Akathist to Saint Xenia of St. Petersburg
Kontakion 1
Blessed Mother Xenia, Holy Fool for the sake of Christ, you elected to undergo the struggle of patience and the suffering of affliction. We therefore honor your sacred memory with hymns of praise. Help us against our enemies, visible and invisible, that we may cry to you:
Rejoice, Blessed Xenia, faithful intercessor for our souls.
Ikos 1
After the death of your husband, blessed mother, you sought the life of the angels and rejected the beauty of this world and all that is in it — the desire of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. Instead, you acquired the understanding of Christ our Savior. We therefore appeal to your loving-kindness, that you will hear these praises which we now offer you.
Rejoice, for you were a peer of Saint Andrew, the Holy Fool for Christ.
Rejoice, for you renounced your own name, referring to yourself as dead.
Rejoice, for you assumed foolishness and took the name of your departed husband, Andrei.
Rejoice, for you called yourself by a man’s name, renouncing pride and vanity.
Rejoice, for you accepted voluntary poverty for the sake of Christ.
Rejoice, for you distributed all your substance to good people and to the poor.
Rejoice, for you comfort all those who turn to you in prayer.
Rejoice, for you quickly help in times of trouble and despair.
Rejoice, for your holy foolishness has taught us to reject the vain wisdom of this age.
Rejoice, for you were full of wisdom transcending this world.
Rejoice, for you preferred mockery and ridicule to earthly glory.
Rejoice, for you have been glorified by God.
Rejoice, Blessed Xenia, faithful intercessor for our souls.
Kontakion 2
Perceiving your way of life as strange, for you spurned the comforts of home and all worldly riches, O blessed mother, your kinsmen thought you were deranged. Yet, the people of St. Petersburg, seeing your humility, lack of acquisitiveness, and voluntary poverty, sang to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Blessed Xenia, you hid the understanding given to you by God under an apparent mindlessness. Amid the vanity of a great city you lived like a desert-dweller, unceasingly offering your prayers to God. Marveling at your way of life, we cry out to you in praise:
Rejoice, for you took upon your shoulders the heavy cross of foolishness which God had given to you.
Rejoice, for you bore it without hesitation.
Rejoice, for you hid the radiance of grace under an assumed insanity.
Rejoice, for your foolishness was most wise.
Rejoice, for you acquired the gift of clairvoyance through extreme humility and feats of prayer.
Rejoice, for you showed forth this gift for the benefit and salvation of those who suffer and struggle.
Rejoice, for you beheld the sufferings of the people clairvoyantly, as from afar.
Rejoice, for your prayers brought relief to those in pain and distress.
Rejoice, for you prophesied to the good woman the birth of a son.
Rejoice, for you implored God that He grant the woman a child.
Rejoice, for you hurry to entreat the Lord in behalf of your neighbors.
Rejoice, for you have taught all the faithful to flee to God in prayer.
Rejoice, Blessed Xenia, faithful intercessor for our souls.
Kontakion 3
By the power given to you by God from on high, you manfully endured burning heat and bitter cold, crucifying the flesh with its passions and lusts. Mercifully enlightened by the Holy Spirit, you gratefully cried out unceasingly to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
With the sky as your roof and the earth as your bed, Blessed Xenia, you spurned the pleasures of the flesh for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Beholding the holiness of your manner of life, we humbly cry out to you with compunction:
Rejoice, for you gave your earthly home to the people.
Rejoice, for you sought and received the shelter of Heaven.
Rejoice, for you possessed nothing that was earthly, but enriched all spiritually.
Rejoice, for you became a treasure house of the gifts of Heaven.
Rejoice, for you counted every material thing as nothing.
Rejoice, for you were thereby freed from every loss.
Rejoice, for you endured hunger and cold in ragged clothing.
Rejoice, for you have been adorned with the fruits of piety.
Rejoice, by your afflictions you teach the people endurance.
Rejoice, by your struggles you show the world patience.
Rejoice, our compassionate deliverer from the turmoil of this world.
Rejoice, our fervent advocate before the Throne of the Most High.
Rejoice, Blessed Xenia, faithful intercessor for our souls.
Kontakion 4
The tempest of life which assailed St. Petersburg, you weathered by meekness and guilelessness, O blessed mother. You thereby acquired dispassion toward this corrupt world and thus sang to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing of your endurance of a multitude of afflictions for the sake of Christ, and that you comfort the sorrowful, strengthen the weak, and guide the lost to walk on the straight path — the suffering people hasten to seek your aid and to sing to you in this manner:
Rejoice, for you loved the path of Christ with all your heart.
Rejoice, for you gladly bore the Cross of Christ.
Rejoice, for you endured every offense hurled at you by the world, the flesh and the devil.
Rejoice, for you thus emulated the ascetics of the desert.
Rejoice, for you were filled to overflowing with the gifts of God.
Rejoice, for you freely bestow spiritual gifts upon those in need.
Rejoice, for you displayed love for your neighbors.
Rejoice, for you provided consolation for the suffering.
Rejoice, for you shed unceasing tears of repentance.
Rejoice, for you wipe away the tears of those who sorrow.
Rejoice, for you sought neither comfort nor warmth for yourself.
Rejoice, for you were wondrously warmed by the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, Blessed Xenia, faithful intercessor for our souls.
Kontakion 5
Your life of holiness, Blessed Xenia, illumined the sky of St. Petersburg, like a divinely guided star. To all those perishing in the madness of sin you showed the path of salvation, calling them to repentance that they might cry acceptably to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Seeing your feats of prayer and your endurance of heat and cold, pious folk sought to alleviate your hardship by offering you clothing and food. You then distributed all these things to the poor, Blessed Xenia, desiring to maintain your spiritual struggle. Full of wonder at your voluntary poverty, we cry out to you thus:
Rejoice, for you willingly endured burning heat and freezing cold for the sake of Christ.
Rejoice, for you were warmed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, for you remained continually in prayer.
Rejoice, for you never tire of interceding for mankind.
Rejoice, for in all-night vigils you prayed for the city of St. Petersburg.
Rejoice, for many times you preserved it from the wrath of God.
Rejoice, for every day of the year you prayed at night in a field.
Rejoice, for you warmed the cold earth with your fervent tears.
Rejoice, for in poverty of spirit you tasted the sweetness of Paradise.
Rejoice, for in this sweetness you left behind all earthly things.
Rejoice, for you abide wholly in God.
Rejoice, for you delight in the bridal banquet of your Master.
Rejoice, Blessed Xenia, faithful intercessor for our souls.
Kontakion 6
All who have been delivered by you from different ailments, misfortunes and sorrows — the rich and the poor, the old and the young — proclaim the holiness of your life, O Holy Fool for Christ. In like manner, we glorify you and cry out to God in gratitude: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
The glory of your struggles shone forth, holy mother, when at night you secretly carried stones for those who were constructing the Church of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God, easing the tasks of the builders. Mindful of this, we sinners reverently cry out to you such things as these:
Rejoice, blessed and righteous model of feats of piety.
Rejoice, for you teach us to perform virtuous deeds in secret.
Rejoice, devoted caretaker of the holiness of the Church.
Rejoice, for you aided those who were building the Church of God.
Rejoice, zealous laborer for the Lord of the vineyard.
Rejoice, for you ease our labors on the path of salvation.
Rejoice, heavenly aid of the city of St. Petersburg.
Rejoice, for you sanctified your city by your painful footsteps.
Rejoice, tranquility of those who have recourse to you in prayer.
Rejoice, for you comfort all the sorrowful.
Rejoice, Holy Fool who continually calls on the Name of the Lord.
Rejoice, for you thereby rest in Christ your Master.
Rejoice, Blessed Xenia, faithful intercessor for our souls.
Kontakion 7
Desiring to deliver from sorrow the mourning physician who had buried his wife, you commanded a certain maiden to hasten to Okhta. She was to take him as her husband and console him. This they did as you said, singing to God in joy: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
A new wonder you revealed in your prayer, blessed mother, when you said to a pious woman, “Take a five-kopek piece, and it will go out,” thus prophesying that a fire would strike her house. At your supplication, the flame of the fire was extinguished. Amazed by your holiness, we cry out praises to you:
Rejoice, for you unceasingly mourned over your sins.
Rejoice, for you bore suffering in body and soul.
Rejoice, for you extinguish the sorrows of the people.
Rejoice, for you show forth boldness before God for the suffering.
Rejoice, virtuous lamp burning brightly in prayer to God.
Rejoice, strong intercessor amid misfortunes and perils.
Rejoice, for you save from perdition those beset by the passions.
Rejoice, for you crucified your flesh with constant mortification.
Rejoice, for you turn pious virgins away from marriage with unbelievers.
Rejoice, for you deliver from despair those who have been wounded by a wicked curse.
Rejoice, righteous defender of those falsely accused.
Rejoice, for your defender is the Most High.
Rejoice, Blessed Xenia, faithful intercessor for our souls.
Kontakion 8
As a homeless wanderer you trod the path of your life in the capital city of Russia, bearing afflictions and reproaches with great patience. Now, abiding in the heavenly Jerusalem, with joy you sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
You were all things to all people, O Blessed Xenia — comfort for the sorrowful, protection and defense for the weak, joy for the grieving, clothing for the poor, and healing for the sick. Let us then cry to you:
Rejoice, through holy foolishness you ascended to the Kingdom.
Rejoice, through homelessness you acquired a mansion on high.
Rejoice, intercessor in Heaven for us mortals suffering on earth.
Rejoice, dependable provider of our every need.
Rejoice, holy mother who shows us a model of service to God.
Rejoice, Holy Fool who endured much affliction and grief in this world.
Rejoice, defender of the tormented ones who pray to you.
Rejoice, protectress of the persecuted and oppressed.
Rejoice, for you rebuke those who abuse their fellows.
Rejoice, for you put to shame unbelievers and those who babble.
Rejoice, for you were clothed in rags and tatters.
Rejoice, for God has adorned you with the splendid raiment of righteousness.
Rejoice, Blessed Xenia, faithful intercessor for our souls.
Kontakion 9
Blessed mother, you endured all illness, bodily poverty, hunger and thirst, and the reproach of iniquitous people who considered you to be insane. Yet, praying to the Lord, you continually cried out to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Even the most eloquent orators are unable to understand how by your holy foolishness you reproved the madness of this world, and how by your weakness you put the mighty of this world to shame. They do not know the power and wisdom of God which are in you. Even we, who thereby receive your aid, can only sing to you such things as these:
Rejoice, potent bearer of the Divine Spirit.
Rejoice, along with the Apostle Paul you boasted in your weakness.
Rejoice, for you reproved the world by your feigned foolishness.
Rejoice, for you spurned the glamour of this world for the sake of salvation and the Kingdom.
Rejoice, for you disdained the beautiful things of this earth.
Rejoice, for you loved the good things of Heaven with all your heart.
Rejoice, for you were attentive to the inner voice of the Lord.
Rejoice, for you call us to the narrow path of salvation.
Rejoice, dread denouncer of drunkenness as a sin.
Rejoice, holy protectress of the Orthodox family.
Rejoice, for you were renowned for your kindness and love.
Rejoice, for in Christ you found comfort for your sorrows.
Rejoice, Blessed Xenia, faithful intercessor for our souls.
Kontakion 10
Yearning to save your soul, you crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. Utterly denying yourself, you carried your cross upon your shoulders and followed after Christ with all your heart, singing to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
You are a firm rampart and an unassailable refuge for those who pray to you, Mother Xenia. We therefore implore you, by your supplications help us against our enemies visible and invisible, so that we may cry to you:
Rejoice, for you worked diligently in the garden of Christ.
Rejoice, for you move us to spiritual labor.
Rejoice, through steadfastness of faith you resisted the devil’s snares.
Rejoice, through holy foolishness you discerned the wiles of the enemy.
Rejoice, for you bring the peace of God into the homes of Christians.
Rejoice, by heavenly confidence you impart blessings to good children.
Rejoice, for you extinguish the spirit of despair in the hearts of the oppressed.
Rejoice, by mystic supplication you relieve their burdens.
Rejoice, for you have shone forth the mercy of God upon the afflicted of the world.
Rejoice, by unceasing prayer you shed rays of Christian love upon all.
Rejoice, for you offered yourself to God like incense in a censer.
Rejoice, by the cross of asceticism you attained heavenly wisdom.
Rejoice, Blessed Xenia, faithful intercessor for our souls.
Kontakion 11
Those who have been saved from misfortune, affliction, sorrow, and every kind of danger offer you hymns of praise, holy mother, and together with the saints and angels we sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Your holy foolishness, O Blessed Xenia, has been shown to be a radiant light illumining the people amid the darkness of this world. You have delivered those who have fallen into the mire of sin, and directed their path to the light of Christ. We therefore lovingly cry out to you:
Rejoice, by your manner of life you amazed the angels.
Rejoice, for while in the world, you lived above the world.
Rejoice, by your many labors you acquired great grace.
Rejoice, for your ways were those of an ascetic of the wilderness.
Rejoice, for you enlighten Christians with the light of God.
Rejoice, for you shone forth with the grace of God over the darkness of sin.
Rejoice, for you put to shame the spirits of malice.
Rejoice, for you set your hope on the Almighty.
Rejoice, for you were clad in the brilliant robe of unwavering faith.
Rejoice, for on the straight path of salvation you give a helping hand to the desperate.
Rejoice, for you strengthen those who are weak in faith.
Rejoice, for you were renowned for your kindness and love.
Rejoice, for you put to shame the spirits of malice.
Rejoice, Blessed Xenia, faithful intercessor for our souls.
Kontakion 12
You pour forth grace in abundance upon those who honor your memory and flee to your protection, O Blessed Xenia. Likewise, upon us who pray to you now, do also pour forth streams of healing from God, so that we may acceptably cry out to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Hymning your many wonders, blessed mother, we praise you and entreat you with all our heart. Forsake not us sinners amid our grievous circumstances, but beseech the Lord of hosts that we fall not away from the True Faith. Rather, strengthened in it by your prayers, we gratefully cry out to you:
Rejoice, for you instruct us to crucify the flesh, together with the passions and lusts.
Rejoice, for you come to our aid amid every spiritual battle.
Rejoice, for you teach us to have sympathy for the suffering.
Rejoice, for you bear our infirmities with all your heart.
Rejoice, for you hear our supplications day and night.
Rejoice, for you ever mediate the salvation of your people.
Rejoice, for you protect those who honor your memory.
Rejoice, for you give joy to those who hasten to your tomb.
Rejoice, for you traveled the path of tribulation.
Rejoice, for you thereby obtained everlasting salvation.
Rejoice, for your light has shone forth before all.
Rejoice, for you dispel the darkness of sin, together with confusion and doubt.
Rejoice, Blessed Xenia, faithful intercessor for our souls.
Kontakion 13
Holy and blessed Mother Xenia, as you bore a heavy cross during your lifetime, accept from us sinners this entreaty which we offer you. By your supplications, protect us from the assaults of the spirits of darkness and from all who plot evils against us. Beseech our most compassionate God to grant us power and might, so that we may bear our own crosses. Let us follow Christ our Lord, and go forth singing with you to Him:
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
(Repeat the above Kontakion 13, 3 times)
(Then continue below)
Ikos 1
After the death of your husband, blessed mother, you sought the life of the angels and rejected the beauty of this world and all that is in it — the desire of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. Instead, you acquired the understanding of Christ our Savior. We therefore appeal to your loving-kindness, that you will hear these praises which we now offer you.
Rejoice, for you were the peer of Saint Andrew, the Holy Fool for Christ.
Rejoice, for you renounced your own name, referring to yourself as dead.
Rejoice, for you assumed foolishness and took the name of your departed husband, Andrei.
Rejoice, for you called yourself by a man’s name, renouncing pride and vanity.
Rejoice, for you accepted voluntary poverty for the sake of Christ.
Rejoice, for you distributed all your substance to good people and to the poor.
Rejoice, for you comfort all those who turn to you in prayer.
Rejoice, for you quickly help in times of trouble and despair.
Rejoice, for your holy foolishness has taught us to reject the vain wisdom of this age.
Rejoice, for you were full of wisdom transcending this world.
Rejoice, for you preferred mockery and ridicule to earthly glory.
Rejoice, for you have been glorified by God.
Rejoice, Blessed Xenia, faithful intercessor for our souls.
Kontakion 1
Blessed Mother Xenia, Holy Fool for the sake of Christ, you elected to undergo the struggle of patience and the suffering of affliction. We therefore honor your sacred memory with hymns of praise. Help us against our enemies, visible and invisible, that we may cry to you:
Rejoice, Blessed Xenia, faithful intercessor for our souls.
Prayer
Blessed Xenia, our patient and wise mother, you had no home or wealth in this world for you transcended all vanity and acquired the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. You gave everything, materially and spiritually, to the poor. Since we are poor in every way, we call on you to direct us to the Lord Jesus Christ Who blessed your ascetic path with abundant wonders. You were regarded a homeless fool by the world, but you were a meek helper to the unfortunate and a builder of the Holy Church. Blessed mother, we implore your sympathy for our feeble resolve and our bitter troubles, for our daily tasks and our family relationships, and for our disabilities and our frailties. Have compassion upon us and spare us from sinister temptation and evil gloom. We request your kindness, and we thank you for your intercession. Amen.