The Akathist to the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is a liturgical hymn that addresses the holy icon of Kazan. This akathist is particularly significant during the Days of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, when the faithful turn to her for protection, defense, and grace. Reading this akathist helps to deepen one’s understanding of the significance of the holy icon and its role in the life of the faithful.
Troparion, Tone 4
Most fervent Intercessor, Mother of the Lord Most High, pray for all your Son, our Lord Christ, and grant salvation to all who seek refuge under your powerful protection. Intercede for us, O Lady, Queen and Ruler, in times of affliction, sorrow, and illness, and for those burdened by many sins, who stand before you with a contrite heart and a soul full of tears, and who have unshakeable hope in you. Grant us all deliverance from all evils, O Theotokos, and save us all: for you are the divine protection of your servants.
Kondak, Tone 8
Draw near, O people, to this quiet and good haven, to the swift and timely aid of the Most Holy Theotokos, to the shelter of the Virgin, and let us hasten to prayer and to repentance: for the All-Pure Theotokos pours out upon us an inexhaustible fountain of mercy, and precedes us with her aid, and delivers from great afflictions and evils those who are righteous and God-fearing.
Kondak 1
Most chosen from all the tribes, Intercessor of the Christian race, covering our Orthodox land with the shelter of your goodness, we offer you thankful hymns, O Theotokos, for the appearance of your wondrous icon. You, as the All-compassionate Helper, intercede for us in all afflictions and necessities, in troubles and calamities, that we may cry out to you:
Rejoice, Most fervent Intercessor of the Christian race.
Ikon, 1
An angelic herald was sent to say to the Theotokos:
“Rejoice”- when the Word of God was incarnate in her womb; and we, sinful ones, glorifying the appearance of her wondrous icon and the divine Infant Savior, cry out with contrition:
Rejoice, Chosen One of God.
Rejoice, Mother of God.
Rejoice, Queen of Heaven and earth.
Rejoice, radiant ornament of the heavenly and earthly Church.
Rejoice, venerated by the Angels.
Rejoice, hymned by the Cherubim.
Rejoice, shining fulfillment of the Prophets.
Rejoice, glory of the Apostles.
Rejoice, confession of the Martyrs.
Rejoice, crown of the Righteous.
Rejoice, joy of the righteous.
Rejoice, hope of sinners.
Rejoice, Most fervent Intercessor of the Christian race.
Condak 2
Beholding from the heights of Thy heavenly dwelling, O All-Pure One, Thy Son in glory with Thee, Thou hast deigned to manifest Thy icon, whereby the faithful, in the newly enlightened city, do cry out to God, as the Christian faith, beset by the evil of heresy, is scorned and trodden underfoot.
Alleluia
Icos 2
Seeking the wise counsel of the Mother of God, who hath been revealed in threefold manifestation, we, the faithful, do cry out to Thee, O Most Blessed One:
Rejoice, O Thou who dost proclaim the glory of God with the lips of the children.
Rejoice, O Thou who dost reveal the mysteries of God’s grace to the faithful.
Rejoice, O Thou who dost bring enlightenment to the erring.
Rejoice, O Thou who dost bring renown to the faithful.
Rejoice, O Thou who dost strike fear into the hearts of the wicked.
Rejoice, O Thou who dost enlighten the minds of the faithful with the glory of Thy wonders.
Rejoice, O Thou who dost confound the evil of heresy.
Rejoice, O Thou who dost bring low the pride of the wicked.
Rejoice, O Thou who dost establish the faith of the Christians.
Rejoice, O Thou who dost consecrate the veneration of Thy holy icons.
Rejoice, O Thou who dost transform our sorrow into joy.
Rejoice, O Thou who dost gladden us with unshakeable hope.
Rejoice, O Thou who art the zealous protector of the Christian people.
Condak 3
By the power of Thy divine grace, O Mother of God, enlighten and strengthen the maiden to seek the precious gift of God, and, with faith, she shall approach the task, and, having discovered the hidden treasure of Thy holy icons, she shall joyfully cry out to God:
Alleluia
Icos 3
Having compassion on the newly enlightened people of Kazan, from Thy revered icon, Thou hast poured forth streams of wonders, O Lady, granting sight to the blind, and illuminating those who are spiritually darkened, and providing a peaceful refuge for the chaste. For this reason, we cry out to Thee:
Rejoice, O Thou who dost drive away the darkness of evil with the manifestation of Thy icon.
Rejoice, O Thou who dost enlighten all with the rays of Thy wonders.
Rejoice, O Thou who dost grant sight to the blind.
Rejoice, O Thou who dost enlighten those who are spiritually darkened.
Rejoice, O Thou who dost bring glory to Orthodoxy.
Rejoice, O Thou who dost provide a peaceful refuge for those who seek salvation.
Rejoice, O Thou who art the Mother of Chastity.
Rejoice, O Thou who dost consecrate the protection and defense of chastity.
Rejoice, O Thou whose glory is celebrated by all the faithful.
Rejoice, O Thou whose radiance is lamented by the demonic host.
Rejoice, O Thou who art the desired helper of all Christians.
Rejoice, O Thou who art the joy of all who suffer.
Rejoice, O Thou who art the zealous protector of the Christian people.
Condak 4
The blessed Hieromartyr Ermogen, scribe of Your wondrous deeds, O Theotokos, sought solace from the turmoil and strife, raised up by the enemies, and, weeping before Your icon, he prayed, and, seeing that Your icon was granted to the Orthodox host as a shield and victorious banner, he was strengthened in his faith until the end of his life, and cried out to God:
Alleluia
Icos 4
Having heard the Orthodox warriors the revealed secret of the blessed Sergius, Archbishop of Arsion, that through the intercession of the Theotokos, the judgment of our homeland was turned into mercy, they took up the icon of the Theotokos, as a victorious banner, and cried out to their Protectress:
Rejoice, Mother of God Most High.
Rejoice, for You intercede for all Your Son, Christ our God.
Rejoice, for You save all who take refuge in Your mighty protection.
Rejoice, Protectress of all who are in affliction and sickness.
Rejoice, who grant all who pray before Your holy icon relief from their troubles.
Rejoice, Hope of all who have recourse to You.
Rejoice, peaceful and loving abode.
Rejoice, speedy Help.
Rejoice, ready and warm shelter of salvation.
Rejoice, who pour out upon us boundless mercies.
Rejoice, who anticipate our needs.
Rejoice, who deliver us from all evils.
Rejoice, zealous Protectress of the Christian race.
Condak 5
Your icon, O Theotokos, shone forth like a star, illuminating our entire land, dispelling the darkness of sorrows and the mist of all diseases and afflictions, and guiding those who approach You with faith to the path of salvation, and crying out to God:
Alleluia
Icos 5
King Peter saw that many wonders are wrought through the holy icon of the Theotokos by the grace of God, and he took it as a guide for his host, and on the day of battle, he took it as a shield and protection, and, having conquered his enemies with the help of the Theotokos, he laid the cornerstone of the new imperial city, and Your wondrous icon, O Theotokos, he placed in the heart of the city, as a consecration, a shield, and a protection. For this reason, we cry out to Your holiness:
Rejoice, dwelling and palace of Christ our God.
Rejoice, who contain the inexpressible glory of Christ.
Rejoice, city, forever reigning and inhabited.
Rejoice, palace, resplendent with beauty.
Rejoice, joy of cities and delights.
Rejoice, impregnable stronghold of Christians in affliction and precursor.
Rejoice, praise of the Orthodox Church.
Rejoice, foundation of our land.
Rejoice, Help of the Christ-loving host.
Rejoice, conqueror of enemies.
Rejoice, deliverance from evils.
Rejoice, who visit us with maternal mercies.
Rejoice, zealous Protectress of the Christian race.
Conakion 6
Standing before Thy pure image, the order of bishops and all the people, monks and laity, proclaim to thee, O Theotokos Mother, Thy great mercies, even as Thou guardest cities, coverest dwellings, and protectest villages; and knowing Thee truly to be a powerful and invincible Helper, they bring prayers to Thee with tears, that Thou might stretch out Thy God-bearing hands unto Thy Son for Thy people, in order to deliver us from all evils and adversities, that we may cry out to God with thanksgiving:
Alleluia
Ikos 6
Having shined with true illumination and having driven away of old the pagan deceptions in the most newly illumened land of Kazan, Thou now shinest in all cities with the light of wonders and mercies; for those who with faith approach to Thy heaven-bearing icon seeking deliverance from sorrows, healing of infirmities, and the fulfillment of every joy, cry out to Thee fervently:
Rejoice, O inexhaustible fountain of holiness.
Rejoice, O ever-flowing river of divine grace.
Rejoice, O propition of sinners with God.
Rejoice, O cleansing of our sins.
Rejoice, O Teacher of piety.
Rejoice, O confirmation and help in good deeds.
Rejoice, O who acceptest good vows.
Rejoice, O who assistest with righteous intentions.
Rejoice, O who destroyest evil beginnings.
Rejoice, O who dispellest the schemes of the enemy.
Rejoice, O swift Helper of mankind.
Rejoice, O who grantest mercy specifically unto us.
Rejoice, O zealous Intercedrix of the Christian race.
Conakion 7
Wishing the Orthodox people to confess the mercies of the Most Blessed Queen of Heaven and earth and to offer by power a thanksgiving offering for their deliverance from the invasion of foreign nations, a wondrous temple, created in honor of the most miraculous icon, was brought as a victorious gift, that all, remembering the mercy of the Mother of God who saved this city and land, may ever sing out to God with thankful lips:
Alleluia
Ikos 7
To our God-saving city, Thy holy icon, O Mother of God, has truly manifested as the good Hodegetria, just as of old in Constantinople; for unto Thee people flee, asking for Thy help at the beginning of their path and deeds, and offering thankful prayers before Thy most pure icon for deliverance from sorrows and adversities, knowing Thee to be a strong Helper and Intercedrix. Wherefore we cry out to Thee with thanksgiving:
Rejoice, O protection of our land.
Rejoice, O rampart and establishment of Orthodoxy within it.
Rejoice, O indestructible shield of our warriors.
Rejoice, O their invulnerable armor.
Rejoice, O who reproachest the schemes of the enemies.
Rejoice, O who rendest their web apart.
Rejoice, O reproofment of ungodliness.
Rejoice, O destructions of sedition.
Rejoice, O correction of the youth from errors.
Rejoice, O comfort of the elders.
Rejoice, O downthrowing of soul-harming teachings.
Rejoice, O bestower of soul-beneficial knowledge.
Rejoice, O zealous Intercedrix of the Christian race.
Conakion 8
It is strange and doubtful to the unbelievers to hear how, from Thy icon, flows of grace proceed, and the material matter emits a divine fragrance; but we, believing the word spoken by Thee, O Mistress, unto the first icon: “With thee is My grace and power,” we hope that also with this icon Thy grace is ever present; therefore, standing reverently, we kiss it, and prostrate ourselves before it as unto Thou Thelf truly present therein; for the honor of the icon passes unto the Prototype, and Thy grace through this icon performs signs and wonders for all those who come to Thee with faith and cry out to God:
Alleluia
Ikos 8
Having all sorrow, being taken up to the Heavens, yet not forsaking earthly, O Theotokos, by Thy holy intercession; for Thou hast more maternal boldness toward Christ our God. Wherefore establish in peace the deep life of the Orthodox, and always grant all useful things to Thy servants, that we may magnify Thee saying:
Rejoice, O Uncontainable Dwelling.
Rejoice, O shaded by the power of the Most High.
Rejoice, having surpassed the Heavenly Host.
Rejoice, O who delivered the whole world from soul-destroying hunger.
Rejoice, ever interceding for our race.
Rejoice, for mighty is the prayer of Thy before Thy Son and God.
Rejoice, O who adopted us all at the Cross of Thy Son.
Rejoice, always manifesting maternal love toward us.
Rejoice, O Mediatrix of eternal blessings.
Rejoice, providing us with useful things even in this temporal life.
Rejoice, our well known refuge in all sorrowful circumstances.
Rejoice, undoubtless consolation in sorrows.
Rejoice, O earnest Protectress of the Christian race.
Conakion 9
Thou hast appeared surpassing every angelic nature, O Most Holy Virgin: for Thou didst conceive God in flesh, didst contain the Uncontainable within Thy womb, and didst carry upon arms the One who carries the whole world by hand; therefore, as more honorable than Cherubim and more glorious beyond comparison Seraphim, we magnify Thee and cry out to God concerning Thee:
Alleluia
Ikos 9
We see many age-old things concerning Thee, O Theotokos, like speechless fish; for every tongue doubts to praise Thee according to merit, and the mind marvels to sing Thee beyond words, O Theotokos; however, being Good, receive also from us the angelic voice of those crying out to Thee:
Rejoice, O Full Grace.
Rejoice, for the Lord is with Thee.
Rejoice, O Blessed among women.
Rejoice, O one who found grace with God.
Rejoice, O she who gave birth to the Savior of the world.
Rejoice, O Mother of the Son of God.
Rejoice, O Parent of the Eternal King.
Rejoice, O she who brought forth for us the Fruit of Life.
Rejoice, O hallowed by the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, O shaded by the power of the Most High.
Rejoice, O faithful Handmaid of the Lord.
Rejoice, for all generations shall call Thee blessed.
Rejoice, O earnest Protectress of the Christian race.
Condak 10
Save many from the fires of suffering, sorrow, and disease, O Most Holy Theotokos, for You have granted us Your wondrous icon, through which the blind see, the lame walk, the weak are strengthened, the possessed are healed, the earth yields its fruit, men are delivered from the deadly wound, cities and houses are saved from fire; therefore, we praise God, who grants us such mercies, and cry out to Him with fervor:
Alleluia
Icos 10
You are a wall, O Theotokos, a stronghold and glory for our land, a defense for the Orthodox host against its enemies. Therefore, we thank You and cry out:
Rejoice, O Thou who art glorified by those who glorify Thee.
Rejoice, O Thou who art despised by those who despise Thee.
Rejoice, O Thou who art a terror to Thine enemies.
Rejoice, O Thou who art a deliverance from the invasion of foreigners.
Rejoice, O Thou who art a stronghold for warriors.
Rejoice, O Thou who art a shield and defense in times of battle.
Rejoice, O Thou who art a living garden in times of peace, delighting the hearts of the faithful.
Rejoice, O Thou who art a weapon that inspires fear in demons.
Rejoice, O Thou who art a healing balm that soothes the wounds of sinners.
Rejoice, O Thou who art our warm and steadfast hope.
Rejoice, O Thou who art our unwavering confidence.
Rejoice, O Thou who art our peaceful and gentle refuge.
Rejoice, O Thou who art our zealous intercessor for the Christian people.
Condak 11
We bring to You, O Lady, hymns of praise and thanksgiving, approaching Your icon and reverently kissing it, as we live a peaceful and monastic life under Your protection, and placing all our hope in You, we joyfully cry out to God:
Alleluia
Icos 11
As a lamp that gives light, we behold Your holy icon, O Most Holy Theotokos, for it has received the uncreated fire of Your grace and kindles new lights, imparting to those who partake of it the powers of Your grace, and illuminating the wonders that guide all who cry out to You thus:
Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride.
Rejoice, O Chosen One, Virgin Mother of God.
Rejoice, O Good Guide of the Immaculate Virginity.
Rejoice, O Guardian of those who strive for purity.
Rejoice, O Praise of Women.
Rejoice, O Glory of Virgins.
Rejoice, O Help of Widows.
Rejoice, O Care of Orphans.
Rejoice, O Provider for the Poor.
Rejoice, O Clothing for the Naked.
Rejoice, O Comfort of the Afflicted.
Rejoice, O Joy of the Sorrowful.
Rejoice, O Zealous Intercessor for the Christian people.
Condak 12
By the gift of thy grace, O Most Holy Theotokos, thou hast bestowed upon those who venerate thee with love the power of thy divine grace, which, through thy holy icons, works signs and wonders, and heals both bodily and spiritual afflictions, granting salvation to all who come with faith, through thy ceaseless prayers to God.
Alleluia
Icos 12
Singing thy wonders, O Source of Life, in ancient and present times, we praise thee as the Fountain of Grace, the boundless River of Miracles, the Ocean of Mercy and Compassion, and we place all our hope in thee, as our Savior, and we cry out:
Rejoice, O shameless hope of Christians.
Rejoice, O salvation of the faithful.
Rejoice, O refuge of the hopeless.
Rejoice, O salvation of the despairing.
Rejoice, O baptism, cleansing the conscience.
Rejoice, O dew, reviving the souls.
Rejoice, O speedy and free healing of diseases.
Rejoice, O swift deliverance from all afflictions.
Rejoice, O Comforter in every sorrow.
Rejoice, O Savior from the depths of perdition.
Rejoice, O solace on the day of death.
Rejoice, O sole hope and consolation after death.
Rejoice, O zealous intercessor for the Christian race.
Condak 13
O All-Pure Mother, who gave birth to the Holy Word, the Source of all Saints, accept this humble prayer of ours, and, by the greatness of thy goodness and the boundlessness of thy mercy, do not remember the multitude of our sins, but fulfill our requests in good things, granting health to the body, salvation to the soul, deliverance from all need and sorrow, and making us heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven, all who cry out to God in truth:
Alleluia
(This Condak is read three times, followed by Icos 1 and Condak 1)
Icos 1
An angel was sent as a mediator to say to the Theotokos:
“Rejoice,”- when the Word of God was incarnate in her womb; and we, sinful ones, praising the wondrous appearance of her icons and the divine Infant Savior, cry out with reverence:
Rejoice, O Chosen Maiden.
Rejoice, O Mother of God.
Rejoice, O Queen of Heaven and earth.
Rejoice, O radiant ornament of the heavenly and earthly Church.
Rejoice, O revered by angels.
Rejoice, O hymned by Seraphim.
Rejoice, O wondrous fulfillment of prophecy.
Rejoice, O praise of the Apostles.
Rejoice, O confession of martyrs.
Rejoice, O crown of the righteous.
Rejoice, O joy of the righteous.
Rejoice, O hope of sinners.
Rejoice, O zealous intercessor for the Christian race.
Kondak, glas 8
Draw near, O people, to this quiet and good haven, swift Helper, ready and warm salvation, the veil of the Virgin, that we may hasten to prayer and strive for repentance: for the Immaculate Virgin Theotokos pours out upon us boundless mercies, precedes us with aid, and delivers from great afflictions and evils the righteous and God-fearing servants of Her own.
Molitva
O All-Holy Mistress, Sovereign Theotokos! With fear, faith, and love, we prostrate ourselves before Thy venerable icon, and beseech Thee: do not turn Thy face away from those who flee to Thee, merciful Mother, intercede for us, that Thy Son and our God, Lord Jesus Christ, may preserve our peaceful land, and keep His Holy Church unshakeable from heresy, schism, and error. For we have no other aid, no other hope, save Thee, O Immaculate Maiden, Thou art the all-powerful Christian Helper and Patroness. Deliver all who pray to Thee with faith from sinful falls, from the wiles of wicked men, from all temptations, sorrows, afflictions, and from vain death; grant us the spirit of contrition, humility of heart, purity of thought, correction of sinful life, and remission of transgressions, that all, giving thanks for Thy glory, may be deemed worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom, and there, with all the saints, glorify the venerable and magnificent name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.