Glory to God for Everything

Introduction

   Holy pleasers and ascetics advise us to thank God more often for everything, that not only in moments of joy, but it is necessary also during sorrows and illness. To do this, like Psalm 91, helps us to not fall into despondency and strengthens us to carry our cross with humility. Thank God for everything!
   An amazing story about the creator of the Akathist "Glory to God for Everything ." When Metropolitan Tryphon was a baby, he got very sick and his mother prayed a lot to Saint Tryphon. I prayed to the holy Martyr Tryphon for my baby Borya. Tearfully asked the Holy Martyr for his intercession before God for his sick son, promising, if he recovers, to consecrate him to the service of God and, if he is destined to renounce the world, to call him Tryphon. And by a miracle, the baby recovered and became a zealous Archpastor and a wonderful preacher. Many believers turn to Saint Tikhon with a prayer request for help in overcoming despondency, despair, and for finding peace of mind in difficult life situations. Beauty will save the world. Beautiful photographs and paintings help to get rid of sadness.
St. Tikhon of Zadonsk - A Helper in Sadness.   In Orthodoxy, the name Tikhon comes from the Greek word "T;;;;" and means "lucky" or "successful." This name was popular among the people in Rus' and gained special significance thanks to Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk.
St. Tikhon of Zadonsk was fortunately chosen by God; he was granted the gifts of the Holy Spirit. By God's providence, as a child, St. Tikhon of Zadonsk was not given away by his poor, widowed mother to a coachman's family. And in his youth, an Angel saved him from falling from the old bell tower; when a wooden partition near the window collapsed, he was thrown back and avoided falling.
   The Saint was honored by the Lord to help all those who turn to him for prayerful assistance. St. Tikhon suffered much and endured much in his earthly life, but he endured everything with
humility, never ceasing to give thanks for everything and to glorify the Lord. He set an example of righteous living for all of us. Wondrous is God in His Saints. Glory to God for all things!
 
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before

the Icon “The Seeker of the Lost“

Oh, zealous intercessor, tender-hearted Mother of our Lord, I turn to Thee, wretched and sinful more than all men as I am, attend to the voice of my supplication, hear my cry and my groaning, since my iniquities have risen above my head, and like a ship in the churning abyss I am submerged in the sea of my sins. But Thou, all-good and Merciful Lady, scorn me not who is desperate and perishing in my sins; have mercy on me who is repenting of my evil deeds, and turn my wretched and lost soul onto the right path. I place my whole hope in Thee, my Lady Theotokos. Thou, Mother of God, keep and preserve me sheltered under your veil, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion 4 A storm of perplexity confuses my mind, how shall I be able to praise Thee with my unworthy lips, oh Most Holy Virgin, for Thine great succor to us; therefore, magnifying Thy countless mercies, I chant with humility to the Almighty God, Hallelujah.
 
“In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer,
I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
   
Firmly hope in God's mercy and His atoning sacrifice." - Venerable Alexy Zosimovsky (1846-1928)
   Those who remember that everything is sent by the Lord for our good, so that we may be cleansed of sin, find it easier to endure illnesses and severe sorrows. (For example, doctors note that believers who patiently endure suffering recover more quickly than those who despair.)
   Sometimes, through illness, the Lord leads us away from the vanity of the world, preventing us
from falling into new sins; we gain additional time to reflect on our sins and repent... He who
humbly accepts everything as from the hands of God Himself will not fall into the trap of the forces of darkness. The Holy Fathers placed great emphasis on humility. “No one will be saved without humility,” says Elder Michael (Pitkevich) (1877-1962)
   
    St. Porphyry  said: "When we surrender ourselves to Christ, our spiritual organism comes into a peaceful state, resulting in all our organs and glands beginning to function naturally. They all depend on our state of mind. Then we recover and cease to suffer..."
  "Humility is an everlasting candle pleasing to God!" "Every trial will pass by the humble and not touch them." – (The Holy Confessor Gabriel (Urgebadze) (1929-1995))
"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6).
"We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of heaven" (Acts 14:22).
    "Saint John of Kronstadt calls us to see God's wise providence in everything. "If you do not experience in yourself the influence of the evil spirit, you will not know and you will not value as you should the goodness shown to you by the benevolence of the Holy Spirit; not having known the spirit that destroys, you also will not know the Life-Giving Spirit. Only because of the opposites of good and evil, of life and death, can we understand the one and the other... Glory to God, the Wise and All-Good that He permits the spirit of evil and death to tempt us and cause us suffering. Otherwise, how could we begin to value the consolation of grace, the consolation of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter and Life-Giver!" For this reason , we have been given the Holy Church, Her Mysteries, and all of Her ordinances, so that we might have the opportunity to remain under the constant influence of the all-conquering grace of God. "
   Daily reading of one or two chapters from the Gospel and Acts of the Apostles, the Psalter, and
the lives of the saints helps not only strengthen faith but also preserves purity of mind. After
repentance, the conscience is cleansed and a person's consciousness is transformed, because God's
grace begins to enlighten him. He will not accept the thoughts of the enemy, who tries to plunge
him into the abyss of despair. If we understand this, we will repent not only of following the
enemy's lead and falling into despondency, but also of the sin of lack of faith. Very Important - frequent confession and Communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ!
   "Never despair and never lose hope in God. Don't listen to the enemy. All things will work
together for the salvation of those who seek God. We all have fallen. But we have a Savior who
forgives those who repent and does not reject them. He who comes to Me, I will in no way cast out. God's love overcomes our sins and weaknesses if we humble ourselves, acknowledge these
weaknesses, and sincerely ask for forgiveness. May you also be healthy in spirit. May the Lord
protect and save you.” – Hegumen Nikon (Vorobyov) (1894-1963)
   " In moments of despair, know that it is not the Lord who abandons you, but you who abandon the Lord! " – Archimandrite Agapit, Abbot of the Nilov-Stolobensky Hermitage (1805–1860)
  The most important thing is to understand early on that when we fall into despair, we cease to trust God Himself. The Lord led His Chosen Ones through great suffering, and after the Trials, they received the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
  "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them from them all" (Psalm 34:20).
   "The Lord allows us to suffer so that we may feel our weakness and strive more diligently toward the source of all good—our Creator, who gives each one what is useful to him."- Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco (1896-1966).
   "Elder Joseph of Vatopedi (1921-2009) , the spiritual son of St. Joseph the Hesychast, said:
Prayer finds a true obedient one ready to accept the divine presence, endure sorrows, be tolerant of the mistakes of others, recognize the spiritual law, and generally the presence of divine grace.
From obedience through penitential prayer, the sanctification and purification of the heart gradually occurs. This is a long period of spiritual sowing and cultivating the spiritual field; then follows the acquisition of virtues... "

On Bearing the Cross. About the temptations.
"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me'" (Matthew 16:24).
"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline, nor be weary of His reproof. For whom the Lord loves He chastens" (Proverbs 3:11-12).
"If you endure chastisement, God deals with you as with His sons" (Hebrews 12:7).
 
 "It is hard to bear the cross... of sorrows, but that is our destiny. Therefore, if you want to be among Christ's sheep, then accept all the sorrowful circumstances you encounter as from the hand of God. Let sorrows guide you, like an elder." "Spiritual wealth is acquired through patience. Patience is sought through unceasing prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me," and You will have mercy. "- Venerable Seraphim (Romantsov) (1885-1976)
   "Joy comforts, but it does not bring one closer to God. It deceives you, and you forget the narrow path, the bearing of the cross. I have often suffered harm from great joy. Sorrows, temptations, and hardships purify you, and you feel the nearness of God. The Cross humbles you and brings resurrection. "- Athonite Elder Ephraim Katounaksky (1912–1998)
   "God allows temptations so that through sorrows and lamentation we can cleanse ourselves of filth and make our souls immaculate, and so that we are forced to resort to God for our salvation." "God allows a person to endure various temptations, sorrows, and illnesses for their spiritual growth, enlightenment, and salvation. This is done so that a person does not become arrogant, but humbles himself, fights evil, and does not imagine himself a saint, thereby purifying the soul and strengthening faith... " -Venerable Paisios of Mount Athos (1924-1994)
   "Nothing happens otherwise than by the will of God... Because He is the Almighty. That's why I can't be depressed by everything that's happening around us. Because, submitting to the will of God, I cannot suffer from it... When I'm worried, I kind of say to God: You didn't do as you should have done, as I wanted... Who am I to say that? Or: Why do they tell me this? Why do they do something else for me? But could it have happened without Him, without His admission? And then we are calm... We have constant silence. Without this constant silence, God cannot send the Holy Spirit to help us. The Holy Spirit comes only in human silence. And then he will instruct you, as Christ said: I will send you a Comforter, and He will instruct you, and teach you the future..." –
Saint Gabrielia (Papayannis, 1897–1992) 
   "In sorrows and temptations, the Lord helps us. He does not free us from them, but gives us the strength to endure them easily, even to not notice them… "All the saints suffered because they followed the path of the Savior, Who suffered: He was persecuted, reviled, slandered, and crucified. And all who follow Him inevitably suffer. "In this world you will have tribulations." And all who desire to live piously will be persecuted. "When you begin to serve the Lord, prepare your soul for temptation." To more easily endure suffering, one must have strong faith, ardent love for the Lord, not be attached to anything earthly, and surrender completely to the will of God. Persecution and oppression are beneficial to us, for they strengthen faith.” – Venerable Nikon of Optina (1888-1931)
     "We must know that the path of salvation is the path of the Cross. Our salvation is on the Cross, namely, in our suffering on the Cross… Our salvation lies in the patient endurance of sorrows and suffering. Through them, "we are grafted onto the Cross of Christ and from it we receive the Power of the Cross—purifying, sanctifying, and attracting God's blessing. There is no other path to salvation than through Golgotha and the Cross. Just as one cannot breathe without air, live without food, or walk without legs, so one cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven without sorrows" - St. Simeon (Zhelnyn) (1869-1960)
      Advice of Venerable Nektarius of Optina (1853–1928):“Above all, beware of judging those close to you. The moment the thought of judgment arises, immediately turn your attention and say: “'Lord, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother. "
   When the Elder was asked which path to take to reach God, he advised: 'Go the path of humility! Through humble endurance of life's hardships, humble patience with the illnesses sent by the Lord; with humble hope that you will not be abandoned by the Lord, who is a quick helper and a loving Heavenly Father; with humble prayer for help from above, for the driving away of despondency and feelings of hopelessness, which the enemy of salvation seeks to use to lead one into despair, which is destructive for a person, depriving him of grace and distancing him from God's mercy. "

 Excerpts from the letters  of St. Joseph the Hesychast  (1897–1959):
"Oh, how saddened is the Lord Christ, how distressed is the Bridegroom of souls, when, because of the slightest temptations, we place upon His head the crown of thorns of our despair... Let us be careful, my child, for in this way we greatly grieve the Sweetest Jesus...
Although He gives us sorrows for purification and correction, when the time comes for the sorrows to cease, He again skillfully and wisely delivers us from them...
...May the will of my Lord be done in all things and always...
I say, "My sweetest Savior and God! I have done nothing good or pleasing to You, but as a diligent sinner, I am a worthy son of hell. So even if I am condemned to eternal torment, it is justly my due. If only You were not saddened by me, but looked upon me with a joyful face. Then hell, even hell, will become a bright paradise for me!"
And when you say this, sorrow disappears and joy returns. "
  “I said, “O sweet love, Jesus my Savior, the Light above all light, begotten of the beginningless Father; the knowledge and truth, my hope and solace, my strength and might, my love and illumination; hearken and send the light of Thy divine consolation to my sister, and break the bars and bolts of her darkened and distressed soul; and with the bright light of Thy radiance comfort her heart, that her sorrows and the successive waves of temptations lessen. Yes, my sweet Christ, the Light that illumines heart and reins, soul and body, tendons and bones, nous and intellect, and the entire composition of our being; hearken unto me as I pray for my afflicted and suffering sister.”

Akathist: "Glory to God for Everything"

Kontakion 1   Incorruptible King of the Ages, who holds in Your right hand all the paths of human life by the power of Your saving Providence, we thank You for all Your known and hidden blessings, for earthly life and for the heavenly joys of Your future Kingdom. Extend Your mercies to us henceforth, as we sing: Glory to You, O God, forever and ever.

Ikos 1    I was born into the world as a weak, helpless child, but Your Angel spread His bright wings, guarding my cradle. Since then, Your love has shone on all my paths, wondrously guiding me to the light of eternity. I glorify the generous gifts of Your Providence, revealed from the first day until now. I give thanks and cry out with all who have come to know You: Glory to You, who called me to life; Glory to You, who revealed to me the beauty of the universe. Glory to You, who opened heaven and earth before me like an eternal book of wisdom; Glory to You of eternity amidst the temporal world. Glory to You for Your mercies, hidden and open; Glory to You for every breath of my heart. Glory to You for every step of life, for every moment of joy. Glory to You, O God, forever.

Kontakion 2 Lord, how wonderful it is to be Your guest: the fragrant wind, the mountains stretching to the sky, the waters like boundless mirrors reflecting the golden rays and the lightness of the clouds. All of nature whispers mysteriously, all is full of affection, and birds and animals bear the seal of Your love. Blessed is Mother Earth with her fleeting beauty, awakening a longing for the eternal homeland, wherein imperishable beauty resounds: Alleluia!

Ikos 2   You brought me into this life as into an enchanting paradise. We saw the sky as a deep blue bowl, in whose azure the birds chirped; we heard the soothing rustle of the forest and the sweet music of the waters; we ate fragrant and sweet fruits and fragrant honey. It is good with You on earth; it is joyful to be Your guest. Glory to You for the feast of life; Glory to You for the fragrance of lilies of the valley and roses. Glory to You for the sweet variety of berries and fruits; Glory to You for the diamond shine of the morning dew. Glory to You for the smile of bright awakening; Glory to You for earthly life, the harbinger of heavenly life. Glory to You, God, forever.

Kontakion 3   With the power of the Holy Spirit, every flower smells, the quiet wafting of aroma, the tenderness of color, the beauty of the Great in the small. Praise and honor to the life-giving God, who spreads out the meadows like a flowering carpet, crowning the fields with the golden ears of corn and the azure of cornflowers, and souls with the joy of contemplation. Rejoice and sing to Him: Alleluia!

Ikos 3   How beautiful You are in the triumph of spring, when all creation is resurrected and joyfully cries out to You in a thousand ways: You are the source of life, You are the conqueror of death. By the light of the moon and the song of the nightingale, the valleys and forests stand in their snow-white wedding attire. The whole earth is Your bride, awaiting the incorruptible Bridegroom. If You so clothe the grass, then how will You transform us in the future age of resurrection? How our bodies will be illuminated, how our souls will shine! Glory to You, who brought forth from the darkness of the earth diverse colors, tastes, and aromas; Glory to You for the hospitality and affection of all nature. Glory to You for surrounding us with thousands of Your creations; Glory to You for the depth of Your mind, imprinted throughout the world. Glory to You, I reverently kiss the traces of Your invisible foot; Glory to You, who has lit before us the bright light of eternal life. Glory to You for the hope of immortal, ideal, imperishable beauty. Glory to You, O God, forever and ever.

Kontakion 4 How delightful You are to those who think of You! How life-giving is Your living Word! Softer than oil and sweeter than honeycombs is conversation with You. Prayer to You inspires and enlivens; with what awe the heart is then filled, and how majestic and intelligent nature and all of life become! Where You are not, there is emptiness. Where You are, there is the richness of the soul; there the song flows like a living stream: Alleluia!

Ikos 4 When sunset descends upon the earth, when the peace of night's sleep and the quiet of the fading day reign, I see Your bridal chamber, shaped by shining chambers and the cloudy canopy of dawn. Fire and purple, gold and azure prophetically speak of the ineffable beauty of Your dwellings, triumphantly calling: Let us go to the Father! Glory to You in the quiet hour of evening; Glory to You, who poured out great peace into the world. Glory to You for the farewell ray of the setting sun; Glory to You for the rest of blessed sleep. Glory to You for Your goodness in the darkness, when the whole world is far away; Glory to You for the tender prayers of a touched soul. Glory to You for the promised awakening to the joy of the eternal non-evening day. Glory to You, God, forever.

Kontakion 5 The storms of life are not frightening to one in whose heart the lamp of Your fire shines. All around is storm and darkness, terror and the howling of the wind. But in his soul there is peace and light: Christ is there! And the heart sings: Alleluia!

 Ikos 5 I see Your heavens, shining with stars. O, how rich You are, how much light You have! Eternity looks upon me with the rays of distant stars. I am so small and insignificant, but the Lord is with me, His loving right hand protects me. Glory to You for Your unceasing care for me; Glory to You for Your providential encounters with people. Glory to You for the love of family, for the devotion of friends; Glory to You for the meekness of the animals who serve me. Glory to You for the bright moments of my life; Glory to You for the clear joys of the heart. Glory to You for the happiness of living, moving, and contemplating. Glory to You, O God, forever.

Kontakion 6 How great and near You are in the mighty movement of the storm, how visible is Your mighty hand in the curves of blinding lightning, marvelous is Your greatness. The voice of the Lord is over the fields and in the rustling of the forests, the voice of the Lord is in the birth of thunder and rain, and over the many waters. Praise be to You in the roar of the fire-breathing mountains. You shake the earth like a garment. You raise the waves of the sea to the sky. Praise to Him who humbles human pride, who utters a penitential cry: Alleluia!

Ikos 6 As lightning illuminates the banquet halls, the lamps seem pitiful afterward. Thus You suddenly shone in my soul during life's greatest joys. And after Your lightning-fast light, how colorless, dark, and ghostly they seemed. My soul pursued You. Glory to You, the limit and the pinnacle of the highest human dream; Glory to You for our unquenchable thirst for communion with God. Glory to You, who inspired in us dissatisfaction with earthly things; Glory to You, who clothed us with Your subtlest rays. Glory to You, who crushed the power of the spirits of darkness, who condemned all evil to destruction; Glory to You for Your revelations, for the happiness of feeling You and living with You. Glory to You, O God, forever.

 Kontakion 7 Your call is heard in a wondrous combination of sounds. You reveal to us the threshold of the coming paradise and the melody of song in harmonious tones, in the heights of musical colors, in the brilliance of artistic creativity. All that is truly beautiful carries the soul to You with a powerful call, compelling us to sing rapturously: Alleluia!

Ikos 7 By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, You illuminate the thoughts of artists, poets, and scientific geniuses. By the power of the Superconscious, they prophetically comprehend Your laws, revealing to us the abyss of Your creative wisdom. Their deeds involuntarily speak of You: oh, how great You are in Your creations, oh, how great You are in man. Glory to You, who revealed incomprehensible power in the laws of the universe; Glory to You, all nature is filled with the laws of Your being. Glory to You for all that You have revealed to us in Your goodness; Glory to You for what You have hidden in Your wisdom. Glory to You for the genius of the human mind; Glory to You for the life-giving power of labor. Glory to You for the fiery tongues of inspiration. Glory to You, O God, forever.

Kontakion 8 How near You are in times of illness! You Yourself visit the sick, You Yourself bow down at the bed of the sufferer, and the heart converses with You. You enlighten the soul with peace in times of grave sorrow and suffering, You send unexpected help. You console, You are the love that tests and saves, To You we sing the song: Alleluia!

Ikos 8 When, as a child, I first consciously called upon You, You fulfilled my prayer, and a reverent peace overshadowed my soul. Then I understood that You are good and blessed are those who resort to You. I began to call upon You again and again, and now I cry: Glory to You, who fulfills my desires with good things; Glory to You, who watches over me day and night. Glory to You, who heals sorrows and losses with the healing flow of time; Glory to You, with You there are no hopeless losses, You grant eternal life to all. Glory to You, You have bestowed immortality on all that is good and sublime. You have promised the desired meeting with the dead. Glory to You, O God, forever.
 
Kontakion 9 Why does all of nature mysteriously smile on feast days? Why then does a wondrous lightness, incomparable to anything earthly, fill my heart, and the very air of the altar and church becomes luminous? This is the breath of Your grace, this is the reflection of the light of Tabor; then both heaven and earth sing in praise: Alleluia!

Ikos 9 When You inspired me to serve my neighbors and illuminated my soul with humility, one of Your countless rays fell upon my heart, and it became as luminous as iron in fire. I beheld Your mysterious, elusive Face. Glory to You, who has transformed our lives through good deeds; Glory to You, who has imprinted unspeakable sweetness in each of Your commandments. Glory to You, who visibly dwells where mercy is fragrant; Glory to You, who sends us misfortunes and sorrows so that we may be sensitive to the suffering of others. Glory to You, who has placed a great reward in the intrinsic value of goodness; Glory to You, who accepts the highest impulse. Glory to You, who has exalted love above all things earthly and heavenly. Glory to You, O God, forever.

Kontakion 10 What has been shattered into dust cannot be restored, but You restore those whose consciences have decayed. You restore former beauty to souls that have hopelessly lost it. With You, nothing is irreparable. You are all love. You are the Creator and the Restorer. We praise You with the song: Alleluia!

Ikos 10 My God, who knew the fall of the proud angel Lucifer, save me by the power of Your grace. Do not let me fall away from You, do not let me doubt You. Sharpen my hearing, so that in every moment of my life I may hear Your mysterious voice and cry out to You, the omnipresent: Glory to You for the providential confluence of circumstances; Glory to You for gracious premonitions. Glory to You for revelations in dreams and waking life. Glory to You, who destroys our futile plans; Glory to You, who through suffering sobers us from the intoxication of passions. Glory to You, who salvifically humbles the pride of the heart. Glory to You, O God, forever.

Kontakion 11 Through the icy chain of my eyelids, I feel the warmth of Your divine breath, I hear Your flowing blood. You are already near, a portion of time has dissipated. I see Your Cross—it is for my sake. My spirit lies in the dust before the Cross: here is the triumph of love and salvation, here the praise never ceases forever: Alleluia!

Ikos 11 Blessed is he who will partake of the supper in Your Kingdom, but You have already made me partaker of this blessedness while on earth. How many times have You stretched out Your Body and Blood to me with Your divine right hand, and I, a great sinner, have received this sacred relic and felt Your love, ineffable, supernatural. Glory to You for the incomprehensible, life-giving power of grace; Glory to You, who raised up Your Church as a quiet haven for a tormented world. Glory to You, who regenerates us with the life-giving waters of baptism; Glory to You, You restore to the penitent the purity of immaculate lilies. Glory to You, inexhaustible abyss of forgiveness; Glory to You for the cup of life, for the bread of eternal joy. Glory to You, who has raised us to heaven. Glory to You, O God, forever.

Kontakion 12 I have seen many times the reflection of Your glory on the faces of the dead. With what unearthly beauty and joy they shone, how ethereal, immaterial were their features, it was a triumph of achieved happiness, peace; in silence they called to You. At the hour of my death, enlighten my soul, crying out: Alleluia!

Ikos 12 What is my praise before You! I have not heard the hymns of the Cherubim—that is the lot of lofty souls—but I know how nature praises You. I contemplated in winter how, in the moonlit silence, the entire earth quietly prayed to You, clothed in a white robe, shining with diamonds of snow. I saw how the rising sun rejoiced in You, and choirs of birds thundered their glory. I have heard how the forest mysteriously rustles about You, how the winds sing, how the waters murmur, how the choirs of the stars proclaim You with their harmonious movement in endless space. What is my praise! Nature is obedient, but I am not. While I live, I see Your love, I want to give thanks, pray, and cry out: Glory to You, who showed us the light; Glory to You, who loved us with a love deep, immeasurable, divine. Glory to Thee, who overshadows us with light, with hosts of angels and saints; Glory to You, All-Holy Father, who has commanded Your Kingdom to us. Glory to You, Son of the Redeemer, who opened the path to salvation for us; Glory to You, Holy Soul, life-giving sun of the future age. Glory to You for everything, O Trinity, Divine, All-Good. Glory to You, God, forever.

Kontakion 13 O All-Good and Life-giving Trinity, accept our thanksgiving for all Your mercies and show us worthy of Your blessings, so that, having multiplied the talents entrusted to us, we may enter into the eternal joy of our Lord with victorious praise: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! [This kontakion is recited three times.] [Then we repeat the first Ikos and Kontakion:]

Ikos 1 I was born into the world as a weak, helpless child, but Your Angel spread His bright wings, guarding my cradle. Since then, Your love has shone on all my paths, wondrously guiding me to the light of eternity. I glorify the generous gifts of Your Providence, revealed from the first day until now. I give thanks and cry out with all who have come to know You: Glory to You, who called me to life; Glory to You, who revealed to me the beauty of the universe. Glory to You, who opened heaven and earth before me like an eternal book of wisdom; Glory to You of eternity amidst the temporal world. Glory to You for Your mercies, hidden and open; Glory to You for every breath of my heart. Glory to You for every step of life, for every moment of joy. Glory to You, O God, forever.

Kontakion 1 Incorruptible King of the Ages, who holds in Your right hand all the paths of human life by the power of Your saving Providence, we thank You for all Your known and hidden blessings, for earthly life and for the heavenly joys of Your future Kingdom. Extend Your mercies to us henceforth, as we sing: Glory to You, O God, forever and ever.

Metropolitan Tryphon Turkestanov

Akathist of Thanksgiving , "Glory to God for Everything," written by Metropolitan Tryphon (1861-1934). Metropolitan Tryphon (born Boris Petrovich Turkestanov) was born on November 29, 1861, in Moscow. His father, Prince Turkestanov (1830–1891), was a direct descendant of an ancient princely family from Georgia. His mother was Varvara Alexandrovna, n;e Princess Naryshkina. During her son's serious illness as an infant, when doctors had given up hope for his recovery, his mother went to the Church of the Holy Martyr Tryphon and prayed for his healing, promising to dedicate him to God after his recovery and, if he were worthy of monasticism, to give him the name Tryphon. When the infant recovered, she took him to Optina Pustyn to see Elder Ambrose. Upon meeting them, the elder unexpectedly said to the people standing before him, "Make way, the bishop is coming." The people parted to their surprise, seeing a woman with a child instead of a bishop. In 1887, Boris, having received his parents' blessing, entered Optina Pustyn as a novice to Elder Ambrose, who blessed him for monasticism. In 1891, Boris took monastic vows with the name Tryphon, in honor of the holy martyr Tryphon—thus fulfilling his mother's vow. Soon, Father Tryphon was ordained a hierodeacon, and then a hieromonk. Elder Ambrose blessed him to study at the Moscow Theological Academy. During his studies, Hieromonk Tryphon chose to serve in a transit prison. In 1895, Father Tryphon graduated from the Academy with a candidate's degree in theology, defending his dissertation on "The Ancient Christian and Optina Elders." He spoke five languages. From 1895 to 1901, Father Tryphon served as superintendent of the Moscow Theological School and rector of the Bethany and then Moscow Theological Seminaries. On July 18, 1901, he became Bishop of Dmitrov, vicar of the Moscow diocese, a post he held for nearly 15 years. Bishop Tryphon was spiritually connected to many ascetics of the Russian Church—the Optina elders Anatoly and Barsanuphius (whom he elevated to the rank of archimandrite), Elder Barnabas of the Gethsemane Skete, and Elder Zachariah. From 1918, Bishop Tryphon lived in Moscow. A constant stream of visitors came to him for advice on both spiritual and everyday matters. The faithful already revered him as a great bishop, a remarkable preacher, and a spiritually inspired Elder.

St. Tikhon of Zadonsk - A Helper in Sadness

"The sorrows of my heart are multiplied..." (Psalm 24:17)
“The absence of tribulations is a sign of abandonment by God.” - St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
Many believers turn to Saint Tikhon with a prayer request for help in overcoming despondency,
despair, and for finding peace of mind in difficult life situations.

Saint Tikhon (Sokolov), Wonderworker of Zadonsk (1724-1783)
   Saint Tikhon (in the world: Timothy), was born in the year 1724 in the village of Korotsk in the
Novgorod diocese into a poor, large family of the Deacon Savely Kirillov. Аll of the children were
raised to love God. Timothy’s father died early, leaving his wife Yakovina with six children to raise. Often, the only food in the widow's house was black bread. She wanted Timothy to be raised by a neighbor, a coachman, since there was no other way to feed the family, but Timothy’s brother Peter would not permit this. To help his mother, Timothy hired himself out to wealthy neighbors to dig their gardens in exchange for food.
   As a thirteen-year-old boy, he was sent to a clergy school near the Archbishop of Novgorod's
residence. In 1740, he was accepted, under a state grant, to attend the Novgorod Seminary. The
youth excelled at his studies, upon finishing seminary in 1754, he became a teacher there: first
in Greek, and later in Rhetoric and Philosophy. In the year 1758, Timothy was tonsured with the
name Tikhon. That same year he was appointed as prefect of the Seminary. (In the Seminary he
received a second family name, Sokolov.) In 1759, he was transferred to Tver, and was elevated to the rank of Archimandrite of Zheltikov Monastery. Later, he was appointed Rector of the Tver Seminary and, at the same time, Superior of Otroch Monastery. His election as Bishop was providential. On the day of Pascha, at St. Petersburg, Archimandrite Tikhon was one of eight candidates being considered for selection as vicar Bishop for Novgorod. Metropolitan Demetrios, the presiding member of the Holy Synod, thought he was too young for that position, but agreed to submit his name. The lot fell on Archimandrite Tikhon three separate times. On May 13, 1761 he was consecrated as Bishop of Keksgolma and Ladoga (i.e., Vicar Bishop of the Novgorod diocese).
   In 1763, Saint Tikhon was transferred to the See of Voronezh. For the four and a half years that
he administered the diocese of Voronezh, Vladyka provided constant edification, both by his life
and by his numerous pastoral counsels and soul-profiting books. He also wrote a whole series of
books for Priests. In this vast diocese, the church buildings were strikingly dilapidated.
The Archipastor had to inspect over eight hundred churches. He was deeply concerned about the flock entrusted to him. His conscientious performance of his duties led to a nervous breakdown.
He was almost unable to serve due to dizziness, trembling hands, and fainting spells.
   Monastic exploits and the struggle with numerous difficulties undermined the health of the
Saint. In addition, he increasingly aspired to a solitary contemplative life. He sent a petition to
the leadership several times for release from the management of the diocese. Finally, in 1767, his request was granted. He withdrew for rest to the Tolshev Monastery, not far from Voronezh.
In 1769, Bishop Tikhon was transferred to the Monastery of the Theotokos in the city of Zadonsk.
He attended church services, prayed regularly in his cell. Bishop Tikhon lived in very simple
circumstances: he slept on straw, covered by a sheepskin coat. He even chopped wood himself
when his health allowed it and said that physical labor is necessary in the fight against despondency.
   His humility was so great that he paid no attention to the workers who laughed at him as he
walked about the Monastery, pretending that he did not hear them. He used to say, “It is pleasing to God that even the Monastery workers mock me, and I deserve it because of my sins.”
   “Do we forgive our neighbors their trespasses? God also forgives us in His mercy. Do we refuse to forgive? God, too, will refuse to forgive us,” - St. Tikhon of Zadonsk. He often said, “Forgiveness is better than revenge.” He knew the Psalter by heart, and he usually read or sang the Psalms on his journeys. Bishop Tikhon often lamented that he served in the Altar so little, but later admitted that his illness made it difficult for him to even wear the vestments of a Bishop. However, he never ceased serving his neighbors, teaching humility and love by his own example: he shared spiritual treasures in books, helped the poor, interceded for the disadvantaged, and even visited prisons in simple clothing. He often approached people disguised as an ordinary monk, wanting to learn about their difficulties, and then provided financial assistance to them.
   Many people who turned to him for prayerful help and spiritual advice testified to an
improvement in their health and living situations. At the same time, those who tried to deceive
or disrespect him later came to ask for forgiveness, having received a serious life lesson such as
admonition from the Lord. In 1778, he had a vision in his sleep: the Mother of God stood in the clouds, and near her were the Apostles Peter and Paul. On his knees, the Hierarch prayed to the Most Pure Virgin for the peace of the whole world. The Apostle Paul loudly exclaimed: “When they shall say, peace and safety; then sudden destruction will come upon them” (I Thessalonians 5:3).
   For the holiness of his life, God rewarded His Saint with the gift of foresight. He predicted the 1777 flood in St. Petersburg. This September flood was one of the most devastating of those years. Saint Tikhon predicted Russia's victory over the French in 1812. More than once, his followers saw him in a state of spiritual rapture, with a transformed and radiant face, but he forbade them to speak about this. Saint Tikhon learned of his approaching death well in advance. After this, the Saint shut himself in his cell and admitted only a few friends. He partook of the Holy Mysteries frequently during his final illness. Vladyka reposed, as was revealed to him, on Sunday August 13, 1783, at the age of fifty-nine. The first uncovering of his relics occurred on May 14, 1846 Saint Tikhon was glorified on Sunday August 13, 1861. (August 13 is the day of remembrance of Saint Tikhon.The relics are located in the Zadonsk Mother of God Monastery in the Lipetsk region.)
To this day, Orthodox Christians receive spiritual help from Saint Tikhon by reading his
numerous writings. He also discussed melancholy in his writings, knowing from his own
experience that reading the Psalter, work, humility, and trust in God's mercy can help in times of
sorrow. "We see in the world that people weep," he writes in his collection of spiritual notes,
"Spiritual Treasure: Collected from the World."
   Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk advises combating despondency through action and turning to God: one must force oneself to work, pray, read, and reflect on spiritual matters. When despondent, it is important not to despair of God's mercy, but to strengthen one's faith and call upon the name of Jesus Christ; remind oneself of death and the Last Judgment. “He who will think diligently about eternity will desire to hear the word of God, instructions for salvation, more than everyday food; he will not want to adorn himself with perishable beauty, and even bitter food will seem sweet to him,” - Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk.


Prayer to St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
   O all-praiseworthy Saint and Pleaser of Christ, our Father Tikhon! Having lived like an angel on earth, you appeared as a benevolent Angel in your wondrous glorification. We believe with all our souls and thoughts that you, our gracious helper and intercessor, with your sincere intercessions and the grace abundantly bestowed upon you by the Lord, always contribute to our salvation. Accept, then, blessed Pleaser of Christ, at this hour our unworthy prayers: free us by your intercession from the vain talk, foolishness, unfaithfulness, and wickedness of men that beset us. Hasten, O speedy intercessor for us, to entreat the Lord with your gracious intercession, that He may grant His great and rich mercies to us sinful and unworthy servants, that He may heal with His grace the incurable wounds and sores of our corrupt souls and bodies, that He may dissolve our hardened hearts with tears of tenderness and contrition over our many sins, and that He may deliver us from eternal torment and the fire of Gehenna; May He grant to all His faithful people in this present age peace and quiet, health and salvation, and success in all good things, so that, having lived a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and dignity, we may be deemed worthy with the Angels and with all the Saints to glorify and sing the all-holy name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
 
The Holy Elders of Optina

   It is possible that people, under the impression of reading the lives of the desert fathers and accounts of the lives of the Athonite Elders, may inadvertently form the opinion that elders must necessarily be hermits, ascetics, who have withdrawn, not only from the world, but also from their brethren. Indeed, years of silence, unceasing prayer, self-abasement, and life in seclusion distinguished the elders of the early times and their followers. However, the Optina  Elders, in modern conditions, were able to combine spiritual endeavor with everyday care for those suffering.           In the 19th–20th centuries the Optina Elders were distinguished not only by the exceptional depth of their spiritual life and the possession of gifts of insight and reasoning, but also by their great love for people and an unending desire to share spiritual treasures with the world.
   And if the first Optina Elder, Father Leonid (Lev), like the ancient fathers, lived in seclusion for a long time, then his successors seemed to inherit eldership; many of them were first hermits under the elders, then assistants, and finally, successors of their spiritual fathers. The holy fathers said that anyone who accomplishes a deed pleasing to God is inevitably met with temptation, that every good deed is preceded or followed a trial. Starting in 1830, Optina Eldership was introduced and strengthened through much labor and suffering, 'raised by the sweat of prayer and tears.'
   When Elder Leonid settled in Optina Pustyn with his disciples, they began to speak about spiritual guidance, not only about the cleansing of conscience and the revelation of thoughts. This is how Bishop Ignatius Brianchaninov spoke about the first Optina elders, Father Leonid and Father Macarius: 'Both Elders were nourished by reading domestic writings on monastic life, guided themselves by these writings, and guided others by them as well.', who turned to them for instructive advice... They never gave advice of their own: they always presented the advice as a saying from the Holy Scriptures or the Holy Fathers... This gave their advice power: those who might want to argue against a human word would listen to the word of God with reverence and find it just to submit their reasoning to it.”
   The Optina Elders of the 20th century adhered to this rule as well. All the Elders cared for the spiritual purification of those around them, constantly praying for the salvation of the souls of the people who came to them for help. They helped people with their everyday matters, supported them in adversity, suggested a way out of the most hopeless situations, and, thanks to their foresight, could lead the suffering to the path of repentance, which leads to true Christian life. The miracles of healing through their prayers increased the number of pilgrims to Optina Monastery year after year. During the years of disbelief, an attempt was made to sever the spiritual connection of the people with the Optina Elders.
   Elder Nektarius, a disciple of Elder Anatoly (the younger) and Elder Ambrose, was the last Optina Elder chosen by the council. In the 1930s, during the persecutions of the Church, many hieromonks were arrested. Desert monks, love and faith continued to burn in the hearts of the people. In the 1980s, the spiritual life of the Holy Monastery was revived, and the traditions of the Optina Eldership were restored. An endless stream of pilgrims continues to visit the Optina Desert to this day. In 1988, by the decision of the Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church, St. Ambrose of Optina was glorified (his feast is celebrated on October 10/23), and on July 10, 1998, the relics of St. Ambrose, together with the relics of six other Optina elders, were discovered.
   On July 26-27, 1996, thirteen Optina Elders were canonized as locally venerated saints of the Optina Monastery. (The General Synodal celebration occurred on October 11/24) In 2000, the venerable Optina Elders were glorified by the Jubilee Hierarchical Council of the Russian Orthodox Church for veneration throughout the entire Church. 

O venerable Optina Elders, pray to the God save our souls.

 
Prayer of the Last Elders of Optina
   O Lord, grant that I may meet all that this coming day brings to me with spiritual tranquility.
Grant that I may fully surrender myself to Thy holy Will. At every hour of this day, direct and support me in all things. Whatsoever news may reach me in the course of the day, teach me to accept it with a calm soul and the firm conviction that all is subject to Thy holy Will.
   Direct my thoughts and feelings in all my words and actions. In all unexpected occurrences, do not let me forget that all is sent down from Thee. Grant that I may deal straightforwardly and wisely with every member of my family, neither embarrassing nor saddening anyone.
   O Lord, grant me the strength to endure the fatigue of the coming day and all the events that take place during it. Direct my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to hope, to be patient, to forgive and to love. Amen

Advice of Venerable Joseph of Optina (1837–1911):

   “Sorrows are our path; we will walk it until we reach the homeland of eternity destined for us...We increase our own sorrows when we begin to grumble.
   He who has conquered passions and gained spiritual reason has access to the heart of everyone, even without external education…   
   The rule imposed is always difficult, and acting with humility is even more difficult.
What is acquired through labor is what proves to be useful.
   If you see a fault in your neighbor that you would like to correct, and it disturbs your peace of mind and irritates you, know that you are sinning too, and therefore you cannot correct a fault with another fault — it is corrected with meekness. 
   What is easy for the body is useless for the soul, and what is beneficial for the soul is difficult for the body. 
   You ask: 'How can I regard myself as nothing?' Thoughts of pride come, and it is impossible that they do not come. But they must be opposed with thoughts of humility, as you do by recalling your sins and various shortcomings. Continue to act this way, and always remember that our entire earthly life must be lived in the struggle against evil. Besides examining your own flaws, you can also humbly reflect like this: “I have nothing good in me... My body is not mine; it was created by God in my mother’s womb. My soul was given to me by the Lord. Therefore, all my mental and bodily abilities are gifts from God. And my own possession is only my countless sins, by which I have daily angered and continue to anger the Merciful Lord. So what is there for me to be vain about or proud of after this? Nothing.”
   And with such reflections, prayerfully ask for forgiveness from the Lord. In all sinful inclinations, there is one remedy—sincere repentance and humility. ”
   Venerable Joseph of Optina, pray to God for us!

Advice from Venerable Anatoly (the Younger) of Optina (1855–1922)
    “ Pride comes in different forms. There is worldly pride – that is mere cleverness, and there is spiritual pride – that is self-love...
   Our teacher is humility. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, and the grace of God is everything... That is where the greatest wisdom lies. Humble yourself and tell yourself:     “Although I am but a speck of dust on earth, the Lord cares for me, and His will shall be done in me.” If you say this not only with your mind but also with your heart, and truly with courage, as a true Christian should, relying on the Lord with a firm intention to submit uncomplainingly to God’s will, whatever it may be, then the clouds before you will disperse, the sun will shine, illuminating and warming you, and you will experience true joy from the Lord. Everything will appear clear and transparent to you, your suffering will cease, and your soul will feel at ease...   Do not fear grief, suffering, or any trials: all of this is a visitation from God, for your own good.”
    Venerable Anatoly of Optina, pray to God for us!


 
Psalm 91 for Despondency (God’s Shelter and Deliverance)
   Whoever dwells in the secret place of the Most High, will rest under the shadow of the Almighty, I will say of the Lord, You are my refuge and my stronghold my God in whom I trust, for He will rescue you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly plague, He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge. His truth will be your shield and your wall of defense. You will not fear the terror of night nor the arrow that flies by day. Nor the pestilence that walks in darkness nor the destruction that lays waste at noon A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the repayment of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord your dwelling the Most High who is my refuge. No evil will be allowed to befall you, no plague will come near your tent, for He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra, you will trample the young lion and the serpent underfoot. Because he loves Me says the Lord, I will deliver him I will set him on high because he knows My name. He will call upon Me and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will rescue him and honor him: with long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.
 
The Akathist Hymn to our Sweetest Lord Jesus Christ

Kontakion 1 To You, the Champion Leader and Lord, the Vanquisher of Hades, I, Your creature and servant, offer a song of praise, for You have delivered me from eternal death. But as You have ineffable loving-kindness, deliver me from all dangers, that I may cry to You: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.

Ikos 1 Creator of Angels and Lord of Hosts, as of old You opened the ear and tongue of him that
was deaf and dumb, so now open my perplexed mind and tongue to praise Your most holy Name,
that I may cry to You: Jesus, most wonderful, Astonishment of Angels. Jesus, most powerful,
Deliverance of Forefathers. Jesus, most sweet, Exultation of Patriarchs. Jesus, most glorious,
Dominion of kings. Jesus, most desired, Fulfillment of Prophets. Jesus, most praised, Steadfastness of Martyrs. Jesus, most gladsome, Comfort of monastics. Jesus, most compassionate, Sweetness of presbyters. Jesus, most merciful, Abstinence of fasters. Jesus, most tender, Joy of the righteous.
Jesus, most pure, Sobriety of virgins. Jesus, pre-eternal, Salvation of sinners. Jesus, Son of God,
have mercy on me.

Kontakion 2 Seeing the widow weeping bitterly, O Lord, You were moved with compassion, and raised up her son as he was being carried to burial; likewise have compassion on me, O Friend of man, and raise up my soul which has been slain by sins, as I cry aloud: Alleluia.

Ikos 2 Seeking to know knowledge unknown Philip asked: Lord, show us the Father; and You answered him: Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? Therefore, O Unsearchable One, with fear I cry to You: Jesus, God before the ages. Jesus, King almighty. Jesus, Master long-suffering. Jesus, Saviour most merciful. Jesus, my Guardian most kind. Jesus, be gracious unto my sins. Jesus, take away my iniquities. Jesus, pardon my unrighteousness. Jesus, my Hope, forsake me not. Jesus, my Helper, reject me not. Jesus, my Creator, forget me not. Jesus, my Shepherd, lose me not. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.

Kontakion 3 You endued with power from on high Your Apostles who tarried in Jerusalem, O Jesus. Clothe me also, who am stripped bare of every good work, with the warmth of Your Holy Spirit, and grant that with love I may chant to You: Alleluia.

Ikos 3 In the abundance of Your mercy, O Jesus, You have called tax-collectors and sinners and pagans. Now, do not reject us who are like them, but as precious myrrh accept our song: Jesus, Invincible Power. Jesus, Infinite Mercy. Jesus, Radiant Beauty. Jesus, Unyielding Love. Jesus, Son of the Living God. Jesus, have mercy on us, sinners. Jesus, hear us, who were conceived in transgression. Jesus, cleanse us, who were born in sin. Jesus, teach us, who are unworthy. Jesus, enlighten our darkness. Jesus, purify us, who are unclean. Jesus, restore us, who are prodigals. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Kontakion 4 Having an interior storm of doubting thoughts, Peter was sinking, but beholding You physically walking on the waters, O Jesus, he confessed You to be the True God, and receiving the hand of salvation, he cried: Alleluia.

Ikos 4 When the blind man heard You, O Lord, passing by on the road, he cried aloud, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” And You called him and opened his eyes. Likewise enlighten the spiritual eyes of our heart with Your love as we sing to You: Jesus, Creator of those on high.
Jesus, Redeemer of those below. Jesus, Vanquisher of the powers of hell. Jesus, Adorner of every creature. Jesus, Comforter of our soul.  Jesus, Enlightener of our mind. Jesus, Gladness of our heart.  Jesus, Health of our body. Jesus, our Savior, save us. Jesus, our Light, enlighten us. Jesus, deliver us from all agonies.  Jesus, save us despite our unworthiness. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Kontakion 5 As of old You redeemed us from the curse of the law by Your Divinely-flowing Blood, O Jesus, likewise rescue us from the traps in which the serpent has entangled us through bodily passions, lustful impulses, and evil despondency, as we sing to You: Alleluia.

Ikos 5 Having beheld the Creator in human form and knowing Him to be the Master, the Hebrew children hastened to please Him with branches, crying aloud, “Hosanna.” But we offer You a song: Jesus, True God. Jesus, Son of David. Jesus, Most-glorious King. Jesus, Blameless Lamb. Jesus, Most-wonderful Shepherd. Jesus, Guardian of our infancy. Jesus, Nourisher of our youth. Jesus, Praise of our old age. Jesus, our Hope at death. Jesus, our Life after death. Jesus, our Comfort at Your judgment. Jesus, our Desire, do not put us then to shame. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Kontakion 6 In fulfillment of the words and messages of the God-bearing prophets, O Jesus, You appeared on earth. And as One Who is uncontainable, You lived among people, and took on our infirmities. Being healed through Your wounds, we have learned to sing: Alleluia.

 Ikos 6 The light of Your truth shone upon the world, and demonic delusion was driven away, for the idols have fallen, O our Savior, unable to endure Your strength. But we, having received salvation, sing to You: Jesus, the Truth, dispelling falsehood. Jesus, the Light, above all radiance. Jesus, the King, surpassing all in strength. Jesus, God, constant in mercy. Jesus, Bread of Life, fill us, who are hungry. Jesus, Source of Knowledge, give us to drink, who are thirsty. Jesus, Garment of Gladness, clothe us, who are naked. Jesus, Shelter of Joy, cover us, who are unworthy. Jesus, Giver to those who ask, give us mourning for our sins. Jesus, Finder of those who seek, find our soul. Jesus, Opener to those who knock, open our hardened heart. Jesus, Redeemer of sinners, blot out our sins. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Kontakion 7 Desiring to reveal the mystery hidden from the ages, You were led as a sheep to the slaughter, O Jesus, and as a voiceless Lamb before its shearer. But as God, You rose from the dead and ascended with glory to heaven, and along with Yourself You raised us who sing: Alleluia.

Ikos 7 The Creator has shown us a marvelous action by appearing to us: He was incarnate of a Virgin without seed, rose from the tomb without breaking the seal, and entered bodily through the closed doors to the Apostles’ room. Therefore, marveling at this, we sing: Jesus, Infinite Word. Jesus, Unseen Word. Jesus, Incomprehensible Power. Jesus, Inconceivable Wisdom. Jesus, Inexpressible Divinity. Jesus, Boundless Dominion. Jesus, Invincible Kingdom. Jesus, Eternal Master. Jesus, Supreme Strength. Jesus, Infinite Power. Jesus, our Creator, have mercy on us. Jesus, our Savior, save us. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Kontakion 8 Seeing God wondrously incarnate, let us shun the vain world and set our mind on things divine, for God came down to earth that He might raise to heaven us who sing to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 8 The Immeasurable One was below all things, yet in no way separated from things above, when He willingly suffered for our sake, and by His death put our death to death, and by His Resurrection granted Life to those who sing: Jesus, Sweetness of the heart. Jesus, Strength of the body. Jesus, Radiance of the soul. Jesus, Swiftness of the mind. Jesus, Joy of the conscience. Jesus, Sure Hope. Jesus, Memory before the ages. Jesus, High Praise. Jesus, our Supremely-exalted glory. Jesus, our Desire, do not reject us. Jesus, our Shepherd, seek us. Jesus, our Savior, save us. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Kontakion 9 All the angelic nature of heaven glorifies unceasingly Your Most Holy Name, O Jesus, singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy.” But we sinners on earth with lips of clay sing: Alleluia.

Ikos 9 We see most eloquent orators as speechless as fish concerning You, O Jesus our Savior, for they are at a loss to say how You are perfect man, yet remain unchallengeable God. But we, marveling at this mystery, sing faithfully: Jesus, God Eternal. Jesus, King of kings. Jesus, Lord of lords. Jesus, Judge of the living and the dead. Jesus, Hope of the hopeless. Jesus, Comfort of those who mourn. Jesus, Glory of the poor. Jesus, do not condemn us according to our deeds. Jesus, cleanse us according to Your mercy. Jesus, banish our despondency. Jesus, enlighten the hidden thoughts of our heart. Jesus, grant us remembrance of death. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.
Kontakion 10 Desiring to save the world, O Sunrise of the East, You came to our fading and darkened nature, and humbled Yourself even unto death. Therefore, Your Name is glorified above all names, and from all the tribes of heaven and earth You hear: Alleluia.

Ikos 10 King Eternal, Comforter, True Christ, cleanse us of every stain, as You cleansed the ten lepers, and heal us, as You healed the greedy soul of Zacchaeus the Publican, that we may sing to You in humility: Jesus, Treasury of Incorruptible. Jesus, Wealth Unfailing. Jesus, Strong Food. Jesus, Drink Inexhaustible. Jesus, Garment of the poor. Jesus, Protection of widows. Jesus, Defender of orphans. Jesus, Helper of the weary. Jesus, Guide of pilgrims. Jesus, Pilot of voyagers. Jesus, Calmer of the distressed. Jesus, God, raise us who are fallen. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Kontakion 11 We, though unworthy, offer You humble songs, and like the woman of Canaan, we cry aloud to You, “O Jesus, have mercy on us.” It is not a daughter, but our flesh that is cruelly possessed with passions and burning with fury. Grant healing to us, who sing to You: Alleluia.

 Ikos 11 Having previously persecuted You, the Light-bestowing Lamp of those in the darkness of ignorance, Paul followed the power of the voice of Divine enlightenment, and understood the swiftness of the soul’s conversion. Thus, enlighten also the dark eye of our soul, as we sing: Jesus, our Most-powerful King. Jesus, our Almighty God. Jesus, our Immortal Lord. Jesus, our Most-glorious Creator. Jesus, our Most-good Guide. Jesus, our Most-compassionate Shepherd. Jesus, our Most-merciful Master. Jesus, our Most-gracious Savior. Jesus, enlighten our senses darkened by passions.Jesus, heal our body wounded by sins. Jesus, cleanse our mind of vain thoughts. Jesus, keep our heart from evil desires. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us. Akathist Hymn to our Sweetest Lord Jesus Christ

Kontakion 12 Grant us Your grace, O Jesus, Absolver of all debts, and receive us, who are repenting, as You received Peter, who denied You three times. And call us, who are downcast, as of old You called Paul, who persecuted You, and hear us sing to You: Alleluia.

Ikos 12 Praising Your incarnation, we all extol You, and we believe with Thomas that You are
Lord and God, sitting with the Father and coming to judge the living and the dead. On that day,
grant us to stand on Your right hand, as we sing: Jesus, King Eternal, have mercy on us. Jesus,
sweet-scented Flower, make us fragrant. Jesus, beloved Warmth, make us fervent. Jesus, Eternal
Temple, shelter us. Jesus, Garment of Light, adorn us. Jesus, Pearl of Great Price, illumine us.
Jesus, Precious Jewel, shine on us. Jesus, Sun of Righteousness, illumine us. Jesus, Holy Light,
make us radiant. Jesus, from sickness of soul and body, deliver us. Jesus, from the slavery to the
enemy, rescue us. Jesus, from the unquenchable fire and other eternal sufferings, save us. Jesus,
Son of God, have mercy on us.

Kontakion 13 O Sweetest and Most-compassionate Jesus, receive now this our small supplication, as You received the widow’s two coins, and protect Your inheritance from all enemies, visible and invisible, from foreign invasion, from disease and famine, from all tribulations and mortal wounds, and rescue from future agony everyone who calls to You: Alleluia. (This Kontakion is repeated three times.) [Then we repeat the first Ikos and Kontakion:]

Prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ
Lord, Jesus Christ, my God, who visits every creature, to whom my passions are revealed, the
weakness of our human nature, and the strength of our adversary. You Yourself protect me from his malice. His power is strong, our nature is passionate, and our strength is feeble. You, O good One, who know our weakness and impotence, preserve us from confusion and the flood of passions and make us worthy of Your holy service... My most sweet Lord Jesus, have mercy on me and save me.


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