Akathist to the Holy Great-Martyr Barbara
Chosen by God from a race of idolaters and called among the peoples of the saints, renewal of men, Bride of Christ: as those delivered by thee from manifold evils and straits, we who entreat thee offer thee a hymn of thanksgiving and praise, O holy and all-praised great-martyr; and do thou, as one who hast boldness, free us from all trials, that we may call to thee with joy: Rejoice, Barbara, fair Bride of Christ.
Thou didst keep the purity of spotlessness, honoured and beloved by the angels, O honourable Barbara, and wast made worthy to dwell with the angels. And when with them thou singest to God in heaven the hymn of the Trinity, hear us too as we sing to thee on earth these hymns of praise:
Rejoice, maiden, foreordained by God the Father to share the sufferings of His Son. Rejoice, thou who wast called by the Son of God, Light of Lights, out of darkness into the wondrous light of faith and of His goodness. Rejoice, for, like the Holy Spirit who called thee, thou art thyself holy in flesh and spirit. Rejoice, for thou wast kept untouched by defilement of flesh and spirit. Rejoice, for thou wast honourably betrothed, a virgin, to Christ the Bridegroom born of a Virgin. Rejoice, for thou didst not love an earthly suitor more than the heavenly. Rejoice, lily of virginity that sprang up in the field amid the thorns of idolatry. Rejoice, flower of purity, blossoming on high in unfading glory. Rejoice, thou who delightest in the fragrance of Christ in the garden on high. Rejoice, thou who art comforted there by the sight of Him who is fairer than the sons of men. Rejoice, thou who didst whiten thy garment on earth. Rejoice, thou who in the company of virgins didst follow the Lamb of God into heaven. Rejoice, Barbara, fair Bride of Christ.
Seeing herself upon the lofty tower built by her father, holy Barbara thought herself raised to heaven by the will of God, since she had laid up in her heart a rational ascent from darkness to light; and lifted up in mind from the deluding idols to the true God, she sang to Him: Alleluia.
Seeking to know the incomprehensible understanding of the one Creator of all creatures, O holy virgin Barbara, thou didst ponder within thyself, saying: How is it possible that the wondrous luminaries of heaven should be made by dark idols? And thou didst answer thyself with the word of the psalmist: All the gods of the nations are demons, but there is one God and Lord, who made the heavens and all their lights. Marvelling at such wisdom of thine, we cry to thee:
Rejoice, thou who art wiser than the aged idolaters. Rejoice, thou who art wiser than the wise of this age. Rejoice, for God revealed to thee the unknown and secret things of His wisdom. Rejoice, for God the Word Himself taught thee the true theology. Rejoice, thou who by the mind of Christ didst surpass all star-gazers. Rejoice, thou who more clearly than all didst search out those heavenly vaults. Rejoice, for in creation, as in a mirror, thou didst behold the Creator Himself. Rejoice, for in the created luminaries thou didst understand the uncreated Light. Rejoice, thou who now without a mirror beholdest in heaven the light of the face of God. Rejoice, thou who rejoicest ineffably in that light. Rejoice, rational star, by whose enlightening the face of God appeareth to us radiant like the sun. Rejoice, moon of understanding, by whom the night of error is made bright as day. Rejoice, Barbara, fair Bride of Christ.
The power of the Most High was given then to holy Barbara, as of old to the prophet Ezekiel, like strong adamant before all the idolaters, that she might not fear their bestial faces nor tremble at their fierce prohibition; therefore the wise virgin cried boldly: In Trinity I honour the one Godhead, and worshipping in faith I sing aloud: Alleluia.
Having within her the wisdom given from above, holy Barbara went up to the builders of her father’s bath-house, and revealing to them the mystery of the Holy Trinity she ordered three windows to be made in the bath-house. If, she said, the idolaters fall silent and speak not the glory of the true God, then let the three-windowed walls of this bath-house, as though three-faced, bear witness that there is one God in the Holy Trinity, glorified and worshipped by all creatures. For such wisdom, holy Barbara, accept this praise:
Rejoice, thou who wast washed in the font of the three-windowed bath-house by holy baptism in the name of the all-holy Trinity. Rejoice, thou who wast cleansed in the font of water and the Spirit and in the blood of thy struggle. Rejoice, for by three windows thou didst drive away the darkness of many gods, opposed to the Holy Trinity. Rejoice, for by three windows thou didst clearly see the light of the Trinity. Rejoice, for through those three windows the Sun of righteousness, risen on the third day from the tomb, looked upon thee. Rejoice, for through them the day of life of the Trinity shone upon thee. Rejoice, thou who hast thy heart ever open to the one God glorified in Trinity. Rejoice, thou who didst firmly shut thy senses against the three enemies that make war: the flesh, the world and the devil. Rejoice, for thou didst make in thy soul three rational windows: of faith, hope and love. Rejoice, for through those three windows thou didst see, with the Godhead of the Trinity, the Church, the body of Christ risen on the third day. Rejoice, for the heavens were opened to thee by the three hierarchies of angels. Rejoice, for the dwelling of the Trinity on high received thee with gladness. Rejoice, Barbara, fair Bride of Christ.
A great storm of the fury of thy father, breathing murderous threats, rose up against the house of thy soul, holy Barbara, but it could not shake it, for it was founded on the firm rock of the faith of Christ; and thou, wise virgin, standing on it unshaken, didst sing to Jesus Christ who strengthened thee the song: Alleluia.
When thy father Dioscorus heard from thee, O wise virgin, words about the Holy Trinity never heard before, he stopped his ears like a deaf adder, and like a serpent with a poisonous tongue he rushed to kill thee with a sharp sword; but thou, Barbara, Bride of Christ, imitating thy Bridegroom Jesus who fled from Herod’s sword, didst flee from the sword of Dioscorus, wishing to turn him from the fury of his bestial heart to a father’s love; and we, the chosen, honour thy wise flight with this:
Rejoice, blessed one, driven out of an earthly house for righteousness’ sake. Rejoice, thou who art rich in Christ, deprived of thy father’s riches for Christ’s sake. Rejoice, for thou didst choose poverty in the flesh for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Rejoice, for treasures of eternal good things have been prepared for thee. Rejoice, rational ewe-lamb, who didst flee from the evil ravening wolf to Christ the good Shepherd. Rejoice, thou who didst enter the fold of His righteous sheep that stand at the right hand. Rejoice, guileless dove, who didst fly from the earthly raven into the shelter of the heavenly eagle. Rejoice, thou who under the shelter of His wings hast found a good shelter for us also. Rejoice, honourable daughter of the Father on high, for thou wast persecuted to death in dishonour by thine earthly parent. Rejoice, for thou wast received with glory by the immortal Lord into eternal life. Rejoice, unceasing intercessor for us for that same life. Rejoice, fervent entreater to God for us. Rejoice, Barbara, fair Bride of Christ.
Thou wast like a star running a God-guided course, holy great-martyr Barbara, as thou didst flee before thy father, setting him on the mystical way that leadeth to the right path, to Christ God who shone forth from the Virgin; but since he was blinded in the eye of the soul, he did not see thee with the eye of the flesh either as thou didst run before him; and thou, passing through the mountain by the rock that opened before thee at God’s command, didst hide from his eyes in a cave in the rock, that there, like a bird, thou mightest give glory to God, singing: Alleluia.
The shepherds tending sheep on the top of the mountain, seeing thee hidden in the rock, cried in amazement how this rational ewe-lamb was fleeing from the wolf; and behold, Dioscorus, fiercer than a raging wolf, having hastily climbed the mountain, found thee hidden there, and seizing thy beautiful hair, dragged thee to his house by a cruel way, on which we meet thee with faith with this voice:
Rejoice, thou who art likened to a young hind upon the mountains of spices. Rejoice, thou who, having set in thy heart the ascent on high, didst love it more than things below. Rejoice, thou who wast delivered from the ruinous pit of idolatry. Rejoice, thou who didst go up the mountain of the worship of the Trinity. Rejoice, thou who didst pass through the rock, fleeing from stone-hearted persecution. Rejoice, thou who didst find in the rock Him who established thee on the rock of Christ. Rejoice, thou who didst enter a cave in the rock to see Jesus lying in the rock-hewn tomb. Rejoice, thou who beholdest the Lord sitting on the throne of glory. Rejoice, for the hairs of thy head kept for Christ, and the hairs torn out upon the ground by the idolater, shall not perish. Rejoice, for they were numbered by the Lord for a crown in heaven. Rejoice, thou who didst strew the earth with thy hair stained with blood like crimson flowers. Rejoice, thou who didst change thy braided hair into a golden crown for thyself. Rejoice, Barbara, fair Bride of Christ.
O God-bearing preacher, zealot of the apostles of Christ, thou didst boldly preach Christ as true God, and for Him didst courageously endure fierce wounds, torn by sharp potsherds, holy Barbara, who in prison as in a bridal chamber didst rejoice in Christ Jesus, singing to Him: Alleluia.
Christ the Lord, who had made the light of the true knowledge of God shine in thy heart, made the light of His divine face shine in thine eyes also, when as thy beloved Bridegroom He came at midnight into thy prison to His spotless bride, and looking upon thee with love healed thy wounds and ineffably gladdened thy soul with the radiance of His face; and He taught us the faithful to sing to thee:
Rejoice, thou who wast mercilessly beaten for Christ who was beaten. Rejoice, thou who by the patience of wounds didst wound the invisible enemy. Rejoice, thou who didst receive the wounds of thy Lord upon thy flesh. Rejoice, thou who wast healed of all the wounds of thy flesh by that same Lord. Rejoice, for the Lord Himself, the Light of the world, appeared to thee in prison. Rejoice, for the very Physician of souls and bodies came to thee in thy sickness. Rejoice, thou who through an earthly prison didst enter radiantly into the bridal chamber on high. Rejoice, thou who didst weave thyself a wedding garment from thy blood. Rejoice, for through thee sinners are healed of many wounds. Rejoice, for through thee those who call on thee in faith are delivered from every sickness. Rejoice, thou who swiftly loosest the bonds of sin. Rejoice, thou who healest well the most grievous wounds. Rejoice, Barbara, fair Bride of Christ.
When the foolish tormentor wished to fulfil his desire and again tried with flattering words to turn thee, holy Barbara, from the true God to the deluding idols, thou as a wise virgin didst answer him: Thou wouldst more easily turn hard adamant into wax than turn me from Christ my God, for Him with the Father and the Holy Spirit I confess as the one true God; I praise Him and sing to Him: Alleluia.
The bestial tormentor showed a new inhuman fury when he commanded that thou, holy great-martyr Barbara, be hung upon a tree, that thy flesh be scraped with iron claws, thy sides burned with blazing torches, and again thy head struck with heavy hammers. Therefore, reverently remembering thy patience beyond nature, we call thee blessed with these praises:
Rejoice, for thou wast hung upon a tree for Christ crucified on the cross. Rejoice, thou whose sides were scraped for Jesus, whose side was pierced by the spear. Rejoice, for thou didst kindle the fire of the love of God in thy heart. Rejoice, for therefore thou wast burned with fiery torches. Rejoice, thou who art firmer than adamant, unharmed in patience. Rejoice, thou who art stronger than a pillar of stone, unshaken in courage. Rejoice, for those who struck thy head with the hammer made for thee a crown of the kingdom. Rejoice, for with that same hammer thou didst crush the head of thine enemy. Rejoice, for thou didst suffer with Christ for His sake on earth. Rejoice, for with Him and for His sake thou art glorified in heaven. Rejoice, thou who mightily overcomest all our enemies. Rejoice, swift helper in all our misfortunes. Rejoice, Barbara, fair Bride of Christ.
Seeing the strange and dread suffering of holy Barbara, Juliana, pious among women, was greatly amazed how a tender maiden in youthful flesh courageously endured such torments for Christ; and filled with tears of compunction, she too cried out in thanksgiving to Christ God: Alleluia.
Jesus, the all-sweetest sweetness, was all-desirable to thee, holy Barbara, for thou didst endure bitter torments for Him, saying: The cup of sufferings which my beloved Bridegroom hath given me, shall I not drink it? And thou thyself didst appear as a cup pouring out the sweetness of wondrous healings for all who cry to thee thus:
Rejoice, thou who didst cast away the bitterness of idols on the mount of hell. Rejoice, thou who didst love the sweetness of Jesus on high. Rejoice, rational jar, who hast within thee, in place of manna, the doing of the will of God. Rejoice, thou who fulfillest the good desire of the faithful. Rejoice, river filled with the waters of the goodness of God. Rejoice, fountain that pourest forth boiling wonders. Rejoice, thou who like a bee didst fly away from the stinking smoke of sacrifices to idols. Rejoice, thou who didst flee fragrantly to the sweet savour of the myrrh of Christ. Rejoice, for by the wounds of thy flesh thou wast likened to a honeycomb. Rejoice, for the drops of thy blood were sweeter than honey to the all-sweetest Jesus. Rejoice, for thy memory is all-sweet to all the faithful. Rejoice, for thy name is most honourable to all the Church of Christ. Rejoice, Barbara, fair Bride of Christ.
All the nature of angels rejoiced with great joy, seeing thy courageous strength, holy and invincible martyr Barbara. And the ranks of angels, beholding the ancient enemy, the proudest prince of darkness, with all his demonry and the choirs of idols, mocked, overcome and cast beneath thy feet by thee alone, a young virgin, cried to God with a loud voice: Alleluia.
Orators of many words cannot tell with their eloquent tongues the greatness of thy painful sufferings, O Barbara; for who shall tell the multitude of thy pains when they cut off thy breasts? Who shall speak of the shame of thy virgin face when thou wast led naked through all the city? Remembering such pains and dishonour of thine, we tremble and cry with compunction thus:
Rejoice, fruitful young shoot of the garden of Jesus. Rejoice, true branch of the vine of Christ. Rejoice, thou who didst offer thy two severed breasts like two clusters in honour of thy Lord. Rejoice, thou who didst make thy blood flow from them like the wine of compunction. Rejoice, for thou too wast stripped for Christ who was stripped. Rejoice, for thou too wast led through the city with reproach for His sake who was led with mockery in Jerusalem. Rejoice, thou who in thy nakedness wast clothed by the angels in a radiant garment. Rejoice, thou who by it wast invisibly covered from shameless eyes. Rejoice, wondrous spectacle for angels and men. Rejoice, thou who didst amaze even the tormentors by thy patience. Rejoice, for the Lord Himself looked down from on high upon thy sufferings. Rejoice, for He Himself, the Appointer of the contest, praised thy struggles. Rejoice, Barbara, fair Bride of Christ.
Desiring the salvation of thy soul, thou didst take no care at all for thy flesh, holy Barbara. And when the sentence of death by the sword came forth against thee, then running with joy beneath the sharp sword as beneath a beautiful crown, thou didst sing a song to God who strengthened thee in the martyr’s struggle: Alleluia.
The heart of Dioscorus, grown harder than walls of stone, holy Barbara – no longer thy parent but a cruel tormentor – on hearing thy sentence of death by the sword, not only felt no pity at all for thy death, but himself with his own sword cut off thy holy head at the place of execution; and thus, as the Lord foretold, the wretched father delivered his child to death; therefore at thy blessed end accept from us these hymns:
Rejoice, thou who didst bow thy head beneath the sword for Christ the Head of the Church. Rejoice, thou who for love of the Lover of mankind on high, the immortal Father, wast given over to corruptible death by an inhuman earthly father. Rejoice, thou who didst finish well the course of the ascetic way. Rejoice, thou who didst courageously keep until death thy faith to Christ, the immortal Betrothed. Rejoice, thou who wast girded with power from on high for battle against the powers of the underworld. Rejoice, thou who wast clothed by Christ the Victor with the victorious glory of those on high. Rejoice, thou who wast crowned on earth with the armour of the virtue of God. Rejoice, thou who art adorned in heaven with the flower of incorruption. Rejoice, goodness and delight of virgins. Rejoice, beauty and joy of martyrs. Rejoice, mighty support of Christians. Rejoice, firm defence of the faithful. Rejoice, Barbara, fair Bride of Christ.
Even were our hymn of praise very long, we know that it would not suffice to praise thee worthily, holy and all-praised martyr Barbara; but we, giving thanks for the gifts of God richly granted us through thee, sing with thankful lips to God, who is wondrously glorified in thee by His benefactions: Alleluia.
With the eye of the mind we behold thee, holy virgin Barbara, as a light-bearing candle set in heaven before the throne of the Holy Trinity; and from there thou enlightenest the darkness of the night of our sins with the rays of thy prayers and settest us on the radiant path of salvation; therefore thou art rightly worthy to be honoured by us with such a cry:
Rejoice, ray of radiant mind united with the Light that setteth not. Rejoice, dawn of understanding that hast risen to shine with the day that knoweth no evening. Rejoice, fragrant myrrh that makest the Church of Christ fragrant. Rejoice, golden censer that liftest up to God the incense of prayers for us. Rejoice, thou who hast laid up unfailing myrrh for healings. Rejoice, inexhaustible treasury of the gifts of God. Rejoice, vessel that drawest joy from the riches of the house of God. Rejoice, cup that receivest all heavenly sweetness from the fullness of Christ. Rejoice, adamant adorned with the seal of immortality by Christ the Betrothed. Rejoice, eternal goodness held in the hand of the Lord. Rejoice, for the King of glory, the Lord of hosts, hath laid upon thee glory and majesty. Rejoice, for the King of kings and Lord of lords hath granted thee His kingdom and dominion. Rejoice, Barbara, fair Bride of Christ.
Grace hath been given thee by God to guard and shelter from sudden sickness and violent death every man who remembereth and honoureth thy precious suffering with faith, love and reverence; deprive not us also of that grace, good virgin Barbara, that we, abiding in peace in flesh and spirit in the present and the future life, may sing to God for thee: Alleluia.
We sing of thy mighty struggle, honour thy suffering, praise thy patience, call blessed thy holy end, magnify the invincible courage revealed in thy weak flesh, by which thou wast glorified on earth and in heaven, holy and nobly victorious great-martyr Barbara; and in honour of thy victorious struggles and sufferings we offer thee this praise:
Rejoice, thou who wast received with love by the ranks of angels to dwell with them. Rejoice, thou who wast led with joy by the choirs of virgins into the heavenly bridal chambers. Rejoice, thou who wast escorted by the hosts of martyrs beneath the crown of glory with a joyful voice. Rejoice, thou who receivest the kiss in the Lord from all who dwell in heaven. Rejoice, for great is thy reward in heaven. Rejoice, for thy joy is eternal in the light of the saints. Rejoice, our mighty defender from enemies visible and invisible. Rejoice, eternal intercessor for joy, grace and glory for us. Rejoice, healer of our infirmities of soul and body. Rejoice, giver of saving good things below and above. Rejoice, for through thee we hope for deliverance from eternal death. Rejoice, for through thee with good hope we look to be made worthy of eternal life. Rejoice, Barbara, fair Bride of Christ.
O much-suffering and all-praised holy great-martyr Barbara, accept our present prayer, deliver us from all sicknesses of soul and body and from enemies visible and invisible, and guard us from eternal torment by thy God-pleasing intercession, that with thee in the land of the living we may sing to God for ever: Alleluia. (Thrice)
Thou didst keep the purity of spotlessness, honoured and beloved by the angels, O honourable Barbara, and wast made worthy to dwell with the angels. And when with them thou singest to God in heaven the hymn of the Trinity, hear us too as we sing to thee on earth these hymns of praise:
Rejoice, maiden, foreordained by God the Father to share the sufferings of His Son. Rejoice, thou who wast called by the Son of God, Light of Lights, out of darkness into the wondrous light of faith and of His goodness. Rejoice, for, like the Holy Spirit who called thee, thou art thyself holy in flesh and spirit. Rejoice, for thou wast kept untouched by defilement of flesh and spirit. Rejoice, for thou wast honourably betrothed, a virgin, to Christ the Bridegroom born of a Virgin. Rejoice, for thou didst not love an earthly suitor more than the heavenly. Rejoice, lily of virginity that sprang up in the field amid the thorns of idolatry. Rejoice, flower of purity, blossoming on high in unfading glory. Rejoice, thou who delightest in the fragrance of Christ in the garden on high. Rejoice, thou who art comforted there by the sight of Him who is fairer than the sons of men. Rejoice, thou who didst whiten thy garment on earth. Rejoice, thou who in the company of virgins didst follow the Lamb of God into heaven. Rejoice, Barbara, fair Bride of Christ.
Chosen by God from a race of idolaters and called among the peoples of the saints, renewal of men, Bride of Christ: as those delivered by thee from manifold evils and straits, we who entreat thee offer thee a hymn of thanksgiving and praise, O holy and all-praised great-martyr; and do thou, as one who hast boldness, free us from all trials, that we may call to thee with joy: Rejoice, Barbara, fair Bride of Christ.
O holy, glorious and all-praised great-martyr of Christ Barbara, we the people gathered today in thy divine church, who honour and kiss with love the shrine of thy relics and praise with hymns thy martyr’s sufferings and in them Christ Himself, the Appointer of the contest, who granted thee not only to believe in Him but also to suffer for Him, entreat thee, the known intercessor of our desire: pray with us and for us to God, who is moved by His own compassion, that He may mercifully hear us who ask of His goodness, and not forsake any of our petitions profitable for salvation and life, and grant to our life a Christian end, painless, unashamed, peaceful, with communion of the divine Mysteries, and bestow His great mercy on all in every place, in every sorrow and strait, who need His love for mankind and help; that by the grace of God and thy fervent intercession, ever sound in soul and body, we may glorify the God of Israel, wondrous in His saints, who never withholdeth His help from us, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O all-wise and all-beautiful holy great-martyr of Christ Barbara, blessed art thou, for flesh and blood did not reveal to thee the all-meek wisdom of God, but God Himself, the heavenly Father, who received thee for thy faith as His beloved daughter, forsaken, estranged and slain by an unbelieving father. In place of a corruptible earthly inheritance He granted thee incorruption of the flesh; He changed the labours of martyrdom into the rest of the kingdom on high. Thy temporal life, cut short by death for His sake, He glorified with such honour that He united thy soul with the heavenly ranks of spirits, while thy body, lying on earth in the churches of the angels, He commanded the angels to guard whole, honoured and working many wonders.
Blessed art thou, O virgin betrothed to Christ the Son of God, the Bridegroom on high, whom desiring thou didst strive to adorn thyself with all good things, and didst hasten to adorn thyself with all sufferings, wounds, the cutting off of limbs and even the beheading of thy head as with a most precious ornament, that thus, as a faithful wife united inseparably in spirit and body with Christ, her Head and Husband, thou mightest say: I found Him whom my soul loveth; I held Him and will not let Him go.
Blessed art thou, for the Holy Spirit rested upon thee, through whom, being spiritual, thou didst learn to discern spiritually. Thou didst reject every spirit of wickedness in the idols as a destroyer, and knowing the one God, the Spirit, thou didst worship in spirit and in truth as a true worshipper, crying prophetically: I honour the Trinity, one Godhead. Entreat for me, my advocate, this Holy Trinity whom thou didst glorify in life and in death, that I too by threefold faith, love and hope, and by the same good works, may glorify the Holy Trinity. I have the lamp of faith, but empty of the oil of good works. Thou, wise virgin, filled with the blood of thy flesh’s struggle and pouring it from thy wounds, as one who hast a lamp, give me of thine oil, that adorning with it the lamp of my soul I may be made worthy to enter after thee into the bridal chamber on high. I am a stranger and a sojourner on earth, as were all my fathers. O treasury of eternal good things and blessed one, partaker of the supper in the kingdom of heaven, as in the pilgrimage of life, so in the departure from the world, make me worthy of thy longed-for companionship to the table of divine hospitality; and when I begin to fall into the last sleep of death, touch then my weak flesh, as once the angel touched Elijah, saying: Arise, eat and drink; that, strengthened by the grace of God through the Mysteries of the Body and Blood, I may go in the strength of that food the long way of death unto the mountain of heaven; and there may I be made worthy, together with thee, to see face to face the Trinity whom thou didst first behold by faith in God through the three windows of the bath-house, and to glorify It unto endless ages. Amen.
