Akathist to Saint Dumitru Stăniloae

For all Akathists published on our site, click here. This Akathist was translated by Maxim, who kindly asks all Orthodox Christians to keep him in their prayers for his repentance. Original source at the bottom. Explore more prayer: Romanian Orthodox Heritage, Akathists to Church Fathers and Confessors

Feast Day: 4 October

Kontakion 1

He who revealed himself as the holy voice of the Word, teaching us virtuous conduct and illuminating our path to perfection, let us, believers, reverently honor this wise teacher, and let us all say to him: Rejoice, Holy Father Dumitru, wise interpreter of the Philokalia!

Ikos 1

Spiritual water flowed from your lips through the Holy Spirit, Father Dumitru, quenching with uncreated grace those who were formed from the earth. Therefore, we all, with faith and reverence, cry out words such as these:

Rejoice, scion of the true faith;

Rejoice, guide of virtues;

Rejoice, pure vessel of the light of the Word;

Rejoice, voice crying out in the wilderness of the earth;

Rejoice, brow bearing the crowns of human achievement;

Rejoice, mountain whose heights reach into the angelic realms;

Rejoice, for we know you as the King’s herald;

Rejoice, you who proclaimed Him with knowledge and in a worthy manner;

Rejoice, morning star who reveals the Sun;

Rejoice, lightning bolt with the radiance of grace;

Rejoice, through whom Christ is glorified;

Rejoice, through whom the enemy is destroyed;

Rejoice, Holy Father Demetrius, wise interpreter of the Philokalia!

Kontakion 2

By putting to good use the talent given to you by the Lord, beginning with outward things, you increased it; and, using them as a help, you gained ten more talents—the holy riches of the Church’s theology—crying out with thanksgiving from your heart: Alleluia!

Ikos 2

Loving books, through them you opened your mind, Father, growing before God and men, and you became, from a humble disciple, a great, honorable, and renowned teacher to all, enlightening with your teachings those who sing to you with love:

Rejoice, you who have multiplied the talent;

Rejoice, you who have buried sin;

Rejoice, book in which the names of the saints are written;

Rejoice, our share in the ranks of the righteous;

Rejoice, treasure of the Church, enriching the priesthood;

Rejoice, honeycomb of the Spirit, sweetening the faithful;

Rejoice, you who have subdued human knowledge;

Rejoice, you who have received heavenly wisdom;

Rejoice, for your mind was set on Christ;

Rejoice, for you also loved your neighbor;

Rejoice, fulfillment of good works;

Rejoice, inspiration that drives away sloth;

Rejoice, Holy Father Dumitru, wise interpreter of the Philokalia!

Kontakion 3

You set out, Father, to gather—like a bee—from the wisdom of the Holy Fathers, sparing no effort and laboring so that in your heart you might gather not honey, but myrrh from their work, crying out to God with it: Alleluia!

Ikos 3

The New Eve, the Virgin Mary, the fulfillment of holiness, the offering of humanity for God’s boundless love, has interceded for you through the New Adam, her Son, through the saints, her spiritual sons, for whom we honor you and say:

Rejoice, fulfillment of the holy Scriptures;

Rejoice, their true interpreter;

Rejoice, worker in the garden of holiness;

Rejoice, one who lives the sweetness of humility;

Rejoice, voice of the Fathers who speaks even from the grave;

Rejoice, lyre of the Pious, purifying with their song;

Rejoice, one of one mind with Gregory the Theologian;

Rejoice, one of one mind with Maximus the Confessor;

Rejoice, you who followed the Great Athanasius;

Rejoice, you who embraced the chosen one, Dionysius;

Rejoice, you who ever draw forth the honey of Scripture;

Rejoice, you who pour out the myrrh of sanctification upon all;

Rejoice, Holy Father Demetrius, wise interpreter of the Philokalia!

Kontakion 4

The heavenly fire came upon you through the blessing of Saint Gregory Palamas, and, finding union in the light, you quickly dedicated your life to the One on High, Who descended among us below and Whom we praise, crying out to Him: Alleluia!

Ikos 4

The divine Voice spoke within your soul, causing it to know the love of the One who lived among us and was crucified for us, the One Lord Jesus Christ, whom you glorify, and in whose glory you rejoice:

Rejoice, you who have found the key to Life;

Rejoice, you who have entered through the door of gentleness;

Rejoice, discoverer of the works of grace;

Rejoice, penetrator of the mysteries of the Spirit;

Rejoice, for you have revealed God from on high upon the earth;

Rejoice, for you have lifted those on earth up to heaven;

Rejoice, you through whom the philosophers have been put to shame;

Rejoice, you through whom the faithful have been filled with hope;

Rejoice, glory of the Lord’s work;

Rejoice, you who received the fire of the Spirit;

Rejoice, for the Lord spoke to you through creation;

Rejoice, for you have embraced all things in love;

Rejoice, Holy Father Dumitru, wise interpreter of the Philokalia!

Kontakion 5

Your word, O Holy One, was heavenly nourishment in the dark dungeons for the holy confessors who bore their cross with radiance, praying for their enemies and ever offering to Christ the hymn: Alleluia!

Ikos 5

A deadly winter was brought upon the world by those without God or humanity, and though imprisoned by them, you opened yourself to the radiant Christ, praying ceaselessly in your heart; for this we praise you and say:

Rejoice, for you were a witness to the faith;

Rejoice, for you were a healer of weakness;

Rejoice, you who bore your cross upon your shoulders;

Rejoice, you who saved many from destruction;

Rejoice, comfort of the confessors through your word;

Rejoice, inspiration and zeal of the preachers;

Rejoice, understanding through which the mind is strengthened;

Rejoice, weapon through which the devil is vanquished;

Rejoice, downfall of the malevolent;

Rejoice, exposure of the persecutors;

Rejoice, deliverance from the darkness of the times;

Rejoice, discovery of the path to the Light;

Rejoice, Holy Father Dumitru, wise interpreter of the Philokalia!

Kontakion 6

We recognize you as an angel, for you teach the priesthood the ministry received from the Lord, proclaiming the Light through light and, in word, encompassing the Light; O Teacher, you are the light to us all; therefore, we sing to Christ: Alleluia!

Ikos 6

With humility you offered the living sacrifice upon the altar of the Most Holy Trinity, being united inwardly with Christ and loving all people through Him. Therefore, enfold us also in your holy love, we who ever sing to you with faith:

Rejoice, torch of the priesthood;

Rejoice, inspiration of sacrificial service;

Rejoice, good laborer in the Lord’s vineyard;

Rejoice, righteous minister of the mysteries of the Spirit;

Rejoice, true follower of the Lord’s Passion;

Rejoice, most enlightened herald of His words;

Rejoice, for the priesthood is glorified through you;

Rejoice, for you clearly reveal holiness;

Rejoice, crown of theologians;

Rejoice, treasure of the faithful;

Rejoice, through whom the Church rejoices;

Rejoice, through whom the Holy Spirit speaks to us;

Rejoice, Holy Father Dumitru, wise interpreter of the Philokalia!

Kontakion 7

You received the divine tongue, O wise one, speaking of the mysteries of heaven; and, clarifying all things with your voice, you enlightened our minds by grace, so that we might know the Father through the Son in the Holy Spirit, saying: Alleluia!

Ikos 7

You have attained a mind that beholds the unwaning light, in which we come to know the Trinity, having purified yourself; and thus you have expounded the love through which the world was saved; therefore, hear from us forever:

Rejoice, altar of the Holy Trinity;

Rejoice, voice of righteous praise;

Rejoice, preacher of piety;

Rejoice, witness of love;

Rejoice, for you dispel adversity;

Rejoice, for you heal the wounds of the soul;

Rejoice, speech adorned with grace that proclaims salvation;

Rejoice, sun-drenched plain, where the Godhead rests;

Rejoice, you who have received wisdom;

Rejoice, you who share understanding;

Rejoice, chalice that holds Deliverance;

Rejoice, zephyr that brings joy;

Rejoice, Holy Father Demetrius, wise interpreter of the Philokalia!

Kontakion 8

The Virgin Birth renewed creation, making all things very good, and through the divine thought that shines in all creation, you have lifted our minds and hearts to your Creator and urge us to sing to Him: Alleluia!

Ikos 8

By laboriously purifying the inner eye, you beheld the Lord’s mercy, and, desiring to make us partakers of the beauty you discovered through contemplation, you gave us the writings of those who love beauty; therefore, you receive praise from us:

Rejoice, interpreter of the Philokalia;

Rejoice, mediator of vigilance;

Rejoice, word seasoned with the salt of wisdom;

Rejoice, flower that bears the fruit of incorruption;

Rejoice, guardian of the senses, through whom we are purified;

Rejoice, watchful guardian of our thoughts, through whom we are enlightened;

Rejoice, purpose of suffering that delivers us from sin;

Rejoice, spear of repentance that purifies the soul;

Rejoice, lover of beauty;

Rejoice, contemplator of Christ;

Rejoice, loving gentleness;

Rejoice, unifying humility;

Rejoice, Holy Father Dumitru, wise interpreter of the Philokalia!

Kontakion 9

Through all created things and through Holy Scripture, you beheld the Creator of all, distinguishing the meanings of things from the meanings of the passions; and, having found rest in prayer, you sang to Christ the Lord: Alleluia!

Ikos 9

Receiving the rays of spiritual understanding, O contemplator of God, you entered the world of the Sun of righteousness, and, being enlightened by Him, you strove to attain His likeness, ever turning toward Him; for this reason, hear this hymn:

Rejoice, light of grace;

Rejoice, recipient of the Spirit;

Rejoice, deepening of the mind within the heart;

Rejoice, lover of prayer;

Rejoice, for you have passed beyond the veil;

Rejoice, for you have found the angelic life;

Rejoice, sea of understanding, reflecting the Holy One;

Rejoice, grace of Chrismation, spreading sweet fragrance;

Rejoice, silence before the Infinite;

Rejoice, wonder before the Incomprehensible;

Rejoice, ascent from the created;

Rejoice, ascent to the unseen;

Rejoice, Holy Father Demetrius, wise interpreter of the Philokalia!

Kontakion 10

You have set before us a guiding sign to lead us to divine love, in which we may be one with God and all the saints, experiencing eternal joys and singing to the Trinity: Alleluia!

Ikos 10

The deceitful serpent has been unmasked, his cunning and lies exposed, for in Christ people have become like gods, and we, having found the way through you, cry out to you with honor:

Rejoice, path to the Kingdom;

Rejoice, destroyer of heresy;

Rejoice, worker of pure prayer;

Rejoice, receiver of uncreated light;

Rejoice, for you have learned righteousness from God in Christ;

Rejoice, for you have shown us the new creation, the law of grace;

Rejoice, strong love for God and people;

Rejoice, shield against the cunning demons;

Rejoice, pure dwelling place of the Word;

Rejoice, dwelling place of the Comforter;

Rejoice, radiance of deification;

Rejoice, ceaseless inspiration of love;

Rejoice, Holy Father Demetrius, wise interpreter of the Philokalia!

Kontakion 11

You have expounded all the righteous dogmas, O Holy One, imbuing yourself with their essence and teaching us to praise the duality of Christ’s natures and the Trinity of the Persons of the Godhead, to Whom, together with you, we raise our song: Alleluia!

Ikos 11

We weave for you a holy wreath from various hymns and place it upon your head, Father, for Christ, Whom you proclaimed, has glorified you with a threefold light, which we too ask of you, crying out:

Rejoice, through whom we love the Word;

Rejoice, through whom we know the Spirit;

Rejoice, the Father’s righteous understanding;

Rejoice, the Trinity’s luminous knowledge;

Rejoice, for you have theologically expounded the Lord Jesus;

Rejoice, for through what you saw in Him you ascended;

Rejoice, you who explained grace to us through your words;

Rejoice, for through your trials you revealed heaven to us;

Rejoice, delight in the mysteries of creation;

Rejoice, light through the teaching of the Scriptures;

Rejoice, voice of the unspeakable;

Rejoice, name of the unnameable;

Rejoice, Holy Father Demetrius, wise interpreter of the Philokalia!

Kontakion 12

Your books are an open door to heaven for us, through which we find salvation; for by receiving the truth within them and finding the path of virtue, we have unhindered passage to the One to whom the hymn is due: Alleluia!

Ikos 12

You have spoken no empty words, O Blessed One, but only the word of God; having peace in humility and, through love, being constantly one with God and with your neighbor, from whom you hear:

Rejoice, depth of theology;

Rejoice, sanctified fruit of the Liturgy;

Rejoice, teacher of the inner work;

Rejoice, interpreter of the mysterious services;

Rejoice, for the angel of the Lord has joyfully visited you;

Rejoice, for the Mother of God has delivered you from the transitory things of this world;

Rejoice, Saint Demetrius, for Christ has revealed Himself to you;

Rejoice, new star, illuminated by the Trinity;

Rejoice, pen of swift writing;

Rejoice, steadfast foundation of dogmas;

Rejoice, gentle guardian of all;

Rejoice, our fountain of strength;

Rejoice, Holy Father Demetrius, wise interpreter of the Philokalia!

Kontakion 13

O wise Father Demetrius, you who shine in all virtues, but especially in the preaching of God, destroy within us all passion through your word, and, lifting our minds toward the Word you have proclaimed, enlighten all of us who sing: Alleluia!

This kontakion is sung three times.

Ikos 1

Rejoice, scion of the true faith;

Rejoice, guide of virtues;

Rejoice, pure vessel of the light of the Word;

Rejoice, voice crying out in the wilderness of the earth;

Rejoice, brow bearing the crowns of human achievement;

Rejoice, mountain whose heights reach into the angelic realms;

Rejoice, for we know you as the King’s herald;

Rejoice, you who proclaimed Him with knowledge and in a worthy manner;

Rejoice, morning star who reveals the Sun;

Rejoice, lightning bolt with the radiance of grace;

Rejoice, through whom Christ is glorified;

Rejoice, through whom the enemy is destroyed;

Rejoice, Holy Father Demetrius, wise interpreter of the Philokalia!

Kontakion 1

Prayer to Saint Dumitru Stăniloae, the Confessor

O, God-speaking and wise Father Dumitru, we knock at the door of your goodness; send help to our minds, poisoned by the multitude of passions and the power of darkness, and, through the name of Jesus, the key to all gifts, open for us the door to the heavenly treasury. Be a guide to our minds as we meditate on the Lord. Enlighten our minds through the knowledge of God. Grant us penetrating eyes that may behold their Creator in His creation. Help us to understand the mystery of God’s great love, revealed in His economy for the visible world and in the mystery of His Son’s crucifixion, through which our hearts are strengthened in hope. Fill, O Holy One, through your intercession—as you once did through the Word—our hearts with the Holy Spirit, to whom you have boldness, so that we too may be knowers of God’s mysteries and serve Him with the movements of our minds, in the Holy of Holies of His knowledge. O Wise One, make all those who stray from true knowledge worthy of it, so that they may know the glory of the true God, and, thus being united in one mind and one heart, may we give glory to the Trinity of one essence: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Source: https://doxologia.ro/acatistul-sfantului-preot-marturisitor-dumitru-staniloae