The Akathist to St. Vladimir, Metropolitan of Kiev and Galich, is a hymn written to honor the memory of this great Orthodox figure, who gave his life for his faith. Reading this akathist helps to deepen one’s understanding of his life and activities, and also provides spiritual support and strength for one’s own life.
Troparion, Tone 2
Most pure guardian of Orthodoxy and diligent fulfiller of Christ’s commandments, holy martyr Vladimir, having loved Christ with all your heart, you have saved your flock well and received a martyr’s death without resentment. For this reason, remaining in eternal glory, pray that we may be saved.
Kondak, Tone 2
Manifesting the image of Christ’s mercy, you were a shelter and protection for your flock, holy father Vladimir. Accepting sufferings with humility and meekness, you blessed and forgave your impious tormentors. For this reason, pray that we may obtain from Christ God a peaceful spirit and great mercy.
Kondak 1
Chosen pastor of Christ’s flock and vessel worthy of God’s grace, champion of Orthodoxy, having suffered even to death at the hands of the impious, we hymn you with joyful songs, shining father Vladimir. You, having boldness before the Lord, guide us on the path of salvation, singing hymns of pious love to you:
Rejoice, Vladimir, unquenchable lamp of Orthodoxy.
Icos, 1
Having shown your youthful nature to be filled with angelic love for the Lord and patience and gentleness, you appeared as a perfect Christian to the Orthodox world, holy Vladimir, preacher of Christ. Now, singing the Trisagion hymn with the angelic choirs in heaven, hear us, unworthy ones, who cry out to you on earth with tears of compunction:
Rejoice, Vladimir, most glorious birth of the blessed parents.
Rejoice, Vladimir, good and God-inspired upbringing.
Rejoice, Vladimir, one who from youth desired to serve Christ.
Rejoice, Vladimir, one who showed unfeigned zeal for God.
Rejoice, Vladimir, imitator of Christ’s benevolence.
Rejoice, Vladimir, preacher of the Evangelical word.
Rejoice, Vladimir, shining with divine light.
Rejoice, Vladimir, manifestation of heavenly grace.
Rejoice, Vladimir, enlightener of the souls of the faithful.
Rejoice, Vladimir, one who illuminates the hearts of those seeking God’s truth.
Rejoice, Vladimir, heavenly man.
Rejoice, Vladimir, earthly angel.
Rejoice, Vladimir, unquenchable lamp of Orthodoxy.
Kondak 2
Seeing and understanding the guidance for our salvation in every affliction and tribulation, do not despair or lose hope, holy Vladimir, when you lost your son, the young man, and your beloved wife. But you patiently endured this sorrow and found consolation in monasticism, directing your steps towards serving the One Christ. Enable us also to understand the holy will of the Benefactor in all our afflictions, not opposing the saving providence of Him, but always glorifying the Creator and God:
Alleluia
Ikos 2
The All-Highest’s wisdom was bestowed upon you, our all-venerable Vladimir, when the Lord chose you as bishop for the Holy Orthodox Church, that you might pray for the lambs of God day and night, lest any of them perish. You, as a diligent servant, humbly fulfilled your pastoral duties. Thus, even now, dwelling in the heavenly abodes, be a vigilant guide to us, who hope in and speak from the depths of our hearts:
Rejoice, you who have despised all the beauty and sweetness of this world.
Rejoice, you who have turned the transitory to the eternal and the spiritual eyes.
Rejoice, you who have received the great gift of episcopacy from the Lord.
Rejoice, you who have abundantly received the heavenly blessing in your ordination.
Rejoice, you who are a trustworthy guide to salvation.
Rejoice, you who are an unwavering corrector of the erring.
Rejoice, you who are the wisest of this age.
Rejoice, you who are the best of Christ’s servants.
Rejoice, you who are a glorious hierarch, resting with the saints.
Rejoice, you who preserve your flock with the shelter of your prayers.
Rejoice, you who are an unwearied helper in times of trouble.
Rejoice, you who are a good comforter to us.
Rejoice, Vladimir, you who are an unquenchable lamp of Orthodoxy.
Kondak 3
By the power of the All-Highest, you have been invisibly strengthened, O blessed Archbishop Vladimir, when you saved your suffering children from famine and from the sea. You were aware of the danger, for many were perishing by the sea, but you were not shaken, but armed yourself with the Cross of the Living and Life-giving Lord, and passed through the midst of the Volga people, providing aid and soothing their sorrows. Likewise, help us, who are spiritually famished and afflicted with the disease of unbelief, through your intercession with the Lord, who is eternally glorified:
Alleluia
Ikos 3
Having concern for the children of God, you directed them towards a life pleasing to God, O God-loving one, by your example of fasting, prayer, and righteous deeds, showing a wondrous exploit in imitation of the holy Christ. Therefore, we praise your pastoral virtues, and thus we glorify you:
Rejoice, you who are a great treasure of boundless benevolence.
Rejoice, you who are a friend of God’s divine providence towards us.
Rejoice, you who are an ornament of the Holy Orthodox Church.
Rejoice, you who are a warm intercessor for your children.
Rejoice, you who are a guardian of your flock’s peace.
Rejoice, you who are a diligent protector from all troubles.
Rejoice, you who are a guide, anointing us with the light of salvation.
Rejoice, you who are a fiery pillar, enlightening us in the darkness of ignorance.
Rejoice, you who have diligently rooted out the sources of troubles.
Rejoice, you who have wounded the thorn of heresy with your word.
Rejoice, you who are an archbishop of God, glorified by Christ as a shepherd and leader.
Rejoice, you who are a hierarch of Christ, filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, Vladimir, you who are an unquenchable lamp of Orthodoxy.
Kondak 4
Protect us from the great tempest of enemy retribution by your prayers, all-merciful Lord, Servant Vladimir, and be for us an unbreakable shield, as you were an unfeigned protector of all in your lifetime, King of Heaven, singing:
Alleluia
Icos 4
Having heard and seen the multitude of afflictions of this world, and enduring many diseases and troubles yourself, you never forgot your neighbors and friends, merciful Father Vladimir, but helped all with paternal solicitude, and never despised the supplications of those in need. Teach us also to bear one another’s burdens, those who hymn and glorify you thus:
Rejoice, being inflamed with divine love.
Rejoice, not sparing your own soul for others.
Rejoice, having endured many sorrows and labors.
Rejoice, having endured all for the One who loves you.
Rejoice, being the most generous provider for widows and the poor.
Rejoice, being the advocate of the oppressed and the wronged.
Rejoice, being a comforter of the sorrowful.
Rejoice, being a dispenser of mercy.
Rejoice, being a vessel of the oil of divine mercy for us.
Rejoice, driving away the clouds of God’s wrath from us.
Rejoice, remaining with us even after your repose.
Rejoice, not leaving us in the earthly life.
Rejoice, Vladimir, unquenchable lamp of Orthodoxy.
Kondak 5
You appeared as a divine star to the world, and a warm lamp to the Orthodox people, Archbishop Vladimir, former pastor and ruler of the three great Russian cities, and especially in the refutation of heresies, you delighted in preserving the seamless tunic of Christ. Thus, we rejoice in God’s providence concerning you, and hymn Him:
Alleluia
Icos 5
Beholding you in the heavenly habitations, Saint Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles, greatly rejoices, for you shone for us the light of Christ’s Truth, since you also were glorified in the God-protected city of Kiev by divine will, suffering for Christ in the days of great trials. Thus, we, blessed one, rejoice in you:
Rejoice, worthy companion of the Baptizer of Rus.
Rejoice, unwavering helper.
Rejoice, shining brightly in the land of Rus.
Rejoice, spiritually nourishing your flock.
Rejoice, living a godly life on earth.
Rejoice, conquering mortal fear with divine love.
Rejoice, holy martyr, suffering for Christ’s faith.
Rejoice, handing over your spirit to the Lord.
Rejoice, tasting death, but not knowing corruption.
Rejoice, resting with the Pechersk Fathers in the holy caves.
Rejoice, being the ornament of the monastery.
Rejoice, being a comfort to the monks.
Rejoice, Vladimir, unquenchable lamp of Orthodoxy.
Condak 6
Preacher of the divine words, Vladimir, with your wise teachings, you exposed the deceitful teachings of the impious, preserving Christ’s children from the snares of perdition. For this reason, you were worthy of unceasing hymns on earth, singing to the God on high:
Alleluia
Icos 6
You shone forth in your homeland, Vladimir, preacher of Christ, as a new light on the heavenly firmament, dispelling the darkness of impiety with the radiance of your deeds and glorifying the Orthodox world by your endeavors:
Rejoice, steadfast pillar of the tree of faith.
Rejoice, elect of God, confounder of heresy.
Rejoice, beloved Gospel, as the spiritual sword.
Rejoice, shield of faith, guarding against the arrows of the wicked.
Rejoice, preacher of divine truths with many wise words.
Rejoice, strong intercessor before God.
Rejoice, lamp, burning with prayerful fire for us.
Rejoice, precious myrrh, fragrant in the Lord’s temple.
Rejoice, inexhaustible treasury of heavenly gifts.
Rejoice, keeper of divine wisdom.
Rejoice, strong support for those who fall.
Rejoice, firm establishment for those who stand.
Rejoice, Vladimir, unquenchable lamp of Orthodoxy.
Condak 7
Although we wish to glorify you with unshakeable faith, our Lord, the Ruler, has granted us to see how the impious, like demons in hell, were possessed and committed impiety, defiling the ancient sanctuaries. But you, chosen one of God, Vladimir, did not fear these threats, fervently offering prayers to God, crying out unceasingly:
Alleluia
Icos 7
You revealed to us a new image of mercy, martyr and saint Vladimir, when you blessed your tormentors at the end of your life. Marveling at your meekness and beholding the inexpressible glory of the Lover of Mankind in you, we hymn and praise you thus:
Rejoice, mirror of heavenly mercy.
Rejoice, firm support of Christ’s Church.
Rejoice, our most blessed consolation.
Rejoice, terror to the wicked.
Rejoice, teacher of prayer for our enemies.
Rejoice, one who forgave even your tormentors.
Rejoice, as you are the one who humiliates the foolish mockers.
Rejoice, as you manifest the power of God.
Rejoice, venerated on earth.
Rejoice, crowned with an imperishable wreath in heaven.
Rejoice, as you abide with the venerable fathers in eternity.
Rejoice, as you protect our homeland together with them.
Rejoice, Vladimir, unquenchable lamp of Orthodoxy.
Kondak 8
Most wondrous and glorious, confessing servant of Christ Vladimir, you were a vigilant advocate for the Lord’s house, directing your prayers and labors towards the beautification of churches. Zealous for the proper order of divine worship and the sweet melody of hymns, you have earned great reward from the Lord, and the angels in the heavenly orchards rejoice at your presence. We, beholding the destruction of churches and the decline of ecclesiastical beauty, beseech you: help us to rebuild the holy temples in our hearts and adorn them with virtues, singing with you in harmony:
Alleluia
Icos 8
Archpastor of all Russia, first among the new martyrs who suffered during the fierce persecution of Orthodox Christians, we call upon you, who have obtained grace to pray for peace: do not remain silent about us, who approach your holy hand in supplication and sing hymns in devotion:
Rejoice, bearing the cross on your shoulders, following Christ.
Rejoice, having chosen the path of suffering for Him.
Rejoice, wise stranger, and heavenly fatherland.
Rejoice, Christ’s obedient servant, despising all earthly things.
Rejoice, faithful guardian of the Lord’s house.
Rejoice, good shepherd of priests.
Rejoice, mediator of reconciliation with God for those who repent.
Rejoice, protector of those who love the Savior.
Rejoice, worthy interlocutor of angels.
Rejoice, fellow ruler with Christ’s apostles.
Rejoice, one who sends a favorable prayer to the Lord.
Rejoice, warming our dominion with your warm prayer.
Rejoice, Vladimir, unquenchable lamp of Orthodoxy.
Kondak 9
All the ranks of the angelic host and the holy fathers were amazed at you, Vladimir, a new martyr, shining in the suffering and defiled land of Russia. We, now celebrating your feat, beseech the Lord and our Savior:
Alleluia
Icos 9
Most wise and virtuous warrior of the Orthodox Church and good soldier of Christ, you were glorified, Vladimir, holy martyr. Having a heart soft like wax, and a will firm like adamant, you did not yield to human authority or worldly circumstances, and for this reason you endured reproaches. Keeping faithfulness to the One Lord, hear this victorious hymn:
Rejoice, invincible warrior of Christ.
Rejoice, unbroken in patience, like adamant.
Rejoice, having endured the slanders of the unwise.
Rejoice, having received the fierce reproaches.
Rejoice, healer of troubled hearts.
Rejoice, protector of those who are at enmity with us.
Rejoice, height of spiritual perfection.
Rejoice, depth of Christian humility.
Rejoice, nourishment of Russian martyrs.
Rejoice, praise of Orthodox archpastors.
Rejoice, one who delivers from heresy.
Rejoice, one who heals from cowardice.
Rejoice, Vladimir, unquenchable lamp of Orthodoxy.
Condak 10
May the radiant manifestation of the Savior’s providence be revealed to us, O holy Vladimir, when you received the suffering death, for you are an unblemished sacrifice and appeared as an intercessor for the Orthodox people who have sinned by apostasy. We now, with a contrite heart and tears, beseeching the Merciful Judge, pray:
Alleluia
Icos 10
O steadfast guardian of our realm, holy Vladimir, you were a tireless advocate for the Orthodox traditions. Preserve us now from pernicious heresy, guard us from the division of churches, deliver us from the temptation of false teachings, that we may remain true to the Church. We incessantly cry out to you, thus:
Rejoice, unshakeable champion of Orthodoxy.
Rejoice, destroyer of the schisms of the Church.
Rejoice, blameless fulfiller of the Church’s Mysteries.
Rejoice, guide to the Heavenly Jerusalem.
Rejoice, sword that cuts down heresy and schism.
Rejoice, heavenly thunder that terrifies the proud.
Rejoice, wondrous radiance of the Gospel.
Rejoice, hope of those who are persecuted for the truth.
Rejoice, one who brings to pass the Lord’s will.
Rejoice, guardian of the Lord’s commandments.
Rejoice, for you shed your blood for the faith.
Rejoice, for you have attained unshakeable blessedness.
Rejoice, Vladimir, unquenchable lamp of Orthodoxy.
Condak 11
We offer to you, O blessed pastor Vladimir, a hymn of praise, which is not sufficient to extol you as befits you, a vessel of the Holy Spirit, but because of your all-virtuous deeds, we cry out to you: Pray to the Lord for us, who have been stained by our sins, that He may send upon us His ineffable mercies, and we, together with you, may sing to Him today:
Alleluia
Icos 11
You have appeared to us as a guiding light, O holy Vladimir, preacher of Christ and pastor, dispelling the night of unrighteousness and illuminating the path of those walking in darkness. Do not cease to entreat Christ, our Savior and Lord, that He may not allow us to stray from the path leading to salvation, but may grant us to rejoice with the holy angels in the Kingdom of Heaven, praising you:
Rejoice, unshakeable shield, defending righteousness.
Rejoice, victorious sword, cutting down unrighteousness.
Rejoice, shepherd guiding those lost in spiritual darkness.
Rejoice, blameless guardian of venerable tradition.
Rejoice, lamp of the Lord, illuminating the Church.
Rejoice, comforter of those praying to you.
Rejoice, healer of the afflicted.
Rejoice, reviver of those whose hearts are hardened.
Rejoice, consoler of the sorrowful and helpless.
Rejoice, protector of the poor and oppressed.
Rejoice, enlightener of those shrouded in darkness.
Rejoice, stabilizer of those enlightened.
Rejoice, Vladimir, unquenchable lamp of Orthodoxy.
Condak 12
May the grace be given to you from God, O Father, eternally glorious Vladimir, that you may be an unshakeable stone of Christ’s Church. We, who desire to emulate your image with all our heart, beseech you, blessed one, unceasingly: intercede, that we may not be deceived by the wonders wrought by the power of the wicked, nor be led astray by false prophets. But preserve all Christians in unity and orthodoxy, who glorify the True God:
Alleluia
Icos 12
We sing your righteous life, we extol your holy name, we venerate your sufferings as those of Christ, we marvel at your spiritual strength, we rejoice at the glorious discovery of your relics, O holy New Martyr Vladimir, and, recalling your struggles, we write to you these praises:
Rejoice, you who are clothed in the victorious light.
Rejoice, you who are associated with the holy order of bishops.
Rejoice, you who are a zealous helper against the destroyer of hell.
Rejoice, you who are a faithful follower of the crucified Teacher.
Rejoice, you who laid down your life for faith and fatherland.
Rejoice, you who are a good archbishop, pleasing to the God-Man.
Rejoice, you who have preserved your life unblemished.
Rejoice, you who remained faithful to the Lord until death.
Rejoice, you who shine like a victorious crown, surpassing the stars in heaven.
Rejoice, you who are a sweet-sounding timpanum, resounding with the glory of God.
Rejoice, you who now dwell in the heavenly homeland.
Rejoice, you who do not forget your earthly homeland.
Rejoice, O Vladimir, unquenchable lamp of Orthodoxy.
Condak 13
O radiant and holy martyr and saint of Christ, Vladimir! Accept this small hymn, offered to you in the simplicity of our hearts. Hear the voice of those who pray to you, and with your swift prayers, entreat the Lord to grant us His benevolence, that we may be able to sing His praise in blessed joy: Alleluia.
(This condak is read three times, followed by Icos 1 and Condak 1).
Molitva
O holy martyr and confessor of Christ, Vladimir! Hear the tearful prayers of your children and the sighs, offered to you with a heart that is crushed and humbled. For we are shrouded in iniquities, and, like clouds, we are beset by troubles. But you, holy Vladimir, bear our weaknesses, as a strong one, do not depart from us in spirit, that we may not be separated from the love of God in the end. Look upon us with mercy, and fulfill all their prayers in good. For we believe that, through your sufferings, you have great boldness with the Lord for the Russian people and our land. Entreat Him to strengthen us in Orthodoxy and unity, and to preserve us unshaken in the confession of Christ’s faith, even to death. May He save our land from civil strife, grant our pastors spiritual vigilance and zeal for the salvation of their flock, and may He give our rulers justice and righteousness, provide protection for the wronged, and healing for the sick in body and soul. We, sinners, who are strengthened by your intercession, extol the Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom glory, honor, and worship are due, with His Father, Who is without beginning, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen.