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: 23 February
Kontakion 1
By tilling the field of souls and bringing abundance to the earth, you have become, O Saint, a chosen vessel and the praise of the righteous Christians, who have since learned to sing to you: Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Polycarp, martyr of Christ!
Ikos 1
Faithful servant of the Lord, like the angels, you attained angelic perfection, and by accepting death for Christ, you received eternal life. For this we worthily sing to you:
Rejoice, scion of Ephesus;
Rejoice, fragrant flower of the city of Smyrna;
Rejoice, rich fruit of the Apostles of Christ;
Rejoice, shining pearl in the crown of the sanctified martyrs;
Rejoice, great hierarch, who, in humility, shared grace;
Rejoice, strong tower of the saving faith, which you confessed through great miracles;
Rejoice, for you were deemed worthy of the gift of prophecy;
Rejoice, joy of the poor;
Rejoice, protector and great comforter of widows;
Rejoice, swift healer of various illnesses;
Rejoice, terror and dread of demons;
Rejoice, for before the Throne of God you intercede earnestly for those who pray to you;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Polycarp, martyr of Christ!
Kontakion 2
Your birth, O Saint, in the cold dungeon where your mother was imprisoned for her faith, was like that of Christ in the cave of old; yet an even greater miracle took place: as soon as you were born, an angel of the Lord descended and, taking you up, said: Alleluia!
Ikos 2
A light in times of darkness, God has deemed you worthy to be, having been saved even as an infant in a most wondrous way; help us, then, to be cleansed of the deceitful thought, guarding us as infants in mind, we who now cry out to you:
Rejoice, for whom the Lord sent His angel;
Rejoice, for you were entrusted to the care of a good Christian woman by divine providence;
Rejoice, for whom the Blessed Theodora shed a mother’s tears;
Rejoice, for your father, Saint Pangratius, prayed long for you;
Rejoice, for both your earthly parents received the crown of martyrdom;
Rejoice, for the beasts dared not approach their holy relics;
Rejoice, for from childhood you possessed the gift of working miracles;
Rejoice, for when the great work of God was revealed through your prayer, from Pangratius now Polycarp you were named;
Rejoice, for God, granting you many days, endowed you with the virtue of self-restraint from the very beginning;
Rejoice, for you became a dwelling place for the spirit of gentleness;
Rejoice, you who from your youth displayed the settled mind of the elderly;
Rejoice, spiritual father, to whom in old age the zeal of youth was granted;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Polycarp, martyr of Christ!
Kontakion 3
When a great famine struck the city of Ephesus, all ran to you hoping for help, and you left no one burdened by hardship, but had mercy on all; for this they turned to God, saying: Alleluia!
Ikos 3
Just as how throughout your life you showed mercy to those in need, have mercy now upon us, sinners who are poor in good deeds, so that, not remaining like the barren fig tree, we may be made worthy of the spirit of repentance, as we now run to you, saying:
Rejoice, haven of those weighed down by many burdens;
Rejoice, solace for those overcome by bitterness;
Rejoice, encouragement of the afflicted;
Rejoice, for from your earliest years you were most merciful;
Rejoice, deliverer of many from bodily hunger;
Rejoice, nourisher of all through divine teaching;
Rejoice, for your words have become fruitful seeds;
Rejoice, for your prayer filled the granaries of Callista;
Rejoice, for as you distributed to the poor, the granaries did not empty, but were filled even more;
Rejoice, for by lifting your thoughts to God, you brought down rain, saving your city from drought;
Rejoice, for in the name of Christ the Savior, you multiplied the wine in the house of Bishop Daphnus;
Rejoice, for you wither away evil inclinations;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Polycarp, martyr of Christ!
Kontakion 4
Upon hearing the news that John, Christ’s Apostle and Evangelist, was preaching throughout those regions with a voice like thunder, you were filled with great joy and set out to join him, singing: Alleluia!
Ikos 4
When Saint John departed for Patmos in exile, he appointed Saint Bucholos to Smyrna, leaving you as his fellow worker; and just as John the God-speaker prayed much for you, so pray you also always for our souls, that we may sing these words to you:
Rejoice, for as a disciple running to Saint John the Evangelist, you stood beside the Holy Apostles;
Rejoice, for you knew those who saw God Incarnate;
Rejoice, for, following the glorious Apostle, you endured hunger alongside him for a long time;
Rejoice, for you were also sorely tested by thirst;
Rejoice, for you endured the lack of clothing without complaint;
Rejoice, for you endured many other hardships, just like the hermits;
Rejoice, for you endured all these things with great joy;
Rejoice, for in fulfilling the commandment, you appeared more beautiful than the lilies of the field;
Rejoice, for the talent given to you, you multiplied with great zeal;
Rejoice, for through your very life, you exemplified the beauty of life in Christ;
Rejoice, for through you the Good News was proclaimed to the world;
Rejoice, for thus you bore witness to Christ the Lord and led many to salvation;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Polycarp, martyr of Christ!
Kontakion 5
Taking your right hand, the divine Bucholos placed it upon his chest and, giving glory to God, fell asleep in peace, while the other holy fathers and all the people, trembling, cried out: Alleluia!
Ikos 5
Kneeling to be consecrated as a bishop, you saw, O Saint, before you the feet of Christ the Savior, Who stands mysteriously before you; therefore, with your grace, purify our hearts and remove the thorns of doubt, so that we too may see the holy work in the Church of God, and to you we may ever say:
Rejoice, for Saint Bucholos greatly desired you to be his successor;
Rejoice, for at your ordination as bishop, a great multitude of hierarchs labored with love to come;
Rejoice, for in consecrating you, their hands then rested upon your head;
Rejoice, for your elevation to the rank of bishop was marked by countless signs and wonders;
Rejoice, for from the very beginning of the service, divine light illuminated the church;
Rejoice, for the Holy Spirit descended upon you in the form of a shining dove;
Rejoice, for many saw you then clothed as a soldier and girded with a belt;
Rejoice, for to others, gazing upon your face bathed in light, it seemed as though you wore imperial purple;
Rejoice, for later Saint Ignatius entrusted all of Antioch to your care;
Rejoice, for in your prayer for the peace of the Church you always persevered;
Rejoice, good shepherd of Christ’s flock;
Rejoice, primate of all Asia;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Polycarp, martyr of Christ!
Kontakion 6
When your city was engulfed in flames, the people found themselves helpless; and calling upon you for help, you quelled the blaze with your prayer; then, realizing the divine miracle, they all cried out: Alleluia!
Ikos 6
You who with almighty prayer quenched the fire of Smyrna, by your intercession, O Holy One, extinguish also the raging fire of our passions, that we may now sing to you:
Rejoice, for you saved the city of Smyrna from destruction;
Rejoice, for the heat of your prayer immediately extinguished the flames;
Rejoice, for you put to shame the sorcerers who toiled in vain;
Rejoice, candle lit by the light of Christ, which the pagans could not extinguish;
Rejoice, torch burning with love for Christ;
Rejoice, precious candlestick of the Church;
Rejoice, unceasing prayer of priestly ministry;
Rejoice, fiery torch for the victorious truth;
Rejoice, unquenchable flame of the tradition of the Holy Apostles;
Rejoice, lamp that has illuminated the whole world;
Rejoice, fervent prayer before the throne of God;
Rejoice, for you offered yourself as a whole burnt offering and a pure sacrifice, Father;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Polycarp, martyr of Christ!
Kontakion 7
When the enemy entered a servant of the city’s ruler, he beat many, biting them and tearing their clothes, and he killed the Jews who came to drive him away, but when you came, you drove out the demon, and as the miracle was performed before everyone, they all cried out: Alleluia!
Ikos 7
Just as you healed the demon-possessed servant, do not delay in strengthening us against many temptations; and, driving away deceit, quickly command the unclean spirits to depart from us, so that we may sing to you such things as these:
Rejoice, torment of the spirits of evil;
Rejoice, wound of the demons’ long lament;
Rejoice, turmoil of hell;
Rejoice, for at the mention of your name the enemy was greatly terrified;
Rejoice, for when you came along the way, a great trembling seized the adversary;
Rejoice, for as soon as you drew near him, he fled at once;
Rejoice, for by casting him out in the name of Christ Jesus, you put the unbelievers to shame;
Rejoice, for the laying of your hands brought comfort to those in suffering;
Rejoice, for those who came to you found a cure for all their illnesses;
Rejoice, for with spiritual counsel you healed the wounds of the soul;
Rejoice, for you have healed many pagans from idolatrous worship;
Rejoice, swift helper of those who call upon your holy name;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Polycarp, martyr of Christ!
Kontakion 8
The grace of enlightenment shone upon you from above through the saving preaching, as from a mirror, and from your pure heart, the spark radiated in a multitude of rays toward those who listened to you; and, receiving this righteous teaching, they sang: Alleluia!
Ikos 8
You who were overshadowed by the unwaning radiance of Christ, so that our minds might rest from the many cares of this world in humble contemplation, that, in your honor, we might now say:
Rejoice, for from early childhood you received deep wisdom;
Rejoice, for you easily mastered the entire order of the divine services;
Rejoice, for you proved unsurpassed in your scholarly studies;
Rejoice, for later the Holy Apostles were your teachers;
Rejoice, for at all times you delighted in engaging in what is beneficial to the soul;
Rejoice, for at every hour you immersed yourself in deep contemplation of eternal things;
Rejoice, for you meditated ceaselessly on the Holy Scriptures;
Rejoice, mouth of the Apostles, who urged all to abandon idle talk;
Rejoice, for to teach others, you made yourself an example;
Rejoice, for though knowledgeable in many things, you lived your entire life in the spirit of humility;
Rejoice, for you did not use the sharpness of your mind to speak with deceit;
Rejoice, for divine wisdom revealed you as most wise before all;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Polycarp, martyr of Christ!
Kontakion 9
Going to Saint Anicetus, who was then the bishop of Rome, to establish the celebration of the Resurrection at once for all Christians, many who had been deceived by heresies heard the truth from your holy lips and, turning back, cried out: Alleluia!
Ikos 9
You were not tempted by the alluring words of the heretic Valentinus, and you confronted Marcion, who enticed you to learn his heretical teaching, as one who had gone astray. Strengthen us also, O knower of God’s mind, in the true faith, that we may worthily cry out to you:
Rejoice, rock unshaken by the waves of heresies;
Rejoice, defender of the imperishable Truth;
Rejoice, tireless guardian of the dogmas from the beginning;
Rejoice, refutation of false teachings;
Rejoice, destruction of the devil’s plots;
Rejoice, thwarting of his schemes;
Rejoice, zealous defender of the Church’s peace;
Rejoice, for, heeding the word of the divine Paul, you lived in Christ;
Rejoice, for the Greeks and Jews of all Asia regarded you as a teacher;
Rejoice, you who overthrew idolatrous vanity;
Rejoice, for the pagans have called you the father of Christians;
Rejoice, for you have confronted the unbelievers;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Polycarp, martyr of Christ!
Kontakion 10
Just as the Lord foretold through Jonah the destruction of the city of Nineveh and with a mighty hand delivered Lot from Sodom, so He sent His angel to warn you three times of the collapse of the house where you were staying; and when the house fell and you escaped unharmed, you gave glory, singing: Alleluia!
Ikos 10
Showing His boundless love for mankind, He who watches over us eternally has once again cared for you; so you too, intercede for us, O Holy One, and, subduing the fury of our visible and invisible enemies, grant us victory in love, that we may sing to you once more:
Rejoice, for you have glorified the Creator above all His creation;
Rejoice, for you have never forgotten your neighbor;
Rejoice, for, being a disciple of the beloved disciple, you have become a son of love;
Rejoice, for you have responded to love with even greater love;
Rejoice, for even those who came to take you to your death you received as lifelong friends;
Rejoice, for your mind knew no hatred;
Rejoice, for through your conduct you were a stranger to wickedness;
Rejoice, for Saint Irenaeus was deeply attached to you in spirit;
Rejoice, for all your life you fled from every honor;
Rejoice, for you despised all the transitory things of the world;
Rejoice, for, considering yourself unworthy, you did not even wish to receive the grace of the priesthood;
Rejoice, for you always did all things with humility and great love;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Polycarp, martyr of Christ!
Kontakion 11
Many of those who heard you, in various places on earth, proclaiming the Word, came to know the Lord Jesus Christ, He who rose from the dead as the true God, and, coming to life, cried out: Alleluia!
Ikos 11
Bringing great blessing to all the places you have passed through, you have become an inexhaustible spring of truth and mercy; and though you yourself have traveled far and wide, you accompany and watch over us on our journeys so that we may sing to you:
Rejoice, outpouring of grace upon the shores of the East;
Rejoice, for Ephesus was the cradle of your childhood;
Rejoice, for in Asia you made a place to bear witness to the holy faith;
Rejoice, for in Teos and countless other places you performed miracles;
Rejoice, for from the island of Patmos unceasing prayer for you was lifted up;
Rejoice, for Saint Irenaeus, from distant Gaul, always remembered you;
Rejoice, for you saw the great city of Rome;
Rejoice, for all of Antioch has always spoken your name with reverence;
Rejoice, for you wrote a letter of great spiritual benefit to those in Philippi;
Rejoice, for in Smyrna, the city of your soul, you received a martyr’s death;
Rejoice, for the whole world now bestows upon you the honor due to the saints of God;
Rejoice, for you too lift up prayers with great zeal for the whole world;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Polycarp, martyr of Christ!
Kontakion 12
Just as Christ the Savior entered Jerusalem on a donkey on the day of His Passion, so were you brought, O Martyr, to be burned at the stake in Smyrna; and, glorifying the King of all until the moment of your death, you departed, O Holy One, to God, singing: Alleluia!
Ikos 12
At the hour of your passing, the Lord Christ, making Himself heard by you and many others, spoke to you in a loud voice, saying: “Be strong and take courage, Polycarp!”; help us, then, O Holy One, so that we too may not forget the hour when we shall leave this world, we who now sing to you:
Rejoice, for three days before the end of this life was foretold to you;
Rejoice, for, asking for a time of prayer before being led to your death, you gave thanks to God for all things;
Rejoice, for you remained deaf to the cunning words of those who wanted you to renounce Christ;
Rejoice, for the stake was raised up for you on the Sabbath by those who observed the Sabbath;
Rejoice, for, willingly standing to be burned, you exalted the glory of the one God, worshiped in the Trinity;
Rejoice, for the flame enveloped you completely without touching you;
Rejoice, for all those present marveled at the incomparable fragrance they sensed then;
Rejoice, for, since the fire did not harm you, they pierced you with a dagger, and your blood flowed like a river, extinguishing the pyre;
Rejoice, for only after your death did your body yield to the fire;
Rejoice, for your bones, like precious treasures, the Christians secretly took and preserved;
Rejoice, for the dying fire did not make you forget the eternal fire;
Rejoice, for now you offer up tireless prayer to protect us from the fire of hell;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Polycarp, martyr of Christ!
Kontakion 13
O Holy Martyr Polycarp, blessed by God, who, living in firm faith and unceasing prayer, performed miracles and gained victory over the unclean enemy, intercede for us as well, that we may sing with joy: Alleluia!
This kontakion is sung three times.
Then the 1st ikos and the 1st kontakion are sung.
Ikos 1
Faithful servant of the Lord, like the angels, you attained angelic perfection, and by accepting death for Christ, you received eternal life. For this we worthily sing to you:
Rejoice, scion of Ephesus;
Rejoice, fragrant flower of the city of Smyrna;
Rejoice, rich fruit of the Apostles of Christ;
Rejoice, shining pearl in the crown of the sanctified martyrs;
Rejoice, great hierarch, who, in humility, shared grace;
Rejoice, strong tower of the saving faith, which you confessed through great miracles;
Rejoice, for you were deemed worthy of the gift of prophecy;
Rejoice, joy of the poor;
Rejoice, protector and great comforter of widows;
Rejoice, swift healer of various illnesses;
Rejoice, terror and dread of demons;
Rejoice, for before the Throne of God you intercede earnestly for those who pray to you;
Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Polycarp, martyr of Christ!
Kontakion 1
By tilling the field of souls and bringing abundance to the earth, you have become, O Saint, a chosen vessel and the praise of the righteous Christians, who have since learned to sing to you: Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Polycarp, martyr of Christ!
Prayer to Saint Polycarp of Smyrna
Holy and God-blessed Polycarp, in your ever-lasting prayers, remember us, that as God’s mercy pours out upon us, we may be made worthy, O most fruitful one, of the life-giving fruits of the Spirit: love in our hearts, our eyes turned toward God, and spiritual joy in our minds; filling our minds with unceasing prayer, peace in our souls; placing in our hearts a sigh for our sins, and in all things long-suffering; in our inner being, goodness, and in our hands, the doing of good; in our ears, the hearing of the Holy Scriptures, and on our tongue, the confession of the truth, unshaken in the true faith; in our voice, gentleness; our belly sealed with self-control, and in our whole body, purity. That we may be deemed worthy to be heirs of eternal joy and partakers of the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen.
Source: https://doxologia.ro/acatistul-sfantului-sfintit-mucenic-policarp-episcopul-smirnei
