Akathist to Venerable Mother Paraschiva of Serbia

Kontakion 1

We unworthy sinners bring an offering of humility to our venerable mother, the merciful Paraschiva, and ask for her intercessions. We have been granted great grace from the fount of the ever flowing bounties of our Savior, and we sing:

Rejoice, O all-gracious Paraschiva!

Ikos 1

With praises, the heavenly angels receive your virgin spirit from its earthly dwelling and joyfully crowned you as was due. For though you bore the body of a woman, and our weak human nature, you wisely knew how to overcome the power of the enemies. Therefore, we sing to you:

Rejoice, wise virgin.
Rejoice, speech-endowered dove.
Rejoice, angelic soul in a virgin body.
Rejoice, worthy hermitess of the Lord.
Rejoice, comforter of man.
Rejoice, consolation in suffering.
Rejoice, our strong hope.
Rejoice, Christians’ strength.
Rejoice, calm and clear harbor.
Rejoice, example of right piety.
Rejoice, refuge of the hopeless.
Rejoice, light of the ignorant.
Rejoice, O all-gracious Paraschiva.

Kontakion 2

Thus, the King of all rewards the victors: the unseen divine hand strengthens the human race, faithfully embracing those who follow the way of salvation that you have walked. Therefore, let us separate ourselves from lawlessness; how much longer must we follow the way of sinfulness. Strengthen my heart, O Lord, that I may worthily sing to you the angelic hymn: Alleluia!

Ikos 2

I have fled to you, O honorable virgin saint, to you who also sought the help of the holy ones and angels against all earthly temptations. You, who with your luminous lamp were found worthy to enter beforehand into the bridal chamber, just as the Savior Christ taught us. Be a speedy intercessor for us now, and accept this hymn:

Rejoice, priceless pearl of our treasury.
Rejoice, unfaded flower of the Church of Christ.
Rejoice, unshaken foundation of Christianity.
Rejoice, virgins’ endowment, and intercessor before the Mother of God.
Rejoice, obedience of pious priests.
Rejoice, ready helper of the traveler.
Rejoice, fervent comforter of the persecuted.
Rejoice, merciful guide of widows.
Rejoice, vanquisher of the adversary.
Rejoice, deliverer of all who cry to you for help.
Rejoice, great intercessor for souls.
Rejoice, healer of bodily wounds.
Rejoice, O all-gracious Paraschiva.

Kontakion 3

Ever placing our hope in you, deliver our nation from disease and danger. In your goodness and enduring mercy, and through your prayers, appease God’s anger which has come down upon us. In our fear of disaster, we flee to you with tears, that you may help us escape from all danger, and thus sing to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 3

Beholding its land being praised, Epivata joyfully greeted you who sprang from it, and piously witnessed to you, O venerable one. How can we who were blessed to receive your relics, worthily herald the wonders wrought by you, aside from singing thus:

Rejoice, light of Moldavia.
Rejoice, protector of Epivata.
Rejoice, teacher of your parents.
Rejoice, non-reaper of earthly possessions.
Rejoice, reaper of heavenly gifts.
Rejoice, spurner of expensive garments.
Rejoice, worthy bearer of the garment of humility.
Rejoice, reformer of the proud.
Rejoice, honor of virgins.
Rejoice, supporter of the aged.
Rejoice, condemnation of enemies.
Rejoice, comforter of the poor.
Rejoice, O all-gracious Paraschiva.

Kontakion 4

O most pure Virgin Mary, Mother of God, receive from us unworthy debtors the prayers we bring to you through the intercessions of our venerable mother Paraschiva. May they be for the forgiveness of sins. Give us peace and great mercy from your Son, to whom we sing unceasingly: Alleluia!

Ikos 4

According to the faith with which you followed the Word of God, you were found worthy, through your piety, to receive the gift of healing, and the heavenly reward from the Savior, who said: O good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord. We bring this song to you:

Rejoice, unwasted seed.
Rejoice, untiring body.
Rejoice, spiritual nourishment.
Rejoice, refined gold.
Rejoice, fire burning chaff.
Rejoice, abundance of the earth.
Rejoice, fruit of repentance.
Rejoice, calmer of evil thoughts.
Rejoice, disperser of storms.
Rejoice, bearer of manna.
Rejoice, bestower of comforts.
Rejoice, intercessor of Christians before the Lord.
Rejoice, O all-gracious Paraschiva.

Kontakion 5

As I wake up from the weariness of the burden of worldly thoughts, I behold my wretchedness and weep. I cannot hope for peace because of my deeds. I have done nothing worthy of salvation, and I fear being cut down like the fruitless fig tree. Falling before you, I cry and shout out: O holy Paraschiva, have mercy on me, that, together with you, I may sing to God the song of salvation: Alleluia!

Ikos 5

Who would not bless you, O venerable one, for through your struggles you were found worthy to assuage the selfish urges of the body. You honorably obtained salvation of the soul into that heavenly glory which is not bestowed by human hands. Who would not bless you, for through your courage you put to flight the thoughts woven by the deceiving evil one and shamed him. Therefore, receive the following song:

Rejoice, tower of victory.
Rejoice, door of salvation.
Rejoice, shield of the faith.
Rejoice, dwelling place of steadfastness.
Rejoice, image of virtue.
Rejoice, defender of the holy cross.
Rejoice, its worthy venerator.
Rejoice, for through its assistance you were triumphant.
Rejoice, for through it you became a follower of Christ.
Rejoice, its beautiful foundation of victory.
Rejoice, vanquisher of the mastery of hades.
Rejoice, heir of the heavenly glory.
Rejoice, O all-gracious Paraschiva.

Kontakion 6

How shall we unworthy ones sing more deservingly, or with what words shall we praise the greatness of your works? For neither our deeds nor our faith draw us near to the purity of your acts. But, confessing our frailty, we pray to you for help, and ask that you intercede before God, so he may receive the hymn: Alleluia!

Ikos 6

Now untold pains encompass me and I expect help from no one. All have deserted me, until suddenly even the pleasures in which I once took comfort now war against me. O, how wretched am I! I have no other hope than in the mercy of God through your holy assistance. Therefore, I pray to you: speedily hear me, cure me that I may sing to you:

Rejoice, remedy of pain.
Rejoice, hand of healing.
Rejoice, sheltering house.
Rejoice, comforting ray.
Rejoice, boundless tabernacle.
Rejoice, ardent dew.
Rejoice, salvation from disease.
Rejoice, deliverer of the frightened.
Rejoice, protector from injury.
Rejoice, wakeful nightingale.
Rejoice, luminous star.
Rejoice, ladder of deliverance.
Rejoice, O all-gracious Paraschiva.

Kontakion 7

“O Lord, behold and heal your servants who suffer from pains,” proclaims the venerable one in ceaseless prayer, “for they have no support, no comfort.” Though times are difficult, we have been saved that we may rejoice and bow down before God, in repentance, singing: Alleluia!

Ikos 7

The iniquities and injustices which I have committed against my neighbor now condemn me, and I know not what response to give before the judgment seat. There, all my deeds rise up against me, persecute me, and oppress me. O blameless mother, as you hear my confession, intercede before the Lord to change my condemnation to good, withdrawing all hatred from my enemies’ hearts; and I will glorify you with praise:

Rejoice, intercessor for those in error.
Rejoice, helper of the oppressed.
Rejoice, reformation of corrupt judgments.
Rejoice, witness of those falsely reviled.
Rejoice, refuge of those judged and sentenced.
Rejoice, cessation of passions.
Rejoice, opponent of the selfish.
Rejoice, opposer to evil petitioners.
Rejoice, appeasement of aggressors.
Rejoice, comforter of the infirm.
Rejoice, destroyer of the malicious.
Rejoice, fountain of the compassionate.
Rejoice, O all-gracious Paraschiva.

Kontakion 8

Speaking thus, I find quietude, I rejoice and am glad. My soul leaps, for my enemies are unable to deride me. Through your prayers, O venerable one, God will not abandon me at the end, but will send his promised mercy upon his people. Together with them, I, the unworthy one, may partake of his goodness, so together we will cry to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 8

As the community brings to you its debt of gratitude, I will also proclaim your wonders to all, and loudly sing your praise. Glory to your honor, glory to your patience which has crowned you because of your faith, glory to the deeds which perseveringly follow the model of the lover of mankind:

Rejoice, spiritual bride.
Rejoice, crown of truth.
Rejoice, staff of victory.
Rejoice, glory of monks.
Rejoice, guide of cenobitics.
Rejoice, honor of pious nuns.
Rejoice, guardian of hermits.
Rejoice, commemorator of ages.
Rejoice, preacher of the true faith.
Rejoice, ruination of heretics.
Rejoice, proof of divine glory.
Rejoice, follower of the heavenly word.
Rejoice, O all-gracious Paraschiva.

Kontakion 9

Let us joyfully sing the praises of the honorable Paraschiva, the holy intercessor for those in need, for she has inherited incorruptible eternal life. Thus, she has found glory and the grace of miracles through the commandment of God, crying: Alleluia!

Ikos 9

Evil minds are rebuked and full of fear at beholding the radiant glory of God shining in you, O venerable mother. To this day, the grace of healing is brought to the faithful through you. Thus, they understand the boundless mystery of the divine image prepared for the man cleansed from all sins. They are then shamed and repent, while we rejoice and sing to you:

Rejoice, our deliverer.
Rejoice, good counsellor.
Rejoice, fine guide.
Rejoice, expulsion of wickedness.
Rejoice, bearer of sweet fragrance.
Rejoice, poison of wild beasts.
Rejoice, repellant of locust hoards.
Rejoice, protection from phantoms.
Rejoice, disperser of hailstorms.
Rejoice, bringer of fruitful rains.
Rejoice, bestower of abundant harvests.
Rejoice, joy of farmers.
Rejoice, O all-gracious Paraschiva.

Kontakion 10

We shall never cease proclaiming your wonders, O venerable one, for had you not stood forth interceding for the land which you protect with your incorrupt relics, who would have delivered it from such numerous dangers, or who would ease the illnesses which have befallen it because of its many sins. Therefore, together with you, we sing to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 10

The walls of your parents’ house had not the strength nor the means of keeping you from the great decision which you made in vowing to embrace the monastic life. Abandoning worldly enjoyments and pleasures, you exchanged your rich apparel with a beggar coming from the church, and left your parents who clearly voiced their displeasure at such a departure. Therefore, through humility you obtained exaltation, and hear from all:

Rejoice, rose untouched by arrogant worms.
Rejoice, lily transplanted to the garden above.
Rejoice, bed of innocence.
Rejoice, throne of rulers.
Rejoice, staff of leaders.
Rejoice, unwavering protectoress.
Rejoice, unconquerable helper.
Rejoice, persecutor of those who tempt us.
Rejoice, upholder of those who show us mercy.
Rejoice, strengthener of those who serve us.
Rejoice, illuminator of those who comfort us.
Rejoice, co-worker of those who nourish us.
Rejoice, O all-gracious Paraschiva.

Kontakion 11

I am full of sin, O my patient Lord, and my soul fights earnestly as I think of the judgment. What shall I, a poor sinner, do when the unforeseen end suddenly comes upon me? I beg for mercy, O Lord; mercy, O my Christ, for I have not means of amendment. Do not overlook my petitions and repentance because of my sins. Receive this prayer as a pledge of my good intentions and fear of you, together with the intercessions of our mother Paraschiva, singing together with her: Alleluia!

Ikos 11

Many sinners before me obtained salvation through humility. How, then, can I not do the same? In you, I place my hope, O venerable mother, and I shall not be put to shame. Do not cast me off like the sinner who, ignorant of his unworthiness, was buried near you. Through a vision, you requested that his body be moved from near your relics. Therefore, I pray, receive my prayers, my tears and intercede, that I may be forgiven all my iniquities, and may cry to you:

Rejoice, exalted humility.
Rejoice, chaste virgin.
Rejoice, unending treasury.
Rejoice, praiseworthy nun.
Rejoice, salvation through humility.
Rejoice, praise of the just.
Rejoice, salvation of the wretched.
Rejoice, guidance of the wayward.
Rejoice, my gracious counsellor.
Rejoice, gentle guide.
Rejoice, joy of the soul.
Rejoice, ready helper.
Rejoice, O all-gracious Paraschiva.

Kontakion 12

Our comfort is indescribable as we behold you here with us as a God-sent grace. We were encompassed by illness and you healed us; grief-stricken, and you brought us gladness; in poverty, persecuted, and at war, and you helped us. Throughout all, you fulfilled the word of the Savior spoken in his gospel. Therefore, through humility you were found worthy of a place at the right of the throne of glory, and we sing to you: Rejoice! and to God the heavenly praise: Alleluia!

Ikos 12

Save us, O mother, from all illness, from plague, cholera, and from enemies. Save us, O mother, from locusts, beetles, and all harm. Save us, O mother, from fire, from hail, and from lightning. Save us, O mother, from eternal toil and, at the hour of sentencing, make us worthy, through your prayers, to obtain a place on the right hand on the judgment day, for our soul’s salvation. Preserve us and nourish us in peace to our last breath, that we may sing to you:

Rejoice, spiritual harp.
Rejoice, apostolic trumpet.
Rejoice, brilliant torch.
Rejoice, heavenly ray.
Rejoice, hope of mankind.
Rejoice, banisher of demons.
Rejoice, healer of wounds.
Rejoice, guardian against evil.
Rejoice, bearer of goodness.
Rejoice, enlightened protectoress of Moldavia.
Rejoice, deliverer of the leader Vasile and other merciful ones.
Rejoice, supporter of me, a humble sinner.
Rejoice, O all-gracious Paraschiva.

Kontakion 13

We worship God and venerate your holy relics, O venerable mother Paraschiva.
We worship God and venerate your holy relics, O venerable mother Paraschiva.
We worship God and venerate your holy relics, O venerable mother Paraschiva.

With praise and songs, we proclaim all your wonders which we have received through God’s grace for our salvation. Receive our prayers, O holy one, and ever hasten to help us that we may joyfully sing of your deeds and glorify God: Alleluia!

(Repeat the above Kontakion 13, 3 times)
(Then continue below)

Ikos 1

With praises, the heavenly angels receive your virgin spirit from its earthly dwelling and joyfully crowned you as was due. For though you bore the body of a woman, and our weak human nature, you wisely knew how to overcome the power of the enemies. Therefore, we sing to you:

Rejoice, wise virgin.
Rejoice, speech-endowered dove.
Rejoice, angelic soul in a virgin body.
Rejoice, worthy hermitess of the Lord.
Rejoice, comforter of man.
Rejoice, consolation in suffering.
Rejoice, our strong hope.
Rejoice, Christians’ strength.
Rejoice, calm and clear harbor.
Rejoice, example of right piety.
Rejoice, refuge of the hopeless.
Rejoice, light of the ignorant.
Rejoice, O all-gracious Paraschiva.

Kontakion 1

We unworthy sinners bring an offering of humility to our venerable mother, the merciful Paraschiva, and ask for her intercessions. We have been granted great grace from the fount of the ever-flowing bounties of our Savior, and we sing:

Rejoice, O all-gracious Paraschiva!

Prayer

Lord our God, who have proclaimed and created all, do not turn your face from us sinners, thus allowing dreadful anger and frightful pain to befall us as a result of our innumerable sins unwittingly committed each day. We are wretched sinners, full of evil, but you are the fount of life and compassion. Do not leave me, O Lord! Do not overlook the prayers of us sinners, nor repay us according to our transgressions; but, as we are not worthy to earn mercy through our daily efforts, bestow it upon us, as you are long-suffering and merciful.

Lord, through the prayers of our venerable mother Paraschiva, grant us health and life free from all harms. Strengthen us with your sovereign Spirit. From the depths of our hearts we joyfully glorify your all-holy Name, to all ages. Amen.

Tropar to Saint Paraschiva (Tone 2)

Most gracious and blessed Mother Paraschiva, whose name we bear as our patron saint, protect us, pray for us that like you, we, too, may serve God faithfully on earth and glorify him eternally with you in heaven.