Saint John of Kronstadt

After the usual beginning, are said:

KONTAKIA and OIKOI:

Kontakion 1

To you, chosen among priests, wonderful mediator, divine John, shepherd and teacher, who showed yourself loving to emperors and comforter to the sorrowful, who enlightened the land of Russia and gave your whole life to the service of God and neighbor, turning a multitude of sinners to repentance, obtaining healing for many sick from God, let us bring praise as to a defender and swift helper. You, then, Father, because you have boldness towards the Lord, deliver us from all troubles, we who sing to you: Rejoice, John, new luminary of Russia and fervent intercessor before God for us!

Oikos 1

Your guardian angel, when you were six years old, you saw in ineffable light, John, he telling you that, by the will of God, he always stands unseen and guards from all evils. Therefore, knowing you from youth as chosen by God, we cry to you:

• Rejoice, you who from childhood showed yourself "chosen" of God;
• Rejoice, you who from youth showed yourself "called" of His blessing;
• Rejoice, you who from youth gladdened your angel with good habits;
• Rejoice, for you grieved him in nothing;
• Rejoice, for your unseen guardian appeared to you;
• Rejoice, for he promised to guard you always;
• Rejoice, most beloved offspring of pious parents;
• Rejoice, you who from childhood were taught by your parents with the fear of God;
• Rejoice, you who from youth trained yourself in moderation;
• Rejoice, you who spent the days of your youth in poverty and self-restraint;
• Rejoice, for because of your good life, the grace of God rested upon you;
• Rejoice, for your face was adorned with humility;
• Rejoice, John, new luminary of Russia and fervent intercessor before God for us!

Kontakion 2

We see you, divinely wise John, from tender age overshadowed by the blessing of God, who secretly led you towards a virtuous life. Therefore, having you as a worthy example to follow, with humility we sing to Christ God: Alleluia!

Oikos 2

Your mind from childhood you immersed in the readings and meditations of the Holy Fathers, John, and from them you drank the living water from the fountain of the Holy Spirit. For this we beseech you, pray to the Most Good God to make us also partakers of this communion, we who sing to you:

• Rejoice, you who from childhood kept yourself from passions;
• Rejoice, you who kept the grace of Holy Baptism whole;
• Rejoice, you who delighted in reading the writings of the Holy Fathers;
• Rejoice, you who truly penetrated their meaning;
• Rejoice, you who showed great diligence in this work;
• Rejoice, you who showed yourself perfect in the love of spiritual and natural wisdom;
• Rejoice, for through your wisdom you exposed the world of deception;
• Rejoice, for from that deception, as an eagle, wise one, you escaped;
• Rejoice, wonderful and enlightened teacher of the lands of northern Russia;
• Rejoice, you who drove away the darkness of sin from people;
• Rejoice, for you quickly helped all who came to you with prayers;
• Rejoice, most powerful intercession for us before God;
• Rejoice, John, new luminary of Russia and fervent intercessor before God for us!

Kontakion 3

The power of the grace of God, which fulfills that which is lacking, poured abundantly upon you, John, ever-memorable, when you were ordained priest by the Most Holy Christopher and appointed shepherd to the city of Kronstadt; from then you began to teach people to serve rightly the Holy Trinity and to sing to Him: Alleluia!

Oikos 3

Having divine love in your heart, wise John, and keeping the rule of fasting strictly, you conquered all assaults of passions, being in no way touched by them. Therefore, as a perfect man you went out to work the Lord's field through word, as with a plow you loosened the hardened and frozen hearts of people, warming them with your prayer and love and sowing in them the seed of sincere repentance and living faith. For all these we sing praise to you:

• Rejoice, chosen vessel of the grace of God;
• Rejoice, dwelling of heavenly gifts;
• Rejoice, you who loved God with all your heart and all your soul;
• Rejoice, for therefore you taught the whole flock you shepherded to love God;
• Rejoice, you who kept the teachings of the Gospel and the rules of fasting with fear;
• Rejoice, for you taught these also to your neighbor through deeds;
• Rejoice, for from youth you showed yourself emperor over passions;
• Rejoice, glorious victor over sin;
• Rejoice, for in the world as a light, a living example you shone;
• Rejoice, for on earth you were granted heavenly wisdom;
• Rejoice, unshaken pillar of your Orthodox land;
• Rejoice, undelaying defender of Orthodoxy and of good customs;
• Rejoice, John, new luminary of Russia and fervent intercessor before God for us!

Kontakion 4

Passing through the storm of many troubles and worldly cares, help us, Father John, as in your life you helped all who with faith came to you, so that all helped by you may sing to God: Alleluia!

Oikos 4

Hearing the apostle who says: "our dwelling is in heaven" and desiring to follow him, you did not spend this temporal life in the service of the body and in the work of passions, John, but in cleansing the soul from the darkness of sin, for with these no one can enter the Heavenly Kingdom. Therefore, having you as an image of a life pleasing to God and a helper in all things, we cry to you such things as these:

• Rejoice, bright radiance of the evangelical light in our days;
• Rejoice, you who are a penetrating light to darkened souls;
• Rejoice, for you immersed your mind in the Divine Scriptures;
• Rejoice, for from them you found the straight path to the Kingdom of Heaven;
• Rejoice, for all your deeds were light to the world;
• Rejoice, for through you the heavenly Father was wonderfully glorified;
• Rejoice, for your word was neither a clanging cymbal, nor dead or insufficient;
• Rejoice, for your word showed itself living and active in truth;
• Rejoice, for through you those dead in spirit are raised through faith;
• Rejoice, for through you those fallen into the darkness of sin awaken to repentance;
• Rejoice, for you showed yourself to the land of Russia in our days as a prophet and apostle of the Lord;
• Rejoice, for obtaining in you the knowledge of truth you received the gift of healing and of defending the faith, showing yourself a fearless fighter;
• Rejoice, John, new luminary of Russia and fervent intercessor before God for us!

Kontakion 5

A shining star of the Russian land you showed yourself, Holy John, enlightening the darkness of sin. Therefore also today you pour light upon the sons of Russia, those seized by the darkness of error, those who have given themselves into the hands of the unclean, so that they may know their error and sing to the Lord in repentance: Alleluia!

Oikos 5

Seeing your worthiness as teacher and your most powerful prayer before God, a great multitude from various parts ran to you, Father, hearing of the healings of illnesses and of your counsels, and in troubles asking for consolation, they cried to you with thanksgiving:

• Rejoice, John, new luminary of the world;
• Rejoice, immediate helper through your prayers to God;
• Rejoice, for your prayers are powerful before the King of mercy;
• Rejoice, for your standing before Him is a fountain of blessing, which through you is poured out upon the whole world;
• Rejoice, for through you, according to the measure of faith, healings are given;
• Rejoice, for through you the sick quickly escape their illnesses, receiving health;
• Rejoice, for through you sinners turn to repentance;
• Rejoice, for you showed yourself a wise guide to the rebellious;
• Rejoice, for through you the foolish who mock the holy things of faith are reproved;
• Rejoice, for through you those who mock your wonderful works, coming to themselves, are received by you as by a father loving his children;
• Rejoice, swift consolation of those who weep;
• Rejoice, blessed healing of the infirm;
• Rejoice, John, new luminary of Russia and fervent intercessor before God for us!

Kontakion 6

A preacher of truth, being a God-bearing father, you gave all that is yours to the service of God and neighbor, and taking the yoke of priesthood you knew no rest here, ever performing divine services in church and in the houses of the faithful singing spiritual songs; to the needy you showed yourself a helper. And thus you drew upon yourself the name of unmercenary almsgiver, John. Hearing these things, we also glorify God for you, singing to Him: Alleluia!

Oikos 6

Christ our God, shining from the Virgin Mary and driving away the darkness of idol worship, showed you, Father John, righteous and faithful, a preacher of truth before the deceitful servants of the evil one. Therefore, having boldness towards the Lord, deliver from the malice and cunning of those all who sing to you thus:

• Rejoice, faithful servant of Christ;
• Rejoice, among priests a powerful intercessor before Him;
• Rejoice, sleepless guardian of the divine house;
• Rejoice, you who through the sword of the word of God and of prayer drove away the adversaries;
• Rejoice, you who through your writings raised many to love in Christ;
• Rejoice, you who through your discourses showed the love of God for mankind;
• Rejoice, work of the Divine Spirit manifested in the hearts of people;
• Rejoice, you who showed yourself a secret speaker with God through prayer;
• Rejoice, you who wonderfully kept piety through pure marriage;
• Rejoice, you who bore many spiritual children through repentance;
• Rejoice, for you remained even after death in the hearts of the faithful;
• Rejoice, for your memory, as of a righteous preacher, will remain forever;
• Rejoice, John, new luminary of Russia and fervent intercessor before God for us!

Kontakion 7

Wishing the Most Good God to console his well-believing people and to turn the lawless from their evil deeds, he showed you, John, as Jonah in Nineveh, proclaiming the wrath of God upon the land of Russia, coming quickly if they will not repent and will not sing with humility to Christ God: Alleluia!

Oikos 7

A new trouble and the wrath of God we have come to suffer, not wishing to listen to your divine voice, through which you said: "The rule of the land will be destroyed and power will come into the hands of the servants of Satan, the inhabitants of monasteries will be persecuted, churches will be closed, and a multitude of Christian people will die a martyric life." For this we run to you, Father John, in repentance and with compunction cry: Pray to the Master Christ to change His wrath into mercy towards us, who sing to you:

• Rejoice, voice of the preacher of repentance;
• Rejoice, truthful announcer of divine wrath upon those who do not repent;
• Rejoice, you who taught not to take into account the opinions of the world;
• Rejoice, true corrector;
• Rejoice, for you showed yourself a strong guide of the Orthodox people;
• Rejoice, you who kept the ship of the Church unharmed by the rocks of distress;
• Rejoice, lover of honored Emperors;
• Rejoice, for you showed yourself a wise counselor to them;
• Rejoice, for you taught them how to use their power with justice;
• Rejoice, you who with care directed them towards obedience and faithfulness;
• Rejoice, you who with your prayers fenced the thrones of honored emperors;
• Rejoice, for you taught them to judge the people impartially;
• Rejoice, John, new luminary of Russia and fervent intercessor before God for us!

Kontakion 8

A strange and unusual way of life you chose, Father John, living in the world as if you lived in heaven, in self-restraint and piety, ever bringing glory to God, and thus you were esteemed as a great father of the Church; for this, in heaven in joy with Christ you dwell and bring prayer for the world, crying unceasingly: Alleluia!

Oikos 8

All the Orthodox world honored you not only in life, but also after your presentation before God, Father John, for you have great boldness before God and pray for the blessing of all who run to you and sing to you thus:

• Rejoice, blessed fruit of a good tree;
• Rejoice, you who were born and educated by a priestly father and a blessed mother;
• Rejoice, for the education you received remained an example for the whole land of Russia;
• Rejoice, for the city of Kronstadt was glorified through your glorification;
• Rejoice, for all Russia was filled with your good deeds;
• Rejoice, for the news of your improved life reached beyond the borders of the land;
• Rejoice, for through your writings you made known the mystery of your communion with God;
• Rejoice, for through these writings you shone the spiritual light into the hearts of people;
• Rejoice, for in your writings the purity of your soul was manifested;
• Rejoice, for through your writings not only the Russian people, but also other peoples sought their salvation;
• Rejoice, for through these the true faith shone, driving away the darkness of heresies;
• Rejoice, John, new luminary of Russia and fervent intercessor before God for us!

Kontakion 9

No word is sufficient for your praise, Father John, for being moved by the Holy Spirit from youth, with zeal you served God; first you labored many years to learn the teachings of the Holy Fathers and then you taught them to sing with wisdom to God: Alleluia!

Oikos 9

The orator of falsehood, the Unwise Leo and all his evil thoughts, through you, Father John, were exposed of malice, you strengthening the Orthodox faith through your declarations; for this we cry to you:

• Rejoice, God-inspired flute;
• Rejoice, trumpet of the Spirit, sweetly sounding;
• Rejoice, you who through your words and teachings clarified the dogmas of the faith;
• Rejoice, for through your teachings you strengthened the faithful in Orthodoxy;
• Rejoice, for through you the legions of adversaries were conquered;
• Rejoice, for through you the apostate and his teachings were exposed of deception;
• Rejoice, for the harmful teaching of him who said that the soul has no personal existence was conquered;
• Rejoice, for through you the true teaching about the immortality and eternity of the soul was strengthened;
• Rejoice, fountain of divine wisdom;
• Rejoice, pious performer of the divine mysteries;
• Rejoice, reliable guide to the Kingdom of Heaven;
• Rejoice, teacher of the true saving path;
• Rejoice, John, new luminary of Russia and fervent intercessor before God for us!

Kontakion 10

Desiring to save your soul, you took many saints as helpers, Father John; having the apostolic and patristic confession of faith, the strength of martyrs, ever dwelling in self-restraint and humility in the luminous deeds of the venerable. Therefore with the saints you dwell unceasingly, bring glory to God, remembering also us who sing to God: Alleluia!

Oikos 10

To the Heavenly King you showed yourself a faithful servant and to the earthly emperors you were honor and wisdom, Father John, serving both with justice, giving what is Caesar's to Caesar, and to God what is God's, and you taught all to say thus:

• Rejoice, good and faithful servant of God;
• Rejoice, zealous minister of Him;
• Rejoice, for you fulfilled with care all things ordained by God;
• Rejoice, skillful worker of the commandments of God;
• Rejoice, for you ever remembered the omnipresence of God;
• Rejoice, for through your wisdom you ever had Him in mind;
• Rejoice, for you honored the honored Emperors of Russia as servants of God;
• Rejoice, for you helped them much through counsels and prayers to lead the people with justice;
• Rejoice, for you taught them to protect the people and the Church;
• Rejoice, defender from uprisings and rebellions;
• Rejoice, you who even now pray to God for the Orthodox "Kingdom";
• Rejoice, strength of the scepters of Orthodox Emperors;
• Rejoice, John, new luminary of Russia and fervent intercessor before God for us!

Kontakion 11

It is not possible, through praise, to present the multitude of your righteous deeds performed through God, most wonderful Father John, how many you performed during your life, healing illnesses, casting out demons from people, healing those possessed by passions, helping the poor and all according to their needs; for this all together cry to God: Alleluia!

Oikos 11

Light-bearing and clear-seeing, the Lord showed you in our days, foretelling the future wrath of God upon the Orthodox Kingdom, for the impenitence of the people, therefore as a prophet of God and knower of destinies, we magnify you and in repentance cry to you:

• Rejoice, wonderful prophet, truthful announcer of things to come;
• Rejoice, preacher of repentance;
• Rejoice, new prophet of equal honor with that one;
• Rejoice, clear-seer of divine destinies;
• Rejoice, announcer of the future wrath upon those who do not repent;
• Rejoice, sweet voice sounding of repentance;
• Rejoice, reconciler of troubled hearts;
• Rejoice, powerful intercessor before God for us;
• Rejoice, gentle shepherd of rational sheep;
• Rejoice, you who brought a multitude of erring souls to the Master;
• Rejoice, for you saved many from prisons and from death;
• Rejoice, John, new luminary of Russia and fervent intercessor before God for us!

Kontakion 12

The grace of God you received here through Holy Baptism and through ordination to the priesthood, Father John; through zeal you became useful to many for the glory of the Giver, in the light of your life and of your alms which you performed, the heavenly Father was glorified, and through the multitude of praises with which you were deemed worthy, a magnificent song is raised to Him: Alleluia!

Oikos 12

Singing your life from youth pleasing to God and your spiritual ascent from strength to strength, we magnify your end and the burial of your honored relics, which found eternal rest in the wonderful church made by you. We believe, however, that your soul rests in the most luminous dwellings of paradise, whose inheritance help us to reach, we who sing to you praises such as these:

• Rejoice, you who passed the transient course of life with right judgment in all things for God;
• Rejoice, fearless guardian of Orthodoxy;
• Rejoice, for you remained known with a Christian end of life;
• Rejoice, for you received eternal rest in heaven with the saints;
• Rejoice, partaker of the eternal joy of which the saints were deemed worthy;
• Rejoice, for you facilitated the salvation of many souls, deeming them worthy of eternal blessedness;
• Rejoice, for you inherited with the new martyrs of royal lineage the Kingdom of heaven;
• Rejoice, for together with them you stand before the King of glory and pray for the deliverance of your homeland from godless enemies;
• Rejoice, great defender of Orthodoxy;
• Rejoice, unexcelled fighter for holy honor;
• Rejoice, for through your appearances in dreams you brought miracles;
• Rejoice, for you brought the non-Orthodox to Orthodoxy;
• Rejoice, John, new luminary of Russia and fervent intercessor before God for us!

Kontakion 13

O most righteous Father John, not only of Kronstadt and of all Russia, but also luminary of the whole world and great intercessor before Christ! Receive from us this song of the unworthy, and through your prayers well-pleasing to God, deliver us from temporal and eternal troubles, that we may be deemed worthy to be with you together in the Kingdom of Heaven, ever singing to the Creator: Alleluia! (this kontakion is said three times)

Then again is said the First Oikos

Your guardian angel, when you were six years old, you saw in ineffable light, John, he telling you that, by the will of God, he always stands unseen and guards from all evils. Therefore, knowing you from youth as chosen by God, we cry to you:

• Rejoice, you who from childhood showed yourself "chosen" of God;
• Rejoice, you who from youth showed yourself "called" of His blessing;
• Rejoice, you who from youth gladdened your angel with good habits;
• Rejoice, for you grieved him in nothing;
• Rejoice, for your unseen guardian appeared to you;
• Rejoice, for he promised to guard you always;
• Rejoice, most beloved offspring of pious parents;
• Rejoice, you who from childhood were taught by your parents with the fear of God;
• Rejoice, you who from youth trained yourself in moderation;
• Rejoice, you who spent the days of your youth in poverty and self-restraint;
• Rejoice, for because of your good life, the grace of God rested upon you;
• Rejoice, for your face was adorned with humility;
• Rejoice, John, new luminary of Russia and fervent intercessor before God for us!

And the First Kontakion

To you, chosen among priests, wonderful mediator, divine John, shepherd and teacher, who showed yourself loving to emperors and comforter to the sorrowful, who enlightened the land of Russia and gave your whole life to the service of God and neighbor, turning a multitude of sinners to repentance, obtaining healing for many sick from God, let us bring praise as to a defender and swift helper. You, then, Father, because you have boldness towards the Lord, deliver us from all troubles, we who sing to you: Rejoice, John, new luminary of Russia and fervent intercessor before God for us!

After this is said this:

PRAYER:

Most wonderful Father John, you through your wonderful works brought many to God and were deemed worthy of spiritual gifts from the Master here: you healed illnesses, you uprooted passions, therefore we pray you, quench our sorrow and give us spiritual joy in heart and help us to be partakers of your life and of your good deeds, that we also may be deemed worthy of the Kingdom of heaven. Amen.