Prayer is obligatory for those who consider themselves Christians. In Orthodoxy, a special “rule” is required to be read in the morning and at the end of the day. Akathists are a special form of prayer that is very popular among the people. They are read at will, including to the Sweetest Jesus.
About the author About the book
History of writing
Akathists arose back in the 6th century; it is impossible to establish a more precise date. This is a special form of church poetry. It consists of two different types of verses:
- Ikos are stanzas that describe a certain event or the virtues of a saint, the story of the discovery of a miraculous icon, in this case, the qualities of Jesus are glorified. There are 12 such verses in total, alternating with shorter ones.
- Kontakia - they are smaller in volume, often each begins with the exclamation “Rejoice!”, followed by laudatory epithets to the person to whom the akathist is addressed. The lines end with the cry of “Hallelujah” being sung three times. Kondakov 13.
- At the end, specially written prayers are read, also addressed to the saint, event or image of the icon.
This is the structure of every akathist, also to the Sweetest Jesus. Simplicity of form, small volume, understandable syllables even without special translation - all this makes such hymns very popular among parishioners. Although the akathist is present in official worship only once a year, every Orthodox Christian at least several times in his life has taken the trouble to read the akathist to his beloved saint.
Date of writing - 13th century, the akathist to Jesus Christ the Sweetest is one of the first known such prayers. It is customary to read any of them while standing; during the final prayer you can even kneel. The author remains unknown, but this should not be upsetting - the Lord knows who composed this beautiful hymn praising the virtues of Jesus as God and Man.
Akathist of repentance to our Lord Jesus Christ
Akathists have remained the most popular prayer books for believers for many centuries. The standards of works are works addressed to the Most Holy Theotokos and Jesus the Savior. The first such text was supposedly written in the fifth century. The author created such a text for the first time in the name of the Most Holy Theotokos. In type, form and structure, the text resembled a hymn, and the work dedicated to the Virgin Mary remained the only one of its kind for a long time.
800 years later, another work was written, but now it was dedicated to Jesus the Savior. The authors of both works could not be identified. Most likely, the akathist to Jesus Christ was written by a theologian who is well acquainted with the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament. In addition, the clergyman who created this text undoubtedly had an excellent poetic gift.
The work was translated into Slavic in the 14th century. Later translations into other languages of the Old Church Slavonic world followed.
The concept of the work is subject to strict rules. She describes the events taking place sequentially:
- Ikos and Kontakion 2. They tell the story of how Jesus helped a weeping widow get her son back.
- Ikos 3. The Savior called sinners to ease their torment.
- Kontakion 4 and Ikos 4. Covers the events when Peter appears on the scene and receives salvation.
- Ikos 5. Meeting of children and Jesus in human form, glorification of the Savior.
- Kontakion 7. Resurrection and Ascension.
- Ikos 7. The appearance of the Savior in the flesh to all the apostles.
- Ikos 10. The story of how Jesus cleansed ten people from leprosy and also healed Zacchaeus.
- Ikos 11. admonishing Paul and instructing him on the true path.
- Kontakion 12. Acceptance of Peter's repentance, forgiveness.
- Kontakion 13. Acceptance and appreciation of the sacrifices that were made in the name of Jesus.
Both works, dedicated to Our Lady or Jesus, belong to the category of church hymns that can only be read while standing. The word itself contains an explanation of the name: the first part with “a” is translated from Greek as negation, and “kafisto” means “to sit.” Sitting down during a long service is only allowed at certain times, and only for those who have a compelling reason. For example, for health reasons.
The akathist dedicated to Jesus Christ consists of 25 songs. It is related to the Greek alphabet. The 13 songs are called kontakia, they are interspersed with 12 ikos, which give an obligatory explanation of the festive event and are called lengthy songs. Ikos never read on their own, but do so only after reading the kontakion. Ikoses end with the words “Rejoice.” And after kontakions you can hear the addition of “hallelujah” or “praise God.”
Ikos and kontakia alternate with each other and make up the complete text of the akathist. The last parts of the text, as a rule, address the person in whose honor it was read. After the full text, they always begin to read prayers.
Akathists do not belong to the statutory or obligatory liturgical rites. At church services in honor of holidays, texts are always read at matins or prayer services.
The prayer of repentance is traditionally offered in honor of the Lord with the hope that he will hear it. Considering that Jesus the Savior is love for man, help can come immediately.
Reading the text helps in many cases:
- get out of a state of depression;
- get rid of depression;
- find a way out of the current situation, which seems hopeless;
- gain vigor and strength of spirit;
- regain lost vitality.
After a service in a church or reading an akathist at home, the believer experiences a strong feeling of peace.
This is an expected feeling that inevitably arises after reading a prayer text of similar content.
When to read the akathist
Work as a courier at Yandex.Eda (up to 3,400 rubles per shift) leave a request →
Turning to the Lord should be regular; ideally, you should constantly feel yourself before the face of God. When there is a desire to offer special prayers, the text of the akathist to the Sweetest Jesus is well suited here. As the name implies, the purpose of its writing was to glorify the Savior.
The words were chosen by the author in such a way that they can express joy, gratitude, and admiration. And in moments of depression, a reminder of the suffering of Jesus will help perk up. Priests even specifically advise reading it to avoid depression and not to lose heart. Prayer will help you find a way out of any situation.
The content is entirely devoted to the earthly journey of the Savior; the akathist to our sweetest Lord Jesus Christ shows all the virtues of His personality. While singing, many people cry because the text is very touching. He tells about the miracles that were performed by the Teacher, about death on the cross, about victory over hell and death. The place that Christ occupies in the souls of monks, patriarchs, angels, martyrs and everyone inhabiting the earth is also sung.
You can read the akathist to the Sweetest Jesus at home. At the same time, it is not necessary to sing, as they sing in the temple, if there is no ability or desire. But it is important that the words are spoken out loud. Any prayers must be read so that a person hears himself. Let it be quiet, but the holy words must sound. After all, the angels in heaven do not pray “to themselves,” just like the priests at the service. And at home, a Christian also performs divine services, only privately, privately.
You can receive a blessing and read prayers in the temple, together with other parishioners or even with a priest. It is not customary to read akathists during Lent. Before a home vigil, you should first read the opening prayers, the penitential psalm (50th), and the Creed. Upon completion - the same final prayers as in the prayer book.
Thanksgiving service and prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ
Texts of thanksgiving are read inside any church, without exception. To order gratitude, just come to the priest and give a note before the start of the service.
Thank you messages are dedicated to Jesus alone. After his name, the names of those for whom you need to pray are indicated on paper. After each order, you can start reading prayers.
Prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, we worship Your Image, Your love and Your Providence for us, Your sinful and unworthy servants; Hear our prayer, offered to You with faith, come to us, teach us by the grace of Your Holy Spirit, learn to abide in You, as You abide in us; teach us, O Good One, prayer, kindness and patience; grant us the spirit of contrition, the spirit of repentance; take away from us the spirit of idleness, the spirit of despondency and ignorance. O Jesus Christ, Most Merciful, Coming to us, have mercy on us and save us, through the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother, the angels and apostles and all Your saints who have pleased You from all eternity. Amen.
Read the Akathist to the Sweetest Jesus online
Kontakion 1
Chosen Voivode and Lord, hell to the conqueror, as if you were delivered from eternal death, I will sing praises to You, Thy creation and servant; but, as if you have unspeakable mercy, free me from all troubles, calling: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Ikos 1
O Creator of angels and Lord of strength, open my bewildered mind and tongue to the praise of Thy most pure name, just as Thou didst open the ears and tongue of the deaf and humming ancients, and with the following call: O most wonderful Jesus, the wonder of the angels; Most powerful Jesus, deliverance of the first parents. Sweet Jesus, magnification of the patriarchs; Glorious Jesus, strengthening of kings. Beloved Jesus, fulfillment of the prophets; Wonderful Jesus, fortress of martyrs. Quiet Jesus, joy of the monks; Most merciful Jesus, sweetness of the elders. Most merciful Jesus, abstinence for fasters; Most sweet Jesus, joy to the saints. Most honorable Jesus, virgin chastity; Eternal Jesus, salvation of sinners. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Kontakion 2
Seeing the widow weeping green, Lord, as if you had mercy then and raised up her son for burial; Have mercy on me too, O Lover of mankind, and resurrect my soul, killed by sins, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Philip, seeking to understand the unreasonable mind, Lord, show us the Father, he said; You come to him: you have been with Me for so long, have you not known that the Father is in Me, and I am in the Father? Moreover, Unexplored, I call to You with fear: Jesus, Eternal God; Jesus, most powerful King. Jesus, long-suffering Master; Jesus, most merciful Savior. Jesus, my most gracious guardian; Jesus, cleanse my sins. Jesus, take away my iniquities; Jesus, let go of my iniquities. Jesus, my hope, do not forsake me; Jesus, my helper, do not reject me. Jesus, my Creator, do not forget me; Jesus, my Shepherd, do not destroy me. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Kontakion 3
You have clothed the Apostles with power from on high, O Jesus, who sit in Jerusalem, and clothed me, naked from all good works, with the warmth of Your Holy Spirit, and grant me to sing to You with love: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Have riches of mercy, O publicans and sinners, and you have called the unbelievers, O Jesus; Do not despise me now, who is like them, but, like a valuable ointment, accept this song: Jesus, invincible power; Jesus, endless mercy. Jesus, most radiant beauty; Jesus, love unspeakable. Jesus, Son of the Living God; Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner. Jesus, hear me conceived in iniquity; Jesus, cleanse me of the sins I was born of. Jesus, teach me what is inappropriate; Jesus, lighten the dark for me. Jesus, cleanse me that is filthy; Jesus, lead me up as a prodigal. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Kontakion 4
About the author About the book
Having a storm of doubtful thoughts inside, Peter drowned; Having seen Thee existing in the flesh, Jesus, and walking on the waters, I came to know Thee as the true God and, having received the hand of salvation, said: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing Thee passing by, O Lord, the blind man cried out: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! And having called, you opened his eyes. Enlighten with Thy mercy the eyes of the mental heart and of me, crying out to Thee and saying: Jesus, to the Creator on high; Jesus, lower Redeemer. Jesus, hell to the consumer; Jesus, beautifier of all creation. Jesus, Comforter of my soul; Jesus, enlightener of my mind. Jesus, my heart is glad; Jesus, health to my body. Jesus, my Savior, save me; Jesus, my light, enlighten me. Jesus, deliver me from all torment; Jesus, save me, unworthy. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Kontakion 5
With your rich Blood, as you redeemed us of old from the legal oath, Jesus, free us from the snare by which the serpent is stained with carnal passions, and lustful obsession, and evil despondency, crying out to You: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen the fathers of Jewry in the form of humanity, Who created man by the hand, and understood Him as the Lord, striving with branches to please Him, their hosanna was crying out. We offer a song to Thee, saying: Jesus, true God; Jesus, Son of David. Jesus, most glorious King; Jesus, Lamb without blemish. Jesus, wonderful Shepherd; Jesus, guardian of my youth. Jesus, feeder of my youth; Jesus, praise in my old age. Jesus, hope in my death; Jesus, life after my death. Jesus, my consolation is at Thy judgment; Jesus, my desire, do not disgrace me then. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Kontakion 6
Preacher of God-bearing prophecies and fulfilling verbs, Jesus, appeared on earth and you lived inconceivably with man, and you took away our illnesses, from where by your wounds we were healed, singing with our hands: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
The illumination of Thy truth has risen into the universe, and the flattery of demons has been driven away: for idols, O our Savior, do not tolerate Thy strength, fallen. We, having received salvation, cry out to You: Jesus, truly, you drive away flattery; Jesus, the light that surpasses all lordships. Jesus, King, overcome all strengths; Jesus, God, remain in mercy. Jesus, Animal Bread, satisfy my hunger; Jesus, fountain of reason, give drink to me when I am thirsty. Jesus, robe of joy, clothe me who perishes; Jesus, cover of joy, cover me, unworthy. Jesus, giver of those who ask, give me mourning for my sins; Jesus, find for those who seek, find my soul. Jesus, opener and interpreter, open my accursed heart; Jesus, Redeemer of sinners, cleanse my iniquities. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Kontakion 7
Although you have revealed the hidden secret from the ages, as you led a sheep to the slaughter, O Jesus, and as a silent lamb straight from its shearer, and as God rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven with glory, and you raised us up with us, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
The Creator showed a wondrous display to us: He was incarnate without seed from the Virgin, from the tomb, without breaking the seal, resurrected, and to the Apostle, the door closed, with the flesh below. In the same way, marveling, let us sing: Jesus, the unfathomable Word; Jesus, the unseen Word. Jesus, incomprehensible power; Jesus, wisdom unthinkable. Jesus, indescribable Deity; Jesus, dominion innumerable. Jesus, kingdom invincible; Jesus, endless dominion. Jesus, the highest fortress; Jesus, eternal power. Jesus, my Creator, have mercy on me; Jesus, my Savior, save me. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Kontakion 8
Seeing God in a strange way, let us withdraw from the vanity of the world and place our minds on the Divine. For this reason, God came down to earth, so that he may lead us to heaven, crying out to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
All the things below, and those above, did not retreat in any way, Countless One, always willing us to suffer, and by His death put to death our death, and by His resurrection gave life to those who sing: Jesus, sweetness of the heart; Jesus, bodily fortress. Jesus, your spiritual lordship; Jesus, quick smart. Jesus, joyful conscience; Jesus, hopefully known. Jesus, eternal memory; Jesus, high praise. Jesus, my glory, exalted; Jesus, my desire, do not deny me. Jesus, my Shepherd, seek me; Jesus, my Savior, save me. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Kontakion 9
All angelic nature ceaselessly glorifies Your holy name, Jesus, in heaven: Holy, Holy, Holy, crying out; We, sinners on earth, cry out with mortal lips: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The vets are multiplying, like dumb fish we see about You, Jesus, our Savior: they are perplexed to say how the immutable God and perfect man abide? We, marveling at the mystery, cry out faithfully: Jesus, eternal God; Jesus, King of kings. Jesus, Lord of those who possess; Jesus, Judge of the living and the dead. Jesus, hope of the uncertain; Jesus, comfort to those who mourn. Jesus, glory to the poor; Jesus, do not judge me based on my deeds. Jesus, cleanse me according to Your mercy; Jesus, take away despondency from me. Jesus, enlighten my thoughts of heart; Jesus, give me memory of death. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Kontakion 10
Although you came to save the world, from the East to the East, to the dark West - to our nature, you humbled yourself to death; In the same way, Your name is exalted above every other name, and from all the tribes of heaven and earth you hear: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
To the Eternal King, the Comforter, the true Christ, cleanse us from all filth, as you cleansed the ten lepers, and heal us, as you healed the money-loving soul of Zacchaeus the publican, and cry to You, crying out in tenderness: Jesus, incorruptible treasure; Jesus, inexhaustible wealth. Jesus, strong food; Jesus, inexhaustible drink. Jesus, beggars' clothing; Jesus, intercession of widows. Jesus, defender of the orphans; Jesus, help those who labor. Jesus, teacher of strangers; Jesus, the floating helmsman. Jesus, the stormy calm; Jesus God, raise me up, fallen. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Kontakion 11
I bring all-congratulatory singing to Thee, unworthy, I cry to Thee like a Canaanite: Jesus, have mercy on me; not the daughter, but the flesh of the imam, enraged by passions and scorched by rage, and give healing to the crying Ty: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Giver of light to those who exist in the darkness of unreason, first, Paul, persecute Thee, instill the power of the God-reasonable voice and understand spiritual quickness; Enlighten the dark apple of my soul and my soul, calling: Jesus, my mighty King; Jesus, my most powerful God. Jesus, my immortal Lord; Jesus, my glorious Creator. Jesus, my kind Mentor; Jesus, my most generous Shepherd. Jesus, my most merciful Lord; Jesus, my most merciful Savior. Jesus, enlighten my feelings, darkened by passions; Jesus, heal my body, weakened by sins. Jesus, cleanse my mind from vain thoughts; Jesus, keep my heart from evil lusts. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Kontakion 12
Give me grace, the resolver of all debts, Jesus, and accept me repentant, as you accepted Peter, who rejected You, and call me, despondent, like Paul of old, persecuting Thee, and hear me, crying out to Thee: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing Your incarnation, we all praise You, and we believe with Thomas that You are Lord and God, sitting with the Father and willing to judge the living and the dead. Then make me worthy to stand on my right hand, crying: Jesus, Eternal King, have mercy on me; Jesus, fragrant flower, scent me. Jesus, dearly beloved, warm me; Jesus, eternal temple, cover me. Jesus, bright robe, adorn me; Jesus, honest bead, shine on me. Jesus, precious stone, enlighten me; Jesus, sun of righteousness, illuminate me. Jesus, holy light, shine upon me; Jesus, deliver me from mental and physical illnesses. Jesus, take me from the hand of the enemy; Jesus, unquenchable fire and other eternal torments free me. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Kontakion 13
Oh, sweet and all-generous Jesus! Accept now this little prayer of ours, as you have accepted two mites of widows, and preserve Your heritage from enemies visible and invisible, from the invasion of foreigners, from illness and famine, from all sorrow and mortal wounds, and the coming torment of all who cry out to You: Alleluia , alleluia, alleluia.
(Kondak is read three times)
Ikos 1
O Creator of angels and Lord of strength, open my bewildered mind and tongue to the praise of Thy most pure name, just as Thou didst open the ears and tongue of the deaf and humming ancients, and with the following call: O most wonderful Jesus, the wonder of the angels; Most powerful Jesus, deliverance of the first parents. Sweet Jesus, magnification of the patriarchs; Glorious Jesus, strengthening of kings. Beloved Jesus, fulfillment of the prophets; Wonderful Jesus, fortress of martyrs. Quiet Jesus, joy of the monks; Most merciful Jesus, sweetness of the elders. Most merciful Jesus, abstinence for fasters; Most sweet Jesus, joy to the saints. Most honorable Jesus, virgin chastity; Eternal Jesus, salvation of sinners. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Kontakion 1
Chosen Voivode and Lord, hell to the conqueror, as if you were delivered from eternal death, I will sing praises to You, Thy creation and servant; but, as if you have unspeakable mercy, free me from all troubles, calling: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Prayer
Master Lord Jesus Christ my God, who, for the sake of Your ineffable love for mankind, at the end of the ages was clothed in flesh by the Ever-Virgin Mary, I glorify Your saving providence for me, Your servant, Master; I will sing praises to You, because for the sake of the Father I have known You; I will bless You, for whose sake the Holy Spirit has come into the world; I bow to Your Most Pure Mother in the flesh, who served such a terrible secret; I praise Your angelic faces, as the singers and servants of Your Majesty; I honor John the Baptist, who baptized You, O Lord; I honor the prophets who proclaimed You, I glorify Your holy apostles; I triumph and the martyrs, and I glorify Your priests; I worship Your saints, and I cherish all Your righteous ones. I bring such and such a many and ineffable face of the Divine into prayer to You, Thy all-generous God, Thy servant, and for this sake I ask forgiveness for my sin, grant me all of Thy for the sake of the saints, more abundantly than Thy holy bounties, for Thou art blessed forever. Amen
