Συχνά οι προσκυνητές ζητούσαν από τον Γέροντα να προσευχηθεί για εκείνους και για αγαπημένα τους πρόσωπα και πάντοτε ο Γέροντας υποσχόταν πως θα το πράξει.
Μου γεννήθηκε η απορία: Πως μπορεί ο Γέροντας να θυμάται εκατοντάδες ονόματα;
Μια μέρα που μιλούσαμε για την προσευχή, στρέφεται ξαφνικά και μου λέει:
- Θα με ρωτήσεις ίσως, πως θυμάμαι στην προσευχή μου τόσα ονόματα. Εγώ είμαι άνθρωπος αμαρτωλός και αδύνατος. Λέω, Κύριε, ελέησον τον Γιώργο, το Νίκο, τη Μαρία, την Κατερίνα - όσα ονόματα θυμάμαι - και όλους όσους μου παρήγγειλαν να προσεύχομαι γι' αυτούς και ξέχασα τα ονόματά τους. Κι ο Θεός, επειδή δεν είναι πατήρ Πορφύριος να ξεχνά, αλλά θυμάται όλα τα ονόματα, αμέσως έρχεται και ελεεί όλους.
Θαύμασα τη θεία φώτισή του και ρώτησα: Και τι λέτε, Γέροντα, για όλους αυτούς τους ανθρώπους στην προσευχή σας;
Κι ο Γέροντας, με τον πιο φυσικό τρόπο, μου απάντησε:
- Ε, να! Λέω πρώτα, Κύριε, Ιησού, Χριστέ, ελέησόν με.
- Ελέησόν με, λέτε; Μα αυτοί σας ζήτησαν να προσευχηθείτε για κείνους, όχι για τον εαυτό σας, αντέτεινα με απορία.
Κι ο Γέροντας, για άλλη μια φορά, με κατέλαβε εξ απροόπτου, λέγοντας:
- Καλά, εσύ δεν ξέρεις ότι, αν ο Θεός δεν ελεήσει εμένα, δεν ελεεί ούτε εσένα; Δεν ξέρεις ότι εσύ και εγώ είμαστε ένα;
Απλά λόγια, αλλά με πολύ, πάρα πολύ μεγάλο βάθος. Τόσο βάθος, ώστε ο Γέροντας σε άλλη συζήτηση να πει, ότι σ' αυτό το αίσθημα της ενότητός μας με τον άλλον κρύβεται το μυστικό της πνευματικής εν Χριστώ ζωής.
Αργότερα, διαβάζοντας φιλοπατερικά βιβλία, έβλεπα εκεί, ότι δεν υπάρχει μεγαλύτερη ελεημοσύνη προς τους άλλους από τον προσωπικό μας αγιασμό.
Θυμήθηκα τα λόγια του π. Πορφυρίου, όταν διάβαζα τη βιογραφία του Αγίου Σεραφείμ του Σάρωφ, που έλεγε:
«Απόκτησε την ειρήνη του Θεού μέσα σου και χιλιάδες άνθρωποι θα σωθούν γύρω σου». Και μήπως αυτό δεν συνέβαινε στον π. Πορφύριο; Όσο για εκείνο το εκπληκτικό «εγώ κι εσύ είμαστε ένα», πιστεύω ότι ισχύει, δυνάμει και ενεργεία, για τον Γέροντα, ο οποίος με τη ζωή του πραγματοποίησε την αρχιερατική προσευχή του Κυρίου «ίνα πάντες εν ώσι».
Άγιος Πορφύριος
Troparion: O Angel of God, my holy Guardian, keep my life in the fear of Christ God, strengthen my mind in the true way and wound my soul with heavenly love, so that guided by Thee, I may obtain the great mercy of Christ God.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: O holy Lady, Mother of our God, thou didst amazingly bear the Creator of all: with my Guardian Angel always pray His kindness to save my soul inhibited and bound by passions, and grant me remission of sins.
Canon, tone 8.
Song 1.
Eirmos: Let us sing to the Lord Who led His people through the Red Sea, for He alone has triumphed gloriously.
Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.
Troparia:
Grant me, Thy servant, O Savior, worthily to sing a song and to praise the fleshless Angel, my Guide and Guardian.
Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.
I lay alone in folly and idleness, O my Guide and Guardian; forsake not me who am perishing.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Guide my mind by thy prayer to fulfill the commandments of God, and to receive from God remission of sins, and teach me to hate all wickedness, I pray thee.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: With my Guardian Angel, O Virgin, pray for me thy servant to the Bountiful One, and teach me to fulfill the commandments of thy Son and my Creator.
Song 3.
Eirmos: Thou art the strengthening of all who come to Thee, O Lord, Thou art the Light of those in darkness, and my spirit sings of Thee.
Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.
Troparia:
All my thoughts and my soul I have committed to thee, O my Guardian; deliver me from all attacks of the enemy.
Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.
The enemy troubles and tramples on me, and teaches me to follow my own desires; but, O my Guide, forsake not the dying.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Grant me to sing with thanksgiving and fervor to my Creator and God, and to thee my good Angel Guardian: O my deliverer, rescue me from foes that trouble me.
Now and ewer, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Heal, O immaculate one, the most painful wounds of my soul, and drive away the enemies ever fighting against me.
Lord, have mercy (thrice).
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Sedation: From the love of my soul I cry to thee, O Guardian of my soul, my most holy Angel! Protect and guard me always from the hunting of the evil one, and guide me to the heavenly life; teach me and enlighten me and strengthen me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God, who gavest birth without seed to the Lord of all, pray Him with my Guardian Angel to deliver me from all doubt, and to give to my soul feeling and light, and to cleanse me from sin, for thou alone art a quick defender.
Song 4.
Eirmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy plan. I contemplate Thy works, and glorify Thy divine nature.
Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.
Troparia:
Pray to God the Lover of men, and leave me not, O my Guardian, but ever keep my life in peace, and grant me the invincible salvation.
Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.
As the defender and guardian of my life I received thee from God, O Angel. I pray thee, O holy one, free me from all harm.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Cleanse my foulness by thy holiness, O my Guardian, and may I be drawn from the left side by thy prayers, and become a partaker of glory.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Perplexity confronts me through the evil surrounding me, O immaculate one, but deliver me from it speedily, for I run only to thee.
Song 5.
Eirmos: Rising early we cry to Thee, O Lord; save us, for Thou art our God, and other than Thee we know none.
Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.
Troparia:
As thou hast boldness towards God, my holy Guardian, pray Him to deliver me from the evils which offend me.
Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.
O radiant light, make radiant my soul, my Guide and Guardian Angel, given me by God.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Keep me awake who sleep from the burden of my sins, O Angel of God, and by thy prayers raise me up to glorify Him.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: O Lady Mary, Virgin Mother of God, O hope of the faithful, subdue the attacks of the enemy, and to those who sing to thee give joy.
Song 6.
Eirmos: Grant me a garment of Light, O Thou Who wrappest Thyself in Light for a garment, most merciful Christ our God.
Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.
Troparia:
Deliver me from every misfortune and accident and save me from sorrow, I pray, O holy Angel, given to me as my good Guardian by God.
Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.
Enlighten my mind, O good one, and illumine me, I pray thee, O holy Angel, and teach me to think always positively and profitably.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Calm my heart from present disturbance, and strengthen me to be awake to the good, O my Guardian, and guide me miraculously in quietness of life.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: The Word of God dwelt in thee, 0 Mother of God, and showed thee to men as the heavenly ladder. For by thee the Most High descended to us.
Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion: Have compassion on me, O holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, and leave me not, impure as I am, but irradiate me with the Divine Light, and make me worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom.
Oikos: Grant my soul, humiliated by many temptations, the ineffable Heavenly Glory, O holy intercessor and singer with the Choirs of fleshless Powers of God. Have mercy and keep me, and illumine my soul with good thoughts, that I may be enriched by thy glory, O my Angel; subdue my foes who wish me evil, and make me worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom.
Song 7.
Eirmos: Having arrived in Babylon from Judea, the children of old by their faith in the Trinity trod down the flame of the furnace singing: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.
Troparia:
Have mercy and pray for me, O Angel of the Lord, for I have thee as my defender for the whole of my life, the Guide and Guardian, given me by God forever.
Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.
Let not my sinful pilgrim soul, given thee chaste by God, be murdered by robbers, O Holy Angel, but lead it to the way of repentance.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
My whole soul is disgraced by evil thoughts and acts, but make haste, O my Guide, and grant me healing with good thoughts, that I may always follow the right way.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
To Jesus: Fill with wisdom and divine strength all who cry with faith, through the Mother of God, to Thee, O Personal Wisdom of the Highest: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
Song 8.
Eirmos: The King of Heaven, Whom Hosts of Angels praise, let us praise and exalt throughout all ages.
Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.
Troparia:
Strengthen the life of thy servant and never leave me, O gracious Angel, sent by God.
Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.
I ever hymn thee, O Good Angel, Guide and Guardian of my soul, most blessed spirit.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Be my Veil and Visor in the Judgment Day of all men, when all deeds, good and evil, will be tried by fire.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Be the help and peace of thy servant, O Ever-Virgin Mother of God, and leave me not bereft of thy protection.
Song 9.
Eirmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, we confess thee to be supremely the Mother of God, and with Fleshless Choir we magnify thee.
O Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.
Troparia:
Have mercy on me, O my only Savior, for Thou art merciful and kind-hearted, and make me a member of the Choirs of the Righteous.
Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.
Grant me ever to think and do only what is useful, O Angel of the Lord, that I may be undefiled and strong in infirmity.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Having boldness towards the Heavenly King, pray Him, with the other Angels, to have mercy on me, wretched as I am.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: O Virgin, who hast great boldness towards Him Who took flesh of thee, deliver me from attachments and grant me forgiveness and salvation by thy prayers.
Prayer to the Holy Guardian Angel
Holy Angel of Christ, I fall down and pray to thee, my holy Guardian, given me from holy Baptism for the protection of my sinful body and soul. By my laziness and bad habits, I have angered thy most pure light, and have driven thee away from me by all my shameful deeds, lies, slanders, envy, condemnation, scorn, disobedience, brotherly-hatred, grudges, love of money, adultery, anger, meanness, greed, excess, talkativeness, negative and evil thoughts, proud ways, dissolute madness, having self-will in all the desires of the flesh. O my evil will, which even the dumb animals do not follow! How canst thou look at me or approach me who am like a stinking dog? With what eyes, O Angel of Christ, wilt thou look at me so badly snared in evil deeds? How can I ask forgiveness for my bitter, evil and wicked deeds, into which I fall every day and night, and every hour? But I fall down and pray, O my holy Guardian: pity me, thy sinful and unworthy servant (Name). Be my helper and protector against my wicked enemy, by thy holy prayers, and make me a partaker of the Kingdom of God with all the Saints, always, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
http://web.archive.org/web/20021107090401/http:/pages.prodigy.net/frjohnwhiteford/angel.htm
Kontakion 1
Let us believers with one voice all praise him who was sent by God in these times of trial for our comfort and guidance, Paisius the wonderful, who struggled graciously and pleasingly for the Master, burning with love for the whole world and pledged his heart for us and for our salvation. And let us call out to him in thanksgiving, saying: Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!
Ikos 1
God ordained that thou wast born in the blessed land of Cappadocia, the cradle of a countless multitude of saints, to whom thou too wast added in perfect worthiness, shining forth together with them and unceasingly guiding us to repentance. Therefore we praise thee with great joy, saying:
Rejoice, for thou didst make thyself a precious follower of the saints of Cappadocia!
Rejoice, for thou didst wholly liken thyself to them as a true bearer of God!
Rejoice, most fair and fragrant flower, who hast blossomed for our enlightenment!
Rejoice, wellspring of heavenly grace, who refreshest the whole world!
Rejoice, sweetest food, who fillest the souls that are starved of right teaching!
Rejoice, receptacle that hast gathered all our weaknesses, troubles and sorrows!
Rejoice, pillar of fire, who art the unshakable support of those that desire to gain salvation!
Rejoice, star that shinest in the firmament of the Church, guiding us to the everlasting mansions!
Rejoice, for thou wast shown to be a blessing of God and a sign of His ineffable mercy!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 2
O Blessed Father, thou wast chosen from thy mother's womb to give thyself up to God in all things and thus become a precious vessel unto Him, for the salvation and guidance of all that put their hope in thee. To Him, Who worked great wonders and mercy through thee, for such a blessing we all sing with joy the song: Alleluia!
Ikos 2
The baptism which thou, O Father, didst receive from the hands of the saint of God, Arsenius, was a sign of God’s grace resting on thee. For seeing thy many gifts in spirit, from thine early infancy he blessed thee to be his disciple and bear his name. Therefore, despite our unworthiness, we honour thee, saying:
Rejoice, for thou wast found worthy to be baptized by Saint Arsenius the Cappadocian!
Rejoice, for he foresaw all that was to come to pass with thee!
Rejoice, for his spirit rejoiced, seeing such blessed fruit sprung forth from the flock that he shepherded!
Rejoice, for on account of this he cared for thee unceasingly through all his earthly life!
Rejoice, for even after departing to heaven he did not forsake thee, but all the more interceded for thee!
Rejoice, for thou too didst honour him as befitting, piously reckoning him to be thy father in Christ!
Rejoice, for thou didst struggle heartily for his glorification, gathering testimonies of his wondrous life!
Rejoice, for the Saint of God blessed thee to find his most beloved relics, which became a fount of countless healings!
Rejoice, for lovingly thou didst lay his revered body in the monastery founded by thee at Souroti!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 3
Moving to Greece because of the tyrannical Turkish persecution, thy parents came to the land of Konitsa, and, sacrificing thyself, O father, thou didst begin to ascend the godly ladder of perfection. For even since childhood, thou wast shown to be to be a guiding light for all those around thee, who, seeing thy precious gifts, glorified God, saying: Alleluia!
Ikos 3
Instructed by the example of thy parents, from a young age thou didst strive with burning zeal for the love of Christ, showing the deeds of a perfect man. For following thy blessed mother, before long thou didst begin to fast strictly and pray unceasingly to God, a hermit by life, yet a child by age. Wondering at the manliness of thy heart, with joy we sing to thee thus:
Rejoice, for still young thou didst wholly forsake the fleeting lusts of this world!
Rejoice, for through perfect fasting thou didst preserve unspoiled the crown of virginity!
Rejoice, for thy youth did not prevent thee from acquiring unceasing prayer in solitude!
Rejoice, for instead of revelling in childish games, thou didst delight in ever being with Christ and His saints!
Rejoice, for on account of this thou didst avoid the friendship of those that sundered thee from thine ardent love!
Rejoice, for thou didst not only strive for outward things, but also adorned thy soul with all virtue!
Rejoice, for thou didst follow the kindness and devoutness of thy blessed mother!
Rejoice, for she set thee an unspoiled example of love and utter self-sacrifice!
Rejoice, for we all wonder at the courage with which thou didst begin to fight the good fight!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 4
Called to battle to defend thy country from the unbelievers, O Father, thou didst shine forth in thy boundless courage. For, wholly forsaking the love of self, thou didst ever seek to be amidst peril, in order to spare those that fought together with thee. And seeing this, they all thanked God for such support, saying: Alleluia!
Ikos 4
O Blessed Father, thou didst use the war as a means of sanctification, for thou didst unceasingly grow in love beyond passion, sacrificing thy soul for the sake of thy friends. And thus thou didst win immortal crowns from Christ our God, Who makes Himself a hundredfold reward for all sacrifice. Understanding this, we too hasten to bring words like these to praise thee:
Rejoice, for thou wast a wonderful example of utter self-sacrifice in battle!
Rejoice, for thou didst utterly scorn this earthly life, thus earning heavenly life!
Rejoice, for thou didst not lose thy piety in the dread perils which thou didst endure!
Rejoice, for through the greatness of thy soul, thou didst make thyself a light of sanctification to those around thee!
Rejoice, for thou didst help in and out of season all in trouble and sorrow!
Rejoice, for thou didst utterly overcome human fear, arming thyself with iron courage!
Rejoice, for fighting against the enemies of thy country, thou didst also secretly fight against the enemies of Thy soul!
Rejoice, for although thou didst wish to die in place of thy friends, God shielded thee as His most beloved one!
Rejoice, for through the wonderful power of thy soul, thou didst show us also the path to perfection!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 5
With burning zeal thou didst forsake the world, O Father, and wholly dedicate thyself to Christ, joining the army of monks, who unceasingly struggle to overcome their nature. And in a short time thou didst become an angel in the flesh, wholly clothing thyself in Him, to Whom we too humbly sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 5
Thou didst withdraw to the blessed desert of Sinai in order to serve Christ, O Blessed Father, and overcoming the lusts of the world, thou didst become perfect man, shining forth with all virtue and burning with true love for God, Who through thee bestowed on us the abundance of His mercy. Therefore, despite our unworthiness, we too thank thee, saying:
Rejoice, angelic man, for thou didst reckon all worldly lusts as vanity!
Rejoice, for thou didst strive for three years in the harsh desert of Sinai!
Rejoice, for unknown by all, thou didst live there in a hidden cave, enduring heat and frost!
Rejoice, for there thou didst fight unto blood against all desires!
Rejoice, for through thy great meekness, thou hast utterly defeated the cunning demons!
Rejoice, for thou didst wash from thyself all the filth of sin, becoming a true light of Christ!
Rejoice, for thou didst begin to pray with fervent tears for the whole world!
Rejoice, for seeing thy overwhelming sacrifice, God filled thee with gifts beyond nature!
Rejoice, for in thy narrow cave, thou wast vouchsafed countless revelations of divine grace!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 6
After fighting the good fight in Sinai, O Father, thou wast called by the Mother of God to her earthly garden, the Holy Mount of Athos, the blossom and light of Orthodoxy. And foreseeing there the place of thy perfection, thou didst thank the Most Holy Queen for her wondrous protecting veil, with which she unceasingly shieldeth the whole world from troubles and sufferings; and with joy thou didst sing to her Son the sweet song: Alleluia!
Ikos 6
Arriving on the Holy Mountain and taken to many places by the grace of God, thou didst ascend the ladder of holiness, O Blessed Father, like a wise bee gathering from everywhere the sweetest spiritual nectar. And afterward thou didst become the son of Father Tikhon, the Spirit-bearing Elder who was full of virtue and whom thou didst follow in absolute obedience. Therefore, with feeble voices we sing to thee thus:
Rejoice, for God foreordained glorification for thee on blessed Mount Athos!
Rejoice, for He entrusted thee to the care of His Most Pure Mother, Who guarded thee as Her beloved son!
Rejoice, for overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, thou didst wander over the whole Mountain, seeking out fathers of holy life!
Rejoice, for thou didst wonder at their unceasing prayers, through which God sheddeth His mercy on the whole world!
Rejoice, for thou didst strive to write their lives too, for the glory of God and the profit of men!
Rejoice, for afterward thou didst become the disciple of Blessed Father Tikhon, the one perfect in holiness!
Rejoice, for thou didst serve him with endless love, in all things trusting in his wise guidance!
Rejoice, for seeing thy utter obedience, God also gave thee the gift to abide in thy holy father!
Rejoice, for after his repose, Blessed Tikhon revealed to thee that he would pray for thee unceasingly!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 7
Perfecting thyself in absolute love, thou didst make thyself a tool of God, Who began to work through thee with great power. For He made thee a comfort for all those that were troubled and a guide for those that were darkened in sin. We all thank God, O Father, for He gave thee to us for our salvation, and we sing to Him thus: Alleluia!
Ikos 7
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father that is in heaven, said the Saviour of the world with true voice. For in thee too, O Father, his word was fulfilled with all power. Therefore we praise thee too, saying:
Rejoice, thou who hast taught the world through books enlightened by the Holy Spirit!
Rejoice, thou who through words of great profit hast dispelled the ignorance of our times!
Rejoice, trumpet of the Spirit, who heralded to all the joy of repentance!
Rejoice, wondrous prophet, who showed us that we live in the end times!
Rejoice, merciful healer of all diseases which cannot be healed!
Rejoice, precious carer for all whose souls are burdened with sorrows!
Rejoice, godly oil, that hast cleansed all our wounds!
Rejoice, heavenly peace, that hast brought so many broken families back together!
Rejoice, skilful guide, that hast removed all devilish snares from among the people!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 8
Seeing the terrible struggle conducted by the enemy of salvation against the family blessed by God, thou didst gird thyself with the weapon of the word, teaching spouses that only patience, long-suffering, forbearance and self-sacrifice with love can ensure the peace of their homes. Unceasingly we glorify God for sending thee, O Blessed Father, to show us the right way, and we sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 8
Give me Christian mothers and I will give you saints to change the world, said the godly Chrysostom. And touched by this truth, thou didst ever struggle with prayers and advice, showing faithful spouses that peace in the family is fruit of the Holy Spirit, and that they must wisely strive for this. We all thank thee for thine effort to bring healing to our families, so cruelly struck by temptations, saying:
Rejoice, intercessor before God for the harmony of those in married life!
Rejoice, for the faithful spouses whom thou didst advise to live in moderation and holiness!
Rejoice, for thou didst teach them lovingly and unselfishly to bear one another’s weaknesses!
Rejoice, for thou didst show the parents that through prayer the grace of God descendeth on the whole family, bringing peace and happiness!
Rejoice, for thou didst struggle against all sins, seeing them as the cause of the falling apart of families!
Rejoice, for thou didst make thyself an unyielding reprover of the horrible slaughter of infants!
Rejoice, for thou didst tell faithful mothers that through the example of their lives they can turn their children into saints!
Rejoice, for thou didst show the young that through obedience they attract the mercy of God and a peaceful life!
Rejoice, for thou didst beseech them to earn their parents’ blessing, through which cometh also the blessing of the Holy Spirit!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 9
Let us now joyfully praise Paisius, our intercessor, who through his heartfelt prayers miraculously healed all our sufferings, both in body and soul. And let us sing with thanksgiving to God, Who is glorified in the Holy Trinity: Alleluia!
Ikos 9
O Father, thou didst make thyself the healer of all diseases through the gift given to thee by God. For burning with love and pity for those tormented by afflictions, thou didst selflessly pray for their relief, teaching them to thank God for all things. We all praise thee with one voice, saying:
Rejoice, strong weapon against the horrible disease of cancer!
Rejoice, tireless carer for those that suffer in terrible pain!
Rejoice, wellspring of healing, in which all those wounded in soul refresh themselves!
Rejoice, banisher of demons, for with thy meekness thou didst crush all the wickedness and tyranny of the devil!
Rejoice, most merciful father, for thou couldst not bear to see the people crushed under the weight of their sufferings of body and soul!
Rejoice, for on account of this thou didst take upon thyself all our troubles and sorrows!
Rejoice, for thou didst selflessly pray that God might give thee our weaknesses!
Rejoice, for thou didst teach us that all sorrows come through straying from God and His commandments!
Rejoice, thou who hast shown us that the reward for those that suffer with patience and glorify God is ineffable!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 10
The Lord and Saviour of the world promised a great reward to those that would strive in righteousness for the perfection of others. And though a simple monk and unlearned in worldly things, thou, O Blessed Father, wast gifted with wisdom by the Spirit of the Lord Himself, to guide thousands on the path of salvation. Unto now thou prayest for them to God, to Whom with joy we too sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 10
On account of thy complete virtue, God adorned thee with gifts beyond nature, which thou didst use for His glory and the profit of men. For thou didst make thyself a father of countless believers, who, beset by the terrible temptations of our times, sought thee as a heavenly haven. And therefore we ask thee to accept us too among thy spiritual children and allow us to sing with thanksgiving to thee thus:
Rejoice, for thou didst teach the people to struggle against the evil thoughts sown in their minds by the enemy of our salvation!
Rejoice, for shining with the gift of discernment, thou didst at once reveal to thy sons whether their thoughts were from God or from the devil!
Rejoice, for by the grace of God thou knewest the depths of the hearts of men!
Rejoice, for having great wisdom, thou hast brought to naught all the cunning snares of the evil one!
Rejoice, for thou didst bring many to repentance through thine unfeigned love!
Rejoice, for thou didst make thyself a wise reproof of the proud and stubborn!
Rejoice, for thou wast a tender caress for those in despair and overwhelmed by temptations!
Rejoice, for thou didst weep unceasingly for all that looked to thee as a true hope of salvation!
Rejoice, for on the day of judgement thou shalt say to God with sweet joy: Behold I and the children that Thou hast given me!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 11
Becoming a perfect monk, O Father, and full of the grace of God, thou didst make thyself the steadfast hope of the unconsoled souls of those who desired to dedicate themselves wholly to Christ. And in thy gifts they all saw in thee a guide enlightened by the Holy Spirit. Therefore we praise God, Who did not deprive His flock of shepherds of holy life, saying: Alleluia!
Ikos 11
Thou didst found a convent in Souroti, where thy finest spiritual daughters would dedicate themselves to Christ the Bridegroom with great love. And then thou didst lead them to perfection through thy most wondrous counsel, as a loving and long-suffering father, who is to us also an undeceiving guide. Therefore we all bless thee, saying:
Rejoice, for thou didst found the convent of Saint John the Theologian in Souroti!
Rejoice, for this became a haven of salvation for souls that thirsted for Christ!
Rejoice, for thou didst strive in and out of season to make the nuns into perfect brides of our Lord!
Rejoice, for thou didst teach them true monastic life, signifying to forsake the world and its lusts!
Rejoice, for thou didst strive unceasingly to kindle their zeal for blessed asectic feats!
Rejoice, for thou didst guide them to frequent confession of sins, through which all the devil’s works are utterly despoiled!
Rejoice, for thy counsel fell on fruitful earth and refreshed the whole world!
Rejoice, for thou didst struggle diligently against the spirit of this world, which doth terrible harm to monastic life!
Rejoice, for through thy courage and love thou didst make thyself an example of spiritual victory for all monks!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 12
Great was the grace of God on thee, O Blessed Father, and also His great mercy, for on account of thy great self-sacrifice, the Almighty vouchsafed thee wonderful revelations and joys beyond belief. We too rejoice, seeing the reward that God giveth His saints, and we beg Him to make us too partakers thereof and we sing to Him: Alleluia!
Ikos 12
Even from this earth, O Father, thou didst taste of the joys of heaven, prepared by our All-Merciful God for all that serve Him with love. For although the struggles which the evil one conducted against thee were terrible, so much greater were the consolations through which God strengthened thee in virtue. Therefore, in humble praise, we sing to thee:
Rejoice, all-sweet light, through which Christ shineth forth to the whole world!
Rejoice, wonderful flame that thou kindlest in us with the love of God!
Rejoice, for thou didst make thyself the perfect abode of heavenly grace!
Rejoice, for in thee it bore all the fruits of holiness!
Rejoice, for God overwhelmed thee with His gifts beyond nature!
Rejoice, for thou didst taste of everlasting and uncreated light!
Rejoice, for thou didst live with the Saints as with thy close friends!
Rejoice, for the Most Gracious Mother of our Lord appeared to thee to strengthen thee in sorrows!
Rejoice, ineffable wonder, for thou wast vouchsafed to speak to Christ Our Lord and God Himself!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 13
Thou, O Father, didst say with words enlightened by the Holy Spirit that many saints would have desired to live in our times, in order to strive for salvation. For Thou didst herald to us, who live in darkness, that the time is almost ready and that those that now struggle valiantly to win their salvation will receive a martyr’s reward. For this we thank God, Who with mercy looked on His people, sending His Saint for our enlightenment, and thus with voices of joy we gladly sing to our All-Gracious Master the song: Alleluia!
This Kontakion is read 3 times.
And then again Ikos 1: God ordained that thou wast born ... and Kontakion 1: Let us believers with one voice all praise...Then this:
Prayer to our Blessed Father Paisius the Athonite
O beloved Father Paisius, thou that didst ascend the rungs of holiness and become perfect in virtue, therefore gaining boldness before our Merciful God, do thou pray to Him, Whom thou didst serve unceasingly all thy life, not to let us perish for the multitude of our sins, but to turn us back to blessed repentance. Thou, who on earth didst heal with such love our countless weaknesses, diseases both of body and soul, canst all the more now deliver us from all sufferings. So do thou have mercy on us, O Father, through thy immeasurable love and godly kindness, not forsaking us that are full of sins.
Do thou, who didst never tire of guiding us to salvation and bearing our weaknesses whilst thou wast here with us, now grant us too the wisdom to overcome the temptations which the wicked devil doth ever weave around us and through which he would destroy our souls for eternity. Enlighten us to know the will of God for us and pray to the Master that He might give us power to fulfill it with thanksgiving. Do thou, who didst set an unwavering example of courage and self-sacrifice, strengthen us also to follow Thy virtue, that we may win an everlasting crown, of which thou thyself wast found most worthy. Thus, O Father, do not forsake us, who ceaselessly anger our long-suffering God, but rather stand with boldness before His throne, interceding for us with tears, that God may give us for thy sake most dear salvation. And thus, thanking thee with all our heart for all that thou hast done and still doest for us, let us also thank our Most Gracious God, Who is glorified in the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen!
St. Paisios of the Holy Mountain (+1994)
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!
http://full-of-grace-and-truth.blogspot.ca/2015/01/akathist-to-st-paisios-athonite.html
