Akathist to Jesus, Conqueror of Death

Publication Data: Safford, AZ: St. Paisius Monastery, 2009
Format: softcover
Number of Pages: 44
Dimensions (l × w × h): 21.5 cm × 14.0 cm × 0.3 cm
Additional Information: two-color printing, black-and-white illustrations

   
Composed by St. Nikolai (Velimirovich)
Translated from the Serbian book “Акатист Исусу Победитељу Смрти” (reprint edition of the manuscript, 1923) published by Interklima, (Vrnjci 2002/3), and published in English with the latter’s kind permission.

No. 9 of St. Paisius Orthodox Monastery Series

“This particular service, although entitled by St. Nikolai as an ‘Akathist,’ is actually a collection containing all the texts which typically belong to the daily cycle of services. It begins with stichera and other hymns appointed for Vespers and continues through the service of Orthros. After the sixth ode of the canon, the author introduces the akathist, composed of twelve kontakia and twelve ikoi. Following the akathist, the canon continues with odes seven, eight and nine, and the remaining hymns of Orthros. The name ‘Akathist’ refers neither to the poetical nor musical form of this poem but to the standing position of those who participate in the service. [...]The main theme of the Akathist is, of course, the resurrection of Christ. Through Bishop Nikolai’s theological clarity, philosophical sharpness and poetical originality—all of which were inspired through his deep spiritual experience—this Akathist uniquely represents the particular era in which he was preaching the risen Word of God to thirsting Christian souls. Using the elements of the old and masterfully combining them with the contemporary sparks of his God-given talents, he has given the Orthodox world a golden coin of theology expressed in a poetical way, thus proving that the era of liturgical and theological creativity never ceases.”
—“Preface to the English Edition”

CONTENTS

Preface to the English Edition
Concerning the Original Manuscript
CANON
   First Tone. Ode One. Irmos
   Ode Three. Irmos
   Ode Four. Irmos
   Ode Five. Irmos
   Ode Six. Irmos
AKATHIST
   Kontakion One
   Ikos One
   Kontakion Two
   The Choir of Angels
   Ikos Two
   Kontakion Three
   The Choir of Archangels
   Ikos Three
   Kontakion Four
   The Choir of Principalities
   Ikos Four
   Kontakion Five
   The Choir of Powers
   Ikos Five
   Kontakion Six
   The Choir of Authorities
   Ikos Six
   Kontakion Seven
   The Choir of Dominions
   Ikos Seven
   Kontakion Eight
   The Choir of Cherubim
   Ikos Eight
   Kontakion Nine
   The Choir of the Seraphim
   Ikos Nine
   Kontakion Ten
   The Choir of Thrones
   Ikos Ten
   Kontakion Eleven
   The Choir of Saints and Martyrs
   Ikos Eleven
   Kontakion Twelve
   The Choir of the Holy Virgin with the Virgins
   Ikos Twelve
   Kontakion Thirteen
   The Choir of Heaven and Earth
   Ode Seven. Irmos
   Ode Eight. Irmos
   Ode Nine. Irmos
[Vespers]