Η Αδελφή Maria Hayat, μια 30χρονη ιρακινή μοναχή, ζούσε μια ήσυχη ζωή αφοσίωσης ως ηγουμένη σε ένα μοναστήρι κοντά στη Μοσούλη του Ιράκ. Φρόντιζε παιδιά σε ορφανοτροφείο και επίσης δίδασκε ανθρωπολογία σε ένα τοπικό πανεπιστήμιο. Μετά όμως οι μαχητές του ISIS κατέλαβαν την πόλη….
«Όταν συνειδητοποιήσαμε ότι η φυγή ήταν η μόνη μας επιλογή, όλες οι μοναχές μαζέψαμε τα πράγματά μας», είπε. "Συναντηθήκαμε στην εκκλησία και προσευχήθηκαμε, φιλώντας το πάτωμα για μια τελευταία φορά και κλείνοντας την πόρτα του μοναστηριού πίσω μας."
Λίγες ημέρες μετά την φυγή, ο διοικητής των τζιχαντζιστών του ISIS που κατέλαβαν το μοναστήρι κάλεσε την ηγουμένη, Αδελφή Μαρία, για να την χλευάσει. "Για να σας ενημερώσουμε, κάθομαι στην καρέκλα σας και τώρα εγώ κάνω κουμάντο εδώ", είπε. Στη συνέχεια, ο ίδιος απαίτησε να μάθει που οι αδελφές είχαν κρυμμένα τα όπλα… Δεν μπορούσε να αντιληφθεί ότι ένα τόσο σημαντικό κτίριο στην κοινότητα θα ήταν χωρίς ένα οπλοστάσιο.
Η Αδελφή Μαρία τον κατεύθυνε στη βιβλιοθήκη. Αλλά παρά την προσεκτική αναζήτησή του δεν βρήκε αυτό που έψαχνε και εκείνος της ξανατηλεφώνησε εκνευρισμένος.
"Δεν υπάρχουν όπλα εδώ, μόνο τα βιβλία" φώναξε ο τζιχαντζιστής από το τηλέφωνο.
Τότε η αδελφή Μαρία του εξήγησε ότι η Βίβλος είναι η μάχαιρα του Πνεύματος και είναι σε θέση να αλλάξει ένα πρόσωπο εσωτερικά. "Η Αγία Γραφή είναι το μόνο όπλο που χρησιμοποιούμε," του είπε η ηγουμένη και συμπλήρωσε "Σας ενθαρρύνω να ξεκινήσετε την ανάγνωση."!
Emperor Nicephorus (Botaniates) of Constantinople reigned from 1078 until 1081. He had decided to build a cathedral that would be almost as grand as St. Sophia. When it was ready, the patriarch of Jerusalem, the patriarch of Alexandria as well as the patriarch of Constantinople were all invited to consecrate the beautiful new church built by the emperor. Announcements had been made about the consecration for several months in advance so that everyone would have time to travel to the great city of Constantinople; remember that during that time there were no cars, planes or trains. Everyone had to travel either in carts pulled by oxen, horses or donkeys, and those from great distances had to cross the sea in boats. When Nicephorus’ cathedral was ready to be consecrated there were three patriarchs, forty metropolitans, and thousands of priests present, since this was an imperial cathedral. Thousands of carts and wagons converged on the city as the faithful came from all around. Everyone brought something for the new cathedral: rugs, barrels of wine, oil, flour, candles, etc. Each person wanted to offer something! At that time there was a widow named Anastasia who lived in Constantinople. For fifty years she had lived faithfully, going to church regularly and praying to God. She lived on the edge of the city, right along the road on which all the carts and wagons of people had to travel to reach the new church. But Anastasia was very poor. Her house was a dilapidated shack, she had no money, no oil, no flour, nothing that she could offer to the new church. As she saw so many oxen pulling wagons of people toward the new church, she decided to give an armful of grass to the poor animals, since she did possess a small sickle and a pitchfork. The widow was poor in material things, but very rich in faith! During the winter months she would spin flax and wool for the people of the town, and in the summer she would take her sickle and glean in the fields after the harvesters had left, then she would wrap the wheat in a rug and beat it to make a little flour for herself. Thus, little by little, she was able to provide herself with some flour for her own meager needs. That is how poor this widow, Anastasia, was! Poor though she was, she had a very merciful heart! What went through her mind as she saw the oxen pulling such heavy loads of goods for the celebration of the new church? -I don’t have any money, or rugs, or oil, nothing. But I can give the animals a little grass. Still, she was afraid because she did not own land, so where would she get the grass without doing something wrong? She took a big sack and went into a field where there was a kind of wild grass growing, called “couch-grass” (a perennial grass that many consider a weed, Ed). She cut a lot of this grass, being careful not to damage the other crops that were growing, and put it into her sack, saying to herself, - I will give the oxen some grass, even if it is not from my own land. She took a walking stick and set off with the sack of grass toward the area near the church where many people had gathered. She found a pair of oxen who had finished eating the little bit of feed that had been set out for them; they were looking about for more food, still hungry, but there was none that they could reach. Anastasia opened her sack of grass and put it in front of the oxen, saying, - Lord, accept this bit of grass, and forgive me, for I have nothing to bring to the church consecration, and even this is not from my own land! She wept as she said these words; then when the oxen had finished eating, she also went to the church for the consecration. She was astounded at what she saw in the church: so many people and such rich adornments for the new temple! The church was prepared like a bride for a wedding with all the embellishments ready for the consecration that was to take place the following day. Anastasia went to an icon in the rear of the church, where women generally would stand; there the poor old woman, her face wrinkled with age, an old scarf on her head, the poorest of sandals on her feet and wearing a raggedy dress, knelt and prayed to the Lord, saying, - Lord, forgive me, for I have not brought any kind of offering for the church! I have nothing. The emperor is a king on earth and will be great in heaven, but I am so poor and have no money, nothing to offer. And as she prayed, her tears dropped to the ground. Then Emperor Nicephorus, with all his entourage and servants, came into the church. His chief minister, Peter was his name, pointed to the dedication plaque—since in churches and monasteries that are historical monuments there are dedication plaques over the doors—and drew the emperor’s attention to it. The plaque was made of marble and the golden inscription read “To the glory of the all holy Trinity of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, this holy church was built and provided for by me, the Emperor Nicephorus.” The emperor fully approved of the way the inscription had been executed, since he was the one who had ordered it. Thus, the emperor, empress and a crowd of generals and other officials went into the church to see how it was prepared for the big event of consecration the following day. Everything was in order: beautiful frescoes on the walls, icons with golden risas, fine covers for the icon stands and curtains at the royal doors, gold-embroidered vestments, chandeliers, holy vessels for the altar, Gospel book, everything was in perfect order. While the dignitaries were inspecting everything in the church, the elderly widow Anastasia, who had given an armful of grass to the oxen, was weeping before the icons in the rear of the church. As she prayed, the angel of the Lord changed the inscription on the dedication plaque. The inscription, even more beautifully executed now read, “To the glory of the all holy Trinity of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, this holy church was built and provided for by me, the widow Anastasia.” The people in the rear of the church saw the inscription and froze with fear. Before they had clearly read the emperor’s name on the inscription. There were people all around, no scaffolding was in the church for someone to reach the plaque and change the writing; thus, no one could explain how this change had happened. The men read the inscription and began to talk among themselves. - What! What does that say? - What’s there? - Look, it says that a widow built this church! - But just a moment ago when the emperor came in, it had his name on it. - What will the emperor say when he sees this? Those present were afraid to tell the emperor, so they called the head minister, Peter, and showed the inscription to him. Peter read the inscription and said, - But this is a miracle! It’s all right. I will tell the emperor! The emperor listened to Peter. What a sight it was: the emperor and empress both had shining gold crowns on their heads and were dressed in all their royal garments, surrounded by soldiers. - Your Majesty, come into the vestibule a moment. The emperor came and looked at the plaque in amazement. - But, when we came into the church, it was my inscription. - I know that it was yours, Your Majesty. Everyone knows it was yours. But look at what is written there now! - Oh! What a sinner I am! This is a great miracle! No one could have done this except God Himself! This is a wonderful miracle. I lost the church because I made it in my own pride. Now it has been given to a widow! The emperor then called all his chief servants and told them,—This church is not to be consecrated until we find this widow! Once she is found, we will do the consecration in her name because she is greater before God than I am. Then he gave the order to search throughout his entire empire for the widow Anastasia. Now, it was God’s will to reveal this mystery quickly, and He did so through another widow who was about the same age as the blessed Anastasia. This woman was in the crowd, but was not aware that Anastasia was also there. In all the commotion that was going on in the rear of the church, she asked - What is the matter? When someone told her that they were looking for a widow by the name of Anastasia, she said, - I know Anastasia. She lives at the edge of town. - What! You know her! Come here to the emperor! The old woman told the emperor where the widow Anastasia lived, and he then immediately sent servants to find her and bring her to the church. Servants, riders and horses quickly headed off to the edge of Constantinople to find Anastasia and bring her to the emperor. When they reached the place that the old woman had told them, they found some children playing. - Do you children know where an old woman by the name of Anastasia lives? One of the older children pointed and said, - Anastasia lives over there, near the garden. The men went to the house in the untilled garden. What did they find at the widow Anastasia’s door? No lock. No bolts. No latch. When someone has nothing, they are not afraid of thieves. The door was held shut by a string tied onto a nail. It was obvious that the old woman was not home. The few belongings that she had were in plain sight, but there was nothing worth stealing. She had gone to the church for the consecration. The servants said to the children, - The old woman, Anastasia, is not home. - No. Anastasia left with an armful of grass to the farm market, the children answered, not knowing that she had gone to the church. The generals and other men all returned to give their report to the emperor. - Your Majesty, we went and found the small house on the edge of town. There were some children playing and they said that Anastasia is here, in this crowd, somewhere. Someone who knew Anastasia heard this and said that she was in the church, - She is praying to the Savior! - If she is in church, tell her not to be afraid, since she has never met me, said the emperor. Send some elderly women to her to tell her that at the consecration of the church the emperor is going to make a gift of a cow to all the old women. Following the emperor’s order, they found the elderly Anastasia and brought her before the emperor who said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Anastasia. You have been found worthy of a great blessing from God! What offering did you bring this morning for the consecration of the church?’ - I did not bring anything, Your Majesty, because I am so poor! She did not consider the armful of grass that she’d given the oxen as any kind of offering. - ‘Please, think, dear Anastasia. You must have brought a great gift because my church has been given to you!’ - I didn’t bring any gift because I have no money. I have nothing! All I have is a sickle and a pitchfork. During the winter I spin wool for people, and in the summer I use the sickle to glean after the harvesters. I manage to get a little wheat from what I glean. Aside from that, I have nothing. - This is an imperial church and I spent a fortune from my own gold and silver to build it; but look at the inscription that says it was made by Anastasia! What did you give to this church? - I didn’t give anything except for an armful of grass to a yoke of oxen. - Don’t be afraid, Anastasia. The inscription was done by God, not you. God Himself wrote that this church is yours! And there it was on the inscription, To the glory of the all holy Trinity of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, this holy church was built and provided for by me, the widow Anastasia. The men had to read it to her, since she was illiterate. - You see, dear woman, you say that you did not bring any thing, but remember that you did bring an armful of grass! - I did bring that, but it was not a real offering from me since I cut it from someone else’s field. - Look, Anastasia, your armful of grass was more precious than all the treasures that I gave. See, the angel of the Lord has put the church in your name and it will remain yours forever. We will consecrate the church with all these patriarchs, with all the pomp and celebration as we planned, but the church will be Anastasia’s forever. The church will be consecrated with your name since the angel has written that both in heaven and here. The poor widow was astounded and exclaimed, - What a miracle! When the blessed Anastasia from Constantinople died, the emperor buried her in the holy altar, with an inscription above her tomb, Here, in the church that God miraculously gave her, is buried the widow Anastasia. An armful of grass, given in the name of the Lord with humility and a sorrowful heart far surpasses all the wealth of the Emperor Nicephorus. That is what God desires! St. Ephraim the Syrian says, God does not look upon the quantity of offerings that you make, but the heart with which you bring these offerings. However small your offering may be, give it with humility and a sorrowful heart that you cannot offer more. That is true almsgiving.
Source: “Elder Cleopa of Sihastria: In the tradition of St. Paisius Velichkovsky,” by Ioanichie Balan.
Εάν θέλεις να δώσεις κάτι σε αυτόν που έχει ανάγκη, δώσε το με όμορφο πρόσωπο, και με λόγια καλά να παρηγορείς την θλίψη του. Kαι αν πράξεις έτσι, νικάει η ομορφιά του προσώπου σου, αυτό που δίνεις, στην καρδία του, περισσότερο την ανάγκη του σώματος του, την ημέρα που θα ανοίξεις το στόμα σου να κατηγορήσεις κάποιον, θεώρησε τον εαυτό σου νεκρό εκείνη την ημέρα, και όλα σου τα έργα μάταια, και αν ακόμη σου φαίνεται, ότι ειλικρινά και προς οικοδομή σε παρακίνησε ο λογισμός σου να μιλήσεις, γιατί ποια η ανάγκη να καταστρέψει κάποιος το σπίτι του, και να διορθώσει το σπίτι του φίλου του;
Την ημέρα που θα λυπηθείς για κάποιον άνθρωπο, ο οποίος ασθενεί ψυχικά ή σωματικά, εκείνη την ημέρα… … θεώρησε τον εαυτό σου μάρτυρα, και ότι έπαθες για τον Χριστό, και αξιώθηκες την ομολογία Του.
Καθότι και ο Χριστός για τους αμαρτωλούς πέθανε και όχι για τους δίκαιους. Σκέψου πόσο μεγάλη είναι αυτή αρετή, στ’ αλήθεια μεγάλη αρετή είναι να λυπάται κάποιος για τους κακούς, και να ευεργετεί τους αμαρτωλούς περισσότερο παρά τους δίκαιους· αυτό ο απόστολος Παύλος το αναφέρει ως άξιο θαυμασμού, εάν σε όλα σου τα έργα μπορέσεις να έχεις την συνείδησή σου καθαρή, μην φροντίσεις να εκτελέσεις άλλη αρετή.
Σε όλα σου τα έργα ας προηγηθεί η σωφροσύνη του σώματος σου και η καθαρότητα της συνείδησής σου, διότι χωρίς αυτά τα δύο κάθε άλλη αρετή θεωρείται μάταια για τον Θεό.
Να γνωρίζεις ότι κάθε έργο που κάνεις χωρίς σκέψη και εξέταση υπάρχει μάταιο, καθώς ο Θεός υπολογίζει την αρετή με την διάκριση και όχι με την αδιάκριτη ενέργεια.
In order for you to have time for prayer you must not concern yourself with things that other people can do. Let's take an example. A doctor should not be concerned with gauzes and bandages. A nurse can do that. The doctor will take care of the serious matters. He'll do the examinations and operations, etc. If he sit to put gauze he won't get to the serious work and then many who have need won't benefit. The same with you. Pray for your suffering parishioners (applied to the correspondent and two other priests) remember their names and note those who have greater need. It's better for you to know what pains each one. That way the prayer is better.
So, the Lord Jesus gives us this possibility to unite with God and return to the primary purpose which God ordained for man. Therefore He is described in Holy Scripture as the way, the door, the good shepherd, the life, the resurrection, the light. He is the new Adam who rights the wrong of the first Adam. The first Adam separated us from God with his disobedience and his egotism. With His love and His obedience to the Father, obedience unto death, to “death on the cross,” the second Adam, Christ, brings us back once more to God. Once again He orients our freedom towards God, so that by offering Him our freedom, we unite with Him.
The work of the new Adam pre-supposes the work of the new Eve, the Panagia who put right the wrong done by the old Eve. Eve drove Adam to disobedience.The new Eve, the Panagia, contributes to the incarnation of the new Adam who will guide the human race towards obedience to God. Therefore, as the first human person who achieved Theosis –in an exceptional and, of course unrepeatable, way– the Lady Theotokos played a role in our salvation which was not only fundamental, but both necessary and irreplaceable.
According to St. Nicholas Cabasilas, the great 14th century theologian, if the Panagia, in her obedience, had not offered her freedom to God, had she not said “yes” to God– God would not have been able to incarnate. Once God had given freedom to man, He would not have been able to violate His gift, so He would not have been able to incarnate if there had not been such a pure, all-holy, immaculate psyche as the Theotokos, who would offer her freedom, her will, all of herself totally to God so as to draw Him towards herself and towards us. We owe so much to Panagia. This is why our Church honours and venerates the Theotokos so much, so that St. Gregory Palamas, summarising Patristic theology, says that our Panagia holds the second place after the Holy Trinity;that she is god after God, the boundary between the created and the uncreated. “She leads those being saved,” according to another fine expression by a theologian of our Church. Recently St.Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain, the steadfast luminary and teacher of the Church, pointed out that the angelic ranks themselves are illumined by the light they receive from the Panagia.
Therefore, she is praised by our Church as “more honourable than the Cherubim and incomparably more glorious than the Seraphim.” The incarnation of the Logos and the Theosis of man are the great mystery of our Faith and Theology. Our Orthodox Church lives this every day with its Mysteries, with its hymns, with its icons, with its whole life. Even the architecture of an Orthodox Church witnesses to this. The great dome of the churches, on which the Pantocrator is painted, symbolises the descent of Heaven to earth; it tells us that the Lord “bent down the Heavens and descended.” The Evangelist St.John writes that God became man “and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). So, we represent the Theotokos in the apse of the altar to show that God comes to earth and to men through her, because He became man through the Theotokos. She is “the bridge by which God descended,” and again, “she who conducts those of earth to Heaven,” the Platytera of the Heavens, the space of the uncontainable,who contained the uncontainable God within herself for our salvation. To continue, our Churches show deified men; those who became gods by Grace because God became man. In our Orthodox Churches we can picture not only the incarnate God, Christ, and His immaculate Mother the Lady Theotokos,but we also show the saints around and below the Pantocrator; on all the walls of the Church we paint the results of God’s incarnation: sainted and deified men.
Thus, when we enter an Orthodox Church and see the beautiful holy icons, this is an immediate experience through which we learn what God’s plan is for man; what is the purpose of our life. Everything in the Church talks to us about the incarnation of God and the Theosis of man.
Taken from"THEOSIS" THE TRUE PURPOSE OF HUMAN LIFE ARCHIMANDRITE GEORGE ABBOT OF THE HOLY MONASTERY OF ST. GREGORIOS ON MOUNT ATHOS
Ο Μητροπολίτης Μόρφου Νεόφυτος φιλοξενούμενος στην εκπομπή της κυπριακής τηλεόρασης "Μαζί στο ΡΙΚ", μιλά για τη μετάνοια η οποία είναι το αίτημα του λαού σήμερα και τη σημαντικότητα της για να γνωρίσει κανείς τον Θεό και τον συνάνθρωπό του, αφού με τη μετάνοια αλλάζει η ζωή μας κι έρχεται αμέσως η θεία παρηγοριά με τη Χάρη του Θεού, η οποία αλλοιώνει τον άνθρωπο, όπως έλεγε και ο άγιος Παΐσιος ο Αγιορείτης.
Τότε μαζεύονταν τά πουλιά τοῦ δάσους γύρω του: στό κεφαλάκι του, στούς ὤμους του, στά χέρια του, αὐτός δέ τρυφερά τά χάϊδευε. Τίς περισσότερες φορές, ὅταν ὁ πατήρ Μηνᾶς ἔψελνε, τά πουλιά βουβαίνονταν καί τόν ἄκουγαν.
Ἐπειδή οἱ Λειτουργίες ἄρχιζαν νύχτα καί τελείωναν μέ τό χάραμα, ὤσπου νά κάνη Κατάλυσι καί νά ξεντυθῆ, ξημέρωνε, ἔβγαινε ὁ ἥλιος κι ἔτσι ἔβγαινε πρωΐ – πρωΐ μέσα στό δάσος καί χαιρόταν τή φύσι καί τήν παρουσία τῶν πουλιῶν. Κι ἐκεῖ ὅλοι μαζί αἰνοῦσαν καί δοξολογοῦσαν τόν Θεό.
Παρατηρήθηκε, λοιπόν, στά τελευταῖα χρόνια τῆς ζωῆς του, ὅτι, ὅταν εἶχαν πανηγυρική Θεία Λειτουργία καί ἀργοῦσε νά τελειώση, καί μάλιστα ἀργοῦσε πολύ μετά τήν ἀνατολή τοῦ ἡλίου, τά πουλιά μαζεύονταν πάνω στήν Ἐκκλησία!
Whose Memory The Holy Church Celebrates On the 5 Of July (New calendar July 5th and old calendar July 18th)
KONTAKION I
Come, all ye who love Christ, and let us offer up a hymn of praise unto the martyred nun Elizabeth, who was chosen by the Lord of hosts to serve as an example of Christian piety and love for those who desire to follow in His steps. For, spurning the vanity of worldly possessions, rank and cares, she dedicated her whole life to the aid of those in need. Wherefore, it hath pleased Christ our God to crown her ascetic labors with the diadem of martyrdom; and, dwelling now in His heavenly kingdom, she maketh supplication unto God, that He deliver from misfortunes and perils all who chant unto her with joy: Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!
IKOS I
The Creator of the angels and Lord of mankind led thee from the delusion of heresy to the divine knowledge of the Truth, O blessed Elizabeth, that thy loving heart and soul might renew Christian love, which had grown cold in the land of Russia: for through thine efforts the hearts of men again warmed to the word of God, and the Master of all vouchsafed thee to live a life exalted above thy peers, in love, humility and fervent prayer. Wherefore, we ever chant unto thee, as is meet: Rejoice, lamb burning with the love of God; rejoice, handmaid of Christ the Lord! Rejoice, scroll whereon the Holy Spirit inscribed the Christian virtues; rejoice, divinely wise princess and new martyr! Rejoice, daughter who forsook they father’s house and turned to Holy Orthodoxy; Rejoice, vessel wherein the wine of gladness and the oil of healing are mingled together; rejoice, upholder of the traditions of piety! Rejoice, treasure-house of compassion; rejoice, radiant star resplendent with heavenly glory!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice! KONTAKION II
Christ found thee a lily among thorns and chose thee to adorn His garden of Holy Orthodoxy, O venerable one: for he Who alone knoweth the hearts of men perceived from on high thy great love for thy neighbor, and bestowed upon thee a wealth of spiritual gifts, that we might come to understand the mystery of God’s great mercy, enabling us to take part with thee therein and to join chorus with thee in chanting unto Him: Alleluia! IKOS II
Knowing in thy heart that God’s will ruleth over all creation, and seeking to obey His will alone, thou was well pleased to shoulder the great cross which He prepared for thee, O holy one: for when thou didst witness the cruel and pitiless slaughter of thy husband, thy heart was pierced with grief and sorrow, as with a two-edged sword; yet thou didst take courage, and uttered the Savior’s own words: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And seeking to turn this vile deed to goodness, thou didst beseech him who committed the murder to repent. And we too beg thine intercession before the Lord, that He avert His righteous anger from us who chant to thee such praises as these: Rejoice, thou who didst deem mercy greater than sacrifice; rejoice, thou who prayest for sinners and penitents! Rejoice, thou who didst bear thy cross to a new Golgotha; rejoice, thou who didst not reject the crown of thorns offered thee! Rejoice, thou didst put jealously to flight; rejoice, thou who reprovest thou who fall away from truth and grace! Rejoice, thou who didst not set the love of family above the love of God; rejoice, thou who didst fulfill the words of Christ! Rejoice, thou who didst seek out the good in every man; rejoice, thou who was sent unto Russia, to turn her away from evil to the good! Rejoice, thou who dost ever cry out to Christ: Lord, have mercy; rejoice, thou who standest invisible in our midst as we pray!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice! KONTAKION III
The power of the Most High overshadowed thy sorrow and pain, O royal passion-bearer, and finding sweet consolation therein thou didst die to this world, that thou mightest live in Christ: thou didst shun the fleeting pleasures and vanities of this life, didst clothe thyself in garments of joy and salvation, and didst abide in palaces, praying and chanting to God therein: Alleluia! IKOS III
With a fervent desire to serve thy fellow man, thou didst gather a multitude of souls to labor for God; and, raising up a house of mercy, which thou didst dedicate to the Protection of the all-holy Theotokos, O holy Elizabeth, thou didst choose our holy mothers Martha and Mary as the heavenly patrons, emulating them as paragons of piety and good works. And mindful of the magnitude of thy charitable deeds and Christian virtues, we praise thy memory, chanting thus: Rejoice, thou who didst open thy heart to good deeds; rejoice, thou who didst gather the virtues into a spiritual sheaf! Rejoice, thou who hast been reckoned among the friends of Christ; rejoice, thou who didst hearken to His words! Rejoice, thou who dost ever rejoice in thy Lord; rejoice, thou who fillest our hearts with joy when we call upon thy name! Rejoice, thou who rewardest those who seek thy heavenly aid; rejoice, thou who dost speedily fulfill the requests of those who have recourse to thee with faith! Rejoice, thou who has adorned the city of Moscow; rejoice, obedient handmaid of the holy Mary and Martha! Rejoice, thou who didst hide thy good works from the eyes of the haughty; rejoice, thou who dost call all of us to perform deeds of mercy!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice! KONTAKION IV
Those who were tempest-tossed amid the tumults of life and foundered upon the floods of the passions didst thou guide to the calm haven of salvation which thou didst establish in the royal city of Moscow, O holy Elizabeth; for having opened thy heart unto God, thou didst open its doors to the children of God, showing them the mercy of their heavenly Father. Wherefore, thou hast now been shown to be the patroness of the forgotten and oppressed. Cover us all with thy holy protection, that we may be moved to cry aloud to our good God: Alleluia! IKOS IV
Accepting the counsel of the elders of the Hermitage of Saint Zosimas, thou didst prove thyself to be an obedient daughter of the Orthodox Faith, O venerable martyr, so that thine own words brought profit and consolation to all who hearkened unto thee. Thou was a most wise abbess and a loving mother, who tended well the flock entrusted to thee, teaching them how to care for the afflicted as a sister of mercy by thine own example, O holy princess. Wherefore, tend thou also the ailments of our souls, that we may cry aloud unto thee: Rejoice, thou who anointest all with the oil of mercy; rejoice, thou who stillest the tempest of sorrows! Rejoice, instruction of those who turn to Orthodoxy! rejoice, pillar of truth set firmly upon the rock of the Faith! Rejoice, thou who dost rescue us from the mire of despondency; rejoice, thou who feedest the orphan and the widow! Rejoice, thou who didst embrace charity with thy whole heart; Rejoice, thou who didst exchange a palace for a poor and humble cell! Rejoice, thou who didst put aside thy royal robes to don the hairshirt of asceticism; rejoice, thou who didst lay thy princely coronet at the feet of the Savior! Rejoice, thou who didst take up the Cross as a kingly scepter; rejoice, thou who didst love God more than earthly honor and glory!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice! KONTAKION V
Thou has been revealed to us as a most radiant star adorning the vault of the firmament of the Church, O martyr of Christ. And ever illumined by the effulgence of thy sufferings, unto Christ, the Judge of the contest, do we offer hymnody of thanksgiving for thee, and we chant unto Him: Alleluia! IKOS V
Through the guidance of the heavenly intercessors who shone forth in Russia-the venerable Sergius of Radonezh, and Peter, the divinely eloquent Metropolitan of Moscow, in company with Martha and Mary, the sisters beloved of Christ-the narrow and royal path which alone leadeth to salvation was disclosed to thee, and travelling it thou becamest a model for all Orthodox Christians dwelling in the Russian Empire, showing them how to unite the ideals of ascetic endeavor and charitable acts. Wherefore, for thee grace was added unto grace, and whilst thou was yet alive the report of thy holiness spread far and wide. The pious cried out in wonder to God Who is wondrous in His saints: “Glory b to Thee, O Lord!”; and to thee they uttered such praises as these: Rejoice, scion of a royal house who tended the sores of paupers with thine own hands; rejoice, paragom of monastic virtue and rule of faith! Rejoice, thou who didst reject worldly praise and hast received heavenly rewards; rejoice, thou who dost partake of everlasting splendor on high! Rejoice, thou who didst expose spiritual deception; rejoice, thou who didst strengthen the common folk in the true Faith! Rejoice, thou who dost ever summon the faithful to prayer and vigilance; rejoice, thou who didst adopt the Russian nation as thy homeland! Rejoice, thou who didst spurn the praises of men; rejoice, beacon guiding all to the safe harbor of heaven; Rejoice, thou who didst labor for Christ in the midst of the world!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice! KONTAKION VI
How can angels and men refrain from wonderment when they ponder the depths of they love and compassion? For thy convent was not only a spiritual haven for those seeking salvation, but also a well-spring gushing forth torrents of consolation upon those parched by the burning heat of the passions. By thine own examples where thy sisters, the handmaidens of Christ, taught how to comfort the sorrowing, tend the sick, teach the ignorant, correct the erring and prepare the dying for the life which is to come. Wherefore, thy nuns joined chorus with thee to praise the Lord continually, chanting unto Him: Alleluia! IKOS VI
As a true image of piety thou didst venerate the wonder-icons and holy relics enshrined throughout the Russian land. Her monasteries and countless churches witnessed thine ascetic feats and fervent prayers. Thy tears, shed in such profusion, adorned thy person like lustrous pearls and moved to wonder those who beheld thee. And we who cherish thy holy memory exalt in spirit, crying out to thee: Rejoice, image of piety who delighted to venerate the sacred icons of the Mother of God; rejoice, thou who dost ever bless those who have recourse unto thy precious relics! Rejoice, wise pilgrim whose destiny was the kingdom of heaven; rejoice, adornment of Holy Russia! Rejoice, thou who art ever magnified by the Holy Church; rejoice, thou who didst not forsake Russia in her time of tribulation! Rejoice, thou who didst perceive the providence of God in all that befell thee; rejoice, thou who didst teach others to set their hope on Christ alone! Rejoice, thou who wast present when the venerable Seraphim was glorified; rejoice, thou who didst venerate his grace-bearing relics! Rejoice, thou who didst hear the prophecy of that holy father; rejoice, thou who didst prophesy the down-fall of the Orthodox monarchy!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice! KONTAKION VII
When those who been told slanderous tales about thee were brought before thee, O royal martyr, they perceived thine innocence and blamelessness and the holiness of thy life, for thou didst sacrifice thyself for the good of others, and thy heart was ever intent upon their needs, so that thou didst ever move them to chant unto God: Alleluia! IKOS VII
“This is no new creation or concept, neither do I depart from the Church traditions,” thou didst declare unto those who sought to discredit thy convent and labors; “I only repeat what the Church teacheth; for it is Christ Who saith: ‘Love thy neighbor’, and the divine Theologian doth manifestly thunder: ‘If ye do not love your neighbor whom ye see, ye cannot love God Whom ye see not.’” Thou didst but renew that which had grown old, and hast revealed to us the essence of true love in the miracle of thy life. Wherefore, we chant to thee thus: Rejoice, thou who dost ever care for our souls; rejoice, holy princess, worthy of all praise! Rejoice, thou who didst unite love and mercy, as a bridge joineth land to land; rejoice, thou who didst know well saving words of grace! Rejoice, thou who wast persecuted for right-teousness’ sake; rejoice, for truly great is thy reward in the heavens! Rejoice, thou who didst silence blasphemy and impiety by thy faith in Christ; rejoice, thou who didst most humbly endure the calumny and slander hurled at thee by thine own countrymen! Rejoice, thou who didst love righteousness and hate falsehood; rejoice, thou who didst not seek to avoid the reproaches of men, that thou mightest receive praise from the Lord! Rejoice, thou who didst love the Gospel above all else; rejoice, thou who didst ever delight in the words thereof!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice! KONTAKION VIII
Having beheld a sight strange to all-the fall of an empire once dedicated to God, the desecration of all that is holy, and the public ridicule of the martyred Emperor Nicholas,-thou didst shed endless streams of tears for all the tribulations which had befallen thine adopted homeland. Yet trusting in God, and believing this to be His holy will, thou didst never cease to cry out to Him: Alleluia! IKOS VIII
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the nation was overtake by chaos, thy family was taken away, and all thy friends stood afar off. Only a few fearless hierarchs came to comfort thee and thy sisters, O royal martyr. Thy convent was as a sheep-fold beset by ravening wolves; yet thou didst remain undaunted by their depredations during those violent days, ever preserving thy flock from harm by thy supplications. Wherefore, receive from us these praises: Rejoice, royal servant of the omnipotent King; rejoice, handmaid of the Queen of heaven! Rejoice, thou who with the royal martyrs wast prey to grievous slanders; rejoice, thou who didst find consolation in service of God! Rejoice, thou who didst not judge the sinful lies of men; rejoice, thou who didst refuse to condone their misdeeds! Rejoice, thou who didst uproot the tares of evil growing in the royal garden; rejoice, thou who didst not approve of vile and wicked deeds! Rejoice, thou who ever helpest us to see the will of God in all things; rejoice, thou who didst rebuke the riotous multitude with thy courage! Rejoice, for thou didst not turn away from the hapless Tsar when he was mocked and abused; rejoice, thou who with him and his family dost ever rejoice in heaven!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice! KONTAKION IX
The angelic armies on high were stricken with awe, beholding Holy Russia bound and led to bloody slaughter by those who wage war against God; for, bleeding and dying in the arena of martyrdom, the land is dyed red with the blood of the countless new martyrs, who cry out continually to the Lord of hosts: Alleluia! IKOS IX
The vile minions of Satan, sinful men with hands reeking of the blood of the innocent, openly reviled God, and mockingly asked thee how thou who art of royal blood couldst minister to the poor and lowly, O royal passion-bearer. But we marvel at thy patience and humility, and cry out unto thee: Rejoice, thou who didst quench the flames of discontent with thy tears; rejoice, thou who didst lament the woes of Russia, as Martha and Mary wept over Lazarus! Rejoice, thou who didst submit to the will of God; rejoice, thou who didst behold the Savior enthroned on high! Rejoice, venerable martyr of royal birth; rejoice, thou who didst put to shame those who mistreated thee! Rejoice, thou who dost bless those who bless thee; rejoice, thou who wipest the tears away from those who grieve! Rejoice, thou who dost calm our troubled hearts; rejoice, thou who bowest down before the throne of God, offering Him our entreaties! Rejoice, thou who art ever attentive to His decrees; rejoice, thou who dost continually preserve us from all harm!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice! KONTAKION X
Wishing to make thee captive, O martyr, evil-minded men arrived at thy convent on the third day of Pascha, to separate thee from thy flock; for after the holy Patriarch Tikhon the Confessor blessed thee and thy nuns, the wicked fell upon thee and took thee away into exile. Yet knowing what was to follow, thou didst take with thee thy faithful companion, the venerable Barbara, and with thee chanted the hymn of victory unto the risen Christ: Alleluia! IKOS X
Banished to the heart of Russia, hidden away from the eyes of the world, with prayer and fasting thou didst prepare for thy departure from this life, O Elizabeth, when Companion Barbara, and with the holy Princes Sergius, John, Igor, Constantine and Vladimir, who were all to share in thy sufferings and receive incorruptible crowns from the hands of the Savior. And sharing together in the delights of heaven, attend ye unto our praises: Rejoice, ye who ever pray for the salvation of Russia; rejoice, ye who, though cast down by the ungodly into the depths, have been raised on high by Christ! Rejoice, ye who shed the scarlet robe of royalty and put on the purple robe of martyrdom; rejoice, ye who where not deceived by the deceit of the evil one! Rejoice, ye who lift up your hands to God in supplication; rejoice, ye who cast away earthly riches to receive treasure in heaven! Rejoice, patient sufferers who endured all for the Lord; rejoice, ye who put to shame those who took your lives, but could not slay your souls! Rejoice, ye who received wreaths of victory fashioned by the hand of the Creator; rejoice, bright constellation of holy stars shining in the firmament of the Church!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice! KONTATKION XI
O the glorious wonder! A mine depleted of its ore is shown to be full of the lustrous gold of grace and piety! A shaft sunk deep into the bowels of the earth is shown to be a ladder extending up to heaven, whereby Elizabeth and her companions ascend from the depths unto the heights of paradise! O holy martyrs, ye blessed ones, as ye delight in celestial joys forget not us who celebrate the memory of your godly struggles, that with you we also may chant the angelic hymn: Alleluia! IKOS XI
The minds of men, darkened by their fallen state, are unable to devise for you hymns worthy of the pangs and sufferings ye endured, O holy passion-bearers of Christ; for ye were like unto the youths of Ephesus who fell asleep of death in a shaft sunk into the earth, only to awaken in the splendid mansions of heaven, where ye now receive from us our poor praises: Rejoice, ye seven-branched lampstand burning before the throne of God; rejoice, glory of Alapayevsk! Rejoice, ye who planted the tree of life amid the barren mountains and watered it with your blood; rejoice, royal passion-bearers, adorned with kindly diadems more precious than gold and costly jewels! Rejoice, O Barbara, devoted daughter of thy spiritual mother; rejoice, ye who intercede for your compatriots who find themselves amid suffering and exile! Rejoice, O Sergius, valiant confessor of the true Faith; rejoice, O brethren, equal in number to the Trinity! Rejoice, O Princes John, Igor and Constantine, who were like unto the holy youths in the fiery furnace; rejoice, O Vladimir, prince and martyr, who foresaw thine own suffering and death! Rejoice, ye who have washed your souls clean in the streams of your blood; rejoice, ye who stand before the Savior in the ranks of the new martyrs and confessors!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice! KONTAKIOIN XII
With the words of praise shall we weave a wreath of victory to adorn the new passion-bearers of Alapayevsk? For even if we try to recount their manifold labors, our own weakness and hardness of heart puts us to shame. For while they ever sought after the Lord, we ever stray father away from Him. Wherefore, come ye speedily to our aid, and drive our enemies, visible and invisible, far away from us, that unvexed and at peace, we may chant aloud unto God: Alleluia! IKOS XII
We chant your praises, O holy new martyrs of Alapayevsk, for when faced with death, ye manifestly confessed Christ as God in the presence of the ungodly. Wherefore, the martyred nun Barbara received from the hand of God a wreath fashioned of truth and obedience, and her royal companions were endowed with two-fold crowns of majesty and martyrdom for their struggles. And thus hath Christ the Lord, the Judge of the contest, shown us all that it is meet to glorify them with such praises as these: Rejoice, boast of the Urals; rejoice, ye who shone forth like rays out of a dark pit! Rejoice, ye who sanctified a lowly mine-shaft; rejoice, ye who were like unto Joseph, who was likewise cast into a pit by envious brethren! Rejoice, ye who were like unto Daniel, who was thrown into a lions’ den; rejoice, ye who have summoned countless other new martyrs to the banquet of the Bridegroom! Rejoice, ye who were welcomed to the mansions of heaven by your kin, the martyred Tsar and his holy family; rejoice, ye who were slaughtered by the godless and unbelieving! Rejoice, O Elizabeth, who didst bind thy companions’ wounds and tend to their hurts; rejoice, thou who didst encourage and strengthen them until the moment of their soul’s departure! Rejoice, for thou didst chant fitting hymns as their life ebbed away; rejoice, thou who before an icon of the Savior didst surrender thine own soul into His hands!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice! KONTAKION XII
O all-praised and venerable martyr Elizabeth, with the other passions-bearers of Alapayevsk - the martyrs Barbara, John, Igor, Constantine, Vladimir, and Sergius, accept this, our meager hymnody of praise, which we offer to you in honor of the sufferings and violent death ye endured for Christ; and beseech the all-holy Trinity our God, that we be delivered from the perils and evil circumstances which beset us throughout our life: that with you and all the new martyrs and confessors of Russia we may ever chant unto the omnipotent Lord of heaven and earth: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
This kontakion is recited thrice; whereupon Ikos I and Kontakion I are repeated.
Holy Royal Martyr Grand Duchess Elizabeth,
Pray Unto God For Us!
Holy New Martyr Barbara And All New Martyrs Of Russia, Pray Unto God For Us!
Ο χρόνος που δόθηκε στον Ιωάννη (ένας κενόδοξος, αμαρτωλός νέος που γνωρίστηκε με τον Άγιο Επιφάνιο πνευματικοπαίδι του Αγίου Ανδρέα) για να μετανοήσει, συμπληρώθηκε.
Καί μια νύχτα ο Επιφάνιος είδε σε όραμα ότι τον πήρε ο μακάριος Ανδρέας και τον οδήγησε σε τόπους δύσβατους, απαίσιους και ζοφερούς.
Κρατούσε μια λαμπάδα, για να φωτίζει το πυκνό σκοτάδι. Ο Επιφάνιος είχε την αίσθηση πως όλα αυτά βρίσκονταν κάτω από τη γη. Έβλεπε φυλακές και αμπάρες, δεσμωτήρια αποτρόπαια και σκοτεινά. Σε άλλα απ’ αυτά ήταν κλεισμένα ποντίκια, αγριόγατες και αλεπούδες, σε άλλα φίδια, κουρούνες και κοράκια, κάθε λογής ακάθαρτα πουλιά και ζώα. Ήταν πολλά, αμέτρητα, σαν τ’ αστέρια του ουρανού. Ήρθαν, τέλος, σ’ ένα βρωμερό καλύβι, όπου δεν υπήρχαν παρά μόνο περιττώματα ανθρώπων σκύλων. -Πες μου, σε ικετεύω, γιατί ήρθαμε εδώ; ρώτησε ο Επιφάνιος τον όσιο. Γι’ αυτό αγνωνιστήκαμε; Γιά να βρεθούμε σε τέτοια βρωμιά; -Όχι, παιδί μου, αλλά για να δείς τον τόπο που ετοίμασε για τον εαυτό του ο φίλος σου ο Ιωάννης.Οι ακαθαρσίες, που βλέπεις, είναι τα έργα του, ο κόπος του και ο ιδρώτας του. Κοίταξε τι γράφει εδώ! Ο Επιφάνιος είδε στον αέρα μια σκοτεινή επιγραφή που έλεγε: “Αιώνια κατοικία και βαριά τιμωρία του Ιωάννη, του γιού του Κελεστίνου”- αυτό ήταν το όνομα του πατέρα του. -Αλίμονο σ’ εμένα, τον αμαρτωλό! αναφώνησε ο Επιφάνιος. Τέτοια συμφορά ούτε στους εχθρούς μου! Αλλά πως μαζεύτηκαν τόσες ακαθαρσίες; -Όσοι άνδρες και όσες γυναίκες αμαρτάνουν, όπως ο Ιωάννης, στοιβάζουν εδώ τις ακαθαρσίες τους, ώστε, όταν πεθάνουν, να χορτάσουν οι ψυχές τους, καθώς θα είναι αλυσοδεμένες. Όταν, όμως, γίνει η ανάσταση των σωμάτων, θα παραδοθούν στη φωτιά. -Καί όλα εκείνα τα ζώα που είδαμε φυλακισμένα, τα ποντίκια, τα θηρία, τα ερπετά, τι είναι; -Είναι οι ψυχές των άσωτων και αμαρτωλών. -Πω πω! Έτσι είναι οι ψυχές των ανθρώπων; -Όχι παιδί μου.Ὁ Θεός οἰκονόμησε νά φανοῦν ἔτσι, γιά νά μᾶς δείξει ποιάν ἁμαρτία ἔκανε κάθε ψυχή. Ἄλλες ἀπ’ αὐτές ἀνήκουν σέ φονιάδες, ἄλλες σέ μοιχούς καί πόρνους, ἄλλες σέ σοδομίτες, ἄλλες σέ κλέφτες καί φιλάργυρους, ἄλλες σέ αἱρετικούς, ἄλλες σέ κενόδοξους καί ἄλλες σέ ἄλλους ἁμαρτωλούς. Εἶναι οἱ ψυχές πού “ταυτίστηκαν μέ τά ἄλογα κτήνη καί ἔγιναν ὅμοιες μ’ αὐτά”(Ψαλμ. 48:13). Γι’ αὐτό ὁ Κύριος τίς ἔκανε νά φαίνονται μέ τέτοιες μορφές. Συγκεκριμένα,
Our glorious God, in His infinite wisdom and inexhaustible mercy, has bestowed a holy wonderworker upon those of us struggling through these harsh times. We have been granted to behold the life and teachings of Saint Seraphim of Sarov, who was born in eighteenth century Russia, and thereby obtain spiritual instruction from a zealous yet gentle priest and monk. May all true believers never complain of lack of guidance on the path of prayer, but rather turn to the humble and friendly elder, and say:
Rejoice, Saint Seraphim, spiritual father of all the faithful.
Ikos 1
If Saint Seraphim cannot provide the answers, which he can, then let the seeker turn to this elder’s own teachers: Saint Basil the Great, Saint Gregory the Theologian, Saint John Chrysostom, Saint Isaac the Syrian, and Saint Simeon the New Theologian to name a few. Saint Seraphim taught nothing new, but only what he learned from his predecessors and what he himself practiced. Let us therefore proceed with humility and sincerity, as we bring praises to the monk who has kindly opened his door to us:
Rejoice, spiritual father who did the will of his Heavenly Father.
Rejoice, devoted priest who always proclaimed, “Christ is Risen.”
Rejoice, man of prayer who acquired the peace of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, model of charity who befriended both humans and animals.
Rejoice, faithful monk who worshipped God in both word and deed.
Rejoice, true disciple who learned from the great sources of holiness.
Rejoice, “poor Seraphim” who freely taught the ways of spirituality.
Rejoice, wonderworker who cheerfully gave of his gifts.
Rejoice, revered hermit who prayed on a rock for a thousand days.
Rejoice, venerable recluse who saved a thousand souls around him.
Rejoice, example of earnest commitment to the Mother of God.
Rejoice, humble recipient of aid from the blessed Theotokos.
Rejoice, Saint Seraphim, spiritual father of all the faithful.
Kontakion 2
Saint Seraphim, you teach us that in God there is no evil but only goodness. Where God is, there is no confusion but only truth, no resentment but only forgiveness, no conflict but only peace, no separation but only togetherness, and no desolation but only transformation. Hence, all people have reason to be glad and to say: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Your truths, Father Seraphim, are the same as the eternal truths of the apostles and the holy fathers. Yet, we need to hear these words again and again for our spiritual fortification. Each generation testifies of Jesus Christ, nurturing those around them as well as those who come after them. Saint Seraphim, we therefore implore you to count us among the thousands whom you have guided, as we offer you these praises:
Rejoice, lamp who shines through the thickets of confusion.
Rejoice, enlightenment of those who pursue clarity of mind.
Rejoice, candle who burns brightly under a sky of foreboding.
Rejoice, illumination of all who adore Christ and Him only.
Rejoice, radiance who spreads forth, unafraid of malicious forces.
Rejoice, courage of those who desire integrity amid corruption.
Rejoice, brilliance who pours out, undaunted by vicious intruders.
Rejoice, confidence of all who desire holiness under oppression.
Rejoice, ray who pierces the congestion of lifestyle choices.
Rejoice, hope of those who decide to travel on the path of prayer.
Rejoice, flame who burns away the noise of daily survival.
Rejoice, resolve of all those who cultivate interior silence.
Rejoice, Saint Seraphim, spiritual father of all the faithful.
Kontakion 3
We see that the devil would try to lure us away from the path of prayer, distracting our thoughts and disturbing our hearts. Help us, Saint Seraphim, to worship God and to do His holy will. May we always please Him, in whatever manner of work we undertake, and also be a blessing to those around us. May we fulfill God’s divine purpose, and immediately repent if we stumble or stray. Let us constantly ask for mercy, and say: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Father Seraphim, we place ourselves under your benevolent care, so that we may conquer all temptations and digressions. Strengthen us to remain vigilant in our worship and attentive in our daily tasks. Guard us from succumbing to ideologies and activities which are not fitting for a Christian. Encourage us to read the Bible every day, not as an encumbrance but with a deep longing for union with God. In this way, we shall remain faithful to all that is sanctioned by our Father in Heaven, and we shall likewise bring forth praises to you:
Rejoice, follower of Jesus Christ through pain and joy.
Rejoice, embodiment of the teachings of the Savior.
Rejoice, earthy traveler on the path of prayer.
Rejoice, heavenly beholder of divine truths.
Rejoice, simple monk who trampled the demons.
Rejoice, noble priest who crushed all temptations.
Rejoice, beggar of forgiveness, giver of help.
Rejoice, slave of prayer, ruler of passions.
Rejoice, bearer of offenses, consoler of people.
Rejoice, sufferer of storms, interior of calm.
Rejoice, renouncer of sin, bringer of inspiration.
Rejoice, denouncer of worldliness, receptacle of grace.
Rejoice, Saint Seraphim, spiritual father of all the faithful.
Kontakion 4
Many people go searching for spiritual fathers, while neglecting the one thing needful. That is, the blind pursue their own notions of a spiritual father, such that the impure submit to the impure, or the brazen lead the naive, and all are inwardly flawed. Let us seek the Kingdom first, having no other gods, and all good things shall be added onto this solid foundation. Saint Seraphim, we yearn to see you as you see us, through the grace of the Holy Spirit, and therein we may truly say: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
We turn to you, Father Seraphim, for you delight in the salvation of the sinner and in the teachings of the Church. You have conquered all self-serving passions, every delusion and falsehood, and now all people have recourse to your prayers and instructions. We therefore bow before you, in anticipation of the wholeness of the Kingdom in which everyone has a place, and we humbly sing these praises:
Rejoice, dependable guide of those who live in the Faith.
Rejoice, swift rescuer of those misguided by imposters.
Rejoice, loving father of those on the path of prayer.
Rejoice, holy nurture of those starving for spirituality.
Rejoice, strong protector of those who walk straight ahead.
Rejoice, patient advisor for those who take a wrong turn.
Rejoice, inward light to those who follow Christ.
Rejoice, brilliant star to those who seek instruction.
Rejoice, gracious caretaker of those numbered in the thousands.
Rejoice, unfastened gate for those who wish to come and see.
Rejoice, blessed validation of those who renounce all impurities.
Rejoice, peaceful deliverer of those who are heavily burdened.
Rejoice, Saint Seraphim, spiritual father of all the faithful.
Kontakion 5
Saint Seraphim, you did not aspire to be a spiritual father, but you were entrusted by God and His Virgin Mother to attend to all those who sought your counsel. You became a holy elder, not because you desired status and recognition, but because you were infused with the Holy Spirit and immersed in Holy Scripture. Concerning your own humanity, you humbly viewed yourself as “poor Seraphim,” and to this you said: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
We wish emulate you, Saint Seraphim, as we abide in the will of God for our lives, because His will is holier than anything to which we ourselves could have aspired. May we vanquish all ambition and conceit, so that our words and deeds are acceptable to God and beneficial to one another. In this manner, Father Seraphim, we are released and we pour forth our praises to you:
Rejoice, total contentment in the will of God.
Rejoice, complete obedience to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Rejoice, generous counsel to pilgrims in want.
Rejoice, holy laborer for the hungry and thirsty.
Rejoice, proven wisdom of the ages.
Rejoice, worthy guardian of everlasting truth.
Rejoice, unmercenary helper of the afflicted.
Rejoice, dedicated intercessor for the troubled.
Rejoice, insightful father who blesses his spiritual children.
Rejoice, paternal director who prospers everyone in need.
Rejoice, hardworking priest who gathers up the remnants.
Rejoice, sacred caregiver who attends to these cruel times.
Rejoice, Saint Seraphim, spiritual father of all the faithful.
Kontakion 6
You fill us with hope, Saint Seraphim, in the mercy of God and in the fruits of prayer. In His compassion, God has not abandoned us to the lies of this world or to the hatred of enemies. He guides our spiritual formation by sending His saints to show love, to overcome separation, and to heal wounds. Pray for us, Saint Seraphim, so that we may respond wholeheartedly to God’s provision, as we say: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Pray for us, so that we ourselves may pray more fervently and sincerely, loving God for Who He is and trusting in His goodness. Pray for us and move us to pray for one another, putting the salvation of our neighbor above personal gratification and worldly nonsense. Pray for us, Saint Seraphim, so that we might acquire a peaceful spirit and a pure heart, and join together with the thousands as we dutifully offer you praises:
Rejoice, abundant vineyard of repentance.
Rejoice, bountiful fruit of contrition.
Rejoice, shady tree of loving-kindness.
Rejoice, rich field of compassion.
Rejoice, wide river of forgiveness.
Rejoice, clear lake of meekness.
Rejoice, dead to imaginings, alive to the Word.
Rejoice, submissive to Christ, conqueror of Satan.
Rejoice, empty of worldliness, temple of the Spirit.
Rejoice, poorest of men, saint of Heaven.
Rejoice, alone in prayer, father to thousands.
Rejoice, scorner of vainglory, lover of humility.
Rejoice, Saint Seraphim, spiritual father of all the faithful.
Kontakion 7
We shall not judge anyone, as you have taught us, Saint Seraphim, or we shall be judged by that same judgment. Things often are not what they appear to be on the surface. People say and do things which are symptoms of underlying disturbances. We do not know who was brutalized in childhood, who goes home at night to a conflicted family, who has lost purpose and meaning, or who is under attack by the devil. If we are not one of these, then let us not condemn but say: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
All have sinned and all are unworthy. The upright can fall, and the fallen can arise. Many of us will grow old, and with age comes the realization of things said and not said, and regret over things done and not done. We can only repent and trust in the goodness of God. Let us all go forward in the time that remains, and find happiness today by bringing praises to Father Seraphim:
Rejoice, welcome of the distraught.
Rejoice, harvest of the forsaken.
Rejoice, comfort of the chagrined.
Rejoice, backing of the remorseful.
Rejoice, safety for the victimized.
Rejoice, shelter for the leper.
Rejoice, refuge for the misunderstood.
Rejoice, room for the different.
Rejoice, extinguisher of defamation.
Rejoice, vanquisher of condemnation.
Rejoice, builder of righteousness.
Rejoice, planter of reconciliation.
Rejoice, Saint Seraphim, spiritual father of all the faithful.
Kontakion 8
Strengthen us, Saint Seraphim, to uphold one another in unity of Church, that none should be lost. Let the prodigals return to the Father, let the righteous minister to the feeble, and let all the wounded be healed. If anyone has been damaged because of our sins, then we implore you, O holy wonderworker, to restore them to wholeness and all fruitfulness. We desire that all people may cheerfully say: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
Since you are a priest and monk, Father Seraphim, we beseech you also to guide the priests and encourage the monks and nuns. May they be counted among your thousands, from this moment forward, and may they walk in truth forever and pray with a pure heart unto eternal blessedness. In recognition of our need for mercy, one and all, we humbly offer you praises:
Rejoice, glorifier of God.
Rejoice, upholder of people.
Rejoice, keeper of purity.
Rejoice, promoter of sanity
Rejoice, soother of wounds.
Rejoice, remover of scars.
Rejoice, teacher of holiness.
Rejoice, leader of victory.
Rejoice, consoler of seekers.
Rejoice, liberator of souls.
Rejoice, harbinger of prayer.
Rejoice, believer of Scripture.
Rejoice, Saint Seraphim, spiritual father of all the faithful.
Kontakion 9
The trials of life and the lessons of holiness are often difficult to navigate, but let us always pray and exercise patience. What does not make sense today will become clear tomorrow. Saint Seraphim, we beg you to fortify us with endurance, hope, and resolve. We know that God will never fail us, and therefore all may say: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Let us stay aboard the great ship of the Church, for Jesus Christ will steer us through all storms, dangers, conflicts, afflictions, infirmities, darkness and foreboding. Let us follow in the humility of Saint Seraphim, and therein we shall behold the glory of God which overcomes all adversity and rewards all suffering for His Name. In simplicity of soul and with the faith of the fathers, we rightfully praise our holy teacher, Saint Seraphim:
Rejoice, compass who points the way to inward peace.
Rejoice, elder who directs mankind to things divine.
Rejoice, courageous star who shines in the gloomy skies.
Rejoice, monk whose prayers illuminate the longest night.
Rejoice, gentle wind who stirs the faithful to prayer.
Rejoice, righteous gale who renders the demons asunder.
Rejoice, holy protector of those who give their whole being to God.
Rejoice, blessed guardian of those who let nothing impede their service to others.
Rejoice, merciful intercessor for those who persevere under misfortune.
Rejoice, faithful companion of those who quickly repent of wrongs.
Rejoice, beautiful aid to those who live according to Scripture.
Rejoice, gracious preservation of those who run with patience.
Rejoice, Saint Seraphim, spiritual father of all the faithful.
Kontakion 10
Saint Seraphim, we are bombarded by language and images, from the vulgar to the inane, which are not conducive to the spiritual life. Help us, holy father, to avoid these occasions as much as possible, and to lift our thoughts in prayer to God. When we come home from work or school, lead us to your icon that we may refresh our spirit with your holy presence. In this way, all Christians may honorably say: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Help us to guard our heart from all impurities, so that we do not forfeit our peace of soul or forget our purpose as children of God. Help us, Father Seraphim, that what is external shall not become internalized, and what is internal shall remain pure and presentable before God. In thanksgiving for your continual watchfulness over our daily activities, it is meet for us to bring these praises:
Rejoice, vigilant watchman over pure hearts.
Rejoice, protective father of his prayerful children.
Rejoice, constant worker for the Kingdom of Heaven.
Rejoice, superb reinforcement of holy teachings.
Rejoice, diligent searcher for lost sheep.
Rejoice, wonderful shepherd of repentant sons and daughters.
Rejoice, servant of the least, worshipper with the angels.
Rejoice, friend of thousands, enfolded by the Theotokos.
Rejoice, victim of thieves, boast of monks.
Rejoice, sufferer of illness, established by the Virgin Mary.
Rejoice, stranger to sin, gladness of penitents.
Rejoice, hated by demons, esteemed by the Queen of Heaven.
Rejoice, Saint Seraphim, spiritual father of all the faithful.
Kontakion 11
Better to be offended than to offend the wisdom and mercy of our Heavenly Father. There are those who do not understand the path of prayer or the crucifying of impure passions and desires, and they will attempt to pull the believer away from the sacred path. Let us bear these offenses, for to return to worldliness is an insult to God. In accordance with the example of Saint Seraphim, may all worshippers stay on the path and confidently say: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Let us not burden ourselves with the opinions of others, or we will be repeatedly aggrieved and perpetually in doubt. Rather, let us emulate Saint Seraphim and find dependable direction and comfort in Scripture, in the holy fathers and the lives of the saints, and in the divine services of the Church. Let us renew our commitment now, by offering praises to Saint Seraphim:
Rejoice, voice of prayer.
Rejoice, heart of mercy.
Rejoice, affirmation of monasteries.
Rejoice, blessing of hermits.
Rejoice, source of happiness.
Rejoice, reality of joy.
Rejoice, ambassador of Christ.
Rejoice, chosen of God.
Rejoice, beholder of eternity.
Rejoice, stability of worship.
Rejoice, core of contemplation.
Rejoice, image of sobriety.
Rejoice, Saint Seraphim, spiritual father of all the faithful.
Kontakion 12
Saint Seraphim, we ask you to guide us in continual repentance, so that our transgressions may be forgiven and that we may end each day at peace with God. Through repentance, we obtain victory over our impure tendencies. The devil desires to have us, and he knows exactly how to lure each one of us into evil. We pray to be delivered from attacks, to prove victorious when attacked, and to be forgiven if we succumb. Let us live in total awareness of the majesty of God, as we say: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
In addition to repentance, may we show forth works of mercy toward our neighbor. We know that the life of prayer itself is a work of mercy, for all people are benefitted and the whole world is blessed by the rising up of prayers to Heaven. We pray to you, Saint Seraphim, and you pray for us, and we pray that others may heed your guidance. May everything be done according to the will of God, including the offering of praises to you:
Rejoice, repentant monk who lived to please God.
Rejoice, spiritual warrior who defeated hideous demons.
Rejoice, conscientious priest who condemned himself and released others.
Rejoice, spiritual father who spared no effort on behalf of his children.
Rejoice, ray of sunlight on these desolate times.
Rejoice, beam of starlight above the ravages of conflict.
Rejoice, refreshing water inside a drought of reliability.
Rejoice, feast of holiness amid a famine of sensibility.
Rejoice, hermit whose prayers filled the forests of Sarov.
Rejoice, saint whose icons fill our churches and homes.
Rejoice, enlightened teacher whose words remain vital today.
Rejoice, devoted believer who preserved all worthy traditions.
Rejoice, Saint Seraphim, spiritual father of all the faithful.
Kontakion 13
Few people are able to give us personal guidance, or they are unable to do so regularly over time and in every place. Let us be all the more thankful for the teachings of Saint Seraphim, for his holy icons, and for the fact that he hears our every plea for help at any moment and throughout all the earth. Even in the numbers of the thousands, Saint Seraphim is able to guide each one of us on the path of prayer. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
(Repeat Kontakion 13 three times.)
Kontakion 1 (repeated)
Our glorious God, in His infinite wisdom and inexhaustible mercy, has bestowed a holy wonderworker upon those of us struggling through these harsh times. We have been granted to behold the life and teachings of Saint Seraphim of Sarov, who was born in eighteenth century Russia, and thereby obtain spiritual instruction from a zealous yet gentle priest and monk. May all true believers never complain of lack of guidance on the path of prayer, but rather turn to the humble and friendly elder, and say:
Rejoice, Saint Seraphim, spiritual father of all the faithful.
Ikos 1 (repeated)
If Saint Seraphim cannot provide the answers, which he can, then let the seeker turn to this elder’s own teachers: Saint Basil the Great, Saint Gregory the Theologian, Saint John Chrysostom, Saint Isaac the Syrian, and Saint Simeon the New Theologian to name a few. Saint Seraphim taught nothing new, but only what he learned from his predecessors and what he himself practiced. Let us therefore proceed with humility and sincerity, as we bring praises to the monk who has kindly opened his door to us:
Rejoice, spiritual father who did the will of his Heavenly Father.
Rejoice, devoted priest who always proclaimed, “Christ is Risen.”
Rejoice, man of prayer who acquired the peace of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, model of charity who befriended both humans and animals.
Rejoice, faithful monk who worshipped God in both word and deed.
Rejoice, true disciple who learned from the great sources of holiness.
Rejoice, “poor Seraphim” who freely taught the ways of spirituality.
Rejoice, wonderworker who cheerfully gave of his gifts.
Rejoice, revered hermit who prayed on a rock for a thousand days.
Rejoice, venerable recluse who saved a thousand souls around him.
Rejoice, example of earnest commitment to the Mother of God.
Rejoice, humble recipient of aid from the blessed Theotokos.
Rejoice, Saint Seraphim, spiritual father of all the faithful.
A Prayer
Hear our prayer, Saint Seraphim, from the innermost being of each one of us, from our greatest yearnings for truth and love, and from our deepest needs for intervention into our struggles in this temporal life. Proclaim to us, “Christ is Risen,” and guide all our steps to eternal life. We choose to walk on the path of prayer, in whatever station of life God has placed us, and we ask for your blessings and intercession. We thank you for your heavenly aid, Saint Seraphim, and we go forward in the peace of your holiness. Amen.
