The English Translation of the Romanian Akathist to Saint Ignatius of Antioch

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.

NOTE: This is the official Romanian Akathist dedicated to Saint Ignatius of Antioch, chanted in the Romanian Churches. Here for the first time in English translation.

Feast Day: 20 December

Kontakion 1

Today, joy and comfort have come to all faithful Christians who celebrate the divine Hierarch and Martyr Ignatius, whom the Savior took into His most holy arms and carried from childhood, and whose blessed heart proved to be a dwelling place for the Word. As we all honor him with reverence, let us cry out: Rejoice, Ignatius, bearer of God, who carried Jesus Christ in your heart!

Ikos 1

You lived an angelic life on earth, O divine Hierarch Ignatius, kindling your heart with the fire of Christ’s love, and with your mouth and tongue, at all times and in every place, giving glory to God; for this we also praise you, saying:

Rejoice, great sun of the hierarchs and martyrs;

Rejoice, true worker of thoughtful prayers;

Rejoice, eloquent dwelling place, who carried Jesus Christ in your heart;

Rejoice, living church of the Great King;

Rejoice, for you have sanctified your own heart as a sacrifice to God;

Rejoice, for believing with your heart, you proclaimed Christ with your mouth, enlightened by His revelation;

Rejoice, for from childhood you were chosen and called by Christ;

Rejoice, most luminous pillar of the Church;

Rejoice, chosen vessel, who resembled Paul;

Rejoice, for you bore the name of Christ before the pagans;

Rejoice, for from the “son of thunder” you learned the true faith;

Rejoice, Ignatius, bearer of God, who bore Jesus Christ in your heart!

Kontakion 2

You were chosen for the ministry, by the counsel of all the Holy Apostles, where with apostolic zeal you labored greatly and multiplied the talent given to you. You were a most luminous torch in the candlestick of the Church, and you taught many to sing to Christ: Alleluia!

Ikos 2

You established a most beautiful order of praise in the Church of Christ, like the angelic choirs which you alone saw in your vision, praising God with reverence; hear us also, who praise you thus:

Rejoice, light of Syria and Antioch;

Rejoice, holy guardian of the apostolic foundations;

Rejoice, perfect servant of Christ’s spiritual children;

Rejoice, most radiant candlestick of the righteous Church;

Rejoice, for in Antioch the disciples of Christ were called Christians;

Rejoice, for you guided the new people by word and deed;

Rejoice, for you sacrificed yourself for the love of Christ;

Rejoice, for through the light of your life you have enlightened many souls;

Rejoice, for through the gate of truth you have entered the fold of Christ;

Rejoice, for through you Christ’s flock has found good pasture;

Rejoice, for the talking flock has heeded you;

Rejoice, Ignatius, bearer of God, who carried Jesus Christ in your heart!

Kontakion 3

You stood, Most Blessed One, as an anvil of the Spirit, with great patience in the face of all trials, of the persecutors who ceaselessly struck you, and for all things you gave thanks to God, Who strengthened you, that you might sing to Him: Alleluia!

Ikos 3

When Emperor Trajan heard that you were called the Bearer of God, he asked you, “What does this title mean?” To which question you answered with great boldness and, to his bewilderment, revealed the mystery with wisdom; for which, we pray, receive from us these humble hymns:

Rejoice, for with few words you revealed it to him;

Rejoice, for you taught him what “bearer of God” means;

Rejoice, for you answered Emperor Trajan’s question with enlightenment;

Rejoice, for you rebuked Emperor Trajan for his confusion;

Rejoice, for you revealed the vanity of his false gods;

Rejoice, for Emperor Trajan marveled at your manliness;

Rejoice, for you preached to Trajan the mystery of the Incarnation of the Word;

Rejoice, for you spoke to him of the saving sufferings of Christ;

Rejoice, for you proclaimed to him the most glorious Resurrection of Christ;

Rejoice, for you revealed the wonders of God before the kings;

Rejoice, for you were not afraid of Trajan’s wrath;

Rejoice, for you remained steadfast in the true faith;

Rejoice, Ignatius, bearer of God, who carried Jesus Christ in your heart!

Kontakion 4

When Emperor Trajan saw your great boldness and steadfastness in the truth, he was greatly angered at you, confessor of the name of Christ, and cast you into prison. But you, O Blessed One, received his decree with great joy and gave praise to Christ, singing: Alleluia!

Ikos 4

After you were cast into prison, Emperor Trajan could not sleep all night, pondering within himself by what manner of death he would destroy you; but you, sufferer, prepared your heart to receive death with joy for your beloved Jesus. Therefore, fittingly, we too say to you:

Rejoice, for you confessed the name of Jesus Christ before Trajan with great boldness;

Rejoice, for he was amazed by your courage and boldness;

Rejoice, for he consulted with his advisors to bring about your destruction;

Rejoice, for you too awaited death with great eagerness and without fear;

Rejoice, for when you heard this verdict, you rejoiced greatly;

Rejoice, for they condemned you to be devoured by wild beasts;

Rejoice, for those you shepherded, hearing of your condemnation to death, were greatly saddened;

Rejoice, for you greatly comforted them all with words of encouragement;

Rejoice, for from Antioch to Rome you were sent to be food for the beasts;

Rejoice, for you blessed your talking flock upon your departure;

Rejoice, for with great fervor you prayed for the Church upon your departure;

Rejoice, Ignatius, bearer of God, who carried Jesus Christ in your heart!

Kontakion 5

The entire congregation of the faithful mourned bitterly at your departure from Antioch, and with tears they bid farewell to you, their beloved shepherd. And you, most wise one, taught them all not to waver in the true faith and to give glory to God for all things, singing: Alleluia!

Ikos 5

Ten harsh and merciless soldiers came, by the king’s command, and with great anger bound you in chains and led you to the ship; and thus you began your journey toward suffering. And the faithful Christians, with all their hearts, praised you, saying thus:

Rejoice, our good and beloved shepherd;

Rejoice, for your journey to heaven has now arrived;

Rejoice, for you greatly desired this holy journey;

Rejoice, for departing from Seleucia, you have arrived in Smyrna;

Rejoice, for there you met Saint Polycarp;

Rejoice, for you were greatly comforted by your conversation with him;

Rejoice, for Blessed Polycarp kissed your chains;

Rejoice, for the priests and clergy wet your chains with tears;

Rejoice, for the multitude of Christians, seeing you bound, wept with sorrow;

Rejoice, for many, seeing your chains, were encouraged to bear witness;

Rejoice, for all looked upon you with humility and love when you departed from them;

Rejoice, for you asked them all not to forget you in their holy prayers;

Rejoice, Ignatius, bearer of God, who bore Jesus Christ in your heart!

Kontakion 6

Burning with the desire to suffer for the name of Christ, you earnestly implored the Christians of Rome in a letter not to hinder your holy journey, and awaiting the day of your martyrdom with great joy, you sang praise to God from your heart: Alleluia!

Ikos 6

You advised the faithful not to show you empty love, seeking to spare you and see you alive in the flesh, but rather that all should pray that God might grant you patience until the end; and we, the sinners, honoring your holy desire, say to you thus:

Rejoice, sufferer of the true faith, you of ardent longing;

Rejoice, for with the fervor of your faith you have become like Peter;

Rejoice, for like Paul, when you went to Rome, you were bound in chains;

Rejoice, for you have lovingly followed the virginal Evangelist;

Rejoice, for the pleasures of this age have not overcome you;

Rejoice, for out of love for Jesus Christ you have lived in chastity;

Rejoice, for you have overlooked the glory of this present age;

Rejoice, for the glory of eternal joys was your comfort;

Rejoice, for you were ever strengthened by the gift for true happiness;

Rejoice, true shepherd of your flock;

Rejoice, for in your sufferings you had the Holy Spirit as your comforter;

Rejoice, for you were a follower of Jesus, the Great Shepherd;

Rejoice, Ignatius, bearer of God, who carried Jesus Christ in your heart!

Kontakion 7

You said, O Blessed One, “From Syria to Rome, on land and sea, I struggle with beasts,” thereby revealing the cruelty and savagery of the pagan soldiers in increasing your torments. But you, O patient one, gave thanks to God, Who strengthened you in patience, and sang: Alleluia!

Ikos 7

You have shown, man of God, that Christianity is not merely a matter of counsel, but above all of the exaltation of the soul and of suffering for the truth; for through suffering you have proven the strength of your faith. We pray, hear us also, we who are weak, as we praise you thus:

Rejoice, for like a deer seeking water, you ran toward martyrdom;

Rejoice, for you earnestly implored the Christians of Rome through your letters;

Rejoice, for you told them: “Let none of you dare!”;

Rejoice, for you had one desire: that they not stop you from becoming the beasts’ food;

Rejoice, for you considered all things here to be vanity;

Rejoice, for you considered death for Christ to be wisdom;

Rejoice, for you prepared yourself as much as was possible;

Rejoice, for you desired to die a thousand times for the love of the faith and for the true faith;

Rejoice, for through suffering you have overcome the ruler of this age;

Rejoice, for for the love of Christ you had patience until the end;

Rejoice, for through divine love you have shown the works of faith;

Rejoice, for with burning zeal you have run the path of the divine commandments;

Rejoice, Ignatius, bearer of God, who carried Jesus Christ in your heart!

Kontakion 8

Bearer of God, Ignatius, you ceaselessly bore the name of Jesus Christ upon your tongue; you ever kept His presence in your mind, and in your heart a thirst for His love, through which, in thought and in action, you praised Him, crying out: Alleluia!

Ikos 8

You traveled, Holy Martyr, with great toil and tribulation through Troas and Neapolis, then through Philippi and Macedonia, counseling and strengthening the Christians there; and we, the unworthy, honoring your martyrdom and your journey toward death, say thus:

Rejoice, for with great boldness, while in chains, you confessed the word of God;

Rejoice, for through your letters you greatly strengthened the Christians there;

Rejoice, for they saw you bound in chains for the love of Christ;

Rejoice, for the Christians of Macedonia looked upon you with sorrowful hearts;

Rejoice, for they kissed the footprints of your holy feet with tears;

Rejoice, for through your words they were greatly encouraged;

Rejoice, for you laid down your life for them and for Christ;

Rejoice, living and speaking sacrifice of Christ Jesus;

Rejoice, most ardent defender of the true faith;

Rejoice, most tried sufferer for Christ;

Rejoice, Ignatius, bearer of God, who carried Jesus Christ in your heart!

Kontakion 9

You crossed, O sufferer, on your journey, the Adriatic and Tyrian Seas, arriving in Puteoli, where you were welcomed with great love by the good Christians there, whom you greatly exhorted to be strong and steadfast in the faith of Jesus Christ and to sing to Him: Alleluia!

Ikos 9

You have arrived, bearer of God, Ignatius, in Rome, where the soldiers of the city’s governor handed you over along with the emperor’s letters; and after reading the letters containing the emperor’s commands, they prepared the beasts for eating you. Remembering this, we say:

Rejoice, for throughout Rome the Christians heard the news of your arrival;

Rejoice, for all said, “The Bishop of Syria has come to us”;

Rejoice, for the Christians gathered in secret;

Rejoice, for they spoke of your coming with both joy and sorrow;

Rejoice, for they all gathered where you were;

Rejoice, for they saw you bound in chains for Christ’s sake;

Rejoice, for they understood that you were prepared to be fed to the beasts;

Rejoice, for understanding this in their hearts, they all suffered;

Rejoice, for by your being fed to the beasts, the prefect sought to terrify the Christians of Rome;

Rejoice, for you were held bound in prison for Jesus Christ;

Rejoice, Ignatius, bearer of God, who carried Jesus Christ in your heart!

Kontakion 10

A great crowd of people gathered from all over the city of Rome, hearing that the Bishop of Syria was to be given as food to the beasts. But you, God-bearer Ignatius, having Jesus Christ in your heart, awaited your long-desired hour with calm and joy, and through unceasing prayer of the heart, you noetically cried out to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 10

The soldiers brought you out into the open, Most Blessed One, to be given as food to the beasts. Your holy desire has been fulfilled, for which you said beforehand: “I am wheat, and I wish to be ground by the teeth of the beasts, that I may become sweet bread for the Most Holy Trinity!” And we, the humble ones, joining in contemplation with your holy desire, say thus:

Rejoice, for they have now brought you before the beasts as their food;

Rejoice, for at this hour you spoke with Jesus in the chamber of your heart;

Rejoice, for the hungry lions were ready to devour you;

Rejoice, for now the onlookers waited in fear and wonder;

Rejoice, for at that moment you awaited them with a divine thirst;

Rejoice, for upon entering the arena, you cried out to the people with a loud voice;

Rejoice, for before the whole crowd you revealed the truth;

Rejoice, for you bore witness to Jesus Christ with wisdom;

Rejoice, for you revealed that He is the true God;

Rejoice, for you still had the holy confession on your lips as the lions came roaring toward you;

Rejoice, for in that very moment the lions tore you apart;

Rejoice, for now your holy soul has soared to heaven;

Rejoice, Ignatius, bearer of God, who carried Jesus Christ in your heart!

Kontakion 11

The lions’ belly became a tomb for your holy body, and heaven prepared a most pure dwelling for your blessed soul; having arrived there, you behold your Sweet Jesus forever, and there, together with all the hosts of angels and saints, you praise Him, singing: Alleluia!

Ikos 11

A great and most wonderful miracle was seen at your end, Holy Martyr Ignatius, for though the lions devoured your holy body, as you yourself greatly desired, your heart remained whole and untouched, so that the truth you had confessed might be revealed to all; for which reason we, praising the divine Providence, say to you thus:

Rejoice, for now your desire has come to an end;

Rejoice, for now, O grain of God, the teeth of the beasts have ground you;

Rejoice, for your God-loving heart the lions did not devour;

Rejoice, for to the rebuke of the unbelievers God has preserved it;

Rejoice, for the pagans have split your heart in two with the sword;

Rejoice, for when your heart was split, a great miracle was revealed;

Rejoice, for on both sides of your heart was written a most beautiful inscription;

Rejoice, for in letters of gold it read: Jesus Christ;

Rejoice, Ignatius, the grain sown by Christ;

Rejoice, for out of love for Christ you were ground by the teeth of beasts;

Rejoice, bread of the Great King;

Rejoice, Ignatius, bearer of God, who carried Jesus Christ in your heart!

Kontakion 12

But some of your bones remained for the Church of Christ, which the lions did not devour, and gathering these as a treasure of great value, the faithful kissed them with great joy and praised God, Who strengthened you to the end, saying: Alleluia!

Ikos 12

You were a seraphim ever ablaze with the love of God upon the earth, divine Ignatius, our great hierarch, serving the Lord with a spirit burning with joy and trembling; for this reason, we too, the unworthy, dare to praise you, saying:

Rejoice, for you loved God with all your heart, mind, and strength;

Rejoice, for you fulfilled the first commandment through your life;

Rejoice, for your heart, mind, and tongue were ever in prayer;

Rejoice, for through your fiery prayers you were always ablaze with the Spirit;

Rejoice, for through the contemplative prayer of your heart, you always kindled the longing for God;

Rejoice, for through the wonder and submission of your mind, you ascended to heaven with your heart;

Rejoice, for on your tongue you ever bore the name of Christ;

Rejoice, for in your heart you ever kept the presence of God;

Rejoice, for your heart ever thirsted for God;

Rejoice, for through torments and death you gave a perfect example to the flock;

Rejoice, for you went to your death with joy;

Rejoice, Ignatius, bearer of God, who carried Jesus Christ in your heart!

Kontakion 13

O most blessed Bishop of Christ, Ignatius, whom Christ took into His most holy arms from childhood and whom you carried Him in your heart throughout your life; we pray that you intercede for us sinners before the Most High God, that we may obtain His mercy and help throughout our lives, and in the age to come may we be deemed worthy to sing with you to God: Alleluia!

This kontakion is sung three times.

Then Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1 again:

Ikos 1

Rejoice, great sun of the hierarchs and martyrs;

Rejoice, true worker of thoughtful prayers;

Rejoice, eloquent dwelling place, who carried Jesus Christ in your heart;

Rejoice, living church of the Great King;

Rejoice, for you have sanctified your own heart as a sacrifice to God;

Rejoice, for believing with your heart, you proclaimed Christ with your mouth, enlightened by His revelation;

Rejoice, for from childhood you were chosen and called by Christ;

Rejoice, most luminous pillar of the Church;

Rejoice, chosen vessel, who resembled Paul;