AKATHIST TO THE MOTHER
OF GOD ON THE OCCASION OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST
Kontakion in Tone 8. To the Defender.
As the life-giving Mother of Our Lord, you have been proclaimed to be loftier than the heavens, and we the faithful celebrate and magnify you. But as you bear the streams of life of the Lord, deliver us from spiritual death, so that we may cry, “Rejoice, O Mother of our Life.”
Kontakion in Tone 8. To the Defender.
As the life-giving Mother of Our Lord, you have been proclaimed to be loftier than the heavens, and we the faithful celebrate and magnify you. But as you bear the streams of life of the Lord, deliver us from spiritual death, so that we may cry, “Rejoice, O Mother of our Life.”
FIRST STASIS
Ikos 1
An angel, flashing like lightning, was sent to the tomb to proclaim the resurrection of all.
Hail, Mother of our Life (3x)!
Ikos 1
An angel, flashing like lightning, was sent to the tomb to proclaim the resurrection of all.
Hail, Mother of our Life (3x)!
And with
his bodiless voice seeing you risen, O Lord, he was amazed and began to cry
these things to the Mother of God:
Hail, through whom the tombs are made new!
Hail, through whom the dead live!
Hail, who illuminates the treasuries of Hades!
Hail, who has destroyed the bars of death!
Hail, who opened the gate of Paradise!
Hail, all-pure rose of the king!
Hail, through whom Adam rises from death!
Hail, through whom mortal men are delivered from corruption!
Hail, glorious fame of the martyrs!
Hail, adornment of our race!
Hail, through whom life arose from the grave!
Hail, through whom the hearts of the faithful rejoice!
Hail, Mother of our Life!
Kontakion 2
Seeing the unimaginable glory of the Lord, those in Hades cried to him confidently, “O God and giver of life, how have you been revealed to have come here as mighty and crushed the chains of the devil?” Crying, Alleluia.
Ikos 2
John, with Peter, seeking to know unknowable knowledge ran to the tomb when it was still dark. And seeing only the linen-cloth lying there, they cried out with fear to the Mother of God,
Hail, bright habitation of the Comforter!
Hail, great anthem of the apostles!
Hail, gate truly impassable!
Hail, mountain and palace of the master of the universe!
Hail, for you copiously produce blossoms of purity!
Hail, for you are both Mother and Virgin!
Hail, for you embitter death!
Hail, sweetener of the senses of the faithful!
Hail, for you destroyed the throne of death!
Hail, for you opened the doors of Paradise!
Hail, through whom the ranks of angels rejoice!
Hail, through whom the boldness of demons is annihilated!
Hail, Mother of our Life!
Kontakion 3
The power of the Most High overshadowed then the chambers of the gulfs of Hades and its dark tyrant was stripped of his weapons by the holy light of the Word, as we chant thus, Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having the soul of the God-Man in its belly, the earth was agitated with fear. For she was not able to contain the infinite one, not even with all her extent, and so she cried to the Mother of God,
Hail, for you clothe mortality with incorruption!
Hail, for you bestow tranquility on souls!
Hail, golden-tressed light of the everlasting light!
Hail, precious prize of the holy fathers!
Hail, beauteous splendor of the noetic sky!
Hail, all-fragrant flower and joy of the world!
Hail, horn which smashes sin!
Hail, brightener of the hearts of the faithful!
Hail, for you wash away the filth of the passions!
Hail, for you are the stream of the Spirit!
Hail, disintegration of the entanglements of the wicked!
Hail, deliverer from terrible problems!
Hail, Mother of our Life!
SECOND STASIS
Kontakion 4
Having a storm within, the people of the elders all immediately sneer. For though they could no longer cover up the wonder of wonders, they paid the soldiers sufficient silver, lest they know how to sing, Alleluia.
Ikos 4
The shepherds of the church of Christ heard of the resurrection of the Lord from the tomb. And having believed it to be nonsense, they did not all believe the voice of the myrrh-bearing women, but when afterwards they also believed, they cried out to the Mother of God,
Hail, through whom the tombs are made new!
Hail, through whom the dead live!
Hail, who illuminates the treasuries of Hades!
Hail, who has destroyed the bars of death!
Hail, who opened the gate of Paradise!
Hail, all-pure rose of the king!
Hail, through whom Adam rises from death!
Hail, through whom mortal men are delivered from corruption!
Hail, glorious fame of the martyrs!
Hail, adornment of our race!
Hail, through whom life arose from the grave!
Hail, through whom the hearts of the faithful rejoice!
Hail, Mother of our Life!
Kontakion 2
Seeing the unimaginable glory of the Lord, those in Hades cried to him confidently, “O God and giver of life, how have you been revealed to have come here as mighty and crushed the chains of the devil?” Crying, Alleluia.
Ikos 2
John, with Peter, seeking to know unknowable knowledge ran to the tomb when it was still dark. And seeing only the linen-cloth lying there, they cried out with fear to the Mother of God,
Hail, bright habitation of the Comforter!
Hail, great anthem of the apostles!
Hail, gate truly impassable!
Hail, mountain and palace of the master of the universe!
Hail, for you copiously produce blossoms of purity!
Hail, for you are both Mother and Virgin!
Hail, for you embitter death!
Hail, sweetener of the senses of the faithful!
Hail, for you destroyed the throne of death!
Hail, for you opened the doors of Paradise!
Hail, through whom the ranks of angels rejoice!
Hail, through whom the boldness of demons is annihilated!
Hail, Mother of our Life!
Kontakion 3
The power of the Most High overshadowed then the chambers of the gulfs of Hades and its dark tyrant was stripped of his weapons by the holy light of the Word, as we chant thus, Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having the soul of the God-Man in its belly, the earth was agitated with fear. For she was not able to contain the infinite one, not even with all her extent, and so she cried to the Mother of God,
Hail, for you clothe mortality with incorruption!
Hail, for you bestow tranquility on souls!
Hail, golden-tressed light of the everlasting light!
Hail, precious prize of the holy fathers!
Hail, beauteous splendor of the noetic sky!
Hail, all-fragrant flower and joy of the world!
Hail, horn which smashes sin!
Hail, brightener of the hearts of the faithful!
Hail, for you wash away the filth of the passions!
Hail, for you are the stream of the Spirit!
Hail, disintegration of the entanglements of the wicked!
Hail, deliverer from terrible problems!
Hail, Mother of our Life!
SECOND STASIS
Kontakion 4
Having a storm within, the people of the elders all immediately sneer. For though they could no longer cover up the wonder of wonders, they paid the soldiers sufficient silver, lest they know how to sing, Alleluia.
Ikos 4
The shepherds of the church of Christ heard of the resurrection of the Lord from the tomb. And having believed it to be nonsense, they did not all believe the voice of the myrrh-bearing women, but when afterwards they also believed, they cried out to the Mother of God,
Hail, Virgin, consolation of the afflicted!
Hail, Mary, mercy-seat of sinners!
Hail, unfading flower and sweetness of the angels!
Hail, for you alone reveal eternal life!
Hail, for you are the return to the Paradise of the Lord!
Hail, for you made the fleece of Gideon wholly dewy!
Hail, destroyer of the power of the devil!
Hail, increase of the joy of the angels!
Hail, who reveals God in silence!
Hail, who though unsown bore the Master!
Hail, through whom Satan was mocked!
Hail, through whom life is renewed!
Hail, Mother of our Life!
Kontakion 5
The disciples of the Lord then went to Emmaus by a divine course. And after he had travelled together with them, they recognized him again in the breaking of the bread, so that we also may sing, Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Early in the morning the myrrh-bearing women saw in the tomb a young man radiant in white garments. And perceiving him to be an angel, although they were affected by trembling in the heart, they hastened to proclaim the glad tidings to the apostles and to cry out to the blessed Virgin,
Hail, first fruits of the eternal light!
Hail, swallow of the brightly shining day!
Hail, for you partook of the bitterness of the Cross!
Hail, for you transformed bitterness into joy!
Hail, for you alone cause the new water of life to gush forth!
Hail, who alone awakens Adam who of old was of earth!
Hail, who washes the impurity of sin!
Hail, who puts an end to the curse of Adam!
Hail, for you drive away the shapes of the demons!
Hail, for you chase off the darkness of sin!
Hail, for you are the brightness of the resurrection of all!
Hail, sweet joy of our forefather!
Hail, Mother of our Life!
Kontakion 6
The disciples, put away their former fear, became heralds of the Lord of glory and proclaimed Christ to all, abandoning the Jews as coarse, not knowing how to sing, Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Having shone the light of truth on all the world, you have banished darkness from Hades. For the strength of death, not able to endure the divine light, has fallen, while those who have been saved from it began crying out to the Mother of God,
Hail, vessel of the unsetting light!
Hail, treasury of the graces of God!
Hail, for you cleanse the soul of its sinful stenches!
Hail, for you illuminate the vaults of the sky!
Hail, joyful consolation of the faint-hearted!
Hail, refreshment of the weary and toiling!
Hail, bulwark of our life!
Hail, city of refuge from dangers!
Hail, for you relieve us of the grief of life!
Hail, for you bring an end to sorrow of soul!
Hail, for you gave birth to the luminary of joy!
Hail, for you destroyed the sorrow of the curse!
Hail, Mother of our Life!
THIRD
STASIS
Kontakion 7
The Lord, desiring to renew all men with unspeakable glory, was surrendered to the tomb as mortal. But he rose as a radiant bridegroom, wherefore we are astonished at his unutterable wisdom, crying out, Alleluia.
Ikos 7
The Creator having risen from corruption has shown our race to be a new creature. For after rendering the might of death feeble, as was fitting, he abolished it, so that jumping for joy we may hymn the Virgin, saying,
Hail, who humbles the arrogance of the enemy!
Hail, for you destroyed the mist of terrors!
Hail, brightest star of the noetic sky!
Hail, all-fragrant flower of holy meadows!
Hail, through whom angels mingle with men!
Hail, through whom the timeless one eats with mortals!
Hail, book divinely written by the Master and God!
Hail, tablet enrolling the throng of the saved!
Hail, who leads us from death to life!
Hail, who lifts the curse of the first-created!
Hail, star of the kingdom of Christ!
Hail, brilliance of eternal life!
Hail, Mother of our Life!
Kontakion 8
Having seen a strange wonder, let us become alien to all filth and every sin and defilement. For the impassible God for this reason appeared on Earth as a passible man, desiring to raise with himself those who cry with joy, Alleluia.
Kontakion 7
The Lord, desiring to renew all men with unspeakable glory, was surrendered to the tomb as mortal. But he rose as a radiant bridegroom, wherefore we are astonished at his unutterable wisdom, crying out, Alleluia.
Ikos 7
The Creator having risen from corruption has shown our race to be a new creature. For after rendering the might of death feeble, as was fitting, he abolished it, so that jumping for joy we may hymn the Virgin, saying,
Hail, who humbles the arrogance of the enemy!
Hail, for you destroyed the mist of terrors!
Hail, brightest star of the noetic sky!
Hail, all-fragrant flower of holy meadows!
Hail, through whom angels mingle with men!
Hail, through whom the timeless one eats with mortals!
Hail, book divinely written by the Master and God!
Hail, tablet enrolling the throng of the saved!
Hail, who leads us from death to life!
Hail, who lifts the curse of the first-created!
Hail, star of the kingdom of Christ!
Hail, brilliance of eternal life!
Hail, Mother of our Life!
Kontakion 8
Having seen a strange wonder, let us become alien to all filth and every sin and defilement. For the impassible God for this reason appeared on Earth as a passible man, desiring to raise with himself those who cry with joy, Alleluia.
Ikos 8
The Word before time was in the tomb but not at all absent from Heaven. And having opened the way to the grateful thief to Paradise, you taught him to sing to the Mother of God,
Hail, dove and nurse of purity!
Hail, unceasing hymn of Christians!
Hail, protector of wandering life from cliffs!
Hail, dawning joy of the coming age!
Hail, who blesses the journeys of our life!
Hail, who does away with the evils of the passions of the soul!
Hail, for you struck the power of death with a mortal blow!
Hail, for you plundered the power of Hades!
Hail, ark of the church of Christ!
Hail, spotless glory of monastic leaders!
Hail, who bore God as a baby!
Hail, who rescues us from misfortunes!
Hail, Mother of our Life!
Kontakion 9
The whole multitude of angels is amazed at the great work of your resurrection. For they saw the unsetting sun of life in the tomb as one dead and making us alive, but accepting the hymn from all, Alleluia.
Ikos 9
We see the lying orators utterly against you, O God the Word, for they at a loss to say how you, if you are God, suffered as a man, but we marvel at your compassion and cry to your mother,
Hail, through whom the glory of the Lord has arisen!
Hail, through whom the assemblies of angels dance!
Hail, who has bound fast the power of the demons!
Hail, who advances the victory of the kingdom!
Hail, who alone has dried up the river of temptations!
Hail, unfailing shower of paternal gifts!
Hail, who alone dissolved the curse of the first-created!
Hail, who has cancelled the penalties due to the repentant!
Hail, treasury of the unapproachable light!
Hail, tablet depicting the invisible God!
Hail, proclamation of the prophet and forerunner!
Hail, boast of King David!
Hail, Mother of our Life!
FOURTH STASIS
Kontakion 10
Wishing to save the race of men, he rises on the third day for this purpose. And being lifeless as one dead he rose for our sake as the cause of joy, granting life to all those who cry, Alleluia.
Ikos 10
You are a wall protecting those who hymn the measureless multitude of your favors. For he who came forth from your womb has shone upon us bodily from the tomb and has taught all men to cry to you,
Hail, through whom the tyranny of the enemy has been overturned!
Hail, through whom the strength of death has been destroyed!
Hail, golden jar containing the divine manna!
Hail, tree of life, producing fragrant fruits!
Hail, perfect joy of the heavenly bridal chamber!
Hail, holy cessation of horrible wickedness!
Hail, Mary, standing alone on the moon!
Hail, for you cure the madness of sin!
Hail, crown of eternal life!
Hail, bulwark of the church of Christ!
Hail, through whom gush forth desirable things!
Hail, through whom sorrows are calmed!
Hail, Mother of our Life!
Kontakion 11
A hymn of mortals does not suffice to celebrate your holy glory. For should we offer you odes equal in number to the drops of rain, O risen Lord, we would accomplish nothing worthy of what you have done for us who cry to you, Alleluia.
Ikos 11
We see the august Mother of God as the brilliantly radiant Virgin and song of the angels. He who before was bodiless was incarnate of her, set free the prisoners of Hades and caused light to dawn upon all the blind so that we may cry out to her such things as these:
Hail, for you destroy the insolence of the evil one!
Hail, for you shine with the light of the king!
Hail, secure defense against infirmities!
Hail, healing of all kinds of diseases!
Hail, producer of corn in due season!
Hail, spring of gifts of the merciful Lord!
Hail, for you plait the wedding crowns of couples!
Hail, for you protect the journeys of ships!
Hail, who enervates the assaults of the passions!
Hail, who renders the plots of the demons vain!
Hail, victory of the heavenly ranks!
Hail, lamentation of the fallen demons!
Hail, Mother of our Life!
Kontakion 12
Desiring to grant men generous grace, the giver of life of men was permitted to dwell in a tomb as one dead, so that he might liberate us from corruption who cry, Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Hymning your son as one who was received as a guest in the tomb, we celebrate in song his resurrection, for having dwelt in your womb, who is the breath of all, he has purified, illumined and taught us to cry to you the following things:
Hail, unfading crown of glory!
Hail, twelve-walled city of the Lord!
Hail, for you abolished the sting of sin!
Hail, who renewed the race of men!
Hail, for you trampled on the head of the evil one!
Hail, who prepared grief for the swarms of the demons.
Hail, only strong defense of Christians!
Hail, laborious difficulty of unbelievers!
Hail, manifestation of our salvation!
Hail, guarantee of our regeneration!
Hail, for you give forth roses and lilies!
Hail, for you are redolent of the Paschal spring!
Hail, Mother of our Life!
Kontakion 13
O all-immaculate Mother, who bore the bestower of the life of all and master!
Hail, Mother of our Life (3x)!
Having received this offering from all, save us all from misfortunes and deem them worthy of the coming resurrection who cry to you, Alleluia.
ENDNOTES FOR THE THOUGHTFUL
SOURCE: https://www.proseyxi.com/xairetismoi-tis-theotokou-epi-tin-anastasi-tou-kyriou/
General
This akathist definitely presents some challenges, most of which have been glossed over. However, the layout is unmistakably different from the usual. I have added the indications of kontakion and ikos throughout the text to make it easier for Anglophone Orthodox Christians to follow. In the future I hope to find a cleaner copy which will enable me to present this translation with more confidence. This is nevertheless the perfect akathist for Bright Week. Please note that when an akathist is said, Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1 in that order conclude it (but not the whole service).
Ikos 1 … “opened”: my verbal circumlocution sounds better than knocker (ῥόπτρον).
Ikos 2 … “senses”: αἰσθήσεις. Or perceptions; even (as suggested by my editor) sense-perceptions.
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