Rules for reading the akathist to the holy martyr John the Warrior and the full text

"Save me, God!".
Thank you for visiting our website, before you start studying the information, please subscribe to our Orthodox community on Instagram, Lord, Save and Preserve † - https://www.instagram.com/spasi.gospodi/. The community has more than 60,000 subscribers. There are many of us like-minded people and we are growing quickly, we post prayers, sayings of saints, prayer requests, and timely post useful information about holidays and Orthodox events... Subscribe. Guardian Angel to you!

The Saint was born back in 1690 into a family of pious believers. The very name of the martyr in translation means Yahweh, that is, God, God's grace, and it was his self-sacrifice and mercy for the sake of people in need of help that made his name the most widespread and beloved among the Orthodox people. And you can find out in more detail about how John the Warrior lived, how prayer addressed to him helps, when the day of celebration is and much more in this article.

Life of John the Warrior

The holy martyr served in the troops of Emperor Julian the Apostate in the period from 361-363. Compared to other warriors, his goal was not only to persecute, but also to kill Orthodox Christians. However, he remained a persecutor only on the outside, but in reality, Saint John the Warrior himself provided assistance, warning the expelled Orthodox Christians about the dangers that threatened them, and he freed those who were in captivity, and also facilitated their escape.

The mercy of the Wonderworker condescended to both Christian believers and all those suffering and in need of help, comforting those who are in sorrow or have health problems.

But as soon as the emperor learned about the actions of the Saint, he immediately sent him to prison. After which, in 363, the persecutor himself was killed during the Persian War, and the warrior was freed, began to live in purity and holiness and dedicated his entire life for the good of his neighbors.

The Wonderworker died at an advanced age, but the exact date of his death is not known, and the burial place itself became forgotten after a while, but one day the Saint appeared to a pious Christian woman and indicated the place where he was buried.

The relics of the warrior were transferred to Constantinople to the temple of the Apostle John the Theologian, which, by the will of God, were endowed with grace-filled power capable of healing. And reading prayers addressed to the Wonderworker will help to find comfort not only for people who are consumed by resentment, but also for those who are consumed by grief for a loved one.

In Orthodox churches, this Warrior is sacredly revered as a great protector who protects and helps to cope with sorrows and adversity.

When is Saint Saint's Day celebrated?

The Orthodox Church has established a day of remembrance of the Saint, which is celebrated annually on August 12 according to the new style (July 30 according to the old style).

Portal "Wonderful Diveevo"

Troparion, tone 4 of the All-Good God and King / you appeared as a faithful servant and warrior, / to John the wonderworker, / having suffered courageously for the sake of faith, / having blissfully passed away, / behold the All-Creator Lord / in the brightest heavens. / From Him you receive the granting of miracles, / you help suffering people / in all sorts of misfortunes, / you strengthen warriors in battles, / from enemies of captivity, / wounds and sudden deaths / and you save them from severe troubles. / In the same way, pray to the Lord Christ, of everlasting memory, / that in every situation / he will show us mercy, / and will not lead us into temptation, / but will save our souls, as a Lover of mankind. Kontakion 1 Let us sing songs of praise to the chosen servant of the Heavenly King, the noble passion-bearer of Christ, the holy Moanna, warrior and wonderworker, as a Christian intercessor, a guardian of chastity, a comforter to the suffering. You, standing before the Throne of the Holy Trinity, with your prayers from all evils and misfortunes protect with faith and love those who call you: Rejoice, holy John, warrior and glorious miracle worker. Ikos 1 Archangels and Angels, in love, look upon your life as angels, O most wonderful John, for you, who cared about the Lord, how to please the Lord, preserved your virginity intact, mortifying your flesh day and night with fasting and prayer. We marvel at your life, and with tenderness we cry out to you: Rejoice, you who have preserved the purity of your heart; Rejoice, for for God’s sake you have been vouchsafed to see this. Rejoice, you who took the yoke of Christ upon your shoulder; Rejoice, you who lost your soul for Christ’s sake in order to save it. Rejoice, cohabitant of the Angels; Rejoice, virgins are praised. Rejoice, guardian and mentor of young youths; Rejoice, quick helper to those struggling with passions and lusts. Rejoice, protector of virgins and widows; Rejoice, denunciation of violators of chastity. Rejoice, mentor of parents and educators; Rejoice, invisible driver of the orphans. Rejoice, holy John, warrior and glorious miracle worker. Kontakion 2 Seeing Saint John, when he came to Numera Ifala, the Christians were persecuted, not fearing the reproaches of the wicked Julian, and he said to them: take courage, be strengthened in the faith, so that you may be worthy to sing in the heavenly realms to Christ God: Alleluia. Ikos 2 You had an undoubted mind within yourself, John, much to be praised, when, despising the glory of this world and not fearing the wrath of the king, you confessed to yourself that you were a Christian, and for this reason, as a villain, you were imprisoned. Marveling at your boldness in Christ, we say: Rejoice, most excellent confessor of Christ; Rejoice, suffering Christ. Rejoice, you who expose the charm of idolatry; Rejoice, thou who conquered the enemy by the power of the Cross. Rejoice, for you were deemed worthy to receive bonds and prison for Christ; Rejoice, for you preferred coldness and nakedness for Christ to the glory of sin. Rejoice, confessors are praised; Rejoice, joy of the martyrs. Rejoice, valiant warrior of the Heavenly King among earthly warriors; Rejoice, you who made your robe white in the Blood of Lambs. Rejoice, protector of the Church of Christ; Rejoice, intercessor of all Orthodox. Rejoice, holy John, warrior and glorious miracle worker. Kontakion 3, girded with power from above, you were able to defeat the ancient serpent; Gifted with the same power, you exude an abundance of miracles to all who call on your name with faith and cry out to God with gratitude for you: Alleluia. Ikos 3 Having in your heart a firm faith in Christ and armed with that power, you were not afraid of the king’s wrath and you saved the people of Ifal from their tormentors. For this reason, such courage of yours is praiseworthy, we bless you: Rejoice, adamante of the faith of Christ; Rejoice, pillar of the Church of God. Rejoice, hope and intercession of the faithful; Rejoice, fear and shame of the unfaithful; Rejoice, thou who hast acquired the crown of Christ's confessor; Rejoice, you who have overthrown the enemy of Christ with the weapon of the Cross. Rejoice, lover of Christ more than the world; Rejoice, you laid down your soul for Christians. Rejoice, dispelling the plans of the godless tormentor; Rejoice, for you visited them in prisons and in bonds. Rejoice, for you yourself were imprisoned for Christ; Rejoice, you who bear the marks of your Lord on your body. Rejoice, holy John, warrior and glorious miracle worker. Kontakion 4 Blessed John was wavering with a storm of doubtful thoughts when he was quickly sent to Numera Ifala, to torment those who believe in Christ there. If, as the verb goes, “at the order of the Tsar, the imam tortures and kills the faithful people, I will be condemned by God, and if I do not go there, in the rank of my army I will be considered disgusting to the Tsar and will be put to death with cruelty. Guided by the fear of God, you preserved the faith of Christ in your heart even to the point of suffering and prison bonds, crying out to Christ: Alleluia. Ikos 4 Hearing the wicked Julian of your mercy towards Christians and seeing you being a Christian, he was furious with anger and ordered you to be brought to Constantinople, as a villain and enemy of the Tsar. But you, strengthened by the grace of God, have courageously endured suffering and have never retreated from faith in Christ. For this reason we magnify you: Rejoice, undaunted confessor of faith in Christ; Rejoice, invincible warrior of Christ. Rejoice, for from the Archangel of the heavenly powers you stand before the Throne of God; Rejoice, quick helper to all who suffer for the truth. Rejoice, having escaped temptations and enticements from the devil; Rejoice, for you deliver all those who call you from temptations. Rejoice, dispelling the plans of the godless tormentor; Rejoice, and help us to escape the snare of the devil. Rejoice, protecting yourself from the arrows of the evil one with the shield of faith; Rejoice, for you who protect us from temptations. Rejoice, kind of Christian adornment; Rejoice, inhabitant of the heavenly palaces. Rejoice, holy John, warrior and glorious miracle worker. Kontakion 5 You were like a God-bearing star, John, when you came to the countries of Ifhal and exhorted the existing Christians there not to deviate from the Sun of Truth of Christ God, but I would like to sing to Him: Alleluia. Ikos 5 Seeing the saint being brought before him at the command of the king, people faithful to Christ to be tormented for the faith of Christ, with great sorrow, he worried in his heart that he might deliver them from the hand of the tormentor. Such your care for them is commendable, we call to you: Rejoice, you who have the love of Christ in your heart; Rejoice, for with this we warm the faithful servants of Christ from tormentors. Rejoice, despising the commands of the wicked; Rejoice, having kept the commandments of Christ. Rejoice, friends of Christ's faithful servants; Rejoice, intercessor of Christians. Rejoice, comforter to those in prison and in chains; Rejoice, protector of the poor. Rejoice, strange driver; Rejoice, physician of the infirm. Rejoice, intercessor of the orphans; Rejoice, comforter of those who weep. Rejoice, holy John, warrior and glorious miracle worker. Kontakion 6 By fasting and prayer you enslaved your flesh to the spirit and lived spiritually for the glory of God; For this reason, now stand before the Throne of the Most Holy Trinity, singing the song: Alleluia. Ikos 6 You shone, like a new light in the firmament of heaven, to the entire Christian race, when by God’s will your incorruptible body was found, bringing forth an abundance of miracles with faith for your intercession to those who flow and prayerfully cry out to you: Rejoice, thou who has pleased God with thy life; Rejoice, for this reason you received glorification from Him. Rejoice, despising the vanity and charm of this world; Rejoice, thou who has received the reward of Heaven. Rejoice, for for a little while you appeared faithful; Rejoice, for you have been granted the abundance of God’s grace and acceptance. Rejoice, for in this life you selflessly loved your neighbor; Rejoice, in sorrows and misfortunes you were the intercessor of those who exist. Rejoice, you who laid down your soul for others; Rejoice, warm intercessor for us with the Heavenly King. Rejoice, you who saved Christians from the tormenting wrath; Rejoice, for today you are concerned about our salvation. Rejoice, holy John, warrior and glorious miracle worker. Kontakion 7 I want you to leave this world, we urge you with humility, you commanded a certain person to lay your body in the house where you were buried as a stranger and a beggar. The Lord, lift up the humble, deign to preserve it incorruptible and exuding miracles to all who flow to your intercession with faith and cry out to God for you: Alleluia. Ikos 7 A new show of mercy to His servant, O Lord, lover of mankind, has always deigned to glorify you and show His miracle-working grace in you. We, rejoicing in such providence of God, cry out with gratitude: Rejoice, receptacle of God’s grace; Rejoice, chosen vessel of God. Rejoice, wonderful miracle-worker; Rejoice, give quick help to those who come to you in faith. Rejoice, healer of our mental and physical ailments; Rejoice, you who drive out demons in the name of Christ. Rejoice, denouncer of the wickedness of the enemy of man; Rejoice, guardian of chastity. Rejoice, invisible fence of pious marriages from all devilish seduction; Rejoice, quick accuser of thefts and robberies. Rejoice, you who have turned aside to the path of truth and guide; Rejoice, fulfill our requests for good. Rejoice, holy John, warrior and glorious miracle worker. Kontakion 8 Having seen your strange and wondrous appearance through a dream vision to a certain woman who reverently saw and recognized a new wonderworker and saint of God in you, the people of Constantinople were touched and cried out to God: Alleluia. Ikos 8 Full of virtues in this life, illuminated by the glory of God after death, you incline your ear to the prayers of those who honor you, and from them you hear: Rejoice, imitator of the mercy of the Heavenly Father; Rejoice, you who hunger for nourishment. Rejoice, strange invisible companion; Rejoice, patron of the orphans. Rejoice, comforter of the embittered; Rejoice, for the strengthener of those who endure the truth. Rejoice, you who are weak and give healing to those who are sick; Rejoice, intercessor in these troubles. Rejoice, beloved poor one; Rejoice, for you did not want to be separated from them even after you departed from this world in body. Rejoice, for you have made a will to bury your body in the house of the poor; Rejoice, for your humility you have been crowned with a crown from God. Rejoice, holy John, warrior and glorious miracle worker. Kontakion 9 All the angelic host rejoiced, seeing you, the invincible warrior of the Heavenly King, having defeated the ruler of the darkness and the delights of this age, and they also sang to God: Alleluia. Ikos 9 The many-pronounced Vitias will not be able to adequately praise your sufferings endured for Christ, and your deeds of mercy and chastity. We marvel at such people, and in our little weakness we offer you this praise: Rejoice, you who loved Christ with all your heart; Rejoice, you who endured free suffering for His name. Rejoice, jealous of God the Almighty; Rejoice, acquired martyr's crown. Rejoice, rule of faith and abstinence to the teacher; Rejoice, thou who manifested spiritual poverty. Rejoice, through your humility you have put down the spirit of pride; Rejoice, thou who hast acquired the inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven. Rejoice, you have made your abode in the house of the Heavenly Father; Rejoice, for you always intercede for our salvation. Rejoice, give quick help to those who ask; Rejoice, for you endlessly prayed for us to Christ God. Rejoice, holy John, warrior and glorious miracle worker. Kontakion 10 Though you might save your soul, you despised the commands of the tormentor, and were careless about your body; you joyfully accepted the iron bonds and the sorrow of prison, John, soldier of Christ, singing to God who strengthened you: Alleluia. Ikos 10 You are a wall and a strong refuge for all who come running to you in prayer, miracle worker John, for this reason we call you: Rejoice, quick obedient to all who call on you; Rejoice, for God has pleased your honest relics to glorify miracles. Rejoice, for from your icons the grace of God is given to those who look at them with faith; Rejoice, for you dwell invisibly in the temples created to glorify your name. Rejoice, for no one there who prays with faith goes out empty-handed and unheard; Rejoice, for with your prayers you strengthen our prayers, ascending to the Throne of the Almighty. Rejoice, for you have endeavored to anticipate each petition; Rejoice, for you have given admonition to those who walk the path of obstinate sin. Rejoice, for you show quick help to those who are tempted by the devil; Rejoice, for you are guiding everyone on the path of salvation. Rejoice, for you instruct sinners to repentance; Rejoice, servant of Christ and favorable prayer book for us. Rejoice, holy John, warrior and glorious miracle worker. Kontakion 11 We bring you a song of praise, Martyr of Christ John, who received it with love, pray to the Lord to deliver us from troubles and sorrows, especially at the hour of our death, preceded by your intercession, so that we may not die without repentance, but may be worthy to sing to God with you in the heavenly villages : Hallelujah. Ikos 11 You are a light in the Church of Christ, burning with the immaterial light of God’s grace and illuminating the darkness of our foolishness, Blessed John. For this reason, we pray: enlighten us, darkened by sin, so that we may sing to you: Rejoice, you who bear the light of Divine teaching in your heart; Rejoice, for by this we enlighten the darkness of idolatry, which you have exposed. Rejoice, for we too strive to be enlightened by the same light; Rejoice, for you have seen the glory of the Trisian Deity face to face. Rejoice, ray of God's grace, kindled from the Sun of Truth; Rejoice, illuminating the darkness of our ignorance with the light of the commandments of Christ. Rejoice, guiding star for all those seeking salvation; Rejoice, for you instruct us in every good deed. Rejoice, for you put good thoughts in our hearts in good time; Rejoice, for you have shown the image of a good warrior in yourself to your military rank. Rejoice, having illuminated the universe with the light of your virtues; Rejoice, for, seeing your good deeds, people glorify the Heavenly Father. Rejoice, holy John, warrior and glorious miracle worker. Kontakion 12 Grace has been given to you from God to guide you to salvation and to preserve those who honor your memory from troubles; For this reason, with your prayers, protect the Church and the Russian country from all evil, and make all the faithful prosper in virtues, so that we may all sing to God: Alleluia. Ikos 12 Singing to God, who is wondrous in His saints, we praise you, the confessor of Christ, the warrior and the miracle worker, with praises of gold: Rejoice, adornment of the Church of God; Rejoice, numbered among the Heavenly host. Rejoice, you who have received the whole armor of God; Rejoice, having overcome all the machinations of the enemy. Rejoice, thou clothed with the armor of righteousness; Rejoice, covered with the shield of faith. Rejoice, you who have acquired the helmet of salvation; Rejoice, spiritual sword, which is the word of God, and who loves more than any weapon. Rejoice, girded from God with righteousness and truth about your loins; Rejoice, for you are numbered among those invited to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Rejoice, for thou hast been vouchsafed to sing a new song before His Presence; Rejoice, in Heaven now partake of Christ more truly than sometimes on earth. Rejoice, holy John, warrior and glorious miracle worker. Kontakion 13 O holy servant of Christ and miracle worker John the Warrior! Accept this our praise and prayers brought to you, and with your favorable prayers to God, deliver us from all evils and circumstances, mental and physical illnesses, and save us from eternal torment through your intercession, beg us to be worthy of the kingdom of heaven, so that we may be worthy to sing to God in the heavenly villages : Hallelujah. This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “Archangels and Angels...” and the 1st kontakion “The Chosen Servant...”. Prayer to the holy martyr John the Warrior O glorious servant of Christ, John the Warrior, brave in battle, the great intercessor of all Orthodox Christians! Remember us, sinful and unworthy servants, in troubles, sorrows and sorrows, and in every evil misfortune that exists, and protect us from every evil and offending person: for you have been given grace from God to pray for us, sinners, those who suffer evil. Deliver us from those who offend us, be our champion strong against all our enemies, visible and invisible, so that with your help and strong intercession and struggle all those who show us evil will be put to shame! O great champion, John the Warrior, do not forget us, sinners, praying to you and asking for your help and endless mercy, and grant us, sinners and unworthy servants, to receive from God the ineffable goodness that God has prepared for those who love Him, as all glory is due to Him, honor and worship, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

How and when to read correctly

Reading an akathist is a direct appeal to the saint, which will be heard if the person praying does it sincerely, thoughtfully and fills his words with faith. You can pray both in church and at home. More often, believers read the akathist at home, and order the corresponding prayer service in church.

In order to pray properly at home, you need to retire, temporarily abandon everyday worries and ask your loved ones not to disturb the person praying. It is better to read the Akathist to John the Warrior in front of the icon with the face of the holy martyr. You can light a church candle. A candle flame in front of the image of a saint helps you tune in to prayer and focus on the text.

It is recommended to pray standing in front of the icon or, in its absence, in front of the window. In cases where the physical condition does not allow this, it is allowed to read the akathist while sitting or lying down. You need to pronounce words clearly, slowly, thinking about what is said.

According to Orthodox traditions, reading for forty days enhances the effect of prayer. In this case, it is recommended to cleanse the soul the day before by confessing and taking communion, as well as receiving the blessing of a clergyman. It is also possible to read the akathist to John the Warrior outside the 40-day cycle. The main thing for a person praying is faith, sincerity, purity of thoughts and intentions.

What does it help with?

Akathist is considered a powerful prayer that can help those who apply in difficult and confusing life situations.

The prayer appeal to John the Warrior is read:

• those suffering in despondency;
• thirsty for deliverance from physical and mental illnesses;
• those experiencing the loss of loved ones;
• mothers and wives of military personnel;
• asking for the release of prisoners, prisoners, deprived of physical freedom;
• searching for missing people;
• lost material assets or documents;
• asking for protection and acceptance from surrounding people (colleagues, relatives).

You can even pray to John the Warrior for unbaptized sufferers and people in danger, since the saint helped in such cases during worldly life. They turn to the martyr John to find what was lost and to return what was stolen. The saint helps to repay debts and restore justice.

Meaning in Orthodoxy

The akathist tells about the deeds and events of the saint’s worldly life. This is a song of praise to a martyr who did good deeds, defended the weak and suffering, and helped the poor and sick.

By turning directly to John, people seek consolation, help in business, and resolution of difficult life situations. By praising the saint in the lines of the akathist consciously and sincerely, believers find what they lost, gain what they could not find, and regain inner strength and freedom.

The power of the prayer appeal increases when reading the akathist at the relics of the martyr, in front of an icon or image of the face of a saint, as well as when performing a church prayer service to John the Warrior. The main power of prayer is given by the faith and heartfelt hope of the person praying.

Full text in Russian

Troparion, kontakion, magnification

Troparion, tone 4

You, the blessed servant and warrior of the All-merciful God and King, appeared to John the Wonderworker, having suffered courageously for the sake of faith, and having blissfully passed away, behold the All-Creator Lord in Heaven most brightly. It is not good to receive the granting of miracles, you help suffering people in all sorts of misfortunes, you strengthen warriors in battles, from enemies of captivity, wounds and sudden deaths, and from severe troubles. In the same way, pray to the Lord Christ, of ever-memory, that He will show us mercy in every situation and will not lead us into temptation, but will save our souls, as a Lover of mankind.

Kontakion, tone 6

Let us duly praise the pious warrior of Christ, who defeated the enemies of soul and body in a godly manner, John the Martyr with songs, working miracles, he gives abundant healing to suffering people and prays to the Lord God to save the faithful from all troubles.

History of appearance

In the 4th century, the military man John served in the imperial regiment under the rule of the monarch Julian the Apostate. By order of the emperor, the followers of Christ were persecuted. Responsibilities for the persecution and capture of Christians were assigned to the military, among whom was John. Believers were dealt with cruelly.

The warrior John himself was a deeply religious man and tried in every way to help the persecuted. He warned people about impending danger, helped hide from the imperial army, visited prisoners and organized prison escapes. The warrior also helped the poor and needy, and consoled the suffering.

Having learned about John’s deeds, the emperor ordered the warrior to be shackled and tortured for disobedience and treason against the ruler. In prison, the martyr endured pain, deprivation, physical and mental suffering, but he always chose the Lord, without turning away from the chosen good path.

After the death of Julian in a battle with the Persian army, John was released from prison. Having been released, the martyr continued his righteous mission, helping the sick and poor.

Elder John died in poverty and was buried in a graveyard for the poor. The burial was lost, but a miracle happened. The saint appeared in a dream to a beneficent woman and indicated the place where he was buried. Currently, the relics of John the Warrior are in the Constantinople Church of the Apostle John the Theologian.

Prayer

About the martyr of Christ, John the warrior! Thou art brave in battle, and a chaser of the enemy, and an intercessor for the offended, for all Orthodox Christians. O great intercessor and servant of Christ, John the warrior! Have mercy on us, sinners and unworthy, and intercede in troubles and sorrows, and in sorrows and in every evil adversity, and from every evil and offending person, for you have been given such grace from God to pray for us, sinners, in troubles and besieged those who suffer evil. Deliver us from those who offend and hate, and be a strong champion for us against all our visible and invisible enemies. O great champion, John the warrior! Do not forget us, who always pray to you, asking for your help and your endless mercy, and grant us, sinners and unworthy, to receive from God the ineffable goodness that is prepared for those who love Him. For all glory, honor and worship is due to Him, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.