Oh, our great Saint and wonderful wonder-worker Joasapha, quick helper to those who come to you! Mercifully look upon us, unworthy, who pray here with tears of tenderness and bring thanks to you according to our strength. We thank you, servant of Christ, for you have heard the prayers of us unworthy and have abundantly granted us our requests. We confess with our minds and lips that truly you are a warm prayer book for us and, by the grace and gift given to you, you grant the salvation we all need: you heal the sick, comfort the suffering, pour out peace and joy to sorrowful hearts, create joy for the crying, make the sad rejoice: You congratulate your child as a parent, you raise your friends from the deathbed as a spouse, you pacify the warring, you show mercy to the envious, and you punish all kinds of untruths, just as you were a courageous zealot in your life of truth and mercy. We thank you, Saint, for your great blessings shown to us, and we humbly pray to you, we are unworthy: intercede for us at the throne of Christ, and help us to preserve the memory of your blessings and generosity poured out on us, so that in humility of heart we will complete the rest of our lives, and May we inherit the heavenly village of the Divine, through your prayers, forever and ever. Amen.

(about the sick and suffering)

Akathist and life (view) of St. Joasaph Bishop of Belogorodsk the Wonderworker

Kontakion 1

And the chosen warriors of courage and the heir of Christ's flock, the good shepherd, the lamp of faith, who shone on the candlestick of Belgrade, the nourisher of the poor and the prayer book for people to Christ God, let us write praise to you, the servant of your Lord, from our hearts, crying out to your love:

Ikos 1

And the angel of God was sent quickly from the Mother of God to perform a symbolic action and cover the youth with the holy mantle, Joasapha. Your parent was honored to see this in a vision, hearing the voice of the Queen of Heaven saying: Your prayer is sufficient for Me. Listen to such a sweet voice, and we, sinners, cry out to you in love:

Rejoice, born of your mother on the day of the Most Pure Nativity; Rejoice, covered by the veil of the Mother of God from your birth.

Rejoice, vessel chosen by God from your childhood; Rejoice, raised under the shadow of the monastery of the Holy Trinity of the Lord.

Rejoice, beloved son of pious parents; Rejoice, you who loved the desert more than your relatives.

Rejoice, in the city of Kyiv you have acquired book learning through your mind; Rejoice, you who gave your pure heart to the Lord.

Rejoice, you who left your parents’ house for the Lord’s sake; Rejoice, secretly directing your steps to the Mezhigorsk monastery.

Rejoice, young prayer book of the cramped cave; Rejoice, you who despise earthly things and love heavenly things.

Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker.

Kontakion 2

As the image of this world passes away, the glory of man disappears like smoke, from your youth you loved the monastic life and, as a child, you were devoted to the prayer and service of God, Joasapha, always singing the angelic song to the Lord: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Your mind, enlightened by the teachings of books in the Epiphany brotherhood, you gave over to the thought of God, Joasapha, not collecting treasures of wisdom for yourself, but rather becoming rich in God with these, preparing yourself through prayer and fasting in the service of Christ. By the same token, in your youth, you were worthy of cice’s pleasures:

Rejoice, image of purity and chastity; Rejoice, good guardian of humility.

Rejoice, having cast away the soul-sweetening sweets of this world like rubbish; Rejoice, washing your soul with pure tears of youth.

Rejoice, having preserved your virginity uncorrupted by the Lord; Rejoice, conqueror of the temptations of the young age.

Rejoice, spring, illuminated by the rays of grace; Rejoice, morning, fragrant with virtues.

Rejoice, for you have followed Christ on the narrow path; Rejoice, for you have desired to achieve the mountainous Fatherland.

Rejoice, you who laid your hand on the Lord’s forehead; Rejoice, you have never turned back your face.

Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker.

Kontakion 3

From the strength of your spirit, united in one intention, in which you completely betrayed your life to Christ, you took on the angelic image in your early youth, Joasapha, and together with the elders you sang to the Triune God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

And having an invincible weapon, a cross on your heart, inscribed by faith, against the passions and sins of mortals growing against us, you took strong arms, and, having granted victory to the Lord against your enemies, you composed a song of honest virtue, listening to it, and we are grateful to your lips we sing to you:

Rejoice, image of humility, by whom pride is cast down; Rejoice, mercy is the rule, by which all evil is conquered.

Rejoice, bearer of chastity and reflection of unclean thoughts; Rejoice, strong zealous love and destruction of hatred.

Rejoice, freed from the captivity of passions by fasting with weapons; Rejoice, you have been protected by meekness from the wrath of unrighteousness.

Rejoice, guardian of piety, guarding your soul from the sleep of sin; Rejoice, through the commonwealth of virtues you deliver from mortal decay.

Rejoice, servant of God, adorned with these virtues in the memory of Christians; Rejoice, lamp of faith, kindled from the Sun of Truth in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Rejoice, source, flowing into eternal life; Rejoice, you have stronger power against the devil.

Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker.

Kontakion 4

Having calmed the storm of temptations and attacks of the enemy with your vigilant life, you were elevated from the bishop of God to the degree of priesthood, and with all humility you lifted the burden of serving the church in honorable Kiev, to the shrines of this city, from where and to this day foreigners and Orthodoxy people cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

With words from near and far about your tireless labors, Joasaph, as the first monastery in the city of Lubnakh, which you adorned, blessed you, your abbot, after the same Lavra of Sergius was renewed by you, as much as the building of the house, so was the monastic life by correcting it. For this reason, the voice of the people praises you with these:

Rejoice, skillful builder of the temples of the saints; Rejoice, diligent decorator of honest abodes.

Rejoice, zealot for the splendor of the church; Rejoice, more than these, to the zealot of spiritual work.

Rejoice, you bear the image of Christ in your heart; Rejoice, loving your Savior to the end.

Rejoice, preacher, the Tsarina of Russia listened to him in sweetness; Rejoice, I speak the truth, do not look at faces.

Rejoice, thou who has done deeds to the mind of God; Rejoice, having taught all of us patience through your life.

Rejoice, for you worked in the sweat of your brow for God’s sake; Rejoice, for you have perfected your spirit in the struggle of goodness.

Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker.

Kontakion 5

In the heart of the star of obedience, like Bethlehem, you mentally followed, you found Christ, appearing in the temple of your soul, reverend father, and you bent your will. Likewise, the Lord, strengthening you in your struggle, in a vision commands Athanasius, Saint of Mgara, to lay his hand on your head and thereby announce your coming, and with boldness cry out to the Heavenly King: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

In the people of Belogradstia, the teacher of the good of Divine teachings appeared on the throne of holiness and the guardian of fatherly traditions, showing herself faithful to herself, impartial to the judge and vigilant shepherd, rejoicing greatly and unanimously praising you, saying:

Rejoice, teacher of the true knowledge of God; Rejoice, persecutor of magic and fortune-telling.

Rejoice, accuser of evil unbelief; Rejoice, eradicator of schism and superstition.

Rejoice, you who taught the intemperate nobleman holy fasting; Rejoice, you firmly established the statutes of your fathers in the monasteries.

Rejoice, dispenser of Orthodox truths; Rejoice, patron saint of schools of piety.

Rejoice, through whom Latin customs are banished; Rejoice, even as the seeds of Christ’s truth are sown.

Rejoice, the gate is open to those who seek learning; Rejoice, never-silent mouth of the glory of God.

Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker.

Kontakion 6

Thou preacher of Orthodox dogma, the commandments of the Lord not only in the mouth, but also in thy whole life, O Joasapha, thou hast expounded. Thus, your light was enlightened before men, because, having seen your good deeds, everyone glorified the Heavenly Father, to Him every breath sings praise: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

When the Sun of Truth shone before your eyes, the night of sin on the earth below was not terrible for you, Saint Joasapha, who was appointed by the Lord as a helmsman on ships and received with a strong hand. We also worthily praise you and will not be silent, blatantly:

Rejoice, shepherd, do not please yourself; Rejoice, thou faithfully protect the flock of Christ from ravenous wolves.

Rejoice, having crushed wickedness with the rod of righteousness; Rejoice, you who neglect the sacred things and excommunicate them from the Church of God.

Rejoice, strong fence for those unjustly offended; Rejoice, firm defense of the truth for the sake of the hated.

Rejoice, protecting the humble reader from the princely servants; Rejoice, despisers of the church statutes.

Rejoice, righteous accuser of the arrogant; Rejoice, strict moderator of the disobedient.

Rejoice, you who did not sheathe the spiritual sword; Rejoice, you who have received the crown of righteousness from the Lord.

Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker.

Kontakion 1
Chosen warriors of courage and the heir of Christ's flock, the good shepherd, the lamp of faith, shining on the candlestick of Belgrade, the nourisher of the poor and the prayer book for people to Christ God, let us sing praises to you servant of your Lord, from our hearts crying out to your love: Rejoice, holy saint of Christ Joasaph, wonderworker admirable.

Ikos 1
An angel of God was sent quickly from the Mother of God to perform a prototypical action and cover the youth with the holy mantle, Joasapha. Your parent was honored to see this in a vision, hearing the voice of the Queen of Heaven, saying: Your prayer is sufficient for me. We listen to such a sweet voice, and we, sinners, cry out to you in love: Rejoice, born of your mother on the day of the Nativity of the Most Pure One; Rejoice, covered by the veil of the Mother of God from your birth. Rejoice, vessel chosen by God from your childhood; Rejoice, raised under the shadow of the monastery of the Holy Trinity of the Lord. Rejoice, beloved son of pious parents; Rejoice, you who loved the desert more than your relatives. Rejoice, in the city of Kyiv you have acquired book learning through your mind; Rejoice, you who gave your pure heart to the Lord. Rejoice, you who left your parents’ house for the Lord’s sake; Rejoice, secretly directing your steps to the Mezhigorsk monastery. Rejoice, young prayer book of the cramped cave; Rejoice, you who despise earthly things and love heavenly things. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker.

Kontakion 2
Seeing the image of this world passing away and the glory of man disappearing like smoke, from your youth you loved the monastic life and, as a child, you were devoted to the prayer and service of God, Joasapha, always singing the angelic song to the Lord: Alleluia.

Ikos 2
Your mind, enlightened by the teachings of the books in the Epiphany brotherhood, you gave over to the thought of God, Joasapha, not collecting treasures of wisdom for yourself, but rather becoming rich in God with these, preparing yourself through prayer and fasting in the service of Christ. Likewise, in your youth you were worthy of the blessings of the world: Rejoice, image of purity and chastity; Rejoice, good guardian of humility. Rejoice, having cast away the soul-sweetening sweets of this world like rubbish; Rejoice, having washed your soul with the pure tears of youth. Rejoice, having preserved your virginity uncorrupted by the Lord; Rejoice, conqueror of the temptations of the young age. Rejoice, spring, illuminated by the rays of grace; Rejoice, morning, fragrant with virtues. Rejoice, for you have followed Christ on the narrow path; Rejoice, for thou hast desired to achieve the lofty fatherland. Rejoice, you who laid your hand on the Lord’s forehead; Rejoice, you have never turned back your face. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker.

Kontakion 3
Having united the strength of your spirit into one intention, in order to completely betray your life to Christ, you took on the angelic form in your early youth, Joasapha, and together with the elders you sang to the Triune God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3
Having an invincible weapon, the cross, inscribed on your heart by faith, against the passions and sins of mortals who rise up against us, you took strong arms and to the Lord, who granted victory to your enemies, you composed a song with honest virtue, listening to it, and we sing with grateful lips: Rejoice, image of humility, by whom pride is cast down; Rejoice, mercy is the rule, by which all evil is conquered. Rejoice, bearer of chastity and reflection of unclean thoughts; Rejoice, strong zealous love and destruction of hatred. Rejoice, freed from the captivity of passions by fasting with weapons; Rejoice, you who through meekness have protected yourself from the wrath of unrighteousness. Rejoice, guardian of piety, guarding your soul from the sleep of sin; Rejoice, through the commonwealth of virtues you deliver from mortal decay. Rejoice, servant of God, adorned with these virtues in the memory of Christians; Rejoice, lamp of faith, kindled by the sun of righteousness in the Kingdom of Heaven. Rejoice, source, flowing into eternal life; Rejoice, you have stronger power against the devil. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker.

Kontakion 4
Calming the storm of temptations and attacks of the enemy with your vigilant life, you were elevated from the bishop of God to the degree of priesthood and with all humility on your frame you lifted the burden of church service in honorable Kiev, constantly falling to the shrines of this city, from where and to this day monks and Orthodox people cry out To God: Alleluia.

Ikos 4
I have heard from those near and far about your tireless labors, Joasaph, how the first monastery in the city of Lubnakh was beautifully decorated by you, blessing you, your abbot, after the same Lavra of Sergius was renewed by you, as much as the building of the house, so was the monastic life by correcting it. For this reason, the voice of the people praised you with these words: Rejoice, skillful builder of the temple of the saints; Rejoice, diligent decorator of honest abodes. Rejoice, zealot for the splendor of the church; Rejoice, more than these zealots of spiritual work. Rejoice, you bear the image of Christ in your heart; Rejoice, loving your Savior to the end. Rejoice, preacher, the Russian queen listened to him in sweetness; Rejoice, I speak the truth, do not look at faces. Rejoice, thou who has done deeds to the mind of God; Rejoice, having taught us all patience through your life. Rejoice, for you worked in the sweat of your brow for God’s sake; Rejoice, for you have perfected your spirit in the struggle of goodness. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker.

Kontakion 5
More godly than the star of obedience, like Bethlehem, mentally following, you found Christ, appearing in the temple of your soul, reverend father, and you bent your will to Him. Likewise, the Lord, strengthening you in your struggle, in a vision commands Athanasius, Saint of Mgara, to lay his hand on your head and thereby announce your coming, and with boldness cry out to the Heavenly King: Alleluia.

Ikos 5
Having seen you in Belograd, a teacher of the goodness of divine teachings, appearing on the throne of holiness and guardian of fatherly traditions, showing yourself faithful, being impartial to the judge and vigilant in the shepherd, I rejoice greatly and praise you with unanimity, saying: Rejoice, teacher of the true knowledge of God; Rejoice, persecutor of magic and fortune-telling. Rejoice, accuser of evil unbelief; Rejoice, eradicator of schism and superstition. Rejoice, you who taught the intemperate nobleman holy fasting; Rejoice, thou who firmly established the statutes of the fathers in the monasteries. Rejoice, dispenser of Orthodox truths; Rejoice, patron saint of schools of piety. Rejoice, through whom Latin customs are banished; Rejoice, you who taught the intemperate nobleman holy fasting; Rejoice, thou who firmly established the statutes of the fathers in the monasteries. Rejoice, dispenser of Orthodox truths; Rejoice, patron saint of schools of piety. Rejoice, through whom Latin customs are banished; Rejoice, even as the seeds of Christ’s truth are sown. Rejoice, the gate is open to those who seek learning; Rejoice, never-silent lips of the glory of God. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker.

Kontakion 6
Thou preacher of Orthodox dogmas, the commandments of the Lord not only in the mouth, but also in thy whole life, thou hast expounded, O Joasapha. Thus, your light was enlightened before men, because, having seen your good deeds, everyone glorified the Heavenly Father, to Him every breath sings praise: Alleluia.

Ikos 6
The sun of righteousness has risen before your eyes, and the night of sin on the earth below will not be terrible for you, Saint Joasapha, who was appointed by the Lord as a helmsman on ships and received His helm with a strong hand. In the same way, we worthily praise you and will not be silent, crying out: Rejoice, shepherd, do not please yourself; Rejoice, thou who faithfully protect the flock of Christ from ravenous wolves. Rejoice, having crushed wickedness with the rod of righteousness; Rejoice, you who neglect the sacred things and excommunicate them from the Church of God. Rejoice, strong fence for those unjustly offended; Rejoice, firm defense of the truth for the sake of the hated. Rejoice, protecting the humble reader from the princely servants; Rejoice, despisers of the church statutes. Rejoice, righteous accuser of the arrogant; Rejoice, strict moderator of the disobedient. Rejoice, you who did not sheathe the spiritual sword; Rejoice, you who have received the crown of righteousness from the Lord. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker.

Kontakion 7
Although you are a true shepherd, who calls his sheep by name, you have often walked around the cities of your flock, not in need, but according to God, below the profits of the unrighteous, but diligently, giving an image to the flock in your labors and processions and illnesses, constantly teaching and denouncing, and calling on all people to serve God and sing to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 7
A new heaven and a new earth, according to the promise of Christ, tea and these, for the sake of the inner man, renewing you every day, by fasting you freed your flesh from the work of decay, Joasapha the wise, and with the prayer of the wing you increased your spirit, with whom you also raised us sinners spiritually, in order to glorify you and chant: Rejoice, having found heavenly joys through labor and illness; Rejoice, in your fasting and vigil you have tasted spiritual sweets. Rejoice, you who humbled your flesh in your suffering; Rejoice, the image of patience revealed to people. Rejoice, weak vessel, storehouse of spiritual strength; Rejoice, ever so meager, receptacle of grace. Rejoice, censer of incense fragrant to God; Rejoice, temple of holy hymns. Rejoice, marvelous builder of the mysteries of God; Rejoice, blessed child of the Church and teacher. Rejoice, for angels serve with you invisibly; Rejoice, for the demons have retreated far from you. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker.

Kontakion 8
Having been a wanderer in this world, you philosophized above, not on earth, Reverend Joasapha, and, remembering your last, you prayed to Christ God, saying: at the hour of my death, receive the spirit of Your servant, who is on the journey, and with all the saints I will sing to You: Alleluia.

Ikos 8
With all your heart and holy love you served the lesser brethren, Saint Joasapha, feeding the hungry, warming the homes of the orphans and the poor, preparing firewood for widows with your own hands, doing your alms in secret. But the Lord has deigned that your good deeds have appeared to the world, even as they glorify, we cry to you: Rejoice, tree of grace, from whose fruit the hungry eat; Rejoice, source of consolation, from which the thirsty will drink. Rejoice, for your right hand does not know what you do; Rejoice, for your meal was a consolation to those in prison. Rejoice, you who fed the disgraced commander with your food; Rejoice, for the evil ruler will not be able to prevent you from doing this. Rejoice, robbers who attacked you and were put to shame by your words; Rejoice, thou who alone turned from them to final repentance. Rejoice, mothers who feed with milk, good protection; Rejoice, wise care for these little children. Rejoice, for you have united mercy and judgment together; Rejoice, for through your love you have gained the love of the people. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker.

Kontakion 9
Your spiritual eye has seen every mystery of the human soul. In the same way, the sin of the priest was revealed to you, bent for years, bound by the oath of an angel of God on this earth, who brought him to repentance and reconciled him to God, according to the Divine Liturgy, you delivered him from sinful captivity and the bonds of temporary life, singing to the all-merciful Savior: Alleluia.

Ikos 9
More than the voice of the people, the voice of many people silently praises you, blessed Joasapha. Likewise, now accept this praise from all of us, who in tender hearts call to you: Rejoice, as your all-night prayers brought down the grace of God to the earth; Rejoice, for your many days of hard work have been a blessing to the church and to the people. Rejoice, always show pastoral care for the verbal sheep of your flock; Rejoice, thou who correct the rite of the church splendidly. Rejoice, thou who has tamed battles and quarrels through thy rebuke; Rejoice, you who taught presbyters and deacons a peaceful life. Rejoice, for a new vessel of grace has opened in you; Rejoice, for through you the Peschansky image appeared to the Mother of God. Rejoice, clear proclamation of the secrets of the heart; Rejoice, wondrous insight to come. Rejoice, faithful guardian of the Gospel covenant; Rejoice, unhypocritical guardian of the church commandments. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker.

Kontakion 10
Although you saved your sheep from being plundered, you drove the fierce wolves away from the church fence with your holy rod, but with the word of truth, like a two-edged sword, you repelled their attacks, Joasapha, singing the victorious song to the Lord: Alleluia.

Ikos 10
You have protected your people with a strong wall, O blessed one, having laid this on the foundation of faith, erected hope and love from the stones and strengthened them forever with the memory of your deeds. For these sakes we compose a song for you, crying out: Rejoice, persecutor of evil customs, and protector of good ones; Rejoice, wise steward of your region. Rejoice, spiritual weapon of the Russian country; Rejoice, bright mirror of the truth of the Church. Rejoice, you who spared no one for the sake of man-pleasing; Rejoice, you who denounced bribery. Rejoice, for the sake of man, you never shut the doors of truth; Rejoice, having subdued your heart to the sole fear of God. Rejoice, scorching the enemies of faith with the flame of the Lord’s wrath; Rejoice, you calm the fury of the unrighteous anger with meekness. Rejoice, undaunted commander of Christ; Rejoice, shepherd, loved by all and beloved by all. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker.

Kontakion 11
We bring you songs of praise from our humble hearts, blessed Joasapha. For this love shall not turn away from your acceptance, even though you now hear the sweetest voices of angels singing to God in heaven: Alleluia.

Ikos 11
Having prepared your spirit for the luminous heaven and foreseeing the speedy end of earthly life, and commanded that a temple be prepared for the burial of your body, you visited your father’s city and your parents, according to the commandment of God, giving honor to the theme, and with the love of your filial soul, perfecting them in faith and hope, in the image and Enlighten us, O blessed Joasapha, who call: Rejoice, you who have illuminated the old age of your parents with your visit; Rejoice, blessed father before your death. Rejoice, for I have purified your weak spirit like gold; Rejoice, for your virtues are like precious stones, Siyahu. Rejoice, O ship, not overcome by the adversity of the storms of life; Rejoice, having gloriously completed the path commanded by Christ. Rejoice, for the bright heaven has appeared to you as a sweet haven; Rejoice, for the door of the Kingdom of Christ has opened for you. Rejoice, for thou hast inhabited the mountain villages with thy spirit; Rejoice, for you have left on earth the incorruptible guarantee of resurrection. Rejoice, star, shining in the spiritual firmament; Rejoice, prayer for us to God never ceases. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker.

Kontakion 12
Christ show us inexhaustible grace an indisputable sign in the incorruption of your relics, Joasapha the wise, before whom people faithfully pray, from the visible to the invisible learn to ascend spiritually, and God, who is wondrous in His saints, glorify and sing angelically to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 12
Singing your righteous life, blessed Joasapha, glorifying your labors and ascension from glory to glory, we see and confess that your death was born into ever-flowing life, even with streams of grace, sprinkling us on earth, and from mental and physical illnesses, deigning to the Lord, freeing , often appearing in vision and bringing comfort to the sick and sorrowful, but most of all to those praying before your tomb, you invisibly listen and visibly give help. In the same way, praising you with gratitude, we say: Rejoice, having partaken of joy, but not forgetting those in sorrow; Rejoice, inclining your ear to the vale of sorrows, Rejoice, like Elias the Thesbite, burning with the fire of jealousy for God; Rejoice, through the footsteps of the miracle worker Myra of Lycia, enter the huts of the poor. Rejoice, unexpected help for the desperate; Rejoice, blessed strength for the weakened. Rejoice, for through your prayers Chromia walked; Rejoice, for through your blindness your sight has been restored. Rejoice, healer from various ailments; Rejoice, guarding Orthodox warriors in battle. Rejoice, faithful defender of the Russian lands; Rejoice, unhypocritical champion of Orthodoxy. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker.

Kontakion 13
O glorious shepherd of Belograd, Saint Joasaph. Accept this little praise of ours and pray to Christ God to deliver the Russian land and all Christian countries from the deadly plague of unbelief, from all enmity and discord, from visible and invisible enemies, and may the Holy Church grow and strengthen, and all faithful to Christ the world shepherd will bring those singing to Him: Alleluia.

(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)

Akathist to Saint JOASAPH, BISHOP OF BELGOROD Kontakion 1 Of the chosen warriors of courage, the heir of Christ's flock, the good shepherd, the lamp of faith, shining on the priesthood of Belgrade, the nourisher of the poor and the prayer book for people to Christ God, let us sing praises to you servant of your Lord from our hearts, crying out to your love : Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker. Ikos 1 An angel of God was sent from the Mother of God to perform a representative action and cover the youth with the holy mantle, Joasapha. Your parent was honored to see this in a vision, hearing the voice of the Queen of Heaven saying: Your prayer is sufficient for Me. We listen to such a sweet voice, and we, sinners, cry out to you in love: Rejoice, born of your mother on the day of the Nativity of the Most Pure One; Rejoice, covered by the veil of the Mother of God from your birth. Rejoice, vessel chosen by God from your childhood; Rejoice, raised under the shadow of the monastery of the Holy Trinity of the Lord. Rejoice, beloved son of pious parents; Rejoice, you who loved the desert more than your relatives. Rejoice, in the city of Kyiv you have acquired book learning through your mind; Rejoice, you who gave your pure heart to the Lord. Rejoice, you who left your parents’ house for the Lord’s sake; Rejoice, secretly directing your steps to the Mezhigorsk monastery. Rejoice, young prayer book of the cramped cave; Rejoice, you who despise earthly things and love heavenly things. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker. Kontakion 2 Seeing the image of this world passing away, the glory of man disappears like smoke, from his youth you loved the monastic life and, as a child, you were devoted to the prayer and service of God, Joasapha, always singing the angelic song to the Lord: Alleluia. Ikos 2 Your mind, enlightened by the teachings of the books in the Epiphany brotherhood, you gave over to the thought of God, Joasapha, not collecting treasures of wisdom for yourself, but rather becoming rich in God with these, preparing yourself through prayer and fasting in the service of Christ. By the same token, in your youth, you were worthy of the blessings of the world: Rejoice, image of purity and chastity; Rejoice, good guardian of humility. Rejoice, having cast away the soul-sweetening sweets of this world like rubbish; Rejoice, washing your soul with pure tears of youth. Rejoice, having preserved your virginity uncorrupted by the Lord; Rejoice, conqueror of the temptations of the young age. Rejoice, spring, illuminated by the rays of grace; Rejoice, morning, fragrant with virtues. Rejoice, for you have followed Christ on the narrow path; Rejoice, for you have desired to achieve the mountainous Fatherland. Rejoice, you who laid your hand on the Lord’s forehead; Rejoice, you have never turned back your face. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker. Kontakion 3 Uniting the strength of your spirit into one intention, in which you completely betrayed your life to Christ, you took on the angelic form in your early youth, Joasapha, and together with the elders you sang to the Triune God: Alleluia. Ikos 3 Having an invincible weapon, a cross on your heart, inscribed by faith, against the passions and sins of mortals growing against us, you took strong arms, and, having granted victory to the Lord against your enemies, you composed a song of honest virtue, listening to it, and we have grateful lips we sing to you: Rejoice, image of humility, by whom pride is cast down; Rejoice, mercy is the rule, by which all evil is conquered. Rejoice, bearer of chastity and reflection of unclean thoughts; Rejoice, strong zealous love and destruction of hatred. Rejoice, freed from the captivity of passions by fasting with weapons; Rejoice, you have been protected by meekness from the wrath of unrighteousness. Rejoice, guardian of piety, guarding your soul from the sleep of sin; Rejoice, through the commonwealth of virtues you deliver from mortal decay. Rejoice, servant of God, adorned with these virtues in the memory of Christians; Rejoice, lamp of faith, kindled from the Sun of Truth in the Kingdom of Heaven. Rejoice, source, flowing into eternal life; Rejoice, you have stronger power against the devil. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker. Kontakion 4 Having calmed the storm of temptations and attacks of the enemy with your vigilant life, you were elevated from the bishop of God to the degree of priesthood, and with all humility you lifted the burden of church service in honorable Kiev, constantly falling to the shrines of this city, where foreigners and In Orthodoxy, people cry out to God: Alleluia. Ikos 4 I have heard, near and far, about your tireless labors, Joasaph, how the first monastery in the city of Lubnakh was beautifully decorated by you, blessing you, your abbot, after the same Lavra of Sergius was renewed by you, as much as the building of the house, so was the monastic life by correcting it. For this reason, the voice of the people praised you with these words: Rejoice, skillful builder of the temples of the saints; Rejoice, diligent decorator of honest abodes. Rejoice, zealot for the splendor of the church; Rejoice, more than these, to the zealot of spiritual work. Rejoice, you bear the image of Christ in your heart; Rejoice, loving your Savior to the end. Rejoice, preacher, the Tsarina of Russia listened to him in sweetness; Rejoice, I speak the truth, do not look at faces. Rejoice, thou who has done deeds to the mind of God; Rejoice, having taught all of us patience through your life. Rejoice, for you worked in the sweat of your brow for God’s sake; Rejoice, for you have perfected your spirit in the struggle of goodness. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker. Kontakion 5 More God-bearing than the star of obedience, like Bethlehem, you mentally followed and found Christ, who appeared in the temple of your soul, Reverend Father, and you bent your will to him. Likewise, the Lord, strengthening you in your struggle, in a vision commands Athanasius, Saint of Mgara, to lay his hand on your head and thereby announce your coming, and with boldness cry out to the Heavenly King: Alleluia. Ikos 5 Seeing you, the people of Belogradstia, the teacher of the good of Divine teachings, appeared on the throne of the holiness and the guardian of the fatherly traditions, showing herself to be faithful, showing herself to be impartial to the judge and vigilant to the shepherd, I rejoiced greatly and unanimously praised you, saying: Rejoice, teacher of the true knowledge of God; Rejoice, persecutor of magic and fortune-telling. Rejoice, accuser of evil unbelief; Rejoice, eradicator of schism and superstition. Rejoice, you who taught the intemperate nobleman holy fasting; Rejoice, you firmly established the statutes of your fathers in the monasteries. Rejoice, dispenser of Orthodox truths; Rejoice, patron saint of schools of piety. Rejoice, through whom Latin customs are banished; Rejoice, even as the seeds of Christ’s truth are sown. Rejoice, the gate is open to those who seek learning; Rejoice, never-silent mouth of the glory of God. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker. Kontakion 6 Thou preacher of Orthodox dogmas, the commandments of the Lord not only in the mouth, but also in thy whole life, O Joasapha. Thus, your light was enlightened before men, because, having seen your good deeds, everyone glorified the Heavenly Father, to Him every breath sings praise: Alleluia. Ikos 6 Woe to the Sun of Truth that has risen before your eyes, the night of sin on the earth below will not be terrible for you, Saint Joasapha, who was appointed by the Lord as a helmsman on ships and received with a strong hand. In the same way, we worthily praise you and will not be silent, crying out: Rejoice, shepherd, do not please yourself; Rejoice, thou faithfully protect the flock of Christ from ravenous wolves. Rejoice, having crushed wickedness with the rod of righteousness; Rejoice, you who neglect the sacred things and excommunicate them from the Church of God. Rejoice, strong fence for those unjustly offended; Rejoice, firm defense of the truth for the sake of the hated. Rejoice, protecting the humble reader from the princely servants; Rejoice, despisers of the church statutes. Rejoice, righteous accuser of the arrogant; Rejoice, strict moderator of the disobedient. Rejoice, you who did not sheathe the spiritual sword; Rejoice, you who have received the crown of righteousness from the Lord. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker. Kontakion 7 Although you are a true shepherd, who calls out his sheep by name, you often go around the cities of your flock without need, but according to God, below the unrighteous profits, but diligently, giving an image to the flock in your labors, and processions, and illnesses, unceasingly teaching and denouncing and calling on all people to serve God and sing to Him: Alleluia. Ikos 7 New heaven and new earth, according to the promise of Christ, tea and these, for the sake of the inner man, renewing you every day, by fasting you freed your flesh from the work of decay, Joasapha the wise, and through the prayer of the wing you increased your spirit, in which you also raised us sinners spiritually, into the hedgehog glorify you and sing: Rejoice, having found heavenly joys through labor and illness; Rejoice, having tasted spiritual sweets in your fasting and vigil. Rejoice, you who humbled your flesh in your suffering; Rejoice, the image of patience revealed to people. Rejoice, weak vessel, storehouse of spiritual strength; Rejoice, meager one, receptacle of grace. Rejoice, censer of incense fragrant to God; Rejoice, temple of holy hymns. Rejoice, marvelous builder of the mysteries of God; Rejoice, blessed child of the Church, teacher. Rejoice, for the Angels serve with you invisibly; Rejoice, for the demons have retreated far from you. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker. Kontakion 8 Having been a wanderer in this world, you philosophized on the mountain, and not on the earth, O Reverend Joasapha, and, remembering your last, you prayed to Christ God, saying: at the hour of my death, receive the spirit of Your servant, on your journey, that I may sing with all the saints Ti: Alleluia. Ikos 8 With all your heart and your holy love you served the lesser brethren, Saint Joasapha, feeding the hungry, warming the homes of the orphans and the needy, preparing firewood for widows with your own hands, and doing your alms in secret. But the Lord has deigned that your good deeds have appeared to the world, even as they glorify, we cry to you: Rejoice, tree of grace, from whose fruit the hungry eat; Rejoice, source of consolation, from which the thirsty will get drunk. Rejoice, for your right hand does not know what you do; Rejoice, for your meal was a consolation to those in prison. Rejoice, you who fed the disgraced commander with your food; Rejoice, for the evil ruler will not be able to prevent you from doing this. Rejoice, robbers who attacked you and were put to shame by your words; Rejoice, thou who alone turned from them to final repentance. Rejoice, mothers who feed with milk, good protection; Rejoice, wise care for these little children. Rejoice, for you have united mercy and judgment into one; Rejoice, for through your love you have won the love of the people. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker. Kontakion 9 Your spiritual eye has seen every mystery of the human soul. In the same way, the sin of the priest was revealed to you, bent for years, bound by the oath of the Angel of God on this earth, who brought him to repentance and reconciled him to God, according to the Divine Liturgy, you delivered him from sinful captivity and the bonds of temporary life, singing to the All-Merciful Savior: Alleluia. Ikos 9 Vitius of many things, the voice of the people silently praises you, blessed Joasapha. Likewise, now accept this praise from all of us, who in tender hearts call to you: Rejoice, as your all-night prayers brought down the grace of God to the earth; Rejoice, for your days of great labor have been a blessing to the Church and to the people. Rejoice, always show pastoral care for the verbal sheep of your flock; Rejoice, you have splendidly corrected the rite of the church. Rejoice, thou who has tamed battles and quarrels through thy rebuke; Rejoice, you who taught presbyters and deacons a peaceful life. Rejoice, for a new vessel of grace has opened in you; Rejoice, for through you the Peschansky image of the Mother of God appeared. Rejoice, clear proclamation of the mysteries of the heart; Rejoice, wondrous insight to come. Rejoice, faithful guardian of the Gospel covenant; Rejoice, unhypocritical guardian of the church commandments. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker. Kontakion 10 Although you saved your sheep from plunder, you drove the fierce wolves away from the church fence with your holy rod, but with the word of truth, like a two-edged sword, you repelled their attacks, O Joasapha, singing the victorious song to the Lord: Alleluia. Ikos 10 You have protected your people with a strong wall, O blessed one, having laid this on the foundation of faith, erected them from the stones of hope and love and strengthened them forever with the memory of your deeds. For these sakes we compose a song for you, crying out: Rejoice, persecutor of evil customs, and protector of good ones; Rejoice, wise steward of your region. Rejoice, spiritual weapon of the Russian country; Rejoice, bright mirror of the truth of the Church. Rejoice, you who spared no one for the sake of man-pleasing; Rejoice, you who denounced bribery. Rejoice, for the sake of man, you never shut the doors of truth; Rejoice, having subdued your heart to the sole fear of God. Rejoice, scorching the enemies of faith with the flame of the Lord’s wrath; Rejoice, you calm the fury of the unrighteous anger with meekness. Rejoice, undaunted commander of Christ; Rejoice, shepherd, loved by all and beloved by all. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker. Kontakion 11 We bring you songs of praise from our humble hearts, blessed Joasapha. For this love shall not turn away from your acceptance, even though you now hear the sweetest voices of Angels singing to God in heaven: Alleluia. Ikos 11 Having prepared your spirit for the luminous heaven and the imminent end of earthly life, having foreseen that a temple should be prepared for the burial of your body, you visited your father’s city and your parents, according to the commandment of God, giving honor to them and the love of their filial soul in faith and hope, perfecting, image and Enlighten us, O blessed Joasapha, who call: Rejoice, you who have illuminated the old age of your parents with your visit; Rejoice, blessed father before your death. Rejoice, for your spirit has been purified like gold; Rejoice, for your virtues are like precious stones to Siyahu. Rejoice, O ship, not overcome by the adversity of the storms of life; Rejoice, you who have gloriously completed the path commanded by Christ. Rejoice, for the bright Heaven has appeared to you as a comforting haven; Rejoice, for the door of the Kingdom of Christ has opened for you. Rejoice, for thou hast inhabited the mountain villages with thy spirit; Rejoice, for thou hast left on earth the incorruptible pledge of resurrection. Rejoice, star, shining in the spiritual firmament; Rejoice, prayer for us to God never ceases. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker. Kontakion 12 Inexhaustible grace, an indisputable sign, show us Christ in the incorruption of your relics, Joasapha the wise, before whom people faithfully pray, from the visible to the invisible, learn to ascend spiritually, and God, who is wondrous in His saints, glorify and sing angelically to Him: Alleluia. Ikos 12 Singing your righteous life, blessed Joasapha, glorifying your labors and ascension from glory to glory, we see and confess that your death was born into ever-flowing life, even as you sprinkled us, the earthly ones, with streams of grace, both from mental and physical illnesses, to the Lord deigning, freeing, often appearing in vision to the sick and sorrowful, and bringing consolation, especially to those praying before your tomb, invisibly listening and visibly giving help. In the same way, praising you with gratitude, we say: Rejoice, having partaken of joy, but not forgetting those in sorrow; Rejoice, inclining your ear to the vale of sorrows. Rejoice, like Elijah the Thesbite, burn with the fire of jealousy for God; Rejoice, through the feet of the Wonderworker the World of Lycia enters the huts of the poor. Rejoice, unexpected help for the desperate; Rejoice, blessed strength for the weakened. Rejoice, for through your prayers Chromia walked; Rejoice, for through your blindness your sight has been restored. Rejoice, healer from various ailments; Rejoice, guarding Orthodox warriors in battle. Rejoice, faithful defender of the Russian lands; Rejoice, unhypocritical champion of Orthodoxy. Rejoice, Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderful miracle worker. Kontakion 13 O glorious shepherd of Belograd, Saint Joasaph! Accept this little praise of ours and pray to Christ God to deliver the Russian land and all Christian countries from the deadly plague of unbelief, from all enmity and disorder, from enemies visible and invisible. May the holy Church grow and strengthen, and may all the faithful lead to Christ the universal Shepherd, singing to Him: Alleluia. This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “Angel of God...” and the 1st kontakion “The Chosen Warriors...”. First prayer: O Saint Joasaph of Christ, wonderworker of Belograd! We believe in sins and unworthiness, as the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are on their prayer, and for this reason we resort to your prayers and ask your intercession for us, according to the apostolic verb, with hope, as if your love will no longer disappear. In our sins and illnesses we have become like smoking flax and a broken reed, and while we live, we live by the grace of God and through the prayers of His righteous One. So you, righteous father, incline your heart to our prayer, and through your intercession give peace and blessing to the Christian family from the Lord. Strengthen Orthodoxy, and drive away the attacks of the evil and lawless on the Church of God. Pray to the Heavenly Father to deliver us from enemy invasion, from civil strife and national turmoil, from destructive epidemics and deadly plagues, from famine, fire, flood and other troubles and circumstances. Ask Christ God for strength for our souls and the health we need for our bodies, and healing for sickness: walking for the lame, sight for the blind, strengthening for the weakened, consolation for the sad, and deliverance from all sorrows. But unite the fallen vines of Christ again with that which you yourself were honored to be a partaker of, so that by you the most honorable and magnificent name of our God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, may be glorified, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Another prayer, spoken before the holy relics of the saint, O great servant of God and glorious miracle worker, Saint Joasapha! From distant and near cities and villages, having come together to pray in the place of your deeds and kiss your many-healing relics, from the depths of our hearts we cry to you: with a rod of goodness, like a good shepherd, protect the lost sheep of the flock of Christ, into these courts of the Lord, protect us from temptation, heresies and schisms, teach those who live in the mountains to be wise on their journeys: enlighten our scattered minds and direct them to the path of truth, warm our cold hearts with love for our neighbors and zeal for fulfilling the commandments of God, revive our weakened will by sin and negligence with the grace of the All-Holy Spirit: yes to yours Following the pastoral voice, let us preserve our souls in purity and truth, and thus, helping God, we will achieve the heavenly kingdom, where together with you we will glorify the most honorable and magnificent name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen. Third prayer, thanksgiving O great our Saint and marvelous wonder-worker Joasapha, quick helper to those who come to you! Mercifully look upon us, unworthy, who pray here with tears of tenderness and bring thanks to you according to our strength. We thank you, servant of Christ, for you have heard the prayers of us unworthy and have abundantly granted us our requests. We confess with our minds and lips that truly you are a warm prayer book for us and, by the grace and gift given to you, you grant the salvation we all need: heal the sick, comfort the suffering, pour out peace and joy to sorrowful hearts, create joy for the crying, rejoice for the sad you do: you congratulate the parent of a child, you restore friends from the deathbed as a spouse, you pacify the warring, you are merciful to the envious, and you punish all kinds of untruths, just as you were a courageous zealot in your life of truth and mercy. We thank you, Saint, for your great blessings shown to us, and we humbly pray to you, we are unworthy: intercede for us at the throne of Christ, and help us to preserve the memory of your blessings and generosity poured out on us, so that in humility of heart we will complete the rest of our lives, and May we inherit the heavenly village of the Divine, through your prayers, forever and ever. Amen. Fourth prayer, for the sick and suffering O great saint of Christ, our holy father Joasaph, quick helper and wondrous miracle worker! Look mercifully upon us who are ill. We, saints of Christ, we confess with our lips and hearts that through our deeds troubles have befallen us. With the prudent thief we confess to the Lord that we accept that which is worthy in our deeds, and that we tolerate this evil like a servant. With these temporary torments, the merciful Lord crushes our pride and stiff-necked heart, so that we may escape the eternal punishment prepared for the sinner: for with this we will reap the thorns of self-willed life and the thorns of sorrows. Moreover, we are weak, but having come to warm repentance, we dare to pray for this, so that the wrath of the Lord may be turned into mercy for us, and we earnestly ask you, the saint of God and miracle worker: pour out your warm prayer to Christ our Lord, to whom you stand today and pray about those who honor you with love and humble hope in your intercession. Behold, in your life, O Holy Hierarch of Christ, you have not even scorned a single thing, asking for your mercy, confessing your sins. Beg the righteous judge to turn the wrath of his righteousness into our mercy. By his grace given to you, O merciful saint, heal our infirmities, set us free from cruel illnesses, avert death, and grant us strength to repent. Support old age, educate babies, keep youth chaste, establish marriages in purity and humility, grant us all hardworking obedience and peaceful living through your prayer, and let us persevere through the feat of this temporary life set before us, looking to the author of faith and the perfecter of the Lord Jesus. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen. Prayer on the day of glorification of the saint This is a great and festive day, your day of glorification on earth, to our holy father Joasaph, glory and great joy to our land, accept this humble and warm prayer of ours. Today we see the fulfillment of the word of the Lord: I will glorify those who glorify Me. Behold, in the days of your earthly life you sought nothing, but to fulfill the will of God and guide the children of your flock for salvation, and for this you undertook much labor, sorrow, illness, and travel. After your death, glorify you, the merciful Lord, who bestowed incorruptibility and healing powers on your body; In the same way, you exuded currents of healing to those who pray, and you appeared many times to those who were sick and grieving, calling on you, and thus giving consolation and quick healing. For this reason, as the chosen one of Divine grace leading you, the Church of Christ glorify you as the new wonderworker of our land. Bless and have mercy on the bishop of the true God, Orthodox people. Grant them consolation of heart, consolation and peace and everlasting joy in the Lord. Preserve the Russian state in the world and strengthen its people in the truth, grant unshakable courage to warriors and keep all people sorrowless. Eliminate all sedition and destroy the advice of seditious people, and bring those same ones into repentance. Give wisdom, purity and righteous living to the shepherds and bishops, just as you yourself were adorned with these. Give good upbringing to infants, teach them to the young, and grant health to those who are sick and grieving. Give patience and hope to those who labor, give humility to the rich and grant mercy to your neighbors. Grant us all everlasting joy in the Lord, so that we may all please you with gratitude, saying: We magnify you, O holy Father Joasaph, and honor your holy memory, for you pray for us to Christ our God.