For all Akathists published on our site, click here. This Akathist was contributed by Maxim, who kindly asks all Orthodox Christians to keep him in their prayers for his repentance. See bottom for original source. Explore more prayer: Akathists to Church Fathers and Confessors, Early Christian Martyrs, Akathists to Martyrs
Romanian icon of St. Justin Martyr – Feast Day June 1
TROPARION of Saint Justin Martyr and Philosopher
The Church has gained you, O divine trumpet, as you teach all the divine doctrine of the Savior’s incarnation. And by the shedding of your holy blood, She has numbered you among the firstborn; for this reason, we all honor your memory, crying out to you: “Do not forget your servants, Justin.”
Kontakion 1
You showed an unquenchable longing for the knowledge of the truth and an unwavering zeal for its acquisition and proclamation, crowning your struggles with a martyr’s death; for this we cry out to you: Rejoice , Saint Justin the Martyr and Philosopher, who revealed the mystery of creation in the image of the Incarnate Logos!
Ikos 1
The philosophy of human systems was swept away from your soul, Saint Justin, so that you might then arrive at the philosophy of the prophets and of Jesus Christ and awaken from darkness into the light as a completely new man, truly reborn.
Rejoice, word in defense of those unjustly hated and tormented;
Rejoice, judgment in accordance with right reason;
Rejoice, mind free from prejudice;
Rejoice, inquiry into life that reveals its true nature;
Rejoice, worship of God in Spirit and truth;
Rejoice, longing for eternal and pure life;
Rejoice, pursuit of what is pleasing to God through the rational powers He has given us;
Rejoice, hopeful expectation of the kingdom of heaven;
Rejoice, faith that aims at immortality;
Rejoice, self-surrender to the good and unborn God;
Rejoice, renunciation of sensual pleasures and embrace of all wisdom;
Rejoice, love of neighbor with the love of Christ;
Rejoice, Saint Justin the Martyr and Philosopher, who revealed the mystery of creation in the image of the Incarnate Logos!
Kontakion 2
Above all else, you loved wisdom, which alone can lift us up to God and draw us near to Him, so that we may cry out with all the saints together: Alleluia!
Ikos 2
A fire was kindled in your soul, filling you with great love for the prophets and all the friends of Christ, and understanding that this is the only sure and beneficial philosophy.
Rejoice, benefactor of the needy;
Rejoice, spiritual treasure gathered in heaven;
Rejoice, patience and gentleness that turn away from evil desires;
Rejoice, life lived according to the word of the Gospel;
Rejoice, fruit of God’s gift;
Rejoice, expectation of the fulfillment of time;
Rejoice, herald of the Dawn from on High;
Rejoice, planting in the world of the knowledge of God;
Rejoice, clarification of the prophecies concerning the Incarnation of the Word;
Rejoice, horizon opened by the mystery of His Resurrection;
Rejoice, discernment of the old in the light of the new;
Rejoice, edifice of faith upon the foundation of the Cross;
Rejoice, deliverance from the bonds of injustice;
Rejoice, Saint Justin the Martyr and Philosopher, who revealed the mystery of creation in the image of the Incarnate Logos!
Kontakion 3
With the price of your life you paid for your precious faith, which you had sought for a long time and which you finally found, preached, and defended with all the power of your wisdom, singing: Alleluia!
Ikos 3
Following the model of the ancient schools of philosophy, you founded a school in Rome where you taught Christian doctrine, for the enlightenment of the nations.
Rejoice, voice in praise of God;
Rejoice, good news of the Word with power from on high;
Rejoice, for you were enamored of incorruptibility;
Rejoice, passion to receive what is desired;
Rejoice, joy of the heavenly promise;
Rejoice, removal of wickedness from souls;
Rejoice, manifestation of divine providence;
Rejoice, revelation of the mystery of the miracle;
Rejoice, communion of all under the sign of the cross;
Rejoice, sowing of the seeds of Truth;
Rejoice, fervent prayer with fasting for the forgiveness of sins;
Rejoice, repentance that renews and enlightens;
Rejoice, Saint Justin the Martyr and Philosopher, who revealed the mystery of creation in the icon of the Incarnate Logos!
Kontakion 4
In your two Apologies, you presented Christianity to the Roman world as the only true religion, while at the same time defending it against the malicious and false accusations leveled against it by those who did not know how to sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 4
In your defense, you mentioned a miracle that happened to a Roman legion in Germany, following the prayer of the Christians in the legion, and you asked the Roman emperors, the Senate, and the Roman people that the judgment of the Christians be carried out justly. For this, we rightly sing:
Rejoice, one who walks through the burning bush of divine love;
Rejoice, embrace with the kiss of peace;
Rejoice, praise and glory lifted up to the Father of all;
Rejoice, prayer and thanksgiving to the Most Holy Trinity;
Rejoice, helper of orphans and widows;
Rejoice, caregiver of all who are in need;
Rejoice, support of the destitute, those in prison, or strangers;
Rejoice, you who strive to live according to the Word;
Rejoice, you who bear the fruit of His seeds;
Rejoice, you who suffer for the love of Christ;
Rejoice, you who lead others to virtue through fear and love of the good;
Rejoice, you who esteem God above glory, fear, and death;
Rejoice, Saint Justin the Martyr and Philosopher, who revealed the mystery of creation in the image of the Incarnate Logos!
Kontakion 5
The power of the Christians’ sacrifice bears witness to their innocence and to their hope for the kingdom of heaven, for which they practice self-control, love for all, aid to the poor, patience, obedience to their elders, and the ceaseless singing of Alleluia!
Ikos 5
The power of God’s love is above corruption and death, granting us through His Incarnation—foretold by all the prophets—the supernatural hope of the Resurrection.
Rejoice, communion with the grace that comes from on high;
Rejoice, teaching surpassing all human philosophy;
Rejoice, training of the mind in the love of wisdom;
Rejoice, crowning of wisdom with divine virtues;
Rejoice, vision of God through the eye of purity;
Rejoice, soul purified by righteousness and all other virtues;
Rejoice, worthy witness of the Truth;
Rejoice, soul made alive by the breath of the Holy Spirit;
Rejoice, prayer that opens the gates of light;
Rejoice, word that bears the mystery;
Rejoice, drink from the springs of divine mercy;
Rejoice, healing of nature through the power of the Incarnate Word;
Rejoice, Saint Justin the Martyr and Philosopher, who revealed the mystery of creation in the image of the Incarnate Logos!
Kontakion 6
In Christ, the ancient prophecies were fulfilled, which foretold future events as if they had already happened, revealing the supernatural mystery of the Holy Trinity’s economy in the mystery of the Alleluia hymn!
Ikos 6
The Christian mystery is beyond words, surpassing all human teaching, for while philosophers and lawmakers knew the Word only in part, His disciples knew Him in full, being ready to die for His love.
Rejoice, pure delight in the divine;
Rejoice, washing in the bath of repentance;
Rejoice, turning away from lawlessness and clinging to God’s will;
Rejoice, for the Lord will be an everlasting name and sign and will not be erased;
Rejoice, clothing of the naked;
Rejoice, feeding of the hungry;
Rejoice, circumcision of the heart;
Rejoice, garden watered by God’s grace;
Rejoice, light rising in the darkness;
Rejoice, land bearing the fruit of eternal life;
Rejoice, walk in the divine commandments;
Rejoice, righteous worship that illuminates the path;
Rejoice, Saint Justin the Martyr and Philosopher, who revealed the mystery of creation in the icon of the Incarnate Logos!
Kontakion 7
Christians know that God is the witness of our thoughts and deeds; let us cast aside wickedness so that we may share in the eternal joy of the Alleluia!
Ikos 7
You have learned that possessing even a single seed of truth is entirely different from having the Truth in all His majesty, as in an icon of everlasting worship.
Rejoice, grace of the proclamation of God’s beauty;
Rejoice, call to walk in the light of the Lord;
Rejoice, inheritance of the blessings of the heavenly kingdom;
Rejoice, soul redeemed by Christ;
Rejoice, righteousness and saving judgment;
Rejoice, rest in the will of God;
Rejoice, protection from evil and deceiving spirits;
Rejoice, edifice of life upon the rock of the Incarnate Word;
Rejoice, word imbued with the spirit of wisdom and strength;
Rejoice, word imbued with the spirit of healing and foreknowledge;
Rejoice, Word with the spirit of teaching and the fear of God;
Rejoice, Word with the spirit of faith, hope, and love;
Rejoice, Holy Justin the Martyr and Philosopher, who revealed the mystery of creation in the image of the Incarnate Logos!
Kontakion 8
Your thirst for truth was quenched only by the springs of divine grace, revealing to you the mystery of salvation springing from the Incarnation of the Word of God, which enlightened the world and poured out everywhere the joy of the Alleluia song!
Ikos 8
You have borne witness from the ancient sages and the prophecies of Scripture concerning the Incarnation, the Passion, the Resurrection, and the Ascension into heaven of the Son of God, bringing both Jews and Gentiles to the true faith.
Rejoice, reign through truth, gentleness, and justice;
Rejoice, response of the heart’s good word;
Rejoice, halting of straying;
Rejoice, sharing of holy gifts;
Rejoice, honor of God in deeds, in knowledge, and in the heart;
Rejoice, herald of the Second Coming of Christ;
Rejoice, apostolic zeal;
Rejoice, love that melts away hardness of heart;
Rejoice, guardian of eternal righteousness;
Rejoice, conscience ever illuminated by the presence of God;
Rejoice, unceasing remembrance of His holy name;
Rejoice, faith that God will raise us up through His Christ;
Rejoice, Saint Justin the Martyr and Philosopher, who revealed the mystery of creation in the image of the Incarnate Logos!
Kontakion 9
Eloquent orators cannot express how, in many ways and forms, you revealed God’s economy for our salvation, we who sing Alleluia!
Ikos 9
You have enlightened hearts with the power of the Word of God, holy Justin, raising fervent prayers for the enlightenment of those in the darkness of ignorance.
Rejoice, comfort of the despairing people;
Rejoice, cry of repentance that storms the kingdom of God;
Rejoice, assurance that He will make us incorruptible, passionless, and immortal;
Rejoice, trust in the name of the Crucified One;
Rejoice, fruit of the seed of salvation through the grace of His mercy;
Rejoice, happiness of obedience to God;
Rejoice, joy of keeping His ways;
Rejoice, joy of fulfilling His will;
Rejoice, care for the soul as a divine gift;
Rejoice, revelation of Wisdom from before the ages;
Rejoice, you who share in the name of God;
Rejoice, you who have cast aside wickedness and futility;
Rejoice, Saint Justin the Martyr and Philosopher, you who revealed the mystery of creation in the image of the Incarnate Logos!
Kontakion 10
You sailed across the sea of Scripture, reaching the harbor of salvation with the good news of God’s love, which took on flesh and form in Christ, so that the world might be lifted up to the Father in the joy of the Alleluia hymn!
Ikos 10
With all your soul and all your being you embraced the Christian faith, holy Justin, sealing your life with your martyr’s blood, in your longing to be united with Hypostatic Wisdom.
Rejoice, judgment in righteousness;
Rejoice, fruit of holiness;
Rejoice, preparation of the ways of the righteous;
Rejoice, torch set to enlighten the nations;
Rejoice, herald of the eternal place;
Rejoice, partaker of the bread of life;
Rejoice, pure-hearted receiver of the divine mysteries;
Rejoice, lamb without blemish;
Rejoice, new song lifted up to God;
Rejoice, patience in trials while awaiting His judgment;
Rejoice, knowledge of the saving mystery;
Rejoice, love of a son for the heavenly Father;
Rejoice, Saint Justin the Martyr and Philosopher, who revealed the mystery of creation in the image of the Incarnate Logos!
Kontakion 11
In Christ you passed from partial and conjectural knowledge to eternal knowledge, in which Truth Itself becomes the Body of Communion, to those who sing unceasingly: Alleluia!
Ikos 11
Nothing could separate you from the love of Christ, for whom you trampled death, like Him, entering into the joy of those who sing:
Rejoice, word of the call and of repentance to all nations;
Rejoice, interpretation of the prophecies;
Rejoice, proclamation of the mystery of our rebirth in Christ;
Rejoice, thanksgiving offered to God through deeds;
Rejoice, satisfaction from the bosom of His comfort;
Rejoice, sharing in the entrance into His glory;
Rejoice, sweetening of the waters of nature by the power of the cross;
Rejoice, for you have found rest in Christ;
Rejoice, for the economy of salvation has been fulfilled in you as well;
Rejoice, testimony to the divinity of the Logos;
Rejoice, witness to His humanity as well;
Rejoice, Word made icon of the incarnate Son of God;
Rejoice, Saint Justin the Martyr and Philosopher, who revealed the mystery of creation in the icon of the Incarnate Logos!
Kontakion 12
It is everyone’s duty to refrain from doing wrong before God and to find the change of heart through which one comes to know the Most High, singing: Alleluia!
Ikos 12
Before the Holy Trinity you have shown yourself to be a fruit of holiness, pouring out the blessing of the Word made flesh upon those who sing:
Rejoice, love of God with all your heart and all your strength;
Rejoice, love of neighbor as yourself;
Rejoice, you who destroy the serpent’s power;
Rejoice, you who believe in God’s mercy and love for humanity;
Rejoice, you who transform enmity into piety, righteousness, hope, faith, and love;
Rejoice, you whose soul has been wholly transformed by the power of the Spirit;
Rejoice, body transformed by the grace of incorruption;
Rejoice, heart from which living water flows;
Rejoice, cleansing from all sorrow and the heat of sin;
Rejoice, for you have been set as a light to the nations;
Rejoice, father who begets spiritual sons;
Rejoice, son of the kingdom of God;
Rejoice, Saint Justin the Martyr and Philosopher, who revealed the mystery of creation in the image of the Incarnate Logos!
Kontakion 13
You bore witness to the Heavenly Father, the Divine Son, and the Most Holy Spirit before the Jews and the Gentiles, grafting the most precious fruits of human wisdom into the mystery of the Incarnate Word, the eternal gift of the adoption of creation by the love of the Holy Trinity, To whom we rightly sing: Alleluia!
This Kontakion is said three times.
Ikos 1
The philosophy of human systems was swept away from your soul, Saint Justin, so that you might then arrive at the philosophy of the prophets and of Jesus Christ and awaken from darkness into the light as a completely new man, truly reborn.
Rejoice, word in defense of those unjustly hated and tormented;
Rejoice, judgment in accordance with right reason;
Rejoice, mind free from prejudice;
Rejoice, inquiry into life that reveals its true nature;
Rejoice, worship of God in Spirit and truth;
Rejoice, longing for eternal and pure life;
Rejoice, pursuit of what is pleasing to God through the rational powers He has given us;
Rejoice, hopeful expectation of the kingdom of heaven;
Rejoice, faith that aims at immortality;
Rejoice, self-surrender to the good and unborn God;
Rejoice, renunciation of sensual pleasures and embrace of all wisdom;
Rejoice, love of neighbor with the love of Christ;
Rejoice, Saint Justin the Martyr and Philosopher, who revealed the mystery of creation in the image of the Incarnate Logos!
Kontakion 1
You showed an unquenchable longing for the knowledge of the truth and an unwavering zeal for its acquisition and proclamation, crowning your struggles with a martyr’s death; for this we cry out to you: Rejoice , Saint Justin the Martyr and Philosopher, who revealed the mystery of creation in the image of the Incarnate Logos!
Prayer
Our teachings surpass all others in that we have in Christ the entire Word, Who revealed Himself to us in body, Word, and soul—the Hypostasis Itself of what the sages of the ages laboriously drew from the treasury of Truth, having contemplated the Word only in part. For this reason, Saint Justin, we honor the incarnate Logos of God, Who in many ways and in many forms has ordained the economy for the salvation of the world, caring for those who with true faith worship the living God, One in the Trinity, Whom through your martyr’s death you have glorified!
(Akathist composed with the prayers and blessing of Father Ghelasie of Frăsinei and Father Justin of Oașa).
