 |
 |
||
Ukrainian Orthodoxy |
 |
Orthodoxie ukrainienne |
|
AKATHIST
to the Most Holy Theotokos of Fatima
Dr. Alexander Roman alex@unicorne.org
Kontakion 1
To Thee, our Great Defender and Constant Intercessor, we sing a joyful hymn of thanksgiving and praise for Thy revelations at Fatima to us Thy children, indicating thereby the way of penance and amendment of life in Christ and, with Thee, we magnify God our Savior and exclaim:
Rejoice, O Theotokos of Fatima, our Unassailable Wall and Holy Protection!
Ikos 1
Gazing upon the Icon of Thy appearance at Fatima, we see Thee with hands uplifted in prayer to Thy Son and God for all His suffering people. Thou didst give warning concerning the chastisements about to visit the earth, offering Thyself as our Unassailable Wall of Protection then and always. Awed by Thy motherly care for us sinners, we cry out with grateful love:
Rejoice, Daughter of God the Father!
Rejoice, Mother of God the Son!
Rejoice, Spouse of the Holy Spirit!
Rejoice, Temple of the All-Sacred Trinity!
Rejoice, Ladder foreshadowed in Jacob's dream!
Rejoice, Sacred Jar of the Heavenly Manna!
Rejoice, new Moses who defeats the spiritual Amalek with Thy upraised arms!
Rejoice, Teacher of prayer and repentance to Thy children!
Rejoice, Mother of all who run to Thy Mantle as to a fortified city!
Rejoice, new Voice in the Wilderness calling us to make straight the way of the Lord!
Rejoice, Fervent and Untiring Intercessor on our behalf!
Rejoice, Burning Bush unconsumed, on fire with the love of God!
Rejoice, O Theotokos of Fatima, our Unassailable Wall and Holy Protection!
Kontakion 2
Vladimir the Enlightener of Kyivan Rus' placed Thy Icon at the source of the River Dnieper to consecrate its waters in which he baptized his people in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. We joyfully keep festival in recalling Thy Motherly concern and love for us always as we sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 2
Thou art enthroned in Thy Temple of Holy Wisdom in Kyiv, the Mother of all the cities of Rus,' as the Oranta who wipes away every tear with Thy sacred towel. Thou reignest there still, covering us with Thy golden mantle with which Thou dost extend over all who have recourse to Thee. Joining with the Royal Choir of Kyivan Rus' in singing Thy praise, we exclaim:
Rejoice, Inspirer of Askold and Dir!
Rejoice, Consolation of Olha the Great!
Rejoice, Guide of Vladimir the Enlightener!
Rejoice, Strength of Boris and Hlib the Passion-Bearers!
Rejoice, Happiness of Yaroslav the Wise!
Rejoice, Well Spring of Grace of Vladimir Monomakh!
Rejoice, Guardian of the Crown and Sovereignty of ancient Rus'!
Rejoice, Sovereign of all our ancient Rulers!
Rejoice, Impenetrable Wall surrounding Kyiv and all Rus'!
Rejoice, for God is within Thee and Thou shalt not be moved!
Rejoice, for by Thee the darts of the enemies are turned back!
Rejoice, for by Thy Mantle are we protected against all dangers!
Rejoice, O Theotokos of Fatima, our Unassailable Wall and Holy Protection!
Kontakion 3
Again and again Thou didst show Thy motherly love for us Thy children and in these latter days didst appear to three children at Fatima to call the world to prayer and repentance before the coming chastisements that were to befall Thy people. Thou didst ask us to wear a sign of Thy Holy Protection on our shoulders, the Scapular, to remind us of Thy constant motherly embrace and loving care for our welfare, now and throughout all eternity. In thanksgiving to Thee, we cry: Alleluia!
Ikos 3
Thy servant of old, Andrew the Scythian, saw Thee at Constantinople holding Thy Mantle of Protection over the people threatened by the enemies of Thy Son, vanquishing them all thereby. The Venerable Job likewise drew down Thy unconquerable strength in defence of Pochaiv. And we today praise Thee and the strength of Thy Mantle of Protection made manifest in the Scapular and sing:
Rejoice, O sure Protection against the Evil One!
Rejoice, destroyer of the plans of the iniquitous!
Rejoice, Defender of Thy children!
Rejoice, Thou who hast placed a constant guard in front of and behind us!
Rejoice, Whose Mantle is like unto Thy continual Mother's embrace.
Rejoice, for we rest safely beneath Thy wings of Grace!
Rejoice, our Guardian in life and in death!
Rejoice, Thou who wards off the fiery darts of temptations!
Rejoice, Thou who protects us from earthly calamities!
Rejoice, Thou who brings us to heaven like Elias by a cloak in two parts!
Rejoice, Thou who clothes us with the Grace of Thy Son!
Rejoice, who calls us to put on the Lord Jesus Christ!
Rejoice, O Theotokos of Fatima, our Unassailable Wall and Holy Protection!
Kontakion 4
In ancient days, Thou didst reveal a new Psalter to a Monk of the Thebaid in Thy Rule of Prayer. Imitating the Archangel Gabriel, we join in the unending hymn of praise of Thee through Whom God the Word bent the Heavens and came down into the world to live among us and sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 4
Our holy fathers greatly honoured Thee, the Holy Rose of Sharon, in imitation of the Archangel Gabriel by praying daily Thy Rule of praises and we, their disciples, follow the command of our teachers in honouring Thy Annunciation. The children of Fatima preached Thy reminder to take up this Rule with zeal and we join with them as we sing:
Rejoice, O Theotokos, Ever-Virgin Mary!
Rejoice, Full of Grace, the Lord is with Thee!
Rejoice, Blessed among women!
Rejoice, for Blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb!
Rejoice, for Thou hast given birth to Christ our Saviour!
Rejoice, for what David's Psalter foretold is fulfilled in Thy Psalter!
Rejoice, for Thy Psalter is like the Apostles' net of old in which we collect 153 Gifts of Divine Grace!
Rejoice, for Thy Psalter transfigures us into new Seraphim!
Rejoice, for Thou dost invite us to share in Thy joy at Thy Annunciation!
Rejoice, for Thy Psalter bedews us with immeasureable blessings!
Rejoice, for Thou didst appear at Fatima holding a Vervitsa - Rosary!
Rejoice, for it is like David's sling that we use to slay the spiritual Goliath!
Rejoice, O Theotokos of Fatima, our Unassailable Wall and Holy Protection!
Kontakion 5
Thou didst appear at Fatima to call everyone to holiness of life, in testament of which Thy garments were all white. O pure, Ever-Virgin and Most Immaculate Mother of God, save us by Thy ceaseless prayers and intercessions before the Throne of Thy Son that He grant us the purifying Grace of the All Holy Spirit to make us into holy Temples of the All-powerful Trinity, as we sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 5
The Angel of the Lord taught the children at Fatima to pray always, constantly invoking God and Thee to ask for the coming of the Holy Spirit into our souls. The children were then transformed by Thee into teachers of prayer to the world, becoming like unto Thy Son Jesus, Who at a young age Thou didst find in the Temple, teaching the elders. Awed by their holiness and devotion, we sing to Thee:
Rejoice, Most Pure and Immaculate Virgin Mary!
Rejoice, Theotokos overshadowed by the Holy Spirit!
Rejoice, who dost ponder God's constant praise in Thy heart!
Rejoice, who prayest ceaselessly for our salvation!
Rejoice, who callest us all to a deep union with Thy Son, the Eternal Vine!
Rejoice, who brings us up to heaven on the wings of prayer!
Rejoice, who teaches us to watch with Thy Son for many hours!
Rejoice, Guide of constant prayer of the heart in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Rejoice, who dost open to us the fountains of Divine Grace!
Rejoice, through whom Christ came to us and through whom we are united to Him!
Rejoice, Fount of Holiness, distributing the Gifts of the Spirit to us!
Rejoice, teaching us to do "all He commands," and filling with Grace the empty jars of our souls!
Rejoice, O Theotokos of Fatima, our Unassailable Wall and Holy Protection!
Kontakion 6
Thou art verily the Holy Jar containing the Manna of Heaven and the Table on which rests the Bread of Life. At Fatima Thou didst promise to bless Thy children who approached worthily the Sacred Mysteries of the Body and blood of our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. As the Field that brought forth the Untilled Corn, we ask Thy assistance to become fruitful branches of the Vine that is Christ and sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 6
Bless us with the Grace to live a life worthy to receive the Sacred Mysteries of Thy Son, even though, like Isaias, we stand in fear of being consumed in our sinfulness by the Burning Coal of the Altar. But nourished at the Wounded Side of Thy Son and our Redeemer, we cry out with compunction:
Rejoice, Revealer of the Rich Treasures of Thy Son!
Rejoice, who leads us to worthy Communion of His Body and Blood!
Rejoice, Teacher of the Mysteries of Grace!
Rejoice, for without Thy Son we can do nothing!
Rejoice, for only He is Holy, only He is Lord!
Rejoice, for we confess Him not as Judas, but as the Thief!
Rejoice, for we cry out to Him to remember us in His Kingdom!
Rejoice, for we drink of the Mystical Wine that exudes from the Sacred Cluster that hung on the Cross!
Rejoice, for we are nourished from the outpouring of Grace and Mercy from His Wounded Side!
Rejoice, for the Risen Christ penetrates the walls of our hearts and grants us His Peace!
Rejoice, for the Lord has done great things for Thee and, through Thee, for us!
Rejoice, for He is laid in our hearts as Thou didst lay Him in the manger and we also, O Mystery of Mysteries, become "Bearers of God!"
Rejoice, O Theotokos of Fatima, our Unassailable Wall and Holy Protection!
Kontakion 7
Thou didst stand beneath the Cross of Thy Son on Calvary and the Prophecy of Simeon concerning the Sword that would pierce Thy soul was fulfilled. At Fatima, Thou didst ask for a spirit of sacrifice of us to bear our daily Crosses and offer them for the salvation of sinners throughout the world. As we fulfill Thy injunction and meditate on Thy Sorrow during the Passion of Thy Son and Lord, we cry: Alleluia!
Ikos 7
The Cross of Thy Son is our salvation, Most Holy Theotokos, as it is the Key that unlocked for us the Gates of Paradise as the Spiritual Ladder on which we climb to ascend to the Kingdom of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. As we ask Thee for strength to share in the Cross so that we might also share in the glory of the Resurrection, we sing:
Rejoice, Thou who walked with Christ to Calvary!
Rejoice, for Swords of Sorrow didst pierce Thy soul!
Rejoice, for Christ on the Cross gave us Thee to be our Mother!
Rejoice, for Thou wrapped the Body of Thy Son not in swaddling clothes, but in a shroud!
Rejoice, for "whose grief is like unto mine?"
Rejoice, for the secrets of many were revealed!
Rejoice, for the Cross is the folly of the world, but Divine Wisdom for us!
Rejoice, for we join Thee in seeing Christ in the "Pine, the cedar and the cypress!"
Rejoice, for when Christ was lifted up, He drew everyone to Himself!
Rejoice, for Thou dost teach us to accept our crosses!
Rejoice, for Thou dost ask us for sacrifices on behalf of sinners!
Rejoice, for Thou dost dip our daily crosses in honey!
Rejoice, O Theotokos of Fatima, our Unassailable Wall and Holy Protection!
Kontakion 8
Thou didst appear at Fatima to warn us of the impending disasters that were to befall the world, just as the dark clouds of sin and godlessness were gathering over the East. Thou didst ask for prayer for their conversion to the Catholic Faith and Church of Christ. Awed by Thy compassion and love, we sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 8
The enemies of God attacked His sanctuaries throughout the length and breadth of the land of Rus'-Ukraine and washed it in the blood of His servants. They set up their ensigns for signs in the Temples of God, and no one knew how long this was to be. Venerating the precious sufferings and witness of the New Martyrs and Confessors of the godless yoke, we sing:
Rejoice, new and glorious Sovereign of Rus'-Ukraine!
Rejoice, Queen of Grace who wields a spiritual sceptre!
Rejoice, Thou who welcomed the Martyrs to the Heavenly Kingdom!
Rejoice, Strength of the New Martyrs!
Rejoice, Consolation of those sentenced to death by freezing and hunger!
Rejoice, Might of the New Confessors!
Rejoice, Courage of the Passion-Bearers of Christ!
Rejoice, Conviction of the Righteous Priest-Martyrs!
Rejoice, Supportive Staff of the Holy Hierarch Martyrs!
Rejoice, Paradise desired by those tortured for their faith!
Rejoice, Hope of those without hope!
Rejoice, Thou who wept over the newly crucified Body of Christ that is His Church!
Rejoice, O Theotokos of Fatima, our Unassailable Wall and Holy Protection!
Kontakion 9
Thou didst reveal Thyself and Thy prophecies to three children at Fatima, O Most Holy Mother of God. Thou didst appoint them to be Thy disciples preaching repentance throughout the world. Marveling at the wisdom that comes forth from the mouth of babes, we sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 9
God did not reveal His Mysteries to the worldly or to the wise of this world, but, through Thee, to children. Not in age is wisdom measured, but in the Grace that comes from the Holy Spirit. And we sing to Thee with grateful hearts:
Rejoice, for we are to become like little children to attain the Kingdom of God!
Rejoice, for of such is the Kingdom of God!
Rejoice, for Christ asks that His children not be forbidden to come to Him!
Rejoice, Teacher of simplicity of faith and trust in God!
Rejoice, Guide to true humility and surrender to God's Will!
Rejoice, who dost ever nourish us with the milk of Thy Grace!
Rejoice, Protector of orphans!
Rejoice, Happiness of Francisco!
Rejoice, Beloved of Jacinta!
Rejoice, Inspirer of Lucia!
Rejoice, Guardian of youthful innocence and purity!
Rejoice, Radiant Star that guides and protects all Christ's young servants on the tumultuous sea of life's temptations!
Rejoice, O Theotokos of Fatima, our Unassailable Wall and Holy Protection!
Kontakion 10
There appeared a sign in Heaven, a Woman clothed with the Sun, with the Moon at her feet and a Crown of Twelve Stars on Her Head. And She crushed the serpent beneath her feet, despite the enmity that was between Her Seed and its seed, and was victorious. And the people of Fatima saw a glimpse of Thy heavenly glory, Most Holy Mother of God, as the sun danced like a ball of thread in Thy hands and they all cried: Alleluia!
Ikos 10
Who may worthily praise Thy virtues, Mother of God? Who may sufficiently sing of the Grace with which Thy Son and Lord has crowned Thee? Thou art the Rose of Sharon, Thou art the Lily of the Field, and whosoever finds Thee, finds eternal life and so we sing:
Rejoice, Thou who carried in Thy Womb the creator of the universe!
Rejoice, for Thou didst bear within Thee the God whom the very heavens cannot enclose!
Rejoice, for Thou art all beautiful and there is no imperfection in Thee!
Rejoice, for the gifts bestowed upon Thee by the Holy Spirit outnumber the stars of heaven!
Rejoice, Thou who dost lead us to the joys of heaven!
Rejoice, Treasury of all God's graces!
Rejoice, our Intercessor with our God Who is Thy Son!
Rejoice, Conqueror of evil!
Rejoice, Refuge of sinners!
Rejoice, Mother of the homeless!
Rejoice, Happiness of all servants of the Lord!
Rejoice, our Advocate who brings us to the Kingdom of God!
Rejoice, O Theotokos of Fatima, our Unassailable Wall and Holy Protection!
Kontakion 11
Thou didst put off the shackles of godless oppression from the suffering people and land of Rus' and art enthroned there as her Queen and Sovereign once more, Most Holy Mother of God, fulfilling the prophecy of Thy servant, Metropolitan Andrew Sheptytsky. Thy people gather again in the Church of Thy Son and sing praise to Thee and Thy wonders, too numerous to recall, that Thou hast blessed with Thy Miraculous Icons. And we join them in singing: Alleluia!
Ikos 11
We imitate St John the Theologian in taking Thee unto ourselves as our Mother in Thy miraculous Icons, Most Holy Theotokos. Each icon recalls Thy motherly care for us and Thy final victory over godlessness and evil as we proclaim:
Rejoice, Theotokos, Joy of all Joys!
Rejoice, Theotokos of the Passion!
Rejoice, Theotokos of Hoshiv!
Rejoice, Theotokos of Zhirovits!
Rejoice, Theotokos of Pochaiv!
Rejoice, Theotokos, Joy of all who Sorrow!
Rejoice, Theotokos, Searcher of the Lost!
Rejoice, Theotokos, Softener of Evil Hearts!
Rejoice, Theotokos, Quick to Hear!
Rejoice, Theotokos the Unmoveable Wall!
Rejoice, Theotokos of Vyshorod!
Rejoice, Theotokos of Zarvanytsia!
Rejoice, O Theotokos of Fatima, our Unassailable Wall and Holy Protection!
Kontakion 12
Thou art our Mother still that never ceases to pray for us and to guide us, forming within us the fullness of Thy Son and our Lord, Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit. For what the Holy Spirit did at Thy Annunciation, He continues to do with a soul that truly honours Thee as its Sovereign Lady. Bowing before this Mystery of God's Benevolence and Love for mankind, we sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 12
Most Holy Theotokos, we Thy children and servants sing Thy praises, asking Thee to intercede for us and save us with Thy prayers. May the Holy Spirit overshadow us throughout our lives and transfigure us into the fullness of Thy Son and our Lord Jesus Christ until His coming again as Judge of All. And so we exclaim:
Rejoice, Masterpiece of the Holy Spirit!
Rejoice, Lamp filled to overflowing with the Oil of His Grace!
Rejoice, Mountain densely wooded from whence the Messiah came forth!
Rejoice, Ark of the New Covenant!
Rejoice, Temple of the Holy Trinity!
Rejoice, Ladder of Divine Ascent!
Rejoice, Thou Bride Unwedded!
Rejoice, Throne of Christ our God!
Rejoice, Holy Chalice bearing the Wine of Gladness!
Rejoice, Table holding the Bread of Life!
Rejoice, for all creation rejoices in Thee!
Rejoice, for Thy womb contained God the Uncontainable!
Rejoice, O Theotokos of Fatima, our Unassailable Wall and Holy Protection!
Kontakion 13
O Most Holy Theotokos, we Thy servants beg Thee to accept this humble prayer of praise and thanksgiving for Thy motherly care and concern for us in Thy revelations and teachings at Fatima and through all Thy miraculous appearances, miracles and holy icons throughout the ages. Guide and protect us by Thy prayers as our Champion Leader and, after our repose, present us before the Throne of Thy Son and our Lord Jesus Christ and be Thou then for us the Good Advocate and Defender that Thou always art to us, now and in eternity and we shall never tire of singing: Alleluia! (3 times) Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1 are repeated.
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos of Fatima
Most Holy Mother of God who at Fatima appeared to three children to forewarn the world of the coming punishments to befall it and to teach us the way of repentance, we run to Thee seeking Thy Protection and Intercession before the Throne of Thy Son and our God. Thou art our Unassailable Wall as God is within Thee and Thou shalt not be moved. We ask Thee to be our Guide and Teacher in the paths of holiness, of conformity to God's Will in Total Consecration to our Lord Jesus Christ through Thee. Instill in us a firm resolve to be faithful to the means of holiness that Thou didst recommend at Fatima. Be for us, as ever, our Mother and Helper in all our spiritual and earthly needs, now and in eternity. Amen.
[ Home ] [ Articles ] [ Prayer ] [ Saints ] [ Theophilus ] [ Q & A ] [About Us] [ 
]
