Kontakion 1: Chosen wonderworker and most marvellous servant of Christ, venerable Father Anthony! Lovingly praising thy God-pleasing life, we offer God a song of thanksgiving for thee. And as thou hast great boldness toward the Lord, free from all dangers us who joyfully call on thee: Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!
Ikos 1: Having loved the angelic life from thy youth, thou didst desire to walk in God’s commandments, venerable Father, and, with thy heart flaming toward to the Lord of Hosts, thou didst raise thy mind unto the divine, counting all things temporary and earthly as loss. Therefore, marvelling at God’s providence for thee, with faith we call upon thee:
Rejoice, worthy son of devout parents.
Rejoice, for thou wast raised in piety.
Rejoice, for thou didst follow Christ from youth.
Rejoice, for thou didst reckon earthly vanity as nought.
Rejoice, fervent worker of Christ’s vineyard.
Rejoice, great teacher of the desert dwellers.
Rejoice, for thou didst desire salvation for all.
Rejoice, for thou hast shown the true monastic path.
Rejoice, luminous lamp ignited with divine fire.
Rejoice, unshakable rock of faith in Christ.
Rejoice, radiant with the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, thou who wast graced with the gift of working wonders.
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!
Kontakion 2: Seeing that the enemy of mankind wished to destroy thee for ascending to spiritual heights, O God-bearing Father, but was shamed by thy struggle and humility in constant fasting and prayer, thou hast crushed the head of the invisible serpent, singing to God with compunction: Alleluia.
Ikos 2: Knowing with thy heart and mind all worldly goods to be swiftly passing and fleeting, thou didst shut thyself in a dark cave, mortifying thy passions and working only for the Lord. Wherefore, praising thine angelic living, we exclaim to thee:
Rejoice, for thou hast placed thy hope in God.
Rejoice, for thou hast shamed the folly of the enemy.
Rejoice, fearless destroyer of the devil’s schemes.
Rejoice, for thou resemblest an angel in thy purity and holiness.
Rejoice, for thou didst sanctify the wilderness by thy struggles.
Rejoice, for thou hast guided many to the Heavenly Kingdom.
Rejoice, for thou didst overthrow despicable pride.
Rejoice, for thou hast taught lowliness of mind.
Rejoice, light that enlightens all with the divine wisdom.
Rejoice, radiant star illuminating all with the brightness of thy struggles.
Rejoice, for thou didst live to the glory of God.
Rejoice, good and long-suffering shepherd.
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!
Kontakion 3: Strengthened by the divine power, most blessed Anthony, thou didst remain in fasting, prayer, unceasing labours, and vigils, overcoming all temptations of the enemy and singing to God, Who covered thee with grace, Alleluia.
Ikos 3: Having a pure mind and a spotless soul, blessed Father, thou didst comprehend the vanity and inconstancy of this world, and, desiring the eternal blessings, thou didst renounce temporary goods. Wherefore, honouring thee, we sing:
Rejoice, lover of blessed humility.
Rejoice, searcher of spiritual wisdom.
Rejoice, for thou didst ascend the heights of dispassion.
Rejoice, for hast offered thyself wholly to God.
Rejoice, for thou resemblest thy Lord in thy guilelessness.
Rejoice, for thou wast wealthy in poverty.
Rejoice, grace-filled adornment of the desert.
Rejoice, all-radiant lamp of the world.
Rejoice, banisher of terrifying demons.
Rejoice, destroyer of their delusions.
Rejoice, for thou art wiser than the wise of this world.
Rejoice, zealous ascetic.
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!
Kontakion 4: Stilling the storm of evil temptations, thou didst settle in the wilderness, most blessed Anthony, traversing the sorrowful path of the monastic life, trampling all the snares of the enemy and casting off his deception, and didst sing to Christ, Who strengthened thee: Alleluia.
Ikos 4: Hearing of thy God-pleasing life, O venerable one, seekers of God’s truth came to thee from near and far and thou hast received them with love and guided them to salvation. With compunction of soul, we praise and cry out to thee:
Rejoice, rule and foundation of desert dwellers.
Rejoice, good teacher of Christ’s flock.
Rejoice, adornment of Christ’s Church.
Rejoice, glory of monastics.
Rejoice, for thou didst offer thyself as a sacrifice to the Lord.
Rejoice, for thou didst mortify thy sinful passions.
Rejoice, joy of the angels.
Rejoice, full vanquisher of the demons.
Rejoice, dweller of the wilderness.
Rejoice, zealous struggler for stillness.
Rejoice, for thou showest the right path.
Rejoice, announcer of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!
Kontakion 5: Like a divinely moving star thou didst appear to the monastic world, venerable Father Anthony, thou wast an image of faithfulness in word, life, love, faith, and purity, singing to the Lord: Alleluia.
Ikos 5: Seeing thy pure and holy living, Father Anthony, the enemy of the human race frequently attacked thee, but defeating him with thy humility, thou didst not depart from the way of salvation. Wherefore, we cry out to thee:
Rejoice, partaker of eternal life.
Rejoice, great teacher of salvation.
Rejoice, for thou hast served God alone with thy life.
Rejoice, for thou didst take up the yoke of Christ.
Rejoice, for thou hast exposed the wiles of the demons.
Rejoice, for thou hast directed to the way of salvation.
Rejoice, keeper of purity.
Rejoice, beholder of the Light of the Trinity.
Rejoice, raising of the fallen.
Rejoice, banishment of demonic power.
Rejoice, solid pillar of faith.
Rejoice, perfected teacher.
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!
Kontakion 6: Having heard the Gospel preaching: “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me,” O Father Anthony, thou hast renounced worldly treasures, and, undertaking a life of fasting and struggles in the wilderness, thou didst acquire the treasures of heaven. Give us wisdom, O kindly-hearted Father, to not incline our hearts to the quickly perishing things of this earth, but to ponder the things above, exclaiming to the Lord of Hosts: Alleluia.
Ikos 6: Thou didst shine forth as a divinely radiant light in the Egyptian wilderness, O Father Anthony, shining with the rays of thy virtues and miracles. Remembering thy struggles, we bless thee and say:
Rejoice, for venerable saints are crowned by thee.
Rejoice, for men are saved through thee.
Rejoice, grace-filled visitation of the sick.
Rejoice, helper of strangers.
Rejoice, destroyer of enmity.
Rejoice, annihilator of the enemy.
Rejoice, peace and steadfastness of the faithful.
Rejoice, swift deliverance from dangers.
Rejoice, extinguisher of guile and craftiness.
Rejoice, consolation of the despairing.
Rejoice, defender of the Orthodox.
Rejoice, helper of Christians.
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!
Kontakion 7: Desiring to undertake a worthy struggle, thou didst account all temporary things as nought, dwelling in poverty and humility in the wilderness, conversing with the One God and singing ceaselessly to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 7: The Lord revealed a truly new guide for monastics in thee, O Father Anthony. Many who learned of thy God-pleasing and righteous life and the heights of thy spiritual wisdom, heeded thy words as the words of a great servant of God. To thee we sing:
Rejoice, for thou resemblest Abraham in faith.
Rejoice, for thou resemblest David in meekness.
Rejoice, for thou hast acquired the zeal of Elijah.
Rejoice, for thou hast followed the way of the Forerunner.
Rejoice, for thou didst pour forth water in the desert by thy prayers.
Rejoice, for thou didst raise paralytics from their beds.
Rejoice, for thou gavest sight to the blind.
Rejoice, for thou hast healed many diseases.
Rejoice, most marvellous and divinely wise guide of monks.
Rejoice, fervent servant of Christ.
Rejoice, most gentle consolation of the sorrowful.
Rejoice, most beloved boast of monks.
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!
Kontakion 8: Having seen the strange and supernatural life of the venerable Paul, O blessed Anthony, thou didst marvel at the height of his struggles and virtues. Seeing his soul ascending to the heavens and surrounded by angels, thou didst cry out to God, Who is wondrous in His saints: Alleluia.
Ikos 8: Thou didst rejoice with great joy, O Father Anthony, beholding with thy clairvoyant eyes the ascent of the soul of the venerable Ammon. Wherefore, we beseech thee with much wonder:
Rejoice, for thou didst ever raise thine eyes to the heavens.
Rejoice, for thou hast loved heavenly glory above all.
Rejoice, for thou hast sanctified thy heart with ceaseless prayer.
Rejoice, for thou hast established thy mind in God.
Rejoice, for thou didst foresee the future as present.
Rejoice, for thou hast acquired lofty gifts through humility.
Rejoice, for thou hast freed those held captive by evil spirits.
Rejoice, for thou grantest spiritual and bodily health.
Rejoice, intercessor in hardships and calamities.
Rejoice, defender in tribulations and afflictions.
Rejoice, for thou forsakest not us here on earth.
Rejoice, for thou dost offer thy prayers for us sinners.
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!
Kontakion 9: All angelic beings marvelled at the height of thine ascetic feats, for thou didst become like an angel in every way whilst still in the weakness of the flesh and, strengthened by the power of the Almighty, thou didst become abundant in virtues. Therefore, thou hast joined the ranks of angels, singing to the Almighty God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9: Human eloquence is not sufficient to praise thy life, O Father Anthony: for who can recount all thy fastings, vigils, illnesses and labours? Who can count thy tears and sighings for God? But, moved with our love for thee, we dare to sing this to thee:
Rejoice, great dweller of the wilderness.
Rejoice, teacher of perfection.
Rejoice, servant of the true God.
Rejoice, for thou hast banished demons out of the desert.
Rejoice, thunder that strikest the devil.
Rejoice, for thou hast revealed his wiles.
Rejoice, vessel of God’s grace.
Rejoice, abode of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, adornment of fasters.
Rejoice, praise of saints.
Rejoice, foundation of monks.
Rejoice, glory of the Fathers.
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!
Kontakion 10: Thou wast a faithful guide to those who desired to be saved, and now leadest us to salvation through thy saintly intercessions, so that with thy help we may reach the Kingdom of Heaven, where the never-silent angels sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 10: Thou wast a strong and unassailable rampart to thy followers, protecting them from demons’ arrows, remaining a wall and protection from the Devil’s snares to those who call on thee:
Rejoice, earthly angel.
Rejoice, heavenly man.
Rejoice, pure and honourable abode of holiness.
Rejoice, receptacle of great virtues.
Rejoice, ardent lover of piety.
Rejoice, denouncer of heresies.
Rejoice, fulfilment of Christ’s love.
Rejoice, instruction of monks.
Rejoice, firm haven of the faithful.
Rejoice, mighty uplifting of the fallen.
Rejoice, strength of the infirm and the paralysed.
Rejoice, consolation of the despairing and hopeless.
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!
Kontakion 11: Accept our tender singing, which we lift up to thee with love and diligent praise, O Father Anthony. Mercifully incline thine ear to us and vouchsafe to guide us to true repentance through thy prayers, so that we may sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 11: Thou wast revealed on earth as a light-receiving lamp of the true Light, O venerable Anthony, enlightening the hearts of the faithful by thy struggles and miracles and instructing in the way of virtuous and God-pleasing living. Wherefore, thou hearest hear from all:
Rejoice, all-wise instructor.
Rejoice, trustworthy leader.
Rejoice, for thou gavest thyself wholly to God’s will.
Rejoice, for thou didst love the Lord Jesus above all.
Rejoice, for thou hast shone forth patiently enduring various sorrows.
Rejoice, for thou hast acquired eternal wealth through voluntary poverty.
Rejoice, for thou didst spend thy life in patience and hardship.
Rejoice, for thou hast bravely endured bitterness of the desert.
Rejoice, for thou didst inspire the slothful to ascetic struggle.
Rejoice, surety for the sinners’ correction.
Rejoice, converser with angels and saints.
Rejoice, zealous intercessor for the whole world.
Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!
Kontakion 12: Knowing the grace given thee by God, we reverently kiss thine image adorned with holiness, servant of God, and pray to thee: forsake us not in thine intercessions to Christ God, to Whom we gratefully sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 12: Singing of thy life, we also praise thy peaceful end, O venerable Father Anthony, and beseech thee: be a quick helper in all good to us who call upon thee:
Rejoice, dweller of heaven,
Rejoice, for thou standest before the Consubstantial Trinity.
Rejoice, joy of angels.
Rejoice, converser with saints.
Rejoice, true pleaser of God.
Rejoice, chosen servant of the Lord.
Rejoice, fervent intercessor for all who call upon thy name.
Rejoice, teacher and hope of all who honour thee.
Rejoice, for thou wast imbued with the grace of God.
Rejoice, for thou wast filled at the Divine spring.
Rejoice, for thou wast bedewed with saving tears.
Rejoice, for thou wast clothed in garments of incorruption.
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!
Kontakion 13: O venerable Father Anthony, eternally alive in the never-ending day of Christ’s Kingdom, beseech the Master of all to deliver us from calamities, misfortunes, and eternal torments, so that we may sing to Him in His Kingdom unto ages of ages: Alleluia. (Thrice)
Ikos 1: Having loved the angelic life from thy youth, thou didst desire to walk in God’s commandments, O venerable Father, and, with thy heart flaming toward to the Lord of Hosts, thou didst raise thy mind unto the divine, counting all things temporary and earthly as loss. Therefore, marvelling at God’s providence for thee, with faith we call upon thee:
Rejoice, worthy son of devout parents.
Rejoice, for thou wast raised in piety.
Rejoice, for thou didst follow Christ from youth.
Rejoice, for thou didst reckon earthly vanity as nought.
Rejoice, fervent worker of Christ’s vineyard.
Rejoice, great teacher of the desert dwellers.
Rejoice, for thou didst desire salvation for all.
Rejoice, for thou hast shown the true monastic path.
Rejoice, luminous lamp ignited with divine fire.
Rejoice, unshakable rock of faith in Christ.
Rejoice, radiant with the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, thou who wast graced with the gift of working wonders.
Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!
Kontakion 1: Chosen wonderworker and most marvellous servant of Christ, venerable Father Anthony! Lovingly praising thy God-pleasing life, we offer God a song of thanksgiving for thee. And as thou hast great boldness toward the Lord, free from all dangers us who joyfully call on thee: Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life!
Prayer: O our venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony! We believe that thou hast great boldness in prayer standing before the throne of the Holy Trinity, and the All-Merciful Lord always hears thee, His faithful servant. Wherefore, we humbly fall down before thee with compunction, O Saint of God: never cease to intercede for us to the Lord, Who is worshipped and glorified in the Trinity, that He may look mercifully on us and not let us perish in our sins, but wouldst raise the fallen and give correction to evil and wretched lives, averting our future transgressions, and forgive all faults committed in word or thought from our birth to the present hour. O ascetic of virtue, seeing the infirmity and sorrow of the present times, ceaselessly entreat Christ God to not withdraw His loving-kindness from us, but to preserve us from worldly temptations, the devil’s snares, and fleshly desires, so that we may receive all that is necessary for this temporary life, deliverance from affliction and tribulation, and unyielding patience to the end. Implore that we may lead the rest of our lives in peace and repentance and to pass from earth to heaven escaping tribulations, the aerial demons, and eternal torments, and be worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom with thee and all the saints that pleased our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ, to Whom is due all glory, honour, and worship, together with His unoriginate Father and His All-Holy, Good and Life-Creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Troparion, Tone IV: Emulating the demeanour of the zealous Elijah, and following the Baptist with forthright steps, O father Anthony, thou wast a dweller in the desert, and hast made the whole world steadfast by thy supplications. Wherefore, entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.