Venerable Elder Paisios of Mount Athos is one of the most famous modern Orthodox saints of Mount Athos. Believers pray to him for comfort in sorrows, resolution of family problems, protection of children, and blessing for our homeland.
On this page, you can read the Akathist online in English, learn the rules of prayer, and download high-quality formatted text files of the Akathist for free to print or read offline.
Chosen ascetic of Mount Athos and fragrant censer of repentance, glorious servant of God Paisios, we praise thee with songs. As thou hast boldness before the Lord, deliver us from all afflictions, who cry to thee with love: Rejoice, venerable Paisios, wonderful consoler of the people of God.
Ikos 1
An angel in the flesh didst thou appear on Holy Mount Athos, venerable Father Paisios, and hast become a warm intercessor for us before God. Therefore, we cry to thee:
Rejoice, holy blossom of Cappadocia; rejoice, great glory of Mount Athos.
Rejoice, beloved child of the Most Holy Theotokos; rejoice, heavenly man abiding in the heavens.
Rejoice, venerable Paisios, wonderful consoler of the people of God.
Kontakion 2
Beholding the vanity of this world, from thy youth thou didst desire the monastic life, Father Paisios. Having subjected the flesh to the spirit, in fasting and prayer thou didst follow the ancient fathers, singing to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 2
Ask for us a mind cleansed of sinful thoughts, venerable father, that we may offer thee these praises with a pure heart:
Rejoice, teacher of meekness and humility; rejoice, fountain of unfeigned love.
Rejoice, thou who didst lay down thy soul for thy neighbors; rejoice, thou who didst dispel the darkness of sorrow by the word of grace.
Rejoice, venerable Paisios, wonderful consoler of the people of God.
Kontakion 3
Strengthened by the power of the Most High, thou didst endure severe physical illnesses without complaining, thanking God for all. By thy prayers, thou didst heal incurable diseases of those who ran to thee, singing to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 3
Possessing great love for all God’s creation, thou didst care even for the birds and wild beasts, which meekly obeyed thy word. Marveling at thy gracious life, we sing:
Rejoice, resembling the Heavenly Father in thy merciful heart; rejoice, showing wonderful simplicity of life.
Rejoice, practitioner of unceasing prayer; rejoice, rich treasury of spiritual gifts.
Rejoice, venerable Paisios, wonderful consoler of the people of God.
Kontakion 13
O venerable Father Paisios, fragrant blossom that didst shine so wonderfully in these latter times! Accept our present prayer, entreat the Lord to save our souls and grant peace, that we may sing to God: Alleluia!
PRAYER TO SAINT PAISIOS OF MOUNT ATHOS
O holy venerable and God-bearing Father Paisios, our beloved intercessor and guide! During thy earthly life, thou didst endure many afflictions and didst receive the grace to heal the sick and console the sorrowful. Entreat the All-Merciful Lord to forgive our sins, heal our illnesses of body and soul, grant peace, and lead us to salvation. Amen.
How to Pray the Akathist: 5 Practical Rules
- Pray with Sincere Faith. Prayer must come from the depths of your heart and be offered with profound humility.
- Establish a Consistent Prayer Cycle. Believers often commit to praying the Akathist daily for 40 consecutive days to ask for help with critical life issues.
- Eliminate Distractions. Quiet your mind, turn off devices, and light a candle before the icon.
- Intercede for Others. Sincere prayer for your children, spouse, parents, or defenders carries exceptional spiritual power.
- Offer a Prayer of Thanksgiving. When your prayer is answered, remember to read a prayer of thanksgiving or perform an act of charity.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is Elder Paisios so beloved among believers?
He lived in our modern times (reposed in 1994) and was known for his extreme simplicity, gentle humor, boundless love, and deep understanding of modern struggles.
2. In what matters do prayers to Saint Paisios help?
He is highly venerated as a protector of family life, children, and marriages, as well as a quick healer of cancer and other severe physical ailments.
3. Where are the relics of Saint Paisios located?
He is buried at the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian in Souroti, near Thessaloniki, Greece, which has become a major place of pilgrimage.