The Akathist to Venerable Varsonofius of Kherson is a prayer that helps us to better understand the life of this great saint and receive his intercession. Venerable Varsonofius is known for his great mercy and ability to help those who suffer.
Troparion, Tone 8
To the zealot of Orthodoxy, / the god-wise rebuker of heresies and schisms, / the exquisite ornament of the Holy Church, / to those who approach thee as a faithful intercessor and advocate, / venerable father our Varsonophius, / pray to the Lord our Savior / to deliver the land of Chersonese and our entire country from all evils and calamities, / to propitiate the world and save our souls.
Kontonak, Tone 4
As a most radiant star / hast thou shined in the land of Chersonese, venerable, / and strengthened by God, / hast endured bonds and sufferings for the Orthodox faith; / therefore we earnestly pray to thee: / teach us, Father, through thy divine wisdom / and heal our spiritual and bodily infirmities, / that in reveration we may cry unto thee: / rejoice, confessor of Christ, venerable father our Varsonophius.
Kontonak 1
Chosen confessor and surpassing wonder of Christ, / our swift helper and intercessor, blessed Varsonophius, / we sing praises unto thee, glorifying thy feats and sufferings. / Thou therefore, having boldness before the Lord, / pray for us, who call thee with faith and love:
Rejoice, venerable father Varsonophius, joy and ornament of the land of Chersonese.
Ikos 1
Thou hast loved angelic purity from thy youth, venerable, and, like the morning star, hast thou shined in the ascetic struggles of fast and prayer, dispelling the darkness of sin by thy life pleasing to God and enlightening many people with the light of knowledge of God. We therefore, thanking the Lord who granted us such a prayer-book and teacher, bring unto thee such praises:
Rejoice, fruitful sprout of the Cherson region.
Rejoice, joy and consolation of God-fearing parents.
Rejoice, adorned with reverence in youth.
Rejoice, brought up in piety.
Rejoice, constantly instructed in the Law of the Lord.
Rejoice, joyously labored for the glory of God.
Rejoice, venerable father Varsonophius, joy and ornament of the land of Chersonese.
Kontonak 2
Seeing the Lord, how thou, holy one, from childhood didst love to be seen seen in the temple of God, teach thee true pleasing-service, that thou mightst worthy and righte sing the angelic song:
Alleluia
Ikos 2
Enlightening thy understanding with the words of the Lord, thou didst divine wisdom, O Father Varsanimus, that thou might also lead others to Christ and direct many unto the path of salvation. Therefore we also, understanding thy great zeal for the glory of God, sing to thee:
Rejoice, who rivaled the life of the Bodeless ones!
Rejoice, who imitated the struggle of the ancient fathers!
Rejoice, chosen worker of Christ’s vineyard!
Rejoice, radiant with the grace of the Holy Spirit!
Rejoice, blessed bearer of the Heavenly Light!
Rejoice, tireless cultivator of Christian virtues!
Rejoice, venerable Father Varsanimus, joy and ornament of the land of Kherson!
Conakion 3
By the power of God are strengthened and by the Holy Spirit are guided, O Varsanimus the God-wise, thou didst strive in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, shining by thy pious life like a radiant lamp, and exhorting all to glorify God, crying out:
Alleluia
Ikos 3
Having an unsuspicious faith and a pure mind, thou didst despise all the beauties of this world, O glorious, and desiring to serve the Lord, thou didst accept all hardships and privations with love, so that flesh might not prevail over thy spirit. Therefore, adorned with virtues like a guiding star, thou shinest for all who cry out to thee:
Rejoice, who counted nothing of the beauties of this world!
Rejoice, who tasted the heavenly sweetness in the caves of the Lavra!
Rejoice, who desired the monastic life from youth!
Rejoice, having detested all the world, who followed Christ!
Rejoice, who put to death in thyself the lust of sin!
Rejoice, who subated thy flesh to the spirit by fasting and temperance!
Rejoice, venerable Father Varsanimus, joy and ornament of the land of Kherson!
Conakion 4
Thou wertst not troubled by the storm of worldly anxieties, O venerable, but leaving behind all the world, thou didst walk the narrow and laborious path to the Heavenly Kingdom, courageously crushing by faith all the arrows of the enemy, while praising God:
Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Having heard, O God-chosen Varsanimus, in the Gospel the voice of the Savior calling: “Whosoever wills to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me,” thou didst deny thyself and taking thy cross upon thy shoulder, didst walkably after the footsteps of Christ. For this reason we cry out to thee in praise:
Rejoice, who conquered worldly love with divine love within thyself!
Rejoice, who showed that love fierier than fire!
Rejoice, who did not falter in zeal for the service of God!
Rejoice, who wrote His commandments in thy heart!
Rejoice, who loved the One Christ with all thy soul!
Rejoice, who established many brothers in monastic life!
Rejoice, venerable Father Varsanimus, joy and ornament of the land of Kherson!
Kontakion 5
Having set out upon the Godly path toward the quiet haven of salvation, O Venerable, thou wert diligent in prayer and fasting, subduing thy flesh in every way and praying for peace, while ceasing singing to Christ:
Alleluia
Ikos 5
Seeing the Lord thy desire to serve thy neighbors in salvation, He brought thee forth, O Father Varsthonius, from the ruined monastery of St. Gregory and saved thee from destruction. Yet, the enemy of humankind once again wove plots against thee: thou were shut in prison by the godless, O Saint, wherein, courageously enduring all sorrows, thou prayed for thine enemies. For this reason we cry unto thee:
Rejoice, eyes of thy heart, ceasing directed toward God.
Rejoice, strengthening thy children with firm faith.
Rejoice, standing before the Lord day and night in prayer.
Rejoice, having placed all hope upon Him in heavy sufferings.
Rejoice, because thou didst pray to God for those who persecuted thee.
Rejoice, because thou hast preserved the faith in Christ uncorrupted.
Rejoice, O Venerable Father Varsthonius, joy and adornment of the land of Chersonese.
Kontakion 6
Thou hast appeared as a zealous preacher of the Orthodox faith and true life in Christ Jesus, O Glorious Varsthonius; for when being brought forth from dungeonlike imprisonment, thou did not cease to instruct thy children; wherefore thou turned many to Christ the Life-giver, singing to Him with gratitude:
Alleluia
Ikos 6
Thou hast shined like a God-luminous lamp, O Blessed Varsthonius, splitting the darkness and dispelling heresies with the light of true knowledge of God, and teaching that the Orthodox Church is the spiritual physician, leading all to salvation. For this reason with reverence we cry unto thee:
Rejoice, having endured many sorrows and torments for the name of Christ.
Rejoice, desiring to bear the cross of Christ without grumbling.
Rejoice, having preserved the flock of Christ, entrustedrusted to thee, uncorrupted.
Rejoice, not allowing it to be scattered by the enemy and cast into destruction.
Rejoice, having taught how to rightly confess the faith of Christ.
Rejoice, having guided the strayed onto the path of salvation.
Rejoice, O Venerable Father Varsthonius, joy and adornment of the land of Chersonese.
Kontakion 7
It was always your singular will, O Father Varsonophius, that the children of the Church might abide in peace and piety; for this reason you did untiringly proclaim the Word of Christ, that all might love one another, and with one heart and one mouth might cry out to God:
Alleluia
Ikonos 7
Your ministry was wondrous and marvelous before all, O Saint; and likewise you rebuked every wickedness, iniquity, and false teaching; and for this you were loved and honored by the people, for you instructed all things unto salvation. We too, desiring to imitate such zealous ministry, we say:
Rejo, who performed the service of God reverently.
Rejo, who remained ceaselessly in prayer.
Rejo, who taught tenderness to your children.
Rejo, who filled the hearts of the faithful with peace and love.
Rejo, rooter out of malice and enmity.
Rejo, teacher of peace and guilelessness.
Rejo, Venerable Father Varsonophius, joy and ornament of the land of Chersonese.
Kontakion 8
It is strange to the worldly world to see how in the flesh you truly lived an angelic life, O Venerable; for from your youth you loved Christ with warmth, adoring Him unto old age; and as a good doer, you served without sloth; wherefore, with the lamp of your soul set alight, you were found worthy to enter the chamber of the Heavenly Master, where with all the saints you shalt sing to Him evermore:
Alleluia
Ikonos 8
You were entirely sanctified unto God, and above all things yearned to be with Christ; therefore neither threats, nor rebukes, nor dark imprisonments were able to separate you from the love of God. Strengthen us also by your prayers, O All-Blessed Father, that we too may be able to imitate you, crying out with tenderness thus:
Rejo, who well-served for the salvation of many.
Rejo, who loved your flock from a pure heart.
Rejo, who undertook many labors in the Gospel of Christ.
Rejo, who bore the burdens of the weak upon yourself.
Rejo, who was earnestly diligent in the service of God.
Rejo, who sought the Heavenly City with all your soul.
Rejo, Venerable Father Varsonophius, joy and ornament of the land of Chersonese.
Kondak 9
All the heavenly host and humanity were astonished at your patience and meekness, O Christ’s confessor, when, beholding you as righteous and zealously caring for the piety of God’s children, the ungodly multitude, desiring to shake you with many afflictions, humiliations, and persecutions, repeatedly slandered you.
Alleluia
Icos 9
The multitude of your virtues are beyond comprehension, O venerable Varsonofios, for your patience has amazed all, and you have preserved the faith in Christ in your heart until the end. Therefore, the Lord has kept you, His servant, and strengthened you in many afflictions. Accept, therefore, from us, blessed father, these praises:
Rejoice, for you have endured the conclusion of many years with a cheerful spirit.
Rejoice, for you have borne beatings for Christ without complaint.
Rejoice, for you have preserved your manly virtue in afflictions.
Rejoice, for you have served the Lord faithfully in prison.
Rejoice, for you have prayed humbly for your enemies.
Rejoice, for you have been an example to the faithful.
Rejoice, venerable Father Varsonofios, joy and ornament of the land of Kherson.
Kondak 10
Help us all, O servant of God, and calm our souls, and remember all those who have faith and love for you, and who invoke your name in prayer for help and who come to venerate your holy relics, that we may be delivered from evils and afflictions by you, our benefactor, whom we invoke to God:
Alleluia
Icos 10
You are a wall and a shelter for all who come to your intercession, O blessed Varsonofios, therefore, also protect us, who are weak and burdened with many sins, with your prayers, and those who invoke you with zeal:
Rejoice, good instructor of those seeking the Kingdom of God.
Rejoice, preacher of peace in times of strife.
Rejoice, provider of spiritual aid and healing to the faithful.
Rejoice, comforter of the suffering, the sick, and the weak.
Rejoice, for you have tamed the passions of those who have been enraged by pride and arrogance.
Rejoice, for you have taught us to oppose the enemy with prayer and trust in the Lord.
Rejoice, venerable Father Varsonofios, joy and ornament of the land of Kherson.
Kondak 11
Thy hymn, O Father Varsonofios, does not merely extol the multitude of thy labors, which are not only true but also bring wonder to the unfaithful; yet we believe and trust that through thy prayers, those who dwell in the darkness of sin and the shadow of death shall be led forth, and together with us, shall cry out to God, glorifying thee:
Alleluia
Icos 11
Thou art a radiant light, O great and venerable Father Varsonofios, shining brightly in the land of Chersonesus, and through thy blessings and miracles, thou dost heal the multitude of those who come to thee with faith and love. Therefore, as our warm intercessor and wonderworker, we cry out to thee:
Rejoice, blessed guardian and protector of our land.
Rejoice, zealous intercessor and advocate of our city.
Rejoice, good guide and instructor of the ascetics.
Rejoice, good shepherd and teacher of all the faithful children of Christ’s Church.
Rejoice, swift helper and bringer of healing and blessings.
Rejoice, protector of those who come to thee from affliction and tribulation.
Rejoice, blessed Father Varsonofios, joy and ornament of the land of Chersonesus.
Kondak 12
Through thy saving grace and great intercession before God, we beseech thee, O blessed Father, to pray fervently to our All-Merciful Savior, that He may govern His Holy Church, preserving it from heresies and schisms, and protect our city from affliction and tribulation, and keep us all in love and unity, that, glorifying God’s mercy, we may sing:
Alleluia
Icos 12
Singing thy wondrous and God-pleasing life on earth and thy glory in heaven, we believe, O Father Varsonofios, that thou dost remain with us unceasingly and prayest for us, those who call upon thee:
Rejoice, for through thy zealous service, thou hast gained much glory in heaven.
Rejoice, for having endured to the end, thou hast received the imperishable crown from the hand of the Almighty.
Rejoice, for through the manifestation of thy holy relics, thou hast gladdened the faithful.
Rejoice, for through thy glory, thou hast adorned the Church of Christ.
Rejoice, swift helper and protector in times of affliction and tribulation.
Rejoice, warm intercessor and advocate before God.
Rejoice, blessed Father Varsonofios, joy and ornament of the land of Chersonesus.
Condak 13
Oh, great and wonderful servant of Christ and glorious confessor, Father Varsonofiy, swift helper of all those who find themselves in tribulations and afflictions! Pray to Christ, our God, that through your prayers He may preserve and save us from visible and invisible enemies, and may we, through your intercession, receive the good portion of the saved and see Christ in glory, singing the angelic hymn with all the chosen ones:
Alluia
(This condak is read three times, then ikos 1 and condak 1)
Ikos 1
You loved the angelic purity of your youth, venerable one, and, like the morning dawn, you shone forth in the struggles of fasting and prayer, driving away the dark cloud of sin and enlightening many people with the knowledge of God. We, thanking the Lord who gave us such a prayerful and guiding figure, offer you these praises:
Rejoice, fruitful growth of the Herson region.
Rejoice, joy and comfort of the God-fearing parents.
Rejoice, adorned with reverence from youth.
Rejoice, nurtured in piety.
Rejoice, constantly instructed in the Law of the Lord.
Rejoice, laboring with joy for the glory of God.
Rejoice, venerable Father Varsonofiy, joy and ornament of the Herson land.
Condak 1
Chosen confessor and wonderful servant of Christ, swift helper and prayerful intercessor of ours, blessed Varsonofiy, we extol your praise, glorifying your struggles and sufferings. You, having boldness before the Lord, pray for us, who call upon you with faith and love:
Rejoice, venerable Father Varsonofiy, joy and ornament of the Herson land.
Prayer
Oh, great and wonderful servant of Christ, good and true shepherd, venerable Father our Varsonofiy!
Look upon us with swift help and pray to the Lover of Mankind, God, that He may not condemn us, sinners, according to our transgressions. Preserve us through your intercession from the surrounding darkness of heresy and unbelief, and, as a good shepherd, save the wandering sheep of Christ’s flock and lead them into the Lord’s courts. Guard us from temptations, heresies, and schisms, and guide us firmly in the Orthodox faith. Strive, swift intercessor, to obtain through your favorable intercession the Lord’s favor, that He may heal our spiritual and bodily ailments, warm our hearts with love for one another, and make us brothers in love and unity. Ask the Lord for all that is necessary for our life: fertile land, pure air, and peaceful order. Preserve our land, this city, and all Christian cities and lands through your intercession from fire, flood, earthquake, enemy invasion, and internal disturbances. And thus, assisted by your prayers, we shall live our life in peace and piety, and attain that Heavenly Jerusalem, where you now shine in ineffable glory, and together with you and all the saints, we shall glorify the Trinity, glorified God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and always, and forever and ever. Amen.