In honor of the first commemoration of the recently-canonized St. Paisios the Athonite we offer below a recording of a stirring talk given by the Elder, followed by an Akathist penned in his honor:
Akathist to our Holy Father Piaios the Athonite
Kontakion 1
Let us believers with one voice all praise him who was sent by God in these times of trial for our comfort and guidance, Paisius the wonderful, who struggled graciously and pleasingly for the Master, burning with love for the whole world and pledged his heart for us and for our salvation. And let us call out to him in thanksgiving, saying: Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter times!
Ikos 1
God ordained that thou wast born in the blessed land of Cappadocia, the cradle of a countless multitude of saints, to whom thou too wast added in perfect worthiness, shining forth together with them and unceasingly guiding us to repentance. Therefore we praise thee with great joy, saying:
Rejoice, for thou didst make thyself a precious follower
of the saints of Cappadocia!
Rejoice, for thou didst wholly liken thyself to them as a
true bearer of God!
Rejoice, most fair and fragrant flower, who hast blossomed
for our enlightenment!
Rejoice, wellspring of heavenly grace, who refreshest the
whole world!
Rejoice, sweetest food, who fillest the souls that are
starved of right teaching!
Rejoice, receptacle that hast gathered all our weaknesses,
troubles and sorrows!
Rejoice, pillar of fire, who art the unshakable support of
those that desire to gain salvation!
Rejoice, star that shinest in the firmament of the Church,
guiding us to the everlasting mansions!
Rejoice, for thou wast shown to be a blessing of God and a
sign of His ineffable mercy!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter
times!
Kontakion 2
O Blessed Father, thou wast chosen from thy mother's womb to give thyself up to God in all things and thus become a precious vessel unto Him, for the salvation and guidance of all that put their hope in thee. To Him, Who worked great wonders and mercy through thee, for such a blessing we all sing with joy the song: Alleluia!
Ikos 2
The baptism which thou, O Father, didst receive from the hands of the saint of God, Arsenius, was a sign of God’s grace resting on thee. For seeing thy many gifts in spirit, from thine early infancy he blessed thee to be his disciple and bear his name. Therefore, despite our unworthiness, we honour thee, saying:
Rejoice, for thou wast found worthy to be baptized by
Saint Arsenius the Cappadocian!
Rejoice, for he foresaw all that was to come to pass with
thee!
Rejoice, for his spirit rejoiced, seeing such blessed
fruit sprung forth from the flock that he
shepherded!
Rejoice, for on account of this he cared for thee
unceasingly through all his earthly life!
Rejoice, for even after departing to heaven he did not
forsake thee, but all the more interceded for thee!
Rejoice, for thou too didst honour him as befitting,
piously reckoning him to be thy father in Christ!
Rejoice, for thou didst struggle heartily for his
glorification, gathering testimonies of his wondrous
life!
Rejoice, for the Saint of God blessed thee to find his
most beloved relics, which became a fount of countless
healings!
Rejoice, for lovingly thou didst lay his revered body in
the monastery founded by thee at Souroti!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter
times!
Kontakion 3
Moving to Greece because of the tyrannical Turkish persecution, thy parents came to the land of Konitsa, and, sacrificing thyself, O father, thou didst begin to ascend the godly ladder of perfection. For even since childhood, thou wast shown to be to be a guiding light for all those around thee, who, seeing thy precious gifts, glorified God, saying: Alleluia!
Ikos 3
Instructed by the example of thy parents, from a young age thou didst strive with burning zeal for the love of Christ, showing the deeds of a perfect man. For following thy blessed mother, before long thou didst begin to fast strictly and pray unceasingly to God, a hermit by life, yet a child by age. Wondering at the manliness of thy heart, with joy we sing to thee thus:
Rejoice, for still young thou didst wholly forsake the
fleeting lusts of this world!
Rejoice, for through perfect fasting thou didst preserve
unspoiled the crown of virginity!
Rejoice, for thy youth did not prevent thee from acquiring
unceasing prayer in solitude!
Rejoice, for instead of revelling in childish games, thou
didst delight in ever being with Christ and His
saints!
Rejoice, for on account of this thou didst avoid the
friendship of those that sundered thee from thine ardent
love!
Rejoice, for thou didst not only strive for outward
things, but also adorned thy soul with all virtue!
Rejoice, for thou didst follow the kindness and devoutness
of thy blessed mother!
Rejoice, for she set thee an unspoiled example of love and
utter self-sacrifice!
Rejoice, for we all wonder at the courage with which thou
didst begin to fight the good fight!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter
times!
Kontakion 4
Called to battle to defend thy country from the unbelievers, O Father, thou didst shine forth in thy boundless courage. For, wholly forsaking the love of self, thou didst ever seek to be amidst peril, in order to spare those that fought together with thee. And seeing this, they all thanked God for such support, saying: Alleluia!
Ikos 4
O Blessed Father, thou didst use the war as a means of sanctification, for thou didst unceasingly grow in love beyond passion, sacrificing thy soul for the sake of thy friends. And thus thou didst win immortal crowns from Christ our God, Who makes Himself a hundredfold reward for all sacrifice. Understanding this, we too hasten to bring words like these to praise thee:
Rejoice, for thou wast a wonderful example of utter
self-sacrifice in battle!
Rejoice, for thou didst utterly scorn this earthly life,
thus earning heavenly life!
Rejoice, for thou didst not lose thy piety in the dread
perils which thou didst endure!
Rejoice, for through the greatness of thy soul, thou didst
make thyself a light of sanctification to those around
thee!
Rejoice, for thou didst help in and out of season all in
trouble and sorrow!
Rejoice, for thou didst utterly overcome human fear,
arming thyself with iron courage!
Rejoice, for fighting against the enemies of thy country,
thou didst also secretly fight against the enemies of Thy
soul!
Rejoice, for although thou didst wish to die in place of
thy friends, God shielded thee as His most beloved
one!
Rejoice, for through the wonderful power of thy soul, thou
didst show us also the path to perfection!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter
times!
Kontakion 5
With burning zeal thou didst forsake the world, O Father, and wholly dedicate thyself to Christ, joining the army of monks, who unceasingly struggle to overcome their nature. And in a short time thou didst become an angel in the flesh, wholly clothing thyself in Him, to Whom we too humbly sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 5
Thou didst withdraw to the blessed desert of Sinai in order to serve Christ, O Blessed Father, and overcoming the lusts of the world, thou didst become perfect man, shining forth with all virtue and burning with true love for God, Who through thee bestowed on us the abundance of His mercy. Therefore, despite our unworthiness, we too thank thee, saying:
Rejoice, angelic man, for thou didst reckon all worldly
lusts as vanity!
Rejoice, for thou didst strive for three years in the
harsh desert of Sinai!
Rejoice, for unknown by all, thou didst live there in a
hidden cave, enduring heat and frost!
Rejoice, for there thou didst fight unto blood against all
desires!
Rejoice, for through thy great meekness, thou hast utterly
defeated the cunning demons!
Rejoice, for thou didst wash from thyself all the filth of
sin, becoming a true light of Christ!
Rejoice, for thou didst begin to pray with fervent tears
for the whole world!
Rejoice, for seeing thy overwhelming sacrifice, God filled
thee with gifts beyond nature!
Rejoice, for in thy narrow cave, thou wast vouchsafed
countless revelations of divine grace!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter
times!
Kontakion 6
After fighting the good fight in Sinai, O Father, thou wast called by the Mother of God to her earthly garden, the Holy Mount of Athos, the blossom and light of Orthodoxy. And foreseeing there the place of thy perfection, thou didst thank the Most Holy Queen for her wondrous protecting veil, with which she unceasingly shieldeth the whole world from troubles and sufferings; and with joy thou didst sing to her Son the sweet song: Alleluia!
Ikos 6
Rejoice, for God foreordained glorification for thee on
blessed Mount Athos!
Rejoice, for He entrusted thee to the care of His Most
Pure Mother, Who guarded thee as Her beloved son!
Rejoice, for overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, thou didst
wander over the whole Mountain, seeking out fathers of
holy life!
Rejoice, for thou didst wonder at their unceasing prayers,
through which God sheddeth His mercy on the whole
world!
Rejoice, for thou didst strive to write their lives too,
for the glory of God and the profit of men!
Rejoice, for afterward thou didst become the disciple of
Blessed Father Tikhon, the one perfect in holiness!
Rejoice, for thou didst serve him with endless love, in
all things trusting in his wise guidance!
Rejoice, for seeing thy utter obedience, God also gave
thee the gift to abide in thy holy father!
Rejoice, for after his repose, Blessed Tikhon revealed to
thee that he would pray for thee unceasingly!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter
times!
Kontakion 7
Perfecting thyself in absolute love, thou didst make thyself a tool of God, Who began to work through thee with great power. For He made thee a comfort for all those that were troubled and a guide for those that were darkened in sin. We all thank God, O Father, for He gave thee to us for our salvation, and we sing to Him thus: Alleluia!
Ikos 7
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father that is in heaven, said the Saviour of the world with true voice. For in thee too, O Father, his word was fulfilled with all power. Therefore we praise thee too, saying:
Rejoice, thou who hast taught the world through books
enlightened by the Holy Spirit!
Rejoice, thou who through words of great profit hast
dispelled the ignorance of our times!
Rejoice, trumpet of the Spirit, who heralded to all the
joy of repentance!
Rejoice, wondrous prophet, who showed us that we live in
the end times!
Rejoice, merciful healer of all diseases which cannot be
healed!
Rejoice, precious carer for all whose souls are burdened
with sorrows!
Rejoice, godly oil, that hast cleansed all our
wounds!
Rejoice, heavenly peace, that hast brought so many broken
families back together!
Rejoice, skilful guide, that hast removed all devilish
snares from among the people!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter
times!
Kontakion 8
Seeing the terrible struggle conducted by the enemy of salvation against the family blessed by God, thou didst gird thyself with the weapon of the word, teaching spouses that only patience, long-suffering, forbearance and self-sacrifice with love can ensure the peace of their homes. Unceasingly we glorify God for sending thee, O Blessed Father, to show us the right way, and we sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 8
Give me Christian mothers and I will give you saints to change the world, said the godly Chrysostom. And touched by this truth, thou didst ever struggle with prayers and advice, showing faithful spouses that peace in the family is fruit of the Holy Spirit, and that they must wisely strive for this. We all thank thee for thine effort to bring healing to our families, so cruelly struck by temptations, saying:
Rejoice, intercessor before God for the harmony of those
in married life!
Rejoice, for the faithful spouses whom thou didst advise
to live in moderation and holiness!
Rejoice, for thou didst teach them lovingly and
unselfishly to bear one another’s weaknesses!
Rejoice, for thou didst show the parents that through
prayer the grace of God descendeth on the whole family,
bringing peace and happiness!
Rejoice, for thou didst struggle against all sins, seeing
them as the cause of the falling apart of families!
Rejoice, for thou didst make thyself an unyielding
reprover of the horrible slaughter of infants!
Rejoice, for thou didst tell faithful mothers that through
the example of their lives they can turn their children
into saints!
Rejoice, for thou didst show the young that through
obedience they attract the mercy of God and a peaceful
life!
Rejoice, for thou didst beseech them to earn their
parents’ blessing, through which cometh also the
blessing of the Holy Spirit!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter
times!
Kontakion 9
Let us now joyfully praise Paisius, our intercessor, who through his heartfelt prayers miraculously healed all our sufferings, both in body and soul. And let us sing with thanksgiving to God, Who is glorified in the Holy Trinity: Alleluia!
Ikos 9
O Father, thou didst make thyself the healer of all diseases through the gift given to thee by God. For burning with love and pity for those tormented by afflictions, thou didst selflessly pray for their relief, teaching them to thank God for all things. We all praise thee with one voice, saying:
Rejoice, strong weapon against the horrible disease of
cancer!
Rejoice, tireless carer for those that suffer in terrible
pain!
Rejoice, wellspring of healing, in which all those wounded
in soul refresh themselves!
Rejoice, banisher of demons, for with thy meekness thou
didst crush all the wickedness and tyranny of the
devil!
Rejoice, most merciful father, for thou couldst not bear
to see the people crushed under the weight of their
sufferings of body and soul!
Rejoice, for on account of this thou didst take upon
thyself all our troubles and sorrows!
Rejoice, for thou didst selflessly pray that God might
give thee our weaknesses!
Rejoice, for thou didst teach us that all sorrows come
through straying from God and His commandments!
Rejoice, thou who hast shown us that the reward for those
that suffer with patience and glorify God is
ineffable!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter
times!
Kontakion 10
The Lord and Saviour of the world promised a great reward to those that would strive in righteousness for the perfection of others. And though a simple monk and unlearned in worldly things, thou, O Blessed Father, wast gifted with wisdom by the Spirit of the Lord Himself, to guide thousands on the path of salvation. Unto now thou prayest for them to God, to Whom with joy we too sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 10
On account of thy complete virtue, God adorned thee with gifts beyond nature, which thou didst use for His glory and the profit of men. For thou didst make thyself a father of countless believers, who, beset by the terrible temptations of our times, sought thee as a heavenly haven. And therefore we ask thee to accept us too among thy spiritual children and allow us to sing with thanksgiving to thee thus:
Rejoice, for thou didst teach the people to struggle
against the evil thoughts sown in their minds by the enemy
of our salvation!
Rejoice, for shining with the gift of discernment, thou
didst at once reveal to thy sons whether their thoughts
were from God or from the devil!
Rejoice, for by the grace of God thou knewest the depths
of the hearts of men!
Rejoice, for having great wisdom, thou hast brought to
naught all the cunning snares of the evil one!
Rejoice, for thou didst bring many to repentance through
thine unfeigned love!
Rejoice, for thou didst make thyself a wise reproof of the
proud and stubborn!
Rejoice, for thou wast a tender caress for those in
despair and overwhelmed by temptations!
Rejoice, for thou didst weep unceasingly for all that
looked to thee as a true hope of salvation!
Rejoice, for on the day of judgement thou shalt say to God
with sweet joy: Behold I and the children that Thou hast
given me!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter
times!
Kontakion 11
Becoming a perfect monk, O Father, and full of the grace of God, thou didst make thyself the steadfast hope of the unconsoled souls of those who desired to dedicate themselves wholly to Christ. And in thy gifts they all saw in thee a guide enlightened by the Holy Spirit. Therefore we praise God, Who did not deprive His flock of shepherds of holy life, saying: Alleluia!
Ikos 11
Thou didst found a convent in Souroti, where thy finest spiritual daughters would dedicate themselves to Christ the Bridegroom with great love. And then thou didst lead them to perfection through thy most wondrous counsel, as a loving and long-suffering father, who is to us also an undeceiving guide. Therefore we all bless thee, saying:
Rejoice, for thou didst found the convent of Saint John
the Theologian in Souroti!
Rejoice, for this became a haven of salvation for souls
that thirsted for Christ!
Rejoice, for thou didst strive in and out of season to
make the nuns into perfect brides of our Lord!
Rejoice, for thou didst teach them true monastic life,
signifying to forsake the world and its lusts!
Rejoice, for thou didst strive unceasingly to kindle their
zeal for blessed asectic feats!
Rejoice, for thou didst guide them to frequent confession
of sins, through which all the devil’s works are
utterly despoiled!
Rejoice, for thy counsel fell on fruitful earth and
refreshed the whole world!
Rejoice, for thou didst struggle diligently against the
spirit of this world, which doth terrible harm to monastic
life!
Rejoice, for through thy courage and love thou didst make
thyself an example of spiritual victory for all
monks!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter
times!
Kontakion 12
Great was the grace of God on thee, O Blessed Father, and also His great mercy, for on account of thy great self-sacrifice, the Almighty vouchsafed thee wonderful revelations and joys beyond belief. We too rejoice, seeing the reward that God giveth His saints, and we beg Him to make us too partakers thereof and we sing to Him: Alleluia!
Ikos 12
Even from this earth, O Father, thou didst taste of the joys of heaven, prepared by our All-Merciful God for all that serve Him with love. For although the struggles which the evil one conducted against thee were terrible, so much greater were the consolations through which God strengthened thee in virtue. Therefore, in humble praise, we sing to thee:
Rejoice, all-sweet light, through which Christ shineth
forth to the whole world!
Rejoice, wonderful flame that thou kindlest in us with the
love of God!
Rejoice, for thou didst make thyself the perfect abode of
heavenly grace!
Rejoice, for in thee it bore all the fruits of
holiness!
Rejoice, for God overwhelmed thee with His gifts beyond
nature!
Rejoice, for thou didst taste of everlasting and uncreated
light!
Rejoice, for thou didst live with the Saints as with thy
close friends!
Rejoice, for the Most Gracious Mother of our Lord appeared
to thee to strengthen thee in sorrows!
Rejoice, ineffable wonder, for thou wast vouchsafed to
speak to Christ Our Lord and God Himself!
Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisius, enlightener of the latter
times!
Kontakion 13
Thou, O Father, didst say with words enlightened by the Holy Spirit that many saints would have desired to live in our times, in order to strive for salvation. For Thou didst herald to us, who live in darkness, that the time is almost ready and that those that now struggle valiantly to win their salvation will receive a martyr’s reward. For this we thank God, Who with mercy looked on His people, sending His Saint for our enlightenment, and thus with voices of joy we gladly sing to our All-Gracious Master the song: Alleluia!
This Kontakion is read 3 times.
And then again Ikos 1: God ordained that thou wast born ... and Kontakion 1: Let us believers with one voice all praise ...
Then this:
Prayer to our Blessed Father Paisius the Athonite
O beloved Father Paisius, thou that didst ascend the rungs of holiness and become perfect in virtue, therefore gaining boldness before our Merciful God, do thou pray to Him, Whom thou didst serve unceasingly all thy life, not to let us perish for the multitude of our sins, but to turn us back to blessed repentance.
Thou, who on earth didst heal with such love our countless weaknesses, diseases both of body and soul, canst all the more now deliver us from all sufferings. So do thou have mercy on us, O Father, through thy immeasurable love and godly kindness, not forsaking us that are full of sins.
Do thou, who didst never tire of guiding us to salvation and bearing our weaknesses whilst thou wast here with us, now grant us too the wisdom to overcome the temptations which the wicked devil doth ever weave around us and through which he would destroy our souls for eternity. Enlighten us to know the will of God for us and pray to the Master that He might give us power to fulfil it with thanksgiving.
Do thou, who didst set an unwavering example of courage and self-sacrifice, strengthen us also to follow Thy virtue, that we may win an everlasting crown, of which thou thyself wast found most worthy.
Thus, O Father, do not forsake us, who ceaselessly anger our long-suffering God, but rather stand with boldness before His throne, interceding for us with tears, that God may give us for thy sake most dear salvation. And thus, thanking thee with all our heart for all that thou hast done and still doest for us, let us also thank our Most Gracious God, Who is glorified in the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen!
