Akathist to King, Saint and Prophet Solomon

For all Akathists published on our site, click here. This Akathist was recently provided in English by Maxim, who kindly asks all Orthodox Christians to keep him in their prayers for his repentance.

Feast Day: December 12

Kontakion 1

Chosen to sit on the throne of your father David, thou blessed by God Prophet and King Solomon, you received from God the light of faith and piety, shining like the sun, and for the whole Christian world you were a vigilant guardian, bringing joy to righteous people. We, blessing the deeds and labors of your reign, being lifted up by God to heaven and glorifying the Lord of glory, cry out to you with warm love: Rejoice, blessed Prophet and King Solomon, prepare us with wisdom for eternal unity with our Lord God!

Ikos 1

The Creator of angels, our Lord in the Holy Trinity, prepared humanity for eternal salvation, showing kindness in you, all-praised Prophet Solomon, son of David, for you were one of the prototypes of our Savior Jesus Christ, seated on the throne of your holy father by the King of Peace; you built the temple of God, being a priest and herald of grace, writer of inspired books. For this reason, with hope for the mercy of Christ, our King and Lord, we sing with hope:

Rejoice, you who are perfumed with prayer like incense before the Throne of the Creator;

Rejoice, shining unwaveringly on the purple of the King of Kings;

Rejoice, as you sow true faith abundantly in the souls of men;

Rejoice, guiding us with a pillar of fire through your prayer;

Rejoice, enriching hearts that grow cold with faith and love;

Rejoice, swift help of the desperate and exhausted;

Rejoice, transforming the foolish with wisdom and sobriety;

Rejoice, bringing good thoughts into our hearts;

Rejoice, blessed Prophet and King Solomon, prepare us with wisdom for eternal unity with our Lord God!

Kontakion 2

Our wise and merciful Lord has placed in your soul great obedience to your royal parents, Holy Solomon, being a blessing and comfort to them. And you, servant of God, listening to the teaching of your God-wise father David and your pious mother Bathsheba, learned the habit of praising God: Alleluia!

Ikos 2

Your mind was captivated by obedience to the faith, and you turned your mind to God, Holy Solomon, and for this the Lord gave you abundant grace to understand the scriptures, because you believed in Him without doubt and obeyed His saving Commandments, delivered by the holy Prophet Nathan. Having hope and faith in the Almighty and in the mercy from our Wise Creator, you grew up following the virtues of your father King David. For this reason, we sing to you:

Rejoice, chosen by the Creator from your mother’s womb;

Rejoice, given to us by the grace of the Most High;

Rejoice, adorned by God with wisdom from childhood;

Rejoice, clothed as in a garment with divine virtue;

Rejoice, diligent in the good teaching of the holy prophets;

Rejoice, mind enlightened by God from childhood;

Rejoice, good soil, receiving the seed of God’s Word;

Rejoice, fruitful olive tree, anointing our hearts with the oil of divine mercy;

Rejoice, blessed Prophet and King Solomon, prepare us with wisdom for eternal unity with our Lord God!

Kontakion 3

By the power of God’s grace, you were moved and enlightened with wisdom, glory, riches, and power, and you lived from your youth with your eyes on the Wise Heavenly Father, all-worthy Solomon, having hope in the King of Kings. For this reason, we pray: strengthen young people in piety, calm the turmoil of these times, and, with your powerful intercession, ask the Most Holy Trinity for all that is necessary in this temporary life and for eternal salvation, so that we too may be honored to sing with you to the Lord forever: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having hope in the Almighty Heavenly King who anointed you, brilliant Solomon, to be king of the people of Israel, you believed and placed your life in the hands of the Most High throughout your journey, and for this the Lord gave you the gift of wisdom and great understanding, with a mind as vast as the sand on the seashore, and your wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all those in the East and all the wisdom of Egypt, and now your name is glorified by all peoples. For this reason, we pray: ask for us for wisdom from the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, for our good, so that we may bring this praise with hope:

Rejoice, cleansing our hearts from sinful filth;

Rejoice, enlightening our minds from vanity;

Rejoice, revealing to us the unknown and mysterious wisdom of God;

Rejoice, inspiring us with good thoughts and feelings;

Rejoice, you who place holy desires and intentions for our salvation in our hearts;

Rejoice, you who fill our souls with the good fruits of faith, hope, and love;

Rejoice, shining star, leading all to the Sun of righteousness, Christ Jesus;

Rejoice, blessed Prophet and King Solomon, prepare us with wisdom for eternal unity with our Lord God!

Kontakion 4

A storm of confusion tests our minds, glorious King Solomon, as we are unworthy to speak and praise your greatness, but you, being good and merciful, look upon our zeal and love for you, our good protector and intercessor, and teach us sinners to praise our Eternal and All-Merciful Lord with all our hearts: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

We have seen your labors, Holy Prophet and King Solomon, for you have built a great temple in the city of Jerusalem, rejoicing your faithful to the glory of our Almighty and Merciful Lord, Who created heaven and earth with His Word. We remember this great deed of yours and pray to you, our intercessor and protector, teach us to have zeal and love for Christian worship and to build temples of our Eternal God in our hearts, and we call upon you:

Rejoice, for you teach us the true fear of God;

Rejoice, for you bestow kindness and gentleness upon those who honor you;

Rejoice, for you bring us bright happiness and dispel the shadows of delusion;

Rejoice, conqueror of evil spirits and vanquisher of demonic hordes;

Rejoice, patient teacher of the weak and uneducated;

Rejoice, healer of bodily and mental infirmities;

Rejoice, guide to the springs of eternal salvation;

Rejoice, you who teach us to drink from the living water of incorruption;

Rejoice, blessed Prophet and King Solomon, prepare us with wisdom for eternal unity with our Lord God!

Kontakion 5

You glorified the Most High God among your people and in the surrounding countries, wise Holy King Solomon, after you built a temple in the city of Jerusalem in honor of His holy name, according to your promise and that of your holy father, and at the consecration of the Lord’s sanctuary, you prayed to the King of ages and Creator of the Universe, saying: “When a stranger who is not of your people, Israel, comes from a distant land for your name’s sake… hear him from heaven, from the dwelling place of your abode, and fulfill his request as the stranger has cried out to you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you as your people Israel do, and know that your name is invoked upon this house that I have built,” and you sang to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Seeing with your spiritually enlightened eye, King Solomon, wise by God, the imperfection and weakness of God’s people, you raised your hand to the Almighty, saying, “Forgive your people, for they have sinned against you.” Remembering this prayer, we pray to you, Holy Prophet Solomon, awaken in our hearts the prayers of repentance, teach our hearts not to remain in the pleasures of this world, to think of God and keep His commandments throughout our lives, and receive this praise with mercy:

Rejoice, you who look upon our sorrows from the heights of heaven;

Rejoice, embracing us all with your love;

Rejoice, strengthening us in the steadfastness of the spirit;

Rejoice, enriching us with the gifts of knowledge and understanding;

Rejoice, sending help to the poor;

Rejoice, giving the rich the spirit of mercy and beneficence;

Rejoice, helping us to grow in piety;

Rejoice, sending peace and goodness to families;

Rejoice, blessed Prophet and King Solomon, prepare us with wisdom for eternal unity with our Lord God!

Kontakion 6

The Lord God spoke to Saint King Solomon: “If My people, upon whom My Name is called, will humble themselves, pray, seek My Face, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land”; for this we glorify the Lord who glorified you, and we call upon Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

You shone with God’s grace, Saintly Solomon, for the path of your life and the fate of your people were in the hands of our Merciful Lord, who enriched you with wisdom and the grace of prophecy, so that you left us your writings in all the wisdom of God. You loved and glorified the Lord, Who gave you the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and we rejoice in God’s care for you, and we call upon you:

Rejoice, using your knowledge not to please the world, but for the glory of God;

Rejoice, proclaiming with your lips the words inspired by the Holy Spirit;

Rejoice, revealing to us the spiritual mysteries;

Rejoice, for in the hour of doubt you give us confidence with a good and wise thought in our hearts;

Rejoice, for you teach us to walk in the spotless path of salvation;

Rejoice, for through your intercession we hope to receive salvation;

Rejoice, for you help monks to penetrate the mind of God;

Rejoice, and give heavenly help to those who are evangelists of Christ;

Rejoice, blessed Prophet and King Solomon, prepare us with wisdom for eternal unity with our Lord God!

Kontakion 7

The Lord showed people the way to salvation, and the Holy Prophet Solomon wrote this in the scriptures, inspired by the Holy Spirit; we pray you to lead us to our salvation, and we will thank the Lord for you: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

Holy Solomon, you were appointed by Christ as King of the people of Israel to be their help, protection, and guardian, and through your teachings you built up the people, and to this day your benevolent prayers have been preserved. We pray to you, Holy Prophet: pray for us to the All-Merciful God who is our Judge, that He may not turn His face away from us, the unworthy and sinful, but in His goodness, as a loving father would do for his children, not to punish us here in our temporary life, but to help us find the everlasting and eternal path to His Kingdom. And to you, our teacher, we sing with hope:

Rejoice, glorious servant of God the Father without beginning;

Rejoice, ceaseless herald of God the Word incarnate;

Rejoice, chosen dwelling place of God for the Most Holy Spirit;

Rejoice, for you have been praised by the Life-giving Holy Trinity;

Rejoice, herald of Grace, who convinces those who hesitate in their faith in the Word of God;

Rejoice, and through your prayer, protect those who are in danger of sudden death;

Rejoice, for you drive away negligence and sloth;

Rejoice, diligence in service;

Rejoice, blessed Prophet and King Solomon, prepare us with wisdom for eternal unity with our Lord God!

Kontakion 8

The glorious Queen of Sheba came to Jerusalem to know your wisdom, most praised Solomon, and you welcomed her with joy and fulfilled the good desires of her heart. The Queen of Sheba saw how happy were the people who listened to the word of your wisdom, for this, we pray, Holy Prophet, enlighten our minds with the light of God’s Wisdom, direct our paths toward the way of His commandments, and grant us the heavenly mercies sent to all who sing to the Lord: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

You received all the blessings of the earth from the Eternal Lord, being abundantly endowed with the gifts of His grace, enlightened all-glorious King Solomon, and you glorified the Name of the Most High God. And now you stand before His throne and with your prayers give us protection in sorrow, joy to the virgins, and help all who come to you through repentance to be cleansed of the filth of sin and to live a life of piety. For this, we glorify you:

Rejoice, announcing to us the passing of time;

Rejoice, giving us the gifts of the Holy Spirit and helping us to fight against our passions, so that we may live our lives according to God’s commandments;

Rejoice, teaching us spiritual simplicity and prayer from the heart;

Rejoice, offering us purification and correction of our spiritual state;

Rejoice, guiding us on the path of correction of our mistakes;

Rejoice, healing the wounds of sin with grace;

Rejoice, for we hope to be saved through your intercession;

Rejoice, for through your prayers we receive the inheritance of heaven;

Rejoice, blessed Prophet and King Solomon, prepare us with wisdom for eternal unity with our Lord God!

Kontakion 9

The angelic and human nature rejoiced greatly when you repented of your sins and your temporary fall from God, and you were freed from the power of Tartarus through Christ, the Conqueror of eternal death, and then, together with your holy father, you ascended freely into the radiance of God’s grace in Heaven, and now you bestow abundant mercy upon all, for you remain in eternal glory in Heaven and sing to the Lord: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

Good-hearted rhetoricians will not be able to praise all your labors and all your service to God and men, God-bearing King Solomon, for it was not worldly wisdom, but the Holy Spirit who worked in you with wisdom. You have conquered the vanity of vanities and lived the true life in God through His grace. Intercede for us, that we may have strong faith in the Giver of eternal life, and to you, our protector, we cry out with emotion:

Rejoice, you who rest in the Kingdom of God;

Rejoice, for you hear the song of the cherubim, the angels, and all the saints singing to the Holy Trinity;

Rejoice, fountain of compassion that flows ever toward mankind;

Rejoice, you who love us in our various troubles and misfortunes;

Rejoice, for you give us comfort in troubles;

Rejoice, for you dispel the gloomy clouds of sadness and anxiety;

Rejoice, for through your prayers we are delivered from falling into sin;

Rejoice, for through your intercession before God we are freed from the temptations of the enemy;

Rejoice, blessed Prophet and King Solomon, prepare us with wisdom for eternal unity with our Lord God!

Kontakion 10

Pray for us, Holy Prophet Solomon, that we, the many sinners, may be saved, for you stand before the Throne of the Holy Trinity in the assembly of the righteous, and may your prayers help us in our difficult earthly journey, that we may die in repentance and piety, so that we may be with you in the Kingdom of Heaven to sing forever and ever to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

You are a fortification and intercession for all who ask for your help, Saint King Solomon, for even now you do not leave the children of God without your intercession and protection; you look with mercy upon all who run to you with faith, healing the sick, comforting the sorrowful, delivering us from troubles, temptations, and passions, strengthening those who doubt the truth of Christ. For this, we thank you and sing to you:

Rejoice, shining like a bright light in the heavenly kingdom of the Sun of Truth;

Rejoice, illuminating with the light of your grace all those who honor your memory;

Rejoice, opening the doors of God’s mercy to us;

Rejoice, for our lips are full of thanksgiving for all that you do for us with the help of the Lord;

Rejoice, resurrection of souls enslaved by sin through the grace of Christ;

Rejoice, driving away the wickedness of the passions of those who come to you;

Rejoice, you who have filled our hearts with saving teachings;

Rejoice, enriching those who pray to you with the gifts of the Holy Spirit;

Rejoice, blessed Prophet and King Solomon, prepare us with wisdom for eternal unity with our Lord God!

Kontakion 11

Do not despise the song of our prayers and this humble praise, Holy Prophet of the Lord Solomon, that we may live in faith and love; give us your blessing and we sincerely pray: lift up a prayer to our Creator and God, you who have great boldness before Him and never cease to plead for His mercy, and ask for gifts useful for our salvation, and we call upon God: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

Holy Prophet and King Solomon, enlighten our gloomy souls with the radiance of God’s grace and teach us to faithfully fulfill the commandments of Christ God and to lead our lives with prosperity and joy. We firmly believe that your prayer can do much before the goodness of our Savior, being His great Prophet and Saint. For this reason, with great hope, we pour out our prayers to you and cry out:

Rejoice, deliverer from bodily illnesses;

Rejoice, healer of mental illnesses;

Rejoice, good teacher of children;

Rejoice, exhortation to chastity for young men and maidens;

Rejoice, strength for the elderly and the weak;

Rejoice, swift visit to the sick and suffering;

Rejoice, protector from the visible and invisible enemy;

Rejoice, saving men from the attack of the wicked;

Rejoice, blessed Prophet and King Solomon, prepare us with wisdom for eternal unity with our Lord, God!

Kontakion 12

Ask for grace and mercy from the Lord for us, Holy Solomon, and at the hour of our death come to help us with your intercession, defend us from the violence of demons, saving us with your holy and gracious prayers, that we may pass safely and in good faith through the Toll Houses and be honored to dwell forever in the Heavenly Places, singing to God: Alleluia

Ikos 12

We sing great praise to God for His greatness and deeds, for His love and His promises have been revealed through you, Holy Prophet Solomon. Your blessed life was a swift preparation for the heavenly world, revealed through Christ the Savior together with all the righteous of the Old Testament. Keep us with your prayers in this eternal happiness in God, Holy King Solomon, and we cry out to you with emotion:

Rejoice, you who worship God’s mercy;

Rejoice, for you do not abandon those who trust in you;

Rejoice, defender of those who sleep and fall asleep;

Rejoice, good and wise teacher of God;

Rejoice, strengthening those who strive for the good of those around them;

Rejoice, delivering those who pray to you from unexpected death without repentance;

Rejoice, for you are present at the hour of our death to help those who call upon you;

Rejoice, for after our death you will receive our souls with love into your communion before God;

Rejoice, blessed Prophet and King Solomon, prepare us with wisdom for eternal unity with our Lord God!

Kontakion 13

O glorious Saint of the Lord, wonderful Prophet and faithful King Solomon, mirror of God’s Wisdom, receive with mercy this little prayer from our hearts brought to you with faith and hope, and pray to the King and Lord of lords, Christ our God, to deliver us from all sorrow in this life and from eternal torment after our death, that we may be honored in the Kingdom of Heaven, where we may sing to the Lord together with you: Alleluia.

(This Kontakion is said 3 times)

Ikos 1

Rejoice, you who are perfumed with prayer like incense before the Throne of the Creator;

Rejoice, shining unwaveringly on the purple of the King of Kings;

Rejoice, as you sow true faith abundantly in the souls of men;

Rejoice, guiding us with a pillar of fire through your prayer;

Rejoice, enriching hearts that grow cold with faith and love;

Rejoice, swift help of the desperate and exhausted;

Rejoice, transforming the foolish with wisdom and sobriety;

Rejoice, bringing good thoughts into our hearts;

Rejoice, blessed Prophet and King Solomon, prepare us with wisdom for eternal unity with our Lord God!

Kontakion 1

Prayer

O great servant of God and glorious Prophet, Holy faithful King Solomon, our heavenly intercessor and zealous for us all before God, great intercessor and protector! Standing before the Throne of our great King, our God, before the Holy Trinity, you are glorified and have great boldness before God as a faithful servant, Holy Prophet. To you, as a powerful intercessor before the Lord, we who live in sin and unworthiness run and ask you tenderly: pray to the glorified Triune God to turn us back to the path of repentance and salvation.

Protect us with your prayers from the world and all haste, and ask for us all that is necessary to live a life of piety, deliver us from all misfortunes and troubles and vain death, that we may be freed through your intercession from all visible and invisible enemies.

Defend us with your prayers so that we may live in peace, give us health and long life, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all piety and purity, and thus, when this temporary life ends, may we attain eternal peace and be honored to live through your holy intercession in the Kingdom of Heaven, glorifying the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

Original source: https://acoperamantulmaiciidomnului.wordpress.com/2021/03/31/acatistul-sfantului-proroc-si-rege-solomon/