise and thanksgiving and bring our prayer up to the throne of Thy God and Son, that He be merciful towards our unrighteousness, and extend His grace to those who honour Thy name and venerate with faith and love Thy wonder-working ikon. For we are not worthy to be forgiven by Him hadst Thou, O Lady, not made Him merciful towards us, for all things from Him are possible to Thee. Therefore we run to Thee as Thou art our swift and undoubted Protector. Hear us who pray to Thee: overshadow us with Thine almighty veil and ask from Thy God and Son zeal and vigilance for our shepherds, wisdom and strength for the souls of those who govern our cities, righteousness and impartiality for our judges, understanding and humility for our leaders, love and concord for the married, obedience for our children, patience for those who have been offended, the fear of God for those that offend, stoutheartedness for the afflicted, restraint for those that rejoice, and for all of us the spirit of understanding and godliness, the spirit of mercy and meekness, the spirit of chastity and truth. Yea, O all-holy Lady, be merciful towards Thy feeble people: gather together the dispersed, guide on the right way those that have gone astray, uphold old age, make the young pure, bring up the children and look down upon all of us with the care of Thy merciful protection. Raise us from the depth of sin and enlighten the eyes of our hearts to see salvation. Be merciful to us both here and yonder, during our wandering in the land of this earth and at the Last Judgement of Thy Son: and make our fathers and brothers who have departed this life live the eternal life with the angels and all the saints. For Thou, O Lady, art the glory of those in heaven and the trust of those on earth. After God, Thou art the hope and Defender of all who flee to Thee with faith. We then pray to Thee and to Thee as our almighty Helper, do we commend ourselves and one another, now and for ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Second Prayer: O my most blessed Queen, my all-holy hope, Receiver of orphans and Defender of the strangers, Helper of those in poverty, Protector of the sick, behold my distress, behold my affliction. On all sides am I held by temptation, and there is none to defend me. Help me then as I am weak, feed me as I am a pilgrim, guide me as I have strayed, heal and save me as I lie without hope. For I have no other help, nor advocate nor comforter, save Thee, O Mother of all the afflicted and heavy laden. Look down then on me, a sinner lying in sickness, and protect me with Thine all-holy Veil, that I be delivered from all the ills surrounding me and may ever praise Thy Name that all men sing. Amen. ... Click Here To See MoreClick Here To See Less

Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, Cardiff : Kazan Icon of the Mother of God published a note.

Posted 2 weeks ago

Акафист Покрову Пресвятой БогородицыКондак 1: Избранней Предвечным Царем, превышшей всякаго создания Небесе и земли Царице, пришедшей иногда во Влахернскую церковь на молитву, достойное поклонение с благодарением приносяще, яко во тьме сущии, под Твой светящийся омофор с верою и умилением прибегаем. Ты же, яко имущи державу непобедимую, от всяких нас бед свобождай, да зовем Ти: Радуйся, Радосте наша, покрый нас от всякаго зла честным Твоим омофором.

Икос 1: Архангел и Ангел множество, со Предтечею, Богословом и всех святых ликом, сопредсташа Тебе, Царице своей, в церкви Влахернстей и, умиленная моления Твоя о всем мире слышавше, со удивлением возопиша таковая:

Радуйся, Бога Отца безначальнаго предвечное благоволение;
радуйся, Бога Сына безлетнаго пречистое вместилище.
Радуйся, Бога Духа Всесвятаго избранное жилище;
радуйся, Горних чинов ангельских непрестающее удивление.
Радуйся, темных сил адских всегрозное устрашение; радуйся, Юже на воздусе сретают многоочитии Херувими. Радуйся, Ейже похвальная восписуют шестокрилатии Серафими; радуйся, Еяже преблагому покрову и мы, земнороднии, благодарне покланяемся. Радуйся, Радосте наша, покрый нас от всякаго зла честным Твоим омофором.

Кондак 2: Видевше Тя святый Андрей со Епифанием в церкви на воздусе за христианы Богу молящуюся, познаша, яко Матерь еси вознесшагося на Небо Христа Бога нашего, и, припадше на землю, радостно покланяхуся всеблагому покрову Твоему, зовуще: Аллилуиа.

Икос 2: Разум неуразуменен еси, Богородице Дево, в защищении людей православных, сего ради врази наши не познают, коль сильна есть молитва Божия Матере. Мы же, о Твоем всемощнем заступлении добре ведуще, сице к Тебе со умилением зовем:

Радуйся, премилосердая Утешительнице всех скорбящих и обремененных;радуйся, неусыпающая Наставнице всех заблуждших и ослепленных. Радуйся, праведно движимый гнев Божий на нас Твоим молением скоро утоляющая;радуйся, злыя страсти наша всемощным мановением укрощающая. Радуйся, крепкое возбуждение спящих совестей; радуйся, нетрудное преодоление беззаконных навыков. Радуйся, Еяже ради ад стенет и дуси злобы трепещут;радуйся, Еяже ради врата Рая всем нам отверзаются. Радуйся, Радосте наша, покрый нас от всякаго зла честным Твоим омофором.

Кондак 3: Сила Вышняго осеняет с верою и благоговением прибегающих к Твоему всечестному покрову: единей бо точию Тебе, Пресвятей и Пречистей Матери Божией, дадеся, да всякое прошение Твое исполнится. Тем убо всяк возраст верных славословит Тя и Сына Твоего, зовущ: Аллилуиа.

Икос 3: Имущи богатство милосердия неоскудное, всем концем земли простираеши руку помощи, Владычице: болящим исцеление, страждущим ослабу, слепым прозрение и всем вся по коегождо потребе подаеши, благодарне вопиющим:

Радуйся, Православия несокрушимая крепосте и оградо; радуйся, святых храмов и олтарей первейшее украшение. Радуйся, благочестия вернейшее ограждение; радуйся, благосердых градоправителей неусыпающая Споспешнице. Радуйся, непобедимая Воеводо вождей и воинств христианских; радуйся, святое зерцало правды судиям немздоприимным. Радуйся, совершенный Разуме наставников и детоводителей;радуйся, благословение домов и семейств благочестивых. Радуйся, Радосте наша, покрый нас от всякого зла честным Твоим омофором.

Кондак 4: Бурею многих бед одержимым нам помогаеши, Владычице: стоиши бо пред лицем олтаря Господня воздвигши руце Твои, и молишися, яко да нашу недостойную молитву призрит Господь, Царь Славы, и послушает прошения призывающих имя Твое святое, к Сыну же Твоему зовущих: Аллилуиа.

Икос 4: Услыша Господь Бог Иисуса Навина, молящася и повелевающа солнцу стати, дондеже отмстит врагом. Слышит и Твоя ныне моления Господь Иисус, избранная Палато Духа Святаго. Темже и мы, грешнии, на Твой надеющеся покров, Тебе, яко Божией Матери, глаголати дерзаем:

Радуйся, от Солнца мысленнаго озаренная и нас светом незаходимым просвещающая; радуйся, сиянием пречистыя души Твоея всю землю просветившая. Радуйся, чистотою телесе Твоего вся небеса возвеселившая;радуйся, святых обителей Христовых покров и снабдение. Радуйся, верных пастырей Церкве бодрость и вразумление;радуйся, богобоязненных иноков и инокинь Наставнице. Радуйся, невозмущаемое успокоение благоговейных старцев; радуйся, тайное веселие чистых дев и вдовиц. Радуйся, Радосте наша, покрый нас от всякаго зла честным Твоим омофором.

Кондак 5: Боговидец Моисей во ополчении иногда на Амалика, егда руце воздвизаше, Израиль одолеваше, егда же руце низпущаше, тогда Амалик побеждаше, поддержащими же его укреплен, победи врага. Ты же, о, Богомати, воздевши руце Твои на умоление, аще и никимже поддержима, всегда побеждаеши враги христианския и нам щит еси непобедим, вопиющим: Аллилуиа.

Икос 5: Видевше Тя святых собори на воздусе в церкви Влахернстей молебнии руце к Сыну и Богу простирающую, радостно со Архангелы и Ангелы благодарную Ти песнь воспета. Мы же, крепчайшима, паче Моисеовых рук, дланьма Твоима укрепляеми, умильно вопием:

Радуйся, Еяже руце поддержит за всех нас единая Ея к нам любы и милосердие; радуйся, пред Неюже врази наши, видимии и невидимии, стояти не могут. Радуйся, темное полчище страстей и похотей наших прогоняющая; радуйся, Огнь Божественный — Христа неопально на руку Своею держащая и нас, хладных, тем воспламеняющая. Радуйся, воинствующих на плоть целомудрием изрядное венчание; радуйся, подвизающихся в посте и безмолвии присное собеседование. Радуйся, изнемогающих от уныния и печали скорая Утешительнице; радуйся, благодатию смирения и терпения снабдевающая. Радуйся, Радосте наша, покрый нас от всякаго зла честным Твоим омофором.

Кондак 6: Проповедник неоскудеваемыя благодати и милостей Твоих явися святый Роман Сладкопевец, егда от Тебе во сне прият свиток книжный на снедение: тем убо умудрен нача разумно пети во славу Твою, святым же писати похвальная, взывая с верою: Аллилуиа.

Икос 6: Возсияла еси от истиннаго Солнца Правды Заря, Дево Богоотроковице, просвещающая всех премудростию Бога Сына Твоего и в познание истины приводящая зовущих Ти таковая:

Радуйся, Божию Силу и Божию Премудрость — Христа плотию породившая; радуйся, юродивую мудрость века сего посрамившая и ослепленных ею на путь правый наставляющая. Радуйся, святыя веры охранение и православных догматов Наставнице; радуйся, нечестивых ересей и тлетворных расколов Искоренительнице. Радуйся, тайная и неудобь предвиденная вся добре ведущая и имже подобает сказующая; радуйся, лживых провидцев и суетная гадания посрамляющая. Радуйся, в час недоумений мысль благу на сердце полагающая; радуйся, от пагубных начинаний и несмысленных пожеланий воспящающая. Радуйся, Радосте наша, покрый нас от всякаго зла честным Твоим омофором.

Кондак 7: Хотяй долготерпеливый Всевидец Господь явити Своего человеколюбия неизследимую щедрот бездну, избра Тебе едину в Матерь Себе и сотвори Тя людем непреодоленное защищение: да аще кто от них и праведным судом Божиим осуждения достоин явится, Твоим обаче державным покровом сохраняется на покаяние, зовый: Аллилуиа.

Икос 7: Дивная показал еси дела Твоя в Пречистей Матери Твоей, Господи, егда пречудный омофор в руце Ея светящийся паче луч солнечных явися, имже покрываше люди, сущия в церкви Влахернстей. О таковем убо знамении милосердаго Ея заступления услышавше, ужасом и радостию одержими, вси глаголаху:

Радуйся, нерукотворенный омофор, аки облак, над всем миром распростершая; радуйся, превечнаго Архиерея, Сына Своего, знамение на руце Своей держащая. Радуйся, новую милость и новую благодать сим в Церкви Православной являющая; радуйся, столпе облачный от искушений и соблазнов мира всех нас покрывающий. Радуйся, столпе огненный, среди мглы греха всем нам путь спасения показующий; радуйся, явных благочестия подвижников явное укрепление. Радуйся, тайных среди мира рабов Божиих тайное вразумление; радуйся, и мене, обнаженнаго добрых дел, не оставляющая Своим покровом и благодатию. Радуйся, Радосте наша, покрый нас от всякаго зла честным Твоим омофором.

Кондак 8: Дивно Тя от Небес во Влахернстей церкви явльшуюся Ангели воспеша, апостоли прославиша, лик святителей и преподобных и жен святых сословие восхвалиша. Предтеча с Богословом поклонишася, людие же, сущии в церкви, с веселием вопияху: Аллилуиа.

Икос 8: Всеми вышними и нижними владычествуя Господь, узрев Тя в церкви Матерь Свою стоящу и со умилением к Нему молящуся, рече: "Проси, Мати Моя, зане не отвращуся Тебе, но исполню вся прошения Твоя и благодарственная сице Тебе всех пети научу":

Радуйся, Ковчеже Завета, в немже хранится освящение всего рода человеческаго; радуйся, стамно пресвятая, в нейже алчущим правды блюдется Хлеб Жизни Вечныя. Радуйся, сосуде всезлатый, в немже уготовася нас ради плоть и кровь Божественнаго Агнца; радуйся, оставленных врачами на свои всемощныя руце приемлющая. Радуйся, разслабленных телом, но не духом и верою со одра болезни воздвизающая; радуйся, погубляющим от недуга ум новый и лучший смысл подающая. Радуйся, на стропотнем пути греха и страстей нас премудре запинающая; радуйся, жестокость нераскаяннаго сердца нашего умиляющая. Радуйся, Радосте наша, покрый нас от всякаго зла честным Твоим омофором.

Кондак 9: Все естество ангельское похвальная приносит Тебе, истенней Божией Матери и Заступнице всех притекающих к Тебе, ведуще, яко несокрушимым покровом Твоим праведных возвеселявши, грешных заступаеши, бедствующих избавляеши и молишися о всех верных, зовущих: Аллилуиа.

Икос 9: Ветия многовещанныя, яко рыбы безгласныя, недоумеют, како восхвалити по достоянию великий всечестнаго Покрова Твоего праздник: вся бо о Тебе от них глаголемая не суть довольна к единому исчислению щедрот Твоих. Мы же, Твоя неисчетная благодеяния видяще, с веселием взываем:

Радуйся, от язвы и всегубительства смертнаго нас соблюдающая; радуйся, от внезапнаго колебания земли грады и веси сохраняющая. Радуйся, от разлияния вод и потопления рукою крепкою возводящая; радуйся, от запаления огненнаго росою молитв Твоих избавляющая. Радуйся, от глада душевнаго и телеснаго Хлебом Жизни снабдевающая; радуйся, удары молнии и грома от главы нашея отводящая. Радуйся, от нашествия иноплеменник и тайных убийц спасающая;радуйся, от домашния брани и вражды единокровных миром и любовию ограждающая. Радуйся, Радосте наша, покрый нас от всякаго зла честным Твоим омофором.

Кондак 10: Спасти хотяй род человеческий от прелести вражия Человеколюбец Господь Тебе, Матерь Свою, дарова земным нам в помощь, покров и защиту, да будущи печальным утешение, скорбящим радование, обидимым Заступница и да всех из глубины греховныя воздвигнеши, поющих: Аллилуиа.

Икос 10: «Царю Небесный, — глаголаше в молитве на воздусе со Ангелы стоящая всенепорочная Царица, — приими всякаго человека, молящася к Тебе и призывающа имя Мое на помощь, да не отъидет от лика Моего тощ и неуслышан». Сию всеблагую молитву слышавше, собори святых благодарно возопиша:

Радуйся, чистых руками и сердцем земледельцев благословенными плодами венчающая; радуйся, помоще и праведное мздовоздаяние всем право куплю деющим. Радуйся, клятвопреступлений и неправедных стяжаний всенародное обличение; радуйся, бедствующим в пути, на суше и водах внезапное вспоможение. Радуйся, безчадных родителей плодами веры и духа веселящая; радуйся, безматерних сирот незримая Воспитательнице. Радуйся, крепкая Заступнице сущих в плену и изгнании; радуйся, неусыпающая Попечительнице во узах и темнице селящих. Радуйся, Радосте наша, покрый нас от всякаго зла честным Твоим омофором.

Кондак 11: Пение всеумиленное слышаще и теплей Твоей молитве о нас внемлюще, просим Тебе, Дево Богородице, не презри гласа рабов Твоих: к Тебе бо в напастех и скорбех прибегаем и пред Тобою в бедах наших слезы проливаем, зовуще: Аллилуиа.

Икос 11: Яко светоприемную свещу, в молитве горящую, видящи Тя на воздусе Влахернская церковь, согласно со множеством людей, в ней бывших, возглашаше: «Откуду мне сие, да прииде Мати Господа Моего ко мне?» Святый же Андрей со Епифанием тепле моляхуся к Тебе, зовуще:

Радуйся, всех даров духовных и телесных независтная Подательнице; радуйся, полагающих начало покаяния грешников верная Предстательнице. Радуйся, борющихся со страстьми и прилогами вражиими всегдашняя Споборнице; радуйся, незримое укрощение владык жестоких и зверонравных. Радуйся, тайный покое и отрадо рабов кротких и страждущих; радуйся, всежеланное совершение благих супружеств. Радуйся, матерей детородящих скорое и безболезненное разрешение; радуйся, в час кончины единая всем нам Помощнице. Радуйся, Радосте наша, покрый нас от всякаго зла честным Твоим омофором.

Кондак 12: Благодать Божественную испроси нам у Сына Твоего и Бога, простри нам руку помощи, отжени от нас всякаго врага и супостата и умири нашу жизнь, да не погибнем люте без покаяния, но приими нас в вечныя кровы, Покровительнице наша, да радующеся Тебе зовем: Аллилуиа.

Икос 12: Поюще Твой державный покров, хвалим Тя вси, яко твердую Предстательницу нашу, и покланяемся Тебе, о нас молящейся: веруем бо и надеемся, яко испросиши у Сына Твоего и Бога благая вечная и временная всем с любовию вопиющим Тебе сице:

Радуйся, всей вселенной крепкое заступление; радуйся, всех стихий земных и небесных освящение. Радуйся, всех времен года благословение; радуйся, всех наветов и искушений, от мира, плоти и диавола находящих, попрание. Радуйся, нечаемое примирение ожесточенно враждующих;радуйся, недоведомое исправление нераскаянных грешников. Радуйся, не отвергающая всеми презренных и отверженных; радуйся, самих отчаянных от рова погибели исхищающая. Радуйся, Радосте наша, покрый нас от всякаго зла честным Твоим омофором.

Кондак 13: О, Всепетая Мати, Пречистая Госпоже, Дево Богородице! К Тебе возвожду душевныя и телесныя очи, к Тебе простираю разслабленныя руце и из глубины сердца вопию: призри на веру и смирение души моея, покрый мя всемощным омофором Твоим, да избавлюся от всех бед и напастей, и в час кончины моея, о, Всеблагая, предстани мне и уготованнаго ради грехов моих избави мучения, да выну покланяяся зову: Аллилуиа. (Этот кондак читается трижды)

Икос 1: Архангел и Ангел множество, со Предтечею, Богословом и всех святых ликом, сопредсташа Тебе, Царице своей, в церкви Влахернстей и, умиленная моления Твоя о всем мире слышавше, со удивлением возопиша таковая:

Радуйся, Бога Отца безначальнаго предвечное благоволение;
радуйся, Бога Сына безлетнаго пречистое вместилище.
Радуйся, Бога Духа Всесвятаго избранное жилище;
радуйся, Горних чинов ангельских непрестающее удивление.
Радуйся, темных сил адских всегрозное устрашение; радуйся, Юже на воздусе сретают многоочитии Херувими. Радуйся, Ейже похвальная восписуют шестокрилатии Серафими; радуйся, Еяже преблагому покрову и мы, земнороднии, благодарне покланяемся. Радуйся, Радосте наша, покрый нас от всякаго зла честным Твоим омофором.

Кондак 1: Избранней Предвечным Царем, превышшей всякаго создания Небесе и земли Царице, пришедшей иногда во Влахернскую церковь на молитву, достойное поклонение с благодарением приносяще, яко во тьме сущии, под Твой светящийся омофор с верою и умилением прибегаем. Ты же, яко имущи державу непобедимую, от всяких нас бед свобождай, да зовем Ти: Радуйся, Радосте наша, покрый нас от всякаго зла честным Твоим омофором.



Молитвы Покрову Пресвятой Богородицы

Молитва 1-я: О, Пресвятая Дево, Мати Господа вышних сил, небесе и земли Царице, града и страны нашея Всемощная Заступнице! Приими хвалебно-благодарственное пение сие от нас, недостойных раб Твоих, и вознеси молитвы наша ко Престолу Бога Сына Твоего, да милостив будет неправдам нашим, и пробавит благодать Свою чтущим всечестное имя Твое и с верою и любовию покланяющимся чудотворному образу Твоему. Несмы бо достойни от Него помиловани быти, аще не Ты умилостивиши Его о нас, Владычице, яко вся Тебе от Него возможна суть. Сего ради к Тебе прибегаем, яко к несомненней и скорей Заступнице нашей: услыши нас, молящихся Тебе, осени нас вседержавным покровом Твоим, и испроси у Бога Сына Твоего: пастырем нашим ревность и бдение о душах, градоправителем мудрость и силу, судиям правду и нелицеприятие, наставником разум и смиренномудрие, супругом любовь и согласие, чадом послушание, обидимым терпение, обидящим страх Божий, скорбящим благодушие, радующимся воздержание, всем же нам дух разума и благочестия, дух милосердия и кротости, дух чистоты и правды. Ей, Госпоже Пресвятая, умилосердися на немощныя люди Твоя; разсеянныя собери, заблуждшия на путь правый настави, старость поддержи, юныя уцеломудри, младенцы воспитай, и призри на всех нас призрением милостиваго Твоего заступления, воздвигни нас из глубины греховныя и просвети сердечныя очи наша ко зрению спасения, милостива нам буди зде и тамо, в стране земнаго пришельствия и на страшнем суде Сына Твоего; преставльшияся же в вере и покаянии от жития сего отцы и братию нашу в вечней жизни со Ангелы и со всеми святыми жити сотвори. Ты бо еси, Госпоже, Слава небесных и Упование земных, Ты по Бозе наша Надежда и Заступница всех, притекающих к Тебе с верою. К Тебе убо молимся, и Тебе, яко Всемогущей Помощнице, сами себе и друг друга и весь живот наш предаем, ныне и присно и во веки веков. Аминь.

Молитва 2-я: Царице моя Преблагая, Надеждо моя Пресвятая, приятелище сирым и странным Заступнице, бедствующих помоще и озлобляемых покрове, зриши мою напасть, зриши мою скорбь: отвсюду искушением одержим есмь, а заступающаго несть. Ты убо сама помози ми яко немощну, окорми мя яко странна, настави яко заблуждша, уврачуй и спаси яко безнадежна. Не имам бо иныя помощи, ни инаго предстательства, ни утешения, токмо Тебе, о, Мати всех скорбящих и обремененных! Призри убо на мя, грешнаго и во озлоблении сущаго, и покрый мя пресвятым омофором Твоим, да избавлен буду от зол, мя обышедших, и восхвалю выну препетое имя Твое. Аминь. ... Click Here To See MoreClick Here To See Less

Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, Cardiff : Kazan Icon of the Mother of God published a note.

Posted 3 weeks ago

СЛОВО В ДЕНЬ ПОКРОВА ПРЕСВЯТОЙ БОГОРОДИЦЫПразднуем мы сегодня, братие и сестры о Господе, чудный Покров Божией Матери, распростертый над родом христианским, открывшийся чрез видение блаженного Андрея, Христа ради юродивого, и ученика его Епифания в церкви Влахернской еще в начале X века при нашествии в Царьград сарацин. И не только греки, но и вся Церковь Русская торжественно стала праздновать этот Покров повсюду. Земля Русская особенно считала себя «домом Богородицы», находящимся под покровом Ее и святых. Никто не видел явственно Покрова своими очами так, как преподобные Андрей и Епифаний, но все жили верою, что, Покровом этим охраняемая, созидается земля Русская. Самые иконы Пресвятой Богородицы, самые останки святых, мощи, лобызают верующие христиане с благоговением и любовью, веруя, что даже чрез лобызание или прикосновение к ним изводят они для себя оттуда источник исцелений, освящения, крепости и благословения.

Но вот эта вера не всеми разделяется, да и верующие не одинаково в ней всегда стоят. Начинают и у последних в некоторые часы, особенно когда они о чем-либо пламенно молили и, как им кажется, не получили, являться сомнения: да подлинно ли есть Покров Божией Матери и святых Божиих? Кто же из нас видел его своими очами или хотя бы ощущал как-либо следы его осенения? Не обман ли это только чувств людей мечтательных, не призрак ли их собственного воображения, созданный расстроенным умом? Так всегда неверие хочет обратить в призрак и обман всю святую веру с ее чудесами. Так и явления воскресшего Христа хотят люди неверующие обратить в призраки, виденные будто бы Марией Магдалиной и апостолами, пламенно ожидавшими воскресения. При этом не хотят вспомнить и знать, что Мария Магдалина и апостолы пламенно воскресения не ожидали, потому что о нем совсем и не помышляли: первая шла помазать Тело Умершего и, когда уже увидела воскресшего Христа, все еще принимала Его за виноградаря, вторые с разочарованием говорили: А мы надеялись было, что Он есть Тот, Который должен избавить Израиля (Лк. 24, 21); затем, когда увидели Его, то думали, что это призрак; но потом Мария Магдалина ухватилась за ноги Иисусовы, а ученики осязали Христа. Он ел и пил сними, чего не может сделать никакой призрак.

Да если бы видели Покров Божией Матери только святые Андрей и Епифаний, разве все-таки мы не знаем, что Божественный Покров Ее невидимо простерт над миром? Разве Та, Которая еще с первых дней проповеди миру Божественного Сына Своего просила о недостающем вине на браке в Кане Галилейской, могла потом, отошедши на небо, перестать просить и молить за род человеческий? Разве Та, Которой Сын сказал с Креста: Жено! се, сын Твой — и усыновил чрез апостола Иоанна весь род христианский, могла перестать с Матернею любовью и сожалением защищать и покрывать новых чад Своих? Разве Та, Которая всю жизнь молилась много и воздевала руки до блаженного Успения Своего, могла перестать воздевать руки Свои молебные, когда как Царица предстала одесную Сына Своего и Бога, когда не мог уже не склониться пред Ее ходатайствами «яко должник Сын»? Вот почему очам веры всегда был видим Покров Божией Матери, распростертый над миром, разнообразно ими ощущаем и осязаем.

Если же не видит его неверующий, то что же удивительного? Разве можно хорошо видеть глазами больными или совсем потеряв зрение? А многие и имея очи могут не видеть, своим глазам не верить, стараться все очевидное перетолковать, как им хотелось бы. Не так ли не верили многие евреи чудесам Христовым, виденным очами собственными, и пытались истолковывать их действием Вельзевула, как будто сатана может вооружиться на себя самого и творить такие чудеса, которыми разрушается его дело и царство? Неверие так часто зависит от того, хочет или не хочет человек верить. Здоровый человек часто, когда и болезнь начнется, не хочет верить своей болезни, а мнительный человек, сколько бы ни уверяли его, что он здоров, все отыскивает в себе новые и новые болезни. Особенно когда страсть отуманит человека, он начинает видя не видеть. Со страстью любящий другого человека не видит ни его недостатков, ни своего пристрастия, по которому он ради любимого делает многое против совести и во вред другим; ослепленный ненавистью видит и в добрых делах и побуждениях ненавидимого им человека только одно злое. Как ослепляет человека страсть пьянства, блуда и т. п.! Такой человек, сколько бы ни говорили ему о вреде страсти, всегда будет уверять себя: «Совсем не вредно, ничего не будет, а если будет, то совсем немного, скоро как-нибудь пройдет». И это говорит ослепленный страстью, когда сам уже не раз испытал пагубные последствия своей страсти, пьянства, блуда и т. д., когда пьянице, например, покажут наглядно на картине, что сделается с его желудком, сердцем и т. д. от пьянства. Особенно не верит он, когда что-либо не вполне сейчас ему очевидно, когда бедствие ожидается еще в будущем. А таковы предметы веры — большею частью невидимы и касаются будущего. Предостерегают такого человека: «Не иди рядом с пропастью, упадешь в нее» — он идет; скажут: «Не ходи, вблизи враг» — он идет, говоря себе: «А может быть, совсем нет врага и не попадусь». Как же такими очами, ослепленными страстями, видеть Покров Божией Матери над миром?

В науке, если ученый по найденной в земле кости воспроизводит весь облик животного, которого никто не видел, и образ жизни последнего, ему верят, а в области веры, когда видели Самого Христа живым и чудеса Его своими очами наблюдали Его враги, не хотят верить. Если бы кто нашел в земле топор, то сказал бы, что здесь жил человек, потому что устройство топора требует разума человеческого. А когда смотрят на мир, исполненный неизмеримой, необъятной для разума человеческого премудрости, то многие не хотят воскликнуть: «Дивна дела Твоя, Господи! Вся премудростию сотворил еси!» Хотят видеть в этом чудном создании дело слепого случая. Так бывает слепо неверие, так видя не видит часто и ослепляет добровольно очи, потому что не хочет видеть.

И наоборот, по мере желания что-либо видеть и тщательно наблюдать изощряется у человека зрение. Сначала глаз многого не видит, потом, при большем напряжении и внимании, начинает примечать, различать ясно. Не так ли, когда кто выйдет из освещенного места в темное поле, то сначала ничего не видит, затем, осматриваясь, начинает многое и во тьме различать — дорогу, ямы, деревья и т. д.? Особенно когда человеку очень интересно и нужно что-либо видеть, зрение усиленнее начинает изощряться. Моряк, всматриваясь во время бури в темную даль, замечает очертания берега. Любящий до ревности точно замечает и истолковывает малейшее движение того, к кому исполнен ревности. Потом, когда, благодаря желанию и любви, приобретается знание, становится легче все видеть яснее. Врач сразу видит болезнь, ученый-естествоиспытатель сразу определяет, к какому роду относится растение, животное, легко различает роды почвы и т. д. Не то же ли и относительно веры в чудеса Божии, в Покров Божией Матери, незримый для грубого телесного ока и для ока сердца, отуманенного страстями, не изощренного для этого зрения, благодаря небрежению и неупражнению последнего?

Будем изощрять это око непрестанным, тщательным созерцанием чудных дел Божиих в мире, усилим остроту зрения духовного желанием и любовью к Богу. И тогда в духовном мире будем мы подобны не евреям слепым, «видя не видевшим» чудес Христовых, а пророкам Божиим, и апостолам, и святым, которые «предзрели Господа пред собою выну» (Пс. 15, 8), всюду видели следы Его присутствия, веря, что «близок Господь» (Пс. 144, 18), прозирали, «яко настоящая, будущая», «верою ходили, а не видением» (2 Кор. 5, 7). И изощряемая этим зрением действий Божиих и водительства Божия в мире жизнь сделается мирною, блаженною, праведною, потому что мы пойдем туда, куда поведет нас Христос, зримый очами веры, Божия Матерь и святые, а не ослепленное страстями око сердца, которое может легко завести в бездну погибели, как слепой легко попадает в яму, особенно когда идет за ослепляющим его очи духовные «князем мира сего» — диаволом, «ищущим поглотити» человеческие души (1 Пет. 5, 8). Аминь.

Журнал «Приходская жизнь» № 10(99) год 2010

Священномученик Фаддей (Успенский)

Сайт Свято-Благовещенской обители, город Киев

15 октября 2011 г. ... Click Here To See MoreClick Here To See Less

Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, Cardiff : Kazan Icon of the Mother of God published a note.

Posted 3 weeks ago

The feast of the Pokrov as a day of parish-prayer, & confession and Holy Communion this coming Sunday.Dear brothers and sisters,

As you have already read, the Divine Liturgy will continue to be celebrated in the chapel pf St David and St Nicholas, in Llanelli, with home visits for confession and Holy Communion.

This Sunday has (theoretically) been designated for central and West Cardiff, down to Barry, if required. In order to plan the day, and decide how early the Liturgy needs to be celebrated, it is important that requests for home visits are submitted as soon as possible. Email rmfisher@ntlworld.com

We may find that we have only a few requests for visits to the western side of the city, so I suggest that all who wish to confess and commune contact Fr Deacon Mark, who will do his best to make it possible to visit communicants in other parts of the city, should the opportunity arise.

Tomorrow, of course, is the feast of the Protecting Veil of the Mother of God, and I encourage everyone - parishioners, and friends of the parish - to mark this wonderful feast with fervent prayers to the Mother of God to bless and protect our parish, dedicated to her wonderworking Kazan icon.

I encourage you to read the canon of the feast, praying especially for our community with its parishioners and clergy; for the possibility of celebrating the Liturgy - publicly - in Cardiff, or close by; for those from beyond the region who have found consolation and support in our parish over the last half-year; for all of the friends and benefactors who have made our parish life a possibility up to this time, especially in Nazareth House and Newman Hall. Let us pray for the Protection of the Mother of God for those whose lives we touch, and for those who have touched our lives.

The canon in English, on page 8: orthodox-europe.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/10-01B-Pokrov.pdf

The canon in Slavonic , on page 9: orthodox-europe.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/10-01A.pdf

As a parish we have constantly felt the blessing and grace of our Protectress, and now, in our homelessness and the strangeness of our present circumstances, we need to unite under her Protecting Veil, struggling spiritually to surpass our present hardships and move forward to the next chapter in the life our parish.

We have been blessed with three visits of the wonderworking Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God, with the last being to the Little Oratory of Newman Hall, and to the homes of our parishioners in Cardiff, Swansea and Llanelli.

Our hardships are nothing compared many of those who have turned to the Mother of God and her Kursk-Root icon in the century since the exodus from Russia. Exiled, destitute, hungry, homeless, sick, unemployed, bereaved and crushed, hundreds of thousands of people have turned to the Queen of Heaven with burdens and problems far greater than ours - and they found solace and comfort, with answered prayers, healing and renewed hope.

The first exiles, fleeing the Bolsheviks, turned to the Mother of God as the Hodegetria -’ she who shows the way’ - and the emigration and Church in Exile were comforted by the fact that as the pillar of fire and the cloud led Moses and the children of Israel from Egyptian slavery into new freedom, so the Mother of God, going before them in her wonderworking icon led them to a new life, unknown and uncertain as it was.

She will lead us forward as a community dedicated to her memory, but we must struggle in prayer, in fasting and Faith, to be worthy recipients of the Lord’s bounty, which He grants his Mother to pour forth.

On the feast of the Pokrov, let us turn to the Mother of God with hope and fervour.

O my most blessed Queen, O Theotokos my hope, guardian of orphans and intercessor for strangers, Joy of the sorrowful, Protectress of the oppressed; Thou beholdest my misfortune, Thou seest my sorrow. Help me, for I am infirm; feed me, for I am a stranger. Thou knowest mine offense: do Thou loose it, as Thou dost will, for I have none other help but Thee, nor any other intercessor save Thee, O Mother of God. Do Thou preserve and protect me unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Царице моя преблагая, надеждо моя Богородице, приятелище сирых и странных предстaтельнице, скорбящих рaдосте, обидимых покровительнице! Зриши мою беду, зриши мою скорбь, помози ми яко немощну, окорми мя яко стрaнна. Обиду мою веси, разреши ту, яко волиши: яко не имам иныя помощи разве Тебе, ни иныя предстaтельницы, ни благия утешительницы, токмо Тебе, о Богомaти, яко да сохраниши мя и покрыеши во веки веков. Аминь.

Troparion, Tone 4: Overshadowed by thy coming, O Mother of God, we the right faithful people, cel­ebrate today with splendor, 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.

Kontakion, Tone 3: Today the Virgin standeth forth in the church, and with the choirs of the saints she invisibly prayeth to God for us. Angels and hierarchs offer homage, and the apostles and prophets join chorus, for for our sake the Theotokos entreateth the preeternal God.

Тропарь, глас 4: Днесь благовернии людие светло празднуем, осеняеми Твоим Богомати пришествием, и к Твоему взирающе пречистому образу умильно глаголем, покрый нас честным Си амфором, и избави нас от всякаго зла, молящи Сына Своего Христа Бога нашего, да спасет душа наша.

Кондак, глас 3: Девая днесь предстоит в церкви, и с лики святых невидимо Богу за ны молится. Ангели со святители поклоняются, и апостоли с пророки ликовствуют. Нас бо ради Богородица молит Христа превечнаго Бога. ... Click Here To See MoreClick Here To See Less

Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, Cardiff : Kazan Icon of the Mother of God published a note.

Posted 3 weeks ago

The present and the future. Where do we go from here?Dear brothers and sisters,

Today’s greyness and drizzle is a dramatic remove from the glory of such a beautiful autumn day yesterday.

It has been very strange to have to return to making home visits for confession and Holy Communion, after being able to confess and commune the faithful at Liturgy over the summer months. Even though the necessarily limited numbers at those summer Liturgies made services far from normal, it was nevertheless a joy to see so many parishioners, as well as friends from the Romanian and Greek Orthodox communities.

As sad as it is have to return to home-visits, we are where we are, with the added blow of not having anywhere to celebrate the Liturgy in Cardiff. So, Sundays now start with early Liturgy in the chapel of St David and St Nicholas, in Llanelli.

This present reality for our parish is considerably worse than it was even at the height of lockdown, when only one Liturgy had to celebrated outside Cardiff, though Swansea and Cardiff confessions/communions followed that early service.

This is a harsh wake-up call for the parish. For nine years it has benefitted from the hospitality of others, particularly in the nearly three years at Nazareth House and Newman Hall, where we have received support and generosity beyond even our greatest hopes.

Have we become complacent in this continued existence under someone else’s roof?

The last three years have been like a honeymoon period for the parish, after we accepted Father Sebastian’s invitation to move to the University Church. The Sisters of Nazareth went so far as to provide a room for me in Nazareth House have done everything in their capability to support the parish, showing me the most incredible kindness and hospitality. Father Sebastian made Newman Hall available for parish gatherings and for services in the Little Oratory, even going so far as to house me in Newman Hall when Nazareth House went into strict lockdown. We are profoundly grateful to the Fathers, the Sisters, and to the scholars of Newman Hall for everyting they have done for us.

During this period, our parish may not have grown greatly in numbers, but the spiritual maturation of the parish has been evident. This has been reflected in the increase of services from once a month to between two and four times a week, as well as feast-days. We went from a single monthly Liturgy to celebrating vespers, compline, vigils, feast days, molebens, and panikhidas. Confessions sometimes take up to three or four hours a week, which is an excellent sign of the spiritual seriousness and dedication of parishioners. Members of the community have shown great joy in sharing time and food together, and before lockdown there was common trapeza after every service.

Our time at the chaplaincy has seen baptisms, the reception of converts, the arrival of parishioners from other parishes who stayed and made our parish their home, pilgrimages, episcopal visits, and even the ordination of our own deacon. It has been a time of blessings, and the present situation cannot rob us of these blessings. However, if allowed, it can undo the work for which so many parishioners have laboured tirelessly.

During lockdown, one of our parishioners imagined a mass rush back to Liturgy when we were free of restrictions, especially those which discriminate against Faith. My response was muted – some may say pessimistic – as we know how much people get used to conditions and the new ‘normality’.

Many Orthodox observers have noted how the faithful have adapted to this ‘new-normal’, in which they are unable to go to church. Zoomed services risk morphing from being a valuable stop-gap solution to being a spiritual placebo and salve of conscience when the faithful do NOT return to parish worship afterwards.

The actions and, in some places, unfortunate comments of Church leaders have made common worship and shared Church-life sound optional, and some are mistakenly beginning to see the commonality and shared existence of the Church as a matter of choice rather than the essence of the Church. Our present parish arrangements could all too easily fuel the individualism which ceases to see and appreciate the Church as the communion of all believers, with too much stress on MY communion, rather than the shared Holy Mysteries in which we are united by sharing Christ’s Body and Blood: TOGETHER.

The Church is not about individual customer experience (such a vile phrase), but the living of common Faith as a community of believers. This is real communion. The Orthodox, Catholic, Apostolic Church, only exists in community, not in self-contained (perhaps covid-fuelled) individualism.

We will see how many rush back to public services.

So, what are we doing and where are we going?

I am happy that Sister Madeleine, the new senior sister of Nazareth House, is supportive and has expressed her hope that the parish will return to the church and the parish priest to the convent, as soon as this is possible. However, we have no idea when this will be, given that the church is part of a complex that houses elderly, vulnerable people. As a student residence, Newman Hall was only ever a stop gap during the summer months when it was sparsely occupied. It is now in use and subject to archdiocesan and university regulations relating to Covid-19. As such, it is out of bounds for us as a parish… for the moment, at least.

You will have seen the letter written by our starosta, asking for financial support for the parish...

www.facebook.com/notes/russian-orthodox-church-abroad-cardiff-kazan-icon-of-the-mother-of-god/an-...

... but much more has been done over the last few weeks, with clergy and core parishioners searching for alternative settings for services – in other churches/chapels, in community centres and parish halls. Sadly and frustratingly, as yet, we have no answers and have found no alternatives. If you have an idea, a connection, a suggestion, please share it with us.

After nine years of being under somebody else’s roof, setting up for services and packing away, unable to use buildings when we want to, carrying boxes and suitcases around, longing for an ikonostas and a Russian Orthodox liturgical setting, we have to accept that we have to move beyond temporary fixes. The reality is that we are the only parish of the Russian Orthodox Church in the whole principality. We are serving a diverse community not only in Wales, but beyond the borders.

Before we move forward to buying a building, our first step might be have to be renting a building of which we have sole-use. Even rental will be a wake-up call, as parishioners realise the combined cost of electricity, gas, water-bills, insurance, clergy expenses etc. The parish has been heavily subsidised by the clergy and a core of parishioners and the real financial cost of having a parish has never been faced or appreciated.

We know that even renting will be neither easy or cheap in the nations’s capital, but present arrangements (and the present reality is homelessness!) cannot go on.

The ‘new-normal’ is not normality, and its dysfunctionalism is symbolised by a parish without a temple, having had no public services for nearly seven months, currently even without Liturgy in its own city.

We each have ask ourselves what we will do and how we can make even minimal normal parish life possible.

The honeymoon is over! It is time to act. ... Click Here To See MoreClick Here To See Less

Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, Cardiff : Kazan Icon of the Mother of God published a note.

Posted 3 weeks ago

An appeal for your financial support.Dear brothers and sisters!

Господи, благослови! Lord bless!

We are a small parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, formed nine years ago, and serve the Orthodox community across South Wales and the border counties. Over the last six months, we have also ministered to the Orthodox faithful from Bath and Avon, Somerset, and Wiltshire.

Since our foundation we have been through a great deal, and recently we became homeless overnight. Due to the Covid-19 situation we are unable to find an alternative place to rent for the Divine Liturgy, and the only place for Liturgy is in the chapel at Fr Luke’s home in Llanelli. The lack of public services mean that we are unable to make any collections, which provide the bulk of our income.

Therefore, if you are able to support us at this difficult time, we are asking for your financial help by making bank donations: which may be made by standing order or internet/mobile banking.

Wherever you are in the world, you can make a big difference to our small parish, and if you pay UK Income Tax your completion of the “gift aid form” will allow us to claim an additional 25 pence per donated £1.00.

We are hoping that with your continued support, we will be able to buy a small building which we will be able to make into our own church!

Details for those wishing to make donations may be found by following the following link:

russianorthodoxchurchcardiff.com/donations-parish-church-cardiff-wales

Thank you to all who already support us so generously.

Please note that this is a new bank account, with different details to our previous one.

We ask our many Facebook friends to share this note.

In Christ – Alyona Edwards Parish starosta, on behalf of the parochial church council. ... Click Here To See MoreClick Here To See Less

Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, Cardiff : Kazan Icon of the Mother of God published a note.

Posted 3 weeks ago

The canons for the feast of St Sergius.Canon to the Theotokos. Tone 6, Ode 1, 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.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Eve who partook in the garden of the forbidden food brought about the curse: but thou who art pure hast done away with it by giving birth to Christ, the firstborn of the blessing.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As a pearl coming forth from a divine lightning, thou dost give birth to Christ. Do thou who art pure drive out by the light of thy radiance the darkness of my passions and the confusion of my sins.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Jacob foresaw with the secret eyes of the mind the expectation of the nations, God incarnate of thee who has delivered us by thine intercessions.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Thou who art all-pure, since the rulers of the tribe of Judah have failed, thy Son and God passed through thy womb and as a Divine Leader now truly reigns over the ends of the earth,

1st Canon to St. Sergius. Tone 8, Irmos: The wonderworking staff of Moses, * striking and dividing the sea in the figure of a Cross, * once drowned Pharaoh the pursuing charioteer, * while it saved the fleeing people of Israel * as they marched on foot, * singing a song unto God.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Emulating Christ who humbled Himself for our sakes, even taking the form of a servant, thou didst love humility and, mortifying the soul, destroyed the passions. By copious vigil and prayer, thou hast ascended the mountain of freedom from passion,

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

O Sergius full of riches. Adorning thy soul with streams of tears as a lamp is adorned with light, thou hast offered up thyself as another Isaac, O Saint, and hast sacrificed thine heart unto God.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

O most blessed Sergius, who from thy mother's womb hast shown thyself by thy threefold cry to be a servant of the Trinity and who, illuminated by the light of the threefold Sun, dashed the armies of devils like unto one destroying a spider's web!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast given birth outside the laws of nature to the Giver of the law. He Who was both God and man. As He is good, do thou who art all undefiled entreat Him to look away from or iniquities as we for ever cry aloud: ‘Let us sing to the Lord for He hath greatly been glorified’

2nd Canon to St. Sergius. Tone 1, Irmos: Thy triumphant right hand, * in a manner befitting God, * hath been glorified in strength, O Immortal One; * for in its infinite strength it broke into pieces the enemy, * and hath made a strange new way for the Israelites through the deep.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Thou, O Saint, hast by thy love of Christ been established, and hast appeared as a stream abundantly watering the whole earth with the word of thy teachings, O Sergius, divinely blessed. Therefore we with love bless thy memory.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Thou, O Saint, hast by thy love of Christ been established, and hast appeared as a stream abundantly watering the whole earth with the word of thy teachings, O Sergius, divinely blessed. Therefore we with love bless thy memory.

Most Holy Theotokos save us.

At a divine command, a blessing came forth from thine hand; for by thy prayer, O Saint Sergius, thou didst make water gush forth from the dry earth, and we who now draw thereof receive unfailing healing.

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

From thy youth up thou wast entirely dedicated to God, drawing near Him by thy virtues, for leaving behind the corruptible things that are of this earth, thou hast acquired heavenly riches.

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

Rejoice O Fount of grace. Rejoice! O Ladder and heavenly Gate, Rejoice! Candlestick and vessel of gold, the unhewn mountain, O thou who hast borne for the world Christ the Giver of Life.

Katavasia: I shall open my mouth * and the Spirit will inspire it, * and I shall utter the words of my song unto the Queen and Mother: * I shall be seen radiantly keeping feast * and joyfully praising her wonders.

Ode 3, Irmos: There is none 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.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O all-pure Theotokos , He who alone is good, past all telling, took my corruptible mortal flesh from thy womb and making it incorruptible He united it eternally to Himself.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin, beholding God incarnate of thee, the choirs of angels were struck with fear and they honor thee with unceasing hymns as Mother of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Daniel, the Prophet, was struck with fear as he saw thee, O living Mountain from whom the Stone was cut without the hand of man and He destroyed with force the temples of devils.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Neither speech nor the tongue of man can give thee worthy praise: for Christ the Giver of life was pleased without seed to take flesh of thee, who art all-pure.

Irmos: O Christ fortify me on the rock of Thy commandments, * Thou who in the beginning established the heavens with understanding * and established the earth upon the waters, * for there is none holy but Thou, O only lover of mankind.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

In thyself, as an example of good things to thy disciples, thou hast drawn to salvation many souls who, separated from worldly passions, found their comfort in the joy of paradise.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O blessed Saint, thou hast flowered like a fruitful olive-tree in the house of God, anointing with oil the souls of those who sing thy praises with love, O Sergius, and who cry aloud to Christ with faith: 'There is none holy save Thee, Who lovest mankind.'

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O blessed Saint, by watchful vigils thou didst put to sleep the soul-corrupting passions: and therefore, O Divinely-wise Sergius, hast thou ascended to dwell in the heavenly chambers, having received the grace of healing.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Theotokos , thou appearest higher the cherubim and seraphim, for Thou art undefiled, and thou alone hast received in thy womb the uncontainable God. Wherefore we the faithful bless thee, who art pure, in song.

Irmos: Thou alone knowest the weakness of mortals * and in compassion took their form; * gird me with power from on high, * that I may cry unto Thee: * Holy is the living temple of Thy ineffable glory, O lover of mankind!

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O blessed one, despising corruptible fame thou hast been deemed worthy of inheriting incorruptible and divine glory; for trampling underfoot all the beauty of this world thou rejoicest, with the angels on high, in the glory of God.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Renewing the earth of thine heart, O Saint, with the plough of prayer, thou hast shown thyself to be the comely corn of the Word and thou hast reached the dwelling-place of the Light that never sets.

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

Honored with the rays of the Holy Spirit, thou hast been adorned with a life that bears light unfailing in thy gifts to those that ask, receiving with love those in the monastic state, O Saint and Father.

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

A flower that never fades sprang forth from thee, O Pure one, making all mankind fragrant with the divine myrrh of His own nature. He who is like the Father without beginning, became subject to time from thee, O Virgin allundefiled.

Katavasia: O Mother of God, * Thou living and plentiful fount, * give strength to those united in spiritual fellowship, * who sing hymns of praise to thee: * and in thy divine glory, vouchsafe unto them crowns of glory.

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

Sedalion, Tone 4: O most blessed Sergius, * truly forsaking corruptible things that pass, * thou hast followed Christ with all thy soul, * and hast thou lived in pain and toil and great abstinence * as if having no flesh. * Pray to Christ our God that our souls be saved.

Glory…, Now & ever…,

O Theotokos thou art far higher than the cherubim and the seraphim, * for thou wast shown to be more spacious than the heavens and the earth, * more than visible and invisible creation * excelling them all by the admixture no vessel can contain; * for He Whom the spans of heaven cannot contain, * O Pure one, was encompassed within Thy womb. * Pray Him that Thy servants may be saved.

Ode 4, Irmos: Christ is my power, * my God and my Lord, * the holy Church divinely sings, * crying with a pure mind, * keeping festival in the Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O all-pure Lady, we who are saved by thee sing Thy praises and reverently extolling thee we cry aloud: Blessed art thou, O ever-Virgin, who hast given birth to God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou, O Virgin, hast borne the Light that never sets, He who shines in the flesh for those who lie in the darkness of this life; and thou also, O ever-Virgin, pourest forth Joy for those who sing thy praises.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Through thee, O all-holy one, grace flowered and the law ceased, for thou who art pure, hast borne the Lord Who hath granted us remission of sins, O ever-Virgin.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The eating of the tree showed me as one dead, however ,when the Tree of life appeared from thee, O all-pure one, He raised me and made me an heir of the sweetness of paradise.

Irmos: Thou, O Lord, art my strength and Thou art my power, * Thou art my God and Thou art my joy, * Thou who, while never leaving the bosom of Thy Father, visited our poverty. * Therefore with the Prophet Abbakum I cry to Thee, * ‘Glory to Thy power, O Lover of mankind!’

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O Father, thou art a temple of the all-holy Spirit, a river full of living waters, an unshaken foundation of the Church, the confirmation of those living the monastic life, wherefore O Father Sergius, thou art rightly called a wonderment.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O glorious Sergius thou, as also did the Prophet David, anointed thy bed each day with streams of tears, until thou didst dry up completely the depth of passion; wherefore we reverence thine ever honored and holy memory.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O Saint Sergius, it was vouchsafed unto thee to see Christ face to face, not 'through a glass darkly', but with the glass truly abolished; and this also parted thee from this world sending thee aloft to thy beloved Desire.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By the prayers of her that bore Thee, grant us O God, as Thou alone art without sin, the cleansing of our transgressions committed in ignorance and grant unto Thy world peace.

Irmos: Abbakum with foreseeing eyes * perceived thee as a mountain overshadowed by the grace of God, * from which, he foretold, * the Holy one of Israel would come, * for our salvation and refashioning.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O wise and most blessed Sergius, enlightened by bright beams of divine light, thou didst receive with rejoicing the Joy of heaven, since thou hast truly been bread most pure for thy Creator, thou dost cry aloud unto Him: Glory to Thy strength, O Thou

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Who lovest mankind. Passing through the mire of soul-destroying passions thou didst Cross into the depths of silence, wherefore thou wast granted to raise up a dying boy before the ending of the union of his body and soul, making his mother glad beyond all hope.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Therefore, struck with wonder thou didst cry aloud to the Creator: Glory to Thy strength, O Thou Who lovest mankind.

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

O wise and glorious Saint, having raised on high the understanding of the soul and kept thy feelings under guidance, thou didst announce to those on earth the holy tidings of godliness that point the way to heaven.

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

The Archangel came from heaven bringing great Joy to thee, who art pure, speaking good tidings and saying: O all-pure Virgin, God made flesh shall come forth from thee for the salvation of those who sing thy praises with love. Glory to Thy strength, O Savior of mankind.

Katavasia: He Who sitteth in glory * upon the throne of the Godhead, * Jesusthe true God is come in a swift cloud. * And with His sinless hands He hath saved those who cry: * Glory to Thy power, O Christ.

Ode 5, 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 recalls us from the darkness of sin.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Shining brightly with purity. Thou, O Lady, hast been a divine Dwelling for the Master, for thou alone hast been shown forth as the Theotokos , bearing Him as a Babe in thine arms.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy most fair soul clothed in spiritual beauty. Thou, O Pure one, hast been shown forth as the Bride of God sealed with virginity and illumining the world with the light of thy purity.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Let the company of the devout who do not plainly proclaim thee as the pure Theotokos, weep. For thou hast appeared to us as the Gateway of the divine Light that chases away the darkness of transgressions.

Irmos: O Light that never sets, * why hast Thou rejected me from Thy presence, * and why has the alien darkness surrounded me, the coward that I am? * But do Thou I implore Thee direct my ways * and turn me back towards the light of Thy commandments.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O wise Saint, thou didst dwell without wavering in acts of asceticism and up unto thine own departure these practices thou didst thus firmly adhere to, whereby incorruptible bliss hath plainly been vouchsafed unto thee.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Possessed of a mind sharpened to listen to God, thou didst subdue the souldestroying passions and reaped fruitful sheaves, feeding those who praise thee, O Sergius, Saint and Father.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Bright has been thy life, O Saint Sergius, and known unto all the ends of the earth, filled with divine beauty, with prayer and fasting and love towards Christ Who loveth mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having thee as wall, and watched over by thy protection, we bless thee exulting in thy divine glory: For thou, O all-pure one, pourest forth gladness and rejoicing upon our souls.

Irmos: As Thou art the God of peace * and the Father of mercies, * Who hast sent unto us Thine Angel of great counsel * granting us peace, * so are we guided towards the light of the knowledge of God, * and watching by night we glorify Thee, * O Only Lover of mankind.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Thou didst plainly put off the old man, O Father, and didst turn away from him with his sinful passions as from a garment defiled, rather thou didst put on the new man who is in the likeness of Christ, O Saint full of honor.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Thou didst plainly put off the old man, O Father, and didst turn away from him with his sinful passions as from a garment defiled, rather thou didst put on the new man who is in the likeness of Christ, O Saint full of honor.

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

By thine exalted way of life, equaling that of the angels, thou hast torn the bonds of passion and having received from on high the gift of working wonders, do thou, O Sergius, ask for the cleansing of our sins.

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

By thy childbirth, O Virgin, thou hast done away with the curse of Eve, mother of us all, by making the blessing of Christ shine upon the world. Therefore, praising thee with both tongue and heart, and acknowledging thee to be in truth the Theotokos , we magnify thee.

Katavasia: The whole world was amazed at thy divine glory: * for thou, O Virgin who hast not known wedlock, * hast held in thy womb the God of all, * and hast given birth to an eternal Son, * who rewards with salvation all who sing thy praises.

Ode 6, Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging the flood of temptations, * I run to calm haven, and cry to Thee: * Raise up my life from corruption, * O Most Merciful One.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Moses, great among the Prophets, wrote beforehand concerning thee calling thee the Ark and Table, the Candlestick and Jar, thus indicating in prefigurings the

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Incarnation of the Most High that was to take place from thee, O Mother and Virgin. Death is put to death, and the corruption of Adam's condemnation is abolished by the Fruit of Thy womb, O Lady, for thou hast given birth to life, delivering from corruption those that sing thy praises.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The law failed and the shadow passed for, past mind and thought, O Virgin, whom all men sing, grace appeared coming from thee, by the birth of our God and Savior.

Irmos: Cleanse me O Savior, * for my iniquities are many; * and bring me up, I beg Thee, from the depths of evils * for unto Thee have I cried * harken unto me, O God of my salvation.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Pray the Redeemer without ceasing to grant the remission of sins unto those who celebrate thy holy memorial, O blessed Father, that they may receive the heavenly Kingdom, where the voices of those that keep festival make all men glad.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Made strong in Christ, thou, O Sergius, hast torn to pieces with thy steadfast mind all the craftiness of the evil one as though it were a web and thou hast shown thyself, O Sergius, to the world as a most radiant light.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Shining with the divine light, and now living with the angels in heaven, do thou ever remember those who honor thy memorial with faith, O Saint Sergius of memory eternal.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In truth thou hast raised on high the fallen nature of man, for thou hast borne in thy womb without seed, O Mother of God, Him Who unchanged is the visible Son, the divine image of the Father and His equal.

Irmos: The sea monster spat forth Jonah as it had received him, * like a babe from the womb: * while the Word, having dwelt in the Virgin and taken flesh, * came forth from her yet kept her incorrupt. * For being Himself not subject to decay. * He preserved His Mother free from all harm.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O Father, thou dost mercifully shine from on high upon us, thy flock, giving our Fatherland victory by thy prayers and raising up the horn of the Orthodox; although it be small, receive from us this prayer offered to thee.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O Father, thou dost mercifully shine from on high upon us, thy flock, giving our Fatherland victory by thy prayers and raising up the horn of the Orthodox; although it be small, receive from us this prayer offered to thee.

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

To thee has been given the gift of healing diverse diseases and from Christ hast thou power over unclean spirits, and thou hast received from Him Who reigns over all, crowns of victory.

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

Taught by God the whole choir of Prophets proclaimed beforehand the untold mystery of the divine conceiving of the Word that was to take place from thee, O Mother and Virgin: for thou hast verily borne the true and Original Light.

Katavasia: As we celebrate this sacred and solemn feast of the Theotokos , * let us come, clapping our hands, * O people of the Lord, * and give glory to God who was born of her.

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 8: Smitten with the love of Christ thou, O Saint, * hast followed Him without looking back, * hating all the pleasures of the flesh * and shining like the sun upon the land of thy birth: * wherefore Christ hath enriched thee with the gift of working miracles. * Remember us who honor thy radiant memory that we may call to thee: * Rejoice! O Sergius thou Divinely-wise one.

Ikos: Having heard the sound of the Gospel, thou didst set aside, O Father, all the wisdom of the flesh, and counted as dust wealth and glory, fighting against the passions as one without flesh, thou hast been vouchsafed the honor of standing with the choir of bodiless angels. Receiving the gift of understanding which thou dost grant to those who sing unto thee thusly: Rejoice! O Sergius, saint and bearer of God; thou heavenly man and earthly angel: Rejoice! thou dwelling-place of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice! thou who by prayer hast received a gift bestowed by God; Rejoice! For before thy birth, thou didst cry out glorifying the Holy Trinity Who glorified thee in this life and after death. Rejoice! Pillar of chastity by whom every passion hath been vanquished. Rejoice! For from thine early childhood thou didst follow Christ. Rejoice! Intercessor for the salvation of those that run to thee; Rejoice! pride of the land of thy birth. Rejoice! Thou who adorned with prophecy foretold the future as though it were today. Rejoice! for by thy prayers the adversaries are conquered. Rejoice! pride and confirmation of truly believing people. Through thy prayers keep us unharmed by the enemy that we may cry to thee: Rejoice! O Sergius, Divinely-wise one.

Ode 7, Irmos: An Angel made the furnace throw dew on the holy Children. * But th command of God consumed the Chaldeans * and prevailed upon the tyrant to cry: * Blessed art Thou, O God of our Fathers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The furnace burnt not the three children, who prefigured thy birth-giving: for the Fire of the Godhead descended and dwelt in thee without burning thee, and taught all to cry aloud: blessed art Thou, O God of our Fathers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As was foretold, the ends of the earth call thee blessed, O Mother all-undefiled, and enlightened by thy radiant brightness and by grace, they singing cry aloud: blessed art Thou, O God of our Fathers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The all-evil serpent dug his pernicious teeth into me but thy Son, O Theotokos , broke them and gave me strength to cry aloud: blessed art Thou, O God of our Fathers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Only woman to be so divinely blessed, thou art the cleansing place of human nature; for bearing in thine arms God Who sits upon the shoulders of the cherubim, thou dost cry aloud: blessed art Thou, O God of our Fathers.

Irmos: The fire in Babylon once stood in awe of God’s descent. * And so the Youths in the furnace, * dancing with joyful steps as in a meadow, * sang, ‘Blessed art Thou the God of our Fathers!’

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

In the furnace of flaming temptations divine grace bedewed thee, O Saint, and it showed thee to be full of light in thy desire for the Trinity, and crying aloud: Blessed art Thou, O God of our Fathers.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O glorious Sergius, despising the world, thou didst live as an Angel on earth and thereby vouchsafed a place in the angelic choir. Wherefore we venerate thee with faith, O thou who art worthy to be called a wonderment.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O Saint, wise in God, traveling unto the calm haven, thou didst shun the seawanderings of this world, being a saving pilot for those sailing the rough seas of this life and who cry aloud: blessed art Thou, O God of our Fathers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin, a rod has sprung forth from the root of Jesse, an allblessed Fruit, that bears a Flower of salvation for those who cry aloud with faith to thy Son: blessed art Thou, O God of our Fathers.

Irmos: We the faithful recognize thee, * O Theotokos , * as a spiritual furnace; for as He, * the highly exalted One, * saved the three Youths, * so He hath wholly refashioned me, fallen humanity, in thy womb, * O God of our Fathers, who art praised and glorified above all.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O most blessed Saint, wise in God, by divine command thou hast shown thyself on earth to be a second heaven, and living in the flesh like an angel, thou hast raised up thy rational flock.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O most blessed Saint, wise in God, by divine command thou hast shown thyself on earth to be a second heaven, and living in the flesh like an angel, thou hast raised up thy rational flock.

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

Having thee who art blessed, as a mighty supplicant before God, a comforter forthose in affliction, a defender and advocate and mediator of Godliness, we thy children, O Saint Sergius, are saved from all distress.

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

Rejoice! O pure Daughter of Adam; for the Shepherd verily clothing Himself in the full man that I am, proceeded from thee. He, the God of our Fathers Who is blessed and exalted above all for His boundless mercy.

Katavasia: The Holy Children bravely trampled upon the threatening fire, * refusing to worship created things in place of the Creator, * and they sang in Joy: * 'Blessed art Thou and praised above all, O Lord God of our Fathers.'

Ode 8, Irmos: An Angel made the furnace throw dew on the holy Children. * But the command of God consumed the Chaldeans * and prevailed upon the tyrant to cry: * Blessed art Thou, O God of our Fathers

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy Son, having illumined Thee with the light of the Spirit, clothed Thee like a Queen in a gold vestment and set Thee, O all Pure, at His right hand. And we exalt Him above all for ever.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He who by His desire alone set up the world, took flesh from Thine all-pure womb, wishing to edify this same on high And we exalt Him above all for ever,

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O All-pure Virgin, plainly shining with the radiance of virginity. Thou wast the divine habitation of the Word for His union with myself as man. Therefore we praise Thee for ever.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou wast prefigured as a golden candlestick, receiving past telling the Light no man can approach and Who enlightens everything by the knowledge of Himself. Therefore we praise thee who art pure, for ever.

Irmos: In his wrath the Chaldean Tyrant made the furnace blaze, * with heat fanned sevenfold for the servants of God; * but when he perceived that they had been saved by a greater power * he cried aloud to the Creator and Redeemer, * ‘O ye Youths bless, O ye priests praise, * O ye people, highly exalt Him unto all the ages’.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O most blessed Sergius, thy light bearing feast hath filled with joy and spiritual gladness, with fragrance and enlightenment, those who have thee as their defender and as their rule of monastics.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Thou didst ascend upwards to God with unceasing prayer and from there enlightened by the radiance of the threefold sun, established a stronghold of struggle against the enemy. Thou didst lead companies of monks towards a new life, crying aloud to Christ: bless Him, O ye children, praise Him, O ye priests, O ye people exalt Him above all for ever.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O Sergius, strong in fasting, never slothful in prayer, on earth thou didst shown patience in temptation, crying: bless Him, O ye children, praise Him O ye priests, O ye people exalt Him above all for ever.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O all-pure Mother of our God, cleanse the sinful sores and temptations of my soul steeping them in the waters that flow in copious streams from the side of thine Offspring: for I cry unto thee and take refuge in thee, and call upon thee, who art full of the grace of God.

Irmos: The furnace moist with dew * was an image and prefiguring of a wonder past nature, * for burning not the Children whom it had received, * so the fire of the Godhead consumed not the Virgin's womb into which it had descended. * Therefore in song let us sing: * Let the whole creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Earnestly singing, we entreat thee: pray, O Saint, for the truly believing people, that they be granted victory over adversaries, that the Church be granted majesty and that the world be granted peace.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

The grace of the Holy Spirit, descended and dwelt within thee making thee an exorcist of evil spirits and showing thee to be a guide of monks, who cry aloud: let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.

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

Shining from afar with the light of the threefold Sun, do thou, O holy Father, grant unto those who sing thy praises in memory of thee, light and salvation, and unto the world peace, as they sing: let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.

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

The Word Who was rich and Who is glorified by the songs of angels, made Himself poor; choosing thee, for His Mother, thou blessed excellence of Jacob. Therefore as we praise Him, we sing: let all the creation praise the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.

Katavasia: The offspring of the Theotokos * saved the Holy Children in the furnace. * He who was then prefigured hath since been born on earth, * and He gathers together all the creation to sing: * O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.

Ode 9, Irmos: Angels dare not gaze; * but through thee, O pure one, * did the Word Incarnate become man * and with Heavenly Hosts * Him we magnify and thee we call blessed.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

A star, bright with the light of the Godhead shone forth from Jacob for those held in darkness; for Christ, the Word of God, was made flesh from thee, O all-Pure one. And enlightened by Him we join with the angelic host blessing thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Made strong by thy strength and grace, I have devised with my whole heart a song for thee, do thou accept it, O pure Virgin, giving in exchange from thine incorruptible treasures thy grace full of manifold light, O thou who art divinely blessed.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast clearly shown thyself O Virgin as a loom of the Godhead with which the Word wove a bodily garment making my form godlike, and having put it on, He saved all those who magnify thee in purity of heart.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O all-pure Theotokos , resurrection has now been granted unto the dead by thy Childbirth past all telling and past all speech. For Life putting on the outward covering of the flesh from thee hath shone forth for all and clearly destroyed the rejection of death.

Irmos: Heaven stood amazed and the ends of the earth astounded: * for God hath appeared to mankind in bodily form, * and thy womb hath become far wider than the heavens. * Wherefore, O Theotokos , * the ranks of Angels and of humans magnify thee.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Thou, filled with the manifestation of spiritual radiance, hast appeared as a lamp lighting front afar, and shining the light of reason upon us, thou hast shown thyself to be the habitation of the most divine Trinity.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Christ gave thee, wise Sergius, to the land of Russia, a great teacher indeed who directed the land of his birth in the right direction, pouring forth teachings sweeter than honey from which as from a vessel we faithful draw.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Having conquered the soul-destroying passions, thou, as a true shepherd, hast tended the reasonable flock of Christ, ever reading it with the grace of the Spirit as with flowers from paradise.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O thou who hast found favor, we sing thy praises in psalms and with voices that are never still we cry aloud: Thou hast poured forth joy for all.

Irmos: The Bush, burning but not consumed, prefigured Thy pure conception, O Theotokos. Therefore we now entreat Thee: quench the raging furnace of the temptations that beset us, that we may unceasingly magnify Thee.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Enlightened by the love of Christ and shining with virtues, thou didst not defile the beauty of thy soul and thus departed to the Father at a ripe old age, where thou now standest with the angels before God.

Venerable Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Enlightened by the love of Christ and shining with virtues, thou didst not defile the beauty of thy soul and thus departed to the Father at a ripe old age, where thou now standest with the angels before God.

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

Cleanse our transgressions, O Word, and enlighten the eyes of our heart, enabling us to see in purity from the outpouring of Thy divine light Thy brightness, by the prayers of Saint Sergius, that we may all magnify Thee.

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

O strange is thy wonder, for thou, O Virgin Theotokos , hast appeared ineffably giving birth to God the Word, mystery before all ages and generation hidden in God Who made all things

Katavasia: Let every mortal born on earth, * radiant with light, in spirit leap for joy, * and let the order of the angelic powers celebrate and honor the holy feast of the Theotokos, * and let them cry aloud: * Rejoice! Pure and blessed Ever-Virgin, who gavest birth to God.

Troparion, Tone 4: As a virtuous ascetic athlete, and true warrior of Christ our God * fighting fiercely the good fight against the passions during this earthly life, * laboring in song, vigil and fasting thou wast an example to thy disciples. * Wherefore, the Holy Spirit made His abode in thee * Whose activity adorned thee with radiant beauty: * Since thou hast great boldness towards the Holy Trinity * remember thy flock wisely gathered by thee * and forget not as thou didst promise to visit thy children, O holy Father Sergius. ... Click Here To See MoreClick Here To See Less