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.
Patron Saint of Theologians
Feast Day October 3
Troparion of Saint Dionysius the Areopagite, Holy Martyr, 4th tone:
Teaching and encouraging yourself in all things, clothing yourself with good sense, you drew forth from the vessel of choice that which cannot be uttered; and keeping the faith, you walked the path exactly, Saint Martyr Dionysius: pray to Christ God to save our souls.
Kontakion 1
How can we not marvel, Father Dionysius, at your zeal for preaching the truth, for before you were called to be a servant of the Sun of righteousness, you knew the mystery of Him Who darkened the sun through His passion, and then, casting aside the darkness of ignorance altogether, you became a follower of the star of the Apostles, for whom all sing to you: Rejoice, Holy Father Dionysius, zealous follower of the apostle of the nations!
Ikos 1
Before being enlightened with the gift of Holy Baptism, you saw the sun covered with a mantle of mourning, when the Savior of the world was suffering on the Cross for our deliverance from the darkness of sin, and you marveled at what you saw, and we, marveling at what happened, praise you thus:
Rejoice, you who were called beforehand to serve the Light;
Rejoice, for you have received the gift of the Sun of righteousness;
Rejoice, for the wisdom of the Spirit has been poured out upon you;
Rejoice, for the Father has chosen you among the saints;
Rejoice, for you are a skilled intercessor for the unskilled;
Rejoice, for you have been adorned with outward wisdom;
Rejoice, great praise of the city of Athens;
Rejoice, supporter of the powerless;
Rejoice, ever-flowing river of wisdom;
Rejoice, rest for souls weary with sorrow;
Rejoice, for with the angels you served the Maker of all;
Rejoice, call of those lost to the Truth;
Rejoice, Holy Father Dionysius, zealous follower of the apostle of the nations!
Kontakion 2
From the fountain of the words of wisdom of the Apostle of the Gentiles, you too drank, blessed Father Dionysius, and quenched the fire of ignorance, running to confess the Source of life, to whom all creation sings: Alleluia!
Ikos 2
Listening to the words full of the wisdom of the Spirit of the Holy Apostle Paul, your heart was enlightened with the gift of the Lord, and in the Unknown God whom you worshipped, you recognized Christ the Savior, Whom you ran to serve with all zeal, for which we praise you thus:
Rejoice, for you have received the words of Truth in your heart;
Rejoice, for you have opened wide the gate of your heart to Wisdom;
Rejoice, for you have understood the mystery of the Lord’s crucifixion;
Rejoice, for you have cast off the garment of the darkness of ignorance;
Rejoice, for you have clothed yourself with the armor of the wisdom of the Spirit;
Rejoice, for you have shown yourself to be a chosen disciple of the Apostle of the Gentiles;
Rejoice, for you have walked worthily in his ways;
Rejoice, for you have rescued many souls from deception;
Rejoice, for you have brought forth a hundredfold fruit in the Lord’s vineyard;
Rejoice, for you have forsaken all the vanities of the world for the Truth;
Rejoice, for you pray together with Saint Paul for us;
Rejoice, for you were inflamed with the fire of zeal for preaching;
Rejoice, Holy Father Dionysius, follower in zeal of the apostle of the Gentiles!
Kontakion 3
With great humility, you asked Saint Paul the Apostle to pray for you, Saint Dionysius, that the Lord might be merciful to you and count you among His chosen ones, so that you might sing to Him with joy: Alleluia!
Ikos 3
The Holy Apostle Paul healed the man blind from birth, like the Savior, and then the eyes of your heart were opened wide, Saint Dionysius, and you confessed the power of Christ, and we praise you with these words:
Rejoice, witness of divine wonders;
Rejoice, for you marveled at the healing of the blind man;
Rejoice, for with the eyes of your heart you saw Christ;
Rejoice, for you pray for those blinded by sin;
Rejoice, for you are filled with the light of Life;
Rejoice, for you have zealously served the Truth;
Rejoice, for you have left worldly things for Christ;
Rejoice, witness of the Lord’s miracles;
Rejoice, for you have received the gifts of the Spirit;
Rejoice, for you served the Creator with great sacrifice;
Rejoice, for through you our hearts find rest;
Rejoice, for you are a strong intercessor for the wronged;
Rejoice, Holy Father Dionysius, zealous follower of the apostle of the Gentiles!
Kontakion 4
Seeing the miracle of the healing of the blind man, you ran to Holy Baptism together with your wife and children, and receiving the abundant gifts of the Spirit, you sang with joy: Alleluia!
Ikos 4
After Holy Baptism, the secret voice of the Spirit spoke to you the word of the Savior, and you chose to serve the Father, leaving your wife, children, and home, and following the Lord of all, so that you might receive a hundredfold reward in heaven, for which we praise you thus:
Rejoice, for you left your home for Christ;
Rejoice, for the Lord has prepared a place for you in heaven;
Rejoice, for you followed the Holy Apostle Paul;
Rejoice, for you walked with him for three years;
Rejoice, for the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven have been revealed to you;
Rejoice, great adornment of the city of Athens;
Rejoice, torch springing forth with the light of wisdom;
Rejoice, vessel into which heavenly myrrh was poured;
Rejoice, tongue of fire proclaiming the unapproachable Fire;
Rejoice, fellow servant of the seraphim;
Rejoice, the unspeakable rest of the cherubim;
Rejoice, seat of wisdom from above;
Rejoice, Holy Father Dionysius, zealous follower of the apostle of the Gentiles!
Kontakion 5
From the words of spiritual honey flowing from Saint Paul the Apostle and the other Apostles, you were greatly sweetened and praised Him to whom the angelic hosts sing sweet songs of: Alleluia!
Ikos 5
At the burial of the Most Holy Mother of God, you were called, and with sweet words and understanding flowers, you adorned the wonderful feast of the Dormition of the Mistress of the world, for which we praise you thus:
Rejoice, sweet singer of spiritual songs;
Rejoice, light of those enveloped in the darkness of sorrow;
Rejoice, glorious flower of apostolic understanding;
Rejoice, for you were a witness to the Dormition of the Mistress of the world;
Rejoice, for you awaken us from the sleep of sin;
Rejoice, sweet speaker of high wisdom;
Rejoice, house adorned with the lights of virtues;
Rejoice, traveling cloud in the sky of pure hearts;
Rejoice, guide to the wonderful life;
Rejoice, book of spiritual wisdom;
Rejoice, for you have glorified the mercy of the Word;
Rejoice, for you have preached Him with strength throughout the world;
Rejoice, Holy Father Dionysius, zealous follower of the apostle of the nations!
Kontakion 6
You were deemed worthy of the gift of the priesthood, Holy Dionysius, and you lovingly guided the flock entrusted to you to the harbor of Truth, so that they might sing with thanksgiving to the Lord: Alleluia!
Ikos 6
You were sent to Gaul by Saint Clement of Rome to zealously preach Him Who enlightens all with the rays of the knowledge of God and Who makes us wise to sing to Him:
Rejoice, for you have worked diligently in the field of the Word;
Rejoice, for you have sown the words of the true faith;
Rejoice, light of those in the darkness of sin;
Rejoice, worthy servant of the Sun of righteousness;
Rejoice, skillful guide on the paths of salvation;
Rejoice, harbor of those tossed by temptations;
Rejoice, light of the land of Gaul;
Rejoice, sun that releases the rays of Wisdom;
Rejoice, crown of spiritual songs;
Rejoice, solace of the enlightenment of the faithful;
Rejoice, strong shield of the faithful;
Rejoice, chosen servant of the High Priest;
Rejoice, Holy Father Dionysius, zealous follower of the apostle of the nations!
Kontakion 7
In the regions of Paris, you brought many people to the knowledge of God, dispelling the darkness of idol worship, so that all might sing with one voice to the King of all: Alleluia!
Ikos 7
You built a church to the Most High God in the city of Paris, performing in it the bloodless sacrifice, for which the faithful gave you thanks such as these:
Rejoice, for you did not give sleep to your eyes in your labor;
Rejoice, for you have awakened many from the darkness of sin;
Rejoice, for you have gathered many sheep in the house of the Lord;
Rejoice, planter of the spiritual vineyard;
Rejoice, light shining in the city of Paris;
Rejoice, for you have built a church to the One who showed you His church;
Rejoice, for you have shown the souls of the faithful the dwelling places of the Word;
Rejoice, swift helper of those tried in the fire of temptations;
Rejoice, confessor of the angelic hierarchies;
Rejoice, for from the alms of the faithful you have built a church;
Rejoice, for you have watered your flock with the words of Life;
Rejoice, worthy follower of the labors of Saint Paul;
Rejoice, Holy Father Dionysius, zealous follower of the apostle of the nations!
Kontakion 8
Tired from preaching the Gospel and weighed down by old age, you were brought before the governor, but you confessed with strength the Savior Christ, to whom all the heavenly powers sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 8
You were bound with ropes by those bound with the bonds of wickedness, but you did not renounce the One Who broke the curse of death, and you did not worship idols; seeing the power of your confession, Holy Dionysius, we also sing to you these things:
Rejoice, for at the end of your life you met a martyr’s death;
Rejoice, for you did not fear the wrath of your oppressors;
Rejoice, for you confessed the Trinity of one essence;
Rejoice, for you denounced the vanity of idols;
Rejoice, strong example of patience in suffering;
Rejoice, adorned with the gift of speech;
Rejoice, for you spoke wisely about the heavenly hierarchies;
Rejoice, holy dwelling place of Christ’s glory;
Rejoice, for the old age of your body did not prevent you from confessing;
Rejoice, for through the spirit you gave birth to sons of the Church;
Rejoice, you who adorned the robe of the priesthood with the blood of martyrdom;
Rejoice, for you strengthen us to endure the temptations of life;
Rejoice, Holy Father Dionysius, zealous follower of the apostle of the Gentiles!
Kontakion 9
You were beaten with ropes, Holy One, but you rejoiced, thinking of the blows that the Savior endured to destroy death and so that all might sing to Him with one voice: Alleluia!
Ikos 9
You were thrown into prison together with your friends, Saints Rusticus and Eleutherius, but you waited joyfully to be released from the prison of the body and to rest in the heavenly dwellings, receiving praise from all, such as these:
Rejoice, for you endured to the end for Christ;
Rejoice, for the burden of years did not hinder you in your confession;
Rejoice, worthy follower of the passions of Christ;
Rejoice, for you have put to shame the wickedness of your oppressors;
Rejoice, for you give a helping hand to the afflicted;
Rejoice, living church of the King of all;
Rejoice, chosen vessel of the heavenly High Priest;
Rejoice, for you endured pain for the Crucified One;
Rejoice, for you overcame the power of the evil one;
Rejoice, for you have put to shame the boldness of the oppressors;
Rejoice, for in your sufferings you have praised the Lord;
Rejoice, for you give comfort to the afflicted;
Rejoice, Holy Father Dionysius, zealous follower of the Apostle of the Gentiles!
Kontakion 10
You were stretched out on an iron bed with fire beneath it, but He Who is eternal Fire protected you, so that you might sing with the seraphim: Alleluia!
Ikos 10
You were given as food to the beasts, but the Lord of all closed the mouths of the animals and opened the mouths of the faithful to praise you thus:
Rejoice, for you have conquered the beasts of passions;
Rejoice, for you have put to shame those with beastly habits;
Rejoice, for the Lord has protected you from the savagery of beasts;
Rejoice, for you help those wounded by the beasts of passions;
Rejoice, for you are a swift refuge for the afflicted;
Rejoice, light of those in the darkness of affliction;
Rejoice, for you were surrounded by the mercy of the Lord;
Rejoice, for your persecutors were put to shame;
Rejoice, for you prayed for those whose hearts were hardened;
Rejoice, for the Lord helped you in your torments;
Rejoice, for He showed you to be an heir to heavenly glory;
Rejoice, for you overcame all trials with the help of the Lord;
Rejoice, Holy Father Dionysius, zealous follower of the apostle of the Gentiles!
Kontakion 11
You were thrown into a great fire, but the Lord kept you unharmed, you who burned with zeal for the Truth, so that all might glorify Him in songs of Alleluia!
Ikos 11
In prison you celebrated the Holy Liturgy for the Christian people and shared the Body and Blood of Christ with all, a great light shining above you, and the King of glory Himself with the angelic hosts appeared in the prison, magnifying you with songs such as these:
Rejoice, brave soldier of Christ;
Rejoice, glorious confessor of the Truth;
Rejoice, for you were enveloped in heavenly light;
Rejoice, for the Savior rested in you;
Rejoice, for you showed love for your flock until the end;
Rejoice, for you confessed Christ until the end;
Rejoice, tireless servant of the Lord of all;
Rejoice, for you are a safe haven for those overcome with sorrow;
Rejoice, for you perform many miracles of reconciliation;
Rejoice, for you have poured forth rivers of words of Wisdom;
Rejoice, for you have quenched the thirst of men for Truth;
Rejoice, for you have revealed the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven;
Rejoice, Holy Father Dionysius, zealous follower of the Apostle of the Gentiles!
Kontakion 12
You were condemned to be beheaded by the sword, and you thanked the Lord for deeming you worthy of a martyr’s death, and the angels rejoiced, seeing your strength in suffering, singing to the One Who gave you the cup of suffering to drink: Alleluia!
Ikos 12
With the power of God, after your death you rose, carrying your head in your hands, and went to a faithful woman, Catulla, giving her your head, and the Christians in that place built a church for you, where they praised you thus:
Rejoice, for even after your falling asleep a great miracle was revealed;
Rejoice, for the power of God worked in your body even after death;
Rejoice, for you gave your head to the woman Catulla;
Rejoice, for you shone with miracles after death;
Rejoice, for you are a fervent intercessor for the Church of Christ;
Rejoice, for you have shown us the things concerning the church hierarchy;
Rejoice, for your name is written in heaven;
Rejoice, for the Lord greatly loved your sacrifice;
Rejoice, for you followed your teacher in suffering;
Rejoice, for both of you were received by the Savior in heaven;
Rejoice, for you are a strong defender of the afflicted;
Rejoice, comforter of the sorrowful;
Rejoice, Holy Father Dionysius, zealous follower of the apostle of the Gentiles!
Kontakion 13
O Holy Martyr Dionysius, praise of the hierarchs who love the Truth, with your prayers before the throne of the Trinity, intercede for us for forgiveness and a good response at the judgment of the Word, that we may bring you words of thanksgiving and to the King of all the song of: Alleluia!
This Kontakion is said 3 times.
Ikos 1
Before being enlightened with the gift of Holy Baptism, you saw the sun covered with a mantle of mourning, when the Savior of the world was suffering on the Cross for our deliverance from the darkness of sin, and you marveled at what you saw, and we, marveling at what happened, praise you thus:
Rejoice, you who were called beforehand to serve the Light;
Rejoice, for you have received the gift of the Sun of righteousness;
Rejoice, for the wisdom of the Spirit has been poured out upon you;
Rejoice, for the Father has chosen you among the saints;
Rejoice, for you are a skilled intercessor for the unskilled;
Rejoice, for you have been adorned with outward wisdom;
Rejoice, great praise of the city of Athens;
Rejoice, supporter of the powerless;
Rejoice, ever-flowing river of wisdom;
Rejoice, rest for souls weary with sorrow;
Rejoice, for with the angels you served the Maker of all;
Rejoice, call of those lost to the Truth;
Rejoice, Holy Father Dionysius, zealous follower of the apostle of the nations!
Kontakion 1
How can we not marvel, Father Dionysius, at your zeal for preaching the truth, for before you were called to be a servant of the Sun of righteousness, you knew the mystery of Him Who darkened the sun through His passion, and then, casting aside the darkness of ignorance altogether, you became a follower of the star of the Apostles, for whom all sing to you: Rejoice, Holy Father Dionysius, zealous follower of the apostle of the nations!
Prayer to the Most Holy Trinity by Saint Dionysius the Areopagite:
Most exalted Trinity,
divinity above all knowledge,
whose goodness passes understanding,
who guides Christians to divine wisdom;
direct our way to the summit of your mystical oracles,
most incomprehensible,
most lucid and most exalted,
where the simple and pure and unchangeable mysteries of theology are revealed in the darkness,
clearer than light;
a darkness that shines brighter than light,
that invisibly and intangibly illuminates
with splendors of inconceivable beauty the soul that sees not.
Let this be my prayer.
Amen.
