Akathist to the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God | Eastern Orthodox Prayerbook and Psalter

Kontakion 1

To the Intercessor of the Christian race, chosen from all generations, who covers our Orthodox country with the cover of Her goodness, we offer thanksgiving singing to You, Mother of God, for the appearance of Your wonderful icon. You, as the All-Merciful, Helper of all who resort to You, protect us in all sorrows and needs, troubles and misfortunes, so we cry to You:

Rejoice, zealous Intercessor of the Christian race.

Ikos 1

The leading angel was sent to say to the Mother of God: “Rejoice!” when God the Word was incarnated from Her womb: and we, sinners, glorifying the appearance of Her miraculous icon and the Divine Infant Savior Christ, call with tenderness to the Blessed One:

Rejoice, Maiden chosen by God;

Rejoice, Mother of God.

Hail, Queen of Heaven and Earth;

Rejoice, bright adornment of the Heavenly and Earthly Church.

Rejoice, honored by the Angels;

Rejoice, glorified by the Seraphim.

Rejoice, great prophetic fulfillment;

Rejoice, praise of the apostles.

Rejoice, martyr’s confession;

Rejoice, crown of the venerables.

Rejoice, joy of the righteous;

Rejoice, hope of sinners.

Rejoice, zealous Intercessor of the Christian race.

Kontakion 2

Seeing, O All-Immaculate One, from the height of Your Heavenly dwelling, where You and Your Son dwell in glory, the sorrow of Your servants in the newly enlightened city, how, because of God’s angry visit, the faith of Christ was mocked by the Muslim heresy, You deigned to display Your icon, glorifying it with miracles, so that Christ-loving people might be strengthened by the signs of Your grace faithfully cried out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

In a dream, the wise maiden saw the appearance of the Mother of God three times, ran to the authorities, telling them the wondrous phenomenon and a formidable warning: we marvel at the revelation given to the maiden from above, we reverently cry out to the Most Blessed One:

Rejoice, you who praise God with pure lips;

Rejoice, you who reveal to the faithful the mysteries of God’s grace.

Rejoice, dubious news for the unbelievers;

Rejoice, for the faithful there is undoubted praise.

Rejoice, lightning that terrifies the infidels;

Rejoice, the glory of Your miracles illuminates the minds of the faithful.

Rejoice, denunciation of the Muslim heresy;

Rejoice, their pride is overthrown.

Rejoice, strengthening of the Christian faith;

Rejoice, consecration of the veneration of holy icons.

Rejoice, turning our sorrow into joy;

Rejoice, you who delight us with sincere hope.

Rejoice, zealous Intercessor of the Christian race.

Kontakion 3

The power of the Most High by the grace of the Mother of God made the young woman wise and strengthened in search of God’s valuable gift, and she, daring with faith in the Lord, began to work and found a treasure hidden in the ground, the holy icon of the Mother of God, joyfully calling out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having merciful concern for the newly enlightened people of the city of Kazan, from your revered icon, the sources of miracles were opened, O Lady, giving bodily sight to the blind, illuminating the darkened souls with the light of knowledge of God and piety, granting a serene refuge to those living under the cover of your icon. Therefore we appeal to You:

Rejoice, driving away the darkness of difficult circumstances by the appearance of Your icon;

Rejoice, you who enlighten everyone with the rays of miracles.

Rejoice, sight of the blind;

Rejoice, enlightenment of the darkened souls.

Rejoice, glory of Orthodoxy;

Rejoice, calm haven of those seeking salvation.

Hail, Mother of Chastity;

Rejoice, cover and protection of virginity.

Rejoice, for the whole multitude of the faithful rejoices with You;

Rejoice, for because of You a horde of demons is crying.

Rejoice, desired Helper of all Christians;

Rejoice, Joy to all who mourn.

Rejoice, zealous Intercessor of the Christian race.

Kontakion 4

Blessed Hermogenes, the descriptor of the miracles of Your icon, the Mother of God, tried to tame the storm of turmoil and sedition raised by the enemies in our country, prayed with tears before her and, seeing that Your icon was given to the Orthodox army as a shield and a sign of victory, strengthened by faith until the end of his life, he cried out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Having heard the Orthodox warriors reveal the secret of St. Sergius to Saint Arseny, that through the intercession of the Mother of God the judgment on our Fatherland was changed to mercy, they accepted the icon of the Mother of God as a victorious banner, the Mother of Russian cities, they tore it out of the hands of their opponents and cried out to the Intercessor of Christians:

Rejoice, Mother of the Most High God;

Rejoice that you pray for everyone Your Son, Christ our God.

Rejoice that You contribute to the salvation of all who come running under Your powerful protection;

Rejoice, Intercessor of all those in sorrow and illness.

Rejoice, Thou who bestoweth what is useful to all who pray with a contrite heart before Thy most pure image;

Rejoice, quiet and kind refuge;

Rejoice, speedy Helper.

Rejoice, ready and zealous cover of salvation;

Rejoice, you who exude boundless mercies to us.

Rejoice, thou who hast hastened to the rescue;

Rejoice, thou who deliverest from all troubles.

Rejoice, zealous Intercessor of the Christian race.

Kontakion 5

A God-moved star appeared Your icon, the Mother of God, surrounding all of Russia, illuminating with the rays of Your miracles all those wandering on the sea of passionate life, driving away the darkness of sadness and the cloud of all sorts of ailments and sorrows and guiding those who resort to You with faith and cry out to God on the path of salvation: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Seeing Tsar Peter that many miracles were wrought from the holy icon of the Mother of God by the grace of God, he took it to his army as a guide and on the day of the battle against the Swedes as a shield and cover, and having completely defeated the enemy with the help of the Mother of God, he placed an impeccable stone in the foundation of the new reigning city, placing your wonderful icon, as a consecration, as a shield and fence, in the heart of the city. Therefore, we appeal to the Most Pure One:

Rejoice, dwelling place and house of Christ our God;

Rejoice, receptacle of His unspeakable glory.

Rejoice, spiritual city, ever reigning;

Rejoice, decorated chamber.

Rejoice, Joy of cities and villages;

Rejoice, invincible guard and fence of Christians in troubles.

Rejoice, praise to the Orthodox Church;

Rejoice, strength of the Russian land.

Rejoice, Helper of the army that loves Christ;

Rejoice, defeat of enemies.

Rejoice, deliverance from troubles;

Rejoice, visiting everyone with Your Motherly grace.

Rejoice, zealous Intercessor of the Christian race.

Kontakion 6

Standing before Your most pure image, the class of bishops and all people, monks and lay people, preach, Lady Theotokos, Your great mercies, that You protect cities, cover monasteries, protect villages, and, knowing You truly as a strong and invincible Helper, with tears they offer You prayers, that You may raise to Your Son the hands that carried God, for the people Yours, to deliver us from all troubles and misfortunes, let us cry out to God with gratitude: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Having illuminated the truth with the enlightenment and once driven away the treachery of Muslims in the newly enlightened Kazan, now in all Russian cities you shine with the light of miracles and mercies, for those who resort with faith to Your healing-bringing icon receive deliverance from sorrows, healing from illnesses and the fulfillment of all joy, calling on You with zeal:

Rejoice, inexhaustible source of shrines;

Rejoice, abundantly flowing river of Divine grace.

Rejoice, reconciliation of sinners with God;

Rejoice, cleansing of our sins.

Rejoice, Teacher of piety;

Rejoice, in good deeds there is strength and help.

Rejoice, you who accept real vows;

Rejoice, promoter of good intentions.

Rejoice, destroyer of evil undertakings;

Rejoice, destroyer of the enemy’s machinations.

Rejoice, quick Helper to people;

Rejoice, you who give us doubly mercy.

Rejoice, zealous Intercessor of the Christian race.

Kontakion 7

When the Orthodox people decided to reveal to everyone the mercy of the Most Blessed Queen of Heaven and Earth and to give thanks as much as they could for their deliverance from the invasion of foreigners, they brought as a gift for victory a wondrous temple created in honor of the most wonderful icon, so that everyone, remembering the mercy of the Mother of God who saved this city and country, would always sing to God with gratitude: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

To the capital city of Russia, Your holy icon, the Mother of God, has truly become a good Hodegetria, as it once was to Constantinople: people come running to You, asking for Your help at the beginning of their journey and their affairs and offering prayers of thanks before Your most pure icon for deliverance from sorrows and misfortunes, They know You as a strong Helper and Intercessor. Therefore, we also gratefully appeal to You:

Rejoice, protection of Russia;

Rejoice, Orthodoxy is protected and strengthened in her.

Rejoice, indestructible shield of our warriors;

Rejoice, their armor is invulnerable.

Rejoice, you who expose the machinations of your enemies;

Rejoice, who dissolves them like cobwebs.

Rejoice, reproof of wickedness;

Rejoice, destruction of sedition.

Rejoice, correction of the young from errors;

Rejoice, consolation of the elders.

Rejoice, overthrow of teachings harmful to the soul;

Rejoice, the gift of knowledge useful for the soul.

Rejoice, zealous Intercessor of the Christian race.

Kontakion 8

It is strange and dubious for non-believers to hear how sources of grace flow from Your icon, a life-giving scent is fragrant: we, believing the word spoken by You, Lady, to the first painted icon: “My grace and strength are with you,” we hope that with this icon Your grace is always: therefore, standing reverently, we kiss it, we worship it, as You Yourself, honor The icon goes back to the first image, and Your grace with this icon performs signs and wonders for everyone who runs to You with faith and cries out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

Being directed towards Heaven, you were taken to the heavenly, and you do not leave the earthly, Mother of God, by your sacred intercession, because you have maternal boldness towards Christ our God. Therefore, strengthen the Orthodox lives in the deep world and always grant everything useful to Your servants, yes, magnifying, we cry to You:

Rejoice, Uncontainable Receptacle;

Rejoice, overshadowed by the power of the Most High.

Rejoice, thou who hast brought forth the Ear of Heaven;

Rejoice, you who have delivered the whole world from soul-destroying hunger.

Rejoice, who always intercedes for our race;

Rejoice that Your prayer can accomplish much before Your Son and God.

Rejoice, you who adopted us all at the Cross of Your Son;

Rejoice, always showing Motherly love for us.

Rejoice, Intercessor of eternal blessings;

Rejoice, you who also give us useful things in temporary life.

Rejoice, our known refuge in all sorrowful circumstances;

Rejoice, undeniable consolation in sorrows.

Rejoice, zealous Intercessor of the Christian race.

Kontakion 9

Above the entire angelic world, the Most Holy Virgin appeared: You conceived God with flesh, in Your womb you contained Him who is inconceivable by all, in your arms you carried Him Who carries the whole world in the palm of your hand: therefore, as the highest honor of the Cherubim and incomparably more glorious than the Seraphim, we magnify You, and we cry out to God for You: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

We see long-winded speakers, like voiceless fish, before You, Mother of God: no tongue can give great praise to You as you deserve, the mind is amazed to sing of You, Mother of God: but, being Good, accept from us the words of the Archangel who proclaim to You:

Rejoice, O Blessed One;

Rejoice that the Lord is with You.

Rejoice, blessed are You among women;

Rejoice, you who have received grace from God.

Rejoice, thou who gave birth to the Savior of the world;

Rejoice, Mother of the Son of God.

Rejoice, Mother of the Eternal King;

Rejoice, you who have brought forth the fruit of life for us.

Rejoice, sanctified by the Holy Spirit;

Rejoice, overshadowed by the power of the Most High.

Rejoice, faithful Servant of the Lord;

Rejoice that You are blessed by all generations.

Rejoice, zealous Intercessor of the Christian race.

Kontakion 10

Wanting to save many from coming problems, sorrows and illnesses, You gave Your wonderful icon, Mother of God, thanks to which the blind begin to see, the lame walk, the paralytic rise, the demoniac are healed, fertility is given to the earth, people are delivered from a deadly disease, cities and houses are saved from fires: therefore, glorifying God, who gives us such mercies, we cry out to Him with zeal: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

You are the wall of Russia, Mother of God, protection and glory to cities, strengthening to the Orthodox army against enemies. Therefore, we thank You and cry:

Rejoice, O glorifying those who glorify You;

Rejoice, you who shame those who do not honor You.

Rejoice, fear of enemies;

Rejoice, deliverance from the invasion of foreigners.

Rejoice, fortress of warriors;

Rejoice, in the days of war there is an outpost and a fence.

Rejoice, in days of peace, life-giving garden, which gladdens the hearts of the faithful;

Rejoice, weapon that demons tremble.

Rejoice, saving oil, which anoints the sinful wounds of those who repent;

Rejoice, our earnest hope.

Rejoice, our indisputable Hope;

Rejoice, quiet and kind refuge.

Rejoice, zealous Intercessor of the Christian race.

Kontakion 11

The hosts of virgins, under Thy sovereign protection leading a quiet and peaceful monastic life, and placing all their trust in You, joyfully cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

Like a luminous candle, we see Your revered icon, Most Holy Lady: for it has received the immaterial fire of Your grace, and in similar ones it lights new lamps that share the same grace-filled power, and illuminates with miracles, guiding on the path of salvation all who call on You like this:

Rejoice, Bride, who has never known marriage;

Rejoice, God-chosen Maiden, Mother and Virgin.

Rejoice, good Teacher of immaculate virginity;

Rejoice, Guardian of those who are zealous for purity.

Rejoice, praise of women;

Rejoice, majesty of virgins.

Rejoice, intercession of widows;

Rejoice, charity for orphans.

Rejoice, Nourisher of the poor;

Rejoice, clothing of the naked.

Rejoice, consolation of the sad;

Rejoice, joy for those who mourn.

Rejoice, zealous Intercessor of the Christian race.

Kontakion 12

Having desired to give grace to those who reverence You with love, the Mother of God, transferred the grace-filled power inherent in You to Your holy icons, for Divine grace is present with those icons, signs and wonders always produce and healing of mental and physical ailments is given to all who come with faith by Your Mother of God unceasing prayers to God for those who cry to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing Your miracles that took place in ancient and present times, we praise You as the Life-Giving Source of grace, as an inexhaustible river of miracles, as an abyss of mercy and bounty, and placing all our trust after God in You both in this and in the future life, glorifying You, we cry:

Rejoice, undaunted hope of Christians;

Rejoice, a saving refuge for the faithful.

Rejoice, hope for those who have no hope;

Rejoice, salvation of the desperate.

Rejoice, bath that washes the conscience;

Rejoice, dew that revives souls.

Rejoice, quick and free healing of diseases;

Rejoice, quick deliverance from all troubles.

Rejoice, Comforter in every sorrow;

Rejoice, you who save us from the depths of destruction.

Rejoice, consolation on the day of death;

Rejoice, the only Hope even after death.

Rejoice, zealous Intercessor of the Christian race.

Kontakion 13

O all-glorified Mother, who gave birth to all the saints, the most holy Word, now accept this small prayer and, according to the greatness of Your goodness and the abyss of Your bounties, do not remember the multitude of our sins, but fill our good petitions, giving health to the body, salvation to the soul, delivering from all need and sorrow and making the Kingdom of Heaven heirs of all who cry out to God with faith: Alleluia.

This kontakion is read three times.

Next we repeat the 1st ikos and kontakion:

Ikos 1

Rejoice, Maiden chosen by God;

Rejoice, Mother of God.

Hail, Queen of Heaven and Earth;

Rejoice, bright adornment of the Heavenly and Earthly Church.

Rejoice, honored by the Angels;

Rejoice, glorified by the Seraphim.

Rejoice, great prophetic fulfillment;

Rejoice, praise of the apostles.

Rejoice, martyr’s confession;

Rejoice, crown of the venerables.

Rejoice, joy of the righteous;

Rejoice, hope of sinners.

Rejoice, zealous Intercessor of the Christian race.

Kontakion 1

Rejoice, zealous Intercessor of the Christian race.

Prayer 1st

O Most Holy Lady Lady Theotokos! With fear, faith and love, falling before Your revered and miraculous icon, we pray to You: do not turn Your face away from those who come running to You. Pray, merciful Mother, for Your Son and our God, the Lord Jesus Christ, to preserve our country in peace (in tranquility), and to save His Holy Church unshakably and from unbelief, from heresies and schism.

We have no other help, we have no other hope except You, Most Pure Virgin: You are the all-powerful Helper and Intercessor for Christians. Deliver all those who pray to You with faith from sinful falls, from the attempts of evil people, from all temptations, sorrows, illnesses, troubles and from sudden death.

Grant us the spirit of repentance for sins, humility of heart, pure thoughts, correction from a sinful life and the remission of sins, so that everyone may gratefully sing Your glory and mercy, which You show over us here on earth, we will be worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven, and there with all the saints we will glorify the most honorable and magnificent name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer 2

O Most Holy Lady Theotokos, Queen of Heaven and earth, highest of Angels and Archangels and most honorable of all creations, pure Virgin Mary, good Helper to the world, and affirmation to all people, and deliverance in all their needs! Turn your attention now, O All-Merciful Lady, to Your servants, who pray to You with humble souls and contrite hearts, who fall to You with tears and worship Your most pure and healing image, and ask for Your help and intercession.

O All-Merciful and Most Merciful Virgin Pure Mother of God! Look, Lady, at Your people: we sinners have no other help except You and Christ our God who was born from You. You are our intercessor and representative. You are the protection of the offended, joy to the grieving, refuge to the orphans, guardian to the widows, glory to the virgins, joy to the weeping, visitation to the sick, healing to the weak, salvation to the sinners, therefore, O Mother of God, we resort to You, and at Your Most Pure Image with the Eternal Child in Your arms, looking at our Lord Jesus Christ, we offer you tender singing and cry out: have mercy on us, Mother of God, and fulfill our petitions; everything is possible through your intercession: for glory is due to you now and always and forever and ever. Amen.