Akathist to St. John the Russian | Rugaciuni si Psalmi

Translated from Romanian

Prayers that are read before any Akathist: Beginning Prayers

Kontakion 1

Come, believers, let us praise him who, being a slave, ruled over the passions! Come, let us praise the One in whom the Sunrise of Sunrises was reflected! To the one who was brought from Russia, to distribute God's blessings to the whole world, let us sing: Rejoice, Saint John, chosen confessor of Christ!

Ikos 1

Thou hast nourished thyself from thy youth with the light of truth, O most wonderful John, sipping the sweetness of the divine teachings. You followed the word of Him who said, "Let him who believes in Me take up his cross and follow Me"; and for this we praise thee:

Rejoice, adornment of the catholic and apostolic Church, Bride of Christ;
Rejoice, spiritual table of those desirous of purity;
Rejoice, holy offspring of the Russian land, sent to the mysterious apostolate;
Rejoice, heir of the restraint of Venerable Anthony and Theodosius of Pecherska;
Rejoice, that you grew up in a pious family;
Rejoice, that you fought against the blasphemous Turks of Christ;
Rejoice, that you did not overcome despair when you received the cross of bondage;
Rejoice, that being strengthened by God, you endured innumerable beatings;
Rejoice, that the spitting has not defiled your inner beauty;
Rejoice, O stone from which the wicked counsels of the tormentors have been shattered;
Rejoice, that although they have burned your hair and the skin of your head, you have not bowed down to them;
Rejoice, that you were a worthy descendant of the hosts of martyrs;
Rejoice, Saint John, chosen confessor of Christ!

Kontakion 2

"Who can separate me from the love of my Christ? As a servant I obey your commandments, but in my faith in Christ you are not my master. I remember His passions and I am glad to receive the most terrible torments, but I do not deny my Jesus Christ," you said to the Turkish master, singing in your heart: Alleluia!

Ikos 2

Those who feared suffering and those who loved pleasures have left the true faith, receiving the erring teachings of Mohammed, but you have shown yourself as a new Elijah, not bowing your knees to a foreign god. Praying that you will guard the flock of Christ from all deception, we honor you as one of our fathers:
Rejoice, that you have not grumble against God for your passions;
Rejoice, that you have received the crucifixion of your will through the blows of those who persecuted you;
Rejoice, you who by uniting yourself with Christ, have resembled Him;
Rejoice, that although you were made to live among animals, you lived angelically;
Rejoice, that through your labors the stable was filled with good fragrance;
Rejoice, that by sanctifying him by prayer, you did not accept to depart from him;
Rejoice, that you partook of the Holy Mysteries every week;
Rejoice, that you have borne with timidity and humility the name of the Baptist;
Rejoice, that you have borne in your mind and heart his sacrificial parable;
Rejoice, that thou hast come out of the storm of trials undisturbed;
Rejoice, that through steadfastness in faith you are an example to all;
Rejoice, O lamp that has burned with the oil of patience;
Rejoice, Saint John, chosen confessor of Christ!

Kontakion 3

Not only the believers understood the sanctity of your life, but also the worshippers of Allah, for by prayer you sent to your master a plate of food from Procopius to Mecca, which they could not understand, and they all cried out: Alleluia!

Ikos 3

Nothing is impossible for those who firmly believe that the Maker of heaven and earth quickly fills their prayers. Even if we have not seen with our bodily eyes, but with our hearts we believe that you have also done what seemed impossible, only to show your master and those with him the power of your Lord. Wherefore we sing unto thee:
Rejoice, that thou hast doubted not in thy faith, having an unshakable hope in God;
Rejoice, that from Procopius to Mecca you sent a plate of food;
Rejoice, that although the Turks laughed at you, you felt the heavenly blessing;
Rejoice, that your master, returning home, began to honor you;
Rejoice, that even the dark-minded have understood your holiness;
Rejoice, that even Muslims and Armenians came to your funeral;
Rejoice, that by the heavenly order that plate is still today a sign of the miracle performed by you;
Rejoice, that after many centuries, showing yourself to the woman who had your plate, you asked her to bring it to church;
Rejoice, that those who asked for signs and wonders received abundantly;
Rejoice, that you have resembled the prophets of the Old Law;
Rejoice, O bulwark that stops the wanderings and drives the wolves away from the speaking flock;
Rejoice, that you have overwhelmed all by your virtues and miracles;
Rejoice, Saint John, chosen confessor of Christ!

Kontakion 4

God did not keep the light hidden under the bushel, but ordained that your relics whole and fragrant should be received by the faithful as a seal of your blessing. For which we too, rejoicing with those who have touched them, sing to Him Who gives true life to those who believe in Him: Alleluia!

Ikos 4

In vain did the enemy of salvation, the devil, try to destroy your relics by fire, for your body moved in the midst of the flames as if it had not known death. The Turks, who saw this, were frightened and fled, leaving behind them the treasures of the church which they wished to steal, and the Christians were filled with astonishment, singing to you:

Rejoice, new Elijah, through zeal for the heavens;
Rejoice, that like him you have allowed yourself to be consumed by holy love;
Rejoice, that you have left us not your clothing, but your body as a covering;
Rejoice, that a heavenly light has shone above your tomb;
Rejoice, that finding your relics, the faithful trembled with the spirit;
Rejoice, that all who kiss them receive a blessing;
Rejoice, that by worshipping, they find escape from their troubles;
Rejoice, that they bear witness that the Lord whom thou hast served is the true God;
Rejoice, that He gave life to your relics when they were thrown into the fire;
Rejoice, that your body moved in the midst of the flames;
Rejoice, that it remained unharmed, showing your holiness;
Rejoice, that it was brought to Greece, to be a witness of your miracles;
Rejoice, Saint John, chosen confessor of Christ!

Kontakion 5

Who knows the multitude of your miracles? Who knows how many people you helped to the glory of the God of our fathers? Only a small part of your works, when we find out, we thank Him Who glorified you among His loved ones, and we sing to Him: Alleluia!

Ikos 5

Being a new doctor without money, following the Doctor of souls and bodies, you did not hesitate to come to the aid of the sick who called you in faith, but brought them speedy healing. And when we hear this, we praise thee thus:
Rejoice, with Cosmas and Damian, with Cyrus and John;
Rejoice, with all the unmercenary physicians;
Rejoice, that not from you, but from the Lord, you have brought deliverance from sorrows;
Rejoice, endless treasury of healings;
Rejoice, that you have healed the feet of the paralyzed man for ten years;
Rejoice, that he did not hesitate to go to your church to thank you;
Rejoice, that by myrrh you have given health to a sick woman;
Rejoice, by the praises of her five children;
Rejoice, that you hear the prayers of children for their parents;
Rejoice, that Athanasia brought to her husband holy water and oil from your lamp;
Rejoice, that by anointing himself with faith, his breast was healed;
Rejoice, the comforter of the pains of those who suffer;
Rejoice, Saint John, chosen confessor of Christ!

Kontakion 6

A sick man in Athens refused to receive the help of the doctor, fearing that he would lose his life, but you appeared in a dream to his niece, urging her to send him to that doctor for healing. Hearing that nothing bad would happen to him and that you would hold the hand of the doctor on him, he confidently accepted your advice and found the healing, for which he sang to the Lord with thanksgiving: Alleluia!

Ikos 6

Healing incurable diseases by the grace of God, although you did not learn the medical craft from men, you showed yourself to be more skillful than those who have mastered it through worldly science. And those who know the power of your help sing to you: Rejoice, vessel of unfailing myrrh and spring of health;
Rejoice, that you come to the aid of the helpless who are haunted by despair;
Rejoice, you who through your sufferings have received the gift of alleviating the sufferings of those in need;
Rejoice, that you removed the blood clots from Vasula's head;
Rejoice, that you healed a child's paralyzed legs;
Rejoice, that the mother whose children you healed came to thank you;
Rejoice, you who heal children tried by sickness;
Rejoice, that their parents run to you with hope;
Rejoice, that you healed the back of a hunchbacked old woman;
Rejoice, that as a doctor you showed yourself to an unbelieving doctor;
Rejoice, that when he was cured of cancer, he believed in God;
Rejoice, that you delivered from an old suffering the priest who served in your church;
Rejoice, Saint John, chosen confessor of Christ!

Kontakion 7

"Saint John, do you hate me?" asked Arhondula in despair, as it seemed to her that her prayers for offspring had been of no use. But you appeared to her not long after, and told her that the saints hate no one, and that it was the Lord's will was that she should enjoy children only after two years. And she, when she saw the fulfillment of your words, sang to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 7

Many times we have thought that our prayers are in vain, that because of our sins the Lord's face has turned away from us, and that perdition awaits us, but in due time He has fulfilled all our good requests. Saint John, help us to feel the heavenly protection all the days of our lives, so that we can sing to you:

Rejoice, support of those burdened by the hardships of life;
Rejoice, that you hear the sighs and wipe away the tears of men;
Rejoice, you who were not angry with Arhondula who murmured against you;
Rejoice, you who told her that the saints hate no one;
Rejoice, that you changed the despair that haunted her into hope;
Rejoice, that at the time ordained by the Lord, she was worthy to have children;
Rejoice, that for her patience she was rewarded not only with one child, but with several;
Rejoice, that you have strengthened our piety towards those glorified by God;
Rejoice, heavenly adornment that spares no effort to support men;
Rejoice, O most warm helper of the faithful who believe in your miracles;
Rejoice, that your family is the Church of the Savior;
Rejoice, that to those who do not flee from the difficulties of life you give the courage to come out of them strengthened;
Rejoice, Saint John, chosen confessor of Christ!

Kontakion 8

Catherine howled like a beast, when she was tormented by the devil, frightening those who saw her, but she ran without doubting to your help, and appearing to her in the dream you announced her deliverance. And we fall, Saint John, before you, praying that you will free all those who are enslaved by the fallen angels, so that they may sing with us to Him Who has defeated the powers of darkness: Alleluia!

Ikos 8

Fall before the Throne of the Godhead, Saint John, and intercede for all those who are tempted by the enemy devil, that we may receive help in the spiritual battle and that we who praise you may gain strength in faith:
Rejoice, that you have driven away the devil who tormented Catherine;
Rejoice, that after this many demonized people were brought to your reliquary;
Rejoice, O bearer of the Holy Spirit who interceded for their healing;
Rejoice, that by tears and struggles you have frightened the devils;
Rejoice, the fall of the wicked enemies and the raising up of those who fight with them;
Rejoice, O chain that protects the doer of evil;
Rejoice, that you deliver those who suffer from disorders of mind;
Rejoice, you who have the charism of discernment and see the work of the devil;
Rejoice, that you teach us how to escape from his cunning snares;
Rejoice, that even in the last times you will be a guide for the faithful;
Rejoice, that together with all the council of saints you will watch over them;
Rejoice, you who by enduring persecution have become a guard for persecuted Christians;
Rejoice, Saint John, chosen confessor of Christ!

Kontakion 9

As the prodigal son returned to his father, so the young Thanasis, who after many evils came to strike his mother, through your mysterious intercession returned in repentance back to natural love, so you sang to the God of mercies: Alleluia!

Ikos 9

Many are those who take the wrong paths, and their relatives are overcome with grief. Come and return to the service of Christ those who have fallen into sin, being caught in the snares of enemies and overcome by soul-killing passions, so that they may sing to you with us:
Rejoice, spiritual relative of St. Stelian;
Rejoice, protector of the young who mourns their downfalls;
Rejoice, most sweet consolation for the parents of prodigal sons;
Rejoice, that the mother of Thanasis has seen her wish fulfilled;
Rejoice, that when she saw her son at home, she rejoiced with the angelic hosts;
Rejoice, that thou hast taken care that those who have repented do not return to evil;
Rejoice, that you reassure those who suffer bitterly for the downfalls of those close to them;
Rejoice, that you give hope in the mercy of Him who has come for sinners;
Rejoice, that no fall can stop the order of God;
Rejoice, you who teach us to hate sin, without judging those who fall into it;
Rejoice, you who help us to heal our hidden weaknesses;
Rejoice, that you urge us to pray for one another;
Rejoice, Saint John, chosen confessor of Christ!

Kontakion 10

Although the widow who had been homeless never asked for your help, the complaint reached your ears, and you did not hesitate to reassure her, encouraging her to go to court to obtain what was due to her. Knowing that your intercession is stronger than the stubbornness of the silver-loving judges, we also call you to the aid of the wronged, of those who sing to the Righteous Judge: Alleluia!

Ikos 10

Your love for people being ardent, you help not only those who have heard of your name, but also many of those who are hard-pressed by need. May those whom you can help not remain far from your mercy, so that seeing your power they may sing to you, together with us:
Rejoice, that you have helped the widow whose relatives wanted to deceive her;
Rejoice, that you have placed her in the house that remained her inheritance;
Rejoice, that those who thought of tricks with shamelessness have been ashamed;
Rejoice, that you have come to the aid of the one left without help from men;
Rejoice, that you have delivered many others from the snares of enemies;
Rejoice, that you live the happiness of those thirsting for justice;
Rejoice, persecutor of those who persecute;
Rejoice, you skillful fighter against deceit, theft and injustice;
Rejoice, you who overturn the warps of unworthy judges;
Rejoice, that you are a skillful judge and those who pray to you with hypocrisy cannot deceive you;
Rejoice, balance of the Righteous Judge, to whom we run in trouble;
Rejoice, you who clothe the poor and feed the hungry;
Rejoice, Saint John, chosen confessor of Christ!

Kontakion 11

We often forget to celebrate those whom the world was not worthy of, the saints who shone through a chosen life illuminating the earth. You, therefore, Saint John, rejoice with them when we honor your remembrance, and because He has ordained you as our defenders, we thank the Lord by singing: Alleluia!

Ikos 11

"Is this how friends are forgotten?" you asked old Nicholas, who did not remember that it was your feast, and he, hearing your gentle rebuke, left everything to come and worship you and sing to you with those who love you as their protector:
Rejoice, that through your remembrance you can help the faithful;
Rejoice, that through you it has been shown to us that the saints do not overlook their feast;
Rejoice, that by this we have been exhorted to honor them with even more reverence;
Rejoice, that you did not shy away from rebuking old Nicholas without malice;
Rejoice, that when he heard you, he came quickly to your relics;
Rejoice, that his humble prayers have been lifted up to you;
Rejoice, you who expect us to have faith as pure as his;
Rejoice, that you do not depart even from those who do not know how to pray to you;
Rejoice, friend of those who want to be close to them;
Rejoice, you who travel unseen with them on the sea of life;
Rejoice, that you call us to honor your memory properly;
Rejoice, that you give the faithful what they need to come to your church;
Rejoice, Saint John, chosen confessor of Christ!

Kontakion 12

We will not forget, Saint John, the multitude of your miracles through which the power of your True Master shone. Help us to remain faithful sons of the Holy Church until the end of our lives, so that we may not cease to praise her: Alleluia!

Ikos 12

Glory to God for everything! Glory to God for the multitude of saints who grew up in His Church, where St. John the Russian flourished! The trembling of our hearts is unspeakable when we bring you songs of praise, Saint John, miracle worker: Rejoice, icon painted by the Heavenly King for the strength of the faithful;
Rejoice, O ground of reconciliation of those overcome by wrath and wickedness;
Rejoice, joy of those who learn of your miracles;
Rejoice, divine gift to our lives hard tried by various tribulations;
Rejoice, you who with unspeakable sweetness correct the unwise;
Rejoice, our teacher and guide on the path of virtue;
Rejoice, O corrector of the unaccountable;
Rejoice, ever deliverer of those who call you in danger;
Rejoice, you who spared no effort to do good;
Rejoice, that you give us abundant help at all times;
Rejoice, that you show us the mercies of God;
Rejoice, and prepare us to rejoice with you in Paradise;
Rejoice, Saint John, chosen confessor of Christ!

Kontakion 13

O Saint John, offspring of Russia and torch of the Church of Christ, now receive our little prayer and do not leave our prayers unanswered. Although we do not have the faith of those who have asked for your help and have received it with abundance, we believe that you can help us too, so that we may glorify with gratitude the Name of God through praises and songs: Alleluia! (This Kontakion is said three times.)

Then Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1 are said again:

Ikos 1

Kontakion 1

and this

Prayer to St. John the Russian

O Saint John, all praised and miracle worker, receive this humble prayer from us, your unworthy servants, for to you as to a speedy servant we run, calling you with reverence: come, Saint John, and see our wounds and sorrows. Pay attention to our sighs, for we know, O Holy One of God, that although you suffered hard for the love of Christ, through your life you found a gift from God, because we were convinced that even after your translation to eternal life, who longed for your help and prayed to you in faith and remained helpless? For who called you, and you overlooked him? Or who prayed to you and did not hear him? Your miracles and help, Saint John, have made us, sinners, run to your help. I have heard of the miracle you performed by sending a plate of food from Procopius to Mecca by prayer. I have learned of your wonderful healings, of the multitude of sick people who have found deliverance from their sufferings. We believe that God has glorified you through countless miracles. Will you leave us without help? Let us not be rejected from your love, Saint John, even if our lives are full of transgressions.

Remembering your blessed intercessions, we believe that you are the same, Saint John, today as then, and that none of those who pray to you is left without help. That is why we also, being in tribulations and in sorrows, run to you with faith and tears, kneeling, and pray to you, Saint John, to pray for us to Christ, the Son of God, to Him Who did not overlook your sacrificial prayer, but heard you and strengthened you and received you into the heavenly abodes. Ask Him to turn away His righteous wrath from us, to defend our cities, villages, and all our land from drought, from famine, from terrible storms, from earthquakes, from diseases and deadly wounds, from the onslaught of other nations, and from war between us.

Intercede, Saint John, for Christians fervent zeal for God, care for salvation, wisdom in conduct and teaching, piety and strength in temptations; to all rulers to take care of their servants, and to their servants, to diligently perform all their duties, so that we may spend this age in peace and godliness. Let us be worthy to share the goodness of eternity in the Kingdom of our Savior Jesus Christ, to whom honor and worship are due, together with the Father without beginning and with the Most Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer to be read in time of illness

Rejoicing in the divine glory to which you have risen, O Saint John, I dare to run to your help for healing. I know, Father, that trials come from God's order. I know that through the sickness of the body the soul is cleansed and that patience is rewarded by God. But often the dark clouds of despair trouble my mind and take me away from prayer. Therefore, O Holy One, I find comfort in thinking about your wonderful healings. You healed the multitude of children to the joy of their parents. You healed the back of the old hunchback. You healed to the sick woman, to the joy of her children. You healed old Athanasius who anointed himself with oil from your lamp. You removed the blood clots from Vasula's head and healed the unbelieving doctor. Knowing your speedy intercession, I beg you, O Saint John, take my life into your hands and intercede as you know my salvation. If it is the Lord's will for me to bear the cross of sickness patiently, give me strength and help me not to grumble because of my infirmities. But if the Good Lord has mercy on me for your prayers, then heal me without hesitation, o new unmercenary, so that seeing this I may thank you and praise the Doctor of souls and bodies forever and ever, with the song: Alleluia!

And the otpus is made.