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: Early Christian Martyrs, Akathists to the Apostles, Akathists to New Testament Saints. Repentance
Feast Day: 29 June
Troparion of Saint Paul (Tone 4):
Counted with honor among the Holy Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, Saint Paul, you labored with great devotion as a man on earth to spread and strengthen Christianity. For your exceptional efforts, you received the title of Apostle to the Gentiles, and we Christians today honor you, cherish you, and pray that you help and protect us.
Kontakion 1
Returning with great strength to the faith, after first having been a persecutor of Christians, Holy Apostle Paul, you faithfully and lovingly followed your Great Teacher, the Lord Jesus Christ, making Him known everywhere. By revealing the miracles He performed and His Resurrection, you contributed to the spread and strengthening of Christianity, and we, recognizing your outstanding merits, say to you: Rejoice, Holy and Wise Apostle Paul!
Ikos 1
God has given you, Holy Apostle Paul, one of the greatest proofs of His love and goodness. By forgiving your sins as a persecutor, while you were on the road to Damascus, He called you in a most awe-inspiring way to the true faith, and we Christians say with reverence:
Rejoice, Holy Apostle Paul, great sage;
Rejoice, for you returned with great strength to the true faith;
Rejoice, for you followed your Great Teacher, the Lord Jesus Christ;
Rejoice, for you revealed Him and the miracle of His Resurrection to all;
Rejoice, for you contributed to the spread of Christianity;
Rejoice, for God gave you the greatest proof of His love by forgiving your sins;
Rejoice, for on the road to Damascus you were called by God to holy service;
Rejoice, for though you trembled, you submitted completely;
Rejoice, Holy and Wise Apostle Paul!
Kontakion 2
Losing your sight because of a blinding light that struck you, and hearing the powerful voice of the Lord Jesus Christ rebuking you, you trembled and fell from your horse, being carried into the city of Damascus by your companions. The True God thus gave you proof of His supreme power, and we humbly sing: Alleluia!!
Ikos 2
After three days during which you ate and drank nothing, the Lord Jesus Christ had mercy on you and sent you one of His disciples named Ananias. He was a healer and restored your sight, after which he baptized you as a Christian; and from then on, you were called Paul, having been called Saul before. Thus you became a zealous believer, and we honorably say to you:
Rejoice, for though you suffered, God kept His hand over you;
Rejoice, for the Lord Jesus Christ rebuked you and turned you from sin;
Rejoice, for the Lord showed you great mercy and restored your sight;
Rejoice, for you were healed by the Lord’s disciple Ananias;
Rejoice, for after three days of fasting and prayer you received Christian Baptism;
Rejoice, for your former name, Saul, was changed;
Rejoice, for at Holy Baptism you received the name Paul;
Rejoice, for you began a new life and became a faithful believer;
Rejoice, Holy and Wise Apostle Paul!
 Kontakion 3
Being a well-educated man—for your parents had seen to it that you received a fine education—you put all your knowledge to the service of the Lord Jesus Christ and began to preach in the synagogues. But this time you were persecuted by the wicked, who opposed Christianity, and now the Lord’s disciples defended you, and we sing with faith: Alleluia!!
Ikos 3
You accepted your fate with great stoicism, seeing all that you had to endure, but you were not discouraged, and together with the Apostle Barnabas you went to Tarsus, where you preached and taught many people, bringing many back to the true faith, and we say with respect:
Rejoice, for you placed all your wisdom in the service of the Lord Jesus Christ;
Rejoice, for you began to preach courageously in the synagogues;
Rejoice, for you too suffered persecution against the Christians;
Rejoice, for the Apostles and disciples of the Lord defended you;
Rejoice, for you accepted your fate with stoicism;
Rejoice, for though you had to suffer, you were not discouraged;
Rejoice, for together with the Apostle Barnabas you set out for Tarsus;
Rejoice, for in Tarsus you taught and converted many;
Rejoice, Holy and Wise Apostle Paul!
Kontakion 4
Your wonderful preaching bore fruit everywhere, Holy Paul, and many became Christians. But as the crowds were baptized and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, so too grew the envy of the Jews, who felt their faith threatened, and so too grew the envy of the high priests, who saw everywhere the miracles performed by the Lord’s Apostles. That is why the persecution against you also grew, and we sing with faith: Alleluia!!
Ikos 4
Having arrived with Barnabas on the island of Paphos, you were summoned to the governor of that city, Saint Paul, who desired to hear the word of God. There, however, you found a sorcerer who sought to deceive the governor, and you exposed him as a deceiver. With the power given to you, you punished him so that he might be blind for a time and repent, and we, seeing your deeds, say thus:
Rejoice, for your wonderful preaching bore fruit everywhere;
Rejoice, for the number of Christians grew unceasingly;
Rejoice, for the Apostles of the Lord performed miracles everywhere;
Rejoice, for you preached with St. Barnabas;
Rejoice, for the city’s ruler desired to hear the word of the Lord;
Rejoice, for being strong in faith, you exposed the cunning sorcerer;
Rejoice, for you punished him so that he could not see for a time;
Rejoice, for God gave you great power;
Rejoice, Holy and Wise Apostle Paul!
Kontakion 5
Together with your brother Barnabas, you arrived in a city, Holy Paul, where the people worshipped idols, yet they listened attentively to what you spoke and to your teachings. They realized that you were filled with power from on high and believed you to be Zeus and Hermes, and we sing with Christian faith: Alleluia!!
Ikos 5
Since there you healed a man lame from birth, they were fully convinced of your powers, and the priest of Zeus, believing he was doing good, wanted to offer a sacrifice to you along with the crowds, and you barely stopped them from doing so. But others, wicked and unwise, drove you away with stones, and though you left the city, many believers remained behind you; and we, seeing your courage, say:
Rejoice, for you preached against the worship of idols;
Rejoice, for the people of that city listened to you attentively;
Rejoice, for they saw that you had power from on high;
Rejoice, for there you healed a man lame from birth;
Rejoice, for they were all convinced of the strength that came from your faith;
Rejoice, for you stopped them from offering idolatrous sacrifices;
Rejoice, for in the end they listened to you;
Rejoice, for though you left the city, you left behind many disciples and believers;
Rejoice, Holy and Wise Apostle Paul!
Kontakion 6
Both in Antioch, as well as in Greece and Macedonia, throughout the Roman Empire wherever the Holy Spirit and the Lord Jesus Christ guided your steps, you preached, Holy Apostle Paul, together with the Holy Apostle Barnabas. You established churches, ordained priests, healed and baptized many, and thus the number of Christians grew, and we sing with honor and love: Alleluia!!
Ikos 6
Since God sent you primarily to the Gentiles and to Rome, because you were a Roman citizen, you preached in countless cities and countless lands, thus being called the Apostle to the Gentiles. In this way, even those who were not Jews were brought to the true faith, thus reducing idol worship everywhere, and we honorably say to you:
Rejoice, for the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit guided your steps,
Rejoice, for you preached in many countries;
Rejoice, for you traveled much with the Holy Apostle Barnabas;
Rejoice, for you established churches everywhere;
Rejoice, for you ordained priests;
Rejoice, for you baptized many;
Rejoice, for you healed the sick;
Rejoice, for you were the Apostle to the Gentiles;
Rejoice, Holy and Wise Apostle Paul!
Kontakion 7
Parting ways with the Apostle Barnabas, you took another disciple named Silas as your companion, with whom you preached in Macedonia and where you converted many to the faith, Holy Apostle Paul. There you cast out a Python-like demon from a servant girl who practiced divination and who cried out after you. But the girl’s masters were angry, for they no longer profited from her, and having reported you to the city’s ruler, you were arrested, and we sing: Alleluia!!
Ikos 7
While in prison, you were not intimidated, Holy Apostle Paul, but on the contrary, together with your disciple Silas, you began to sing with great fervor to God, so that all in the prison listened in amazement. Then a great earthquake struck, the prison shook, your chains fell off, and you were set free. The jailer, who was terrified at the sight of this miracle, was baptized a Christian that very night along with all his household, and we, seeing the great power of God that protected you, say:
Rejoice, for you preached in Macedonia with your disciple Silas;
Rejoice, for there you converted many to Christianity;
Rejoice, for you freed a servant girl from a spirit of divination;
Rejoice, for she no longer practiced divination;
Rejoice, for though you were in prison, you were not afraid and sang;
Rejoice, for all in the prison listened to your wonderful songs of praise to God;
Rejoice, for God shook the prison and set you free;
Rejoice, for the jailer, seeing the miracle, was converted to Christianity along with all his household that very night;
Rejoice, Holy and Wise Apostle Paul!
Kontakion 8
While in Rome, Holy Apostle Paul, you were deeply grieved by the multitude of idols that were everywhere, and with great courage you preached against them in the temples and in the marketplaces, proclaiming the Lord Jesus Christ, the miracle of His Resurrection, and His teachings. The Greek philosophers and scholars listened to you with great attention, some of whom were converted on the spot, such as Dionysius the Areopagite and the woman Damaris, and we sing with love: Alleluia!!
Ikos 8
Continuing your tireless work, Holy Apostle Paul, you preached in Corinth, in Syria, and arrived in Ephesus, where you found the disciples of Saint John the Baptist; upon them you laid your hands and baptized them with the Holy Spirit, giving them strength and power. In those places you founded a school, where for two years you taught many, and we say with faith:
Rejoice, for in Rome you preached against the idols;
Rejoice, for you were heard in the temples and in the marketplaces;
Rejoice, for the great philosophers listened to you attentively;
Rejoice, for though opinions were divided, some believed you;
Rejoice, for Dionysius the Areopagite and the woman Damaris followed you;
Rejoice, for you traveled through Corinth and Syria teaching the people;
Rejoice, for in Ephesus you found the disciples of John the Baptist;
Rejoice, for you strengthened them by the descent of the Holy Spirit upon them;
Rejoice, Holy and Wise Apostle Paul!
Kontakion 9
Blessed by God and endowed with the gift of the Holy Spirit, great miracles were performed through your holy hands, Apostle Paul. People were healed of serious illnesses, evil spirits were cast out, and in the city of Troas you raised a young man from the dead. Even the handkerchiefs and aprons you used had healing power, and people marveled and believed in you, following you in faith, and we sing with honor: Alleluia!!
Ikos 9
Everywhere you went and preached the new teaching, Holy Apostle Paul, together with the other disciples of the Lord, the idols fell into disfavor. The silversmiths in the cities, who made their living from these idols, had little work left, and so they rebelled against you and your faith, wanting to drive you out of their cities. But this did not discourage you in the least; rather, you traveled and preached with your disciples Silas and Timothy, and we respectfully say to you:
Rejoice, for through your hands God performed great miracles;
Rejoice, for you healed very serious illnesses;
Rejoice, for even the handkerchiefs you used brought healing;
Rejoice, for you had the power to cast out evil spirits;
Rejoice, for you raised a young man from the dead;
Rejoice, for wherever you passed with the Lord’s disciples, idols fell into disgrace;
Rejoice, for Christianity was strengthened;
Rejoice, for the revolt of the silversmiths did not discourage you;
Rejoice, Holy and Wise Apostle Paul!
Kontakion 10
Upon your return to Jerusalem, you were warned by the disciples that the stubborn Jews had evil intentions toward you and sought to destroy you. The disciples sought to protect you from their wickedness, but you courageously continued on your path, preaching and revealing the Lord Jesus Christ to all with great faith, and we sing with admiration: Alleluia!!
Ikos 10
Following the countless plots against you, hatched by the Jews and their high priest, you were arrested, Holy Apostle Paul, but since you were a Roman citizen, they did not lay a hand on you, for they feared you. Therefore, they took you to the fortress to be judged by King Agrippa, but finding no fault in you, he sent you by ship to be judged by Caesar in Rome, and we say with great faith:
Rejoice, for your disciples loved you dearly and defended you;
Rejoice, for they wanted to protect you from your persecutors;
Rejoice, for you did not let yourself be led astray;
Rejoice, for you revealed the Lord Jesus Christ to all with great courage;
Rejoice, for though you were arrested, you were not afraid;
Rejoice, for your persecutors feared you;
Rejoice, for at the trial before King Agrippa they could find no fault in you;
Rejoice, for you were above those who wished you harm;
Rejoice, Holy and Wise Apostle Paul!
Kontakion 11
The ship on which you were embarked along with others, Holy Apostle Paul, barely reached the island of Crete because of the very strong winds, and from there you were to set sail for Rome. Having the gift of foresight, you warned the centurion who was guarding you that it was not wise to set sail and that there was great danger, but he did not listen to you, and we humbly sing: Alleluia!!
Ikos 11
Your words came true, Holy Apostle Paul, for you were caught in a great storm and drifted for many days. In the fierce storm, you encouraged everyone on the ship, showing them that they would escape with their lives and only the ship would be wrecked, which is exactly what happened. When, after many days, you reached the shore, the ship was wrecked, but you all managed to save yourselves. Seeing how you were protected by God, we all say:
Rejoice, for though the journey to Rome was difficult, you arrived safely on the island of Crete;
Rejoice, for though there were great winds at sea, you found shelter on this island;
Rejoice, for you had the gift of foresight;
Rejoice, for you warned the centurion who was guarding you;
Rejoice, for in the midst of the storm you encouraged all those on the ship;
Rejoice, for they took courage;
Rejoice, for you all reached the shore safely;
Rejoice, for you were all saved;
Rejoice, Holy and Wise Apostle Paul!
Kontakion 12
When you reached the shore, you discovered that it was the island of Malta, and there you were warmly welcomed by the locals. That evening, by the fire you had built to dry off, you were bitten by a viper, Holy Apostle Paul, but you suffered no harm. For this, the locals marveled, believing you to be a god, and seeing your great powers, they all came to you to be healed of their illnesses. Thus, you healed all the sick while you stayed on that island, and we sing with faith to God: Alleluia!!
Ikos 12
When your journey ended, you arrived in Rome, where you stayed for many years. During the reign of Emperor Nero, you were sentenced to death, but you accepted martyrdom with courage, never for a moment renouncing your faith and love for the Lord Jesus Christ and His new teaching brought into the world, and we say with love and respect:
Rejoice, for you arrived on the island of Malta;
Rejoice, for you were well received;
Rejoice, for you were warmed by the fire;
Rejoice, for the serpent’s bite did not harm you;
Rejoice, for the people marveled;
Rejoice, for they asked you to heal them of their illnesses;
Rejoice, for having arrived in Rome, you remained there for many years;
Rejoice, for you faced death with courage, receiving the crown of martyrdom;
Rejoice, Holy and Wise Apostle Paul!
Kontakion 13
O thrice-holy Apostle Paul, great Apostle to the Gentiles, who with the gift and wisdom of the Holy Spirit preached the Christian faith and with great love and devotion revealed the Lord Jesus Christ to all, we pray, help us in these days to be strengthened in the Orthodox faith and to follow the example of your life of honor, love, and devotion to God, singing together: Alleluia!
This kontakion is sung 3 times.
Ikos 1
God has given you, Holy Apostle Paul, one of the greatest proofs of His love and goodness. By forgiving your sins as a persecutor, while you were on the road to Damascus, He called you in a most awe-inspiring way to the true faith, and we Christians say with reverence:
Rejoice, Holy Apostle Paul, great sage;
Rejoice, for you returned with great strength to the true faith;
Rejoice, for you followed your Great Teacher, the Lord Jesus Christ;
Rejoice, for you revealed Him and the miracle of His Resurrection to all;
Rejoice, for you contributed to the spread of Christianity;
Rejoice, for God gave you the greatest proof of His love by forgiving your sins;
Rejoice, for on the road to Damascus you were called by God to holy service;
Rejoice, for though you trembled, you submitted completely;
Rejoice, Holy and Wise Apostle Paul!
Kontakion 1
Returning with great strength to the faith, after first having been a persecutor of Christians, Holy Apostle Paul, you faithfully and lovingly followed your Great Teacher, the Lord Jesus Christ, making Him known everywhere. By revealing the miracles He performed and His Resurrection, you contributed to the spread and strengthening of Christianity, and we, recognizing your outstanding merits, say to you: Rejoice, Holy and Wise Apostle Paul!
Prayer to Saint Paul the Apostle:
By the goodwill of the Good God, through the love of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the grace of the Holy Spirit bestowed upon you, Saint Paul the Apostle, we pray to you and call upon you to be the shield of Christendom in these days as well.
We ask you to help us Orthodox Christians in these difficult times, so that we may not perish in our many sins and so that our souls may be saved. Ask the Good Lord to send us also the Grace of the Holy Spirit, which may enlighten us and always show us the right path to follow. Be a good and great protector to us and our families, bringing us spiritual wisdom and healing of soul and body.
Help us and all who are baptized to become holy, so that we may be worthy before God at His Great Judgment. We pray that you will be with us in the Holy Orthodox Land of Romania, just as you were with the Christians of old, for we will honor you, love you, and respect you throughout our lives. Amen!
May the Good God be forever praised and glorified, together with all His Heavenly Servants!
It is truly fitting to bless you, Mother of God, ever-blessed and all-pure, and Mother of our God. You who are more honorable than the Cherubim and more exalted, without comparison, than the Seraphim, who, without corruption, gave birth to God the Word—we magnify you, the true Mother of God. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, through the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!
Original Akathist: https://acoperamantulmaiciidomnului.wordpress.com/2022/07/29/acatistul-sfantului-apostol-pavel-29-iunie/
