The Akathist Hymn \nto Saint Innocent of Moscow \nEqual to the Apostles and Enlightener of North America \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nP.O. Box 675 Š Syosset, NY 11791-0675 \nwww.oca.org \n\nThe Akathist Hymn \nto St. Innocent of Moscow \nEqual to the Apostles and Enlightener of North America \n \n \n \nKontakion 1—Tone 8 \n \nO Holy Father, Good Shepherd of the Flock entrusted to you by the Lord! \nYou dedicated all your strength and heart, all your mind and soul to Christ! \nIn the remotest regions you labored tirelessly without thought of earthly reward \nfor the sake of His Holy Church and the salvation of all. \nWe, the recipients of your great spiritual legacy, offer to you this hymn of praise. \nAs you stand before the Throne of the Lord of Glory, in tercede for our land and its \npeople! \nThat united in One, Holy Orthodox Church we may gratefully sing to you: \nRejoice! O Holy Father, Metropolitan Innocent, Equal to the Apostles and Enlightener of \nAlaska! \n \n \nIkos 1 \n \nO Holy Father Innocent! Your glory has shone from the Far Eastern lands to the Western \nWorld. From humble origins in a Siberian vi llage you rose to world renown as a modern \nApostle. The Lord chose you to bring the Orthodox Faith to the ancient Peoples of Alaska \nand Asia, who together with us honor you with these songs of praise: \n \nRejoice! Imitator of the Apostles and their Successor! \nRejoice! Evangelizer of the Arctic Peoples! \nRejoice! Scholar and Teacher of the Aleuts! \nRejoice! Illuminator of the Eskimos and Indians! \nRejoice! Humble genius whose footsteps were guided by the Lord! \nRejoice! Visionary Architect of the Orthodox Church in America! \nRejoice! O Holy Father Innocent, Equal to the Apostles and Enlightener of Alaska! \n \n \nKontakion 2 \n \nYou distinguished yourself as a young student, displaying your many interests and talents \nby excelling in your studies at home and in sc hool. Your greatest joy was the service of \nGod and His Holy Church. Your uncle instruct ed you in the ways of piety and faith so \nthat from an early age you sang to the Lord: Alleluia! \n \n \n \n\n \nIkos 2 \n \nIn your youth, the Lord prepared you for your lifetime of servi ce by enabling you to \nstudy various disciplines. Remembering your dedication, we thankf ully celebrate your \nmemory: \n \nRejoice! Your talents were employed in the service of Christ! \nRejoice! Your achievements inspire all who are familiar with them! \nRejoice! Skilled craftsman, imitator of the Carpenter of Nazareth! \nRejoice! Clock--maker who proclaimed the Timeless One! \nRejoice! Your teachers marveled at your intelligence! \nRejoice! Your spiritual children praise your humility! \nRejoice! O Holy Father Innocent, Equal to the Apostles and Enlightener of Alaska! \n \n \nKontakion 3 \n \nCompleting your preparation at the seminary at Irkutsk, you accepted the Divine Call to \nthe missionary frontier of Alaska. Together with your wife, the beloved Katherine, you \nset out on your Apostolic journey to Russian America, as you sang to the Lord: Alleluia! \n \n \nIkos 3 \n \nAs a newly ordained priest you showed great determination in reaching your destination, \n1,000 miles away, in the Bering Se a. You willingly forsook all for the sake of the Gospel \nof Christ, traveling for many months over frozen tundra and treacherous seas. Inspired by \nyour dedication, we sing to you: \n \nRejoice! Apostle to America! \nRejoice! Heroic Founder of Orthodoxy in the Western World! \nRejoice! Imitator of the Holy Apostle Paul! \nRejoice! Courageous voyager on the northern seas! \nRejoice! Your dedication equalled that of the Apostles! \nRejoice! Your perseverance was a Gift of the Holy Spirit! \nRejoice! O Holy Father Innocent, Equal to the Apostles and Enlightener of Alaska! \n \n \nKontakion 4 \n \nArriving at Unalaska, you rendered thanks to the Lord for your safe passage. Kneeling on \nthe beach together with all those in your company, you praised God with the hymn: \nAlleluia! \n \n \n\nIkos 4 \n \nTogether with your tutor, th e Aleut chieftain Ivan, you st udied the Native language and \ndevised a writing system for it. You labored for many years, preparing the Word of God \nfor publication in the Aleut tongue. You as tounded the indigenous peoples with your \nability to preach to them in their own language , thus enlightening them with the Light of \nChristian Truth. We glorify God for br inging you to our shores and honor your \nevangelical accomplishments: \n \nRejoice! Ennoblement of Ancient Peoples! \nRejoice! Father of Learning in Alaska! \nRejoice! Teacher of Virtue and Divine Truth! \nRejoice! Catechist of those seeking Righteousness! \nRejoice! Your vision inspires all future missionaries! \nRejoice! Your brilliance illumines the arctic night! \nRejoice O Holy Father Innocent, Equal to the Apostles and Enlightener of Alaska! \n \n \nKontakion 5 \n \nYou traveled throughout the Aleutian region, braving storms and hostile seas in your \nefforts to evangelize your scattered floc k. Warmed by your love for the Lord, you \njourneyed in your bidarka on the icy waves, softly singing to the Creator of all: Alleluia! \n \n \nIkos 5 \n \nDuring the ten years you remained in the Aleutian Islands, you de voted much time and \nenergy to the study of the land, pe ople, and wildlife of the ar ea. You kept careful records \nof your experiences and observatio ns so that this heritage c ould be preserved for future \ngenerations. You opened schools for the Native children so that they could advance in the \nknowledge of God and His Creation. Praising th e Lord for His bounties, we offer a hymn \nto you: \n \nRejoice! Patient instructor of the simple and the wise! \nRejoice! Scholar and Teacher of the Aleutian languages! \nRejoice! Preserver of Alaska's ancient heritage! \nRejoice! Dispeller of the darkness of ignorance! \nRejoice! Perceptive observer of the wonders of Creation! \nRejoice! Messenger of the Good News of Salvation! \nRejoice! O Holy Father Innocent, Equal to the Apostles and Enlightener of Alaska! \n \n \n \n \n \n\nKontakion 6 \n \nHaving created a written language for the Native people, you developed textbooks for \nthem so that they could become literate. R eading the Word of God in their own tongue, \nand giving thanks to God, the Aleuts sang with joy: Alleluia! \n \n \nIkos 6 \n \nO Holy Father, you traveled beyond the limits of your own extensive district into the land \nof the Eskimo people. You brought to the nati ves of Bristol Bay the sanctifying Grace of \nHoly Baptism. You made the Nushagak River a new Jordan for them, bringing \nChristianity to the northern shores of th e Bering Sea, where you are remembered today \nwith these words of praise: \n \nRejoice! Enlightener of the Eskimo Nation! \nRejoice! Sanctification of the Nushagak! \nRejoice! Husbandman sent to the plentiful harvest! \nRejoice! Laborer in the Vineyard of Christ! \nRejoice! Warrior clothed in the armor of Truth! \nRejoice! Soldier armed with the Gospel of Peace and the sword of Prayer! \nRejoice! O Holy Father Innocent, Equal to the Apostles and Enlightener of Alaska! \n \n \nKontakion 7 \n \nUsing your talents, you erected the first Orthodox Cathedral in the New World, designing \nthe Temple and supervising its construc tion yourself. The faith ful celebrated the \nconsecration of the new church, singing the hymn of Thanksgiving: Alleluia! \n \n \nIkos 7 \n \nTransferring the center of your missionary activity to th e city of New Archangel, you \nbegan anew the evangelization of the Tling it People. You became proficient in their \nlanguage and preached the Gospel in their villages winning converts to Christ by your \nknowledge of medicine as well as theology. You admired the nobility of these proud \nwarriors, who together with us offer these praises to you: \n \nRejoice! Teacher of the Tlingit Indians! \nRejoice! Physician of souls and bodies! \nRejoice! Fearless apostle, protected by God! \nRejoice! Illuminator of the Northern Peoples! \nRejoice! Mountain rising above the clouds of error! \nRejoice! Harbor sheltering from treacherous seas! \nRejoice! O Holy Father Innocent, Equal to the Apostles and Enlightener of Alaska! \n\n \nKontakion 8 \n \nYou were summoned to appear before the Ho ly Synod to present your many translations \nfor ecclesiastical approval. You returned to your homeland by circumnavigating the \nglobe; arriving at St. Petersburg you praised God in song: Alleluia! \n \n \nIkos 8 \n \nLearning of the repose of your wife, Cather ine, during your absence, you prayerfully \nvisited the Holy monasteries at Kiev and Zagor sk in order to discern the Lord's Will. The \nEmperor himself, impressed with your aposto lic fervor and achievements, approved your \nelevation to the rank of bishop. Returning to Alaska, you were welcomed with these \nwords: \n \nRejoice! You took up the Cross and followed Christ! \nRejoice! You first brought the Joy of the Resurrection to Alaska! \nRejoice! You were inspired by the heroic example of St. Innocent of Irkutsk! \nRejoice! You promoted the apostolic labors of St. Nicholas of Japan! \nRejoice! You were among the first to ask the Elder Herman to intercede for you! \nRejoice! By his prayers you arrived safely in Kodiak! \nRejoice! O Holy Father Innocent, Equal to the Apostles and Enlightener of Alaska! \n \n \nKontakion 9 \n \nAs bishop of the Russian colony, you renewed your efforts to bring the Gospel to all \nAlaska. You opened a seminary in Sitka fo r the training of indigenous clergy and \ndesigned a new cathedral for the capital cit y. You also constructed the clock for the \nchurch bell tower. When the Holy Temple was completed, you sang out in gratitude to \nthe Lord: Alleluia! \n \n \nIkos 9 \n \nAs overseer of the huge dioces e which included Eastern Siberi a as well as Alaska, you \ndispatched priests to areas where no missi onaries had ever gone. Your own son-in-law \nwas assigned to the Nushagak, while your form er student, Father Jacob, set out for the \nYukon delta. Because of your great vision for the future of Orthodoxy in this land, we \nhonor you with these hymns: \n \nRejoice! Good Shepherd of the Arctic! \nRejoice! First Hierarch of America! \nRejoice! Our guide to the Kingdom of God! \nRejoice! Benefactor of the needy and oppressed! \n\nRejoice! Your foresight determined the growth of the Church in Alaska! \nRejoice! Your boundless energy established the True Faith in the North! \nRejoice! O Holy Father Innocent, Equal to the Apostles and Enlightener of Alaska! \n \n \nKontakion 10 \n \nWith characteristic enthusiasm you visited th e peoples of the Amur Valley in Siberia and \nbegan yet again to study their languages and traditions. Together with the Aleuts and \nTlingits they learned to praise the Almight y Creator with the song of Thanksgiving: \nAlleluia! \n \n \nIkos 10 \n \nTransferring your headquarters to the Far East, you bid farewell to the New World and \nreturned to the Old. Following the example yo u had set for them, the Native clergy of \nAlaska continued your work in America. Th rough them we have become your spiritual \nchildren and venerate your memory in these words: \n \nRejoice! Student of Alaskan languages and Teacher of the True Word! \nRejoice! Preacher ‘in tongues’ like the Apostles on Pentecost! \nRejoice! You published the Gospel in the Aleut language! \nRejoice! You founded schools for the enlightenment of the Native Peoples! \nRejoice! You directed the evangelization of Alaska and Siberia! \nRejoice! You planted the seeds of the Orthodox Faith on American soil! \nRejoice! O Holy Father Innocent, Equal to the Apostles and Enlightener of Alaska! \n \n \nKontakion 11 \n \nYou spent your entire life labo ring in remote regions for the propagation of the Holy \nFaith. In your later years you were called to yet another great task. You were elected \nMetropolitan of Moscow to su cceed the venerable Philaret. As you journeyed across the \nfrozen steppes of Asia en route to your enthronement, you sang in amazement to God: \nAlleluia! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \nIkos 11 \n \nYou revitalized the missionary spirit of your homeland by organizing societies for the \nsupport of evangelical enterp rises. You assisted your fo rmer flocks with your holy \nprayers and material aid. We who have be nefited from these labors sing to you in \ngratitude: \n \nRejoice! You were faithful in little things! \nRejoice! You have been set over much! \nRejoice! Rushing Wind dispelling the fog of ignorance and fear! \nRejoice! Mighty River watering the spiritual wilderness! \nRejoice! Precious Vessel filled with the Holy Spirit! \nRejoice! Adornment of the Church in the Old World and the New! \nRejoice O Holy Father Innocent, Equal to the Apostles and Enlightener of Alaska! \n \n \nKontakion 12 \n \nWith the same humility you exhibited throughout your earthly life, you asked that no \neulogies be delivered at your burial. Instead, you request ed an edifying sermon be \npreached for the benefit of all. Learning of your falling asleep, your spiritual children \ncommended your soul to the Lord, singing: Alleluia! \n \n \nIkos 12 \n \nThe heirs of your spiritual legacy thr oughout the New World rejoice today at your \nglorification, O Holy Father. Asking for your prayers for the Church in America, we \ngather to celebrate your remarkable achievements with these words: \n \nRejoice! Inspiration of Orthodox pastors and teachers! \nRejoice! Indicator of the Way to the Kingdom of Heaven! \nRejoice! Faithful steward in the Household of Faith! \nRejoice! Farsighted Champion of Orthodoxy! \nRejoice! Loving Father of your spiritual Children! \nRejoice! Intercessor for all who come to the Orthodox Faith! \nRejoice! O Holy Father Innocent, Equal to the Apostles and Enlightener of Alaska! \n \n \nKontakion 13 \n \nO Holy Father, Bishop Innocent! As we reme mber all the glorious deeds you so humbly \naccomplished, we are inspired by your vision, courage and perseverance. Pray therefore \nthat we may be accounted worthy to continue your work in the New World, and to sing \ngratefully to the Lord: Alleluia! (3 times). \n\n \nIkos 1 \n \nO Holy Father Innocent! Your glory has shone from the Far Eastern lands to the Western \nWorld. From humble origins in a Siberian vi llage you rose to world renown as a modern \nApostle. The Lord chose you to bring the Orthodox Faith to the ancient Peoples of Alaska \nand Asia, who together with us honor you with these songs of praise: \n \nRejoice! Imitator of the Apostles and their Successor! \nRejoice! Evangelizer of the Arctic Peoples! \nRejoice! Scholar and Teacher of the Aleuts! \nRejoice! Illuminator of the Eskimos and Indians! \nRejoice! Humble genius whose footsteps were guided by the Lord! \nRejoice! Visionary Architect of the Orthodox Church in America! \nRejoice! O Holy Father Innocent, Equal to the Apostles and Enlightener of Alaska! \n \n \nKontakion 1—Tone 8 \n \nO Holy Father, Good Shepherd of the Flock entrusted to you by the Lord! \nYou dedicated all your strength and heart, all your mind and soul to Christ! \nIn the remotest regions you labored tirelessly without thought of earthly reward \nfor the sake of His Holy Church and the salvation of all. \nWe, the recipients of your great spiritual legacy, offer to you this hymn of praise. \nAs you stand before the Throne of the Lord of Glory, in tercede for our land and its \npeople! \nThat united in One Holy, Orthodox Church we may gratefully sing to you: \nRejoice O Holy Father, Metropolitan Innocent, Equal to the Apostles and Enlightener of \nAlaska. \n \n \n \nPrayer to Saint Innocent \n \nO Holy Hierarch and Father Innocent! The Lord chose you and ordained you to go and \nbring forth much fruit in Hi s new vineyard on the frontiers of Russia and America. You \ndedicated your life to buildi ng up the Body of Christ in th e New World and the Old, and \nbrought the treasures of the Holy Apostolic Faith to Alaska and Siberia. We, your \nspiritual children, kneel before your holy ic on and ask you to intercede for the Holy \nOrthodox Church in your adopted and native lands. As you were humble and kind, help \nus by your prayers to be patient and generous. As you persevered under difficult \ncircumstances in a remote and lonely region, strengthen us in our dedication to Christ and \nHis Gospel. As you loved God and your flock and devoted your life in service to them, \npray to Our Lord that our hearts may be filled with love for Him and our neighbor. You \nplanted the seeds of the Orthodox Faith in Alas kan soil: implore the Lord that we may be \naccounted worthy to continue the work you so gloriously began, to bring the Light of \n\nChrist to every corner of America. You i ndicated the Way into the Kingdom of Heaven \nby your words and example: intercede for the salvation of all of us who venerate your \nholy memory. \n \nBy your holy prayers may we become worthy of the precious spiritual heritage which \nGod has entrusted to us through you, and sing eternally the praises of the Holy, \nConsubstantial, and Life-Creating Trinity; the Father and Creat or who is without \nBeginning; the Son, Our Lord and Savior who became Man in order to sanctify and save \nus; and the Comforter, the Holy Spirit who en lightens and enlivens all, now and ever and \nunto ages of ages. \n \nAmen. \n \n \nSelected Hymns from the Festal Service to Saint Innocent \n \n \nTroparion of the Feast—Tone 4 \n \nO Holy Father Innocent, \nin obedience to the will of God \nyou accepted dangers and tribulations, \nbringing many peoples to the knowledge of truth. \nYou showed us the path; \nnow by your prayers help lead us \ninto the Kingdom of Heaven. \n \nAnother Troparion—Tone 2 \n \nYou evangelized the Northern people of America and Asia, \nproclaiming the Gospel of Christ to the natives in their own tongues, \nO Holy Hierarch, Father Innocent, \nEnlightener of Alaska and All America, whose ways were ordered by the Lord. \nPray to Him for the salvation of our souls in His Heavenly Kingdom. \n \nKontakion of the Feast—Tone 2 \n \nYour life is a true celebration of the Providence and Grace of God, \nO Holy Father Innocent, the Apostle to our Land. \nFor in hardships and dangers toiling for the Gospel's sake, \nyou were preserved unharmed and often delivered, \nwhile from obscurity you were highly exalted as an example to the faithful everywhere, \nthat the Lord truly guides a man in the way he should go.