На второй неделе Великого поста с 29 по 31 марта 2024 г в монастыре Ново-Дивеево прошло говение для мирян. Цель говения заключается в том, чтобы дать людям возможность помолиться на всех Богослужениях, приготовиться к таинствам Исповеди и Причастия, а также принять участие в лекциях, круглых столах и духовных беседах.
В субботу, 30 Марта, в соборе преп.Серафима Саровского, после чтения акафиста Святителю Иоанну Шанхайскому была отслужена Божественная Литургия и Вселенская Панихида. Богослужение возглавил ключарь собора протоиерей Александр Федоровский. Ему сослужили протоиерей Игорь Выжанов (настоятель Николаевского собора Нью-Йорка), иерей Артемий Сыс (клирик обители), диакон Алексей Пнев (клирик обители), диакон Виталий Пермяков (преподаватель Св. Владимирской духовной семинарии (ПЦА) гор. Йонкерс, шт. Н.Й.) и диакон Владимир Србляк (Сербская Православная Церковь Св. Иоанна Предтечи).
После утреннего богослужения в главном зале монастыря собралось не менее 60 человек. Сначала была предложена постная трапеза, во время которой читалось житие Алексия, человека Божия. Дополняя чтение, диакон Алексей напомнил нам о том, что подобные подвиги не осуществляются без особого призвания Божия, без благословения. Мысль о соединении с Богом, чутком понимании Произволения Его о нас, будет упоминаться во всех последующих докладах и обсуждениях этого говения.
После трапезы Диакон Виталий Пермяков провел беседу о Великопостных службах, где объяснил как структуру, так и суть богослужений в это особенное для всех время.
Затем отец Артемий огласил группы участников в обсуждениях «круглых столов» .У участников было около 2х часов на обсуждение, что дало возможность высказаться каждому члену группы, составить план, найти несколько ключевых изречений из Св. Писания или Св. Отцов, а также прийти к согласию, как именно будет раскрыта данная группе тема.
В 3 часа участники говения пошли на совместную подготовку к исповеди в храм, прочитали Каноны и Правило ко причастию и исповедовались.
В воскресение после Божественной Литургии все участники собрались на трапезу. Затем было обсуждение за круглым столом, где помимо участников групп присутствовало еще около 20 человек и клирики (о.Артемий, д.Виталий, д.Алексей), которые помимо модерации докладов еще следили за догматическо-канонической точностью. Освятили 5 тем:
1. Может ли Господь искушать? Размышления на слова «не Введи нас во искушение» 2. Как себя вести с неверующими в семье? 3. Почему надо крестить младенцев? 4. О необходимости домашней и церковной молитвы. 5. Почему необходимо Таинство исповеди и покаяние?
По окочании докладов все участники помолились и поблагодарили Бога за прошедшее говение, а желающие остались на вечернюю службу.
We are pleased to announce that the initial goals for the restoration of monuments at the Novo-Diveevo cemetery have been achieved.
In 2022, the leadership of the Orthodox cemetery at the Novo-Diveevo Monastery in Nanuet, New York, together with a group of volunteers, coalesced around the goal of addressing the deterioration and gradual destruction (by time and through extreme weathering) of the historical tombstones of the largest Russian necropolis in America.
The leadership agreed to reach out to the community and ask people who value the history of our cemetery to donate to this noble cause, so that cemetery workers would be able to commence repair work on a series of grave crosses that had become dilapidated or destroyed by Hurricane Sandy.
To begin with, the project included five crosses of different textures: one wooden cross, one marble cross and three made of granite. The estimated cost of labor and materials was assessed at $5,000.
As our priest said then, if this undertaking is pleasing to God, then it will go ahead. And so, it was. Donors responded with enthusiasm. Funds were contributed by parishioners of the monastery and by relatives of Orthodox Christians buried in this cemetery.
Keith Taylor, director of the local funeral home Hannemann Funeral Home, generously provided a large donation. And the monument company Karassik Monument offered to provide assistance in transporting and repairing the monuments themselves.
The goal was achieved, and the amount necessary to begin work was collected.
Over the initial period of renovation, the following work has been carried out:
1. Wooden cross of Prince Grigory Nikolaevich Diassamidze.
Work completed:
cutting bushes with roots
uprooting the roots of neighboring trees
leveling the granite bench on the adjacent burial ground
restoration of neighboring graves
adding and leveling soil above the grave
pouring the foundation for the cross
pouring a concrete frame
construction of a cedar cross in the old Russian style with a roof
installation of the cross and a concrete slab
backfilling with white stones covered with agro-fibre and adding soil.
2. Marble cross of Princess Maria Musine-Pushkin.
The frame and cross on the grave were damaged due to the growth of roots of neighboring trees.
Work completed:
dismantling the foundation and concrete frame
adding and leveling soil above the grave
pouring the foundation for the cross
pouring a concrete frame
construction of a cedar cross in the old Russian style with a roof
installation of the cross and a concrete slab
restoration and installation of a marble name plate.
3. Granite cross of senior lieutenant of the Imperial Navy Pavel Vasilyevich Shakhov.
Both massive and heavy crosspieces (cross bars of the cross) had broken off completely.
Work completed:
dismantling the cross
step-by-step repair and gluing of the cross in the workshop
installation of iron reinforcement in the cross and its base
installation of the cross on the foundation.
4. Granite cross of Alexander Nikiforovich Kuprin.
Torn down and broken by Hurricane Sandy.
Work completed:
dismantling the cross
step-by-step repair and gluing of broken parts in workshops
installation of iron reinforcement in the cross and its base
installation of the cross on the foundation.
5. Granite cross of the Cossack of the Kuban Army Dimitry Grigorievich Gritsukov.
The cross was broken by a passing car.
Work done:
dismantling the cross
stage-by-stage repair in the workshop
gluing and fastening broken pieces of granite
pouring a new concrete foundation for the monument
pouring a new concrete frame
installation of the base of the cross and the cross itself on the foundation
filling white stones with agro-fibre into the newly installed frame.
6. Granite cross of Captain, Knight of the Order of St. George Nikolai Dimitrievich Borodii
The cross was found fallen, but not damaged due to the lack of proper fastening with fittings. It was restored during the process.
Work completed:
Preparation of reinforcement on the main stone of the monument
Raising the cross using technology
The cross has been restored with appropriate fastenings.
By next year, a number of further graves will be selected for restoration. More than $7,000 has already been raised for new projects, and we are especially grateful to the Russian Nobility Association for its generous donation!
В этом году праздничное Богослужение в честь Владимирской иконы Божией Матери, с крестным ходом вокруг всей территории монастыря, было совершено в нашей Свято-Успенской Ново-Дивеевской обители в субботу, 9 сентября, чтобы дать возможность всем желающим принять участие в нашем торжестве.
Для нашей обители этот праздник имеет особое значение, так как у нас хранится чудотворный образ Владимирской иконы Божией Матери из Оптиной Пустыни. Для нас этот образ особенно дорог, так как долгие годы он находился в келье великих Оптинских старцев, будучи принесенным в Пустынь от подвижников Рославльских лесов, учеников старца Паисия Величковского, оптинским старцем Львом. Отец Адриан Рымаренко (позже — архиепископ Андрей), основатель монастыря Ново-Дивеево, получил его от преподобного Нектария, последнего Оптинского старца, и установил на почетном месте в нашем соборе.
Со дня основания Свято-Успенской Ново-Дивеевской обители, был введен обычай совершать ежегодно крестный ход с чудотворным образом Владимирской иконы Божией Матери вокруг всей территории монастыря.
Слава Богу, и в этом году вновь, в праздник Божией Матери собралось много богомольцев, и вместе с духовенством и монашествующими, с пением и молитвами, обошли всю территорию обители. Богослужение совершили архимандрит Силуан (Лембей), архимандрит Елевферий (Скиба, Ключарь храма иконы Божией Матери “Неупиваемая Чаша”), протоиерей Игорь Выжанов (настоятель Николаевского собора Нью-Йорка), иерей Александр Ревюк (настоятель Храма Святой Троицы в Бруклине, Православная церковь в Америке.), иерей Юлиан Рябцев ( исполняющий обязанности настоятеля Храма во имя Святых Апостолов Петра и Павла, Elizabeth, NJ), иерей Павел (Клирик храма иконы Божией Матери “Неупиваемая Чаша”), иерей Артемий Сыс (клирик обители), диакон Алексей Пнев (клирик Храма Рождества Пресвятой Богородицы – Mahopac, NY) и диакон Николай Арабидзе (клирик храма в честь Святого Николая Чудотворца, Bayonne NJ) . Молитвенно пел сборный хор под управлением Аллы Генераловой.
Священники по очереди несли Владимирскую икону Божией Матери и образы Преподобного Серафима Саровского и Оптинских Старцев, осеняя ими богомольцев и окрестности монастыря, и освящая всех и вся святой водой.
После крестного хода все богомольцы были приглашены на праздничную трапезу в главном зале монастыря.
Торжество в честь Владимирской иконы Божией Матери прошло на высоком духовном уровне, и мы надеемся, что с каждым годом этот праздник и крестный ход будут традиционно продолжать собирать множество богомольцев в наш монастырь.
Православная христианка желающая поступить в обитель, для испытания своего намерения должна пожить какое-то время в монастыре как трудница, не разрывая связи с миром.
Хорошо, если перед этим она успела приобщиться активной церковной жизни, что означает регулярное посещение храма, исполнение церковных послушаний, посещение святых мест, исповедь у постоянного духовника и приобщение Святых Христовых Тайн. Для поступления в монастырь желательно иметь благословение своего духовного отца.
Испытательный срок проживания в обители до поступления в сестричество устанавливается индивидуально.
Вопрос о поступлении в обитель, решается с настоятельницей монастыря.
Правила для желающих поступить в женскую обитель
Прежде всего, надо понять, что в монастырь идут не потому, что не могут жить в миру, а потому, что хотят стать монахами. Монашество — это не профессия, не способ существования, а Божественное призвание, сопряженное с усиленным и подвижническим трудом ради сугубого стяжания благодати Духа Святого.
Большинству обычных людей свойственно создавать семьи и жить в кругу своих семейных забот. К иноческой жизни призываются очень немногие. Целью монашества является теснейшее единение человека с Богом, достижение высшего духовного совершенства, которого невозможно достигнуть, живя в миру. Ради этого и оставляется мир со всеми его заботами и соблазнами. В стенах монастыря, живя в молитве и труде, монах ищет спасения у Бога.
Молитва является неотъемлемой частью жизни не только монашествующих, но и любого православного христианина. Молитвенное общение с Богом — есть сугубо религиозная потребность человека. В монашеской жизни ей уделено особенно важное место. Она является внутренним стержнем и основанием всей жизни для насельниц обители. Распорядок монастырской жизни начинается молитвой утром и заканчивается ею вечером, при начале и окончании всех дел и послушаний. Церковные Богослужения в монастыре отличаются большей продолжительностью.
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Желающие узнать подробнее могут позвонить 845-356-0425 или написать по электронной почте office@novo-diveevo.org
В субботу, 13 Мая, монастырская община при Ново-Дивеево провела первый в этом году монастырский субботник. По окончании Божественной литургии отслужили под открытым небом молебен перед началом благого дела, и около 40 волонтеров принялись за расчистку леса между Собором Преподобного Серафима Саровского и монастырским поселком, окончивая начатые в прошлом году работы для создания монастырского парка “Саровский лес”. За несколько часов были срублены засохшие деревья и расчищены упавшие ветки, убран мусор, проложены дополнительные тропинки для паломников и насельников монастыря.
Были проведены и работы на кладбище. Участники субботника очистили от мусора и сухих и упавших деревьев территорию возле исторического военного кладбища, также были выровнены, отремонтированы и покрашены кресты на монашеском кладбище и в его окресностях. Всего было покрашено около 50 крестов. Также начали работы по расчиcтке территории в секции W и заполнили землей те секции кладбища, гда стояло много воды.
С радостью приняли участие в субботнике и дети. Монахиня Серафима провела познавательную беседу в церкви и рассказала детям о жизни и подвигах Серафима Саровского. Все слушали с большим удовольствием. После беседы у детей была возможность познакомиться и принять участие в росписи камней. Дети с легкостью увлеклись творчеством и создали замечательные и жизнерадостные работы. После занятий дети пошли помогать с покраской крестов.
В середине дня все труженики собрались на обед на лужайке в монастырском поселке, а затем вновь принялись за работу. Закончили субботник около 5 часов вечера. Следующий субботник планируется на осень этого года.
On Saturday, May 13, the monastic community at Novo-Diveevo held the first volunteer Saturday of the year. At the end of the Divine Liturgy, a moleben was served before the start of a good deed in the open air. About 40 volunteers set about clearing the forest between the Cathedral of St. Seraphim of Sarov and the monastery village, completing the work begun last year to create the Sarov Forest monastery park. In a few hours, dried trees were cut down and fallen branches cleared, garbage was removed, additional paths were laid for pilgrims and monastery residents.
Additional work was also carried out at the cemetery. The participants of the event cleared the area near the historic section of the cemetery, from debris as well as dry and fallen trees, and the crosses in the monastic cemetery and its surroundings were also leveled, repaired and painted. Approximately 50 crosses were repaired. Also, work began on clearing the territory in section W. This section of the cemetery where there was a lot of water, was filled with an additional layer of soil.
The children also took part in the volunteer Saturday with joy. Nun Seraphima held an informative conversation in the church and told the children about the life and deeds of St. Seraphim of Sarov. Everyone listened with great pleasure. After the conversation, the children had the opportunity to get acquainted and take part in the painting of stones. Children were engaged in the creative activity and created wonderful and cheerful works.
Afterwards, the children went to help with the painting of the crosses. In the middle of the day, all the volunteers gathered for lunch on the lawn of the monastery village, and then again set to work. The day’s work was completed around 5:00 pm. The next Volunteer Saturday is planned for this fall.
Вчера, 31 октября, в монастыре Ново-Дивеево прошел семейный вечер, посвященный дню памяти святого праведного Иоанна Кронштадтского.
Незадолго до вечерней службы родители с детьми собрались для участия в детской программе – дети послушали истории из жизни отца Иоанна, посмотрели фотографии Иоанновского монастыря, где покоятся святые мощи, а после с интересом взялись за написания письма и просьбы о молитве дорогому Батюшке. В 5 часов началась праздничная полиелейная служба в честь Праведного Иоанна Кронштадтского, на которой смогли побыть и маленькие гости.
После вечерней службы Святому Праведному Иоанну Кронштадтскому взрослые и дети направились в главный зал монастыря, чтобы накрыть праздничный стол и испечь угощение к чаю. Дети были рады угостить игумению монастыря и духовенство сладким печеньем, которое они сами приготовили. После, духовенство и гости монастыря, смогли тепло пообщаться за совместной вечерней трапезой.
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Yesterday, on October 31, a family evening was held in the Novo-Diveevo convent dedicated to the Feast day of St. John of Kronstadt.
Shortly before the evening service, parents and children gathered to participate in the children’s program – the children listened to stories from the life of Saint John, looked at photographs of the Ioannovsky Monastery, where His holy relics rest, and then they began to write a letters, draw pictures and prayer requests to St. John. At 5 o’clock the festive polyeleos service began in honor of the Righteous St. John of Kronstadt, where the children and their parents also attended.
After the evening service, adults and children went to the main hall of the monastery to set the festive table and bake cookies. The children were happy to treat the abbess of the monastery and the clergy with sweet cookies, which they themselves had prepared. Afterwards, the clergy and guests of the monastery were able to enjoy an evening meal together in the main convent hall.
В субботу, 15 октября, провели первый в этом году монастырский субботник. По окончании Божественной литургии отслужили под открытым небом молебен перед началом благого дела, и около 30 волонтеров принялись за расчистку леса между Собором Преподобного Серафима Саровского и монастырским поселком, закладывая основу для будущего благоустроенного парка “Саровский лес”.
За несколько часов были срублены засохшие деревья и расчищены упавшие ветки, убран мусор, проложены тропинки для паломников и насельников монастыря. Пока взрослые трудились в лесу, дети покрасили баки для сбора мусора на кладбище. В середине дня все труженники собрались на обед на лужайке в монастырском поселке, а затем вновь принялись за работу. Закончили субботник около 5 часов вечера.
Сердечно благодарим всех за молитвы и помощь монастырю, и приглашаем прогуляться в новосозданном монастырском парке!
On Saturday, October 15, we held the first monastic volunteer day this year. At the end of the Divine Liturgy, an open-air Molieben Before Beginning any Good Work, and about 30 volunteers set about clearing the forest between the Cathedral of St. Seraphim of Sarov and the monastery village. All the work done was a first step in the creation of the new “Sarov Forest” park.
In a few hours, fallen branches were cleared and dried trees were cut down, garbage was removed, paths were laid for pilgrims and members of the convent community of the monastery. On the same day, the children also painted the trash cans at the cemetery. After a lunch break in the monastery village, everyone returned to work. All work was completed by 5 p.m.
We sincerely thank everyone for their prayers and help to the monastery and invite you to take a walk in the newly created monastery park!
On September 10, after the Divine Liturgy, the procession around the Holy Dormition Novo-Diveevo Convent took place. The clergy of the monastery, monastics, as well as pilgrims and members of the Orthodox Youth of New York participated in the procession. The procession was accompanied by the prayerful singing of all those participating, while the clergy blessed everyone with the Holy Icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir and sprinkled everyone with Holy Water. After the procession, the guests of the monastery took part in a festive picnic.
A special part of the Divine Liturgy on the day of Pentecost is that immediately after the Liturgy, Great Vespers is served, during which three special prayers of St. Basil the Great are read while kneeling.
It is worth noting that from this very day, for the first time after Pascha, the Church allows for prostrations.
The kneeling prayers contain petitions for the mercy of God, for the sending down of the Holy Spirit, and also prayers for the souls of the reposed. These prayers have their own special symbolic meaning. They were introduced into church service in order to give strength to the faithful while keeping within the church mood of piety and humility, and also to enable them, following the example of the apostles, to be in constant vigilance to receive the Grace of God.
Text of the Kneeling Prayers at Pentecost Vespers:
Prayer 1
O pure and blameless Lord, Who art without beginning, invisible and incomprehensible, unchangeable, immeasurable, and unbounded, Who art without evil and alone immortal, who dwellest in the unapproachable light, Maker of heaven and earth and the seas and all that was created therein, Who grantest to all their petitions before asking, to Thee we pray and of Thee we ask, O philanthropic Master, the Father of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and of the ever-virgin Mary, the noble Theotokos; Who first didst teach by word, and then gave testimony in deed while bearing the saving Passion, teaching us Thine unworthy, sinful, and miserable servants, to offer Thee our supplications with bent head and knee, for our sins and human ignorance.
Wherefore, O most merciful and philanthropic Lord, hear us on whatever day we call upon Thee, and especially on this day of Pentecost, whereon, after our Lord Jesus Christ had ascended into heaven and sat on Thy right hand, O God and Father, He sent down the Holy Spirit to his Disciples, the holy Apostles, Who alighted on each of them and filled them all with His inexhaustible and divine grace; and they did speak in strange tongues, prophesying Thy great deeds. Hear us who beseech Thee, and remember us, wretched and condemned. Deliver us from the (sinful) captivity of our souls by Thy loving intercession. Accept us, who kneel down before Thee and cry out: we have sinned. From birth, from the womb of our mother – we are Thine, O Lord – Thou art our God. But as our life passes in vanity, we have therefore been stripped of thine aid, and have become silent. Yet do we trust in Thy compassion and cry unto Thee. Remember not the sins of our youth and ignorance; cleanse us of our secret sins. Reject us not in our old age, and forsake us not when our strength fails. Before we return to the earth, prepare us to return to Thee. Measure our lawlessness with a measure of Thy generosity, and erect against our many transgressions a bottomless abyss of these generosities.
Look down from the height of Thy holiness upon Thy people who stand and await from Thee abundant mercy. Visit us with Thy goodness and deliver us from the force of Satan and preserve our life with Thy holy and solemn laws. Commit Thy people unto a faithful guardian angel. Gather us all unto Thy kingdom. Forgive those who put their trust in Thee, relinquish us and them from sin. Purify us by the operation of Thy Holy Spirit and remove from us the wiles of the adversary.
And the prayer: Blessed art Thou, Lord, Almighty Master, who illuminest the day with the light of the sun and the night with the glow of the moon, Who hast made us worthy to pass the course of the day and draw near to the onset of the night; hear our petitions and those of all Thy people. Forgive us all our sins, both voluntary and involuntary, and accept our evening supplications and send down the multitude of Thy mercies and compassions upon Thy people. Protect us with Thy holy angels. Arm us with the weapons of Thy truth. Envelop us with Thy righteousness. Preserve us by Thy power, and deliver us from every oppression and from every conspiracy of the cunning one. Grant us that this evening and the approaching night and all the days of our life may be perfect, holy, peaceful, sinless, without doubt and vain imaginings, by the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and all the saints who have done Thy will from the beginning of time.
Prayer 2
O Lord Jesus Christ our God, Who residest with us in this life, and Who gavest mankind the world, and in Thine inalienable rule dost give to the true the gift of the Holy Spirit, this blessing Thou hast sent down more fully to Thy pupils and Apostles and dispensed into their mouths the fire of tongues, so that through them all mankind would receive knowledge of God and be enlightened by the light of the Spirit, being emancipated from seduction as from darkness and by their supernatural action learning to believe in the Son of God and to praise Him with the Father and the Holy Spirit as one Godhead, Power and Authority.
Wherefore, O Splendor of the Father, the Likeness of his Essence, His immutable and unchangeable Nature, Thou art the fountain of salvation and grace. Open my lips, sinner that I am, and teach me how and for what I should pray; for Thou dost know the multitude of my sins, but Thine unbounded compassion doth overcome the enormity thereof. Behold, I come and stand before Thee in fear and dismay, casting my soul’s despair into the depth of Thy mercy. Ordain my life, O Thou Who rulest the whole creation with ineffable wisdom. O tranquil Haven to those who are caught in the rages of winter, make known to me the way in which I should walk. Grant to my thoughts the spirit of Thy wisdom, and bestow upon my ignorance the spirit of Thy understanding. Overshadow mine acts with the spirit of Thy fear; a just spirit renew Thou within me, and by Thy Sovereign Spirit strengthen Thou mine unstable mind, that I may be worthy each day to do Thy commandments, being guided by Thy righteous Spirit into that which is profitable, ever mindful of Thy glorified (second) Coming, when we shall all be obliged to give an answer for our deeds. Let me not be led astray by the corrupting pleasures of this world, but strengthen me to delight in the treasures to come. For Thou, O Master, didst say, “Whatever ye ask in My Name ye shall receive” from God the Father co-eternal with Thee.
Therefore, I a sinner, implore Thy goodness on the day of the descent of Thy Holy Spirit. Grant Thou my request for salvation: yea, good Lord, Who grantest all riches and benevolence; for Thou art He, the merciful and pitying, Who givest us more than we ask, Who hast become a Partaker with us in the flesh without sin. Thou art He Who, for his love for mankind, dost have compassion for those who bend the knee to Thee, having become an offering for our sins. Grant, Lord, Thy compassion to Thy people, and incline Thine ear to us from Thy Holy heaven; sanctify us by the saving might of Thy right hand. Cover us with the shelter of Thy wings and turn not away from the product of Thy hands. Against Thee only do we sin, yet Thee only do we serve. We know not how to bow to a strange god, nor how to reach out to a different god. Pardon our iniquities, O Master, and accepting our requests on bended knee, extend to us all a helping hand, and accept the prayers of all as fragrant incense acceptable to Thy most righteous Kingdom.
And the prayer: Lord, Lord, Thou Who hast delivered us from every arrow (obstacle) that comes by day, save us from everything that walketh in darkness, and accept the lifting up of our hands as an evening offering. Consider us worthy to pass the night blamelessly and experience no evil. Deliver us from Satan. Free us from all confusion and fear. Grant our souls rapture, and our thoughts concern over our accountability at Thy just and terrible judgment. Transfix our flesh with Thy fear, and mitigate our members who are on earth, that in the tranquillity of sleep we may be enlightened by the meditation of Thy precepts. Drive from us every evil fancy and lasciviousness. Elevate us during our prayers, strengthened in faith and enriched by Thy commandments.
Prayer 3
O Christ our God, the ever-flowing Spring, life-giving, illuminating, creative Power, co-eternal with the Father, Who didst divinely achieve the deed of saving mankind, and didst tear apart the indestructible bonds of death, break asunder the bolts of Hades, and tread down the multitude of evil spirits, offering Thyself as a blameless Sacrifice and offering us Thy pure, spotless and sinless body: Who, by this fearsome, inscrutable divine service didst grant us life everlasting, O Thou Who didst descend into Hades, and demolish the eternal bars, revealing an ascent to those who were in the lower abode; Who with the lure of divine wisdom didst entice the dragon, the head of subtle evil and with Thy boundless power bound him in abysmal hell, in inextinguishable fire, and extreme darkness.
O Great Wisdom of the despairing! Overcomer of misfortunes – eminent helper, Who came and lit the way for those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death; Thou art the Lord of everlasting glory, the beloved Son of the Most High Father, eternal Light of eternal Light, Thou Sun of truth! Hear Thou us who beseech thee, and lay to rest the souls of Thy servants, of those who have died heretofore, and those of our fathers and brothers and other kinsmen in flesh and all others through faith, for whom we now celebrate this memorial; for Thou hast power over all, and in Thy hands Thou holdest all the boundaries of the earth.
O Almighty Master, God of our fathers, Lord of mercy and Creator of all the races of men, the living and the dead, and of all nature, animate and inanimate, Who appeared and resided here on earth and again departed into the other world, Who settest the years for the living and appointest the time for the dead, Who bringest down to Hades and raisest to bliss; who bindest with weakness and loosest with power; Who arrangest the present as is meet and Who directest the future towards usefulness, Who consolest with the hope of resurrection those who feel the sting of death 3/4 Thou art the Master of all, our God and our Savior, O Hope of all the boundaries of the earth and of those who are away on the seas, O Thou who on this last and great day of salvation, the day of the Feast of Pentecost, hast revealed to us the mystery of the Holy Trinity, consubstantial and co-eternal, indivisible and immiscible, Who didst send down the Holy and life-giving Spirit in the form of tongues of fire on His holy Apostles, revealing them as proclaimers of our godfearing faith, making of them true confessors and preachers of the word of God, Who makest us worthy that our propitiatory prayers, of this all-perfect day of salvation, be acceptable for those who are imprisoned in Hades, and Who grantest those imprisoned therein a great hope in receiving from Thee consolation and relief of their confining grief.
Hear us, disconsolate and wretched, who beseech Thee, and give rest unto the souls who have formerly departed, and make them to repose in a resplendent place, a place of verdure and coolness, where there are no ills nor sorrow nor sighs. And array their souls in the tabernacles of the righteous, and make them worthy of peace and repose; for it is not the dead who praise Thee, O Lord, nor do those who are in Hades venture to offer unto Thee confession, but we, the living, do bless Thee and supplicate Thee, O Lord, and offer unto Thee prayers of purification and sacrifices for their souls’ sake.
And the prayer: O great eternal God, holy and loving toward mankind, Who dost make us worthy to stand at this hour before Thine unapproachable glory, praising and glorifying Thy wonders, forgive us, unworthy sinners, and grant us grace that from a humble and contrite heart we may offer Thee the thrice-holy glorification and gratitude for Thy great gifts which Thou didst grant and dost still steadfastly grant unto us. Remember, Lord, our weakness and destroy us not in our iniquities; but in accordance with our humility show unto us Thy great mercy, that being delivered from the darkness of sin, we may walk in the day of truth, equipped with the armor of light, and freed from all the evil attacks of the wicked one, glorifying Thee in all things, O only true God and Lover of mankind.
For in truth, O Master and Creator of all, Thine is the great and original Mystery; the temporary death of Thy creatures, and their restoration thereafter unto eternal repose. In all things we acknowledge Thy favor, at our entrance into this world and at our going out therefrom, O Thou Who by Thy unfailing promises didst hold out to us the hope of everlasting life, resurrection, and incorruptible life, which shall be ours to enjoy at Thy Second Coming; for Thou, Lord Christ, art the fountain of our resurrection, the mankind-loving and incorruptible judge of the deceased and those worthy of reward. Thou hast assumed, with utmost condescension, our flesh and blood, and through Thine undying love for us, didst not dismiss Thy suffering, willingly submitting to torture; so that, having been tempted, Thou, as promised, became the helper to those who are tempted, elevating us to Thy dispassion.
Wherefore, O Master, accept our prayers and supplications, and grant repose to our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, children, blood relatives, and kinsfolk, and all those who have gone to their final rest with the hope of resurrection and life everlasting. Inscribe their names in the Book of Life; in the bosoms of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; in the land of the living, the Kingdom of Heaven, in the paradise of delight, leading all into Thy Holy dwelling places by Thy radiant angels, and raise their bodies on the day that Thou hast appointed, according to Thine unfailing Holy promises; for there is no death, O Lord, to Thy departing servants who cast off their bodies and come unto Thee, O God, but a transition from sorrowful things to pleasant and benign, to repose and joy. And if they have sinned (in any respect) against Thee, forgive them, and be Thou compassionate unto them and us; for there is none without stain before Thee, even though his life be but a day, save Thou alone, Jesus Christ our God, Who didst appear on earth without sin, and because of Thee we all trust to attain mercy and the remission of sins.
Therefore, O God, through Thy grace and love of mankind, weaken, remit and forgive our sins and theirs; overlook both our voluntary and involuntary offenses, which we have committed either willfully or through ignorance, openly or in secret whether by word, deed, or thought and all our wrathful dealings which we have committed during our lifetime. As for those who have preceded us, grant them emancipation and repose. To those of us who are here, bless us, and give us and all Thy people a blessed and peaceful end to life. At Thy fearsome and dreadful coming open to us Thy fathomless love of mankind, making us worthy of Thy Kingdom.
And the prayer: O Thou most exalted God, Who alone dost possess immortality, Who dwellest in the unapproachable light, Who in wisdom didst bring into being all creation, who didst separate between the light and the darkness, setting the sun to rule the day, and the moon and stars to rule the night, Who on this day didst vouchsafe us sinners as worthy through confession to present ourselves before Thy countenance and to offer to Thee our evening prayers.
And the prayer: O philanthropic God, set our prayers like incense before Thee, and receive them as a sweet fragrance. Grant that this evening and the approaching night may be peaceful and serene for us. Clothe us with the armor of light, and deliver us from nightly fears and from everything that walketh in darkness. Vouchsafe that the slumber which Thou didst grant us for rest from our weakness be also free from every satanic vision. Yea, O Master, Who providest good things for all, grant that in our lodgings, amid the night, we may with fervor recall Thy most Holy Name. Grant that being enlightened by the teachings of Thy commandments, we in spiritual joy would rise up to glorify Thy goodness, offering for Thy compassion petitions and supplications for our sins and those of all people, for which Thou, through the intercession of the Holy Theotokos, visitest upon us with mercy!
We cry out with heartfelt emotion to the chosen Virgin Mary, far nobler than all the daughters of the earth, Mother of the Son of God, Who gave salvation to the world: Look at our life which is filled with every sorrow and remember the sorrow and pain which thou didst suffer as one born on earth with us, and do with us according to thy merciful heart, that we may cry unto thee: Rejoice, much-sorrowing Mother of God, turn our sorrows into joy and soften the hearts of evil men!
Oikos I
An angel announced the birth of the Saviour of the world to the shepherds in the Bethlehem and with the multitude of the heavenly hosts praised God, singing: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will among men!” But thou, O Mother of God, having nowhere to lay thy head, since there was no room in the inn, gave birth to thy first-born Son in a cave and, wrapping Him in swaddling clothes, laid Him in a manger. Knowing the pain in thy heart, we cry out to thee: Rejoice, for thou wast warmed by the breath of thine own beloved Son! Rejoice, for thou didst wrap the eternal Child in swaddling clothes! Rejoice, for thou didst nourish with thy milk the One who sustaineth the universe! Rejoice, for thou didst turn a cave into a heaven! Rejoice, for thou didst make thy throne upon the Cherubim! Rejoice, for thou didst remain a virgin both in giving birth and after birth! Rejoice, much-sorrowing Mother of God, turn our sorrows into joy and soften the hearts of evil men!
Kontakion II
Seeing the eternal Child swaddled and lying in a manger, the shepherds of Bethlehem came to worship Him and to relate that which the Angels told them about the Child. But Mary kept all these things in her heart. And after eight days had passed Jesus was circumcised, according to the law of Israel, as a man. Hymning thy humility and patience, O Theotokos, we sing to the Good God Eternal: Alleluia!
Oikos II
Having their understanding based on God and keeping the Law of the Lord, on the fortieth day when the days of purification were complete, His parents took Jesus to Jerusalem so that they could present Him before the Lord and offer sacrifice for Him according to the decree in the Law of the Lord. But we sing out to thee, O Theotokos, thus: Rejoice, for thou didst take the Creator of the universe to the Temple in Jerusalem to fulfill the Law! Rejoice, for thou didst there meet the Elder Simeon with joy! Rejoice, thou only Pure and blessed one among women! Rejoice, for with humility Thou didst carry thy cross adorned with sorrows! Rejoice, for thou didst never disobey the will of God! Rejoice, for thou didst reveal thyself as a model of patience and humility! Rejoice, much-sorrowing Mother of God, turn our sorrows into joy and soften the hearts of evil men!
Kontakion III
Thou wast strengthened with power from on high, O Mother of God, when thou didst hear the words of the Elder Simeon, when he said to thee: “Behold, this Child is destined to be the rise and fall of many in Israel. This is a sign which will be spoken against, and a sword will pierce thy very soul so that the thoughts of many may be revealed.” And great sorrow entered the heart of the Theotokos, and with grief she cried out to God: Alleluia!
Oikos III
Hastening to destroy the Child, Herod ordered the killing of all children in Bethlehem and its environs, from two years of age and under according to the time that he determined from the Magi. And behold, according to the command of God, the Elder Joseph was informed by an angel in a dream to flee with the Holy Family to Egypt and to remain there until the death of Herod. Therefore with compunction, we cry out to thee, O Theotokos: Rejoice for thou didst bear the entire turmoil of exile! Rejoice for all the idols fell in the land of Egypt not being able to endure the power of thy Son! Rejoice for thou didst remain for seven years among the dishonorable pagans! Rejoice, for thou didst arrive in Nazareth with the first-born Youth and with thy betrothed! 5 Rejoice, for thou didst live with the Elder Joseph the carpenter in poverty! Rejoice, for thou didst spend all thy time in hard labors! Rejoice, much-sorrowing Mother of God, turn our sorrows into joy and soften our hearts and those of evil men!
Kontakion IV
A storm of sorrows whirled about the most pure Mother when they returned from Jerusalem, not finding the young man Jesus in the caravan. For this reason they returned to look for Him, and after three days they found Him in the Temple, sitting among the teachers listening to them and asking them questions. And His Mother asked Him, “Child, why hast Thou done this to us? Behold, Thy father and I suffered greatly looking for Thee.” And Jesus answered them, ” Why were ye looking for Me? Do ye not know about those things which My Father has entrusted unto Me?” And Thou, O Most Pure One, kept all these sayings in Thy heart, crying out to God: Alleluia!
Oikos IV
The Mother of God heard that Jesus traveled through all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom and healing all kinds of illness and infirmity among the people. And His reputation spread through all of Syria and they brought Him every kind of illness and the suffering and those tormented by demons and the paralyzed and He healed them. But thou, O Mother of God, knowing the prophecy, sorrowed in thy heart, knowing that very soon the time would come when Thy Son would present Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. For this reason we bless thee, much- sorrowing Mother of God, crying out: Rejoice, for thou didst give thy Son to the service of the Jewish people! Rejoice, for thou didst sorrow in thy heart, but didst submit to the will of God! Rejoice, for thou didst save the world from the deluge of sin! Rejoice for thou didst crush the head of the ancient serpent! Rejoice, for thou didst offer thyself as a living sacrifice to God! Rejoice, O blessed one, the Lord is with Thee! Rejoice, much-sorrowing Mother of God, turn our sorrows into joy and soften the hearts of evil men!
Kontakion V
Preaching the Kingdom of God on earth, Jesus exposed the arrogance of the Pharisees who imagined themselves to be righteous. So when they heard His parables they understood it was about themselves that He was speaking and they sought to arrest Him, but they feared the people who considered Him to be a prophet. Seeing all of this, the Mother of God sorrowed for her beloved Son and feared that they would kill Him, in affliction crying out: Alleluia!
Oikos V
Some of the Jews, seeing the resurrection of Lazarus, went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. And Caiaphas, who was the high priest that year, said, “It will be better for us that one man die for the people, so that the whole nation would not perish.” From that day on they took counsel about how they would kill Him. But we cry out to thee, O Most Pure One: Rejoice, thou who gavest birth to the Saviour of the world! Rejoice, source of our salvation! Rejoice, for thou wast chosen from birth to be the Mother of our Saviour! Rejoice, Mother of God, destined for suffering! Rejoice, O blessed one, who dost preside as Queen of Heaven! Rejoice, O blessed one, thou who always prays for us! Rejoice, much-sorrowing Mother of God, turn our sorrows into joy and soften the hearts of evil men!
Kontakion VI
Once a preacher of the Word of God, and now a traitor, Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles, went to the high priest to betray his Teacher. They listened to him, were exceedingly pleased and promised to give him thirty pieces of silver. But thou, O Mother of God, didst sorrow for thy beloved Son, and didst cry out in grief to God: Alleluia!
Oikos VI
Taking part in the Last Supper with the disciples at which the Teacher washed their feet, thereby revealing an example of humility, Christ said to them, “One of you will betray Me.” But we, suffering with the Mother of God, cry out to Her: Rejoice, Mother of God, languishing with the torture of thy heart! Rejoice, Thou who didst suffer all in this most sorrowful vale! Rejoice, Thou who didst find comfort in prayer! Rejoice, joy of all who sorrow! Rejoice, Thou who dost save us from the mire of sin! Rejoice, vessel filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit! Rejoice, much- sorrowing Mother of God, turn our sorrows into joy and soften the hearts of evil men!
Kontakion VII
Desiring to show His love for the human race, the Lord Jesus Christ at the Mystical Supper, blessed and broke bread, and gave it to His disciples and apostles, saying: “Take, eat, this is My Body.” And taking the chalice and giving praise gave it to them saying: “All of you drink of this, this is My Blood of the New Covenant which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Thanking the compassionate God for His ineffable mercy to us, we sing to Him: Alleluia!
Oikos VII
The Lord revealed a new sign of His mercy to His disciples when He promised to send them the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Who would descend from the Father and would witness concerning Him. But to thee, O Mother of God, sanctified again on the day of Pentecost by the Holy Spirit, we cry: Rejoice, mansion of the Holy Spirit! Rejoice, brilliantly-illuminated bridal chamber! Rejoice, spacious dwelling place of God the Word! Rejoice, thou who didst open for us the gates of paradise by Thy giving of birth! Rejoice, thou who didst reveal the sign of divine mercy Himself to us! Rejoice, much-sorrowing Mother of God, turn our sorrows into joy and soften the hearts of evil men!
Kontakion VIII
It is at once very strange and sorrowful for us to hear how Judas Iscariot betrayed his Teacher and Lord with a kiss. Then the crowd and the commander and the servants of the Jews arrested Jesus, and bound Him, and led Him first to the chief priest Ananias, and then to the high priest Caiaphas. But thou, O Mother of God, expecting the death sentence for thy beloved Son, cried out to God: Alleluia!
Oikos VIII
All of the Jews led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium to Pilate, saying that He was a criminal. But Pilate, after questioning Him, told them that he could not find any fault at all in Him. But we cry out to thee with compunction, O Mother of God, who saw the slander of Thy Son: Rejoice, thou whose heart was broken by woe! Rejoice, for thou didst shed tears for thy Son! Rejoice, thou who didst see thy beloved Child given over to trial! Rejoice, for thou didst suffer everything without complaint like a true handmaiden of the Lord! Rejoice, despite thy weeping and lamentation! Rejoice, O Queen of Heaven and earth, who dost accept the prayers of thy servants! Rejoice, much-sorrowing Mother of God, turn our sorrows into joy and soften the hearts of evil men!
Kontakion IX
All generations bless thee, who art more honorable than the Cherubim and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, our Lady and the Mother of our Redeemer, for thy birth-giving has brought joy to the whole world. But thou didst suffer the final great sorrow when thou saw thy beloved Son insulted, whipped, and sentenced to death. For this reason we present our heartfelt hymn to thee, O Most Pure One, singing to God Almighty: Alleluia!
Oikos IX
Loquacious orators are not able to describe all of the suffering which Thou endured, our Saviour, such as when the soldiers placed a crown woven out of thorns on Thy head and dressed Thee in a purple robe, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and slapped Thee across the face. But we, Mother of God, recognizing thy suffering, cry out to thee: Rejoice, thou who didst behold thy Son slain for our sake! Rejoice, seeing Him dressed in purple and wearing a crown of thorns! Rejoice, seeing Him tortured, whom thou didst nourish with thy milk! Rejoice, thou who didst suffer His Passion together with Him! Rejoice, thou who didst watch all His disciples forsake Him! Rejoice, thou who didst see Him condemned by the judgement of the unrighteous! Rejoice, much-sorrowing Mother of God, turn our sorrows into joy and soften the hearts of evil men!
Kontakion X
Wanting to save Jesus, Pilate said to the Jews, “We have a custom to release a prisoner on the feast of Passover. Do you want me to give you the King of the Jews?” All of them shouted, saying, “Not Him, but Barabbas!” We praise the great mercy of the Heavenly Father, Who so loved the world, that He gave His onlybegotten Son to death on the Cross in order to redeem us from eternal death, as we cry out to Him: Alleluia!
Oikos X
Be a wall and a fortification unto us, O Lady, who are overburdened by sorrows and suffering. For thou thyself didst suffer hearing the Jews shouting, “Crucify, crucify Him!” Now hear us crying out unto thee: Rejoice, Mother of mercy, who wipest away every tear from those who suffer cruelly! Rejoice, thou who grantest us tears of heartfelt compunction! Rejoice, thou who savest lost sinners! Rejoice, Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame! Rejoice, thou who savest us from our passions! Rejoice, thou who grantest comfort to broken hearts! Rejoice, much-sorrowing Mother of God, turn our sorrows into joy and soften the hearts of evil men!
Kontakion XI
We offer a hymn of heartfelt sorrow to the Saviour of the world for His voluntary Passion and carrying His Cross to Golgotha to be crucified. Standing at Jesus’ Cross are His Mother, Mary Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene. But Jesus, seeing His Mother and His disciple whom He loved standing there, said to His disciple, “Behold thy mother!” And from that time the disciple took her into his family. But thou, O Mother of God, seeing Thy Son and Lord on the Cross was devastated, and cried out to God on high: Alleluia!
Oikos XI
“O my Son and Pre-eternal God, Fashioner of all creation! O Lord, how canst Thou endure the suffering on the Cross?” the pure Virgin cried, saying: “By Thy awesome birth, O my Son , I have been exalted above all mothers, but woe is me! Now when I see Thee, my womb burns within me.” But we shed tears remembering thee, and cry out to thee: Rejoice, thou who was deprived of joy and merriment! Rejoice, thou who didst see the voluntary passion of thy Son on the Cross! Rejoice, thou who didst see thy beloved Son sore wounded! Rejoice, ewe lamb, seeing thy Son as a lamb being led to slaughter! Rejoice, thou who didst see the Deliverer of the wounds of soul and body covered with wounds! Rejoice, thou who didst see thy Son rise from the dead! Rejoice, much-sorrowing Mother of God, turn our sorrows into joy and soften the hearts of evil men!
Kontakion XII
O All merciful Saviour, grant us mercy, breathing out Thy Spirit on the Cross and tearing up the handwriting of our sins. “Behold, my good Light, my God, is extinguished on the Cross!” the Virgin in great anguish exclaimed. “O Joseph, hasten to Pilate, approach him and ask him to take thy Teacher down from the Cross.” “Seeing Thy wounded Body, naked and without glory, on the Cross, O my Child, a sword has pierced my soul according to the prophecy of the Elder Simeon,” said the Mother of God, singing: Alleluia!
Oikos XII
Hymning Thy mercifulness, O Lover of mankind, we bow down to Thy generous mercy, O Master. The Most Pure one said, “Wishing to save Thy creature, thou hast given Thyself over to death.” But by Thy resurrection, O Saviour, have mercy on all of us, while we address Thy most pure Mother: Rejoice, thou who didst see the most good Lord dead and without breath! Rejoice, thou who didst kiss the body of thy beloved Son! Rejoice, thou who didst see thy Light as a naked and wounded corpse! Rejoice, thou who didst place the Light of the world in the tomb! Rejoice, thou who didst wrap His body in a new shroud! Rejoice, thou who beheld His Resurrection from the dead! Rejoice, much-sorrowing Mother of God, turn our sorrows into joy and soften the hearts of evil men!
Kontakion XIII (Thrice)
O All-hymned Mother, crushed by thy sorrow at the Cross of thy Son and God, accept our tears and expressions of sorrow and save from every sorrow, affliction, and eternal death, all those who hope in thine ineffable kindheartedness and cry out to God: Alleluia!
Oikos I
An angel announced the birth of the Saviour of the world to the shepherds in the Bethlehem and with the multitude of the heavenly hosts praised God, singing: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will among men!” But thou, O Mother of God, having nowhere to lay thy head, since there was no room in the inn, gave birth to thy first-born Son in a cave and, wrapping Him in swaddling clothes, laid Him in a manger. Knowing the pain in thy heart, we cry out to thee: Rejoice, for thou wast warmed by the breath of thy own beloved Son! Rejoice, for thou didst wrap the eternal Child in swaddling clothes! Rejoice, for thou didst nourish with thy milk the One who sustaineth the universe! Rejoice, for thou didst turn a cave into a heaven! Rejoice, for thou didst make thy throne upon the Cherubim! Rejoice, for thou didst remain a virgin both in giving birth and after birth! Rejoice, much-sorrowing Mother of God, turn our sorrows into joy and soften the hearts of evil men!
Kontakion I
We cry out with heartfelt emotion to the chosen Virgin Mary, far nobler than all the daughters of the earth, Mother of the Son of God, Who gave salvation to the world: Look at our life which is filled with every sorrow and remember the sorrow and pain which thou didst suffer as one born on earth with us, and do with us according to thy merciful heart, that we may cry unto thee: Rejoice, much-sorrowing Mother of God, turn our sorrows into joy and soften the hearts of evil men!
Prayer to the Most Holy Mother of God “The Softener of Evil Hearts”
O much-sorrowing Mother of God, more highly exalted than all other maidens, according to thy purity and the multitude of thy suffering endured by thee on earth: Hearken to our sighs and soften the hearts of evil men, and protect us under the shelter of thy mercy. For we know no other refuge and ardent intercessor apart from thee, but as thou hast great boldness before the One who was born of thee, help and save us by thy prayers, that without offence we may attain the Heavenly Kingdom where, with all the saints, we will sing the thriceholy hymn to One God Almighty in the Trinity, always now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
