Akathists are normally served during the Moleben, after the 6th Ode of the canon (beginning with the Kondak 1 of the Akathist). If the Akathist is served alone the order is thus:

Having gathered the believers of the household at the Home Church (icon corner); having lit the vigil lamps, and candles (and incense in the home censer). Taking a moment to clear their minds of all worldly cares they begin:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, through the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother and of all the Saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

Glory to You O God, Glory to You.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

O Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth, everywhere present and filling all things, Treasury of blessings and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.

From Thomas Sunday until the Leave-taking of Pascha, instead of the prayer “O Heavenly King…” we read the Paschal Tropar: “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and on those in the tombs bestowing life,” (3 times). From the Leave-taking of Pascha until Pentecost we begin with the Trisagion: “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.”

Trisagion

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (thrice)

Small Doxology

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer to the Most Holy Trinity

All-Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, pardon our transgressions. O Holy One, visit us and heal our infirmities for Your Name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. (thrice)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The Lord ’s Prayer

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (twelve times)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come, let us worship God our King.

O come, let us worship and bow down before Christ, our King and our God.

O come, let us worship and bow down before Christ Himself, our King and our God.

Psalm 50

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the multitude of Your compassions, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my iniquity, and my sin is continually before me. Against You only have I sinned and done this evil before You, that You might be justified in Your words, and prevail when You are judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, You loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Your wisdom You have made clear to me. You will sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; You will wash me and I will be made whiter than snow. You will make me hear joy and gladness; the bones that have been humbled will rejoice. Turn Your face away from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation, and with Your governing Spirit establish me. I will teach transgressors Your ways and the ungodly will turn back to You. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, God of my salvation; and my tongue will rejoice in Your righteousness. O Lord, You will open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. For if You had desired sacrifice, I would have given it; with whole burnt offerings You will not be pleased. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled, God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then will You be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then they will offer bullocks upon Your altar.

The Akathist to Jesus Christ is read:

Kondak 1, Tone 8

O Champion Leader and Lord, Vanquisher of hades, we, Your creatures and servants, offer You songs of praise, for You have delivered us from eternal death; but as You have unutterable loving-kindness, free us from every danger, as we cry: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Refrain: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Ikos 1

Creator of angels and Lord of Hosts, as of old You did open ear and tongue to the deaf and dumb, likewise open now our perplexed minds and tongues to the praise of Your Most Holy Name, that we may cry out to You:

Jesus, Most-wonderful, Angels’ astonishment;

Jesus, Most-powerful, Forefathers’ deliverance;

Jesus, Most-sweet, Patriarchs’ exaltation;

Jesus, Most-glorious, Dominion of kings;

Jesus, Most-beloved, Prophets’ fulfillment;

Jesus, Most-marvellous, Martyrs’ strength;

Jesus, Most-peaceful, Monks’ joy;

Jesus, Most-gracious, Presbyters’ sweetness;

Jesus, Most-merciful, Fasters’ abstinence;

Jesus, Most-tender, Saints’ rejoicing;

Jesus, Most-honourable, Virgins’ chastity;

Jesus, Everlasting, Sinners’ salvation;

Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Refrain: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Kondak 2

As when seeing the widow weeping bitterly, O Lord, You were moved with pity, and did raise her son from the dead as he was being carried to burial, likewise have pity on us, O Lover-of-Mankind, and raise our souls, deadened by sins, as we cry: Alleluia.

Refrain: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Seeking to understand the incomprehensible, Philip asked: Lord, show us the Father, and You did answer him: Have I been so long with you and yet have you not known that I am in the Father and the Father in Me? Likewise, O Inconceivable One, with fear we cry to You:

Jesus, Eternal God;

Jesus, All-powerful King;

Jesus, Long-suffering Master;

Jesus, All-merciful Saviour;

Jesus, our Gracious Guardian;

Jesus, cleanse our sins;

Jesus, take away our iniquities;

Jesus, pardon our unrighteousness;

Jesus, our Hope, forsake us not;

Jesus, our Helper, reject us not;

Jesus, our Creator, forget us not;

Jesus, our Shepherd, destroy us not;

Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Refrain: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Kondak 3

You Who did clothe with power from on high Your Apostles who tarried in Jerusalem, O Jesus, clothe us also, stripped bare of all good works, with the warmth of Your Holy Spirit, and grant that with love we may sing to You: Alleluia.

Refrain: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

In the abundance of Your mercy, O Jesus, You have called publicans and sinners and infidels. Now disdain us not who are like them, but as precious myrrh accept this song:

Jesus, Invincible power;

Jesus, Infinite mercy;

Jesus, Radiant beauty;

Jesus, Unspeakable love;

Jesus, Son of the living God;

Jesus, have mercy on us, sinners;

Jesus, hear us who have been conceived in iniquity;

Jesus, cleanse us who were born in sins;

Jesus, teach us who are worthless;

Jesus, enlighten our darkness;

Jesus, purify us who are unclean;

Jesus, restore us, prodigals;

Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Refrain: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Kondak 4

Having an interior storm of doubting thoughts, Peter was sinking. But beholding You in the flesh walking on the waters, O Jesus, he confessed You to be the true God; and receiving the Hand of Salvation, he cried: Alleluia.

Refrain: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

When the blind man heard You, O Lord, passing by on the way, he cried: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me; And You did call him and open his eyes. Likewise enlighten the spiritual eyes of my heart with Your love as we cry out to You and say:

Jesus, Creator of those on high;

Jesus, Redeemer of those below;

Jesus, Vanquisher of the powers of hades;

Jesus, Adorner of every creature;

Jesus, Comforter of our souls;

Jesus, Enlightener of our minds;

Jesus, Gladness of our hearts;

Jesus, Health of our bodies;

Jesus, our Saviour, save us;

Jesus, our Light, enlighten us;

Jesus, deliver us from all torments;

Jesus, save us who are unworthy;

Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Refrain: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Kondak 5

As of old You did redeem us from the curse of the law by Your Divine blood, O Jesus, likewise rescue us from the snares in which the serpent has entangled us through the passions of the flesh, through lustful suggestions, and evil despondency, as we cry unto You: Alleluia.

Refrain: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Having beheld the Creator in human form and knowing Him to be the Master, the Hebrew children hastened to please Him with branches, crying: Hosanna; But we offer You a song, saying:

Jesus, True God;

Jesus, Son of David;

Jesus, Most-glorious King;

Jesus, Blameless Lamb;

Jesus, Most-wonderful Shepherd;

Jesus, Guardian of our infancy;

Jesus, Guide of our youth;

Jesus, Boast of our old age;

Jesus, our Hope at death;

Jesus, our Life after death;

Jesus, our Comfort at Your judgement;

Jesus, our Desire, put us not then to shame;

Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Refrain: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Kondak 6

In fulfillment of the words and message of the God-bearing prophets, O Jesus, You did appear on earth, and You Who are uncontainable did dwell with men and did take on our infirmities; being healed through Your wounds, we have learned to sing: Alleluia.

Refrain: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

The light of Your Truth shone upon the world, and demonic delusion was driven away; for the idols have fallen, O our Saviour, unable to endure Your strength. But we, having received salvation, cry to You:

Jesus, the Truth, dispelling falsehood;

Jesus, the Light, above all radiance;

Jesus, the King, surpassing all in strength;

Jesus, God, constant in mercy;

Jesus, Bread of Life, fill us who are hungry;

Jesus, Source of Knowledge, give us to drink who are thirsty;

Jesus, Garment of Gladness, clothe us, the corruptible;

Jesus, Shelter of Joy, cover us, the unworthy;

Jesus, Giver to those that ask, give us sorrow for our sins;

Jesus, Finder of those that seek, find our souls;

Jesus, Opener to those that knock, open our wretched hearts;

Jesus, Redeemer of sinners, blot out our transgressions;

Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Refrain: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Kondak 7

Desiring to reveal the mystery hidden from all ages, You were led as a sheep to the slaughter, O Jesus, and as a voiceless lamb before its shearer. But as God You did rise from the dead and did ascend with glory to Heaven, and along with Yourself, You did raise us who cry: Alleluia.

Refrain: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

The Creator has shown us a marvellous Creature, Who was incarnate of a Virgin without seed, rose from the tomb without breaking the seal, and entered bodily the Apostles’ room when the doors were shut. Wherefore, marvelling at this, we sing:

Jesus, Infinite Word;

Jesus, Unfathomed Intelligence;

Jesus, Incomprehensible Power;

Jesus, Inconceivable Wisdom;

Jesus, Inexpressible Divinity;

Jesus, Boundless Dominion;

Jesus, Invincible Kingdom;

Jesus, Endless Sovereignty;

Jesus, Supreme Strength;

Jesus, Power Eternal;

Jesus, our Creator, have compassion on us;

Jesus, our Saviour, save us;

Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Refrain: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Kondak 8

Seeing God wondrously incarnate, let us shun the vain world and set our mind on things divine; for God came down to earth that He might raise to Heaven us who cry to Him: Alleluia.

Refrain: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

The Immeasurable One was below all things, yet in no way separated from things above, when He willingly suffered for our sake, and by His death, our death did put to death, and by His Resurrection, did grant life to those that sing:

Jesus, Sweetness of the heart;

Jesus, Strength of the body;

Jesus, Radiance of the soul;

Jesus, Swiftness of the mind;

Jesus, Joy of the conscience;

Jesus, Well-known Hope;

Jesus, Memory before the ages;

Jesus, High Praise;

Jesus, our Supremely-exalted Glory;

Jesus, our Desire, reject us not;

Jesus, our Shepherd, seek us;

Jesus, our Saviour, save us;

Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Refrain: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Kondak 9

All the angelic nature of Heaven does glorify unceasingly Your Most Holy Name, O Jesus, crying, Holy, Holy, Holy; But we sinners on earth with lips of dust cry: Alleluia.

Refrain: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

We see most eloquent orators voiceless as fish concerning You, O Jesus our Saviour; for they are at a loss to say how You are perfect man, yet remain God immutable; but we, marvelling at this Mystery, cry faithfully:

Jesus, God before the ages;

Jesus, King of kings;

Jesus, Master of rulers;

Jesus, Judge of the living and the dead;

Jesus, Hope of the hopeless;

Jesus, Comfort of them that mourn;

Jesus, Glory of the poor;

Jesus, condemn us not according to our deeds;

Jesus, cleanse us according to Your mercy;

Jesus, drive from us despondency;

Jesus, enlighten the thoughts of our hearts;

Jesus, grant us remembrance of death;

Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Refrain: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Kondak 10

Desiring to save the world, O Sunrise of the East, You did come to the dark occident of our nature, and did humble Yourself even unto death; wherefore, Your name is supremely exalted above every name, and from all the created beings of Heaven and earth You hear: Alleluia.

Refrain: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

King Eternal, Comforter, true Christ; Cleanse us of every stain, as You did cleanse the Ten Lepers; and heal us, as You did heal the greedy soul of Zacchaeus the Publican, that we may shout to You in compunction, crying aloud:

Jesus, Treasury Incorruptible;

Jesus, Wealth Unfailing;

Jesus, Strong Food;

Jesus, Drink inexhaustible;

Jesus, Vesture of the poor;

Jesus, Protection of widows;

Jesus, Defender of orphans;

Jesus, Help of toilers;

Jesus, Guide of pilgrims;

Jesus, Pilot of voyagers;

Jesus, Haven of the tempest-tossed;

Jesus, our God, raise us who are fallen;

Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Refrain: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Kondak 11

Compunctionate songs we, though unworthy, offer to You, and like the woman of Canaan, we cry unto You: O Jesus, have mercy on us; For it is not a daughter, but our flesh cruelly possessed with passions and burning with fury. So grant healing to us who cry unto You: Alleluia.

Refrain: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

Having previously persecuted You, the Light-bestowing Lamp of those in the darkness of ignorance, Paul heeded the power of the voice of Divine enlightenment, and understood the swiftness of the soul’s conversion; thus also do You enlighten
the dark eye of our souls, as we cry:

Jesus, our all-powerful King;

Jesus, our omnipotent God;

Jesus, our Immortal Lord;

Jesus, our Most-glorious Creator;

Jesus, our Most-good Guide;

Jesus, our Most-compassionate Shepherd;

Jesus, our Most-merciful Master;

Jesus, our Most-gracious Saviour;

Jesus, enlighten our senses darkened by passions;

Jesus, heal our bodies scabbed with sins;

Jesus, cleanse our minds of vain thoughts;

Jesus, keep our hearts from evil desires;

Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Refrain: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Kondak 12

Grant me Your Grace, O Jesus, Absolver of all debts, and receive us who are repenting, as You did receive Peter who denied You, and call us who are downcast, as of old You did call Paul who persecuted You, and hear our cries to You: Alleluia.

Refrain: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Praising Your Incarnation, we all extol You, and we believe with Thomas that You are Lord and God, sitting with the Father and coming to judge the living and the dead. Vouchsafe us then to stand on Your right hand, who now cry:

Jesus, King before the ages, have mercy on us;

Jesus, Sweet-scented Flower, make us fragrant;

Jesus, Beloved Warmth, make us fervent;

Jesus, Eternal Temple, shelter us;

Jesus, Garment of Light, adorn us;

Jesus, Pearl of great price, enrich us;

Jesus, Precious Stone, illumine us;

Jesus, Son of Righteousness, shine on us;

Jesus, Holy Light, make us radiant;

Jesus, from sickness of soul and body deliver us;

Jesus, rescue us from the hands of the adversary;

Jesus, from the unquenchable fire and other eternal torments save us;

Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Refrain: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

The following Kondak is read thrice:

Kondak 13

O Most-Sweet and All-Bountiful Jesus; Receive now this, our small supplication, as You did receive the widow’s two mites, and keep us from all enemies, visible and invisible, from foreign invasion, from disease and famine, from all tribulations and mortal wounds, and rescue from the torment to come all that cry to You: Alleluia.

Refrain: Alleluia.

After this Ikos 1 and Kondak 1 are read again.

Ikos 1

Creator of angels and Lord of Hosts, as of old You did open ear and tongue to the deaf and dumb, likewise open now our perplexed minds and tongues to the praise of Your Most Holy Name, that we may cry out to You:

Jesus, Most-wonderful, Angels’ astonishment;

Jesus, Most-powerful, Forefathers’ deliverance;

Jesus, Most-sweet, Patriarchs’ exaltation;

Jesus, Most-glorious, Dominion of kings;

Jesus, Most-beloved, Prophets’ fulfillment;

Jesus, Most-marvellous, Martyrs’ strength;

Jesus, Most-peaceful, Monks’ joy;

Jesus, Most-gracious, Presbyters’ sweetness;

Jesus, Most-merciful, Fasters’ abstinence;

Jesus, Most-tender, Saints’ rejoicing;

Jesus, Most-honourable, Virgins’ chastity;

Jesus, Everlasting, Sinners’ salvation;

Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Refrain: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Kondak 1, Tone 8:

O Champion Leader and Lord, Vanquisher of hades, we, Your creatures and servants, offer You songs of praise, for You have delivered us from eternal death; but as You have unutterable loving-kindness, free us from every danger, as we cry: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Refrain: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

PRAYER

to our Lord Jesus Christ

O All-wise and All-gracious Lord, Our Saviour, Who did enlighten all the ends of the world by the radiance of Your Coming, and Who did call us into Your Holy Church through the promise of the inheritance of incorruptible and eternal good; Graciously look down on us, Your worthless servants, and remember not our iniquities, but according to Your infinite mercies forgive all our sins. For though we transgress Your
Holy Will, we do not deny You, Our God and Saviour. Against You alone do we sin, yet You alone do we serve, in You alone do we believe, to You alone do we come, and Your servants only do we wish to be. Remember the infirmity of our nature and the temptations of the adversary and the worldly enticements and seductions which surround us on all sides, and against which, according to Your word, we can do nothing without Your help. Cleanse us and save us; Enlighten our minds that we may firmly believe in You, our only Saviour and Redeemer; Inspire our hearts that we may wholly love You, our only God and Creator; Direct our steps that we may unstumblingly walk in the light of Your commandments; You are our Lord and Creator, show us Your great and abundant kindness, and make us live all the days of our life in holiness and truth, that we would be made worthy to glorify You in Your Heavenly Kingdom with Your Eternal Father and Your Ever-living Divine Spirit to the ages of ages. Amen.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (thrice)

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, through the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother and of all the Saints, have mercy on us. Amen.