Saint John Chrysostom

Prayers read before any Akathist

Kontakion 1

To the luminary of the whole world, the pillar and strengthening of the Church, the guide of repentance and the healer of the sick, the defender and benefactor of the afflicted, to Saint John, the beautifully sounding trumpet and the mouth flowing with honey, to our teacher with the golden mind and words, come, you faithful, let us praise him. Let us light the torches of illuminating love, bringing him this song: Rejoice, Saint John Chrysostom, most luminous teacher of the whole world!

Oikos 1

Luminary and teacher, Father, you who with your teachings illuminated the whole world, illuminate us too through your prayers, that we may bring you this song of praise:

• Rejoice, John, blessed servant of the Lord Jesus Christ;
• Rejoice, for from childhood you were devout;
• Rejoice, for from your mouth rivers of teaching flowed;
• Rejoice, for through you God was glorified;
• Rejoice, for by your miracles the wise were put to shame;
• Rejoice, for the wise Artemius was baptized through you;
• Rejoice, for the people cried out to you with joy;
• Rejoice, for you fled human glory;
• Rejoice, for you loved the monastic life;
• Rejoice, comforter of the afflicted;
• Rejoice, protector of the poor;
• Rejoice, Saint John Chrysostom, most luminous teacher of the whole world!

Kontakion 2

After the passing from this life of your mother, Anthousa, you distributed your wealth to the poor and, leaving the world, you settled in the monastery, where, after many ascetic struggles and labors, you were made worthy to speak with the Apostles John and Peter, whose gift you acquired and together with whom you sing to God: Alleluia!

Oikos 2

But from God you received, Saint John, to bind and to loose the sins of men; loose therefore also the chain of our mistakes and bind us with the love of God, so that, uniting in one voice, we may confess God in Trinity and praise you thus:

• Rejoice, for you clothed yourself in the angelic habit;
• Rejoice, for, being in the monastery, you endured many labors;
• Rejoice, for you raised the fallen monk;
• Rejoice, for the gift of God worked through you;
• Rejoice, new Daniel, for you had a wonderful vision;
• Rejoice, converser with the Apostles Peter and John;
• Rejoice, for John encouraged you by letter;
• Rejoice, for you received holy blessing from the Apostles;
• Rejoice, for your patience was boundless;
• Rejoice, teacher of repentance;
• Rejoice, confessor of the true faith;
• Rejoice, Saint John Chrysostom, most luminous teacher of the whole world!

Kontakion 3

The wonderful vision of which you were made worthy, Father, was also seen by the elder Hesychius, the virtuous monk; and, telling the skilled brothers, they marveled at this gift which you were deemed worthy to receive and with joy glorified God, singing: Alleluia!

Oikos 3

God was glorified through the working of your miracles, Father, for you healed many with your prayers; you cleansed Archelaus of leprosy, you illuminated the sight of the monk Euclius and you delivered the woman Christina from sickness; you killed the fierce lion with the sign of the Cross; for this ocean of miracles we praise you, Father, saying thus:

• Rejoice, unmercenary healer of bodies;
• Rejoice, you who quickly healed many sicknesses;
• Rejoice, for all breath marveled at you;
• Rejoice, illuminator of bodily and spiritual eyes;
• Rejoice, for you quickly chase away infirmities and sicknesses;
• Rejoice, rebuker of the lawless;
• Rejoice, corrector of those who have erred;
• Rejoice, unshakable pillar of the Church;
• Rejoice, chosen praise of the hierarchs;
• Rejoice, for, armed with the power of the Cross, you chased away evil spirits;
• Rejoice, for you received the priceless diadem of the hierarchy from Christ;
• Rejoice, Saint John Chrysostom, most luminous teacher of the whole world!

Kontakion 4

It was fitting that the lit lamp be placed on the lampstand to give light to all. For this, by the ordinance of God, you were brought from the desert into the city, placed in the service of the Church and by the command of the angel you were consecrated. And at your ordination a white dove flew above your head, which the patriarch Flavian seeing, together with those present, cried out with fear and joy: Alleluia!

Oikos 4

Submitting to the will of God, you left the desert and the monks living together with you, seeing them weeping because of the separation, you comforted them with the fragrance of your teaching and urged them to have love for one another. And we, out of joy for your calling, praise you, saying thus:

• Rejoice, gentle and holy teacher;
• Rejoice, for you alone were named "Golden Mouth";
• Rejoice, you who by God's ordinance received the gift of the honorable hierarchy;
• Rejoice, adornment of purity, witnessed by the miraculous appearance of the white dove;
• Rejoice, for all were amazed by your vision;
• Rejoice, for the people joyfully gave glory to God;
• Rejoice, for you cared for human souls;
• Rejoice, for by sweet words you taught everyone;
• Rejoice, for, because of the beauty of your words, you were loved by the people;
• Rejoice, for a woman called you "Golden Mouth";
• Rejoice, beautifier of human souls;
• Rejoice, Saint John Chrysostom, most luminous teacher of the whole world!

Kontakion 5

Many are your miracles, Father John, for you healed the child of the woman Euclia with the sign of the Cross, and the wife of the rich heretic, who had a terrible disease, with the same sign of victory and by sprinkling holy water you healed her, and from the soul-destroying heresy you saved them both. And the idol temple collapsing, it destroyed all the heretics who opposed you and the rest being baptized, joyfully glorified God, singing to Him: Alleluia!

Oikos 5

Teacher and wonderworker, Father, heal the passions of our souls and bodies and teach us how to guard ourselves against the stumbling blocks of the heretics who blaspheme the Church. And you, through your teaching, turn them back to the orthodox faith, so that, uniting our voices through love, we may praise you, singing:

• Rejoice, for you delivered Euclia's son from fever;
• Rejoice, for you saved the heretic's wife from sickness;
• Rejoice, for the woman and her husband renounced the heresy;
• Rejoice, for by the power of the Cross they entered the Church;
• Rejoice, benefactor of all;
• Rejoice, for the heretics rose up against you;
• Rejoice, for you prayed to God for them;
• Rejoice, for through your teachings many heretics were baptized;
• Rejoice, for the former heretics sang together with the orthodox;
• Rejoice, guardian of the Church of Christ;
• Rejoice, defender of the true faith;
• Rejoice, Saint John Chrysostom, most luminous teacher of the whole world!

Kontakion 6

For your miracles and teachings, Father, you were called by the emperor Arcadius to the archiepiscopal throne of Constantinople, without your will; but, with humility, being obedient, you received the yoke of the hierarchy, and the dignitaries, together with the people receiving you with love and joy, sang to God: Alleluia!

Oikos 6

We do not know what to praise more, Father Chrysostom: the dignity for which you were chosen or the patience you had after receiving the hierarchal throne. For as great as the joy of the beginning of your service was, so much more grew the hatred of the adversaries; therefore we too, seeing your patience, praise you, saying:

• Rejoice, Saint John Chrysostom, for because of your miracles you were honored by all the people;
• Rejoice, for because of your teachings you were called to the hierarchal throne;
• Rejoice, for the emperor Arcadius loved you much;
• Rejoice, for all Constantinople received you with joy;
• Rejoice, for by the holy council you were consecrated archbishop;
• Rejoice, for in the hierarchal dignity you served worthily;
• Rejoice, for without partiality you taught everyone;
• Rejoice, for you uprooted heresies and wickedness;
• Rejoice, for you also reprimanded the empress Eudoxia for her greed;
• Rejoice, for you were the supporter of the widows and the poor;
• Rejoice, for you were the helper of the infirm;
• Rejoice, Saint John Chrysostom, most luminous teacher of the whole world!

Kontakion 7

You rebuked, Saint John, the greedy Paulinus, who had stolen the money of the poor widow, and the empress Eudoxia, because she had taken the widow's vineyard, you scolded her; for this you were hated by all those who worked iniquity, but the poor and the oppressed, for the justice you did them, praised you and glorified God, singing: Alleluia!

Oikos 7

The words of the Savior were fulfilled in you, Good Father, for you were spoken evil of and driven away for righteousness by the adversaries who hated your good deeds, among whom the envious Theophilus and the empress Eudoxia, from whom you suffered many evils; therefore, seeing your patience, we praise you, saying thus:

• Rejoice, Saint John, for in you the words of the Savior were fulfilled;
• Rejoice, for righteousness' sake you were persecuted by Theophilus;
• Rejoice, receiver of the expelled monks;
• Rejoice, defender of the oppressed widows and poor;
• Rejoice, for because of the vineyard of the widow Eutropia, like Elijah, you rebuked the empress;
• Rejoice, for you strongly endured the anger of the empress;
• Rejoice, for many did not consent to your expulsion;
• Rejoice, for the prophecy of Epiphanius was fulfilled with you;
• Rejoice, preacher of the word of God;
• Rejoice, lover of humility;
• Rejoice, God-crowned hierarch;
• Rejoice, Saint John Chrysostom, most luminous teacher of the whole world!

Kontakion 8

Being exiled, Saint, you stood in the hierarchal cells, and, together with the bishops who were with you, grieving over the wickedness of Theophilus and the change of the emperor with anger against you, you said: Brothers, pray to God for me and do not depart from your Churches, for the time of dangers has approached me and, receiving many tribulations, I will go from here, but you remember me in your prayers, singing to God: Alleluia!

Oikos 8

Your enemies gathering in an unjust council against you, Saint, and the emperor Arcadius agreeing with them, he believed their slanders and at the judgment deciding your exile, they gave you to the soldiers, who, taking you secretly, went on the sea, towards Prenetus. Then there was a great earthquake in the city and a part of the imperial palaces fell, for which cause the emperor being terrified, and out of fear of the multitude, ordered to bring you back. The people running before you, praised you, saying such things:

• Rejoice, Father John, you who were unjustly exiled;
• Rejoice, for you were secretly taken out of the city;
• Rejoice, for, because of the injustice done to you, the people revolted;
• Rejoice, for by the earthquake a part of the palaces collapsed;
• Rejoice, for your adversaries fled from the city;
• Rejoice, for in your goodness and love you forgave them;
• Rejoice, good shepherd, who do not abandon your sheep;
• Rejoice, for the emperor, repenting, ordered your return from the way;
• Rejoice, for the people shed many tears after you;
• Rejoice, for, returning, you again took your throne;
• Rejoice, for you were welcomed in songs of psalms;
• Rejoice, Saint John Chrysostom, most luminous teacher of the whole world!

Kontakion 9

The people coming out to meet you with songs and torches and, leading you into the church, giving thanks to God for all that was received, you prayed for the faithful. Come, Holy Father, and in our midst, praying for us, who praise you and sing to God: Alleluia!

Oikos 9

After your return, you shepherded the sheep of Christ for a time, and again a storm and persecution rose against you. For, by the urging of the empress Eudoxia, you were taken out of the church by evil men who wanted to kill you. But, secretly, you were escorted to the sea by your beloved bishops, to whom giving the last kiss, you separated from them. And they, crying as after a loving father, taught us to praise you saying such things:

• Rejoice, for you laid down your life for the Church of Christ;
• Rejoice, Saint John, for, living few years, you adorned yourself with rich fruits;
• Rejoice, for you proclaimed the Church of God to the world;
• Rejoice, for again an unjust council gathered against you;
• Rejoice, for you endured the second exile with patience;
• Rejoice, for the Lord Christ you endured many torments;
• Rejoice, for the bishops and the people wept bitterly for you;
• Rejoice, for, being taken into exile by ruthless soldiers, you confessed Christ;
• Rejoice, for after your expulsion fire came out from the altar;
• Rejoice, illuminator of the Church of Christ;
• Rejoice, shepherd of the sheep of Christ;
• Rejoice, Saint John Chrysostom, most luminous teacher of the whole world!

Kontakion 10

The soldiers, by the emperor's command, showed you much wickedness, leading you through heat and cold, that you might only die on the way. And weakening very much, one night, standing in prayer, the Holy Apostles Peter and John appeared to you, who, strengthening you, said: Rejoice, good shepherd, endurer of torments, for we are sent by the Master Christ to comfort you in your patience; for in a little while you will pass to rest, to rejoice forever together with us, singing to God: Alleluia!

Oikos 10

For your love, Father, two priests and a deacon went with you into exile, and they saw your suffering and the Holy Apostles who appeared to you. And arriving at Comana, Saint Basiliscus, the bishop of Comana, appeared to you, saying: "Have hope, brother John, for tomorrow we will be together before the King of glory!". And, by God's ordinance, you remained in the church of Saint Basiliscus, in which you served and, after you communed with the Holy Mysteries, you gave your soul into the hands of God, giving thanks for everything. For these, receive from us a song of praise:

• Rejoice, ascetic, for in exile you endured many tribulations;
• Rejoice, for Peter and John appeared to strengthen you;
• Rejoice, for two priests and a deacon endured together with you;
• Rejoice, for in Comana at the church of Saint Basiliscus you stayed;
• Rejoice, for in great holiness you celebrated the liturgy there;
• Rejoice, for, giving thanks for everything, you communed with the Holy Mysteries;
• Rejoice, for, praying to God, you moved to the heavenly mansions;
• Rejoice, for the eternal Hierarch received your soul;
• Rejoice, for all the saints in heaven greatly rejoiced;
• Rejoice, heir of the Kingdom of God;
• Rejoice, interpreter of divine words;
• Rejoice, Saint John Chrysostom, most luminous teacher of the whole world!

Kontakion 11

Finishing the journey of your struggles, you moved with joy to the heavenly things, and your much-tormented body was buried with honor by your beloved disciples near the relics of Saint Basiliscus, in Comana. The disciples returning by sea, went to Rome to bishop Innocent, and telling all the things about you to him and to the emperor Honorius, they marveled at the wickedness of your adversaries. And shedding tears after you, they glorified God, singing: Alleluia!

Oikos 11

Bishop Innocent and emperor Honorius being informed of the punishments you suffered from the empress Eudoxia and from all your enemies, they frightened by letter the emperor Arcadius, who, seeing himself deceived, punished all your accusers; and he, repenting and crying for you, praised you, saying such things:

• Rejoice, Saint John, our good teacher;
• Rejoice, for the gifts of the Holy Apostles were given to you as an inheritance;
• Rejoice, for, enduring injustice, you were deemed worthy of eternal happiness;
• Rejoice, for after you the great city wept bitterly;
• Rejoice, for our hearts also break from missing you;
• Rejoice, trill of a sleepless nightingale;
• Rejoice, for your teaching illuminates the world like a sun;
• Rejoice, for many, acknowledging their mistakes, repented;
• Rejoice, for your adversaries did not defeat your patience;
• Rejoice, forgiver of those who sinned against you;
• Rejoice, lover of their souls;
• Rejoice, Saint John Chrysostom, most luminous teacher of the whole world!

Kontakion 12

After a while, the pious emperor Theodosius decided in one mind with the archbishop Proclus to bring your holy relics from Comana to Constantinople, for the consolation of the pious people. The envoys, being without much piety, could not lift that priceless treasure, but, others coming, and making long prayers, with much piety lifted your holy relics, which they took to the imperial city, singing with joy to God: Alleluia!

Oikos 12

The emperor with all his retinue and the archbishop with all the clergy, as well as the whole people, came out to meet your relics, Saint John, with lit torches and fragrances of many kinds. When they reached the widow's vineyard, your holy relics stopped, as a sign that you are the protector of widows and the poor. After that, taking them to the great church and placing them in your throne, your mouth spoke, again: "Peace to all and to Eudoxia forgiveness!", at which words all the people, being terrified, fell to the ground, and with great piety praised you, saying:

• Rejoice, for the whole city received you with joy;
• Rejoice, for the emperor with all his retinue came out in your way;
• Rejoice, for you received the prayer of the emperor;
• Rejoice, for in the altar of the Cathedral, with great honor, on the hierarchal throne they placed your relics;
• Rejoice, for you blessed all the people;
• Rejoice, for Eudoxia took forgiveness through your mouth;
• Rejoice, for your holy relics are much honored by Christians;
• Rejoice, for to those who run to you, you give blessing;
• Rejoice, for by your prayers the sick are healed;
• Rejoice, for you intercede mercy for the sinners who repent;
• Rejoice, for in the altars of the Church, the Liturgy composed by you is celebrated with piety;
• Rejoice, Saint John Chrysostom, most luminous teacher of the whole world!

Kontakion 13

O, Most Blessed Father John, good shepherd and unsurpassed liturgist, just as you received the prayer of the emperor Theodosius to go to the imperial city, blessing the people and granting forgiveness to those who wronged you, so now come into our midst and bless us with your prayers, to obtain the forgiveness of sins, that we may all be saved and together with you sing to God: Alleluia! (this kontakion is said three times)

Then Oikos 1 and Kontakion 1.

Oikos 1

Luminary and teacher, Father, you who with your teachings illuminated the whole world, illuminate us too through your prayers, that we may bring you this song of praise:

• Rejoice, John, blessed servant of the Lord Jesus Christ;
• Rejoice, for from childhood you were devout;
• Rejoice, for from your mouth rivers of teaching flowed;
• Rejoice, for through you God was glorified;
• Rejoice, for by your miracles the wise were put to shame;
• Rejoice, for the wise Artemius was baptized through you;
• Rejoice, for the people cried out to you with joy;
• Rejoice, for you fled human glory;
• Rejoice, for you loved the monastic life;
• Rejoice, comforter of the afflicted;
• Rejoice, protector of the poor;
• Rejoice, Saint John Chrysostom, most luminous teacher of the whole world!

Kontakion 1

To the luminary of the whole world, the pillar and strengthening of the Church, the guide of repentance and the healer of the sick, the defender and benefactor of the afflicted, to Saint John, the beautifully sounding trumpet and the mouth flowing with honey, to our teacher with the golden mind and words, come, you faithful, let us praise him. Let us light the torches of illuminating love, bringing him this song: Rejoice, Saint John Chrysostom, most luminous teacher of the whole world!

Prayer to Saint Hierarch John Chrysostom

O, luminary of the whole world, most good Father John Chrysostom, pillar and strengthening of the Church, guide of repentance, helper of the sick and defender of the afflicted, hasten quickly to help us; deliver the flock of Christ from the wolves that ravish it and keep all Christians from worldly quarrels, from earthquakes, from the coming of other nations, from captivity, from the sword and from the war among us, from famine, from flood, from drought, from diseases and from sudden death. Have mercy also on us, who with mind, deed, and word are in the darkness of sins, so that through your prayers, we may be delivered from the wrath of God and from eternal torment. Grant us your love and zeal which you showed to the Church of Christ. Enlighten our mind with the light of divine teachings and help us to always reach the height of humble thought, for the glory of God and our salvation. Amen.