Written by Ivan Belyaev, brother of the Rev. Nikona (Belyaeva)
Kontakion 1
Chosen by God from the vanity of the world, to you, O Reverend Fathers of Optinstia, having reverently lifted up your cross and following Christ in faith, as our bold representative before the Lord, now offering earnest prayer, we cry out with love: Rejoice, Reverend Fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Ikos 1
Having sought the angelic monastic life with all your heart, rejected all worldly attachments, rejected the wisdom of God, and flowed into the arms of the Father with love into the monastery of Optina, walking along a narrow and sorrowful path until the end of your days. For this reason, we sing to the Lord: Rejoice, you who joyfully came to the call of the Lord; Rejoice, having followed Christ with all your desires. Rejoice, having accepted your cross on your frame; Rejoice, you who have loved nothing more than the Lord. Rejoice, having completely denied yourself for Christ’s sake; Rejoice, heiress of the Kingdom of God and bliss. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 2
Having seen the snares of the devil, like a spider spread out in the world, and having felt in the depths of your hearts that people are saved from them only by humility, you yourself, in warm prayer before the Lord, call out with tenderness: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Having understood with your heart and mind that everyone living is not justified by his deeds before God, and always contains his sins before your eyes, the currents of tears, visible to the only Lord, do not cease, bringing repentance of the soul to Him, His image is shown to us, crying: Rejoice, sins their own undisguised ones who have received the light; Rejoice, you who have received the gift of tenderness and tears from the Lord. Rejoice, you who have known the bliss of weeping for sins; Rejoice, you who have acquired never-ending sorrow for them. Rejoice, preacher in the land of repentance; Rejoice, you are now comforted in heaven by the Lord. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 3
Believe the power of the redemptive suffering of Christ, O saints, as the indestructible hope of salvation, for the worst of all people and the least worthy of mercy, thinking, and for this reason, with much humility and thanksgiving, you ever cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having in your hearts the Divine gift of humility, true disciples of Christ, who humbled Himself even to the death of the Cross, all your deeds and labors cannot be imputed to anything. By increasing feat, especially growing and humility, marveling at it, we say: Rejoice, obedience and humility taught by the Savior; Rejoice for the humility of the Lord of Glory ascension. Rejoice, having achieved freedom from anger and meekness through humility; Rejoice, for through humility and self-reproach your souls have found peace. Rejoice, chosen ones enriched by spiritual poverty; Rejoice, for yours is the Kingdom of Heaven, prepared for the poor in spirit. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 4
The storm of passions, raised up by the flesh and the devil, quenching the mind, the ruler over the destructive passions, postnically, having courageously forced the nature, venturing through the grace of God to subdue the worst to the better and enslave the flesh to the spirit, sing to the heroic Christ without ceasing: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing the word of the Lord, that the Kingdom of Heaven is in need and only the needy are delighted with it, with fasting, vigil and prayer, you constantly strived and crucified your flesh with the passions and lusts of Christ, inviolably observing the monastic rules. In the same way, we please you: Rejoice, you have not borne the good yoke of Christ; Rejoice, you have not quenched your spirit with sobriety of heart. Rejoice, you who set your lips on strong guardianship; Rejoice, you who mercilessly oppressed your own body. Rejoice, you who combined mental work with physical feats; Rejoice, in your patience your souls have gained. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 5
The luminous name of Jesus, like an invincible weapon against the demonic army, is constantly carried in the heart with faith, the ever-flowing source of grace is found, rising from strength to strength and adding fire to fire, you sing to God with purified meaning: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Constantly perceiving our own weakness and the saving, grace-filled power of the Jesus Prayer, never cease to do it, cutting through the temptations of passions and burning all the machinations of the enemy, in the silence of the heart a prayerful conversation with the Lord has mysteriously acquired, you teach us to cry out to you: Rejoice, having immersed your whole mind in prayer ; Rejoice, you who have had complete grief in your hearts. Rejoice, you who thought of nothing in vanity during prayer; Rejoice, you who continually called on the name of Jesus. Rejoice, heartfelt prayers made by the ascetic; Rejoice, all who ask in the name of the Lord and receive prayer books. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 6
Standing with your heart in prayer before the Cross for the sins of mankind of the suffering Lord, you weep, venerable one, sorrow for your sins, consumed and inflamed with unspeakable love for our Redeemer, until the end of your life you tremblingly cry out to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
The light of Divine love has shone in your hearts, you have hated and abhorred earthly glory and praise, but you have joyfully accepted dishonor from men and all sorrows with an open heart, and have diligently embraced the reproach of Christ. For we have shown the image of suffering and patience, calling: Rejoice, you who bore the wounds of the Lord Jesus Christ on your body; Rejoice, reproach, like a cleansing medicine, you who drank diligently. Rejoice, having turned away from earthly honors with all your heart; Rejoice, you have prayed with love for those who hate you. Rejoice, those who have offended you, as you who have loved benefactors; Rejoice, give thanks to the Merciful Lord who has never passed away. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 7
Although the Lord saved all mankind and came into the mind of truth, seeing your good will and unceasing labor in fulfilling His commandments, He opened your mind to understand His ways and taught you by His justification. With the same enlightened heart I will sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
Wonderful are Thy works, O Lord, that Thou didst admonish Thy servants even more than a scribe, who seek Thee with all their hearts, and open their eyes, that they may understand the wonders of Thy law. We bless Thy saints, our fathers Optinstich, who ever studied Thy commandments, even though we loved them dearly, and we sing to them: Rejoice, O words of God, for you have hidden much wealth in your heart; Rejoice, having loved the path of God’s commandments with all your heart. Rejoice, you who hate every path of unrighteousness; Rejoice, you who have strayed from the path of the Lord. Rejoice, having prepared yourself for the good fight and not being embarrassed; Rejoice, having embraced the word of God, having found much peace in Christ. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 8
Thinking of strangers and strangers on earth, do not desire to acquire anything from the corruptible things of this world, so that your hearts will not be drawn to the earth, but cling to the one God, purely lifting up the song to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
Every carnal passion that separates you from the love of the Lord is wholeheartedly rejected, seeking the only need. Always sit at the foot of Jesus with unswerving love, not attaching your heart to the good things of this life, and placing all your trust in the Lord. We also praise you, saints: Rejoice, having ended your life without attachment to the world; Rejoice, having freed yourself from earthly worries and having known the sweetness of pure prayer. Rejoice, having put aside the cares of this life with firm faith; Rejoice, having slain the destructive passions through non-covetousness and obedience. Rejoice, having sacredly kept the monastic vow of non-covetousness; Rejoice, obedients of Christ who have cut off their will. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 9
All your prayers and all your strength, venerable one, strive to achieve purity of soul and body, without which, according to the words of Christ, no one will see God; In the same way, with a pure heart, in the paradise of the Lord you have been deemed worthy to sing the wonderful song of the righteous, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
You do not allow carnal lusts to fight against your soul through fasting and taming prayer, and sinful thoughts to dominate you. Therefore, receive this praise from us: Rejoice, having attracted the grace of God in the struggle against the flesh with humility; Rejoice, having loved labors and hardships, having rejected bodily peace. Rejoice, by fasting and all-night prayers you have mortified the lust of the flesh; Rejoice, you who have conquered nature by the power of Christ. Rejoice, you have brought your bodies and souls pure to the Lord; Rejoice, pure of heart, seeing God in eternal bliss. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 10
If you want to save your souls for eternal life, all your thoughts about earthly and temporal things are given to our Savior, the great commandment about love was given by His disciple, followed by deed and truth. For the sake of your neighbors, then, with warm love, love the Heavenly Father of all people, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Having loved your neighbor with all your soul, you have found the Kingdom of God within yourself, and in the same way, the fire of God’s love has descended into your hearts, which you are immeasurably satisfied with, completely sacrificing yourself in the deed of love. Now you hear this reverent singing from us: Rejoice, having loved all men with holy love; Rejoice, in some way to save, to all who have been. Rejoice, you who sighed tearfully over human sorrows; Rejoice, you who have contained all those who flow in your hearts. Rejoice, having vainly let go of no one; Rejoice, you who have given your souls for your neighbors. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 11
We offer prayer singing to you, our venerable fathers of Optinstia, for it is truly your right to walk in your path by knowledge. Blessed are you, who worked for Christ and put to shame the power of the enemy, the true rule of virtue was shown to all who call upon the Lord: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
We praise your bright deeds, our reverend fathers Optinstia, we bless you, as glorious mentors of monks and wonderful interlocutors of Angels now in heaven standing before the Throne of God and praying for us, singing to you with love: Rejoice, zealot of sobriety, unceasing zeal; Rejoice, guardian of the vigilant flame of the heart. Rejoice, steadfast pillars of obedience, having endured everything; Rejoice, having entered into the Kingdom of God through many sorrows. Rejoice, equal angelic ascetic of the monastic life; Rejoice, good servants of God, blasia and faith. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 12
Ask us from the Lord for the gift of grace, you who truly praise for blessing. Hear our sighs, do not despise our tears. Pray to the Lord to quench our fierce passions, to give us lamentation over our sins, so that with a pure soul and undefiled lips we may be worthy to sing with you in the paradise of the Lord: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing you now, O Reverend, with voices of praise, we know that you do not seek the singing of the lips, but by your feat of following, humility of heart and a life of correction. Moreover, in repentance we ask for your help, and strive for love, with the verb: Rejoice, you who protect the good of those who live; Rejoice, you who strengthen the weak and the orphaned. Rejoice, you who extend a helping hand to those who are falling; Rejoice, you who send down comforting tears to those who repent. Rejoice, to all who call upon you to be a quick helper; Rejoice, warm intercessors of our salvation before God. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 13
About the glorification of the saints of Christ, the reverend fathers and elders, Moses, Anthony, Isaac, Hilarion, Anatoly, Joseph and the Second Isaac, Leo, Macarius, Ambrose, Barsanuphius, the Second Anatoly, Nektarios and Nikon, like the seven pillars and seven lamps in the Optina monastery that shone forth ! Hear our current prayer and ask the Lord for humility and remembrance of death, that the Lord will deliver us from all evil and grant the Christian death of all those who cry out to Him: Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, and then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
Ikos 1
Having sought the angelic monastic life with all your heart, rejected all worldly attachments, rejected the wisdom of God, and flowed into the arms of the Father with love into the monastery of Optina, walking along a narrow and sorrowful path until the end of your days. For this reason, we sing to the Lord: Rejoice, you who joyfully came to the call of the Lord; Rejoice, having followed Christ with all your desires. Rejoice, having accepted your cross on your frame; Rejoice, you who have loved nothing more than the Lord. Rejoice, having completely denied yourself for Christ’s sake; Rejoice, heiress of the Kingdom of God and bliss. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 1
Chosen by God from the vanity of the world, to you, O Reverend Fathers of Optinstia, having reverently lifted up your cross and following Christ in faith, as our bold representative before the Lord, now offering earnest prayer, we cry out with love: Rejoice, Reverend Fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Prayer to the venerable fathers and elders who shone in the Optina Hermitage
O great saints of God, pillars and lamps of the Land of Russia, our venerable and God-bearing fathers Optinstia, Leo, Macarius, Moses, Anthony, Hilarion, Ambrose, Anatoly, Isaac and Joseph, Barsanuphius, Anatoly, Nektarios, Nikon and Isaac, according to the law of the Gospel of the Lord She loved God with all her heart and with all her soul and with all her mind and for the salvation of all God’s people; For this reason, under the protection of our Most Holy Lady Theotokos, we came to the monastery of Optina, founded by a repentant thief, who came along the narrow and sorrowful path of humility and self-reproach until the end of your days, having also abundantly acquired the grace-filled gifts of the Holy Spirit;
old and young, noble and simple, wise of this age and weak-minded, deprived of no one from those who are coming to you, having let go of no one in vain and inconsolable, but with the light of the truth of Christ enlightening everyone and spiritually resurrecting them, your neighbors as yourself, who loved even those in your heart containing, according to the words of the Apostle, prophesying and edifying, exhorting and comforting. Pray to the Merciful Lord, in the heavenly abode of the prudent thief who has taken Himself with Him, to grant us, unworthy, as workers of the eleventh hour, a spirit of contrition, purification of the heart, guardianship of the mouth, righteousness of actions, humble wisdom, tears of repentance, unshameful faith, unfeigned love, peace of mind and physical health, may the Lord grant us a good answer at His Last Judgment through your intercession, saving us from eternal torment, and may we be honored with the Kingdom of Heaven with you forever and ever. Amen.
Troparion, tone 6
The lamps of the Orthodox faith, the unshakable pillars of monasticism, the consolation of the Russian land, the venerable elders of Optinstia, who have acquired the love of Christ and laid down their souls for their children, pray to the Lord that your earthly Fatherland may establish your earthly Fatherland in Orthodoxy and piety and save our souls.
Kontakion, tone 4
Truly marvelous is God in His saints, the wilderness of Optina, like the helipad of eldership, revealed, where the divinely enlightened fathers, who knew the secret of the human heart, the sorrowful people of God appeared to the people of goodness: these, for those who were burdened with sin, were instructed on the path of repentance, those who wavered in faith were enlightened by the light of Christ’s teaching and taught God’s wisdom, to the suffering and the weak he gave mercy and granted healing. Now, abiding in the glory of God, we pray unceasingly for our souls.
Prayers and akathist to the Cathedral of Optina Elders
Troparion and Kontakion Prayer to the Synaxis of the Holy Venerable Elders of Optina Akathist to the Synaxis of the Holy Venerable Elders of Optina Magnification
Troparion and Kontakion of the Venerable Optina Elders
Troparion, tone 6
The lamps of the Orthodox faith, the unshakable pillars of monasticism, the consolation of the Russian land, the venerable elders of Optinstia, who have acquired the love of Christ and laid down their souls for their children, pray to the Lord that your earthly Fatherland may establish your earthly Fatherland in Orthodoxy and piety and save our souls.
Kontakion, tone 4
Truly marvelous is God in His saints, the wilderness of Optina, like the helipad of eldership, revealed, where the divinely enlightened fathers, who knew the secret of the human heart, the sorrowful people of God appeared to the people of goodness: these, for those who were burdened with sin, were instructed on the path of repentance, those who wavered in faith were enlightened by the light of Christ’s teaching and taught God’s wisdom, to the suffering and the weak he gave mercy and granted healing. Now, abiding in the glory of God, we pray unceasingly for our souls.
PRAYER TO THE REVEREND FATHER AND ELDER WHO SHINED IN THE OPTINE DESERT
Oh, great saints of God, pillars and lamps of the Land of Russia, our reverend and God-bearing fathers Optinstia, Leo, Macarius, Moses, Anthony, Hilarion, Ambrose, Anatoly, Isaac and Joseph, Barsanuphius, Anatoly, Nektarios, Nikon and Isaac, according to the law of the Gospel She loved the Lord God with all her heart and with all her soul and with all her mind and for the salvation of all God’s people; For this reason, under the protection of our Most Holy Lady Theotokos, we came to the monastery of Optina, founded by a repentant thief, who came along the narrow and sorrowful path of humility and self-reproach until the end of your days, having also abundantly acquired the grace-filled gifts of the Holy Spirit; old and young, noble and simple, wise of this age and weak-minded, deprived of no one from those who are coming to you, having let go of no one in vain and inconsolable, but with the light of the truth of Christ enlightening everyone and spiritually resurrecting them, your neighbors as yourself, who loved even those in your heart containing, according to the words of the Apostle, prophesying and edifying, exhorting and comforting. Pray to the Merciful Lord, into the heavenly abode of the prudent thief who has taken with him, to grant us, unworthy, like workers of the eleventh hour, a spirit of contrition, purification of the heart, guardianship of the mouth, righteousness of actions, humble wisdom, tears of repentance, unashamed faith, unfeigned love, peace of mind and physical health, may the Lord grant us a good answer at His Last Judgment through your intercession, saving us from eternal torment, and may the Kingdom of Heaven be honored with you forever and ever. Amen.
Akathist to the Council of the Reverend Fathers of Optina
How to read the akathist correctly
Kontakion 1
Chosen by God from the vanity of the world, to you, O Reverend Fathers of Optinstia, having reverently lifted up your cross and following Christ in faith, as our bold representative before the Lord, now offering earnest prayer, we cry out with love: Rejoice, Reverend Fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Ikos 1
Having sought the angelic monastic life with all your heart, rejected all worldly attachments, rejected the wisdom of God, and flowed into the arms of the Father with love into the monastery of Optina, walking along a narrow and sorrowful path until the end of your days. For this reason, we sing to the Lord: Rejoice, you who joyfully came to the call of the Lord; Rejoice, having followed Christ with all your desires. Rejoice, having accepted your cross on your frame; Rejoice, you who have loved nothing more than the Lord. Rejoice, having completely denied yourself for Christ’s sake; Rejoice, heiress of the Kingdom of God and bliss. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 2
Having seen the snares of the devil, like a spider spread out in the world, and having felt in the depths of your hearts that people are saved from them only by humility, you yourself, in warm prayer before the Lord, call out with tenderness: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Having understood with your heart and mind that everyone living is not justified by his deeds before God, and always contains his sins before your eyes, the currents of tears, visible to the only Lord, do not cease, bringing repentance of the soul to Him, His image is shown to us, crying: Rejoice, sins their own undisguised ones who have received the light; Rejoice, you who have received the gift of tenderness and tears from the Lord. Rejoice, you who have known the bliss of weeping for sins; Rejoice, you who have acquired never-ending sorrow for them. Rejoice, preacher in the land of repentance; Rejoice, you are now comforted in heaven by the Lord. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 3
Believe the power of the redemptive suffering of Christ, O saints, as the indestructible hope of salvation, for the worst of all people and the least worthy of mercy, thinking, and for this reason, with much humility and thanksgiving, you ever cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having in your hearts the Divine gift of humility, true disciples of Christ, who humbled Himself even to the death of the Cross, all your deeds and labors cannot be imputed to anything. By increasing feat, especially growing and humility, marveling at it, we say: Rejoice, obedience and humility taught by the Savior; Rejoice for the humility of the Lord of Glory ascension. Rejoice, having achieved freedom from anger and meekness through humility; Rejoice, for through humility and self-reproach your souls have found peace. Rejoice, chosen ones enriched by spiritual poverty; Rejoice, for yours is the Kingdom of Heaven, prepared for the poor in spirit. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 4
The storm of passions, raised up by the flesh and the devil, quenching the mind, the ruler over the destructive passions, postnically, having courageously forced the nature, venturing through the grace of God to subdue the worst to the better and enslave the flesh to the spirit, sing to the heroic Christ without ceasing: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing the word of the Lord, that the Kingdom of Heaven is in need and only the needy are delighted with it, with fasting, vigil and prayer, you constantly strived and crucified your flesh with the passions and lusts of Christ, inviolably observing the monastic rules. In the same way, we please you: Rejoice, you have not borne the good yoke of Christ; Rejoice, you have not quenched your spirit with sobriety of heart. Rejoice, you who set your lips on strong guardianship; Rejoice, you who mercilessly oppressed your own body. Rejoice, you who combined mental work with physical feats; Rejoice, in your patience your souls have gained. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 5
The luminous name of Jesus, like an invincible weapon against the demonic army, is constantly carried in the heart with faith, the ever-flowing source of grace is found, rising from strength to strength and adding fire to fire, you sing to God with purified meaning: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Constantly perceiving our own weakness and the saving, grace-filled power of the Jesus Prayer, never cease to do it, cutting through the temptations of passions and burning all the machinations of the enemy, in the silence of the heart a prayerful conversation with the Lord has mysteriously acquired, you teach us to cry out to you: Rejoice, having immersed your whole mind in prayer ; Rejoice, you who have had complete grief in your hearts. Rejoice, you who thought of nothing in vanity during prayer; Rejoice, you who continually called on the name of Jesus. Rejoice, heartfelt prayers made by the ascetic; Rejoice, all who ask in the name of the Lord and receive prayer books. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 6
Standing with your heart in prayer before the Cross for the sins of mankind of the suffering Lord, you weep, venerable one, sorrow for your sins, consumed and inflamed with unspeakable love for our Redeemer, until the end of your life you tremblingly cry out to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
The light of Divine love has shone in your hearts, you have hated and abhorred earthly glory and praise, but you have joyfully accepted dishonor from men and all sorrows with an open heart, and have diligently embraced the reproach of Christ. For we have shown the image of suffering and patience, calling: Rejoice, you who bore the wounds of the Lord Jesus Christ on your body; Rejoice, reproach, like a cleansing medicine, you who drank diligently. Rejoice, having turned away from earthly honors with all your heart; Rejoice, you have prayed with love for those who hate you. Rejoice, those who have offended you, as you who have loved benefactors; Rejoice, give thanks to the Merciful Lord who has never passed away. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 7
Although the Lord saved all mankind and came into the mind of truth, seeing your good will and unceasing labor in fulfilling His commandments, He opened your mind to understand His ways and taught you by His justification. With the same enlightened heart I will sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
Wonderful are Thy works, O Lord, that Thou didst admonish Thy servants even more than a scribe, who seek Thee with all their hearts, and open their eyes, that they may understand the wonders of Thy law. We bless Thy saints, our fathers Optinstich, who ever studied Thy commandments, even though we loved them dearly, and we sing to them: Rejoice, O words of God, for you have hidden much wealth in your heart; Rejoice, having loved the path of God’s commandments with all your heart. Rejoice, you who hate every path of unrighteousness; Rejoice, you who have strayed from the path of the Lord. Rejoice, having prepared yourself for the good fight and not being embarrassed; Rejoice, having embraced the word of God, having found much peace in Christ. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 8
Thinking of strangers and strangers on earth, do not desire to acquire anything from the corruptible things of this world, so that your hearts will not be drawn to the earth, but cling to the one God, purely lifting up the song to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
Every carnal passion that separates you from the love of the Lord is wholeheartedly rejected, seeking the only need. Always sit at the foot of Jesus with unswerving love, not attaching your heart to the good things of this life, and placing all your trust in the Lord. We also praise you, saints: Rejoice, having ended your life without attachment to the world; Rejoice, having freed yourself from earthly worries and having known the sweetness of pure prayer. Rejoice, having put aside the cares of this life with firm faith; Rejoice, having slain the destructive passions through non-covetousness and obedience. Rejoice, having sacredly kept the monastic vow of non-covetousness; Rejoice, obedients of Christ who have cut off their will. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 9
All your prayers and all your strength, venerable one, strive to achieve purity of soul and body, without which, according to the words of Christ, no one will see God; In the same way, with a pure heart, in the paradise of the Lord you have been deemed worthy to sing the wonderful song of the righteous, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
You do not allow carnal lusts to fight against your soul through fasting and taming prayer, and sinful thoughts to dominate you. Therefore, receive this praise from us: Rejoice, having attracted the grace of God in the struggle against the flesh with humility; Rejoice, having loved labors and hardships, having rejected bodily peace. Rejoice, by fasting and all-night prayers you have mortified the lust of the flesh; Rejoice, you who have conquered nature by the power of Christ. Rejoice, you have brought your bodies and souls pure to the Lord; Rejoice, pure of heart, seeing God in eternal bliss. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 10
If you want to save your souls for eternal life, all your thoughts about earthly and temporal things are given to our Savior, the great commandment about love was given by His disciple, followed by deed and truth. For the sake of your neighbors, then, with warm love, love the Heavenly Father of all people, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Having loved your neighbor with all your soul, you have found the Kingdom of God within yourself, and in the same way, the fire of God’s love has descended into your hearts, which you are immeasurably satisfied with, completely sacrificing yourself in the deed of love. Now you hear this reverent singing from us: Rejoice, having loved all men with holy love; Rejoice, in some way to save, to all who have been. Rejoice, you who sighed tearfully over human sorrows; Rejoice, you who have contained all those who flow in your hearts. Rejoice, having vainly let go of no one; Rejoice, you who have given your souls for your neighbors. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 11
We offer prayer singing to you, our venerable fathers of Optinstia, for it is truly your right to walk in your path by knowledge. Blessed are you, who worked for Christ and put to shame the power of the enemy, the true rule of virtue was shown to all who call upon the Lord: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
We praise your bright deeds, our reverend fathers Optinstia, we bless you, as glorious mentors of monks and wonderful interlocutors of Angels now in heaven standing before the Throne of God and praying for us, singing to you with love: Rejoice, zealot of sobriety, unceasing zeal; Rejoice, guardian of the vigilant flame of the heart. Rejoice, steadfast pillars of obedience, having endured everything; Rejoice, having entered into the Kingdom of God through many sorrows. Rejoice, equal angelic ascetic of the monastic life; Rejoice, good servants of God, blasia and faith. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 12
Ask us from the Lord for the gift of grace, you who truly praise for blessing. Hear our sighs, do not despise our tears. Pray to the Lord to quench our fierce passions, to give us lamentation over our sins, so that with a pure soul and undefiled lips we may be worthy to sing with you in the paradise of the Lord: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing you now, O Reverend, with voices of praise, we know that you do not seek the singing of the lips, but by your feat of following, humility of heart and a life of correction. Moreover, in repentance we ask for your help, and strive for love, with the verb: Rejoice, you who protect the good of those who live; Rejoice, you who strengthen the weak and the orphaned. Rejoice, you who extend a helping hand to those who are falling; Rejoice, you who send down comforting tears to those who repent. Rejoice, to all who call upon you to be a quick helper; Rejoice, warm intercessors of our salvation before God. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 13
About the glorification of the saints of Christ, the reverend fathers and elders, Moses, Anthony, Isaac, Hilarion, Anatoly, Joseph and the Second Isaac, Leo, Macarius, Ambrose, Barsanuphius, the Second Anatoly, Nektarios and Nikon, like the seven pillars and seven lamps in the Optina monastery that shone forth ! Hear our current prayer and ask the Lord for humility and remembrance of death, that the Lord will deliver us from all evil and grant the Christian death of all those who cry out to Him: Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
Ikos 1
Having sought the angelic monastic life with all your heart, rejected all worldly attachments, rejected the wisdom of God, and flowed into the arms of the Father with love into the monastery of Optina, walking along a narrow and sorrowful path until the end of your days. For this reason, we sing to the Lord: Rejoice, you who joyfully came to the call of the Lord; Rejoice, having followed Christ with all your desires. Rejoice, having accepted your cross on your frame; Rejoice, you who have loved nothing more than the Lord. Rejoice, having completely denied yourself for Christ’s sake; Rejoice, heiress of the Kingdom of God and bliss. Rejoice, reverend fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
Kontakion 1
Chosen by God from the vanity of the world, to you, O Reverend Fathers of Optinstia, having reverently lifted up your cross and following Christ in faith, as our bold representative before the Lord, now offering earnest prayer, we cry out with love: Rejoice, Reverend Fathers of Optinstia, for the grace of the eldership of the lamp.
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Venerable Ambrose of Optina
Akathist to the Venerable Ambrose, Elder of Optina
Kontakion 1
Chosen servant of God and miracle worker, the great Elder Ambrose, praise of Optina and all Russia, wondrous mentor, glorifying your fair life in asceticism, we offer much praise, but you, as if you have boldness towards the Lord, pray for all of us, your children, with tenderness calling:
Rejoice, Venerable Ambrose, God-wise teacher of faith and piety.
Ikos 1
Imitating the angelic life, you rejected all the red and fleeting things of this corruptible world and directed your feet to the spiritual teacher and seer Elder Hilarion, may he guide you on the path of true life and bless you for the exploits of salvation. He, having foreseen your future godly life, sent you to the monastery of Optina, and there you found a good refuge for yourself. We, seeing such God’s will for you, say:
Rejoice, chosen by God for the branch of piety of parents; Rejoice, having loved the Lord from your youth.
Rejoice, you who have had zeal for book wisdom from your youth; Rejoice, having learned the spirit-bearing teaching of the holy fathers.
Rejoice, rejection of the soon-to-be-perishing blessings of this world; Rejoice, unflagging desire for imperishable treasures.
Rejoice, thou who sought God's will for the salvation of thy soul; Rejoice, you have received a blessing on your monastic path.
Rejoice, Venerable Ambrose, God-wise teacher of faith and piety.
Kontakion 2
Seeing the good intention of your heart, Christ delineated the narrow and thorny path of your salvation, and when you were suddenly on your deathbed with illness, you gave the Lord a promise: if He heals you, you will betray everything to yourself through the feat of monasticism. Having risen by the grace of God from the bed of illness, you glorified the all-merciful God, the Physician of souls and bodies, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Having acquired the mind of the Divine Scriptures, in the passion of God you thought about how the Lord would arrange the future path of your salvation and how to enter the path of the arduous and sorrowful monastic life. We, marveling at your good intentions, sing to you:
Rejoice, having placed all your hope in God the Provider; Rejoice, since you have only sought His favor.
Rejoice, ready to endure every trial for the salvation of the soul; Rejoice, you who followed the command of your conscience.
Rejoice, you who hate worldly amusements; Rejoice, lover of earthly riches.
Rejoice, having made everything possible for yourself to work for the One God; Rejoice, He who desires to please.
Rejoice, Venerable Ambrose, God-wise teacher of faith and piety.
Kontakion 3
By the power of love, confirmed in faith, you were jealous of acquiring the Gospel life in the image of the venerable fathers of the ancient Church. When the Lord gave you the understanding of this good pleasure, you sang with tenderness: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having strong faith in the good providence of God for the salvation of man, you flocked to the honest image of the Most Holy Theotokos of Tambov, so that you would receive a parental blessing, and you humbly prayed to the Lady to direct your path. We, seeing your persistent hope in the mercy of the Queen of Heaven, sing to you:
Rejoice, faithful and beloved child of the Mother of God; Rejoice, Her sacred veil of power is secretly comprehended.
Rejoice, blessings of the parent through Her, a kindly guardian image; Rejoice, zealous Intercessor and reverent admirer.
Rejoice, you who tearfully offered prayers to Her often at night; Rejoice, you who have shamelessly received heavenly help from Her.
Rejoice, having found such sweet consolation in your heart; Rejoice, for you have received kindly tenderness.
Rejoice, Venerable Ambrose, God-wise teacher of faith and piety.
Kontakion 4
Driven by a storm of thoughts, you came to the monastery of St. Sergius of Radonezh, so that the wonderworker and teacher of monastic work, who overflows from the shrine of his venerable relics currents of grace-filled help, will strengthen your heart for the exploits of the upcoming monastic field of all Russia. Having touched your heart there, you cried out with joy: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing the great life and piety of the godly fathers and elders of Optina Pustyn, you secretly left the world and everything in it, and you came, without hesitation, to this monastery in humility of soul, in order to be saved and to please God. We, seeing the great zeal of your soul, bring you a song of praise:
Rejoice, perishable, imputing the good of this world for nothing; Rejoice, thou who has known the sweetness of the Church.
Rejoice, you who have entered into the holy monastery; Rejoice, you who have given yourself everything to God.
Rejoice, having fulfilled the commandments of God without laziness; Rejoice, you who taste the fruits of Christ’s teaching are sweet.
Rejoice, zealot of the exploits of the holy fathers; Rejoice, vigilant guardian of spiritual purity.
Rejoice, Venerable Ambrose, God-wise teacher of faith and piety.
Kontakion 5
The God-created desert welcomed you, as if into the arms of the Father, you meekly settled in the wilderness and there you first bore the labors of obedience in the cell of the great elder, the divinely enlightened Leo, by whom you were instructed in spiritual work. Having seen the sweetness of the renunciation of your will, you cried out: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Seeing your monastic success, the Fathers of the Desert clothed you in the vestments of the Great Schema, and the Leader of the Ascetic Christ granted you the grace of the angelic rank, for this reason we cry out to you:
Rejoice, loving God with all your heart; Rejoice, having served Him with all your soul.
Rejoice, having firmly established the faith through many labors; Rejoice, having armed yourself with the hope of help from above.
Rejoice, treasure of the love of the Gospel; Rejoice, receptacle of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, valiant hero of monastic exploits; Rejoice, wonderful imitator of the life of the angels.
Rejoice, Venerable Ambrose, God-wise teacher of faith and piety.
Kontakion 6
You appeared as a preacher of the Orthodox faith and true life in Christ Jesus, denying teachings contrary to the Gospel and the Church, and you turned many from the path of error to Christ the Giver of Life, singing with gratitude: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
You have shone forth, like a much-bright light, into the lands of Russia, enlightening every person who comes to you with the light of truth, but people, burdened with many sins and sorrows, have found in you a godly mentor of piety and a good father to all the weak, suffering and humiliated, chanting like this:
Rejoice, lamp of the Orthodox country of Russia; Rejoice, mirror of Divine love.
Rejoice, pillar of the apostolic faith; Rejoice, stone of hope of eternal life.
Rejoice, God-inspired teacher in all circumstances; Rejoice, zealous preacher of repentance.
Rejoice, physician of bodily ailments; Rejoice, healer of mental illnesses.
Rejoice, Venerable Ambrose, God-wise teacher of faith and piety.
Kontakion 7
Although you followed Christ Himself, you imitated Him with all diligence, you took His yoke upon yourself and, having learned from Him meekness and humility, you found peace in your soul, always calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
A new and wondrous star of holiness appeared in the church sky, when you ascended the spiritual ladder to angelic perfection, you spread the rays of your love across the face of the entire Russian land and you attracted to yourself the noble and honorable, the wise of this age and the unwise, crying out to you in the face:
Rejoice, city, stand at the top of the mountain; Rejoice, shining light, driving away the darkness of ignorance.
Rejoice, healer of all who are weak; Rejoice, deliver us from the troubles and temptations of the enemy.
Rejoice, comforter of the sad; Rejoice, you who thirst for spiritual drink.
Rejoice, accuser of the cunning wisdom of this age; Rejoice, corrector of many who have gone astray to the path of truth.
Rejoice, Venerable Ambrose, God-wise teacher of faith and piety.
Kontakion 8
You appeared as a wanderer and a stranger in the earthly world, seeking the city of heaven, and you bore the burdens and infirmities of your neighbor seeking your help, and thus you fulfilled the law of Christ, singing with thanksgiving: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
Filled with the fire of Divine love, you carried the difficult cross of bodily illnesses through your entire monastic life, gaining your soul with patience, according to the word of the Gospel of Christ, and you taught us all to bear the cross without a murmur, calling to you:
Rejoice, leader of those seeking salvation; Rejoice, image of true obedience.
Rejoice, you yourself who endured grave illnesses to the end; Rejoice, teaching patience to those who come to you in sickness and sorrow.
Rejoice, you have been a great caretaker of your flock; Rejoice, nourisher of those who hunger for eternal life.
Rejoice, patron of the offended; Rejoice, those who are disobedient to the will of God have taught them.
Rejoice, Venerable Ambrose, God-wise teacher of faith and piety.
Kontakion 9
You experienced all human nature in illness and bodily infirmities, crucifying the flesh with passions and lusts, and with tireless prayer you drove away the misfortunes and temptations of evil spirits, and thereby taught you to resist the wiles of the devil, crying out with faith: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
You swept away the rhetoric of the superstitious, who did not know the power of the Orthodox faith, with the word of God and your pure life, and you truly shone forth as a luminous pillar of piety and the keeper of the patristic tradition, diligently translating the ancient writings of the fathers into intelligible writing. We, marveling at your labor, sing to the sitsa:
Rejoice, right adamante of faith; Rejoice, living a strong life according to faith.
Rejoice, propagator of the spirit of piety; Rejoice, sower of Christian virtues.
Rejoice, success in the exploits of old age; Rejoice, spiritual enlightenment of many monks.
Rejoice, having led those to salvation; Rejoice, thou who has converted many sinners to repentance.
Rejoice, Venerable Ambrose, God-wise teacher of faith and piety.
Kontakion 10
Helping those who seek the Kingdom of Heaven to be saved, you have appeared as a faithful guide, governing both worldly and spiritual things; At the end of your years, you put in a lot of work, establishing the Shamordino monastery for the poor, so that those sisters would find peace of mind and salvation, singing a song of praise: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
You were your child’s wall and refuge, protecting you from demonic obsessions with incessant prayers; You inspired them to wage invisible warfare against the spirits of evil, abolishing pride and love of glory through humility. We also joyfully call you:
Rejoice, quenching the arrows of the enemy; Rejoice, conqueror of the demonic regiments.
Rejoice, freeing those captives from the spirits of evil; Rejoice, you who have brought many souls out of the prison of passions.
Rejoice, you who have turned lost to God through love and prayers; Rejoice, kind guardian of orphans and widows.
Rejoice, God-bearing creator of monks and nuns; Rejoice, good preacher of humility and meekness.
Rejoice, Venerable Ambrose, God-wise teacher of faith and piety.
Kontakion 11
We offer tender singing to you, a quick helper in the needs and sorrows of all who flow to you with faith and love, until the end of your days you were a loving father of the suffering and burdened, looking for consolation of the soul. In the same way, you unfailingly glorify God, wondrous in His saints, who constantly call: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Having seen in you all the ends of the lamp of virtues, our Father Ambrose, for in patience and humility you ended your earthly journey and fulfilled all that Christ commanded us in the holy teaching, and you moved from earth to heaven, entering into the joy of your Lord, as a faithful one servant of Christ. Let us also joyfully sing thee:
Rejoice, zealous servant, who did the will of his Master; Rejoice, warrior of Christ, having left the vanity of life.
Rejoice, thou who servest the One God; Rejoice, having fulfilled all the commandments of God.
Rejoice, thou art worthy of the heavenly mansions; Rejoice, you who have partaken of the heights of glory.
Rejoice, heir of eternal life; Rejoice, most praiseworthy servant of God.
Rejoice, Venerable Ambrose, God-wise teacher of faith and piety.
Kontakion 12
By the grace of God, you have inherited an inestimable treasure and you have found a quiet, serene refuge in heaven. By the action of God's providence, during the days of the triumphant millennium of the Baptism of Rus', you were glorified and canonized. Now, to bless your holy memory, we all sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing your all-Russian glorification, we lift up to you, like the fragrance of incense, our humble prayers: do not forget your children who honor your holy name and cry out to you in thanksgiving:
Rejoice, Ambrose, namesake of Divine immortality; Rejoice, honest praise to the Orthodox Church.
Rejoice, partaker of the faces of the holy saints; Rejoice, host of venerable fathers of the Mysteries.
Rejoice, our steadfast representative before the Throne of the Most High God; Rejoice, our warm intercessor before the court of God.
Rejoice, guide to us who wander in the pitiful vale; Rejoice, vigilant prayer book for the whole Russian land.
Rejoice, Venerable Ambrose, God-wise teacher of faith and piety.
Kontakion 13
O wondrous servant of Christ and miracle worker, our reverend elder Ambrose, now accept the small prayer of your unworthy children, do not leave us in sorrows and illnesses, come and extend a helping hand, guide us on the path of repentance and salvation, so that we may be freed from eternal torment, and by you We always glorify God, crying out: Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “To the Life of the Angels...” and the 1st kontakion “The Chosen Servant...”.
First prayer
O great elder and servant of God, reverend our father Ambrose, praise to the Optina and all Rus' teacher of piety! We glorify your humble life in Christ, by which God has exalted your name while you were still on earth, especially crowning you with heavenly honor upon your departure to the chamber of eternal glory. Accept now the prayer of us, your unworthy children, who honor you and call on your holy name, deliver us through your intercession before the Throne of God from all sorrowful circumstances, mental and physical ailments, evil misfortunes, corrupting and evil temptations, send peace to our Fatherland from the great-gifted God, peace and prosperity, be the immutable patron of this holy monastery, in which you yourself labored in prosperity and you have pleased our glorified God with all in the Trinity, to Him belongs all glory, honor and worship, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and ever forever and ever. Amen.
Second prayer
O venerable and God-bearing Father Ambrose! You, desiring to work for the Lord, settled here and labored untiringly in labor, vigils, prayers and fasting, and you were a mentor to monastics, and a zealous teacher to all people. Now, after your departure from the earthly, standing before the Heavenly King, pray to His goodness to show mercy to the place of your settlement, this holy monastery, where you continually abide in the spirit of your love, and to all your people, who with faith fall to the race of your relics, for the good petition fulfill them. Ask our merciful Lord to grant us an abundance of earthly blessings, even more so for the benefit of our souls, and may we be worthy to end this temporary life in repentance, and on the day of judgment may we be worthy of standing and enjoying His Kingdom forever and ever. . Amen.
Prayer three
O all-honorable elder of the glorious and wondrous Optina Hermitage, venerable and God-bearing Father Ambrose! Our Church is a good adornment and a gracious lamp, illuminating everyone with heavenly light, the red and spiritual fruit of Russia and all the sunflowers, abundantly delighting and cheering the souls of the faithful! Now, with faith and trembling, we fall before the celibate reliquary of your holy relics, which you have mercifully granted for comfort and help to the suffering, we humbly pray to you with our hearts and lips, holy father, as an all-Russian mentor and teacher of piety, a shepherd and a doctor of our mental and physical ailments: look for your children, who greatly sin in words and deeds, and visit us with your much and holy love, with which you gloriously succeeded even in the days of earth, especially after your righteous death, instructing the saints and God-enlightened fathers in the rules, admonishing us in the commandments of Christ, in You were jealous of their goodness until the last hour of your difficult monastic life; ask us, weak in soul and in distress in sorrow, a favorable and saving time for repentance, true correction and renewal of our life, in which we, sinners, have become vain in mind and heart, having given ourselves over to indecent and cruel passion, vice and lawlessness, of which there is no number; accept therefore, protect and cover us with the shelter of your many mercies, send us a blessing from the Lord, so that we may bear the good yoke of Christ in long-suffering until the end of our days, looking forward to the future life and the Kingdom, where there is no sorrow or sighing, but life and endless joy, abundantly flowing from the One, All-Holy and Blessed Source of immortality in the Trinity of the worshiped God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Troparion, tone 5
Like a healing source, we flow to you, Ambrose, our father, for you faithfully instruct us on the path of salvation, protect us from troubles and misfortunes with prayers, comfort us in bodily and mental sorrows, and, moreover, teach us humility, patience and love, pray to Christ the Lover of Mankind and Intercessor diligent to save our souls.
Kontakion, tone 2
Having fulfilled the covenant of the Chief Shepherd, you inherited the grace of eldership, sick at heart for all those who flow to you with faith, and we, your children, cry out to you with love: Holy Father Ambrose, pray to Christ God to save our souls.
