Orthodox Reflections

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.

Translator’s Note:

Since we live in an age where both teachings about Creation and Eschatology (but the End Times are another subject) are distorted and a lot of people doubt the existence of Adam and Eve and the literal aspect of Genesis 1-11, believing in Evolution or Old Earth and a 14 Billion Years old Universe, it is my firmest of beliefs that God Himself would address these doubts were people to humble themselves, have patience (remember that Saint Monica prayed for 18 years till God brought back Saint Augustine to His Church), and pray unceasingly to God and the Saints to reveal the Truth to them regarding these issues.

Thus I would say to those who doubt the existence of Adam and Eve, the Flood, and those who are not sure on the authenticity of the Genesis 1-11 account, to pray daily the Akathist to Prophet Moses (after all, he wrote Genesis!), the Akathist to Saint Basil the Great (considering he’s the interpreter par excellence of the Book of Genesis in the Eastern Greek Tradition), the Akathist to Adam and Eve and finally the Akathist to Saint Righteous Patriarch Abraham because he is a great intercessor before the Throne of the Lord.

Pray continually even if in your own words, short prayers if not the Akathists, to Saints Moses, Basil, Adam and Eve, Abel, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Abraham – daily, continually, even if you have doubts about their existence. Take their names, choose them as your patrons, pray to them, buy their icons, venerate their icons and ask them for help. I really do think that if you do all of this continually and daily, the Lord will answer you in the end. Putting an end to ALL DOUBTS.

For some of you the answers will be swift. Maybe in a month or a couple of months. For others it might take a year, or three, or seven. Others will be like Saint Monica and will have to wait almost all their lives – though I think in these cases the Lord will send some consolations from time to time. As He did with/to Saint Monica by sending Angels who announced to her that Saint Augustine will return to the Faith, even though she still had to wait some more time If you persevere to the end, I think you will receive your answers. Be patient, God decides how long it will take for each one of us individually.

And for some of you, my dear ones, the answer might be exactly one second before you die, as some of you may be granted that Adam and Eve, Abel, Seth, Enoch, Noah will visit you on your deathbed and take you together with them to Heaven. If you have lived a virtuous life, and if you pray to them in your last moments on this Earth.

Keep continually praying to these Saints. Persevere to the end. And you will receive your answers.

God bless, Maxim

Feast Day: 4 September

Troparion to the Akathist of Saint Moses the Prophet, 2nd tone

Ascending to the heights of goodness, Holy Prophet Moses, you were deemed worthy to see the Radiance of God, receiving the tablets given by God; and carrying within you the gift of writing, you became the honorable praise of the Prophets and the great mystery of the true faith.

Kontakion 1

Chosen by God for prophetic service, we praise the holiness of your life and your miracles, Prophet of God Moses, glorifying the Creator and Lord for your deeds, that you brought heavenly providence for the salvation of the human race, shining with ardent zeal for the Almighty Lord. And you, who have boldness before the majesty of the Holy Trinity, help us with your heavenly intercession, and we call upon you: Rejoice, Holy Moses, honorable and glorious Prophet, who sees God!

Ikos 1

The Creator of the Archangels and angels, Lord of all creatures, who arranged the destinies of peoples and kingdoms, raised you from the root of the righteous, Moses, bearer of God, at a time when the people of Israel were in slavery, enlightened you and sent you to the land of Egypt, to make a great exodus to the Promised Land and give us the icon of our salvation through this accomplishment. And we glorify our God and Creator, and we call upon you, Great Prophet of God:

Rejoice, chosen by God, serving for our salvation;

Rejoice, for in Israel there has never been a prophet like you;

Rejoice, high mediator of the law given by God;

Rejoice, preaching the future incarnation of the Son of God;

Rejoice, prototype of Christ the Savior in the life and work of your manifestations;

Rejoice, shining in heaven with a crown of glory;

Rejoice, for now you contemplate the unspeakable glory of the Creator of the world;

Rejoice, singing praises to Him with all the angels and saints;

Rejoice, Holy Moses, honorable and glorious Prophet, who sees God!

Kontakion 2

Your pious mother, Saint Moses, was enlightened by the Lord to place you in a basket in the waters of the Nile to save you, when the servants of the Pharaohs killed the children of Israel, and you were covered by the hand of Almighty God. And now, remembering this, we ask you, Holy Prophet Moses, through your merciful intercession, save us from the waves of worldly temptations and teach us to praise God with dignity and righteousness: Alleluia!

Ikos 2

The thought from above enlightened the daughter of the Pharaoh of Egypt when she saw you by the Nile River in a basket, so she took you into her palaces and raised you as a son. But you, glorious Moses, keeping the faith and customs of your people, grew up in moderation and concern, showing love for your fellow Jews. We all glorify and praise the Lord, and we sing to you:

Rejoice, for through God’s care, when you were little, you were saved from death;

Rejoice, for you were taken out of the water and therefore named “Moses”;

Rejoice, for you received mercy from the wise daughter of Pharaoh;

Rejoice, for you were nourished by her;

Rejoice, for you learned the faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob;

Rejoice, for you loved the God of your fathers with all your soul;

Rejoice, for you were enlightened by the truth of God from your youth;

Rejoice, for you were prepared from childhood for the prophetic ministry of the Lord;

Rejoice, Holy Moses, honorable and glorious Prophet, who sees God!

Kontakion 3

Through the power and grace of the Holy Spirit and through faith, Moses, when he grew up, did not want to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, but preferred to suffer with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ to be a greater treasure than the riches of Egypt, because his eyes were fixed on the reward. For the sake of the Lord, He urged you, His chosen one, to leave the land of Egypt and dwell in the borders of Midian for many years. You trusted in the merciful care of our Most Blessed Creator, and you continued to cry out to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having great goodwill toward you, glorious Moses, the Lord granted you the wonderful vision you had when you saw the burning bush in the desert, heard the voice of God, received the revelation of our Creator about His essence, and commanded you to return to Egypt to lead the chosen people to the promised land. For this, for the sake of the Lord’s gift, from that day on, the power of miracles and signs worked through you, and the grace of God was upon you. Nevertheless, we marvel at your faith in the Lord and hope in His great mercy, singing His praises, and we say these things to you:

Rejoice, for you have always worshipped the eternal God;

Rejoice, for you have entered into living communion with the Lord;

Rejoice, receiving the word of God “face to face”;

Rejoice, for you have received the peace of God through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit;

Rejoice, and enlighten our minds and hearts with Divine light;

Rejoice, call us all now to acts of piety;

Rejoice, heal us with kindness from spiritual delusions;

Rejoice, turn us away from the ways of the wicked;

Rejoice, Holy Moses, honorable and glorious prophet, who sees God!

Kontakion 4

The glorious Moses, desiring to fulfill God’s command, went to the land of Egypt and befriended his brother Aaron, who became his helper and companion in his holy ministry. But we, remembering all this, pray to you, holy Prophet, to strengthen us in our faith and love for God, and trusting in the omnipotence and mercy of our Lord who strengthens us, we cry out to Him unceasingly: Alleluia!

Ikos 4

When Mernemtah, king of Egypt, heard God’s command to release the people of Israel into the wilderness as a sacrifice to God, he became very angry and ordered the Israelites to be betrayed. But you, O Holy Moses, implored our Creator to warm Pharaoh’s heart with a miracle; you believed that the Lord would not forsake you or your people. And we, with reverence, honor your holy memory, and thus offer you such praise:

Rejoice, great messenger of the Heavenly King and herald of His commands;

Rejoice, you who brought God’s mercy to the afflicted people of Israel;

Rejoice, for you broke the waves of doubt regarding the rock of faith;

Rejoice, heavenly one, not earthly, teach us wisdom;

Rejoice, kindle the flame of prayer in us;

Rejoice, deliver those who come to you from the slavery of the devil;

Rejoice, show comfort and help to all believers;

Rejoice, Holy Moses, honorable and glorious Prophet, who sees God!

Kontakion 5

You became the leader sent by God, holy prophet, when Pharaoh of Egypt yielded and the time came for the people of Israel to leave the land of slavery. As a sign and reminder of the great exodus, you commanded them to kill lambs and cover the doors of the dwellings of Israel with their blood, which signifies the redemptive suffering of the Son of God. And we, in the joy of the Lord, sing a spiritual song: Alleluia!

Ikos 5

Seeing that Pharaoh’s army was pursuing them, you, Holy Moses, wise man of God, raised your hand toward your mountain and prayed fervently to the Almighty to perform a miracle, and when you stretched out your staff over the sea, you parted the waters to the right and to the left, and then, after you had crossed over to the other side, the Egyptians who were pursuing you drowned. Hearing all this, we call you:

Rejoice, for through your prayer the Lord performed a glorious miracle;

Rejoice, for the Creator of the sea has listened to you;

Rejoice, for you have affirmed the Divine truth with signs and wonders;

Rejoice, for you have shown the prototype of holy baptism by crossing the sea;

Rejoice, giving great praise to the Almighty Lord;

Rejoice, for you lift us from the depths of sin to the heights of spirituality;

Rejoice, and soften God’s righteous wrath with your prayers;

Rejoice, Holy Moses, honorable and glorious prophet, who sees God!

Kontakion 6

You showed yourself to be a preacher of good deeds, blessed Prophet Moses, not tolerating the defilement of the faith, you destroyed the works of many evil customs of the children of Israel, in order to plant in them the knowledge of God and piety, of pious virtues, instructing them in the way of salvation. And now we pray to you, holy Moses, through your heavenly intercession, ask this gift for us to love God, so that we may not be enslaved by sinful passions, but may sing with piety to our Savior: Alleluia!

Ikos 6

The glory and grace of the Lord shone upon you, praised Prophet Moses, when you stood on Mount Sinai and raised your hands to Heaven in prayer like a cross, asking through your intercession for victory for the children of Israel, and thus you won the battle against Amalek. We, glorifying the wonders of God wrought by you and trusting in your intercession, sing to you:

Rejoice, for before the suffering of the Son of God, the grace-filled power of the Cross of the Lord is revealed;

Rejoice, for the Lord also listened to you in everything and did everything at your request;

Rejoice, for you brought forth water for the thirsty people from a rock with a blow of your staff;

Rejoice, for this is the model of Christ: eternal goodwill;

Rejoice, fountain of God, who quenches the spiritual thirst of many;

Rejoice, for you give faith to those who do not believe in God’s Providence;

Rejoice, for you fill those who are weak in spirit with the power of God’s grace;

Rejoice, for you clothe those who are weary with discouragement and sadness with the armor of hope;

Rejoice, Holy Moses, honorable and glorious prophet, who sees God!

Kontakion 7

The Merciful Creator gave through you, Holy Moses, the tablets of His Covenant to your people, and thus enlightened all people for all time, until the end of the ages, with His commandments, and we who truly honor Him cry out without doubt: Alleluia!

Ikos 7

You fulfilled the new and glorious commandments of God with diligence and love, most blessed Prophet, listening to the voice of God, you created the tabernacle, with the altar and the ark of the Covenant, you made Aaron high priest with priestly service, you made the Leviticus for the Glory of God, and you prophesied the coming of the Savior into the world. And we, remembering all this now, cry out to you with gratitude:

Rejoice, for you had an unceasing zeal to glorify God;

Rejoice, for you adorned the Ark of the Covenant with images of cherubim;

Rejoice, for by this you laid a strong foundation for the glorification of icons;

Rejoice, for you announced the seedless birth of the Son of God from the Virgin;

Rejoice, for you have forever enriched all peoples spiritually with the Ten Commandments;

Rejoice, and teach us to follow these commandments;

Rejoice, and teach us to love God;

Rejoice, deliver us with glory from temptations;

Rejoice, Holy Moses, honorable and glorious Prophet, who sees God!

Kontakion 8

You were angry, O glorious Prophet, when you came down from the mountain, where the Lord Himself had revealed His Will to you, and saw your brother Aaron and the other people around the golden calf singing and dancing like godless sinners. But you, out of mercy for your sinful fellow men, asked Almighty God to forgive them and have mercy on them. We remember this and pray to you: heal us from our dependence on earthly riches and teach us to seek imperishable treasures, give joy and help to the poor and mercy and kindness to the rich, that we may sing to our Lord who enlightens us and to you who intercede before Him: Alleluia!

Ikos 8

All the light of the heavenly love of the seraphim was kindled in you toward the Lord, glorious Prophet, therefore for the sake of the Creator and God, through you wonderful signs of His Glory were performed, but above all, God performed a great miracle with you, when you, Holy Moses, on Mount Sinai, saw our Lord in His Glory before you and heard the subtle voice of God in darkness and in the whirlwind, and as a faithful servant, you followed in the footsteps of your Lord. We also marvel at your love for the Lord and His great mercy toward you, and in the humility of our hearts we praise you:

Rejoice, for all your life you have ascended from light to light;

Rejoice, for you have gained favor before the Almighty;

Rejoice, for you saw God in a vision;

Rejoice, beholder of the shining Divine vision;

Rejoice, partaker of the radiance of divine light;

Rejoice, for though you had a mortal body, you were enlightened by the dawn of immortality;

Rejoice, and teach us to love and do the Will of God;

Rejoice, and fill our souls with peace and gentleness;

Rejoice, Holy Moses, honorable and glorious Prophet, who sees God!

Kontakion 9

Your life and work are worthy of all praise, Holy Moses, bearer of God, for you traveled forty years with your people in the deserts of Sinai, honorable Prophet, enduring torments not only from the ungrateful and malicious people in the camp, but also from your relatives, but you prayed to our Creator and God to have mercy on your flock and grant them eternal salvation. We all sing to the Lord: Alleluia!

Ikos 9

No one will be able to praise your deeds and labors according to your inheritance, for you were “beloved by God and men” and you were blessed in the memory of the peoples, holy Prophet Moses. You raised up the glory of God and enlightened the people of Israel in truth and brought them out of the slavery of Egypt, leaving us the Holy Scriptures. With this we are now enlightened, we thank you for your work and we bring you these praises:

Rejoice, for you have seen the greatness of God, and you have been glorified more than kings by the Lord;

Rejoice, for you have gathered the treasure of wisdom as a son of God;

Rejoice, and make all Christians wise men of God;

Rejoice, for through you our minds learn the thoughts of God;

Rejoice, for you dispel the darkness of ignorance;

Rejoice, for through you the truth of Christ is always affirmed;

Rejoice, praised and exalted from the east and the west;

Rejoice, magnified and glorified to all the ends of the earth;

Rejoice, Holy Moses, honorable and glorious prophet, who sees God!

Kontakion 10

We rejoice for you, holy Prophet, that you passed away to the Lord in old age after living a holy and righteous earthly life in the Lord. Until you saw the promised land, you did not give up your spirit into God’s hands, for this reason your falling asleep is holy, blessed, and glorified, and we pray that when the moment of our death comes, you will ask the Lord to gently separate our soul from our body and save us from the power of the devil, so that we may be worthy of eternal salvation, and call upon the Lord in the joy of the saints: Alleluia!

Ikos 10

With the wall of your heavenly prayers, holy Prophet of God, protect us from visible and invisible enemies, help us in our pains and needs, and through your gracious intercession, save us from the fierce troubles and misfortunes of demons, strengthen our hearts to burn for God, and teach us to love our neighbor. We glorify your intercession, singing to you:

Rejoice, faithful servant and close friend of the Lord;

Rejoice, wise guide on the paths of repentance and salvation;

Rejoice, for you skillfully instill gentle and good habits in people;

Rejoice, unwavering destroyer of evil habits;

Rejoice, and deliver us from bodily desires and passions;

Rejoice, reviving in our hearts the spirit of mercy;

Rejoice, for your name is a great joy to those who call upon you;

Rejoice, for you gave thanks to God throughout your life;

Rejoice, Holy Moses, honorable and glorious Prophet, who sees God!

Kontakion 11

You, most honoured Prophet Moses, brought unceasing songs to our Creator and God more than anyone else, and you had great boldness before the throne of the Holy Trinity. Likewise, we now pray to you, great servant of God, deliver us from the slavery of sinful men, giving us the freedom of the children of God, enlighten our hearts and cleanse our minds, so that we may sing with you to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 11

You were blessed to see the uncreated Light and divine radiance, blessed Prophet of God, when you appeared together with Elijah and worshipped, as a humble servant, our Lord Jesus Christ, who was transfigured on Mount Tabor, and spoke with Him about His persecution and death in Jerusalem; you then testified about the divine nature of our Saviour and assured the disciples of our Lord of this. We now pray to you, Holy One of God, enlighten our souls with the light of Tabor and receive this song from us:

Rejoice, for you prophesied about the saving sacrifice of the Son of God;

Rejoice, for you prophesied that man, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, would enter into His glory;

Rejoice, preaching about immortality and the general resurrection from the dead;

Rejoice, for through this you confess the truth of the Prophets’ teachings about the Messiah;

Rejoice, and bring us all to the true love of Christ;

Rejoice, and deliver us from sloth and neglect of God’s work;

Rejoice, for you have brought confirmation of God’s Truth to the whole world;

Rejoice, for you help all who seek God’s truth;

Rejoice, Holy Moses, honoured and glorified Prophet, who sees God!

Kontakion 12

Ask grace and mercy from the Lord for us, Prophet of the Lord, for we worship with faith and love before your icon. We ask for your blessing, our protector, and we pray sincerely: take our prayer to our Creator and God, defend His Holy Orthodox Church from all bitterness, from visible and invisible enemies, protect our country from all intrigues through your intercession, that we may have a peaceful life; do not cease to intercede for us with His mercy and ask Him for a gift that is useful to us in every way, and we call upon God: Alleluia!

Ikos 12

Singing lips of praise, we, the unworthy, hope in the mercy of God and yours, Prophet of God Moses, and we pray to you to intercede for us sinners, do not cease to pray for us all together with your holy relatives, your wife Zipporah, your brother Aaron and your sister Miriam, that the Lord may have mercy on us through your intercession. Therefore, we offer these praises to you, beloved of God:

Rejoice, for you carry the incense of our prayers to the Holy Trinity;

Rejoice, for you implore the mercy of God the Father for us;

Rejoice, for you implore our Saviour to save us;

Rejoice, and help us to obtain the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit;

Rejoice, and teach us together with the saints and the righteous to honour the Mother of God;

Rejoice, and strengthen us all at the hour of death;

Rejoice, protecting those who honour your memory from all evil;

Rejoice, Holy Moses, honoured and glorified Prophet, who sees God!

Kontakion 13

O loving and glorious Prophet of God, Moses, receive this little prayer of ours, raised up to you from the love of our souls, and pray to the Lord God Jesus Christ, who is a God full of mercy and compassion, slow to anger, full of kindness and faithfulness, to deliver us from all evil and tribulation, so that we may live more piously and find eternal happiness through your prayers, so that with you we may sing to the Lord with gratitude: Alleluia!

This Kontakion is recited three times.

After this, Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1, which you will find below, are recited again.

Ikos 1

The Creator of the Archangels and angels, Lord of all creatures, who arranged the destinies of peoples and kingdoms, raised you from the root of the righteous, Moses, bearer of God, at a time when the people of Israel were in slavery, enlightened you and sent you to the land of Egypt, to make a great exodus to the Promised Land and give us the icon of our salvation through this accomplishment. And we glorify our God and Creator, and we call upon you, Great Prophet of God:

Rejoice, chosen by God, serving for our salvation;

Rejoice, for in Israel there has never been a prophet like you;

Rejoice, high mediator of the law given by God;

Rejoice, preaching the future incarnation of the Son of God;

Rejoice, prototype of Christ the Savior in the life and work of your manifestations;

Rejoice, shining in heaven with a crown of glory;

Rejoice, for now you contemplate the unspeakable glory of the Creator of the world;

Rejoice, singing praises to Him with all the angels and saints;

Rejoice, Holy Moses, honorable and glorious Prophet, who sees God!

Kontakion 1

Chosen by God for prophetic service, we praise the holiness of your life and your miracles, Prophet of God Moses, glorifying the Creator and Lord for your deeds, that you brought heavenly providence for the salvation of the human race, shining with ardent zeal for the Almighty Lord. And you, who have boldness before the majesty of the Holy Trinity, help us with your heavenly intercession, and we call upon you: Rejoice, Holy Moses, honorable and glorious Prophet, who sees God!

Original source: https://pravila.ro/acatistul-sfantului-proroc-moise/

 You can also see the Akathist being prayed here: https://youtu.be/-d8LnpkYQe0?feature=shared