Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us.

Transcription

1 Prayers and Services Here are a number of useful Orthodox prayers and services for your personal use. Order for Standalone Akathist without a Priest Use the following order pray the Akathist hymn at home without a priest. Opening Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us. The Trisagion Prayers Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy upon us. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy upon us. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy upon us. the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Both now and ever and un ages of ages. Amen All Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins; Master, pardon our iniquities; Holy God, visit and heal our infirmities for thy sake. Lord have mercy (3x) the Father and the Son and the Holy Sprit Both now and ever and un ages of ages. Amen. Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our traspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not in temptation, but deliver us from evil. Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy (12 times) the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Both now and ever and un ages of ages. Amen (with 3 bows) O come let us worship and fall down before God our King. O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and our God. Page 1 of 40

2 O come let us worship and fall down before the very Christ, Our King and our God. Psalm 50 Have mercy upon me, O God, according thy great mercy: according the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out mine iniquity. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge mine iniquity: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee only have I sinned, and done evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified in thy words, and prevail when thou art judged. For behold, I was shapen in iniquity: and in sin did my mother conceive me. For behold, thou hast loved truth: the unclear and hidden things of thy wisdom thou hast made clear me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me hear joy and gladness: the bones which thou hast broken shall rejoice. Turn away thy face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence: and take not thy holy spirit from me. Resre un me the joy of thy salvation: and steady me with a guiding spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways: and the impious shall be converted un thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my ngue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips: and my mouth shall declare thy praise. For hadst thou desired sacrifice, I would have given it thee: thou delightest not in burnt offerings. Sacrifices God are a contrite spirit: a contrite and humble heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Do good, O Lord, in thy good will un Zion: that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offerings: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar. The Creed I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all worlds; Light of Light: very God of very God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father; by Whom all things were made: Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And the third day He rose again, according the Scriptures; And ascended in heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father; And He shall come again, with glory, judge the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son gether is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. And I believe in One, Holy, Catholic, and Aposlic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for he resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world come. Amen. The Akathist Hymn The akathist hymn is now prayed exclusive of the concluding Prayer. Page 2 of 40

3 Repeat the concluding refrain on each section. After the 13th Kontakion, the 1st Ikos and 1st Kontakion are repeated in that order. Then the service continues as follows: Immediately following the Akathist Hymn It is truly meet bless thee, O Theokos and Mother of our God More honorable than the Cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim, Thou who without stain bearest God the Word, and art truly Theokos, we magnify thee. Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ Our God, have mercy upon us and save us. Concluding Prayer of the Akathist Hymn The concluding Prayer of the Akathist [if there is one], is said while kneeling. The Trisagion Prayers Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy upon us. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy upon us. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy upon us. the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Both now and ever and un ages of ages. Amen All Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins; Master, pardon our iniquities; Holy God, visit and heal our infirmities for thy sake. Lord have mercy (3x) the Father and the Son and the Holy Sprit Both now and ever and un ages of ages. Amen. Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our traspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not in temptation, but deliver us from evil. Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us. Conclusion Lord, have mercy (3 times) the Father and the Son and the Holy Sprit Both now and ever and un ages of ages. Amen. Page 3 of 40

4 Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us. Amen. A Prayer from Bishop Basil A Prayer for September 11th O Lord our God, Who art Thyself, the Hope of the hopeless, the Help of the helpless, the Savior of the srm-ssed, the Haven of the voyager, the Physician of the sick; be all things our land which nine years ago on this date was devastated by the cowardly and hateful acts of false martyrs; who imitated wicked Herod in his slaughter of 14,000 innocents, whose only crime was be born at the time of Thine incarnation. For those who lost loved ones, grant the comfort you imparted the Mary and Martha before you raised Lazarus and care for them as Thou didst care for Thy Mother from the Cross, putting her in the care of the Apostle John. For the survivors, grant them healing in every sense, as you strengthened and healed the confessors. For those related and aiding the survivors and the families of the fallen, grant the strength and compassion Thou didst instill in Thy foster father Joseph, who was Thy guardian in Thine earthly youth. For those who died, grant them remission of their every sin in Thy great compassion; both those who like the wise servant and the wise virgins, constantly prepared themselves enter the heavenly banquet at any hour; and those who emulated the Rich Fool, preferring enjoy earthly pursuits and ignore heavenly ones. To the rest of us, instill in us the knowledge that while the devil still manipulates our Divinelygiven free will his own ends in this world, his power is fleeting and ultimately void, as Thou hast already crushed his dominion, leaving him only those who freely choose him. Remind us that, while evil at times seems win, and the death of the innocent seems signal the destruction of goodness, the innocent are at peace, and while the God-fearing will endure a period of rment; those who choose evil shall endure eternal rment. For those who hate us, speak their hearts as St. Procla sought speak her husband Pilate concerning Thee, and as Thou didst speak Pharoah concerning the Hebrews, soften the hearts of those who seek our destruction. Spare us O Lord, from us all hatred of the murderers, and from prejudice ward those whose only crime is be of their ethnicity and/or religion. Spare us, O Lord, from paranoia and rash acts by which we trample each other like rabid beasts. Spare, O Lord, those who protect us, those who serve in our government, armed forces, law enforcement agencies and all first responders, from despondency, disillusionment, and all things which would undermine their righteous calling protect us in the manner of our Guardian Angels, and care for us in the manner of the Good Samaritan. All this we ask of Thee our all-powerful and all-loving Saviour, gether with Thine unorginate Father, and Thine all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and un ages of ages. Amen. About the Paraklesis the Most Holy Theokos Here is information concerning the Paraklesis Service the Most Holy Theokos. About the Paraklesis the Most Holy Theokos It is from the DOWAMA website for St. Rapohael Clergy Brotherhood, dowama.org. Page 4 of 40

5 Akathist of Thanksgiving By HIEROMARTYR GRIGORI PETROFF Kontakion 1 O King of ages, Who, by the power of Thy salvific providence, holdeth in Thy right hand all the ways of man s life: I thank Thee for all Thy visible and secret goods, for earthly life and for the heavenly joy of Thy future Kingdom. Pour forth richly Thy grace, in the future as well, on us who sing Thee: Thee, O God, un the ages! Ikos 1 I was born on earth as a feeble and helpless child, but Thy angel, spreading his shiny wings, has sheltered my cradle. From that moment Thy love shines in all my ways and miraculously guides me in the light of eternity. For that my soul lauds Thee and hails Thee with all who know Thee: Thee Who hast called me in life. Thee Who art revealing us the beauty of the universe. Thee Who art opening us heaven and earth as an eternal book of wisdom. Thy eternity in the passing world. Thee for Thy covert and overt mercies. Thee for every sigh of my heart. Thee for every step of life, / every moment of joy. Thee, O God, un the ages! Kontakion 2 O Lord, how good it is for us be Thy guests! How fine it is for us in Thy world. The fields are fragrant, the mountains rise high up in the sky, and the golden rays of sun and the light clouds are reflected in the water. All nature mysteriously speaks about Thee, all is filled with Thy mercy and all carries the seal of Thy love. Blessed be the earth which, with her short-lasting beauty, awakens the yearning for the eternal homeland in Thy kingdom, where in everlasting beauty resounds the song: Alleluia! Ikos 2 Thou broughtest me in this life as if in a wonderful garden. I see the sky deep and blue, the birds as they chirp in flight; I listen the soothing rustle of trees and the sonorous sound of waters; my mouth is enjoying fragrant and succulent fruits. How wonderful it is in Thy world and how joyous it is be Thy guest! Thee Thee Thee Thee Thee Thee for for for for for for the feast of life! the scents of lilies of the valley and roses. the abundance and multiplicity of earthly fruits. the glistening of morning dew. the joyous smile of dawn / with which Thou dost waken me. eternal life / and the kingdom of heaven. Page 5 of 40

6 Thee, O God, un the ages! Kontakion 3 By the power of the Holy Spirit every flower breathes. Thy breath I feel in the quiet movement of the fragrant fields. Observing the harmony of colors I admire Thee. Wherever I look, I see all around me the beauty of the Great One in the little. and thanks the life-creating God Who covers the earth with flowery meadows, crowns the fields with golden ears of grain and embellishes them with blue cornflowers, and my soul with the joy of contemplation. Be glad and sing Him: Alleluia! Ikos 3 How wonderful Thou art in the beauty of spring when all earth is being rejuvenated and thousands of sounds sing about Thee: Thou art the spring of life, Thou art the conqueror of death! In the pale moonlight with the song of the nightingale, the valleys and forests rest under a snowy white veil. The whole earth, Thy bride, is awaiting Thee, the Eternal Bridegroom. When Thou so clothest the grass of the field, how art Thou adorn Thy chosen ones when they resurrect in the future age! How will then our bodies shine forth and our souls glitter! Thee Who from the dark depths of the earth / bringeth forth so many colors and scents. Thee for the beauty of nature. Thee Who hast surrounded us / with thousands of Thy creatures. Thee for the depth of thy wisdom / whose seal is borne by all creation. Thee for the tender feeling / with which I kiss the trace of Thine invisible foot. Thee Who hast from the beginning / lit the glowing light of eternal life. Thee for the hope in perfect and eternal beauty. Thee, O God, un the ages! Kontakion 4 How Thou delightest the hearts of those who meditate upon Thee, O God! Thou feedest their souls with Thy Holy Word. Talking with Thee is better than oil and sweeter than honey. Prayer God refreshes and invigorates; it fills my heart with joy. How majestic then appears this world and all life. Where Thou art not all is empty. Where Thou art there is the richness of the soul.there, as living water, is the everlasting song: Alleluia. Ikos 4 When night falls upon the earth, the stillness of sleep reigns and sounds of the past day become silent; I see the splendor of Thy heavenly mansions. Flame and purple, gold and azure presage the indescribable beauty of Thy home and solemnly call forth: Let us go the Father! Thee in the quiet hours of the evening. Thee for pouring forth deep peace on earth. Thee for the rays of the setting sun. Thee for the rest of a graceful sleep. Thee for consolation in the darkness / when the whole world appears far from me. Thee for the warm prayer of my rtured soul. Thee for the promise that we shall awake in the joy of Thy everlasting day. Thee, O God, un the ages! Kontakion 5 The tempest of life does not frighten one in whose heart shines the light of Thy divine Fire. Around me Page 6 of 40

7 are whirling srms and roaring winds; terror and darkness surround me; but in my soul is peace and light. Christ is in her. And my heart sings: Alleluia! Ikos 5 I look in Thy sky filled with stars. O how rich Thou art! How much light there is in Thee! Through the light of the distant stars Thou lookest at me from eternity. I am tiny and destitute, but the Lord is with me. His hand is always near me and He leads me with love in all my ways. Thee Who continually watcheth over us. Thee Who considereth mine every meeting with people. Thee for the love of relatives / and the fidelity of friends. Thee for the meekness / of the domestic animals who serve me. Thee for the bright moments of life. Thee for the happiness of living, seeing and feeling. Thee, O God, un the ages. Kontakion 6 How great Thou art in the whirlwind and the srm! How majestic is Thy hand in the swiftness of the lightning! The voice of the Lord rises above the fields. It rustles through the woods, it roars in the thunder. The voice of the Lord resounds over the waters. Thy might is proclaimed by the fire of the volcano. Thou quakest the earth and liftest the waves of the sea in the sky. Thee whom we repentantly cry: Alleluia! Ikos 6 When swift lightning illumines the night, how pitiful and miserable our earthly candles seem. So also, deceitful earthly joys become colorless and dark when Thy light shines forth in the soul. Wherefore my soul struggles ward Thee and my heart yearns for Thee. Thee Who hast planted in man s heart / an unquenchable thirst for God. Thee because nothing earthly / can completely satisfy us. Thee Who clothest us in light. Thee, the conqueror of the spirits of evil and darkness. Thee for Thy revelation, / for the blessedness of feeling Thee and living Thee. Thee, O God, un the ages! Kontakion 7 In the harmony of sounds I hear Thy call. In the lofty beauty of music, in the magnificence of artistic works Thou art allowing us foresee Paradise. Whatever is truly beautiful soars ward Thee and teaches the soul sing Thee a vicrious song: Alleluia! Ikos 7 By Thy Holy Spirit Thou inspirest the thought of the artist, the poet and the scientist. By the power of Thy wisdom they prophetically enter in the mysteries of Thy laws and reveal the depth of Thy wisdom. Even their works involuntarily speak about Thee. O how wonderful Thou art in Thy works! O how great Thou art in man! Thee Who showest us / Thy might through the laws of the cosmos. Thou Who fillest everything. Thee Who revealest us according Thy mercy. Page 7 of 40

8 Thee Who hidest from us according Thy wisdom. Thee for the depth of the human mind. Thee for the creative ability in man. Thee for the outpouring of Thy grace. Thee, O God, un the ages! Kontakion 8 How close us Thou art in our days of illness. Thou visitest the patient, Thou descendest the bed of the sufferer and his heart communeth with Thee. Thou kindlest the soul with peace at the time of sorrow and suffering. Thou sendest unexpected help. Thou art the comforter. Thou art all-knowing love. To Thee I sing: Alleluia! Ikos 8 When I as a child for the first time appealed Thee, Thou fulfilled my prayer and lightened my soul with great peace. I undersod then that Thou art good and that they are blessed who seek refuge in Thee. Therefore I do not cease pray Thee and call upon Thee. Thee Who fulfillest and good purpose completes my wishes. Thee Who watchest over me day and night. Thee for the time that is passing / and taking away our sorrows and sadness. Thee in whom nothing is lost, / for Thou grantest all life eternal. Thee Who promised us / desired meetings with our deceased ones. Thee, O God, un the ages! Kontakion 9 Why is all nature so mysteriously smiling in the days of the feasts? Why then is our soul so light and joyous? Why does the air in the temple seem so bright? It is all because of the flow of Thy grace, because of the reflection of the light of Tabor. Heaven and earth are then singing gether a laudable song: Alleluia! Ikos 9 When Thou inspirest me serve my neighbors and enlightenest my soul with humbleness, then the rays of Thy light fall on my heart and it begins radiate and shine. As the sun in the waters, so in those moments in my soul is reflected Thy infinite meekness, full of love and the unspeakable peace of Thy radiant countenance. Thee Who through good deeds transformeth our lives. Thee Who hast sealed with unspeakable sweetness / every commandment of Thine. Thee Who art invisibly present in the works of mercy. Thee Who sendest upon us troubles and sorrows / in order teach us commiserate in the suffering of others. Thee for the love / which Thou hast raised above everything on earth and in heaven. Thee, O God, un the ages! Kontakion 10 Whatever is destroyed cannot be resred. But Thou revivest those whose conscience is dead and returnest pristine beauty the souls who lost it. Through Thy mercifulness all is possible. Thou art Love, Thou art the Crear and Resrer. Thee I praise with song: Alleluia! Page 8 of 40

9 Ikos 10 O my God, Thou who knowest that the angel of pride, the Morning Star, hast fallen from Thee, do not let me doubt nor depart from Thee. Sharpen my hearing so that I will always listen Thy mysterious voice and call upon Thee, Who art everywhere present. Thee Who all-wisely governest my life. Thee for inspired premonition. Thee for warnings in a mysterious voice. Thee for revelations in dreams and in reality. Thee for thwarting my useless intentions. Thee because through sufferings Thou liberatest me from passions. Thee because Thou humblest my heart / and savest me from pride. Thee, O God, un the ages! Kontakion 11 Through all the passed chain of ages I feel the warmth of Thy Holy Spirit and the surging of Divine Life. Thou art near, Time is nonexistent. I see Thy Cross it is for my sake. My spirit is humbled in dust before Thy love, limitless and incomprehensible. Wherefore, beneath Thy Cross I will un ages glorify Thee, my Savior, with song: Alleluia! Ikos 11 Blessed art those who sup with Thee in Thy kingdom. However, blessed art those whom Thou hast already here on earth accepted as partakers of Thy Mystic Supper. How many times, with Thy divine hand, Thou hast allowed me, a sinner, receive in Holy Communion Thy Body and Blood. And I have received the Holy and felt Thy love, ineffable and wonderful. Thee for the incomprehensible and life creating power of grace. Thee Who hast founded Thy Church be for us a quiet harbor. Thee Who givest us rebirth through the life-giving water of baptism. Thee Who forgivest a sinner who repents / and resrest in him the viceless purity of lilies. Thee for a perpetual spring of forgiveness. Thee for bread from heaven and the cup of life. Thee Who art guiding us in the kingdom of eternal joy. Thee, O God, un the ages! Kontakion 12 Many a time I saw the reflection of Thy glory on the faces of the deceased! With what unearthly beauty and joy their faces shine! How transparent and immaterial become their features! With their silence they sing of Thee. When the time of my death cometh, enlighten, O God, my soul as well, sing Thee: Alleluia! Ikos 12 What is my praise before Thee! My ears did not hear the song of cherubims; it is heard only by the souls of the righteous. I know only how nature lauds Thee. I saw in winter, how, lightened by the moonlight and beneath the cover of snow which sparkles with silvery light, all the earth is quietly praying Thee. I saw how the crimson rays of the rising sun rejoice in Thee and how choirs of birds hum praises Thee. I listen how mysteriously forests speak of Thee, how winds wing, and brooks murmur Thy name; how, with their fixed movements through limitless space, the myriads of stars preach about Thee. What is my praise before Thee, O Lord! Nature is obedient, and I never cease sadden Thee. While I live and see Thy love I want glorify Page 9 of 40

10 Thee, pray Thee and call upon Thee: Thee Who hast shown us the light. Thee Who hast loved us with deep, immeasurable, divine love. Thee Who protects us / with bright armies of angels and saints. Thee, all-holy Father, who art giving us Thy kingdom. Thee, O Holy Spirit, the life-giving sun of future ages. Thee for all, / Holy Trinity, divine and all good. Thee, O God, un the ages. Konntakion 13 O all-good and life-giving Trinity, receive our gratefulness for all thy goods and show us worthy of Thine eternal treasures, so that we may multiply the talent entrusted us, reach Thy kingdom and enter in the joy of our Lord, singing Him vicrious song: Alleluia!(thrice) And again the first Ikos and Kontakion are read: Ikos 1 I was born on earth as a feeble and helpless child, but Thy angel, spreading his shiny wings, has sheltered my cradle. From that moment Thy love shines in all my ways and miraculously guides me in the light of eternity. For that my soul lauds Thee and hails Thee with all who know Thee: Thee Who hast called me in life. Thee Who art revealing us the beauty of the universe. Thee Who art opening us heaven and earth as an eternal book of wisdom. Thy eternity in the passing world. Thee for Thy covert and overt mercies. Thee for every sigh of my heart. Thee for every step of life, / every moment of joy. Thee, O God, un the ages! Kontakion 1 O King of ages, Who, by the power of Thy salvific providence, holdeth in Thy right hand all the ways of man s life: I thank Thee for all Thy visible and secret goods, for earthly life and for the heavenly joy of Thy future Kingdom. Pour forth richly Thy grace, in the future as well, on us who sing Thee: Thee, O God, un the ages! Akathist Our Father among the Saints RAPHAEL, Bishop of Brooklyn (November 8, February 27, 1915) Good Shepherd of the Lost Sheep in America Page 10 of 40

11 Kontakion 1. O holy Father, called from thy native land the distant shores of the New World, thou didst take up thy cross and follow after Christ. Wherefore, as one who hath crucified himself on behalf of his flock, as our faithful guardian and protecr, we fervently cry: Rejoice, O Father Raphael, good shepherd of the lost sheep in America. Oikos 1. Thou didst begin thy life in exile, O holy Father Raphael. Child of pious Orthodox parents, successor the holy hieromartyr Joseph, even in thy mother s womb thou didst enjoy no repose. Thus was thy life of travel mystically foreld. Thou wast chosen bring the light of holy Orthodoxy the scattered flock of Christ in the New World, who gether with us honor thee in these words of praise: Rejoice, thou who like thy Master wast born in a city not thine own; rejoice, recipient of the name of the great Archangel. Rejoice, thou who didst say, Man meant it me for evil, but God for good; rejoice, thou who wast anointed with the blood of the martyrs. Rejoice, thou who didst traverse the world in ministry the faithful; rejoice, thou who didst lead all men the worship of the Holy Trinity. Rejoice, O Father Raphael, good shepherd of the lost sheep in America. Kontakion 2. A fervent student, from thy youth thou didst dedicate thyself acquiring knowledge of the truth. Excelling in thy studies, thou didst not despair when thy father in his poverty could no longer afford send thee school. But turning thyself prayer and the protection of the holy Archangel, thou didst continually cry: Alleluia. Oikos 2. Hearing thy prayers and ardent sighs, God raised up for thee an earthly patron who successfully interceded with the Patriarch accept thee as a student. Wherefore, as one who in true humility wast exalted by the hand of God, we joyfully cry: Rejoice, thou who in thy poverty didst learn true humility; rejoice, thou who in thy distress didst turn thyself thy heavenly Patron. Rejoice, thou who wast exalted become a shepherd of Christ s rational flock; rejoice, thou who having been exalted didst humble thyself search for the lost sheep. Rejoice, consoler of the afflicted; rejoice, defender of the downtrodden. Rejoice, O Father Raphael, good shepherd of the lost sheep in America. Kontakion 3. Continuing thine education, thy tender soul was nourished by the riches of patristic theology. Plumbing the depths of Holy Scripture, thou wast instructed by the Holy Spirit. And thou didst show thyself be a worthy proclaimer of the Holy Gospel, teaching all sing: Alleluia. Oikos 3. The words of the Apostle who was baptized in the wn of thy fathers resounded in thine ears: How shall they believe in Him of Whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? Thou couldst not forget thine own people, living in thy homeland and scattered throughout the world, Page 11 of 40

12 but didst raise thy voice, enlightening them with the Light of Christian Truth. Taught by thy words and instructed by thine example, the faithful thankfully celebrate thy memory and sing: Rejoice, thou who didst excel in learning and didst thereby asnish the wise of this world; rejoice, thou who didst grieve over the ignorance of the people. Rejoice, thou who with Orthodox doctrine didst instruct those seeking salvation; rejoice, thou who didst not disgrace this teaching by thy manner of life. Rejoice, thou who wast patient and gentle with the weak and suffering; rejoice, thou who like thy Master wast firm with the obstinate. Rejoice, O Father Raphael, good shepherd of the lost sheep in America. Kontakion 4. Not content with thy knowledge of Scripture and the holy Fathers, thou didst continue thine education in the land of Russia. Like the Apostle Andrew, traveling the ancient city of Kiev, thou didst exclaim: Alleluia. Oikos 4. Receiving the grace of the priesthood, thou wast appointed the head of the Antiochian mechion in Moscow. Seeing in this the hand of God, thou didst accept this new position as an opportunity do good others. Never thinking of thyself but always of thy people, thou didst bring many from Syria Russia be instructed in theology. Wherefore, the faithful rejoiced and justly honoring thy labors, magnified thee thus: Rejoice, thou who didst renounce all care for thyself; rejoice, thou who didst concern thyself only with the cares of others. Rejoice, for freely thou didst receive and freely thou didst give; rejoice, thou who didst beget many children for the Church of Christ. Rejoice, protection of the poor; rejoice, ardent haven for widows and orphans in their affliction. Rejoice, O Father Raphael, good shepherd of the lost sheep in America. Kontakion 5. Hearing of thy labors and love for thy people, the children of Antioch in America petitioned thee come the New World pasr them in their place of immigration. Thou didst receive their words as a divine invitation, knowing them be scattered, deprived of spiritual consolation. Journeying therefore from the East the West, thou didst pour thyself in the life-sustaining prayers of the Church, and through them, didst find the guidance and inspiration gather the lost sheep which thou wast being sent, ever chanting; Alleluia. Oikos 5. Upon thine arrival, thou didst devote thyself the ministry thou hadst been given, establishing a holy place in which offer prayers on behalf of the people. Thou didst furnish the entire chapel of thine own substance, offering it without cost the faithful. Together with them, remembering thy holy example, we glorify God for bringing thee this land and honor thee with these words: Rejoice, for thy dedication equaled that of the Apostles; rejoice, for thy perserverance was a gift of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, thou who hast won the heights through humility; rejoice, thou who hast acquired riches through poverty. Page 12 of 40

13 Rejoice, thou who didst care for the helpless; rejoice, thou who didst distribute thine own funds the poor. Rejoice, O Father Raphael, good shepherd of the lost sheep in America. Kontakion 6. Living among the people, they became witnesses of how devoutly and justly and blamelessly thou didst act among them, exhorting, comforting and charging everyone as a father does his own children. Truly, through thee the word of the Gospel came in power and in the Holy Spirit with much assurance, so that the faithful became followers of thee and of the Lord, chanting joyfully: Alleluia. Oikos 6. News of small communities of Orthodox Christians began reach thee. Hearing their call, Come and help us, thou didst decide make the first of many missionary journeys. Traveling from the East Coast the West, thou didst stay in no place for more than four days. Finding Orthodox Christians, thou didst administer the holy Mysteries and preach the Word of God the spiritually hungry. Receiving thee as if thou wert Christ Himself, the faithful welcomed thee with words such as these: Rejoice, Bringer of new Life many children through holy baptism; rejoice, Giver of the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit through anointing with Chrism. Rejoice, Resrer of penitents the holy Church through the mystery of Confession; rejoice, Uniter of spouses gether in the Lord. Rejoice, worthy Celebrant of the divine Liturgy; rejoice, fiery Proclaimer of pasral theology. Rejoice, O Father Raphael, good shepherd of the lost sheep in America. Kontakion 7. Having been spiritually formed by the Church s cycle of prayers, thou didst prepare liturgical texts for use by thy people. Bringing them true consolation in the divine prayers, thou didst teach them sing: Alleluia. Oikos 7. Seeing the need of the scattered Orthodox people for true pasral ministry, thou didst devote thyself finding priests care for their souls. Bringing priests from the Old World America and recommending faithful men for ordination, thou didst accept the spiritual welfare of thy people as thine only concern. Accept therefore from us such praises as these: Rejoice, beacon of Orthodoxy; rejoice, golden trumpet of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, new Paul, who didst take upon thyself the burden of care for the churches; rejoice, new John, who didst command all men love one another. Rejoice, new Juvenal, who didst desire everywhere preach the holy Gospel; rejoice, new Herman, who didst always care for the least of the brethren. Rejoice, O Father Raphael, good shepherd of the lost sheep in America. Kontakion 8. When the holy hierarch and confessor Tikhon was sent America, thou didst receive him as the true shepherd of the flock of Orthodox Christians. Knowing that in Christ all are one, whether Arab, Greek or Russian, thou didst rejoice in God, chanting: Alleluia. Page 13 of 40

14 Oikos 8. As a healer of souls and a peacemaker, whether in an established Temple, a srefront or a family s living room, thou didst gather the people for prayer. Carrying on the aposlic ministry of reconciliation, uniting brother brother, healing wounds, thou didst establish over them the banner of love. Wherefore, as one who hast shown himself be a son of God, we joyfully chant thee these praises: Rejoice, thou who didst exhort the people of God not receive His grace in vain; rejoice, thou who didst in all things approve thyself as a minister of God. Rejoice, thou who didst live as unknown and yet well known; rejoice, thou who, though dying, didst live. Rejoice, as sorrowful, always rejoicing; rejoice, as poor, thou didst make many rich. Rejoice, O Father Raphael, good shepherd of the lost sheep in America. Kontakion 9. Loving God above all, and being sent serve Him among the least brethren, like an apostle thou didst offer prayers day and night for their salvation. Thou didst raise up a holy Temple for the Orthodox Arabs, dedicating it Holy Nicholas, Wonder-worker of Myra in Lycia. Now gether with him in heaven thou dost exclaim: Alleluia. Oikos 9. It is impossible for the worldly-minded comprehend thy humility. For when thou wast presented with a pecral cross in appreciation for thy manifold labors, thou didst object, saying: I am an unprofitable servant, having only done what was my duty. Can we servants of God and spiritual pasrs expect anything in life except labor and grief? In amazement at thy self-abasement, with joy and wonder we cry thee thus: Rejoice, thou who wast filled only with love for God and all men; rejoice, thou whose eye was single. Rejoice, thou who camest not be served but serve; rejoice, thou who didst give thy life as a ransom for many. Rejoice, Angel of spiritual comfort for those in tribulation; rejoice, Model of spiritual meekness. Rejoice, O Father Raphael, good shepherd of the lost sheep in America. Kontakion 10. Desiring save a multitude of people through thy care, the All-merciful Lord chose thee and appointed thee bear much fruit. Laboring abundantly, thou didst travel from city city, from village village, defending the Orthodox from the assaults of the enemy, teaching them chant in Orthodox fashion: Alleluia. Oikos 10. The love of thy people for thee and thy love for them greatly impressed the holy hierarch Tikhon. He saw in thee the image of a true shepherd one who served not by compulsion, but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; one who was not a lord but a humble servant. Traveling Russia, he forcefully entreated the Holy Synod allow him consecrate thee as his Vicar Bishop. Bearing within thee the abundant grace of the Holy Spirit, thou wast the first be consecrated the sacred episcopacy in the New World. Wherefore, grateful God, we the faithful chant with joy thee: Rejoice, O high priest of God Most High, who received divine grace in abundance at thy consecration; Page 14 of 40

15 rejoice, most luminous lamp, burning and shedding light. Rejoice, thou who hast illumined the whole world with the rays of thy virtues; rejoice, thou who offered the divine Sacrifice at the throne of Christ. Rejoice, hierarch adorned with the understanding of Orthodoxy; rejoice, thou who gavest drink the faithful with the streams of the doctrine of salvation. Rejoice, O Father Raphael, good shepherd of the lost sheep in America. Kontakion 11. Consecrated as a hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, with the blessing of the Patriarch and Holy Synod of Antioch, thy ministry extended all Orthodox Christians. As a self-proclaimed Syro-Arab by birth, Greek by education, American by residence, Russian at heart and Slav in soul, thou didst minister all, teaching the Orthodox in the New World proclaim with one voice: Alleluia. Oikos 11. Thine archpasral burden weighed upon thee; thine omophorion was very heavy. Thy flock was confused, surrounded by many false teachings. Possessing the spirit of understanding and of wisdom, thou didst enlighten the minds of the deceived, proclaiming the Word, preaching in season and out of season, by exhortation and letter. We who are the recipients of thy counsel and the beneficiaries of thy wisdom cry out thee thus: Rejoice, thou who didst share the ministry of the Apostles; rejoice, thou who didst tend the flock according the words of the Apostle Peter. Rejoice, steadfast uprooter of heresy; rejoice, impartial observer of the canons of the Church. Rejoice, destroyer of impious doctrines; rejoice, skillful helmsman of the Church. Rejoice, O Father Raphael, good shepherd of the lost sheep in America. Kontakion 12. Knowing the grace of God which hath been given un thee, O most glorious hierarch Raphael, we who are weak and heavy-laden with the burden of our sins flee thee as our refuge and mighty defender. Pray fervently un the Lord that He will preserve His Holy Church from unbelief and schism, from danger and temptation, that we may chant God who through thee doeth good things for us: Alleluia. Oikos 12. As a faithful servant of thy Master, it was given thee suffer at the end of thine earthly life. Wherefore, as a faithful servant who didst glorify Christ both in thy life and in thy death, thee who hast received a glorious crown in heaven, we gather offer these unworthy words of praise: Rejoice, thou who wast overshadowed with divine power; rejoice, thou who didst faultlessly preserve the True Faith. Rejoice, thou who didst reveal thy righteousness in thy Repose; rejoice, thou who hast received eternal rest in heaven with the saints. Rejoice, great warrior of Orthodoxy; rejoice, invincible defender of piety. Rejoice, O Father Raphael, good shepherd of the lost sheep in America. Kontakion 13. O most holy and most wonderful Father Raphael, look down from the heights of heaven upon thy flock and accept this our present offering. Entreat the Lord God that He will pour out upon us His divine grace Page 15 of 40

16 and the gift of the Holy Spirit, that we, being delivered from all enemies visible and invisible, may forever chant Him with thee and all the saints: Alleluia. Kontakion 13 is chanted thrice; whereupon Oikos 1 and Kontakion 1 are repeated; then follows the Prayer St. Raphael. Prayer St. Raphael. Let us pray our holy Father Raphael. O holy hierarch Father Raphael, pray un God for us. O wise and loving hierarch of the Church of Christ God, good shepherd of the lost sheep in America, sustenance for our souls, admonition for the lost, defense against foes, uniter of the Orthodox world, proclaimer of the truth, uplifter of the oppressed, guardian of the faith, father orphans, protecr of widows, friend of the poor, reconciler of foes, great light from Antioch, new Moses who didst lead thy people out of the wilderness in the Promised Land, new Elias who hast placed within the holy Church a double portion of thy spirit, new Ezra who didst build up the Temple of God, new Apostle of Christ our God, lover of the holy prayers and divine services, adornment of the holy Church, seeker of the lost, joy of all the Orthodox, son of Antioch, boast of America, O holy Father Raphael: Mercifully hearken un these supplications which are offered un thee by thy grateful children. O high priest of the Most High God, lift up thy hands and bless us, O thou who art thrice-blessed of the All-holy Trinity. O comforter of the oppressed who art a bearer of the heavenly King, the Comforter and Spirit of Truth, take us thy bosom and shelter us from all harm. O shepherd who art a servant of the Lamb and a sheep of His flock, take up thy staff and guide us secure and verdant pastures. O father who art a son and heir of the Unoriginate Father, lift up thine arms and intercede with him that the Church may be preserved in tranquility; that her Godappointed hierarchs may be granted peace, safety, honor, health and length of days, rightly dividing the word of truth; that her priests may be clothed with righteousness; that her God-fearing monastics may shine forth as paradisaical lights upon the world; and that her Christ-loving people may be granted mercy, life, peace, health, salvation and visitation, pardon and forgiveness of sins. Beseech thou him that we may be granted live a peaceful life in this age, and see the good things in the age which is come, always glorifying the unoriginate Father, the only-begotten Son and the all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit, the consubtantial Trinity, un ages of ages. Amen. Akathist Saints Peter and Paul Kontakion I The Lord Who said of Himself: I am the good Shepherd, said un thee, O first-enthroned Peter: If thou lovest Me, feed My sheep. And He Who said: I am Jesus, said of thee, O preeminent Apostle Paul: He is a chosen vessel un Me, bear My name before the gentiles. And likewise all your colleagues, His apostles, He said: As My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you; go ye, and teach all nations. And ye, receiving such grace from your good Chief Shepherd, as the foremost shepherds and teachers of all the world, from all misfortunes preserve ye us on the pasture of salvation, that we may cry out you: Page 16 of 40

17 Rejoice, O holy first-enthroned Peter and Paul, with all the holy apostles! Ikos I Blessed art thou, Simon, son of Jonas! said Christ, the Son of the living God, un thee, O right glorious Apostle Peter. How then can we worthily call thee blessed who hast been called blessed by God Himself? Yet drawn faithfully, by a debt of love alone, we cry out thee thus: Rejoice, first among the apostles, foundation of the holy Church; Rejoice, mighty pillar and ground of the Orthodox Faith! Rejoice, ardent lover of the teaching of Christ; Rejoice, first-seated among the council of the apostles! Rejoice, good gate-keeper of the kingdom of heaven; Rejoice, renowned physician for them that repent of their sins! Rejoice, thou who spurned the vanity of the world and loved the spiritual life; Rejoice, thou who didst forsake corruptible nets and didst fish the whole world with incorruptible ones! Rejoice with Peter, O Paul, for ye both shone forth like two great beacons; Rejoice, O ye who like a pair of steeds were harnessed by God His chariot of noetic light! Rejoice, all ye holy apostles, beholders of God, for ye are the light of all the world; Rejoice, for through you the Faith which saveth us hath shone forth from Christ in every place! Rejoice, O holy first-enthroned Peter and Paul, with all the holy apostles! Kontakion II O teacher of the gentiles, who received thy title wondrously from on high, thou didst believe when Jesus said un thee: Saul, why persecutest thou Me Who cannot be uched by unbelief? Yet believe thou henceforth; for, lo! contrary audacity darkeneth thee, but I have chosen thee be a witness My judgments before the rulers, the nations and the children of Israel. And thou, O Apostle Paul, called such things by God, didst cry out: Alleluia! Ikos II Hearing a voice from heaven, O Saul, thou wast thereafter unable see; for thou hadst adversely persecuted the Inaccessible One and didst receive blindness of thine eyes in return for thy zeal for the law; but, guided the font, thou didst attain un divine baptism, where, having been immersed with faith, the sight of thy bodily and spiritual eyes was resred. Wherefore, mindful of thy miraculous calling, we cry out thee: Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice, O apostles called by God, sent forth preach all the nations; chosen vessel which pourest forth the sweetness of the Faith of Christ upon all men! beholder of the divine Light which illumineth from on high; thou who more than others wast enlightened by grace after the shadow of the Old Covenant! thou who on earth didst converse with the Lord Jesus Who appeared thee; Page 17 of 40

18 Rejoice, thou who with His strength didst dare denounce them that were adamant in their unbelief! Rejoice, thou who hast enlightened the whole world with thy divinely wise writings; Rejoice, thou who, following Christ, didst labor more than others for the salvation of man! Rejoice with Paul, O Peter, for ye overshadow the holy Church as the two cherubim did the ark; Rejoice, ye who stand before the throne of the Most High like two seraphim! Rejoice, all ye holy apostles, for ye are like the heavens which proclaim the glory of God; Rejoice, for ye are the stars which crown the Church, the Bride of Christ! Rejoice, O holy first-enthroned Peter and Paul, with all the holy apostles! Kontakion III Thou wast struck with horror, O holy Apostle Peter, beholding the sheet descending from on high, filled with all manner of living creatures, moreover with unclean beasts, wherein was set forth a parable of God's love for man, signifying that it is not fitting reject them that from all the nations desire believe in Christ Jesus. And understanding this mystery, thou didst cry out God: Alleluia! Ikos III Naught that is vile or unclean hath ever passed my lips! thou didst say, O most blessed Apostle Peter. But divine Providence answered thee with a voice from heaven, saying: What God hath cleansed, that do thou not revile, calling it unclean; for the Savior cameth not call the righteous, but sinners, repentance! And we, knowing what was revealed thee, cry out: Rejoice, O apostle, who mercifully openest the kingdom of heaven; Rejoice, thou who not only watchest over men, but over the affairs of all the nations! Rejoice, thou who with thy love coverest the multitude of our sins; Rejoice, thou who perfectest our meager repentance with thy mercy! Rejoice, speedy helper for them that call upon thee amid spiritual tribulations; Rejoice, thou who by thy supplication raisest up those dead of body and soul! Rejoice, thou who strengthenest with the Holy Spirit the faithful who hearken un thy word; Rejoice, thou who woundest the unbelieving with thy words, as with darts! Rejoice with Peter, O Paul, in that ye are as the two eyes of the Church, endued with divine sight; Rejoice, ever-vigilant guides watching over the new Israel! Rejoice, all ye holy apostles, for ye are as a guard upon the walls of Jerusalem; Rejoice, O our instrucrs, who keep watch over the souls of Christians! Rejoice, O holy first-enthroned Peter and Paul, with all the holy apostles! Kontakion IV To the Jews living in Damascus didst thou begin preach, O apostle Paul, enlightened of God, that they might believe in Christ Jesus the Son of God; and they were asnished at how one who before had persecuted them that believed in the name of Christ had - O, the wonder! - himself been transformed in a believer! Wherefore, they ok counsel gether slay thee; but knowing their intent and the Page 18 of 40

19 hardness of their hearts, thou didst leave them in the blindness of their unbelief and, let down over the wall in a basket by the faithful, thou didst cry out God: Alleluia! Ikos IV With great zeal, O holy Paul, thou didst preach turn away from the prescriptions of the old law and circumcision and make haste the font of divine baptism, proclaiming this not only the Jews, but also the gentiles whose most loving teacher thou wast. Wherefore, we exclaim un thee thus: Rejoice, preacher sent by God announce repentance un sinners; Rejoice, teacher of piety with thunderous voice, denouncer of ungodliness! Rejoice, merciful inviter of them among the gentiles that are astray, yet hasten the Faith of Christ; Rejoice, true guide the straight path! Rejoice, ship which keepest the faithful from drowning in sin; Rejoice, helmsman who guidest us the haven of the pleasing of God! Rejoice, quickly interceding comforter of the sorrowful; Rejoice, healer who acceptest no recompense for curing ailments of body and soul! Rejoice with Paul, O Peter, for ye are like two wings furnished un the Church by Christ, the great Eagle; Rejoice, for ye are like two wings given her, the dove, by the Holy Spirit! Rejoice, all ye holy apostles, who are whole as doves and through hope have been furnished with wings like eagles; Rejoice, for where Christ was in the body, there were ye gathered gether! Rejoice, O holy first-enthroned Peter and Paul, with all the holy apostles! Kontakion V Sweating from thine earthly labors and providing for thyself by fishing, O holy Apostle Peter, thou wast called be an apostle and didst believe in Christ Who nurtureth abundantly, Who fed a thousand people with five loaves; and thou didst follow Him, laboring for food which perisheth not, but abideth un everlasting life; and thou didst cry out Him as God: Alleluia! Ikos V Forbidden by the chief priests and elders of the Jews teach the name of the Lord Jesus, O blessed Apostle Peter, arming thyself with steadfast faith, thou didst answer: We ought obey God rather than man! And having endured imprisonment and stripes for this, thou didst depart from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy suffer shame for the name of the Lord. Wherefore, we also offer thee exclamations of joy, saying: Rejoice, thou who didst put the council of the Jews shame by the writings of the prophets concerning Christ; Rejoice, thou who didst rend asunder the false threats of the Pharisees and Sadducees like a spider's Page 19 of 40