Composed by St. Nikolai (Velimirovich) Translated from the Serbian book “Акатист Исусу Победитељу Смрти” (reprint edition of the manuscript, 1923) published by Interklima, (Vrnjci 2002/3), and published in English with the latter’s kind permission.
“This particular service, although entitled by St. Nikolai as an ‘Akathist,’ is actually a collection containing all the texts which typically belong to the daily cycle of services. It begins with stichera and other hymns appointed for Vespers and continues through the service of Orthros. After the sixth ode of the canon, the author introduces the akathist, composed of twelve kontakia and twelve ikoi. Following the akathist, the canon continues with odes seven, eight and nine, and the remaining hymns of Orthros. The name ‘Akathist’ refers neither to the poetical nor musical form of this poem but to the standing position of those who participate in the service. [...]The main theme of the Akathist is, of course, the resurrection of Christ. Through Bishop Nikolai’s theological clarity, philosophical sharpness and poetical originality—all of which were inspired through his deep spiritual experience—this Akathist uniquely represents the particular era in which he was preaching the risen Word of God to thirsting Christian souls. Using the elements of the old and masterfully combining them with the contemporary sparks of his God-given talents, he has given the Orthodox world a golden coin of theology expressed in a poetical way, thus proving that the era of liturgical and theological creativity never ceases.” —“Preface to the English Edition”
CONTENTS
Preface to the English Edition Concerning the Original Manuscript CANON First Tone. Ode One. Irmos Ode Three. Irmos Ode Four. Irmos Ode Five. Irmos Ode Six. Irmos AKATHIST Kontakion One Ikos One Kontakion Two The Choir of Angels Ikos Two Kontakion Three The Choir of Archangels Ikos Three Kontakion Four The Choir of Principalities Ikos Four Kontakion Five The Choir of Powers Ikos Five Kontakion Six The Choir of Authorities Ikos Six Kontakion Seven The Choir of Dominions Ikos Seven Kontakion Eight The Choir of Cherubim Ikos Eight Kontakion Nine The Choir of the Seraphim Ikos Nine Kontakion Ten The Choir of Thrones Ikos Ten Kontakion Eleven The Choir of Saints and Martyrs Ikos Eleven Kontakion Twelve The Choir of the Holy Virgin with the Virgins Ikos Twelve Kontakion Thirteen The Choir of Heaven and Earth Ode Seven. Irmos Ode Eight. Irmos Ode Nine. Irmos [Vespers]
Item Number: BKSP769 Publication Data: Safford, AZ: St. Paisius Monastery, 2009 Format: softcover Number of Pages: 44 Dimensions (l × w × h): 21.5 cm × 14.0 cm × 0.3 cm Additional Information: two-color printing, black-and-white illustrations
