This Akathist, also called the “Akathist of
Thanksgiving,” was composed by Protopresbyter Gregory Petrov shortly before his
death in a prison camp in 1940. The title is from the words of Saint John
Chrysostom as he was dying in exile. It is a song of praise from amidst the
most terrible sufferings.
Kontakion 1
Everlasting
King, Thy will for our salvation is full of power. Thy right arm controls the
whole course of human life. We give Thee thanks for all Thy mercies, seen and
unseen. For eternal life, for the heavenly joys of the Kingdom which is to be.
Grant mercy to us who sing Thy praise, both now and in the time to come. Glory
to Thee, O God, from age to age.
Ikos 1
I was
born a weak, defenceless child, but Thine angel spread his wings over my cradle
to defend me. From birth until now Thy love has illumined my path, and has
wondrously guided me towards the light of eternity; from birth until now the
generous gifts of Thy providence have been marvelously showered upon me. I give
Thee thanks, with all who have come to know Thee, who call upon Thy name.
Glory to
Thee for calling me into being
Glory to
Thee, showing me the beauty of the universe
Glory to
Thee, spreading out before me heaven and earth
Like the
pages in a book of eternal wisdom
Glory to
Thee for Thine eternity in this fleeting world
Glory to
Thee for Thy mercies, seen and unseen
Glory to
Thee through every sigh of my sorrow
Glory to
Thee for every step of my life’s journey
For every
moment of glory
Glory to
Thee, O God, from age to age
Kontakion 2
O Lord,
how lovely it is to be Thy guest. Breeze full of scents; mountains reaching to
the skies; waters like boundless mirrors, reflecting the sun’s golden rays and
the scudding clouds. All nature murmurs mysteriously, breathing the depth of
tenderness. Birds and beasts of the forest bear the imprint of Thy love.
Blessed art thou, mother earth, in thy fleeting loveliness, which wakens our
yearning for happiness that will last for ever, in the land where, amid beauty
that grows not old, the cry rings out: Alleluia!
Ikos 2
Thou hast
brought me into life as into an enchanted paradise. We have seen the sky like a
chalice of deepest blue, where in the azure heights the birds are singing. We
have listened to the soothing murmur of the forest and the melodious music of
the streams. We have tasted fruit of fine flavour and the sweet-scented honey.
We can live very well on Thine earth. It is a pleasure to be Thy guest.
Glory to
Thee for the Feast Day of life
Glory to
Thee for the perfume of lilies and roses
Glory to
Thee for each different taste of berry and fruit
Glory to
Thee for the sparkling silver of early morning dew
Glory to
Thee for the joy of dawn’s awakening
Glory to
Thee for the new life each day brings
Glory to
Thee, O God, from age to age
Kontakion 3
It is the
Holy Spirit who makes us find joy in each flower, the exquisite scent, the
delicate colour, the beauty of the Most High in the tiniest of things. Glory
and honour to the Spirit, the Giver of Life, who covers the fields with their
carpet of flowers, crowns the harvest with gold, and gives to us the joy of
gazing at it with our eyes. O be joyful and sing to Him: Alleluia!
Ikos 3
How
glorious art Thou in the springtime, when every creature awakes to new life and
joyfully sings Thy praises with a thousand tongues. Thou art the Source of
Life, the Destroyer of Death. By the light of the moon, nightingales sing, and
the valleys and hills lie like wedding garments, white as snow. All the earth
is Thy promised bride awaiting her spotless husband. If the grass of the field
is like this, how gloriously shall we be transfigured in the Second Coming
after the Resurrection! How splendid our bodies, how spotless our souls!
Glory to
Thee, bringing from the depth of the earth an endless variety of colours,
tastes and scents
Glory to
Thee for the warmth and tenderness of the world of nature
Glory to
Thee for the numberless creatures around us
Glory to
Thee for the depths of Thy wisdom, the whole world a living sign of it
Glory to
Thee; on my knees, I kiss the traces of Thine unseen hand
Glory to
Thee, enlightening us with the clearness of eternal life
Glory to
Thee for the hope of the unutterable, imperishable beauty of immortality
Glory to
Thee, O God, from age to age
Kontakion 4
How
filled with sweetness are those whose thoughts dwell on Thee; how life-giving
Thy holy Word. To speak with Thee is more soothing than anointing with oil;
sweeter than the honeycomb. To pray to Thee lifts the spirit, refreshes the
soul. Where Thou art not, there is only emptiness; hearts are smitten with
sadness; nature, and life itself, become sorrowful; where Thou art, the soul is
filled with abundance, and its song resounds like a torrent of life: Alleluia!
Ikos 4
When the
sun is setting, when quietness falls like the peace of eternal sleep, and the
silence of the spent day reigns, then in the splendour of its declining rays,
filtering through the clouds, I see Thy dwelling-place: fiery and purple, gold
and blue, they speak prophet-like of the ineffable beauty of Thy presence, and
call to us in their majesty. We turn to the Father.
Glory to
Thee at the hushed hour of nightfall
Glory to
Thee, covering the earth with peace
Glory to
Thee for the last ray of the sun as it sets
Glory to
Thee for sleep’s repose that restores us
Glory to
Thee for Thy goodness even in the time of darkness
When all
the world is hidden from our eyes
Glory to
Thee for the prayers offered by a trembling soul
Glory to
Thee for the pledge of our reawakening
On that
glorious last day, that day which has no evening
Glory to
Thee, O God, from age to age
Kontakion 5
The dark
storm clouds of life bring no terror to those in whose hearts Thy fire is
burning brightly. Outside is the darkness of the whirlwind, the terror and
howling of the storm, but in the heart, in the presence of Christ, there is
light and peace, silence: Alleluia!
Ikos 5
I see
Thine heavens resplendent with stars. How glorious art Thou radiant with light!
Eternity watches me by the rays of the distant stars. I am small,
insignificant, but the Lord is at my side. Thy right arm guides me wherever I
go.
Glory to
Thee, ceaselessly watching over me
Glory to
Thee for the encounters Thou dost arrange for me
Glory to
Thee for the love of parents, for the faithfulness of friends
Glory to
Thee for the humbleness of the animals which serve me
Glory to
Thee for the unforgettable moments of life
Glory to
Thee for the heart’s innocent joy
Glory to
Thee for the joy of living
Moving
and being able to return Thy love
Glory to
Thee, O God, from age to age
Kontakion 6
How great
and how close art Thou in the powerful track of the storm! How mighty Thy right
arm in the blinding flash of the lightning! How awesome Thy majesty! The voice
of the Lord fills the fields, it speaks in the rustling of the trees. The voice
of the Lord is in the thunder and the downpour. The voice of the Lord is heard
above the waters. Praise be to Thee in the roar of mountains ablaze. Thou dost
shake the earth like a garment; Thou dost pile up to the sky the waves of the
sea. Praise be to Thee, bringing low the pride of man. Thou dost bring from his
heart a cry of Penitence: Alleluia!
Ikos 6
When the
lightning flash has lit up the camp dining hall, how feeble seems the light
from the lamp. Thus dost Thou, like the lightning, unexpectedly light up my
heart with flashes of intense joy. After Thy blinding light, how drab, how
colourless, how illusory all else seems. My souls clings to Thee.
Glory to
Thee, the highest peak of men’s dreaming
Glory to
Thee for our unquenchable thirst for communion with God
Glory to
Thee, making us dissatisfied with earthly things
Glory to
Thee, turning on us Thine healing rays
Glory to
Thee, subduing the power of the spirits of darkness
And
dooming to death every evil
Glory to
Thee for the signs of Thy presence
For the joy
of hearing Thy voice and living in Thy love
Glory to
Thee, O God, from age to age
Kontakion 7
In the
wondrous blending of sounds it is Thy call we hear; in the harmony of many
voices, in the sublime beauty of music, in the glory of the works of great composers:
Thou leadest us to the threshold of paradise to come, and to the choirs of
angels. All true beauty has the power to draw the soul towards Thee, and to
make it sing in ecstasy: Alleluia!
Ikos 7
The
breath of Thine Holy Spirit inspires artists, poets and scientists. The power
of Thy supreme knowledge makes them prophets and interpreters of Thy laws, who
reveal the depths of Thy creative wisdom. Their works speak unwittingly of
Thee. How great art Thou in Thy creation! How great art Thou in man!
Glory to
Thee, showing Thine unsurpassable power in the laws of the universe
Glory to
Thee, for all nature is filled with Thy laws
Glory to
Thee for what Thou hast revealed to us in Thy mercy
Glory to
Thee for what Thou hast hidden from us in Thy wisdom
Glory to
Thee for the inventiveness of the human mind
Glory to
Thee for the dignity of man’s labour
Glory to
Thee for the tongues of fire that bring inspiration
Glory to
Thee, O God, from age to age
Kontakion 8
How near
Thou art in the day of sickness. Thou Thyself visitest the sick; Thou Thyself
bendest over the sufferer’s bed. His heart speaks to Thee. In the throes of
sorrow and suffering Thou bringest peace and unexpected consolation. Thou art
the comforter. Thou art the love which watches over and heals us. To Thee we
sing the song: Alleluia!
Ikos 8
When in
childhood I called upon Thee consciously for the first time, Thou didst hear my
prayer, and Thou didst fill my heart with the blessing of peace. At that moment
I knew Thy goodness and knew how blessed are those who turn to Thee. I started
to call upon Thee night and day; and now even now I call upon Thy name.
Glory to
Thee, satisfying my desires with good things
Glory to
Thee, watching over me day and night
Glory to
Thee, curing affliction and emptiness with the healing flow of time
Glory to
Thee, no loss is irreparable in Thee, Giver of eternal life to all
Glory to
Thee, making immortal all that is lofty and good
Glory to
Thee, promising us the longed-for meeting with our loved ones who have died
Glory to
Thee, O God, from age to age
Kontakion 9
Why is it
that on a Feast Day the whole of nature mysteriously smiles? Why is it that
then a heavenly gladness fills our hearts; a gladness far beyond that of earth
and the very air in church and in the altar becomes luminous? It is the breath
of Thy gracious love. It is the reflection of the glory of Mount Tabor. Then do
heaven and earth sing Thy praise: Alleluia!
Ikos 9
When Thou
didst call me to serve my brothers and filled my soul with humility, one of Thy
deep, piercing rays shone into my heart; it became luminous, full of light like
iron glowing in the furnace. I have seen Thy face, face of mystery and of
unapproachable glory.
Glory to
Thee, transfiguring our lives with deeds of love
Glory to
Thee, making wonderfully Sweet the keeping of Thy commandments
Glory to
Thee, making Thyself known where man shows mercy on his neighbour
Glory to
Thee, sending us failure and misfortune that we may understand the sorrows of
others
Glory to
Thee, rewarding us so well for the good we do
Glory to
Thee, welcoming the impulse of our heart’s love
Glory to
Thee, raising to the heights of heaven every act of love in earth and sky
Glory to
Thee, O God, from age to age
Kontakion 10
No one
can put together what has crumbled into dust, but Thou canst restore a
conscience turned to ashes. Thou canst restore to its former beauty a soul lost
and without hope. With Thee, there is nothing that cannot be redeemed. Thou art
love; Thou art Creator and Redeemer. We praise Thee, singing: Alleluia!
Ikos 10
Remember,
my God, the fall of Lucifer full of pride, keep me safe with the power of Thy
Grace; save me from falling away from Thee. Save me from doubt. Incline my
heart to hear Thy mysterious voice every moment of my life. Incline my heart to
call upon Thee, present in everything.
Glory to
Thee for every happening
Every
condition Thy providence has put me in
Glory to
Thee for what Thou speakest to me in my heart
Glory to
Thee for what Thou revealest to me, asleep or awake
Glory to
Thee for scattering our vain imaginations
Glory to
Thee for raising us from the slough of our passions through suffering
Glory to
Thee for curing our pride of heart by humiliation
Glory to
Thee, O God, from age to age
Kontakion 11
Across
the cold chains of the centuries, I feel the warmth of Thy breath, I feel Thy
blood pulsing in my veins. Part of time has already gone, but now Thou art the
present. I stand by Thy Cross; I was the cause of it. I cast myself down in the
dust before it. Here is the triumph of love, the victory of salvation. Here the
centuries themselves cannot remain silent, singing Thy praises: Alleluia!
Ikos 11
Blessed
are they that will share in the King’s Banquet: but already on earth Thou
givest me a foretaste of this blessedness. How many times with Thine own hand
hast Thou held out to me Thy Body and Thy Blood, and I, though a miserable
sinner, have received this Mystery, and have tasted Thy love, so ineffable, so
heavenly.
Glory to
Thee for the unquenchable fire of Thy Grace
Glory to
Thee, building Thy Church, a haven of peace in a tortured world
Glory to
Thee for the life-giving water of Baptism in which we find new birth
Glory to
Thee, restoring to the penitent purity white as the lily
Glory to
Thee for the cup of salvation and the bread of eternal joy
Glory to
Thee for exalting us to the highest heaven
Glory to
Thee, O God, from age to age
Kontakion 12
How often
have I seen the reflection of Thy glory in the faces of the dead. How
resplendent they were, with beauty and heavenly joy. How ethereal, how
translucent their faces. How triumphant over suffering and death, their
felicity and peace. Even in the silence they were calling upon Thee. In the
hour of my death, enlighten my soul, too, that it may cry out to Thee:
Alleluia!
Ikos 12
What sort
of praise can I give Thee? I have never heard the song of the Cherubim, a joy
reserved for the spirits above. But I know the praises that nature sings to
Thee. In winter, I have beheld how silently in the moonlight the whole earth
offers Thee prayer, clad in its white mantle of snow, sparkling like diamonds.
I have seen how the rising sun rejoices in Thee, how the song of the birds is a
chorus of praise to Thee. I have heard the mysterious mutterings of the forests
about Thee, and the winds singing Thy praise as they stir the waters. I have
understood how the choirs of stars proclaim Thy glory as they move forever in
the depths of infinite space. What is my poor worship! All nature obeys Thee, I
do not. Yet while I live, I see Thy love, I long to thank Thee, and call upon
Thy name.
Glory to
Thee, giving us light
Glory to
Thee, loving us with love so deep, divine and infinite
Glory to
Thee, blessing us with light, and with the host of angels and saints
Glory to
Thee, Father all-holy, promising us a share in Thy Kingdom
Glory to
Thee, Holy Spirit, life-giving Sun of the world to come
Glory to
Thee for all things, Holy and most merciful Trinity
Glory to
Thee, O God, from age to age
Kontakion 13
Life-giving
and merciful Trinity, receive my thanksgiving for all Thy goodness. Make us
worthy of Thy blessings, so that, when we have brought to fruit the talents
Thou hast entrusted to us, we may enter into the joy of our Lord, forever
exulting in the shout of victory: Alleluia! (repeat Kontakion 13 and Alleluia three times)
Ikos 1
I was
born a weak, defenceless child, but Thine angel spread his wings over my cradle
to defend me. From birth until now Thy love has illumined my path, and has
wondrously guided me towards the light of eternity; from birth until now the
generous gifts of Thy providence have been marvelously showered upon me. I give
Thee thanks, with all who have come to know Thee, who call upon Thy name.
Glory to
Thee for calling me into being
Glory to
Thee, showing me the beauty of the universe
Glory to
Thee, spreading out before me heaven and earth
Like the
pages in a book of eternal wisdom
Glory to
Thee for Thine eternity in this fleeting world
Glory to
Thee for Thy mercies, seen and unseen
Glory to
Thee through every sigh of my sorrow
Glory to
Thee for every step of my life’s journey
For every
moment of glory
Glory to
Thee, O God, from age to age
Kontakion 1
Everlasting
King, Thy will for our salvation is full of power. Thy right arm controls the
whole course of human life. We give Thee thanks for all Thy mercies, seen and
unseen. For eternal life, for the heavenly Joys of the Kingdom which is to be.
Grant mercy to us who sing Thy praise, both now and in the time to come. Glory
to Thee, O God, from age to age.
Source: http://orthochristian.com/50045.html
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