Akathist to the Resurrection of Christ (other)
Kontakion 1
Chosen Voivode, Lord of Heaven and earth, we offer victorious songs of thanksgiving to You, Your servants, who have now descended into hell and resurrected everything with You, and we celebrate our deliverance with a bright cry: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 1
The Angel of the Lord, on the Sabbath evening, descended from Heaven in a great coward, rolled away the stone from the door of the tomb of Jesus and sat on it. From his fear the guards shook and were as if dead. We worship the Risen Living God with the myrrh-bearing women and preach the secret Pascha, crying out:
Christ is risen, and the princes of hell have fallen.
Christ is risen, and fears the gates of hell.
Christ is risen, and the gates of brass are broken.
Christ is risen, and the strongholds of hell are laid waste.
Christ is risen, and death weeps.
Christ is risen, and hell, groaning, cries out: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 2
Mary Magdalene, and Mary of James, and Salome saw the young man in the tomb of Jesus, dressed in white clothing and sitting on his gums, being horrified. He said to them: “Are you looking for Jesus Crucified? There is no voice here, as it is spoken. Come, see the place where the Lord lies, and as you go quickly cry out as His disciple: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.”
Ikos 2
The unreasonable mind, searching for understanding, Peter and the other disciple went to the tomb and, having entered it, seeing one robe lying and the sir, who was on the head of Jesus, not lying with the robe, but an individual retinue in one place, and having believed, he cried out with joy:
Christ is risen, and all creation rejoices.
Christ is risen, let heaven rejoice.
Christ is risen, and the Angels rejoice for us.
Christ is risen, and the underworld is enlightened.
Christ is risen, let us exclaim with joy, having been saved from death. Sing to the Lord, all the earth: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 3
The Lord endowed His disciples with power from above after the Resurrection. And when they went to Galilee, to the mountain, Jesus commanded them, and Jesus said to those who came to them: “To Me is all power in Heaven and on earth. So as you go, teach all languages, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all the things that are commanded to you.” Tiy bowed to Him, calling: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 3
Having in her heart love for the Teacher, Mary Magdalene, standing outside the tomb, weeping and seeing Him risen from the dead, like a heli-climber, asked: “If You took Him, tell me where You laid Him, and I will take Him.” Moreover, above all hope, having heard: “Mary, I ascend to my Father and your Father and my God and your God,” he came to the disciples, saying:
Christ is risen, and the sting of sin has been dulled.
Christ is risen, and the world is saved from the flood of sin.
Christ is risen, and we are freed from working for the enemy.
Christ is risen, and the deception of the devil has been abolished.
Christ is risen, and the handwriting that was on us has been blotted out.
Christ is risen, and all creation is renewed, calling: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 4
Having a storm of doubtful thoughts within, Thomas the disciple spoke as if he had seen the Lord, saying to them: “Unless I see the mark of the nails in His hand, and put my finger into the marks of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I have no faith,” but, having become convinced , cry out with joy: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 4
Hearing Thomas the disciple see the Lord, and wanting to see Him with his eyes, he said: “I have no faith.” After eight days Jesus came with the door closed, standing in the midst of the disciple and saying to Thomas: “Bring this finger to My hand, and look upon My hand, and bring your hand and place it in My side: and be not unfaithful, but faithful.” And Thomas answered and said:
Christ is risen, You are my Lord.
Christ is risen, You are my God.
Christ is risen, and all incorruption and life have been received.
Christ is risen and risen from the dead.
Christ is risen, and we will be delivered from condemnation and torment.
Christ is risen, and life has risen from the grave to the world who sings: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 5
The deities were not scorched by fire; Thomas boldly touched the rib of Spasovo. Moreover, be enlightened by God, having become incarnate for our salvation and again with the resurrected flesh, having come to know. By the same unbelief, the blessed twin affirms the church faith, even as he confesses in accordance with the cry: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 5
Having seen Jesus risen, the disciples were afraid, afraid to see the spirit. Jesus, however, assure them by showing them His hand and nose and ribs, the same fish were baked and poisoned from the honeycombs of the bees before them. Thus, having become confident and putting aside my fear and sadness, I girdle in joy:
Christ is risen, we will accept the worst, and give us the best.
Christ is risen, and hell has been put to death by the brilliance of His Divinity.
Christ is risen, and the darkness is destroyed, and the dark demons are driven away.
Christ is risen, and human nature, corrupted by passions, has been renewed.
Christ is risen, and our iniquities have been cleansed.
Christ is risen, and we, having put on incorruption, offer this song to Him: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 6
Sending preachers into the world after Thy Resurrection, Thy God-bearing apostles, O Christ, Thou didst proclaim to them, blowing: “Receive the Holy Spirit. Forgive their sins, their sins will be forgiven; and they hold on, they hold on.” In the same way, grant that to this day, throughout the entire world, the children of the Church, who have been absolved from their sins, constantly glorify Your mercy and with pure souls sing in joy: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 6
Thou hast shone forth, O Christ, and in the dark places of hell the light of Thy Resurrection has shone, forgiveness and weakness, and the gospel of deliverance, O Great Merciful One, to the souls contained there from eternity. Moreover, from the serpent, the murderer, we are despoiled, playfully, rushing towards Your light, singing:
Christ is risen, and our bonds are torn asunder.
Christ is risen, and the shadow of death is transformed into eternal life.
Christ is risen, and the power of death will no longer be able to hold a person.
Christ is risen, and the tormenting insolence is cast down.
Christ is risen, and we have been given heaven instead of hell to live.
Christ is risen, and the world sings evermore: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 7
Although you wanted to serve the fallen Adam, our Savior, you appeared on earth, and you did not find it on earth, you even descended to hell in search, and, having met you down in the depths of the earth, you sing with all those who are being saved: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and gave life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 7
You laid the foundation for new life in the world, O Lord, with Your glorious Resurrection. The old thing is all past: hell, death, and the power of the devil. Now all creation is known to be free, and those who were darkened before, now like the sons of God, rejoice, singing:
Christ is risen, pouring out an abyss of mercy and generosity on our race.
Christ is risen, raising us with Himself into the pit of those who fell.
Christ is risen, and we will be delivered from the snares of demons.
Christ is risen, and the sorrow of sin has been transformed into the sweetness of heavenly life.
Christ is risen, and the tree of slaying came to life.
Christ is risen, and He has raised us to our former state, so we call: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 8
Wandering with Cleopas and Luke all over, sixty furlongs from Jerusalem, and not being known by them, you, O Savior, reviled their unbelief and hard-heartedness, saying: “Isn’t this fitting for Christ to suffer and bring into His glory?” And, beginning from Moses and being a prophet from all, you taught them to sing: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 8
You gave everything to Yourself, being God and perfect man, O Savior, to your two disciples in Emmaus; My eyes were dumb and opened, and I knew You, but You were invisible to me, and I shouted to myself:
Christ is risen and life reigns.
Christ is risen, and expose the devil's flattery.
Christ is risen, and the idol's sacrifice ceases.
Christ is risen, and the whole earth offers Him a sacrifice of praise.
Christ is risen, and we, having tasted the unheard food of old, now taste eternal food.
Christ is risen, and we are partakers of everlasting joy, singing: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 9
All the Angels, O Christ the Savior, are singing your Resurrection in heaven. Grant us also on earth with a pure heart to sing in joy: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 9
Beth the world and teacher of languages Paul, the God-speaking one, cries out like a trumpet: “Christ is risen from the dead, The firstfruits of the rising of the dead. Just as in Adam everyone dies, so in Christ everyone will come to life.” Moreover, having seen the Resurrection of Christ, we cry out in joy:
Christ is risen, and the prince of peace is cast down.
Christ is risen, and the underworld trembles.
Christ is risen, and death was sacrificed in victory.
Christ is risen, and hell was captured by His power.
Christ is risen, and we are freed from the indestructible bonds of hell.
Christ is risen, and we, having been delivered from incorruption, are sons of the resurrection, appearing, and we sing: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 10
Although you endured crucifixion and death to save the human race from the work of the enemy, O Lord, having been buried, you rose from the dead on the third day. The same Angel, shining in the tomb, preaches the good news to the women, saying: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 10
The third after the Resurrection, Jesus appeared on the sea of Tiberias, fishing for Simon Peter, and Thomas, and Nathanael, and the son of Zebedee from His disciples and, as the Lord of all, commands me to place the ship on the right hand, and the word will be done soon, and there will be many fish multitude, and a strange supper is ready upon the earth. Let us now mentally enjoy it and vouchsafe us, O Lord, to sing:
Christ is risen, and to Him is given authority in heaven and on earth.
Christ is risen and the Kingdom of God is here.
Christ is risen, and His Body, like the Bread of Life, is acceptable to all.
Christ is risen, and we taste His Blood, as the Immortal Source.
Christ is risen, and Adam, free, rejoices with us.
Christ is risen, and Eve, having been delivered from her bonds, rejoices, calling: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 11
The song of all-contrition is offered to the Risen One, Peter, for I have thrashed for having denied You, and thrashed and confessed: “Lord, You weigh all, You weigh, because I love You.” Thresh and hear from You the sweetest calling to the flock: “Feed My lambs, feed My sheep.” In the same way he calls: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 11
Light to the Giver, like the sun, you shone for three days from the grave and enlightened everything with the light of true knowledge of God. In the same way, let us sit in the darkness of unbelief and doubt with the apostles, for we are the Lord, and we are no longer tormented: “Who are you?” But the Risen One is glorifying; in tenderness we call:
Christ is risen, and enlighten all things with His Resurrection.
Christ is risen, and eternal light has risen in the darkness and shadow of death to those who sit.
Christ is risen, and He has given to the faithful the radiance that secretly overshadows the Spirit from above.
Christ is risen, and the spiritual tow was opened before the blind.
Christ is risen, and we know the Father of lights.
Christ is risen, let all who have rejected the Lord of glory be put to shame and sing with us: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 12
By Your grace, showing every person the most convenient path of salvation, O Christ, You spoke to Simon Peter: “When you are old, you lift up your hands, and He will girdle you and lead you, even if you did not want to,” signifying by which death He will glorify God. You commanded your beloved disciple to remain until you arrive. Moreover, even though the apostles were separated, they are still bound by a union of love, according to the hymn: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Ikos 12
Singing Your three-day Resurrection, O Christ, we rejoice in Your immutable promise. You promised to be with us until the end of the century, delivering us from all evil and guiding us to eternal life. For this reason, glorifying Thee, we cry out:
Christ is risen, and we are now freed from all harm.
Christ is risen, and has seated us at the right hand of the Father with Himself.
Christ is risen, and has made us partakers of His eternal glory.
Christ is risen, and the strong enemy who crushed the forefather of old has been crushed.
Christ is risen, and with the Angels we, before abandonment, are established.
Christ is risen, and with Him He will resurrect everything, calling: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
Kontakion 13
O great and most sacred Easter, Christ Jesus our Savior, we gratefully confess Your great saving mercy, as You have again made us, unworthy, worthy to taste the joy of Your Bright Resurrection. Grant us, in the eternal days of Your Kingdom, more truly and more perfectly than You, the Sweetest, to partake of communion, so that with the Angels and all the saints forever and ever we may sing joyfully: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
Prayer to the Risen Savior
Glory to Thee, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, for Thou hast once again vouchsafed me, unworthy, having passed through the field of holy fasting, to worship Thy Divine Passion and to see the all-joyful day of the glorious Resurrection from the tomb of Thy, since Thou hast freed the souls of the righteous who have been bound for centuries in hell. This Divine freedom of spirit and flesh, dearest to my Savior, and I wish, may you absolve me, bound by many sins, and may you make the life-giving light of Your Resurrection shine in the darkest of my soul: for I see countless bounties and your ineffable love for mankind, as if not exactly from brought me into existence from non-existence, and adorned your image with your likeness, you made me the ruler of all-eating creatures, but even so, having fallen from a height and enslaved to the enemy, you did not abandon me, but, having redeemed me with your priceless Blood, you provided me with the grace of baptism, so that I may rise to first asset. But I, the accursed one, having become a carnal mind, turned back and became a slave to the creation of sin and passions, until one by one I destroyed all the gifts of Thy grace. And now for what I will do, we do not know: but remembering the words of Your most pure lips, as if You did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance, and I, as one of these, with faith and humility come to Your Life-Giving Sepulcher, not aromas and I carry the stench of the world (I am naked and empty of good deeds), but I have even more hope of finding in it forgiveness for my sin and renewal for my unclean life. Look upon me now, who repent and want to serve You, and do not reject me from the grace of Your Resurrection! By Thy life-giving death and burial I have put to death my fierce passions, so that as if I were dead and buried I live in this world. By Your glorious rise, raise up my soul, mortified by sins, and revive my conscience, which is most needed in the world. By Your Ascension, tear me away from the vain and soulful blessings of the earth, and make me a heavenly philosophizer, as if I were not living and pleasing myself, but You, my Lord and God, serving and working, just as I was worthy to worship Your Resurrection on earth, so I will be worthy to see To You, my dearest Redeemer, and in Heaven, for accepting death on the cross, I am crowned with glory and honor, and standing at the right hand of Your Majesty, with the Archangels and Angels, and with all my brothers redeemed by You, I sing to You forever and ever: Alleluia. Amen.
When and by whom were the works written?
Iconography: Resurrection of Christ Dates: XIX century. 1894 Icon painting school or art center: Palekh school of icon painting Icon painter: Vasily Aleksandrovich Khokhlov Origin: received from A.V. Khokhlova, 1960s. Material: wood, gesso, tempera, gold. Dimensions of the icon: height 29.7 cm, width 19.8 cm. The literary basis of the complex multi-figure composition is the Psalter and the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus. This icon is one of the best examples of Palekh ancient writing. Inv. No. GMPI 3601. DI-419-I. © State Museum of Palekh Art Literature: 1. Palekh school 1923-1950. Lacquer miniatures of icon painters. Munich, 2011. No. 12. P. 42.
The spiritual uplift that the words of the akathists evoke requires reading them while standing, which is why they are also called “non-saddle chants.” And, of course, one of the brightest and most joyful is the Akathist to the Resurrection.
Few such akathists are known from the history of the Christian church. One of the first such chants was created by Patriarch Philotheus of Constantinople (14th century), who called his hymn “Akathist to the Life-Giving Sepulcher and the Resurrection of the Lord.”
In the Russian Church, interest in this type of hymnography appeared only in the 19th century, when they were created by many clergy, as well as pious laity. However, not all such texts were blessed by the clergy for general church use.
Prot. Maxim Kozlov writes that:
“By 1901, for every 158 permitted there were 291 (or more) unauthorized akathists. This could be due to non-compliance with the requirements for spiritual literature, or to the existence of a previously approved akathist with the same dedication.”
Akathist of Baron Nikolai Nolde
The work created by Baron N.K. Nolde became one of the first akathists to the Resurrection, blessed for reading by believers.
Nikolai Karlovich came from an ancient family of Courland nobles. His ancestors were in Russian service from the middle of the 17th century and lived in Tula. Nicholas's father served in the military department, distinguished himself in the war with Napoleon (1812), and had medals. His son was also an active person: he chose military service and rose to the rank of lieutenant. After his resignation, he was an active deputy of the noble assembly of the city of Belyov, the caretaker of the local public school.
In addition, Nikolai Karlovich was known as a devout man, often visited the Holy Zhabynsk Hermitage near Belev, and wrote spiritual poetry.
6
June
1860
His akathist to the Resurrection became one of the few approved for church-wide reading.
It was published, however, only in 1889, when the baron was already in Siberian exile. What led Nolde to such an end was the then common passion for gambling. Having lost, he was put on trial and exiled. But, according to the inscrutable fate of the Lord, the servant of God Nikolai remained in history as the author of the akathist, which believers still read today.
Creation of Patriarch Sergius
Quite late, in 1974, another akathist to the Resurrection was published, which previously could not be published due to government restrictions. It was created, presumably, in the 1920s. Metropolitan Sergius (Stragorodsky), future patriarch.
Those were difficult years of persecution, when it seemed that the Church could not stand. But it was then that Metropolitan Sergius wrote many liturgical hymns. Among them there are akathists:
- Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, painted during imprisonment;
- Bogolyubsky image of the Mother of God.
- A special place is occupied by the akathist to the Resurrection, which sounds like a challenge to the surrounding reality, a firm hope: people may be faint-hearted, afraid, grieving, but Christ will win!
