The Akathist to St. Dimitry of Rostov is a prayer read in memory of the life and feats of this great saint. St. Dimitry of Rostov was a renowned theologian and missionary who worked in Russia in the 17th century. He is known for his translations of the Holy Scripture and his efforts to revive Orthodoxy in Russia after a period of persecution. Reading this akathist helps believers focus on the life and teachings of St. Dimitry, as well as ask for his intercession and assistance in their lives.
Troparion, Tone 8
Thou zealot of Orthodoxy and destroyer of schism, healer of the sick and new intercessor before God, by thy writings thou hast enlightened the faithful, O blessed Dimitri, pray to Christ our God to save our souls.
Kondak, Tone 8
Let us praise the golden-mouthed teacher Dimitri, who, having shone forth from Kiev and reached Rostov through Novgorod, hath enlightened the entire land with his teachings and miracles, and hath written all things for our guidance, that, as Paul, he may lead us to Christ and save our souls through faith.
Kondak 1
Raised as a wonderworker and excellent servant of Christ, thou art a fountain of many healings, an inexhaustible source of grace, a warm intercessor, and a great saint of Christ, O Dimitri. Having boldness before Christ our God, free us from all afflictions, those who cry out:
Rejoice, O Dimitri, new and great wonderworker.
Icos, 1
As an angel in spirit, though a man in nature, O saint Dimitri, thou hast directed thy mind from earthly things to heavenly, and, bearing flesh, thou hast not been concerned with it. Therefore, the Most Holy Spirit hath dwelt within thee, and, having known thee to be His habitation, we praise thee with hymns:
Rejoice, O lamb of gentleness, foretold by Isaiah, who dost emulate.
Rejoice, O merciful one, who dost provide for the poor.
Rejoice, O one who dost astonish the angels with thy self-control.
Rejoice, O one who dost mortify thy flesh with fasting and prayer.
Rejoice, O father who art loving to thy children.
Rejoice, O compassionate one, who dost comfort the afflicted.
Rejoice, O one who hast obtained eternal treasures instead of perishable ones.
Rejoice, O heavenly man.
Rejoice, O earthly angel.
Rejoice, O chosen vessel of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, O zealot of Orthodoxy.
Rejoice, O destroyer of soul-destroying schisms.
Rejoice, O Dimitri, new and great wonderworker.
Kondak 2
Beholding the abundant river of wonders and healings flowing from thy holy relics, we are filled with reverence and joy, and we give thanks to God, who glorifies His saints, and to whom we cry out about thee:
Alleluia
Ikos 2
By instilling in the children of Christ’s Church the rational understanding of true theology, you established and taught with golden words, O Lord, and you exposed those who were erring and schismatic, drawing them to the saving unity. For your care for our souls, we cry out to you thus:
Rejoice, mysterious and holy Trinity.
Rejoice, preacher of the boundless wonders of God.
Rejoice, guardian of the apostolic traditions.
Rejoice, conqueror of the souls of the heretics.
Rejoice, fire that burns away heresy.
Rejoice, thunder that terrifies those who are led astray.
Rejoice, light that dispels the darkness of impiety.
Rejoice, star that shows the way to salvation.
Rejoice, cymbal that resounds with the glory of God.
Rejoice, organ of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, defender of Orthodoxy.
Rejoice, destroyer of the destructive schisms.
Rejoice, Dimitri, new and great wonderworker.
Kondak 3
By the power of God’s grace, even in your earthly life, you received the authority to heal diseases and cast out demons, O holy Dimitri. After your death, the Almighty God has especially glorified you with many miracles, so that all, seeing this, may hasten to be healed by you from bodily and especially spiritual diseases, and may cry out to God:
Aleluia
Ikos 3
Having constant care for the salvation of souls entrusted to you by God, O holy Dimitri, you pastorally guided them to a life of spiritual salvation, both by word and deed, showing an unwavering zeal in imitating the holy God. For this reason, accept from our zeal worthy praises:
Rejoice, good shepherd, seeking out those who are lost in the mountains of stubbornness.
Rejoice, faithful servant and diligent steward, who has increased the talent given to you by the Lord.
Rejoice, doer of the vineyard of Christ.
Rejoice, unshakeable pillar of piety.
Rejoice, firm anchor of Christ’s Church.
Rejoice, shield that protects piety.
Rejoice, sharp sword that cuts down impiety.
Rejoice, unshakeable foundation of Orthodoxy.
Rejoice, firm rock of faith.
Rejoice, nourishment of the Church, guiding the faithful to a peaceful harbor.
Rejoice, defender of Orthodoxy.
Rejoice, destroyer of destructive schisms.
Rejoice, Dimitri, new and great wonderworker.
Кондак 4
As a tempest of heresies, born from the depths of Hades, arose in Greece through Arius, and in our native land, through the skete leaders of Bryn, the machinations of Martin Armenia, in the latter days, were ready to disturb the silence of the Holy, Ecumenical, and Apostolic Church; you, however, good shepherd, laying down your life for the sheep, having driven away the soul-destroying wolves, have tamed the tempest of folly, and have taught the faithful to invoke the Trihypostatic God:
Аллилуия
Икос 4
The heretics, blinded by folly, heard your refutation, which you wrote, moved by compassion for their heart’s error, and, enraged, they hurled upon you the fiery darts of hell; yet, you, like a hard adamant, did not yield to the blows of malice and hatred. For this reason, the holy Church blesses you with these salutations:
Радуйся, Ангелов сожителю.
Радуйся, апостолов преемниче.
Радуйся, святителей сопрестольниче.
Радуйся, новый Златоусте.
Радуйся, Спиридону, Василию Великому, Григорию Богослову и прочим великим святителям единочестне.
Радуйся, Николаю Мирликийскому и Мелетию Антиохийскому единонравне.
Радуйся, преподобных собеседниче.
Радуйся, монахов и постников наставниче.
Радуйся, мучеников удобрение.
Радуйся, праведных украшение.
Радуйся, Православия ревнителю.
Радуйся, душепагубных расколов искоренителю.
Радуйся, Димитрие, новый и великий чудотворче.
Кондак 5
The divine star of God appeared in your life, which you lived, establishing your salvation; by the example of the faithful, you taught us to pray to God with favor:
Аллилуия
Икос 5
Beholding the angelic host, in your earthly life, performing great deeds of virtue and purity, we were amazed, glorifying the God-Man, who strengthens the weak human nature. We, who cherish you with love, celebrate you with these praises:
Радуйся, луче Трисолнечнаго Света.
Радуйся, светильниче, на свещнице церковнем поставленный.
Радуйся, светило, путь правый показующее.
Радуйся, воине Христов непобедимый.
Радуйся, Единосущныя Троицы истинный поборниче.
Радуйся, уста еретическая заградивый.
Радуйся, златословесными устами небесныя истины вещаяй.
Радуйся, вся своя имения, по словеси Господню, продавый.
Радуйся, единаго безценнаго бисера — Христа Господа снискавый.
Радуйся, вмале быв верен, над многими поставленный.
Радуйся, Православия ревнителю.
Prophet of the unceasing mysteries of the Most Holy, Undivided, and Eternal Trinity, you were. For this reason, the Holy Church proclaims the glory of God, as shown to you, Saint Dimitrius, who received the gift of healing from spiritual and bodily afflictions, so that all may sing to God with one heart and one mouth: Alluia A shining light of true theology appeared in your beloved soul, which was consecrated and enlightened for the faithful, which those who listen with joy to your saving teaching see, and we truly know, as you came in the eleventh hour, equal to the ancient saints and God-bearing fathers, and received the gift of diaconia. Therefore, we praise you thus: Rejoice, dwelling place of virtues. Rejoice, worthy temple of holiness. Rejoice, sea that has drowned the wickedness of the world. Rejoice, fragrant vine, miraculously flourishing. Rejoice, treasure of honeyed teachings. Rejoice, one who has betrothed your soul to Christ the Bridegroom. Rejoice, true imitator of His humility. Rejoice, one who has preserved monastic poverty until the end. Rejoice, one who has entered with the wise into the joy of your Lord. Rejoice, fragrance of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, champion of Orthodoxy. Rejoice, destroyer of soul-destroying schisms. Rejoice, Dimitrius, new and great wonderworker. Although you were worthy to accomplish the work entrusted to you by God, you first strengthened your soul by reading the lives of the saints, considering yourself a follower of theirs; and having experienced the benefit that arose from this, you did not tire of being a scribe of their lives, with whom you now rejoice in the unending light, singing to God: Alluia We have obtained a new intercessor, healer of souls and bodies, and advocate for our eternal salvation; but with grateful heart and lips, we cannot adequately praise you, O great and wonderful wonderworker Dimitrius, whom God has given us in our times, and thus we dare to offer you this praise: Rejoice, comfort of all who suffer. Rejoice, swift healer of all diseases and free physician. Rejoice, destroyer of wicked thoughts. Rejoice, as through your prayers the blind have seen. Rejoice, as through your intercession the lame and the crippled have begun to walk. Rejoice, as through your prayers many demons have been driven out. Rejoice, as through your protection the weak have been healed. Rejoice, healer of those with rheumatic and swollen limbs. Rejoice, healer of those with trembling and fiery diseases. Rejoice, one who has restored the sick to health from incurable waters and stones. Rejoice, champion of Orthodoxy. Rejoice, destroyer of soul-destroying schisms. Rejoice, Dimitrius, new and great wonderworker. It is a wondrous thing to behold, as one possessed by the sickness of unbelief, how in a lifeless and mortal body, an angelic life can pass through unimpeded, and how, by the mere touch of faith, a life of glory is conferred upon the body, now rendered incorrupt. We, therefore, beseech Thee, O holy Dimitri, hearing and seeing the new wonders wrought by the Almighty God, through Thy prayers, which heal us, saying: Alluia Having surrendered thyself entirely to the love of God, and having made thyself subject to His will, thou hast desired to be filled with the Spirit, soul, and heart, that thou mightest delight in the vision of God. But now, thou hast asked for all that is necessary for eternity, and we, who implore Thy intercession and advocacy, beseech Thee, that we may be worthy to praise Thee in this manner: Glorify, O God, one who has pleased Thee completely. Glorify, O one who has received the crown of immortal life. Glorify, O one who is filled with the divine grace. Glorify, O one who is praised by the prophets for the explanation of their writings. Glorify, O one who is commended by the apostles for following in their footsteps. Glorify, O one who is revered by the holy fathers for thy zeal in agreement with them. Glorify, O one who is crowned for the suffering of the martyrs. Glorify, O one who is counted among the righteous for thy imitation of them in every virtue and purity of life, and for thy fasting and prayer. Glorify, O one who is exalted for thy humility and labors. Glorify, O one who is greeted with joyful salutations by all the saints. Glorify, O one who is a zealous defender of Orthodoxy. Glorify, O one who is the destroyer of the destructive heresies. Glorify, O Dimitri, O new and great wonderworker. Deliver us from all afflictions, sorrows, and calamities, O holy Dimitri, through Thy fervent prayers to God, and bestow upon us the temporal blessings necessary for life, and the eternal ones, that we may sing to God with thee, in the assembly of the righteous: Alluia The human weakness cannot be overcome by the abundance of God’s grace, which has been poured out upon thee, O holy Dimitri, but by Thy love, we are overcome, and we dare to sing to thee: Glorify, O planter of good things. Glorify, O destroyer of evil things. Glorify, O habitation of purity. Glorify, O consolation of the sorrowful. Glorify, O refuge of the desperate. Glorify, O nourisher of orphans. Glorify, O advocate of the wronged. Glorify, O true guardian of virtue and righteousness. Glorify, O shining pillar, enlightening with many wonders. Glorify, O cloud that pours forth dew, extinguishing the flame of passions. Glorify, O zealous defender of Orthodoxy. Glorify, O destroyer of the destructive heresies. Glorify, O Dimitri, O new and great wonderworker. Save me, O Lord, for you have not taken care of your flesh, but through fasting, vigil, prayer, and ceaseless toil, you have subdued your flesh, as in a timpan, in the mortification of the body, to the glory of God, crying out: Alluia You are a wall, protecting us from all afflictions, O Saint Dimitri, and we fervently invoke your aid, for in all the lands of our empire, the abundant miracles wrought at your healing tomb are clearly proclaimed. For this reason, we extol you with these hymns: Raduisia, chasha, ourceaing us eloi milosti Bozhia. Raduisia, bolnykh isclelenie. Raduisia, nemoshchennykh podkrepelenie. Raduisia, stradaiushchikh skoraya pomoshch. Raduisia, pritikaiushchikhsia o kamene soblaza nastavnitche. Raduisia, obidimykh zashchitnitsa. Raduisia, otmrachenykh prosveshchitelia. Raduisia, prosveshchennykh utverditelia. Raduisia, rastochennaya sobravia. Raduisia, k nebesnomu nemerchatelnomu svetu napravliaushchii. Raduisia, Pravoslaviiia revnitelia. Raduisia, dushepagubnykh raskolov iskorenitelia. Raduisia, Dimitrii, novii i velikii chudotvorets. You have brought forth a ceaseless hymn, O Holy Trinity, O Saint Dimitri, by your thought, by your voice, by your word, by your beneficence. And now, standing before the Divine Throne, pray for those who hymn you: Alluia Your luminous teaching, revealing the heavenly mind, is now testified by the incorrupt relics of your body and the multitude of miracles, a manifest and most effective means, granted by the God-man, to convict the heretics and to establish the Orthodox. Now, those who are filled with your holy and life-giving teaching, with grateful hearts, hymn you: Raduisia, uchenik, premudryi. Raduisia, pastyr, predivnyi. Raduisia, ispovednik, nepokolobimyi. Raduisia, oko, slepym. Raduisia, noga, khromym. Raduisia, ruka, bezpomoshchnaia. Raduisia, glava, naplenniaia nebesnym ucheniem. Raduisia, lastovitsa, bogoglagolivia. Raduisia, istochnitsa, zlatostruiinyi. Raduisia, tsevnitsa, dukhovnaia. Raduisia, Pravoslaviiia revnitelia. Raduisia, dushepagubnykh raskolov iskorenitelia. Raduisia, Dimitrii, novii i velikii chudotvorets. Grace, bestowed upon you by God, heals bodily and spiritual afflictions, O holy Dimitri, and summons those who venerate your appearance from everywhere and who hope to receive their petitions from God through you. Therefore, we, falling prostrate, humbly entreat you: deliver us from the evils of sin, that we may thankfully hymn Him: Alluia Singing your miracles, O holy Dimitri, we extol God, who granted you such powers of healing. Do not despise us, sinful and unworthy servants of His, but hear us, who, in humility, cry out to you thus: Rejoice, unapproachable light beholder. Rejoice, Christ’s Bridegroom, preserving lamp. Rejoice, destroyer of soul-destroying despair. Rejoice, having reached the paths of the heavenly cities. Rejoice, enriched by poverty. Rejoice, receiving humility and being exalted. Rejoice, having obtained eternal space through narrowness. Rejoice, receiving eternal glory with Christ through suffering. Rejoice, crowned by the Holy Trinity. Rejoice, beholding God face to face, not by divination. Rejoice, zealot of Orthodoxy. Rejoice, destroyer of soul-destroying heresies. Rejoice, O Dimitri, new and great wonderworker. O great holy Dimitri, destroyer of heresies and schisms, accept this hymn of praise and entreat the Almighty to bring peace and save our souls, who, as Orthodox, cry out to the Trihypostatic God: Alluia (This condak is read three times, then Icos 1 and Condak 1) O all-blessed holy Dimitri, great servant of Christ, new Golden-Mouth, hear us, sinful ones, who pray to you, and bring our prayer to the Merciful and Lover-of-Mankind God, to whom you now stand in the company of the saints and before the face of the Angels. Entreat His benevolence, that He may not condemn us for our iniquities, but may work with us according to His mercy. Ask for us from Christ and our God a peaceful and tranquil life, a healthy soul and body, fertile land, and in all things abundance and prosperity, and may we not turn the good things given to us by the Bountiful God to evil, but to His glory and in the praise of your intercession. Grant us to pass through the course of temporal life in a godly manner, deliver us from the air’s temptations, and guide us on the path leading to the cities of the righteous, where the unceasing hymn is celebrated, and where the unseen goodness of God is beheld. Preserve the Holy Church from heresies and schisms, strengthen the faithful, convert the erring, and grant to all what is fitting for salvation and the glory of God. Preserve your homeland from enemies, and grant us your archpastoral and holy blessing, that, being anointed by it, we may be delivered from the snares of the wicked and escape from all calamity and misfortune. Hear our prayer, O Dimitri, and entreat the Almighty ceaselessly on our behalf, who is glorified and worshipped in Three Hypostases, to whom belongs all glory, honor, and power, now and forever. Amen.Condak 6
Icos 6
Condak 7
Icos 7
Kondak 8
Icos 8
Kondak 9
Icos 9
Condak 10
Icos 10
Condak 11
Icos 11
Condak 12
Icos 12
Condak 13
Molitva