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Akathist Hymns
The akathist is one of the most ancient ornces or collection of prayers in the
Byzantine Church. It is a prayer of veneration, thanksgiving and petition.
"Akathist" means standing because it is an expression of profound joy in
recognizing the honor being paid to Our Lord, Our Lady, or the saint who is being
venerated. An akathist, therefore, is prayed standing.
The Church has composed several akathists dedicated to either Our Lord under the title
of our Most Sweet Jesus, or to various saints, such as St. Michael the Archangel and All
the Holy Angels. The most popular is the Akathist to Our Lady, composed in the year 532.
Today, the Church has granted the benefit of a plenary indulgence to all who pray the
Akathist of Our Lady, when fulfilling all the proper requirements.
The akathists are designed to be chanted, but it is not necessary to do so if prayed
individually, or in a small group. If chanted, the Preamble and chants are sung recitando,
and the kontakia are sung in Tone 7.
 The Akathist Hymn to Our Lord, the Most Sweet Jesus
Recite the Prayers of Introduction.
Preamble
Unconquered King and Lord, Vanquisher of the Nether World, I, Your creature and
servant, sing Your praise for having delivered me from eternal death. Since Your mercies
are boundless, free me from every harm as I sing: 0 Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
First Chant
Creator of Angels and Lord of Angelic Hosts: as You once opened the ears of the deaf
and the mouths of the dumb, empower my dull mind and tongue to sing to You: 0 Jesus most
wonderful, Marvel of Angels! 0 Jesus most powerful, Deliverer of Our Forefathers! 0
Jesus most delightful, Exultation of Patriarchs! 0 Jesus most glorious, the Might of
Rulers! 0 Jesus most beloved, the Fulfillment of Prophets! 0 Jesus most marvelous, the
Strength of Martyrs! 0 Jesus most serene, the Joy of Monks! O Jesus most merciful, the
Delight of Priests! 0 Jesus most kind, the Happiness of Saints! 0 Jesus most honorable,
the Chastity of the Chaste! 0 Jesus, Everlasting Salvation of Sinners! 0 Jesus, Son of
God, have mercy on me!
Kontakion
When You saw the widow weeping by the body of her dead son, 0 Lord, You were moved to
compassion and raised him from the dead. 0 Lover of Mankind, have mercy also upon me, and
raise up my sin-tortured soul that I may sing: Alleluia!
Second Chant
As he sought understanding, Philip, in his confusion said: "Lord, show us the
Father." In answer, You told him: "Have I been so long a time with you and you
have not known that the Father is in Me and I am in the Father?" Likewise,
Incomparable Lord, I cry out with fear: 0 Jesus, God Eternal! 0 Jesus, Most Powerful King!
0 Jesus, Long-suffering Lord! 0 Jesus, Ever-merciful Savior! 0 Jesus, Ever-gracious
Guardian! 0 Jesus, cleanse me of sin! 0 Jesus, deliver me from all iniquities! 0 Jesus,
forgive my insincerities! 0 Jesus, my Hope, never forsake me! 0 Jesus, my Help, do not
reject me! 0 Jesus, My Creator, do not forget me! 0 Jesus, my Shepherd, let me go not
astray! 0 Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Kontakion
O Jesus, Who bestowed heavenly power upon the Apostles waiting in Jerusalem: fill me,
who am deprived of all goodness, with Your Holy Spirit, so that I may lovingly sing to
You: Allelula!
Third Chant
O Jesus endowed with a richness of compassion, You called the publicans, the
unfaithful, and the sinners to You. Do not despise me, who am like them; but, rather,
receive this song as a gift of precious perfume: 0 Jesus, Invincible Strength! 0 Jesus,
Boundless in Mercy! 0 Jesus, Unsurpassable in Beauty! 0 Jesus, Unspeakable Love! 0 Jesus,
Son of the Living God! 0 Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner! 0 Jesus, listen to me, defiled
from birth! 0 Jesus, cleanse me, born in sin! 0 Jesus, teach me, unworthy though I be! 0
Jesus, enlighten my darkness! 0 Jesus, cleanse me, a sinner! 0 Jesus, restore me, the
prodigal! 0 Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Kontakion
With doubts storming with him, Peter began to sink, but looking up, he saw You walking
on the water, and, realizing that You are truly God, he accepted the saving hand,
exclaiming: Alleluia!
Fourth Chant
Hearing You as You passed by, the blind man cried out: "Jesus, Son of David, have
mercy on me;" and You, by calling out to him, opened his eyes. Likewise, In Your
mercy, open the eyes of my soul, that I may cry out to You: 0 Jesus, Creator of the
Heavenly Spirits! 0 Jesus, Deliverer of the Poor! 0 Jesus, Savior from Evil Spirits! 0
Jesus, Artist of All Creation! 0 Jesus, Comforter of My Soul! 0 Jesus, Enlightenment of My
Mind! 0 Jesus, Joy of My Heart! 0 Jesus, Health of My Body! 0 Jesus, my Savior, save me! 0
Jesus, my Light, enlighten me! 0 Jesus, deliver me from all torments! 0 Jesus, save me,
unworthy though I be! 0 Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Kontakion
Through the shedding of Your Divine Blood, we were freed from the just curse of old. In
like manner, free us now from the torments of our evil passions, and from prodigal
rebellion and sinful despair with which the serpent defiled us, so that we may sing to
You: AlIeluia!
Fifth Chant
The Jewish children, seeing their Creator incarnate as Man, and recognizing Him as
their Lord, hastily cut branches to honor Him, crying out: "Hosanna!" We also
offer You this song: 0 Jesus, True God! 0 Jesus, Son of David! 0 Jesus, Most Glorious
King! 0 Jesus, Innocent lamb! 0 Jesus, Marvelous Shepherd! 0 Jesus, Guardian of My
Childhod! 0 Jesus, Provider of My Youth! 0 Jesus, Praise of My Old Age! 0 Jesus, My Hope
at Death! 0 Jesus, My Life after Death! 0 Jesus, My Comfort at the Last Judgment! 0 Jesus,
My Desire, do not cast me off! 0 Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Kontakion
Fulfilling the prophecies and messages of the inspired Prophets, Jesus appeared on
earth. Omnipresence lived with men and took upon Himself our weaknesses. And we, being
healed by Your wounds, have learned to sing: Allelula!
Sixth Chant
The light of Your truth shines forth throughout the entire universe and destroys the
falsehoods of the devil. Idols, being no match for Your power, 0 Savior, fall down before
You. And we, who have received salvation, sing to You: 0 Jesus, truly You have destroyed
error! 0 Jesus, Light Brighter than All Others! 0 Jesus, Our King Surpassing All in
Strength! 0 Jesus, You delight in showing mercy! 0 Jesus, Bread of Life, satisfy my
hunger! 0 Jesus, Fount of Intelligence, quench my thirst for truth! 0 Jesus, Garment of
Joy, cover me who am corruptible! 0 Jesus, Joyous Shelter, protect me who am unworthy! 0
Jesus, Who grants every prayer, grant me tears for my sins! 0 Jesus, Possession of All Who
Seek, possess my soul! 0 Jesus, Contemplation of the Wise, open my Mind to penance! 0
Jesus, Who paid the price for my sinfulness, cleanse me of sin! 0 Jesus, Son of God, have
mercy on me!
Kontakion
Fulfilling the precious mystery revealed from the beginning of time, You were led as a
sheep to the slaughter, and, as an innocent lamb, You were silent before the shearers. As
God, You rose from the dead, and with glory, You ascended into heaven, so that we,
exalted, might sing to Him: AIleIuia!
Seventh Chant
Amazed creation beheld the appearance of the Creator, Who was born without seed from a
Virgin, Who triumphantly arose from a sealed grave, and Who physically came to the
Apostles through locked doors. And we, being likewise astonished, now sing: 0 Jesus,
Inexplicalbe Word! 0 Jesus, Incomparable Word! 0 Jesus, Unconquered Strength! 0 Jesus,
Indescribable Divinity! 0 Jesus, Lord Over All! 0 Jesus, Invincible Kingdom! 0 Jesus,
Unending Sovereignty! 0 Jesus, Omnipotent One! 0 Jesus, Eternal Power! 0 Jesus, My
Creator, look graciously upon me! 0 Jesus, My Savior, save me! 0 Jesus, Son of God, have
mercy on me!
Kontakion
Let us cast out the foolishness of the world and turn our minds to the Divine; for, the
undreamed-of has happened, and God has become man in order to lead us to heaven, so that
we might sing to Him: Alleluia!
Eighth Chant
You always associated with the lowly. Though incomparably greater than the mighty and
wise, You never sought their company. When You willingly suffered for us, You conquered
Death by Your death, and by Your resurrection, You gave life to those who sing: 0 Jesus,
Delight of Our hearts! 0 Jesus, Strength of Our Bodies! 0 Jesus, Purity of Our Souls! 0
Jesus, Enlightenment of Our Thoughts! 0 Jesus, Joy of Our Conscience! 0 Jesus, Confident
Hope! 0 Jesus, Eternal Memory! 0 Jesus, the Highest Praise! 0 Jesus, Supreme Name! 0
Jesus, My Desire, do not cast me away! 0 Jesus, My Pastor, look after me! 0 Jesus, My
Savior, save me! 0 Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Kontakion
O Jesus, all the angelic choirs unceasingly glorify Your most holy Name, singing in the
heavens: Holy, Holy, Holy! Likewise, we sinner here on earth sing out with earthly lips:
Alleluia!
Ninth Chant
O Jesus, Savior, all the ancient prophecies concerning You are feeble. They convey as
little as the burbling of fish, for they fail to explain how You remained God and became a
perfect man. We, likewise, amazed, sing to You with faith: 0 Jesus, Eternally God! 0
Jesus, King of Kings! 0 Jesus, Judge of the Living and the Dead! 0 Jesus, Hope of the
Hopeless! 0 Jesus, Comforter of those Who Weep! 0 Jesus, Glory of the Lowly! 0 Jesus, do
not judge me according to my deeds! 0 Jesus, let me not despair! 0 Jesus, enlighten my
spiritual powers! 0 Jesus, keep before me the idea of death! 0 Jesus, Son of God, have
mercy on me!
Kontakion
The Source of Light came to those groping in darkness and, being incarnate, submitted
even to death because He wished to save the world. For this reason, Your Name is hymned
above all others, and from all heavenly and earthly creation is heard: Alleluia!
Tenth Chant
Eternal King, True Comforter, Christ: cleanse us from all sinfulness as You cleansed
the ten lepers. Heal us also as You healed the avaricious Zacchaeus, the publican, as we
sing to You with love, saying: 0 Jesus, Treasury of Immortality! 0 Jesus, Abundance of
Riches! 0 Jesus, Food the Strong! 0 Jesus, Fount Inexhaustible! 0 Jesus, Garment of the
Poor! 0 Jesus, Defender of Widows! 0 Jesus, Aid of All Those Who Labor! 0 Jesus,
Protection of Travelers! 0 Jesus, Guide of Seafarers! 0 Jesus, Queller of Storms! 0 Jesus,
raise me up who have fallen! 0 Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Kontakion
Unworthy though it be, we bring to You our most endearing song and sing to You as did
the woman of Canaan: "0 Jesus, have mercy on me!" We are indeed not Gentiles,
but our flesh is stung by the falsehoods of the devil and raging anger. Therefore, heal us
who sing: Alleluja!
Eleventh Chant
A glowing beacon for those who dwell in the darkness of ignorance, Paul persecuted You
until he was quelled by the power of Your voice and enlightened quickly by Your heavenly
words. In like manner, enlighten the darkened eyes of my soul as I sing: 0 Jesus, my King
Most Powerful! 0 Jesus, my God Most Strong! 0 Jesus, my Immortal Master! 0 Jesus, my
Creator Most Glorious! 0 Jesus, my Good Strengthener! 0 Jesus, my Most Gentle Pastor! 0
Jesus, my Lord Most Compassionate! 0 Jesus, My Savior Most Merciful! 0 Jesus, banish my
dark evil passions! 0 Jesus, heal me who am laden with sin! 0 Jesus, cleanse me from
worldly thoughts! 0 Jesus, guard my heart from evil passions! 0 Jesus, Son of God, have
mercy on me!
Kontakion
O Jesus, Remitter of Debts, grant me the grace to be as repentant as Peter who denied
You; and call me, lest I despair, as You earlier called Paul, who persecuted You, and hear
me as I sing to You: AIleIuia!
Twelfth Chant
Singing of Your Incarnation, we all praise You and believe like Thomas that, sitting
together with the Father, You are Lord and God, and the Judge of the Living and the Dead.
Allow me to stand at Your right hand and sing: 0 Jesus, my Eternal King, have mercy on me!
0 Jesus, Aroma of Flowers, Shed Your Perfume upon me! 0 Jesus, Warming Love, enkindle me!
0 Jesus, Eternal Temple, shelter me! O Jesus, Cloak of Light, cover me! 0 Jesus, Brilliant
Pearl, shine upon me! 0 Jesus, Sun of Holiness, illumine me! 0 Jesus, Joyful Light,
inspire me! 0 Jesus, deliver me from all bodily and spiritual ills! 0 Jesus, spare me from
falling into the hands of evil-doers! 0 Jesus, free me from eternal fire and torment! 0
Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Kontakion
0 Most Gracious Jesus, Delight of Our Hearts: receive now our humble prayer as You
received the two lowly talents of the poor widow. Deliver Your people from every visible
and invisible enemy, from foreign invasion, civil war, and riot; from all storms and every
distress and illness. Save me from all torment as we sing to You: Alleluia!
Thirteenth Chant
Creator of Angels and Lord of Angelic Hosts: as You once opened the ears of the deaf
and the mouths of the mute, empower my dull mind and tongue to sing to You: 0 Jesus, Most
Wonderful, Marvel of Angels! 0 Jesus, Most Powerful, Deliverer of Our Forefathers! 0
Jesus, Most Delightful, Exultation of Patriarchs! 0 Jesus Most Beloved, the Fulfillment of
Prophets! 0 Jesus Most Serene, the Joy of Monks! 0 Jesus Most Merciful, the Delight of
Priests! 0 Jesus Most Kind, the Happiness of Saints! 0 Jesus Most Honorable, the Chastity
of the Chaste! 0 Jesus, Everlasting Salvation of Sinners! 0 Jesus, Son of God, have mercy
on me!
Recite the Concluding Prayers.
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 The Akathist Hymn to Our Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
Recite the Prayers of Introduction.
Preamble
As soon as the Angel had received his command, he hastened to Joseph’s house and
said to the ever-Virgin: "Behold, heaven was brought down to earth when the Word
Himself was fully contained in you! Now that I see Him in your womb, taking a
servant’s form, I cry out to you in wonder: Hail, 0 Bride and Maiden ever-pure!"
First Chant
An Archangel was sent from heaven to greet the Mother of God, and as he saw You
assuming a body at the sound of his bodiless voice, 0 Lord, he stood rapt in amazement and
cned to her in these words: Hail, 0 you through whom joy will shine forth; hail, 0 you
through whom the curse will disappear! Hail, 0 Restoration of the Fallen Adam; hail, 0
Redemption of the Tears of Eve! Hail, 0 Peak above the reach of human thought; hail, 0
Depth even beyond the sight of angels! Hail, 0 you who have become a kingly Throne; hail,
0 you who carries Him Who carries all! Hail, 0 Star who manifests the Sun; hail, 0 Womb of
the Divine Incarnation! Hail, 0 you through whom creation is renewed; hail, 0 you through
whom the Creator becomes a Babe! Hail, 0 Bride and Maiden ever-pure!
Kontakion
Knowing that she was a virgin, the Blessed One courageously answered the Angel:
"Your surprising words seem hard for my mind to accept; how can you speak of a birth
that is to come from a conception without seed? And why do you cry: Alleluia!"
Second Chant
Trying to grasp the meaning of this mystery, the Virgin asked the holy messenger:
"How is it possible that a Son be born from a virginal womb? Tell me." And he
answered her with awe, crying out in these words: Hail, 0 Hidden Sense of the Ineffable
Plan; hail, 0 Belief in Silence That Must Be! Hail, 0 Forecast of the Marvels of Christ;
hail, 0 Fountainhead of Truths Concerning Him! Hail, Celestial Ladder by whom God came
down; hail, 0 Bridge leading earthly ones to heaven! Hail, 0 Wonder, everthrilling to the
angels; hail, 0 Wound, ever-hurting to the demons! Hail, 0 you who gave birth to Light
ineffably; hail, 0 you who told no one how it was done! Hail, 0 you who surpasses the
wisdom of the wise; hail, 0 you who enlightens faithful minds! Hail, 0 Bride and Maiden
ever-pure!
Kontakion
When the power of the Most High overshadowed the one who had never known the nuptial
bed, her fruitful womb conceived, and she became for all a delicious field for those who
wished to reap salvation by singing: Alleluia!
Third Chant
Pregnant with God, the Virgin hastened to Elizabeth, and her unborn child rejoiced,
immediately knowing her embrace. Bouncing and singing, he cried out to the Mother of God:
Hail, 0 Tendril whose Bud shall not wilt; hail, 0 Soil whose Fruit shall not perish! Hail,
0 Tender of mankind’s loving Tender; hail, 0 Gardener of the Gardener of Life! Hail,
0 Earth who yielded abundant mercies; hail, 0 Table Full-Laden With Appeasement! Hail, for
you have greened anew the pastures of delight; hail, for you have prepared a haven for the
souls! Hail, Acceptable Incense of prayer; Hail, Expiation of the Whole Universe! Hail, 0
Favor of God to Mortal Men; hail, 0 Trust of Mortals Before God! Hail, 0 Bride and Maiden
ever-pure!
Kontakion
Filled with a storm of contradictory thoughts, the wise Joseph was greatly disturbed;
until then, he had seen you, a virgin, and now he suspected you of secret guilt,
All-Blameless One! Learning that your conception was of the Holy Spirit, he cried out:
Alleluia!
Fourth Chant
The shepherds heard the angels singing hymns of praise to the coming of Christ in the
flesh. And running to Him as to a shepherd, they saw Him as a spotless Lamb grazing at
Mary’s breasts. They sang a hymn to her and said: Hail, 0 Mother of lamb and
Shepherd; hail, 0 Fold of Rational Sheep! Hail, 0 Protection Against Unseen Foes; hail, 0
Key to the Doors of paradise! Hail, for the heavenly rejoice with the earthly; hail, for
the earthly meet the heavenly in song! Hail, the Unsilenced Voice of Apostles; hail, the
Undaunted Might of Martys! Hail, 0 Steadfast Foundation of Faith; hail, 0 Shining Emblem
of Grace! Hail, 0 you through whom death was despoiled; hail, 0 you through whom we were
clothed with glory! Hail, 0 Bride and Maiden ever-pure!
Kontakion
When they saw the star moved by God, the Magi followed its glittering light. Using it
as a beacon, they found through it the Mighty King, and reaching the One Beyond All Reach,
they rejoiced and cried out to Him: Alleluia!
Fifth Chant
The sons of Chaldea saw in the Virgin’s hands the One Whose hands had fashioned
men, and acknowledging Him as the Master, although he had taken the form of a servant,
they hastened to honor Him with their gifts, and cried out the Blessed One: Hail, 0 Mother
of the Star Without Setting; hail, 0 Radiance of the Mystical Day! Hail, 0 you who
quenched the flame of error; hail, 0 Light of those who search the +
Trinity! Hail, 0 you who unthroned the enemy of men; hail, 0 you who
showed forth Christ the Lord, the Lover of Mankind! Hail, 0 you who cleansed us from the
stain of pagan worship; hail, 0 you who saved us from the mire of evil deeds! Hail, 0 you
who made cease the cult of fire; hail, 0 you who dispelled the flames of passion! Hail, 0
you who guides the faithful toward wisdom; hail, 0 Delight of All the Nations! Hail, 0
Bride and Maiden ever-pure!
Kontakion
The Magi, having become God-bearing heralds, returned to Babylon, conforming to Your
command, announcing You, the Christ, to all, and leaving Herod as a fool who did not know
how to sing: Alleluia!
Sixth Chant
Illuminating Egypt with the light of truth, You cast away the darkness of error. For
the idols, unable to stand Your might, fell down, and those who had been delivered from
them cried out to the Mother of God: Hail, 0 Resurrection of Mankind; hail, 0 Downfall of
the Demons! Hail, 0 you who crushed the error of deceit; hail, 0 you who exposed the fraud
of idols! Hail, 0 Sea who drowned the symbolic Pharaoh; hail, 0 Rock who quenched those
who thirst for life! Hail, 0 Pillar of Fire who guided those in darkness; hail, 0 Shelter
of the World, wider than the clouds! Hail, 0 Food who took the place of Manna; hail, 0
Servant of Holy Delight! Hail, 0 Land of the Promised Good; hail, 0 you who flow with milk
and honey! Hail, 0 Bride and Maiden ever-pure!
Kontakion
As Simeon was about to leave the present deceitful world, You were entrusted to him as
an Infant, but You made Yourself known to him as the Perfect God. Wherefore, he marveled
at Your wisdom beyond words, and cried out: Alleluia!
Seventh Chant
The Creator displayed a new creation to us who had come from Him: He came forth from a
womb that had received no seed, and He left it intact as it had been, so that at the sight
of this marvel, we would sing to her and cry out: Hail, 0 Blossom of Incorruption; hail, 0
Crown of Self-Mastery! Hail, 0 you who shone forth as a Sign of Resurrection; hail, 0 you
who displayed the life of angels! Hail, Fruitful Tree from whom believers feed; hail,
Shady Glen where many are sheltered! Hail, 0 you who have borne the Guide of the Lost;
hail, 0 Source of Life to the Captives’ Release! Hail, 0 you who unsettled even the
just judge; hail, Indulgence of many who have fallen! Hail, 0 Stole for those who lack
freedom to speak; hail, 0 Tenderness who exceeds all desire! Hail, 0 Bride and Maiden
ever-pure!
Kontakion
Now that we have seen this strange birth, let us estrange ourselves from the world and
turn our minds to heaven; indeed, it is for this that the God Most High appeared on earth
as a lowly man, desiring to draw up to heaven those who cry out to Him: Alleiuia!
Eighth Chant
While fully present amid those below, the Uncircumscribed Word was in no way absent
from those above; for what happened was a divine condescension, and not a moving from one
place to another; and it was a birth from a Virgin inspired by God, who heard these words:
Hail, 0 Space of the spaceless God; hail, 0 Gate of the Sublime Mystery! Hail, 0 Message
unsure to men without faith; hail, 0 Glory most certain to those who believe! Hail, 0
Sacred Chariot of the One Above the Cherubim; hail, Perfect Dwelling of the One Above the
Seraphim! Hail, 0 you who reconciled opposites; hail, 0 you who combined maidenhood and
motherhood! Hail, 0 you through whom transgression was erased; hail, 0 you through whom
paradise was opened! Hail, 0 Key to the Kingdom of Christ; hail; 0 Hope for the Ages of
Bliss! Hail, 0 Bride and Maiden ever-pure!
Kontakion
The whole order of Angels marveled at the great work of Your becoming a man. For they
saw the One Inaccessible as God become a Man Accessible to All, living with us and hearing
all cry out: Alleluia!
Ninth Chant
0 Mother of God, we see the best of speakers become as mute as fish in your regard, for
they could not explain how you could give birth while remaining a virgin. As for us, while
marveling at the mystery, we cry out to you with faith: Hail, 0 Container of God’s
Wisdom; hail, 0 Treasury of His Providence! Hail, 0 Reproof of Foolish Philosophers; hail,
0 Confusion of Speechless Wise Men! Hail, for you perplexed the inquisitive minds; hail,
for you dried up the inventors of myths! Hail, for you ripped the Athenians’ meshes;
hail, for you filled the Fishermen’s nets! Hail, 0 Retriever From the Abyss of
Ignorance, hail, 0 Lamplight of Knowledge to Many! Hail, 0 Ship for Those Who Seek
Salvation; hail, 0 Harbor for the Sailors of Life! Hail, 0 Bride and Maiden ever-pure!
Kontakion
Desiring to save the world, the Creator of All came down to it of His own will. Being
at the same time our Shepherd and our God, He appeared among us, a man like us. And so the
like called upon the Like, and as God He heard: Alleluia!
Tenth Chant
0 Virgin God-Bearer, you are the Strength of Virgins and of all those who have recourse
to you. For the Maker of Heaven and Earth covered you with His shadow, 0 Pure One, and
came to dwell in your womb, and taught us all to cry out to you: Hail, 0 Pillar of
Virginity; hail, 0 Gateway of Salvation! Hail, 0 Principle of the New Creation; hail, 0
Dispenser of God’s Bounties! Hail, for you restored those born in shame; hail, for
you gave sense to those who had lost it! Hail, 0 you who stopped the corruptor of minds;
hail, 0 you who bore the Sower of Chastity! Hail, Holy Chamber of Virginal Wedlock; hail,
0 you who joins the faithful with God! Hail, 0 gracious Foster-Mother of Virgins; hail, 0
Bridesmaid of Holy Souls! Hail, 0 Bride and Maiden ever-pure!
Kontakion
Every hymn falls short when it attempts to sing the multitude of Your mercies. We could
sing to You as many songs as there are grains of sand, 0 Holy King, without ever doing
anything worthy of what You have given to those who cry out to You: Alleluia!
Eleventh Chant
We see the holy Virgin as a brilliant luminary enlightening those who live in darkness;
for having kindled the Immaterial Light, she leads men to the knowledge of God and fills
their minds with radiance, so that she is worthily praised in these words: Hail, 0 Beam of
the Mystical Sun; hail, 0 Radiance of the Light Without Setting! Hail, Lightning-Flash
that brightens the souls; hail, Thunder-Clap that strikes down the foes! Hail, for you
have raised the many-lighted Star; hail, for you have opened the many-coursed Stream!
Hail, 0 you who traced the Living Model of the Pool; hail, 0 you who erased the stain of
sin! Hail, Flowing Water that cleanses the conscience; hail, Holy Vessel overflowing with
joy! Hail, 0 Fragrance of the Sweetness of Christ; hail, 0 Life of the Mystical Banquet!
Hail, 0 Bride and Maiden ever-pure!
Kontakion
Because He wished to grant release from all the ancient debts, the One Who pays
men’s dues came down Himself to those who had spumed His grace. He tore up their
obligations, and heard from all of them this cry: Alleluia!
Twelfth Chant
By singing praise to your maternity, we all exalt you as a Spiritual Temple, 0
Theotokos! For the One Who dwelt within your womb, the Lord Who holds all things in His
hands, sanctified you, glorified you and taught all men to sing to You: Hail, 0 Tabernacle
of God the Word; hail, Holy One, more holy that the Saints! Hail, 0 Ark that the Spirit
has gilded; hail, Inexhaustible Treasure of Life! Hail, Precious Crown of Rightful
Authorities; hail, Sacred Glory of Reverent Priests! Hail, Unshakable Tower of the Church;
hail, Unbreachable Wall of the Kingdom! Hail, 0 you through whom the trophies are raised;
hail, 0 you through whom the enemies are routed! Hail, 0 Healing of My Body; hail, 0
Salvation of My Soul! Hail, 0 Bride and Maiden ever-pure!
Kontakion
0 Mother Worthy of All Praise, you who have given birth to the Word, the Holiest of the
Holy, accept this present offering, deliver all men from every affliction, and save from
the future punishment those who cry out to you: Alleluia!
Hirmos
Gabriel was rapt in amazement as he beheld your virginity and the splendor of your
purity, 0 Mother of God, and he cried out to you: "By what name shall I call you? I
am bewildered; I am lost! I shall greet you as I was commanded to do: ‘Hail, 0 Woman
Full of Grace!"’
Recite the Concluding Prayers.
 The
Akathist to St. Michael the Archangel
Recite the Prayers of Introduction.
Preamble
Chosen captain of the heavenly hosts and defender of mankind, we -
delivered by you from afflictions -offer this hymn of thanksgiving, and do you standing before the throne of the
King of Glory set us free from all distress that we may cry to you with faith and love:
Hail, Michael great captain, with the hosts of heaven!
First Chant
As leader of the fiery choirs of angels, it is right to praise you with angelic tongue,
0 Michael, but until -taught by you - we have become used to the speech of the bodiless powers,
hear the praises from thankful lips though they be those of mortal beings: Hail,
first-formed star of the world! Hail, candle of truth and justice, shining like gold!
Hail, first receiver, in the choir of angels of the rays of the uncreated light! Hail,
head of angels and archangels! Hail, you in whom the creative glory of the Right Hand
shines! Hail, you by whom the assembly of all bodiless creatures is made beautiful! Hail,
Michael, great chief captain with all the hosts of heaven!
Kontakion
Beholding the splendor of your spiritual beauty and the strength of your right hand
that is like a flash of lightning, we - wrapped
as we are in the mortal flesh of this earth - but,
filled with joy and thankfulness toward the Creator, cry aloud: 0 Archangel of God, with
all the hosts of heaven: Alleluia!
Second Chant
0 most wonderful Michael, leader of the heavenly hosts, ask for us a clear
understanding, free from passions, that, lifted in thought from earthly to heavenly
things, we may sing a hymn of praise to you:
Hail, nearest beholder of the ineffable beauty and goodness of God! Hail, close
participator in the mysteries of the all-good counsels of the most Holy + Trinity! Hail, faithful fulfiller of the pre-eternal
judgements of the + Trinity! Hail, you at whom
the heavenly hosts, with love, stand amazed! Hail, you to whom those born on earth give
glory! Hail, you before whom the hosts of heaven tremble! Hail, Michael, great chief
captain with all the hosts of heaven!
Kontakion
Archangel Michael, you show in yourself the strength of an unconquerable zeal for the
glory of God. At the head of the choirs of angels, you have withstood the arrogant daystar
Satan, exceedingly proud and breathing out evil when he and his dark fellow-servants had
been cast down into the nethermost parts of the world, while the heavenly hosts led by you
in your glory shouted as with one voice for joy before the throne of God: Alleluia!
Third Chant
All Christian people have you, 0 Archangel Michael, as a mighty defender and helper in
battle against the adversary. Therefore, we, wishing to be granted your marvelous
protection, call upon you on the day of your solemn feast in this way: Hail, you by whom
Satan was cast down like lightning from heaven! Hail, you by whom humanity preserved goes
up to heaven! Hail, splendid adornment of the most radiant world on high! Hail, most
glorious defender of the fallen world here below! Hail, never-defeated by the forces of
evil! Hail, you, established forever by divine grace in truth and righteousness with all
God’s angels! Hail, Michael, great chief captain with all the hosts of heaven!
Kontakion
O chief ruler of the angels, deliver us who keep your radiant feast with joy from the
storm of temptations and troubles, for you are a mighty helper in afflictions and the
preserver and defender in the hour of death of all those crying aloud to Our Lord and Our
Lady: Alleluia!
Fourth Chant
Seeing your boldness against the regiments of Satan, all the ranks of angels followed
after you with joy into the fight for the name and the glory of their Master, crying
aloud: "Who is like unto God!" And we, seeing Satan cast down beneath your feet
cry to you as victor: Hail, you by whom peace and quiet returned to heaven! Hail, you whom
the spirit of evil was laid low even unto hell! Hail, you who direct the angelic armies
and the hosts of the invisible world to the destruction of evil! Hail, you who, unseen,
calm the agitation and fighting of the elements of the unseen world! Hail, wonderful
defender of those waging war with the spirits of evil! Hail, strong helper of those on
earth grown weak through the temptations and assaults of the world! Hail, Michael, great
chief captain with all the hosts of heaven!
Kontakion
You have appeared in the Church of Khony as a divinely flowing fountain of great
miracles. For, not only was a large and fearful serpent dwelling there destroyed by your
strength, but a stream of water was revealed there healing all bodily ailments, that all
might glorify you, 0 Lord God of the angels, and all might cry out to You with Faith:
Alleluia!
Fifth Chant
Hearing you and knowing you as a great light shining among the choirs of angels, after
God and His Holy Mother, we run to you, wonderful Michael. With the rays of your light
illuminate all of us who sing to you in the following manner: Hail, mediator of the law
given by the hand of Moses on Mount Sinai! Hail, you by whom the judges and leaders of
Israel found strength and protection! Hail, you, through whom the prophets and high
priests of the Jews received the gift of knowledge from the all-knowing God! Hail, you who
provide with secret wisdom the God-fearing givers of the law! Hail, you who put kindness
and mercy into the hearts of those who administer justice and truth! Hail, Michael, great
chief captain with all the hosts of heaven!
Kontakion
You have announced beforehand the judgements of God when, in former times - at the sight of you -Mannah was filled with fear and perplexity, thinking that he would no longer
live, but taught by his wife of the goodness of the vision, and the gentleness of your
words, from joy at having a son, Samson, who was about to be born, he cried out to God in
thanksgiving: Alleluia!
Sixth Chant
You have shone forth wonderfully, 0 Michael, when in the form of a man you have stood
before Joshua, son of Nun, saying: "Take off your shoes, for I am the chief captain
of the hosts of the Lord." And we, marvelling, sing to you: Hail, untiring guardian
of leaders, rulers, and governments! Hail, you, swift to overthrow those withstanding
authority as they oppose the command of God! Hail, you who appease the mighty wave of
popular tumult! Hail, invisible destroyer of vile customs! Hail, you who enlighten those
in doubt in the hour of great perplexity! Hail, you who save all those tried by
soul-destroying and false attacks! Hail, Michael, great chief captain with all the hosts
of heaven!
Kontakion
Wanting to show that the fortunes of men are not dependent on themselves, but are
always held in His Divine Hand, the Maker of all has given you to the kingdoms of the
earth as a defender and keeper, that you may prepare all the tribes and peoples for the
Kingdom of God that is eternal. Therefore, all of us knowing your great service for the
salvation of mankind, cry to God in thanksgiving: Alleluia!
Seventh Chant
The Creator and Master of all miracles has shown us a new miracle on earth through you,
chief angel, when you miraculously saved the church built in honor of your name from being
flooded with the waters of the river. You commanded the rising stream to turn back into
the bosom of the earth, at the sight of which the blessed Archipus together with his
spiritual children cried to you in thanksgiving: Hail, indestructible rampart of the holy
Church of God! Hail, you at whose behest the elements are subdued! Hail, you by whom all
evil intents are brought to naught! Hail, you who bring joy to all the faithful from the
throne of the Almighty God! Hail, you who lead unbelievers on the path of justice and
truth! Hail, Michael, great chief captain with all the hosts of heaven!
Kontakion
Habakkuk, the prophet, saw in his very self a strange wonder of your power, 0 chief
captain of God’s armies, when carried off at the Divine Command, he was quickly taken
from Judah to Babylon to give food to Daniel, a prisoner in the den of the lions.
Therefore, amazed at the mighty effect of your strength, he cried out with faith:
Alleluia!
Eighth Chant
Standing before the throne of God, Michael, you are entirely in the heights yet you are
not far from men and women below upon the earth. You ever fight against the enemies of
mankind’s salvation. Therefore, all who wish to reach the long-desired homeland of
heaven call to you with one accord: Hail, leader of the thrice-holy hymn of the angels!
Hail, ever-ready advocate and guardian of those on earth! Hail, who, in strange fashion,
struck down Pharaoh with his faithless Egyptians in their ponderous pride! Hail, who
glorioulsy led the Jews in their wandering through the wilderness! Hail, you who quenched
the flame of the fiery furnace of Babylon for the three youths! Hail, Michael, great chief
captain with all the hosts of heaven!
Kontakion
Joyful trembling seized the monks of the Holy Mount of Athos when they saw how you
saved the Godfearing child who was thrown into the depths of the sea with a stone around
his neck by money-grubbing men. The monastery that received him was adorned by your name,
0 Michael, and cries to God in thanksgiving: Alleluia!
Ninth Chant
Speakers, eloquent in words and who love clever thoughts, have not sufficient strength
to declare your might, 0 Michael, and how in one night you destroyed the one hundred and
eighty-five thousand warriors of Sennacherih, the king of Assyria, as a warning to him not
to blaspheme the Name of the Lord in the future. We, honoring your zeal for the glory of
the truth of God, cry out to you with gladness: Hail, unconquerable leader of the armies
of Orthodoxy! Hail, very fear and defeat of armies whose beliefs are evil! Hail, planter
of the Orthodox faith and worship! Hail, uprooter of heresies and schisms that harm the
soul! Hail, you who strengthened the pious Maccabees on the field of battle! Hail, you who
struck down in the temple itself Heliodorus, the captain of the evil king, Antiochus!
Hail, Michael, great chief captain with all the hosts of heaven!
Kontakion
0 chief captain of God, be for us who wish to be saved, a firm helper, to deliver and
preserve us from distress and mishap, and even more so from our own evil habits and sins
so that, progessing in faith, hope and love of Christ, we may thankfully cry out with joy
to the Master of angels and mankind for your strong defense: Alleluia!
Tenth Chant
0 chief captain of God, you are a wall for all who believe and a strong pillar in the
struggles with visible and invisble enemies. With thankful hearts and voices we cry: Hail,
unconquerable opponent of the enemies of the Faith and the adversaries of the Holy Church!
Hail, untiring helper of those who humbly announce the Good News! Hail, you who enlighten
with the light of faith those sitting in the land of darkness! Hail, you who direct along
the path of truth and repentance those made foolish through false wisdom! Hail, terrible
avenger of those who call in vain upon the Name of the Lord! Hail, chastiser bearing
lightning for those who foolishly mock the Mysteries of the Holy Faith! Hail, Michael,
great chief captain with all the hosts of heaven!
Kontakion
0 angel of God, every song of praise falls short because of the multitude of miracles
performed by you not only in heaven and on earth, but also in the dark shades of the
depths of the netherworld, where you have chained the serpent with the bonds of power of
the Lord, that those delivered from the evil one’s wickedness might bless the Master
of heaven and earth, crying: Alleluia!
Eleventh Chant
0 chief captain, you appeared as a light-bearing servant of truth and the purity of
divine worship when, foreseeing the snares of the spirit of darkness, you have forbidden
him in the Name of the Lord, that he dare not show the hidden body of the prophet Moses,
leader of the Jews, to the sensual children of Israel lest they deify him. Therefore,
while we now honor your divinely bright feast, we cry to you: Hail, you who kept the
purity of knowledge of God among the Jews in the days of the Old Testament! Hail, who by
grace have many times uprooted the weeds of error in the days of the New Testament! Hail,
destoyer of heathen prophets and idols! Hail, fortifier of Christians who struggle and
suffer! Hail, you who fill the weak in spirit with the strength of the grace of God! Hail,
you who clothe in the armor of faith those who fail in the flesh! Hail, Michael, great
chief captain with all the hosts of heaven!
Kontakion
Beg grace for us from God in heaven as we sing to the glory of your honorable name, 0
Michael, that in the shadow of your protection we may live in all piety and purity until,
set loose from the bonds of flesh and death, we may be granted to stand before the flaming
throne of the King of Glory and sing with all the chors of angels: Alleluia!
Twelfth Chant
Singing the praises of your many different miracles performed for our salvation, we
pray the Lord and Master of all, 0 Michael, that the spirit of zeal for the glory of God
that is within you fail not in us who sing to you with these hymns of praise: Hail, you
who divinely set up in the heights of power the servants of God in time of need! Hail, you
who invisibly bring down from the heights of strength and glory those who are unworthy and
insolent! Hail, you, who on the last day, shall gather the chosen from the four ends of
the earth! Hail, you by whom at the voice of God sinners shall be committed like bares to
the eternal fire! Hail, you by whom Satan and his angels shaU be cast into the lake of
fire! Hail, you by whom the righteous shall gloriously be made to settle in the mansion of
our heavenly Father! Hail, Michael, great chief captain with all the hosts of heaven!
Kontakion
0 most wonderful leader of archangels and angels, because of your most marvelous
service for the salvation of mankind, accept from us the sound of praise and thanksgiving
now offered to you, and as you are filled with the strength of God, protect us with your
immaterial wings from all visible and invisible enemies, that we may cry without ceasing
to the Lord glorified by you and who glorified you: Alleluia!
Prayer of Entrustment
0 great and holy Michael, Archangel of God, standing at the head of the angels before
the everlasting + Trinity, 0 advocate and
preserver of mankind, who - with your hosts - has broken in heaven the head of the daystar, Satan, the
exceedingly proud one, and who always puts to shame his evil and cunning servants on
earth, we run to you with faith and pray to you with love: be an unbreakable shield and
firm bastion for the Holy Church and for our nation, protecting them with your lightning
sword. Be for us a guardian angel, a wise counsellor and helper of our land bringing to it
from the the throne of the Eternal Ruling King and Lord our God enlightenment and
strength, joy, peace and comfort. Be for us the chief captain and fellow-fighter of our
honorable country, crowning it with glory and victory over unjust adversaries, that all
who oppose us may know that God and His holy angels stand ready to defend us. Be the
physician and healer of those wounded. Be the pillar and defender of those children of the
Church of God that are in captivity. And forsake not, 0 Archangel of God, with your help
and protection, those of us who today glorify your holy name. For, behold, though we are
great sinners, yet we desire not to perish in our iniquities but to turn to the Lord and
be made by Him to live for good works. Illuminate our minds with the light of the
Countenance of God that shines without ceasing on the lightning-like forehead, that we may
understand that the will of God concerning us is good and perfect and knows all that is
right for us to do, and even that which is right to omit and overlook. Strengthen by the
grace of the Lord, our weak and feeble purpose, that made firm in the commandments of the
Lord we may cease to wallow in earthly thoughts drawn by the lusts of the flesh as
senseless children through the perishable beauties of the world. Above all these things,
ask from on high for us the true spirit of repentance, true sorrow and contrition for our
sins before God, that we may spend the remaining number of our days in this temporal life,
not in the satisfying of our feelings and in the bondage to our passions, but in the
blotting out of the evil we have done by tears of faith and heartfelt compunction, by
works of charity, chastity, and holy acts of loving mercy.
When the hour of our end and of our liberation from the earthly bonds of our own bodies
draws near, 0 Archangel of God, leave us not without defense against the earthly spirits
of evil who try to hinder the entry of man into the heavenly places. Preserved by you, may
we, without hindrance, reach those allglorious dwelling-places of Paradise where there is
neither sorrow nor sighing but only life without end. May we be made worthy to behold the
Face of our all-gracious Lord and Master, and falling at His feet with tears may we cry
out in joy and tender feeling: Glory to You, our most tender, dear Redeemer, who, because
of Your great love for us, your unworthy servants and handmaidens, have been pleased to
send Your angels in the service of our salvation! For all the powers of heaven praise You,
and we give glory, honor and thanksgiving to You, Father +, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.
0 chosen captain of the heavenly hosts and defender of mankind, we, delivered by you
from all afflictions, offer this hymn of thanksgiving, and do you, standing before the
throne of the King of Glory, set us free from all distress that we may cry to you with
faith and love:
Hail, Michael, great captain, with all the hosts of heaven! Three
times.
Recite the Concluding Prayers.
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