Akathist to Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk

Praise of the holy bishop, teacher of repentance, mercy, and love for our neighbors.

Kontakion 1

Chosen servant of Christ, holy hierarch father Tikhon, who shone upon the world like a radiant light: glorifying the Lord who glorified you and gave us in you a new and great intercessor and helper, a swift healer of illnesses of soul and body, we sing you a hymn of praise. Having great boldness before the Master of heaven and earth, free us from every trouble as we cry:

Rejoice, Tikhon, great and glorious wonderworker.

Ikos 1

Companion of angels and teacher of mankind, now standing as God’s minister with the heavenly hosts, holy hierarch Tikhon, you pray for us all to Christ our God and guide us to the knowledge of salvation. Therefore, with thanksgiving and tenderness, we cry to you:

Rejoice, honored dwelling of the Holy Trinity;

Rejoice, likeness of the angels in purity and holiness.

Rejoice, lamp of divine light;

Rejoice, radiant vessel of grace.

Rejoice, our constant advocate before the Lord;

Rejoice, our fervent intercessor before Him.

Rejoice, swift helper of those in need and sorrow;

Rejoice, good guide of our souls.

Rejoice, strength of the Orthodox Church;

Rejoice, bright illumination of all the Russian land.

Rejoice, praise of the flock of Voronezh;

Rejoice, adornment of the monastery of Zadonsk.

Rejoice, Tikhon, great and glorious wonderworker.

Kontakion 2

Seeing in created things, as in a mirror, the wisdom and glory of God, the Creator of all, you continually rose to Him in spirit, O divinely wise one. Enlighten us also with the light of your understanding, that together with you we may cry: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

You enlightened your mind with divine teachings, divinely wise Tikhon, rejecting every fleshly way of thinking; and together with your mind you submitted your will to the Lord. Thus you became a pure vessel and dwelling of the Spirit of truth. Therefore, blessing you as a divinely wise teacher, we sing:

Rejoice, contemplator and preacher of God’s wisdom;

Rejoice, for from the perishable world you gathered a spiritual treasure that delights the souls of the faithful.

Rejoice, golden-tongued teacher of true theology;

Rejoice, for you became the mouth of Christ, pouring forth words of eternal life.

Rejoice, you who sought God’s law with all your soul;

Rejoice, you who thirsted for the Lord’s testimonies and statutes.

Rejoice, for you walked without turning back along the paths leading to heaven;

Rejoice, for you ascended to the heights of virtue.

Rejoice, for with the eye of your mind you always looked toward the unfading light of Christ;

Rejoice, for you were granted a vision of the light beyond the heavens.

Rejoice, filled with the knowledge of God;

Rejoice, overshadowed by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Rejoice, Tikhon, great and glorious wonderworker.

Kontakion 3

The power of the Most High wondrously saved you from untimely death and plainly revealed you as a son of Christ’s Kingdom, holy hierarch father Tikhon, when, as you spent the whole night in godly meditation, the heavens suddenly opened and ineffable light appeared. Filled with joy beyond this world, you cried to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

With unwavering faith and pure thought, you disregarded all the attractions of this world, blessed Tikhon, and diligently served the Lord God in the angelic habit. Therefore, like a guiding star, you shine for all who desire to live in holiness and cry to you:

Rejoice, you who zealously sought the life of the bodiless powers;

Rejoice, imitator of the ascetic labors of the ancient holy fathers.

Rejoice, for you took up the cross and followed Christ;

Rejoice, for you inscribed the image of His sufferings in your heart.

Rejoice, for through the power of the Lord’s Cross you destroyed every device of the devil;

Rejoice, for through prayer and patience you overcame sinful desires.

Rejoice, for in every way you lived to please the Lord;

Rejoice, richly adorned dwelling of virtues.

Rejoice, beauty of humility and self-restraint;

Rejoice, model of meekness and obedience.

Rejoice, joy of those who fast and praise of monks;

Rejoice, great among the company of venerable fathers.

Rejoice, Tikhon, great and glorious wonderworker.

Kontakion 4

Having a storm of thoughts within him, the servant of God wondered what the Lord would say of him when people judged him worthy of the episcopate. Yet he entrusted himself wholly to Christ God, offering thanks to Him for everything and crying: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Hearing of the fruitful virtues of your soul, God-bearing Tikhon, the people greatly desired to see you raised to the episcopate. When the council of bishops hesitated to entrust you with the pastoral staff because you were young, you were at once attested three times from above as a worthy vessel of the divine grace that heals every infirmity and supplies what is lacking. Marveling at God’s wondrous providence for you, we offer these praises:

Rejoice, bishop designated beforehand by the Lord Himself;

Rejoice, beloved man, chosen from above to shepherd the flock of Christ.

Rejoice, delight of Jesus, the Chief Shepherd;

Rejoice, adornment of hierarchs.

Rejoice, for from the morning of your life you were chosen to guard the rational flock;

Rejoice, for until the evening of your life you diligently instructed those in the faith.

Rejoice, good shepherd, for you were ready to lay down your life for your sheep;

Rejoice, brilliant lamp of the Church.

Rejoice, companion of the apostles;

Rejoice, sharer in the throne of the great hierarchs.

Rejoice, for you became equal in honor to holy Mitrophan, the first bishop of your flock;

Rejoice, for you became a faithful guide to salvation for your successors.

Rejoice, Tikhon, great and glorious wonderworker.

Kontakion 5

You became a star guided by God for all Christians, holy hierarch father Tikhon; for by your deeds and teachings you not only instructed your flock well during your lifetime, but after your honored repose you also show all the faithful the straight paths of Christ’s Kingdom and teach them always to cry to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Seeing yourself raised to the rank of bishop, our holy hierarch father Tikhon, you gave no sleep to your eyes nor slumber to your eyelids, appointing wise shepherds for your flock and directing all people toward salvation. Knowing you to be a divinely wise chief shepherd and good steward of God’s house, we cry to you:

Rejoice, strong rudder of the Church of Christ;

Rejoice, adornment of the Lord’s field.

Rejoice, sure support of the faithful;

Rejoice, divinely wise correction of unbelievers.

Rejoice, tireless laborer in the garden of Christ;

Rejoice, you who did not allow the soul-destroying beast to ravage your flock.

Rejoice, lover of the beauty of churches;

Rejoice, faithful steward of the holy mysteries.

Rejoice, for you prepared the watchmen of God’s house for sleepless vigilance;

Rejoice, for you commanded pastors to preach in season and out of season.

Rejoice, good and faithful servant of God;

Rejoice, for you entered into the joy of your Lord.

Rejoice, Tikhon, great and glorious wonderworker.

Kontakion 6

You truly became a preacher of godliness, our holy hierarch father Tikhon, when, seeing a shameless festival in your city, you hastened like a good soldier of Christ to the demonic revelry and brought the erring to understanding by your word, teaching all to cry to the one true God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

You shone like a radiant star upon the flock of Voronezh, enlightening the souls of the faithful with the brilliance of your teachings and scattering the darkness of impiety and superstition. Even now, with the sweetness of your writings, you satisfy all who hunger and thirst for righteousness and who gratefully cry to you:

Rejoice, teacher directing all toward heaven;

Rejoice, preacher of repentance calling the erring to amendment.

Rejoice, true zealot for the glory of God;

Rejoice, destroyer of alien superstition.

Rejoice, for you exposed customs destructive to the soul;

Rejoice, for you brought shameless revelry to an end.

Rejoice, through whom Satan was put to shame;

Rejoice, through whom Christ was glorified.

Rejoice, for even after your death you instruct the souls of the faithful in godliness through the sweetness of your writings;

Rejoice, for in them you left us a treasure more precious than gold and silver.

Rejoice, golden mouth of the Russian Church;

Rejoice, constant joy of your flock.

Rejoice, Tikhon, great and glorious wonderworker.

Kontakion 7

Desiring to rise in spirit unhindered to the dwellings on high, you loved the peaceful stillness of the wilderness, God-bearing father Tikhon. Having settled there, you were granted to see the Lord coming toward you from the icon as from Golgotha, and you cried to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

You gave yourself to new spiritual struggles, God-bearing father Tikhon, when the grace of the all-perfecting Spirit called you to serve the Lord in silence. For, keeping your thoughts above the world, you loved profound humility and unceasing prayer. Therefore Christ, who appoints the struggle, gave you spiritual strength and granted you visions of grace, so that, knowing these things, we also bless you:

Rejoice, lover of silence, whose spirit dwelt on high;

Rejoice, you who showed complete self-denial.

Rejoice, for you persevered tirelessly in vigils and prayers;

Rejoice, for by putting your passions to death you attained freedom from them.

Rejoice, you who always beheld before you the Lord crucified on the Cross;

Rejoice, you who were granted to see Christ Jesus with bodily eyes also.

Rejoice, for you bowed before His most pure feet;

Rejoice, for you kissed His saving wounds.

Rejoice, filled with gladness when the Mother of God appeared to you with the apostles;

Rejoice, for you exulted with the angels in praise.

Rejoice, initiate of God’s mysteries, who tasted heavenly blessings while still on earth;

Rejoice, earthly angel and heavenly man.

Rejoice, Tikhon, great and glorious wonderworker.

Kontakion 8

The all-blessed one showed wondrous and great freedom from malice when a foolish and ill-tempered man struck him on the cheek. Imitating Christ the Lamb, he bowed to the ground before the one who struck him, praying to God for his forgiveness. Marveling at his gentleness, we sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

Wholly filled with Christ’s love, kindhearted Tikhon, you laid down your life for your friends and, like a Guardian Angel, were present with those near and far, calming the embittered, reconciling enemies, and working for everyone’s salvation. Therefore we honor your holy memory and earnestly cry to you:

Rejoice, preacher of the love by which God reconciled mankind to Himself;

Rejoice, kindhearted father who sought the salvation of many.

Rejoice, teacher of humility and gentleness;

Rejoice, guide in patience and love of peace.

Rejoice, for you endured a blow for the sake of righteousness;

Rejoice, for you entreated the Lord for your enemies.

Rejoice, whose love overcame every enmity;

Rejoice, whose gentleness subdued unruly hearts.

Rejoice, blessed peacemaker;

Rejoice, inheritor of the reward of peacemakers.

Rejoice, you who taught Christ’s commandments and fulfilled them;

Rejoice, great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Rejoice, Tikhon, great and glorious wonderworker.

Kontakion 9

You became all things to all people, like Saint Paul, that you might by all means save some, O divinely wise one. Considering the weakness of human nature, you did not rebuke your brother who was eating food unsuitable for the fast, but immediately sat down with his friend and tasted a little from that table. Remembering such gracious condescension, we cry to God, the Lover of mankind, who was glorified in you: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

Eloquent speakers cannot worthily describe the multitude of your good deeds, holy hierarch father Tikhon, for your generous right hand reached everywhere. Desiring to imitate your kindness, we cry to you in wonder:

Rejoice, ray of God’s love;

Rejoice, inexhaustible treasury of the Savior’s mercy.

Rejoice, you who loved your neighbors more than yourself;

Rejoice, you who saw Christ Himself in the least of your brethren.

Rejoice, for remembering the poor, you watered your bread with tears;

Rejoice, for you mingled your drink with weeping for them.

Rejoice, for you distributed your possessions to the needy;

Rejoice, for your generous hand never grew empty.

Rejoice, for you visited the sick and those imprisoned;

Rejoice, for you anticipated the needs of the poor.

Rejoice, you who by word and example opened hearts closed to charity;

Rejoice, you who received from the Lord the blessedness of the merciful.

Rejoice, Tikhon, great and glorious wonderworker.

Kontakion 10

The all-good Lord, desiring the salvation of all, revealed you, our holy hierarch father Tikhon, as a model of righteous living. For who would not be moved to tenderness on seeing your boundless kindness toward everyone? Therefore, glorifying God’s great mercy toward us, we cry: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

You were a wall of help and protection for all the helpless and those under attack, holy hierarch Tikhon, and an inexhaustible treasury of mercy. Therefore, glorifying God, who is wondrous in His saints, we bless you also:

Rejoice, shelter of the homeless;

Rejoice, swift helper of all the helpless.

Rejoice, provider and protector of orphans;

Rejoice, support of impoverished farmers.

Rejoice, refuge of the sorrowful;

Rejoice, consolation of the grieving.

Rejoice, defense of those wronged;

Rejoice, correction of those who do wrong.

Rejoice, defender of the oppressed;

Rejoice, fearless herald of God’s Judgment to the powerful of this world.

Rejoice, for you endured sorrows for righteousness;

Rejoice, for you gained the blessedness of those persecuted for righteousness.

Rejoice, Tikhon, great and glorious wonderworker.

Kontakion 11

Singing at your tomb, servant of God, holy hierarch father Tikhon, did not cease from the day of your blessed repose until the day of your radiant glorification, for many knew you to be God-bearing and equal to the angels. Now the whole Russian land gratefully cries to God who glorified you: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

As a luminary you enlightened all the regions of the Russian land, ever-memorable hierarch. When the time of your departure came, God’s angels received your holy soul and bore it to the heavenly dwellings; and the all-creating Trinity made your honored body incorrupt and revealed it as a source of miracles for the strengthening of the Orthodox faith and the refutation of unbelief and superstition. Therefore, remembering your blessed repose and great glorification in heaven and on earth, we joyfully offer you these praises:

Rejoice, great servant of God who completed your course in godliness;

Rejoice, you who kept faith, hope, and love to the end.

Rejoice, you who rested sweetly in the heavenly dwellings after the labors of earthly pilgrimage;

Rejoice, for you accepted death but did not know corruption.

Rejoice, united for ever with Christ, whom you loved;

Rejoice, heir of the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal glory.

Rejoice, for through the incorruption of your relics you reveal the saving power of Christ’s Resurrection;

Rejoice, for through it you show us the dawn of the universal resurrection.

Rejoice, sure confirmation of the truth of Orthodoxy;

Rejoice, true testimony to the grace present in the Church.

Rejoice, new luminary and strength of your earthly homeland;

Rejoice, shelter and defense of the Orthodox realm.

Rejoice, Tikhon, great and glorious wonderworker.

Kontakion 12

Having taken up your dwelling in heaven, you received from the Lord the grace of many kinds of miracles, all-blessed Tikhon. Therefore you grant healing to all who come to you in faith. Marveling at God’s almighty power and goodness in you, we cry to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Praising the wondrous glorification of your holy body, we see you, holy hierarch Tikhon, blessed by God, continually pouring forth streams of miracles here; and praising you in wonder, we cry:

Rejoice, life-bearing spring, pouring out the grace of healing upon us from your most honored shrine;

Rejoice, unfailing refuge of all afflicted with illness.

Rejoice, sight of the blind;

Rejoice, clear speech of those unable to speak.

Rejoice, for you raise the paralyzed from their beds;

Rejoice, for you free those tormented by demons.

Rejoice, you who restore those with withered hands and bent bodies to their work;

Rejoice, you who enable the lame and those who fall to walk.

Rejoice, compassionate physician and guardian of our bodies;

Rejoice, guide of our souls also to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Rejoice, for the angels rejoice with you and people are glad because of you;

Rejoice, for through you God reveals Himself as wondrous in His saints.

Rejoice, Tikhon, great and glorious wonderworker.

Kontakion 13

O great and glorious wonderworker, hierarch of Christ, father Tikhon, accept this hymn of praise offered to you with tenderness by us, the unworthy. Through your earnest intercession before God’s throne, ask for us strengthening in faith and good deeds, deliverance from every trouble and misfortune in this life, and at our death a good hope of salvation, that we may be counted worthy in eternal joy to sing to God, who is wondrous in His saints: Alleluia.

Read this kontakion three times.

Then repeat Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1:

Ikos 1

Rejoice, honored dwelling of the Holy Trinity;

Rejoice, likeness of the angels in purity and holiness.

Rejoice, lamp of divine light;

Rejoice, radiant vessel of grace.

Rejoice, our constant advocate before the Lord;

Rejoice, our fervent intercessor before Him.

Rejoice, swift helper of those in need and sorrow;

Rejoice, good guide of our souls.

Rejoice, strength of the Orthodox Church;

Rejoice, bright illumination of all the Russian land.

Rejoice, praise of the flock of Voronezh;

Rejoice, adornment of the monastery of Zadonsk.

Rejoice, Tikhon, great and glorious wonderworker.

Kontakion 1

Rejoice, Tikhon, great and glorious wonderworker.