Orthodox akathist: what it is, when, how and why it is read, rules for reading the akathist to saints

Order of reading Akathists

An akathist is a song of praise in honor of the Savior, the Mother of God, saints or any holidays (events).
Akathists are not a statutory, obligatory liturgical rite. At services in churches, only the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos “Charred Voivode” is necessarily read. "On the Saturday of Praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the fifth week of Great Lent. In modern practice during Great Lent, the Akathist of the Passion of the Lord is also used in the rite of Passion, which is served on Sunday evenings in the 2nd-5th weeks of Great Lent.

Akathists in honor of holidays are sometimes read at Matins of a festive service or at a prayer service on the very day of the holiday. In general, at prayer services they often resort to reading akathists. This is how the order of reading the Paraklisis of the Mother of God developed, where at the prayer service after the sixth song of the canon, an akathist to the Mother of God (or to her icons) is read.

Calling upon the holy saints of God to help with everyday needs, akathists are read to them, to the icons of the Mother of God.

There are no special instructions in the Charter for reading akathists in church and during cell (home) prayer. But a rule can be deduced from general church practice: during the period of Great Lent it is not customary to read akathists , except for the Akathist to the Mother of God on the 5th week (on Saturday) and the Akathist to the Passion of Christ. On all other days of the year, reading akathists is permitted.

The akathist itself has a special sequence. So the 13th kontakion is read three times, and immediately after it the first ikos is repeated again, after which the first kontakion is read. At the end of the akathist, a prayer is read.

What akathists to read for everyday needs (for every need)

Akathists to the icons of the Mother of God

Akathists to the saints

Reading akathists during the week

The service of each day of the week corresponds to the memory of a particular event or saint. In accordance with this rule, the practice arose of reading akathists throughout the week, imitating the weekly liturgical circle:

Day of the week	Recollected Event	Reading tradition
Sunday	(memory of the Holy Resurrection of Christ)	Akathist to the Resurrection of Christ
Monday	(In memory of the honest Heavenly Forces of the Ethereal)	Akathist to the Archangel Michael Akathist to the Guardian Angel
Tuesday	(In memory of the prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord John)	Akathist to John the Baptist
Wednesday	(Memory of the Passion of the Savior and memory of the Blessed Virgin Mary)	Akathist to the Sweetest Jesus Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos
Thursday	(Holy Apostles and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker)	Akathist to the Apostles Peter and Paul Akathist to St. Nicholas
Friday	(Memory of the Suffering of the Savior and the Cross of the Lord)	Akathist to the Passion of the Lord Akathist to the Honest and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord
Saturday	(All Saints and All Souls)	Akathist to all the saints from the ages who have pleased God Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos Akathist to the departed

Akathists in Christianity

Church akathists are not considered obligatory services, except for the akathist “Chosen Voivode” dedicated to the Mother of God (on Saturday during the fifth week of Easter Lent). In Greek, the word “akathist” means “unsaddled singing.” This is a doxology and hymn to the Lord, Our Lady, saints and archangels. Akathist singing is always performed standing; relaxation is allowed only for seriously ill people. Akathists are chanted on any day except Lent. They are performed in cathedrals and at home, but only with the blessing of the priest.

Akathists are built from 25 hymns of praise, divided into two types - kontakia (praise chant) and ikos (extensive chant). Kontakia (there are 13 of them) tell about who the doxology is intended for, and ikos (there are 12 of them) explain the essence of the akathist. Ikos and the first kontakion end with the exclamation “Rejoice”, 11 kontakia end with the exclamation “Hallelujah”. The last kontakion is sung three times.

Akathists come with the blessing of water and without the rite of blessing of water.

Find out what awaits you today - Horoscope for today for all zodiac signs

Before performing the akathist chant, an initial prayer is said, addressed to the saints or the Mother of God. Then the hymn itself is sung, and at the end of it - a prayer.

What is an akathist in simple words - it is church poetry in honor of Jesus, the Mother of God, saints and archangels.

On what occasions are akathist hymns sung?

in gratitude for the help;
on the days of honoring the saint;
to fill the soul with peace;
if you need to ask a saint for help in business;
for healing from diseases - physical and mental;
during earthly sorrows and needs;
for protection from the temptations of sin;
in case of financial troubles;
in other difficult cases.

The Akathist to the Mother of God “The Chosen Governor” is sung for:

healing from diseases;
liberation from alcoholism and drug addiction;
assistance during childbirth;
assistance in raising children;
getting rid of pursuing enemies;
in other everyday problems.

Akathists to other images of the Virgin Mary:

“The Queen of All” - from addictions, serious illnesses, and the occult.
“Mammal” - for babies, for obstetrics.
“Burning Bush” - from fires, in defense of innocent prisoners.
“The Inexhaustible Chalice” - to get rid of addiction to wine, smoking, and drugs.
“Kazanskaya” - for healing, for preserving marital ties, from enemies.
“Quick to Hear” - to cure illnesses.
“Seven-shot” - for the reconciliation of warring parties.
“Healer” - for liberation from diseases.

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Akathists to the saints:

Panteleimon the healer - from any ailments;
Rev. Sergius of Radonezh - for successful studies, pacification of pride;
bliss Ksenia of St. Petersburg - for any everyday problems, for healing;
Great Martyr George the Victorious - for protection from enemies, for protection from attacks by wild animals, for the safety of pets;
St. John the Baptist - for gaining or strengthening faith, for repentance, for the harvest;
St. Boniface - from alcoholism and gluttony;
to the prophet Elijah - in any need;
to the wonderworker John the warrior - from robbery and theft;
St. Cyprian and Ustinia - from the occult and witchcraft;
Godfather Joachim and righteous Anna - from infertility.

Akathist to Spyridon of Trimifuntsky

This akathist song is read for 40 days in a row to solve the housing problem, financial assistance and assistance in any needs. During his lifetime, the holy wonderworker cast out demons, healed the sick, and raised the dead.

Akathists also read:

To the sweetest Jesus - to gain spiritual harmony and God's grace;
guardian angel - for any problems;
St. Michael the Archangel - when moving to a new living space.

Akathists by day of the week:

Sunday - honoring the resurrection of Jesus Christ;
Monday - Guardian Angel and Archangel Michael;
Tuesday - John the Baptist;
Wednesday - to Jesus Christ the sweetest;
Thursday - Nikolai Ugodnik;
Friday - to the life-giving cross;
Saturday - Our Lady.

How to order an akathist in a temple or monastery? It is necessary to submit a church note and the indicated names (in the genitive case). You can also order the requirement online at a monastery or cathedral, which have their own website on the Internet.

Akathists are ordered only for baptized people.

When recording names, use baptismal names, write them correctly: not Dmitry, but Dimitri. Ivan in Church Slavonic is John, and Tatiana is Tatiana. You can also indicate the status of a person: the sick John, the baby Demetrius, the young woman Tatiana, the warrior George. Last and middle names are not indicated in the notes.

The order of reading akathists.

Reading akathists separately from the morning and evening prayer rules.

The beginning of the reading is usually preceded by initial prayers:

Through the prayers of the saints, our fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (three times, with the sign of the cross and bows from the waist).

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

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse our sins. Master, forgive our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name's sake.

Lord, have mercy (three times).

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

Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done as it is in Heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors, and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Lord, have mercy (12 times).

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

Come, let us worship our God the King (bow).

Come, let us bow down and bow down to Christ our King God (bow).

Come, let us bow and fall before Christ Himself, the King and our God (bow).

Psalm 50.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy, and according to the multitude of Your mercies, cleanse my iniquity. Above all, wash me from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my iniquity and bear away my sin before me. I have sinned against You alone, and I have created evil before You, so that You may be justified in Your words and overcome, never judge You. Behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and my mother gave birth to me in sins. Behold, Thou hast loved the truth, Thou hast revealed to me Thy unknown and secret wisdom. Sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Give joy and gladness to my hearing; humble bones will rejoice. Turn Your face away from my sins, and cleanse all my iniquities. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in my womb. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit away from me. Reward me with the joy of Your salvation, and strengthen me with the Master’s Spirit. I will teach the wicked Your way, and the wicked will turn to You. Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, God of my salvation; my tongue will rejoice in Your righteousness. Lord, open my mouth, and my mouth will declare Your praise. As if you had wanted sacrifices, you would have given burnt offerings, but you would not have been pleased. The sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a contrite and humble heart, God will not despise. Bless Zion, O Lord, with Your favor, and may the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then you will be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, the wave offering and the burnt offering, then they will lay the bullock on Your altar.

Symbol of faith

I believe in One God, the Father, Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, visible to all and invisible. And in the One Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only Begotten, Who was born of the Father before all ages; Light from Light, true God from true God, born, uncreated, consubstantial with the Father, to Whom all things were. For our sake, man and our salvation came down from heaven and became incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became human. She was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried. And he rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. And again the coming one will be judged with glory by the living and the dead, His Kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Life-Giving One, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who spoke the prophets. Into one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I hope for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the next century. Amen.

Then the akathist (read after the 6th song of the canon).

Upon completion of the reading of the canon - a prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ or the Mother of God, a saint - according to the meaning of the akathist. Then:

It is worthy to eat, as you truly bless Theotokos, Ever-Blessed and Most Immaculate and Mother of Our God. The most honorable Cherub and the Most Glorious without comparison Seraphim, who gave birth to God the Word without corruption, the real Mother of God, we magnify You.

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

Lord, have mercy (three times).

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother, our reverend and God-bearing fathers, the saint (the name of the saint to whom the akathist was read, if to the Lord or the Mother of God, then we say nothing) and all the saints, have mercy and save me, a sinner, for Good and Lover of Humanity. Amen .

If to the Cross - by the power of the Honest and Life-giving Cross

If Angels - Honest Heavenly Forces Ethereal

Source

CANONS AND KATHISTS FOR EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK[1]

With each day of the week (week [2] ) the Church connects special memories. This is reflected both in the weekly cycle of worship and in the home prayer rule.

On Sunday (the first day of the week) the Resurrection of Christ is remembered and glorified.

On Monday (the first day of the week, that is, after Sunday), ethereal forces are glorified - Angels, created before man, the closest servants of God.

On Tuesday , Saint John the Baptist is glorified as the greatest of all prophets and righteous people.

On Wednesday , the betrayal of the Lord by Judas is remembered and, in connection with this, a service is performed in memory of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord (fast day).

On Thursday , the holy apostles and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker are glorified.

On Friday , the suffering on the cross and the death of the Savior are remembered and a service is performed in honor of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord (fast day).

On Saturday (the day of rest), the Mother of God, who is blessed every day, is glorified, the forefathers, prophets, apostles, martyrs, saints, righteous people and all the saints who have achieved rest in the Lord. All those who have died in true faith and hope for resurrection and eternal life are also remembered [3] .

The composition of the daily canons, intended for the daily performance of the cell (home) prayer rule, is determined on the basis of the instructions given in the Canon [4] in the sequence of Compline. Accordingly, the day's canons are read in the evening of the previous day, for example, the canons for Sunday - on Saturday evening, etc. The canons can be read without Compline - separately or in conjunction with a prayer service [5] .

For the convenience of those who pray diligently, the canons for Wednesday also include the Canon of the Honorable and Life-Giving Cross of Christ, for Friday - the Canon of the Divine Passion of Christ, and for Saturday - the Canon for the Dead.

Instead of the canons of the Mother of God, directly indicated in the mentioned instructions of the Canon, the canons of the Mother of God according to Octochus [6] in the corresponding voice can be read. In this case, in order to find the necessary canon, you should determine which voice is in the Octoechos [7] , and open the required day of the week in this voice (for example, to sing the canon at Compline on Wednesday evening, you need to look for Wednesday evening in the Octoechos) [8] .

Beginning with God a prayer rule

God, be merciful to me, a sinner. (Bow)

God, cleanse my sins and have mercy on me. (Bow)

Creator of me, Lord, have mercy. (Bow)

My sins are countless, Lord, forgive me. (Bow)

My Lady, Most Holy Theotokos, save me, a sinner. (Bow)

Angel of Christ, my holy guardian, save me from all evil. (Bow)

Holy Apostle [or martyr, or reverend father] (name), pray to God for me. (Bow)

The rite of private reading of the canons[9]

Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Heavenly King, Comforter, Soul of Truth, Who is everywhere and fulfills all things, Treasure of good things and life, Giver, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filthiness, and save, O Blessed One, our souls.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Thrice)

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

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse our sins; Vladyko, forgive our iniquity; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities in Thy name.

Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Glory, even now:[10]

O our Father, who art in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as it is in heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, and we also forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Lord, have mercy. (12 times)

Glory, and now:

Come, let us worship our King God. (Bow)

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, the King of our God. (Bow)

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and our God. (Bow)

Psalm 50

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy, and according to the multitude of Your generous works, cleanse my iniquity. Above all, wash me from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin; I know my iniquity, and my sin is against me. I have sinned and committed evil before You alone; May I be justified in Thy words, and be victorious and never judge Thy. Behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and in sins I gave birth to my mother. Behold, you have loved the truth; Your unknown and secret wisdom has been revealed to me. Sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. There is joy and gladness to my ears; The bones of the humble will rejoice. Turn away Your face from my sins and cleanse all my iniquities. Create a pure heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit in my womb. Do not deny me from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit away from me. Reward me with the joy of Your salvation and strengthen me with the Lord’s Spirit. I will teach the wicked your way, and they will turn to you in wickedness. Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, God of my salvation; My tongue will rejoice in Your righteousness. Lord, my lips open, and my mouth will declare Your praise. If I had desired sacrifices, I would have given them: you do not favor burnt offerings. The sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; God will not despise a broken and humble heart. Bless Zion, Lord, with Your favor, and may the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then you will be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, the wave offering, and the burnt offering; Then he will place Your calf on the altar.

Symbol of faith

1I believe in one God, the Father, Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, visible to all and invisible to all. 2And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only begotten, who was begotten of the Father before all ages; Light is from the Light, from God, truly from God, true, begotten, uncreated, consubstantial with the Father, and also all things. 3 For our sake, because of man, and because of our salvation, which came down from heaven and was made flesh by the Holy Spirit and Mary the Virgin, and became human. 4 He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried. 5And he rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures. 6And ascended into heaven, and sat at the right hand of the Father. 7And He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, and His Kingdom will have no end. 8And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceedeth from the Father, and who is with the Father and the Son, we are worshiped and praised, who spoke the prophet ki. 9In one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. 10I confess only baptism for the remission of sins. 11I look forward to the resurrection of the dead, 12and to the life of the world to come. Amen.

And honor the canons and akathists.

Therefore:

It is truly worthy that You are blessed, the Mother of God, the Ever-Blessed and Most Immaculate and the Mother of our God. Most honorable to the Cherubs and most glorious without comparison to the Seraphim, without the corruption of God’s Word, we magnify You. (Bow)

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Thrice)

Glory, and now:

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse our sins; Vladyko, forgive our iniquity; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities in Thy name.

Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Glory, and now:

Tropari

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us; Everyone answers in bewilderment, I offer this prayer to the Lord of sinners: have mercy on us.

Glory: Lord, have mercy on us, for we trust in You; Do not be angry with us, remember our iniquities, but see now that I am well-born, and deliver us from our enemies; For Thou art our God, and we are Thy people, all works are done by Thy hand, and we call upon Thy name.

And now: Open the door of mercy to us, blessed Mother of God, let us who hope in You not perish, but let us be delivered from troubles by You: For You are our salvation. yes Christian.

Lord have mercy. (12 times)

[1] Explanations and names of prayers printed in italics are not read during prayer.

[2] The word “week” translated from Church Slavonic corresponds to the modern word “week”. At the same time, the Church Slavonic word “week” is translated into modern language as “Sunday day” or “Sunday” (i.e. the first day of the week, the day of rest).

[3] See: The Law of God for Family and School / Compiled by Archpriest Seraphim Slobodskaya. – M.: Publishing House of the Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church, 2015, p. 631; Basics of Orthodox worship. – SPb.: Publishing house “SATIS”, 2011, p. 39–40.

[4] Canon. – M.: Publishing house of the Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church, 2012.

[5] See: Theotokos: Canons of the Mother of God for every day. Ed. 4th, rev. – M.: Orthodox St. Tikhon’s Humanitarian University, 2013, p. 508.

[6] Octoechos - A liturgical book that contains hymns (troparia, kontakion, canons, etc.), divided into eight tunes or voices. Each voice, in turn, contains hymns for the entire week, so that the services of the Octoechos are repeated once every eight weeks (see The Law of God for the Family and School / Compiled by Archpriest Seraphim Slobodskaya. - M.: Publishing House of the Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church, 2015, p. 631).

[7] The voice is indicated in the Church calendar on the previous Sunday (week).

[8] See: Theotokos: Canons of the Mother of God for every day. Ed. 4th, rev. – M.: Orthodox St. Tikhon’s Humanitarian University, 2013, p. 508.

[9] In addition to funeral canons.

[10] When it is written “Glory:”, “And now:”, one must read in full: “Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit”, “And now and ever and ever” centuries of centuries. Amen."

What is Akathist and when is it read?

Orthodox Christians are required to read the Akathist, as it is one of the key church books. It is important to correctly interpret all the lines written in it.

For a person discovering the religious world, it will not be easy to adapt, especially if his parents did not teach him to serve God from childhood.

The main guidebooks in Orthodoxy are the Bible and Akathist. These books help to learn more about the creation of the world, about the first people on earth, about the life of the son of God on earth; they are man’s guides to God, establishing a subtle spiritual connection between them.

What is an akathist and how to read it correctly?

Good afternoon. Of course, prayers, psalms, and akathists can be read to the young woman. There can only be restrictions in the sense that the child must understand what he is praying for. Any prayer rule should be feasible for the child and not cause irritation or severe fatigue. It is completely unacceptable for a child to read out a long akathist, completely not understanding the words and dreaming when this tedious procedure will end. The age of the adolescent includes the period from 7 to 15 years and affects the difficult teenage years. Obviously, the prayer rule of a 7-year-old child will be significantly different than that of a 15-year-old. You did not indicate the age of your child, but the older he is, the less parents should interfere with the prayer process. A child must build his own relationship with the Lord, and sometimes his influence can only cause harm. Of course, you can and should guide your child, gently push him towards the right path. But in no case should you force him, do not decide for him what and how many prayers to read, or use directive methods in spiritual education. The harm from such actions is much greater than the benefit. Until some time, the child, of course, will obey his parents and do what is required of him. But there will definitely come a time when such a child will rebel and completely refuse to go to church. Therefore, we can identify the following general pattern in the spiritual education of adolescents: the older the child becomes, the more parental influence should be reduced only to their own positive example. The best option is when, looking at you, the child will want to be the same.

As for preparing for confession, age is also important here. If the child is 7 years old and is just starting to confess, you can gently explain to him what sin is and why sin is bad. You can read a few prayers with your child that are familiar to him. But if the child already has some experience of confession, you just need to leave him alone and not interfere with this process. It is good when a child goes to confession to the same priest. Experienced priests skillfully help children in their first confessions, instruct, and encourage.

What you definitely don’t need to do is discuss in detail with a child of any age the list of his sins, tell him what needs to be said in confession.
It is even more unacceptable to ask a child after confession what he said and what he did not. Confession is a Sacrament, even if it happens to your child at 7 years old. It is very important that at this age the child develops a positive image of the temple and everything that happens in it. The child must understand that Confession and Communion are serious Sacraments of the Church, but should not be unduly afraid of them. Many children are simply embarrassed to go to confession with their priest; they should not be shamed or scolded for this, much less forced. If the child completely refuses to go, you need to find a good priest after the service, talk to him, introduce the child, ask the priest to talk to him. Only in this way, with gentle instructions and examples, can one instill in a child a love of faith and the Church. Answer

Why do they read it?

People read the Akathist for completely different reasons.

Orthodox Christians believe in the spiritual power of prayer because it will bring them positive results. The simplest reason for reading the Akathist is considered to be grief, loss or mental anguish of a person. Then he seeks consolation in prayer, hoping for help from the saints or the Mother of God.

People who have recently come to faith independently analyze what is written in Akathist. This is useful because it allows a person to think about and understand all the subtleties of the songs. This is how people find harmony with themselves, are imbued with the joy or sorrow of this or that prayer. (see History of the Icon of the Kazan Mother of God)

Christians believe that after reading the songs, their doubts will be dispelled, and this helps them make the right decision in any difficult matter.

There are Orthodox Christians who read prayers several times every day. This action of theirs is associated with various reasons: they ask God for healing from an illness, some earthly blessings, or they heed the protection of their loved ones.

Persistent prayer by agreement

Akathist to the Archangel Michael (on Mondays at 20:00 Moscow time)

PRELIMINARY PRAYERS READ BEFORE THE AKATHIST

Initial prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Heavenly King, Comforter, Soul of truth, Who is everywhere and fulfills everything, Treasure of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Good One, our souls.

Trisagion

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Read three times, with the sign of the cross and bow from the waist.)

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

Prayer to the Most Holy Trinity

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse our sins; Master, forgive our iniquities; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name's sake. Lord have mercy. (Three times). Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as it is in heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, just as we forgive our debtors; and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Lord have mercy. (12 times)

Come, let us worship our King God. (Bow)

Come, let us bow and fall down to Christ, Our King God. (Bow)

Come, let us bow and fall down to Christ Himself, the King and our God. (Bow)

Psalm 50, repentance

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy and according to the multitude of Your mercies, cleanse my iniquity. Above all, wash me from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin; for I know my iniquity, and I will take away my sin before me. To You alone have I sinned and done evil before You; for you may be justified in all of Your words, and you will always triumph over Your judgment. Behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and my mother gave birth to me in sins. Behold, you have loved the truth; You have revealed to me the unknown and secret wisdom of Yours. Sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. My hearing brings joy and joy; humble bones will rejoice. Turn Your face away from my sins and cleanse all my iniquities. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in my womb. Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit away from me. Reward me with the joy of Your salvation and strengthen me with the Lord’s Spirit. I will teach the wicked Your way, and the wicked will turn to You. Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, God of my salvation; My tongue will rejoice in Your righteousness. Lord, open my mouth, and my mouth will declare Your praise. As if you had desired sacrifices, you would have given them: you do not favor burnt offerings. The sacrifice to GOD THE SPIRIT is crushed; God will not despise a broken and humble heart. Bless Zion, O Lord, with Your favor, and may the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then favor the sacrifice of righteousness, the offering and the burnt offering; Then they will place the bullock on Your altar.

Symbol of faith

I believe in one God the Father, Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, visible to all and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only begotten, who was born of the Father before all ages; Light from Light, true God from true God, born, uncreated, consubstantial with the Father, to Whom all things were. For our sake, man and our salvation came down from Heaven and became incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became human. She was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried. And he rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. And again the coming one will be judged with glory by the living and the dead, His Kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Life-Giving One, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who spoke the prophets. Into one, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I hope for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the next century. Amen.

Akathist to the Archangel of God Michail

Kontakion 1

Chosen commander of the Heavenly powers and intercessor of the human race, this is to you, who are delivered from the sorrowful, we offer a song of thanksgiving: but you, as you stand before the Throne of the King of Glory, free us from all troubles, and with faith and love we call to you in praise: Rejoice, Michael , the great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.

Ikos 1

Like the angelic fiery faces of the primate, it is fitting that angelic bodies and tongues praise you, Michael; but until we are admonished by you to become accustomed to the incorporeal verb, hear, even from human, especially grateful lips, the tit:

Rejoice, original star of the world; Rejoice, brighter light of truth and golden righteousness. Rejoice, first receiver of the rays of uncreated light in angelic celestials; Rejoice, chief of the angels. Rejoice, in him the glory of the Creative Hand shines most brightly; Rejoice, for in it are the cathedrals of all incorporeal beings. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.

Kontakion 2

Seer of faith, the greatness of spiritual beauty and the power of your lightning right hand, Archangel of God, we, as earthly and fleshly, are filled with surprise, joy and gratitude to the Creator of all, calling with all the Heavenly powers: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

The mind is pure and free from passions, ask us, wonderful Michael, the ruler of the heavenly ranks, and, having ascended in thought from the earthly to the heavenly, we will sing a song of praise to you: Rejoice, God's indescribable beauty and kindness closest to the viewer: Rejoice, all-good advice of the Most Holy Trinity in the sincere mystery. Rejoice, faithful executor of the eternal destinies of the Trinity; Rejoice, for the hosts of Heaven marvel at him with love. Rejoice, who are glorified with faith by those born on earth; Rejoice, for whom the forces of hell tremble. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.

Kontakion 3

Revealing the power of irresistible zeal for the glory of God in yourself, you became at the head of the angelic faces, Michael, against the proud Dannitsa, who breathes malice, and to him with his dark minions from the heights of heaven into the underworld, the being cast down, the host of Heaven, most gloriously led by you, with joy, as with one mouth, before the Throne of God, exclaiming: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

To you, Archangel Michael, the entire Christian race may have a great intercessor and a wondrous helper in battles with the enemy; For this reason, for the sake of your wonderful protection, if we wish to be honored, on the day of your triumph we cry to you: Rejoice, for whom Satan, like lightning, fell from heaven; Rejoice, through whom the preserved human race ascends to heaven. Rejoice, wonderful adornment of the all-bright world of the Mountain; Rejoice, glorious intercession of the fallen world. Rejoice, no longer defeated by the forces of evil; Rejoice, established with all the Angels of God in truth and righteousness forever by the grace of God. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.

Kontakion 4

Deliver us, the First Throne Angels, from the storms of temptations and troubles, who celebrate your most radiant triumph with love and joy; For you are a great helper in troubles and in the hour of death from evil spirits the guardian and intercessor of all who cry to your and our Master and God: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Seeing your boldness against the hordes of Satan, all the ranks of angels joyfully moved after you to fight for the Name and glory of their Master, crying out: who is God? We, who lead Satan under your feet, are defeated, we call to you, as a winner: Rejoice, for whom peace and silence have established themselves in heaven; Rejoice, for the worthless spirit of malice has descended even to hell. Rejoice, direct the angelic armies and the forces of the invisible world to destroy evil; Rejoice, you have invisibly tamed the disturbance of the elements of the visible world. Rejoice, wondrous champions of the spirits of wickedness in heaven; Rejoice, you are strong and helpful to those who are weak in the temptations and misfortunes of this age. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.

Kontakion 5

A rich source of great miracles appeared in your temple in Khoneh; Not just because the great and terrible serpent, who abided in that place, consumed your power, but also the streams of water, healing every bodily ailment, opened up, and all of them called to the Lord of the Angels, who glorify you, with faith: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Hearing and leading you like a great light, shining in the midst of the faces of angels, wonderful Michael, we resort to you, according to God and the Most Holy Mother of God: illuminate with the rays of your light all of us, crying out to you: Rejoice, leader and guardian in the desert of God’s chosen people; Rejoice, high mediator of the law, given by the hand of Moses at Sinai. Rejoice, from the wicked judges and leaders of Israel you have found strength and protection; Rejoice, through the prophets and high priestess of Judaism the gift of knowledge from the Omniscient God was received. Rejoice, God-fearing lawgivers who provide secret wisdom; Rejoice, you place judgment and truth in the hearts of those who do good. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.

Kontakion 6

When I once saw Manoah, the herald of God's destinies, I was filled with bewilderment and fear, and thought that no one should live on earth; learned from his wife about the goodness of the appearance and the meekness of your words, in joy about the one who was born, according to your words, your son Sampson, cry out to God with gratitude: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

You shone with wonderful glory, Michael, when you stood in the form of humanity before Joshua, saying, “Take the boot off your foot, for I am the Archangel of the power of the Lord.” Wondering at your appearance, we cry out to you with love: Rejoice, vigilant guardian of the divinely crowned heads; Rejoice, you who resist the authorities, as those who resist God’s command are quick to destroy them. Rejoice, pacifier of popular unrest; Rejoice, invisible abolitionist of evil customs. Rejoice, for you enlighten those who doubt in the hour of fierce perplexity; Rejoice, for you snatch away those tempted from destructive obsessions. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.

Kontakion 7

Although the Lord of all things shows that the lot of the sons of men is not a matter of chance, but is contained in His Right Hand, having given you an intercessor and guardian for the kingdoms of the earth, and preparing tribes and peoples for the eternal Kingdom of God; For this reason, everyone who knows about your great service for human salvation calls out to God with gratitude: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

New miracles have been shown to us, Archangel, by you on earth, the Creator and Lord of all miracles, when the temple, created in your name, was wonderfully saved from being drowned by river waters; Seeing blessed Archippus with his spiritual children, he cried out to you in gratitude: Rejoice, indestructible fence of the holy temples of God; Rejoice, the enemy of the faith of Christ is an insurmountable barrier. Rejoice, for the elements obey His command; Rejoice, for through him all evil plans are crushed. Rejoice, you who bring joy from the Throne of the Almighty to the faithful; Rejoice, you who lead the unfaithful onto the path of righteousness and truth. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.

Kontakion 8

A strange miracle of your power, Archangel of God, was carried away by Habakkuk, when, by the mania of God, you captured him and brought him quickly from Judea to Babylon, to give food to Daniel, imprisoned in a den of lions; Moreover, being amazed at the great effect of your power, cry out with faith: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

You are all in the highest, Michael, standing before the Throne of the King of Glory, you are not far from the lower ones, fighting with the enemies of human salvation; the same with all the coveted Fatherland. Those who want to achieve heaven, according to you, call: Rejoice, director of the thrice-holy angelic singing; Rejoice, ever-ready representative and guardian of the earth-born. Rejoice, proud Pharaoh and the infidel Egyptians, striking strangely; Rejoice, faithful Jews, glorious guide in the desert. Rejoice, by whom the flame of the furnace of Babylon was extinguished; Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.

Kontakion 9

All the monks of the Holy Mount Athos came into joyful trepidation, seeing how God-fearing the youth was, furiously thrown into the depths of the sea with a stone from the wicked gold-lovers, you saved; In the same way, the monastery that has received him, admiring your name, gratefully calls out to the Lord: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The ornate verbs and wise meanings do not suffice to express your power, Michael, how in one night you smote a hundred and seventy and five thousand from the armies of the Assyrian king Sennacherib, so that others may be punished, do not blaspheme the Name of the Lord; We, honoring your holy zeal for the glory of the True God, joyfully call to you: Rejoice, invincible commander of the Orthodox armies; Rejoice, fear and overthrow of evil armies. Rejoice, planter of the right faith and worship of God; Rejoice, destroyer of soul-harming heresies and schisms. Rejoice, you who have strengthened the pious Maccabees many times on the battlefield; Rejoice, you who defeated the wicked leader of Antiochus Iliodor in the temple itself. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.

Kontakion 10

Be a strong helper to those who want to be saved, Archangel of God, deliver us and protect us from troubles and misfortunes, especially from our evil habits and sins, yes, thriving in faith, hope and love of Christ, with joy about your previous intercession to the Lord of Angels and men, grateful we call: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

You are a wall to a believer, Archangel of God, and a strong pillar in battle with enemies visible and invisible; For this reason, we deliver you from the snares of demons, with a grateful heart and mouth we call you to the sitsa: Rejoice, invincible opponent of the enemy of faith and the opponent of the Holy Church; Rejoice, tireless hastener of the humble proclaimer of the Gospel. Rejoice, enlighten those who sit in the darkness of evil with the light of the faith of Christ; Rejoice, instructing those fooled by false wisdom onto the path of truth and repentance. Rejoice, terrible avenger who swears the Name of God in vain; Rejoice, lightning-fast punisher of those who mock madness about the sacraments of the holy faith. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.

Kontakion 11

All singing of praise is overcome by the multitude of your miracles, Archangel of God, as you have accomplished the essence not only in heaven and on earth, but also in the dark halls of the underworld, where you bound the deep serpent with the bonds of the power of the Lord, so that those who are delivered from his malice will bless the Lord of heaven and earth, calling: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

The luminous servant of truth and purity of worship of God appeared to you, Archangel, when, foreseeing the machinations of the spirit of darkness, you forbade him in the Name of God, so that the hidden body of the deceased leader of Israel, Moses, would not dare to appear for deification as the sensual son of Israel; For this reason, now honoring your blessed council, we cry out to you with gratitude: Rejoice, you who preserved the purity of knowledge of God among the Jews in the days of the Old Testament; Rejoice, you who have many times eradicated the tares of error in the days of New Grace. Rejoice, destroyer of pagan soothsayers and idols; Rejoice, strengthener of Christian ascetics and passion-bearers. Rejoice, filling those who are weak in spirit with the power of God’s grace; Rejoice, thou who clothe those who are weak in the flesh with the whole armor of faith. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.

Kontakion 12

Ask for grace from God from Heaven for us, who sing in the glory of your all-honorable name, Michael, so that, overshadowed by your intercession, we will live in all piety and purity, until, until we are separated by death from the bonds of the flesh, we will be worthy to appear before the fiery Throne of the King of Glory and cry out from the faces of the angels: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing your manifold miracles, Michael, performed for our salvation, we pray to the Lord and Master of all, that the spirit of zeal for the glory of God, which is in you, will become scarce in us, who call you: Rejoice, faithful servants of God at the right time to the height of power supply beforehand; Rejoice, thou who invisibly cast down the impudent and unworthy from the heights of power and glory. Rejoice, on the last day you have brethren chosen from the four corners of the earth; Rejoice, even though sinners, like tares, will be given over to eternal fire by the voice of God. Rejoice, for Satan and his angels will be cast into the lake of fire forever; Rejoice, for the righteous will be more gloriously established in the abodes of the Heavenly Father. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.

Kontakion 13 (read three times)

O wonderful chief of Archangels and Angels, for your wonderful service to the salvation of the human race, accept from us the voice of praise and thanksgiving that is now raised to you and, as if filled with the power of God, cover us with your immaterial wing from all enemies, visible and invisible, so that the one glorified by you and glorified you Let us call to the Lord: Alleluia.

Ikos 1 (read again)

Like the angelic fiery faces of the primate, it is fitting that angelic bodies and tongues praise you, Michael; but until you admonish the disembodied with the verb, hear, even from human, especially grateful lips, the gray face: Rejoice, original star of the world; Rejoice, brighter light of truth and golden righteousness. Rejoice, first receiver of the rays of uncreated light in angelic celestials; Rejoice, chief of the angels. Rejoice, in him the glory of the Creative Hand shines most brightly; Rejoice, for in it are the cathedrals of all incorporeal beings. Rejoice, Michael, great Archangel, with all the Heavenly powers.

Kontakion 1 (also read again)

Prayers to Saint Archangel Michael

Holy and great Archangel of God Michael, the inscrutable and all-essential Trinity, the first primate of the Angels, the guardian and guardian of the human race, crushing with his army the head of the proud Denis in heaven and putting to shame his malice and deceit on earth! We resort to you with faith and we pray to you with love: be an indestructible shield and a strong shield for the Holy Church and our Orthodox Fatherland, protecting them with your lightning sword from all enemies, visible and invisible. Do not, O Archangel of God, forsake us through your help and intercession, who today glorify your holy name: behold, even though we are many sinners, we do not want to perish in our iniquities, but to turn to the Lord and be quickened by Him to do good deeds . Illuminate our minds with the light of God’s face, which shines on your lightning-like brow, so that we can understand that God’s will for us is good and perfect, and that we know all that it is fitting for us to do and that which we should despise and abandon. Strengthen our weak will and weak will with the grace of the Lord, so that, having established ourselves in the law of the Lord, we will cease to be dominated by earthly thoughts and the lusts of the flesh, carried away in the likeness of senseless children by the soon-to-perish beauties of this world, as if for the sake of the corruptible and earthly it is foolish to forget the eternal and heavenly. For all of these, ask us from above for the spirit of true repentance, unfeigned sadness for God and contrition for our sins, so that we may spend the remaining number of days of our temporary life not in pleasing our feelings and working with our passions, but in erasing the evils we have committed with tears of faith and contrition of heart, deeds of purity and holy deeds of mercy. When the hour of our end approaches, liberation from the bonds of this mortal body, do not leave us. Archangel of God, defenseless against the spirits of wickedness in heaven, accustomed to block the souls of mankind from rising to heaven, yes, protected by you, we will reach those glorious villages of paradise without stumbling, where there is no sorrow, no sighing, but endless life, and, being honored to see the bright face of the All-Blessed Lord and Master ours, falling with tears at His feet, let us exclaim in joy and tenderness: glory to Thee, our dearest Redeemer, Who for Thy great love for us, unworthy, was pleased to send Thy angels to serve our salvation! Amen.

Through the prayers of Archangel Michael, Lord Jesus Christ fulfill our petitions! (petition) But let it be not as we want, but as You, Lord, may Your will be done forever. Amen

Saint, Archangel of God Michael, Pray to God for the health of R.B.

List of names about health for reading the Akathist to the Archangel Michael

Fotin, Ekaterina, Sergius, Artemy, Ilia, Alla, Evgeniy, Olga, Marina, Yulia, Andrey, Vasily Ekaterina. Hieromonk Nicholas. Vitaly. Vassy. Anastasia. Tatiana. Elena. t.b.ml. Ariadne. Bishop Hilarion, Archpriest Michael, Archpriest Sergius, Abbot Nestor, Archpriest Peter, Priest Dimitri, Deacon Victor, altar boy Vladimir, Bol. Natalia, Ksenia, Fotinia, Vladislav, Galina, Olga, Sergius, rep. Daria Olga, Andrey, Priest Victor, Priest Alexander with relatives, Photinia, Vladimir, Rev. John, Vladislav, Sergius, Elena, Lyudmila, Anastasia, Photinia Anna, Oleg, Evgeniy, Zoya Natalya, Anatoly, Dionysius, Victoria, Ilya Olga, Roman , Igor, Raisa, Evgenia, Angelina Anna, Alevtina, Andrei Olga, Peter, Elena, Lyubov, Natalia, Yuri, Zoya Irina, Anatoly, Jr. Sofia, Dimitri, Nina, Galina, Larisa Elena, Vladimir, Feodor, Elizaveta, Igor Marina, Vitalia, rep. Mikhail, Jr. Ioanna, Evgenia, Vitaly, Lydia, Sergius Julia Vladislav Anatoly Olga Nina Irina Maria Vasily Vadim Irina Marina Nikita Natalia, Alexander, Nadezhda, Nadezhda, Irina Artemy, Anna, Olga, Elena Olga, Andrey, the youth Sophia Andrey, Valentina, Olga, Maria , Dimitry, George, Dimitry, Nikolai, Abbot Alexy, Priest Kirill, Irina, John, Nina, Evgenia, Natalia, Jr. Sergius Michael, Irina, Juliania, Eugene, Rev. Paul, Bishop Maximilian, Archpriest Sergius, Marina, Valery, Sergius, Anna, John, Olga, Mikhail, Jr. Juliania, Galina, Natalia, Bol. Catherine, Galina, Natalia Olga, Alexander, Victor, Vasily, Alexy, youth Alexander, Alla Alexy, Vladimir, Tamara, Alexandra, Ksenia, Alexey Seriously ill nun Arsenia Lyudmila and youth Anna Andrey, youth Valeria, father Michael, Tatiana , bol. Maria Natalia, Tatiana, Mikhail, Vyacheslav, Vladimir

Worthy to eat

It is worthy to eat as you truly bless Thee, the Mother of God, the Ever-Blessed and Most Immaculate and the Mother of our God. We magnify You, the most honorable Cherub and the most glorious without comparison Seraphim, who gave birth to God the Word without corruption, the real Mother of God.

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

Lord have mercy. (Thrice)

Through the prayers of the saints, our fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

On what occasions is the Akathist read?

Church leaders recommend resorting to the help of Akathist in situations:

Reading prayers is due to different motives.

During chanting it is possible to address saints or the Virgin Mary. It depends on the request with which you came to the higher heavenly powers.

The Mother of God in Orthodoxy is the most important saint. If you believe in her divine powers and persistently ask every day for your prayer to be fulfilled, then she will definitely hear it.

The saints are asked for improvements in material and physical terms.

Akathist by day of the week

Monday

The first day of the work week should begin with “public prayer.” It will set a good rhythm for starting work. The church hymn is dedicated to the Guardian Angel, he will look after you for all seven days. This way there will be fewer bad situations in your life.

He often directs the energy of the person under his care in the right direction so that he does not waste it on unnecessary things. At the discretion of the worshiper, you can read an akathist to Archangel Michael. The powers of this saint are enormous, he will exert an influence to save you from misfortunes that could not be predicted in advance.

Tuesday

On the second day of the week, you need to read a prayer to John the Baptist - the holy saint who grants repentance to a person.

In Ancient Rus', John the Baptist was revered. On his holiday, people dressed in the most beautiful outfits and went to celebrate this day on a grand scale.

His main admirers were peasants working the land. It was believed that the saint, with the proper attitude, rewards a person with an excellent harvest and fertile land. If there was a possibility that some natural disaster could destroy crops, they prayed to John the Baptist.

Nowadays farmers and gardeners use this rule.

Wednesday

Important! For Orthodox Christians, this is a fast day, when only fish, no meat, is allowed to be eaten. This tradition owes its appearance to the biblical story of how Judas betrayed Christ on the middle day of the week.

Prayers read on Wednesday - Akathist to the Mother of God, as well as to the Sweetest Jesus. On this day, expectant mothers ask the Virgin Mary for a good pregnancy, protection or healing of their children.

Thursday

On this day, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and the holy apostles are glorified.

The date is well suited for asking Nicholas the Wonderworker for health and recovery from any illness.

The apostles Peter and Paul are asked for advice in accomplishing difficult matters. If you are taking on something new, opening a business, going to work, or finding a craft in which you have not tried yourself before, then you need to pray to these apostles. Then success awaits you in all your endeavors.

Peter, according to biblical legends, is a fisherman. He is the patron of this business. Therefore, for a good catch, you should ask him for assistance. (see Spassky Cathedral of the Andronikov Monastery)

Friday

The fifth day of the week was of great importance in the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Bible says that this cruel act took place on Friday.

Today, in all church institutions of the country, chants are held on this day, glorifying the Life-giving Cross of the Lord.

Ordinary people can go to church or read the Akathist themselves, dedicated to the Honest and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord God. You are allowed to ask the shrine for protection from any troubles not only with the person praying, but also with his relatives. They read a prayer book to protect themselves from illnesses and evil forces manifested in envy, the evil eye or corruption.

Saturday

It is customary to devote the day before the weekend to the service of the Mother of God and some saints. People distracted from everyday work do other things. We advise you to take a little time before your classes to read the Akathist to the Queen of Heaven. If one of the saints is your guardian angel, then it is recommended to read a prayer to glorify him.

Note! On Saturday afternoon we must remember the departed and pray for their repose. Light a candle for the deceased in church or spend time at home reading the Akathist.

Resurrection

In the religious world, Sunday is the first day of the week. Any Orthodox Christian knows that on the seventh day of the week the Son of God, Jesus Christ, was resurrected.

Akathist of the Resurrection of Christ is the final stage of reading prayers in the week. A person thanks God for the successful accomplishment of affairs and prepares for new achievements.

Answers on questions

1. How can I pray by the hour if I work 8 hours a day?

Answer: The Book of Hours system suggests praying at any time during every three hours. And if you consider that even a complete sequence of daily prayers takes no more than 15 minutes, then it is quite possible to find time for this. In addition, there is a short version of these sequences that takes no more than 5 minutes (and in conjunction with the prayers of the meal).

2. Is it possible to skip some sequences?

Answer: If there is no time or energy to complete the Book of Hours, then it is omitted according to the principle - “Saturday is for man, and not man for Saturday.”

3. Is it possible to skip something in the sequences themselves? For example, there are three troparions to one saint.

Answer: If we talk specifically about troparia, it is assumed that the reader does not read all the proposed troparia, but chooses one from them in order to commemorate the day or saint.

4. Is it necessary to take a blessing to read the Book of Hours?

Answer: If by blessing we mean permission, then it is not necessary, for “hourly periods have long been observed by worshipers of God, spiritually recognizing them as times established and legalized for prayer” (St. Cyprian of Carthage).

5. Is it possible to read the prayers of the Book of Hours while sitting?

Answer: First of all, you don’t need to proofread anything. Prayer Hours should foster remembrance of God and God's economy, and not be a burden. As for the position of the body during prayer, although it influences our consciousness, it is not to such an extent as to have unconditional significance, and if it is not possible to stand before God physically, then this can be done at least spiritually.

6. What to do with morning and evening prayers from the prayer book? They are also required.

Answer: They began to be considered obligatory only in the 20th century, when, due to their appearance, the services of the daily cycle were forgotten. Upon careful examination of the morning prayers, one cannot help but notice that they schematically reproduce the Midnight Office with Matins, while the prayers for bedtime imitate Vespers with Compline. Therefore, the use of the Book of Hours makes the use of morning and evening prayers unnecessary. It is noteworthy that the ancient local Churches do not know the morning and evening rules of our prayer books.

7. Why did you replace the word “midnight” with “morning” in your prayer? Is it possible to change the prayers of saints?

Answer: It is not only possible, but also necessary if their content does not correspond to our circumstances. Look at the Doxology performed during the services of Vespers, Compline and Matins, and you will see that the words in it change depending on the time of day. In this regard, I would also like to draw attention to grammatical consistency when performing a particular prayer, when it is necessary to change the endings proposed in the rite in accordance with the one who performs them. In any case, when Rev. Mary of Egypt received communion, then she began to read the well-known prayer of Simeon the God-Receiver on her own behalf, saying: “Now, O Master, you let Thy servant go in peace, according to Thy word, for my eyes have seen Thy salvation.” And Rev. Zosima did not reproach her for allegedly distorting the prayer of not only the holy elder, but also our worship.

8. Can an unbaptized person pray these prayers hourly?

Answer: Maybe, but if he wants to become a member of the Church, then he should. In ancient times, those preparing to join the Church were required to attend all church services, with the exception of the Liturgy of the Faithful, for participation in general prayers and the reading of the Holy Scriptures. Scripture was one of the main conditions for accepting the Sacrament of Baptism.

9. How not to fall into spiritual delusion with such frequent prayer?

Answer: Firstly, you cannot fall into where you already are. From the moment of Adam’s deception, we all have been in delusion since birth. The deepening of this state does not depend on the frequency of prayer or its forms, but on the development of pride.

10. Is it possible to pray for hours by two or three?

Answer: In the Apostolic Constitutions (VIII, 34) we read: “If it is impossible to gather in church, then let each one sing psalms, read and pray alone, or in two or three; for where,” says the Lord, “two or three are gathered in My name, there I am in the midst of them.”

(Matt. 18:20).

11. Do you need to go to church services if you pray according to this Book of Hours?

Answer: The proposed Book of Hours is not intended to replace participation in public worship, but rather even to encourage general prayer meetings held in a church or chapel. In ancient times, Christians not only prayed hourly, but also sought to do it together. And it was even prescribed that these prayers should be performed in a conciliar manner, with the participation of the clergy, and in case of extreme necessity, allowing a deviation from this (see: Apostolic Constitutions. Book VIII, 34). The Egyptian Decrees and Canons of St. insist with particular strength and convincingness on the necessity and importance of church and public prayer. Hippolytus of Rome.

12. Our Church has a Typicon. Where is it written about this practice of prayer?

Answer: All along its length. They have long been accustomed to not paying any attention to instructions about the time of performing this or that service. Although about the very founder of the Typikon, which we still use today, Rev. A characteristic episode in this sense is told to Sava the Sanctified. One day, while in an audience with the emperor. Justinian, while he was discussing his petition with his quaestor, wishing to observe the time of daily worship, stepped aside and secretly began to perform the service of the third hour. And when his deacon reproached him for not paying attention to the king, he replied: “They, my son, are doing their job, and we must do ours.”

13. Did any of the ancient saints pray this way? Or is it modern modernism?

Answer: I will say more, none of the ancient saints performed prayers in the same way as we do. By the way, in Ancient Rus', every believer could and did perform all the services of the daily circle. So modern modernism is precisely the now widespread practice of prayer, which appeared quite recently by the standards of church history.

14. Didn’t you borrow this tradition from Catholics?

Answer: This is a tradition of the ancient Eastern Church, which is also preserved by Western Christians. 37th rule of St. Basil the Great obliges Christians to perform prayers at set times. And the justification for this is given there as follows: “At the sixth hour we recognized the need to pray in imitation of the saints who said: “Evening and morning and at noon I will pray and cry, and He will hear my voice” (Ps. 54:18); Moreover, in order to get rid of the attack and the midday demon, Psalm 90 is also read. The fact that we need the ninth hour for prayer was conveyed to us by the apostles themselves in the book of Acts, where it is narrated that “Peter and John went together to the temple at the ninth hour of prayer” (Acts 3:1). And at the end of the day, we need both thanksgiving for what was given to us on this day or was successfully accomplished by us, and confession of what we did not fulfill, whether our sin was voluntary or involuntary, or even secret, whether it consisted of words or in deeds or in the very heart - for everything we must appease God with prayer. For reviewing the past is very useful so that we do not fall into similar sins again, which is why it is said: “meditate in your hearts on your beds, and be quiet” (Ps. 4:5). Again, even when night falls, we must ask that our rest be undisturbed and free from dreams. And that we need midnight for prayer, Paul and Silas betrayed this, as the history of Acts says, saying: “About midnight Paul and Silas, praying, sang praises to God” (Acts 16:25). And the psalmist says: “At midnight I rose to praise You for Your righteous judgments” (Ps. 119:62). And again we need to get up for prayer, anticipating the morning, so that the day does not find us in sleep and on the bed, according to what was said: “My eyes anticipate the morning watch, so that I may delve deeper into Your word” (Ps. 119:148). And those who have decided to live carefully for the glory of God and His Christ should not neglect any of these times. I believe that the variety and diversity of prayers and psalmody at set hours is also useful for the reason that uniformity often leads the soul to some kind of indifference and distraction, and through the change and variety of psalmody and reading at every hour, its desire acquires new strength and sobriety is renewed.” .

15. If I am 5 minutes late, can I still read the hour service?

Answer: Of course, the divisions of time given in the Book of Hours are quite arbitrary and strongly depend on the geographic location of the person praying. Let's say, in the homeland of the church charter - Palestine, day is almost equal to night, but for those living in Russia, the time of sunrise and sunset is constantly changing. And if in summer we call sunrise 3-4 o’clock in the morning, then in winter this time is usually called not morning, but night. It follows that the time of the service can be determined by eye, as it was before, observing that Matins begins before dawn and ends at sunrise, and the sixth hour occurs when the sun is at its zenith, but since now everyone is accustomed to scheduling time in minutes (including the computer program must work according to a certain algorithm), then when determining the time of worship one must be guided by the simple symmetry of the parts of the day. Therefore, our Books of Hours do not give the exact time, but only the interval (2-3 hours) into which this or that service should be included.

16. Is it possible to shift the Book of Hours services forward or backward a couple of hours?

Answer: According to the Typikon, in some cases it is not only possible, but also necessary to shift certain services. For example, our Charter prescribes the Matins of Good Friday to be performed from 2 o’clock in the morning (in our opinion, from 20:00), and the Matins of Great Saturday to begin “at the 7th hour of the night” (i.e., around 1:00 am) . This can be done either because the services are very long and they must be completed by sunrise, or because their content corresponds to a different time.

17. What is the best way to start - read all the sequences at once or add one at a time?

Answer: At first, you can limit yourself to following a short Book of Hours, for it is better for beginners to read a little, but more often. By the way, a short Book of Hours is also useful for those who have limited time for prayer.

18. What is the best way to read the Clock - out loud or silently?

Answer: If no one is nearby, then it is better to perform an hour-long service out loud[1]. In general, praying out loud is characteristic of the soul performing psalmody on its own, for it has long been noticed that the lips close involuntarily only when the Holy Spirit influences it [2], and with the natural method of prayer it is possible to create with the voice the mood necessary for the soul: either more joyful, if she is overwhelmed by immoderate sadness, or more contrite if she suffers from insensibility. With all this, however, we must not forget that psalmody should be done in a quiet, barely audible voice in order to protect the mind from distraction[3].

19. Is it possible to raise hands during home prayer?

Answer: Due to the close connection of the body with the spirit and the influence of the former on the latter, bowing, standing, and raising hands are used. That’s why we read how ascetics, when praying, “fell on their faces” or “raised their hands to heaven”[4], thereby resisting the evil spirits.

Notes

[1] Rev. Barsanuphius and John. Guide to spiritual life. Rep. 74. P. 58., Rep. 90. P. 66.

[2] Blessed. Diadochos of Photius. Philokalia. T. 3. Ch. 73. p. 48.

[3] Theoliptus, Metropolitan. Philadelphian. Philokalia. T. 5. A Word about Hidden Work. Ch. 23. P. 173. Cf. St. Ignatius Brianchaninov. T. 2. P. 200.

[4] Rev. Isaac the Syrian. Ascetic words. Sl. 10. P. 49.

Rules for reading a prayer book

In order for God or the saints to hear you, you must adhere to the rules of reading the Akathist. This will help you establish a strong connection with the Heavenly forces and then they will quickly heed your requests.

We recommend that before you start praying on your own, go to the temple and listen carefully to how the Akathist is sung there.

Note! Any prayer must be read thoughtfully.

Reading the Akathist at home

Briefly describing the contents of the prayer book, we can say that it consists of large and small prayers. There are 25 poetic religious songs in total, from which it is necessary to isolate 12 kontakia headed by a long prayer, the rest of the prayers belong to ikos.

Kontakion is a brief retelling of the act of a saint or historical event, presented in a short poetic passage.

Ikos is a lengthy song dedicated to the praise of a specific saint.

But if you forget to say the opening prayer, this is not a mistake and does not lead to sin. If you are a believer and devote yourself to prayer with all your soul and sincerity, then the Mother of God or the Lord will definitely hear it.

Remember that strict canons are needed for clergy.

Let us conclude that the Akathist for the Orthodox world is a hymn, a glorification of all heavenly powers. In it you can find any saint you want to contact.

The main rule for reading the Akathist is a person’s own faith in God. Only with a competent attitude towards religious ritual is it possible to achieve the right result.

Source

How to correctly read the akathist to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

WHAT IS AKATHIST

An akathist is a song of praise or a solemn hymn that is written in honor of Christ, the Mother of God or a saint. It is read when addressing a specific saint, so that he can help in resolving some matters or simply for consolation. “ Unseated singing ” is how the akathist is translated from the ancient Greek language. And this translation means that you need to read or listen to the akathist while standing, you cannot sit, the only exceptions being sick people.
It is customary to read the akathist while standing facing the icon of the saint or event in whose name and honor the glorification is being performed. If you don’t have an icon, you can come to the temple and read the akathist here. If this is not possible, then it is quite acceptable to read the akathists while standing facing the east. The Lord Jesus Christ taught us to pray this way: “When you pray, go into your room and, having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:6).

The Holy Fathers explain these words this way: it doesn’t matter where a person prays, the main thing is that the prayer is in the heart.

The Akathist consists of different parts - kontakia and ikos. A kontakion is a short song that briefly describes a story or action that a saint performed. Ikos is also a song of praise, which more fully reveals the event that was sung in the previous kontakion. For example, the fifth ikos will talk about the same event as the fifth kontakion, but in more detail. Also, along with the reading of the akathist, troparia are read, which are similar to kontakia - this is also a small song of praise dedicated to saints or in honor of some event or holiday.

ORDER OF READING THE KATHIST

The order of reading akathists is the same as ordinary prayers - usually the initial prayers are read first (for example, as in the morning prayers according to “Our Father”), and then the akathist itself. You can combine the morning or evening rule with reading the akathist. In this case, there is no need to read the initial prayers a second time, and you can read the akathist after the prayers until the final prayer “It is worthy to eat.” But reading only one akathist will not be considered a mistake; the most important thing in reading an akathist, as well as in reading any other prayers, is sincere faith in God (more details in the articles on how to pray and learn to pray) and deep reverence for the saint to whom it is read Akathist

Complete rule for reading akathists:

Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee
Heavenly King, Comforter, Soul of truth, Who is everywhere and fulfills everything, Treasure of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Good One, souls ours. (From Easter to the Ascension, instead of this prayer we read: “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death upon death, and giving life to those in the tombs” (three times). From the Ascension to Trinity we do not read it at all.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times, with the sign of the cross and a bow from the waist.)
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse our sins; Master, forgive our iniquities; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name's sake.
Lord have mercy. (Three times)
.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father.
Come, let us worship the King our God. (Bow)
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King God. (Bow)
Come, let us bow and fall down to Christ Himself, the King and our God. (Bow)
Psalm 50.
Symbol of faith

Read the akathist After the akathist:

It is worthy to eat (From Easter to the Ascension, instead of this prayer, the chorus and irmos of the 9th song of the Paschal canon is read: And the
angel cries with more grace: Pure Virgin, rejoice! And again I say: rejoice! Your Son is risen three days from the grave and the air of death vignuvy; people, rejoice! Shine, shine, new Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord shines upon you. Rejoice now and rejoice, O Zion. But you, Pure One, rejoice, O Mother of God, about the rise of Your Nativity)
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lord have mercy. (Three times)
.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother, our reverend and God-bearing fathers, the saint (or the saints to whom the akathist was read, if to the Lord or the Mother of God, then we say nothing) and to all the saints, remember Love and save me, a sinner, for Good and Lover of Humanity. Amen. (If to the Cross - by the power of the Honest and Life-giving Cross, if to the Angels - by the Honest Heavenly Powers of the Ethereal)

Nicholas the Wonderworker is one of the most beloved saints in Russia. It is he who is often perceived as the prototype of Santa Claus or Father Frost - a fabulous white-bearded old man who distributes gifts for the New Year and Christmas. This is probably why many myths arise around his figure.

Sometimes you can come across a belief that if you pray to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker according to certain rules, you can quickly achieve the desired results, and reading the akathist for 40 days practically guarantees the fulfillment of desires. In fact, such a utilitarian approach is far from Christian ideas. The Lord, the Mother of God and the saints are not at all magicians who fulfill any person’s request if it is “formatted correctly,” and this is not what a person comes to Church for.

Orthodox Christians know that God sees everyone’s heart, and if a person comes for help and support, then his prayer will be heard. But our desires do not always coincide with what is best for our soul, and the Lord sees this too. When addressing our heavenly patrons, we must remember this. In all prayers to Nicholas the Pleasant, the theme of God’s granting of “peaceful life”, “forgiveness of sins”, “salvation for souls” sounds. It is the salvation of the soul that is the goal of a Christian.

But life consists of a series of events, there are many problems and difficulties in it, and therefore we hope for God’s help and ask the saints to lend us a hand of support “in all troubles and sorrows.”

There is no mandatory list of situations in which it is necessary to turn specifically to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, and believers pray to him in different cases. There is no strict rule about how many times and what kind of prayer must be read.

Moreover, you can not only read texts from the Prayer Book, but also talk about sorrows and needs in your own words. It is generally accepted that the saint never remains indifferent and asks the Lord for everyone who turns to him. In order for him to hear, there is no need to look for “the most powerful prayers.” You yourself need to try to act like a Christian, treat others with love and strive with all your soul to be with God.

The answer to the question of how to pray correctly - whether to Saint Nicholas or other saints - is very simple: you need to pray sincerely, with a pure heart and with deep faith. And don’t forget to thank – even for the smallest help.

What akathists are usually read?

The centuries-old Orthodox faith stores in its treasures many genres of chants, among which a special place is given to the akathist. Akathist is an ode of praise in honor of the Savior, the Most Holy Theotokos, the holy great martyrs and archangels.

Translated from Greek, “akathist” means “unsaddled song,” therefore chants of praise and thanksgiving are performed standing. The peculiarity of the “people’s prayer,” as the akathist is often called by Orthodox Christians, is that parishioners can take part in the service in the church.

Some lay people, not being able to attend church every day, read akathists at home. Reading an ode of praise and gratitude at home does not require special preparation or adherence to any conventions. The main thing is sincerity and openness when turning to the Savior, the Most Holy Theotokos and the saints. It is better to carry out this ritual in solitude, moving away from mortal thoughts and worldly affairs.

Any akathist consists of 25 short songs (13 kontakia and 12 ikos), distinguished by light syllables and deep meaning. The first 12 kontakia and 12 ikos are read alternately, the last odd kontakion is read three times with bows. Then you need to repeat the first ikos and the first kontakion. The ritual of singing praise and gratitude ends with the reading of the prayer located in the akathist book at the end of each akathist.

In case of any difficulties and adversities in life, in case of loss of faith, Orthodox Christians turn with prayers to the Savior, the Most Holy Theotokos and the saints, asking for help and protection. With each day of the week, called week, the Orthodox Church connects special memories. According to this church charter, there is a certain range of weekly services, including the reading of akathists at home.

On Sunday

Sunday is considered the first day of the week, when Christian believers remember and glorify the Resurrection of Christ; accordingly, on this day it is customary to carry out a ritual of singing praise and gratitude to the Resurrection of Christ.

Reading the akathist of the Resurrection of Christ, the person praying wants to fill his heart with love, change and change his life so that peace and harmony settle in his soul.

Monday

Monday morning should begin with reading the “people's prayer” to the Guardian Angel, who protects from troubles and misfortunes, warns against sin and temptation, helps to take the righteous path and gain faith in one’s strength.

Also on this day you can perform a ritual of singing songs of praise, praying to Archangel Michael. As it is said in church tradition, Archangel Michael was sent by the Lord to Christians to provide assistance in various troubles, needs and suffering.

Tuesday

On Tuesday, in morning prayer at home, Orthodox Christians glorify the holy saint John the Baptist. An akathist is read to the holy Forerunner of the Lord John, asking for the gift of a feeling of repentance.

During the times of Rus', odes of praise and gratitude to the Forerunner of the Lord John were sung during the consecration of the beekeeper, as well as in prayers for the protection and patronage of crops and fertility.

Wednesday

The middle of the week is considered a fast day, when the prayers of the clergy remember the betrayal of Jesus Christ by Judas and services are held in churches in the name of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord. On this day you need to read an akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos and an akathist to the Sweetest Jesus.

In a ritual chant addressed to the Most Holy Theotokos, the prayer asks for protection from sinful thoughts, temptations and passions, grace and protection over children, help in childbirth, healing from mental and physical ailments.

Thursday

On Thursdays, in churches and at home, Orthodox Christians glorify the holy apostles and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The Akathist to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, according to church canons, is allowed to be read for all needs, especially when asking for miraculous healing from ailments of the soul and body.

Performing the ritual of singing thanksgiving and glorifying the holy Supreme Apostles Peter and Paul, the prayer asks for help in overcoming various everyday problems and starting new things. The Apostle Peter is the patron saint of fishermen, so many Christians turn in their prayers asking for good luck in fishing.

Friday

On this day it is customary to remember the sufferings of the cross and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. On Fridays, a service is held in the Orthodox Church in honor of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord. Having retired and withdrawn from worldly affairs, Christian believers read the Akathist to the Passion of the Lord and the Akathist to the Honorable and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, asking for grace and protection from troubles and sorrows, mental and physical illnesses, the evil eye and damage, evil and various dangers.

Saturday

On Saturday, the Mother of God and the saints are glorified. In their home prayers, Orthodox Christians sing an ode of praise to the Most Holy Theotokos and an akathist to all the saints from the ages who have pleased God.

Also on this day, all those who died in true faith and hope are remembered; at home you can read an akathist about the repose of the departed.

Akathists by agreement

Peace be with you, dear visitors of the Orthodox website “Family and Faith”!

Many of you participate in conciliar prayer by agreement, joining the common prayer at home, which unites many, many people!

to overestimate the power of congregational prayer, for you and I offer a common prayer, following the direct advice of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who, during His earthly sermon, said the following words:

“Truly I also say to you that if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.” (Matt. 18:19).

Believing in the immutable words of the Savior, many people since ancient Christian times agreed to common prayer. Christians still agree (join) this conciliar prayer, reaping the abundant fruits of common prayer.

And kafistas by agreement are a continuation and main addition of Prayers by agreement, aggravating (strengthening) the home prayer rule.

Akathist reading schedule by agreement

Eight akathists are proposed for general reading, which will be read once a week .

Choose an akathist based on your everyday needs.

restrictions on reading akathists. That is, you can join the general conciliar reading of 3, 4 or all 8 akathists at once.

And read the kafistas at the time indicated below. But if you are unable to read the akathist at the specified time, you can add it to the evening prayer rule.

In order to join the Akathists by agreement, select the section you need:

When we pray	To whom we pray	What we pray for
Mondayat 20:00	Mother of God in front of Her image “KAZAN”	About creating a family. Marriage. About raising children.
Tuesdayat 20:00	Saints of Murom, Wonderworkers PETER and FEVRONIYA	About peace and love in the family. About family well-being
Wednesday 20:00	Mother of God in front of Her image “UNEXPECTED JOY”	About the gift of children and the joy of motherhood. About joy in spiritual life.
Thursdayat 20:00	To the saint of Christ and the Wonderworker NICHOLAS	About the gift of work. For material needs. For buying and selling. About travelers. For various needs.
Fridayat 20:00	Great Martyr and Healer PANTELEMON	About healing various diseases. About the health of soul and body.
Saturday 20:30	Saint and Wonderworker SPIRIDON	On resolving financial difficulties. About work. About a successful purchase and sale.
Saturdayat 20:00	Mother of God in front of Her image “INEXHAUSTABLE CHALICE”	About those suffering from drunkenness, drug addiction and gambling addiction.
Sunday 20:00	Holy Righteous Blessed Elder MATRONA	About help with family problems and all everyday needs.

May the Lord fulfill our requests for the benefit of the salvation of our immortal soul!

Meaning

The name of the hymns means “unsaddled,” that is, sung or read strictly while standing.

History of origin

It is believed that the first chant of this kind was the so-called Great, addressed to the Mother of God. It was created, according to most church historians, in the 6th century, and the author of the hymn, most likely, was St. Roman Sladkopevets. The presence in its content of many songs dedicated to the Annunciation and the Nativity of Christ suggests that this work was originally intended to be sung during these church celebrations. However, something different happened:

The inexplicable happened: the enemy fleet was swept away by the storm, after which the opponents fled in shame. Thus, this hymn to the Mother of God, which for a long time was the only one, appeared in liturgical use.

Only several centuries later the word began to mean not just one hymn, but a whole genre of church works written on the model of the first, Great.

In Russia

From the middle of the 15th century. among the Greeks this genre begins to fade away. But in the Russian Church, on the contrary, he gained popularity. Moreover, the akathist is distributed among monastics. The monks sing hymns daily. This is how their collections appear for the first time, where a schedule of hymns is given for the days of the week.

However, until the 16th century. in Rus' only chants translated from Greek are known. But around 1522, the Belarusian spiritual writer, publisher, Francis Skaryna created original akathists to Christ and St. John the Baptist, written on the model of the chants “Cyr of Isidore” of Constantinople. Since the 17th century hymns appear dedicated to Russian saints, most often St. Sergius of Radonezh. It is believed that the first of them was written by the spiritual writer, Prince S.I. Shakhovsky.

The church genre experienced a special flourishing in the 18th-19th centuries, when akathists were written by clergy and laity. By 1901, there were 157 published hymns alone, with almost 300 texts not approved for church use. Many anthems appeared during the persecutions of the Soviet era. Now, with the closure of most churches, they have become part of the cell prayer rule of many Orthodox Christians.

Akathist to the Holy Guardian Angel

A҆káѳїst st҃ómꙋ а҆́гг҃лꙋ to the custodian.

Kontak a҃.

The chosen one is in the custody of my soul and body, stgayy agggale, I dare to praise you, your unworthy servant: you, Let us be daring towards the kingdom of the world, against all troubles and sorrows, against the enemy of the visible and the invisible, protection, call now:

I'm glad, where is my keeper?

І҆́коъ а҃.

Agg҃le st҃yy, sent from nb҃syo, in order to keep me and guide throughout my life, I pray that you yourself will instruct and guide me I begin with heartfelt love and heartfelt songs of praise:

Gladly, to the representative of my ᲂу҆ prest҃ýѧ trⷪ҇tsy: gladꙋysѧ, kings of the bodiless warrior.

Radꙋysѧ gdⷭ҇a of the dominant ones nbⷭ҇ny word: radꙋysѧ, ᲂу҆́мнхъ and insubstantial words ꙋ́гъ є҆гѡ̀ to a cohabitant.

I am glad to create the will of my lord: I am glad to accept God’s command and the power to preserve my life.

Gladly, never change me, sinner: gladly, please forgive me, unworthy.

Glad, keep my mind on all my things: glad, keep my mind on all my good things.

I'm glad, I'm glad, I'm glad, my mentor.

I'm glad, where is my keeper?

Kondak v҃.

Having seen the human-loving place, in honor of the sin of our forefather Akdam, all people should bow down to sin , according to his ineffable mlⷭ҇ti, he sent a guardian to the whole earth. and fulfilling the commandment of your lords, stgі́i a҆́gg҃li are always ready to help us, who sing every year: A҆llilꙋ ́їа.

Ikos v҃.

Razꙋmꙋ my ҆ ҆ ҆ ҆ ҆ ҆ ҆ ҆ ҆ggg҃le, and possible to know, that ҆ ҆ ҆ ҆ ҆ ᲂ ᲂh ᲂh ᲂu ҆ is committed, and also the seorders, also do it. Ty Yu҆̀, you kept you, my ̀ ̀ not the elderly

Joyful, inflamed my heart with love for God, my creator: joyful, excited for every day and every hour to bring it We are sorry, sorry and thank you.

Glad, we are the guardians of the faith, fear of where my dear home and citizen are: glad, all my thoughts to the savior of aspirations for the sins of the world.

Joy, suffering and death on the cross in my memory are ahead: joy, memories of the passions where we observed them whatever.

Gladly, thank you from above, please ask for my guidance: gladly, please on the right side Here and with humble hearts, mercifully look upon the Lord, and trust in the world.

I'm happy, I'm thinking about you everywhere: I'm happy, I'm happy, I'm always happy I present to you.

I am glad, mlⷭ҇rdїm є҆гѡ̀ to the repentant sinners, my heart is ᲂу҆тѣшаѧй: мⷭ҇рдїм є҆гѡ̀ to the repentant sinners Tough and unrevealing to my dear.

I'm glad, where is my keeper?

Kontak g.

The strength of the Bzhⷭ҇tvenny blgⷣti and to ask me, the keeper of my agggale, in the same way, it is not a clone and it is not a stumbling block to walk in a special place. These are the commandments, and with our hearts and souls we should constantly glorify everything and our God and sing: Ahillilꙋ́їa.

І҆́съг҃.

And my mother, chosen by God as my patron, like the bright dawn, enlightening the darkness of my heart and dispersing the darkness of my heart I don’t know my love: for today’s sake, with love, I pray for you, and with all my feelings, darkened passion, and love Well, don't wait for me dark sinners. Most of all, I sing praise to your lordship:

Gladly, the never-evening light, the three-year-old bzhⷭ҇tva has risen and I’m out of the picture: gladly, pres. faded, darkened by the sin of the heart, which is very important.

Please, please direct me to the true direction in the dark of the lawless misunderstanding: please, please, offer me a replacement This is where the mirror is for my whole life.

Please, you set the law for me, and the lamp of my feet and light my paths: please, please. the words of є҆ѵⷢ҇лїа хрⷭ҇tova in sweetness after the tea.

I'm glad, I'm glad ꙋйсѧ, ꙗ҆́кѡ in obedience to the ᲂу҆stáвѡм st҃ы́ѧ ср҃ква ᲂу҆крѣплѧ́еш́йш́.

Please, please, follow the rules and instructions from us: Please, please As in the confession of the Orthodox faith, we confirm our faith.

I am glad, for this confession and I am ready to die: I am glad: I am glad, I am ready for death and We are forbidden to communicate with each other and the true church.

I'm glad, where is my keeper?

Kontak d҃.

The world's sea is shrinking my holy ship with the waves of the world's cares, and the world is shacking up my soul. ѧ, and where is the quiet haven of sleep; However, I place my hopes on this, the guardian of my agggale, the premise of the helmsman in the mental battles, see the loving places, I sing gratefully to my ꙋ̀: A҆llilꙋ́їa.

Ikos d҃.

Hearing and seeing this, my strong guardian, the gods of heaven do not dare to approach your most holy This is the hardest and most important package for children. Now, for the sake of humility, I pray to you, do not blame me for my intemperance, but in the presence of those trappings and intrigues, observe me, with Let's use the verb:

Glad, with the strong blood of your krill and covering: glad, cross me with the flaming sword in the future ѡ҆polchaѧysѧ.

Gladly, against the prince of darkness in the war of helping me: gladly, lso the victors of helping me.

Happy, ignorant of men and women, like birds of prey: happy, in the best way possible To know life, like the foxes.

Gladly, I know those on our heart and my heart is attacked by: gladly, generated by and by, pride and ҆ hatred, and ҆ from my heart and ҆ргаѧй.

Joy, envy, and other thoughts of my passing: joy, in my opinion, with the sign of the cross to myself Protect the welfare of the world.

Glad, on this day and Vasiliysk this heavenly time is upon us: glad, and on our invincible day Against all my enemies.

I'm glad, where is my keeper?

Kontakion є҃.

The most merciful and merciful star, who led the ancient magus in the worship of the savior of the world born in Violet, I dare Please be like my dear guardian: I pray for your right hand and your light-bearing ones. He is in the mountain violem, in the new kingdom, and there from the face of the arkhagggl And we are honored to sing the praises of the Most Holy Kingdom of Glory: Allil.

Ikos є҃.

You see that the contents of the night are covered with gloomy and dark cloud of passions, as a guardian of my life, don’t be bitter, don’t leave me. , but imitating my long-suffering savior, wait until the sources of tears come out ъ on our own dirt. I humbly pray to you and say:

Please, please bring your sinful prayers to me, please place a fragrant censer before them: please, In the event of petitions, you are before my creator and I will help you.

Please, please, the angry one, driven by the world, with your representation you turn: please, please, please everyone Where are the taxes that are more forgiven than I know for my children?

Gladly, you have mercy on your goodness, may you not harm me with my iniquities: gladly, I’ll never cease I have lost my love, may I give you time to fix it.

I'm glad you're looking forward to spending all the days of my life in the meantime: I'm glad you're waiting for me to fulfill my wishes, yes I apologize to you for all my sins.

I'm glad, you are welcome at all times to mentally test yourself and in my sins and confessions: I'm glad Yes, you put into my heart the shortest and most sorrow for the wrath of my most blessed god.

Gladly, we are waiting for you to cry for my bad and nasty life: joyful, luminous and incessant progress I sleep with you.

I'm glad, where is my keeper?

Kontakion ѕ҃.

I preach with great voice your goodness, the guardian of my agggale, my sinner, my care: in sorrows and misfortunes, even in With this many things, the world sees peace with my soul, you are a quick helper for me, it pleases me to which all things are sent down by the creator, and also medicine against my recent weeks, and in accordance with the blessed one, the doctor chants: A҆llilꙋ́їa.

Ikos ѕ҃.

All things come to life in my soul, darkened by sorrow and grief, the blessing of God is greater, and my heart is full. There is merriment and joy, always yours, st҃yy a҆́gg҃le, instructions are excited, I dare to be a publican, cry out to the generous Yes, may he be merciful and forgive me my sins. do not remain silent, my mentor, at the same time, call your mother:

Glad, helping me to bear with love: glad, in troubles and disasters ᲂу҆пованїм on gdⷭ҇a bg҃a ᲂу҆крѣплѧ́ѧй mѧ̀.

Joy, sadness and pain must be overcome in every way: joy, all sadness and everything else my heart is agonizing.

Glad, against the enemy, in the network, catch what you want, brothers, wait for the world: glad, words and words Well, everyone wants to live a pious life, drive them away, believe in the hope of the world.

Gladly, we endure and endure hardships in the future: gladly, on the face of the earth and As a confessor, for the preservation of the blood of all those who labored before the expiration of blood, in this regard, we show it.

Glad, sufferers, and where are you from? In my opinion: glad, hopeful. Now reward my heart with joy.

Gladly, with all joyful expectation of eternal blessings for my life: gladly, blessedly and dearly my dear Itel.

I'm glad, where is my keeper?

Kontakion z҃.

Although it is a blessing to all people, the most merciful creator of my messenger, and his lord, is faithful to my guard and does good in throughout my life, and everywhere you help me with your inspiration, protect against the wiles of the devil and prepare for good deeds Let us go with the wise maidens to the new palace , with a bright song: A҆llilꙋ́їа.

Ikos z҃.

I now show the goodness of where I belong and my influence on me is unnecessary and, above all, the most sinful servant of my own: I despise my love and t He has not lost his vengeance with my iniquities even to this day and hour, but he is long-suffering with me, mercifully awaiting my conversion and heartfelt . By faith, my blessed guardian, in your presence before God, through intercession, we have hitherto preserved your love: also, love for you O ascetic, I cry:

Radvoysѧ, ꙗ҆́кѡ ѡ҆бꙋrevayasѧ in the sea of life today and the final drowning of the observance: radꙋysѧ, ꙗ҆́кѡ and Because of my iniquity, I am deprived of your help.

Gladly, ꙗ҆́кѡ sinful dream dꙋmy harmful years of ѿрѧссеш: үradꙋyсѧ, ꙗ҆́кѡ ᲂу҆́мъ my, ѡ҆darkened not We are careless, and with your bright presence we are ignorant.

I'm glad, it's cold and not in the slightest, my deepest heart is helping me with your igniting prayers: I'm glad, I'm glad I'm glad, I'm glad I'm glad, I'm glad I'm glad, I'm glad I'm glad I'm glad You will restore this dream.

Glad, in the mood, tune my voice to the songs of songs, and it is also worthy and righteous to praise the creator of everything: rejoice ѧ, I hope you want to glorify where I am, not just with my mind, but also with my heart.

Gladly, for the fulfillment of the will of the Lord, you are looking forward to: gladly, selfishly and literally I wish I could help you.

I'm glad, I sincerely wish you: I'm glad, I'm glad In the same way, in childhood and in the elderly, kindness is granted to me by intercessions.

I'm glad, where is my keeper?

Kontak and.

He is a stranger and a stranger on this earth: my life is short and short-lived: and yet, likewise, death is unknown in this world never I will accept, I will not even think about this terrible thing, in any case, I will present myself and give it to you in all matters. In the word. I also pray to you, my guardian, that my sins will soon return to sleep, so that the hour of uncorrected death will not befall me and may I be blessed And ask for the mercy of all my lawless forgivers and sing in the voice of joy: A҆llilꙋїа.

І҆́коь и҃.

Wherever and when my creator destined me to cease my life today, you, my good guardian, have foreseen the evil ones. Messengers, children of evil and unrepentant sinners prepared and waiting, cover me with your merciful wings, The chicks are their own, and they always disappear and change. my dear, yes, I see a fierce enemy approaching me and chasing me. I hereby pray with all my heart:

I'm glad, my bitter and terrible hour of death representation: I'm glad, it's inevitable, vkꙋ́p And the unknown hour of that dream reminds me.

Gladly, for every day, and for the rest of my life, look at my point of view: gladly, for all time during the preparation process.

Joyful, dear, sweet and heartfelt is born in me: joyful, dearly wished for me, and at the end of my days I'll repent.

Glad, love the world and forbidden in the world: glad, addiction to corruptible wealth and from my heart and help eradicate.

Glad, all the blessings of earth are temporary and fleeting, we are showing: glad, happy, all the red world of today. It is similar to the village, similar to the other world.

Glad, glory be to the people, and those who are transitory, look for the forbidden me: glad, beggar, and the glory of the imperishable in the future We will eventually collect the compensation.

I'm glad, where is my keeper?

Kontakion ѳ҃.

All the sins are present in this life and my whole life flows in many ways as we fly towards the end: the enemy of my aspirations yutsѧ on the mѧ̀, and also poѧ́ti mѧ̀ and҆ nizrinꙋti in the depths of the binꙋ̀ a҆́dovꙋ. I also pray to you, my blessed guardian, to be my protector, so that my mothers may go through the cruel ordeal, and bring me safely to the gates bⷭ҇агѡ црⷭ҇твїѧ, and where the faces of joy and joy greet those who exclaim: А҆лілілїя.

Ikos ѳ҃.

The ancient language cannot create anything, but it has already created me, my guardian, in all my life: for the most part I washed mine at the time of baptism, kept it in my infancy, and taught and kept it in my childhood. ѣ, complied with my intentions towards sins in growing up to the age of six, he instructed him, when he came to age, he kept him for all my children, even to old age, We always help and guide you to sleep. Now, for the sake of gratitude:

Gladly, you will never deprive me of your help and stagnation: gladly, you will never again deprive me of your help and struggle for thanksgiving Nyu where, ᲂу҆крѣплѧ́ушагѡ forces of the moѧ̑.

Gladly, we are happy to begin some day with your love for everyone: glad, we forbid you to let us all Good luck to the Provider, be bold enough to begin with yourself.

I'm glad, I'm so self-confident and from my heart I'm glad I'm happy, I'm glad I'm in the sweetest place where I am And ҃sa хрⷭ҇та̀ ᲂу҆сты̀ continuously pronounce and ҆ in ᲂу҆мѣ̀ keep waiting.

Gladly, please, at all times, it is important to know and understand things in a language that we share: gladly, please Idle talk, verbosity, and, moreover, the blasphemy of the government.

I'm glad, I'm happy, I'm glad I'm happy, I'm happy, I'm glad I'm abstaining I don’t use it in food and drink when baking.

I'm glad, I'm glad I have a place to keep my enemy, I want to search for my sleepy dreams, I'm happy: I'm glad I'm happy, I'm happy What do you mean by lustful aspirations and in my opinion, I am completely ashamed of you.

I'm glad, where is my keeper?

Kontakion і҃.

Thank you all for your coming, my dearest, with compassion I pray to you, your darling forgive me for the multitude and immensity , bowed at this point by the sincere prayers of your immaterial servant, whom I have assigned to you from infancy, my beloved member, guardian: yes worthy to enter the palace of glory sing to yours and from the spirit of the righteous: Aillilah.

Ikos і҃.

The wall is solid in our dreams, against our cunning, evil enemies, and our eternal ones. the destruction of my soul and the weakening of my soul through laziness and self-forgetfulness. I pray to you, my guardian, that through your intercession I will be honored, at the end of my life and my body, I will be a partaker of the supreme body and From the blood of my savior, yes, strengthening everything with this imperishable food and life-giving drink, fearlessly pass through and the world, chanting, my benefactor :

Radꙋysѧ, ꙗ҆́кѡ is given the power and strength of the demonic attack on the world: Radꙋйсѧ, ꙗ҆́кѡ prїѧ́l є I have the strength to defeat my invisible enemies.

Gladly, ꙗ҆́кѡ ѿ all the evils and wiles of the devil can get rid of mѧ̀: radꙋysѧ, ꙗ҆́кѡ of the bitter tax collectors statv chief, lyutagѡ mїroderzhtsa attacker ѿ menє̀ ѿrevаеshi.

I am glad, my dear, blessed by your presence, and I hope for my mother that in the hour of death there will be no fear in the gloomy faces of the world Please: I am glad that you are guarding me so that I can safely pass through the air of ordeal.

I'm glad, strengthened by your help, I hope I don't hold the gates of heaven, I desire: glad Yes, your representation for me is stronger than before God, and I am no longer committed to being in that place.

Glad, in the future, you will have mercy on us with tears until the end, and we will rid ourselves of hell: glad Yes, please wait until day and night to pray, so that the devil will not be sent from the demons.

Glad, my dear leader and my friend: glad, my strong protector and first aider.

I'm glad, where is my keeper?

Kontak agi.

This song, and also my heart, that brought to my guardian, we are not happy with it. My heartfelt gratitude for all the blessings I created and you do not stop creating even to this day and hour: but also I pray to you You are with us, the Creator, and have mercy on us, and in the worst case, we will spare our parts and help with all things. Let’s chant it: A҆llilꙋ́їa.

І҆́съ а҃і.

My lamp is extinguished, but there are good things to do, in other words, there is no place for me: and where is it? the dream, the dream of sin and aggravation, when suddenly it will be midnight, the hour of my death; but don’t hear the groom’s threatening voice: don’t know the same. Help me, my indispensable guardian, to fill my soul’s juices with good deeds, especially mlⷭ҇rdїѧ and humility. Now let me say this:

I'm glad you're here and I'm glad you're here: I'm glad I love you, the commandment of love for him, I'm glad mꙋ, in my heart it is new.

Rejoice, love the creator, we all love you, and with all our thoughts we wish you well: rejoice, and to your neighbors and My sincere love must be constantly reminded.

Gladly, love them not in words or language, but in deeds and in truth, according to Chacha: gladly, in all our lives and in all our lives help my desire with moisture.

Rejoice, to help those who mourn, to stop the sorrow of those who are loved by them, instructions: rejoice, to remember your own deeds To the poor and the poor, my heart bows.

Gladly, and let me, according to the commandment of the Savior, put aside your other preparations to be excited: gladly, close your chess My brother, I have not yet seen the sins of my brother.

I'm glad, don't stop me from waiting for someone who has committed the sins of my neighbor: I'm glad, I forbid you from taking any action my dear minion.

I'm glad, where is my keeper?

Kontakion v҃і.

This blessing is given to the omnipotent God of my patron, so keep me for all my treasures, but not a stone where temptation will stumble my foot, until I imagine the Lord of God, and all the forces are calling out : A҆llilꙋ́їа.

І҆́́съ в҃і.

I sing your venerable mlⷭ҇рдїе and much condescension, fast-moving ᲂу҆́me, ethereal syllable gdⷭ҇en: ꙗ҆́кѡ are not guilty of our sins ѧ my stench and do not cease to bring ѡ҆ to me, unneeded, st҃ы̑ѧ your milk to the most important ꙋ prⷭ҇tolꙋ three postsnagѡ bga, I will not perish forever, but the kingdom will not be inherited . Thank you for the sake of my precious treasures brought by your song:

I'm glad I remember the memories of the great people: I'm happy I'm glad I'm sorry My dear, and my bride, on the occasion of the beautiful groom, please prepare for your wedding.

Gladly, dearly, you are worthy to create a bridal chamber: gladly, dearly, worthy of me Let me light the lamp for my dear daughter, and with the wise maidens, the daughters of the lords, enter into the world.

Gladly, my sinful hopes, please wait for me: gladly, joyfully, in the guise of integrity and purity Brilliant ways of eating.

Please, please accept your petitions, and on this terrible day, we will comply with this article: glad, please Let us pray for your kindness, that the face of your chosen ones may be counted among us.

Gladly, you strive for peace with your cohabitants, may you unite with them in your own heart: rejoice , kind and cheerful to my guardian.

Glad, warm to me, sinful, childish and blessed representative: glad, according to the past and the past, the strong one my own.

I'm glad, where is my keeper?

Kontakion ggi.

Ѽ, most glorious and ҆ ᲂу҆́мный зѣ́́́й, а҆́г҃ле бж҃й. Let us thank you and pray for you, and when and for the mothers of the earth to rise from the earth, then show your mlⷭ҇rdї on me, sin ѣм: appear close to me, quiet and joyful, hope of salvation from my fear, and in the villages of paradise you will be blessed with you forever and ever sing the praises of the eternal kingdom of glory: A҆llilїa.

This kontakion was spoken three times, therefore a҃-y і҆́́съ and ҆а҃-й kondakʹ.

І҆́коъ а҃.

Agg҃le st҃yy, sent from nb҃syo, in order to keep me and guide throughout my life, I pray that you yourself will instruct and guide me I begin with heartfelt love and heartfelt songs of praise:

Gladly, to the representative of my ᲂу҆ prest҃ýѧ trⷪ҇tsy: gladꙋysѧ, kings of the bodiless warrior.

Radꙋysѧ gdⷭ҇a of the dominant ones nbⷭ҇ny word: radꙋysѧ, ᲂу҆́мнхъ and insubstantial words ꙋ́гъ є҆гѡ̀ to a cohabitant.

I am glad to create the will of my lord: I am glad to accept God’s command and the power to preserve my life.

Gladly, never change me, sinner: gladly, please forgive me, unworthy.

Glad, keep my mind on all my things: glad, keep my mind on all my good things.

I'm glad, I'm glad, I'm glad, my mentor.

I'm glad, where is my keeper?

Kontak a҃.

I'm glad, where is my keeper?

Prayer.

Yes, my dear guardian and patron! With a constricted heart and a painful future I stand before you, praying: “Hear me, the sin of your servant (i҆mⷬ҇k), with a cry of joy We cry and weep bitterly: I will not remember my lawlessness and untruth, and at the same time, I will not remember this angry, angry thing all day and all hours. , and disgusting to yourself I create before our creator: I am mlⷭ҇rd and I don’t worry about the bad things even until the end of my life: I wake up from sleep The rest of my life will pass without blemish and create fruits worthy of death, much less mortal falls. observe sins, May I not perish in the end and may the enemy not be pleased with my destruction. We are truly a representative, a protector and a champion, like you, like you ́gg҃le: there is a future ahead, prayer for me is unnecessary and above all the worst sins, let it not be taken away from my soul ̀ on the day of my accident and on the day creators of the world. Do not cease to be merciful in offering my God and God, so that the sins of mine may be forgiven in all things. about my life, about my business, about my words and about all my feelings, and about my happiness and peace: may He punish me here in its indescribable way mlⷭ҇ti, but no To discriminate and does not allow me to bring it in my own impartial sense: let me bring it for now, and let me bring it for now, and let me bring it for now. Your spiritual communion is worthy of honor, and this is what I pray for, and this is the gift I wish with all my heart. At the terrible hour of death, there is no need for me, my good guardian, to drive away the dark demons that will be afraid of me. My love: to protect the world and those caught, when and when mothers pass through the air ordeal, may we protect you from reaching peace lust after the faces of the mountains and the mountains the forces constantly praise the all-honest and great image in the world of glory, and in the world, and in the world. honor and worship are due forever and ever. Amen.

Anthem structure

All akathists are written according to the model of the Great, consisting of 24 kontakia and ikos. That's how many letters there are in the Greek alphabet. With each of them, in order, each chant began. In translated texts, this rule, of course, is not observed, although the number of chants remains the same.

St. Roman Sladkopevets

The names of the parts of the akathist are Greek. Kontakion was originally a scroll or stick on which it was wound for convenience. Therefore, many assume that the kontakia during early Byzantium were significantly larger than the current ones. "Ikos" is translated as "house".

Each pair of kontakion and ikos is united by a common theme. But the first reveals its content briefly, and the second - more extensively. Ikos always consists of 12 “hairetisms” (“haire” - “rejoice”), dedicated to a saint or holiday.

The hymn ends with another special kontakion, containing a special prayer to Christ, the Mother of God or the saint of God, after which first 1 ikos is repeated, then 1 kontakion. In conclusion, a prayer is read.

Akathists - what are they? How to correctly read the akathist to the Lord, the Mother of God and the saints.

Akathist - what is it? How to read an akathist correctly Akathists to the Lord and the Cross Akathists to the Mother of God Akathists to the saints

WHAT IS AKATHIST

An akathist is a song of praise or a solemn hymn that is written in honor of Christ, the Mother of God or a saint. It is read when addressing a specific saint, so that he can help in resolving some matters or simply for consolation. “ Unseated singing ” is how the akathist is translated from the ancient Greek language. And this translation means that you need to read or listen to the akathist while standing, you cannot sit, the only exceptions being sick people. It is customary to read the akathist while standing facing the icon of the saint or event in whose name and honor the glorification is being performed. If you don’t have an icon, you can come to the temple and read the akathist here. If this is not possible, then it is quite acceptable to read the akathists while standing facing the east. The Lord Jesus Christ taught us to pray like this:

“But you, when you pray, go into your room and, having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:6).

The Holy Fathers explain these words this way: it doesn’t matter where a person prays, the main thing is that the prayer is in the heart.

ORDER OF READING THE KATHIST

Complete rule for reading akathists: