KONTAKION I
Come, all ye who love Christ, and let us offer up a hymn of praise unto the martyred nun Elizabeth, / who was chosen by the Lord of hosts to serve as an example of Christian piety and love / for those who desire to follow in His steps. / For, spurning the vanity of worldly possessions, rank and cares, she dedicated her whole life to the aid of those in need. / Wherefore, it has pleased Christ our God to crown her ascetic labors / with the diadem of martyrdom; / and, dwelling now in His heavenly kingdom, she makes supplication unto God, / that He deliver from misfortunes and perils all who chant unto her with joy: // Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!
IKOS I
The Creator of the angels and Lord of mankind led you from the delusion of heresy to the divine knowledge of the Truth, O blessed Elizabeth, that your loving heart and soul might renew Christian love, which had grown cold in the land of Russia: for through your efforts the hearts of men again warmed to the word of God, and the Master of all granted you to live a life exalted above your peers, in love, humility and fervent prayer. Wherefore, we ever chant unto you, as is meet:
Rejoice, lamp burning with the love of God; handmaid of Christ the Lord!
Rejoice, scroll whereon the Holy Spirit inscribed the Christian virtues;
Rejoice, divinely wise princess and new martyr!
Rejoice, daughter who forsook your father’s house and turned to Holy Orthodoxy;
Rejoice, vessel wherein the wine of gladness and the oil of healing are mingled together;
Rejoice, upholder of the traditions of piety!
Rejoice, treasure-house of compassion;
Rejoice, radiant star resplendent with heavenly glory!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!
KONTAKION II
Christ found you a lily among thorns and chose you to adorn His garden of Holy Orthodoxy, O venerable one: for He Who alone knows the hearts of men perceived from on high your great love for your neighbor, and bestowed upon you a wealth of spiritual gifts, that we might come to understand the mystery of God’s great mercy, enabling us to take part with you therein and to join chorus with you in chanting unto Him: Alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
IKOS II
Knowing in your heart that God’s will rules over all creation, and seeking to obey His will alone, you were well pleased to shoulder the great cross which He prepared for you, O holy one: for when you witnessed the cruel and pitiless slaughter of your husband, your heart was pierced with grief and sorrow, as with a two-edged sword; yet you took courage, and uttered the Savior’s own words: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And seeking to turn this vile deed to goodness, you beseeched him who committed the murder to repent. And we too beg your intercession before the Lord, that He avert His righteous anger fromus who chant to you such praises as these:
Rejoice, you who deemed mercy greater than sacrifice;
Rejoice, you pray for sinners and penitents!
Rejoice, you bore thy cross to a new Golgotha;
Rejoice, you did not reject the crown of thorns offered you!
Rejoice, you put jealousy to flight;
Rejoice, you reprove those who fall away from truth and grace!
Rejoice, you did not set the love of family above the love of God;
Rejoice, you fulfilled the words of Christ!
Rejoice, you sought out the good in every man;
Rejoice, you were sent unto Russia, to turn her away from evil to the good!
Rejoice, you cry out to Christ: Lord, have mercy;
Rejoice, you stand invisibly in our midst as we pray!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!
KONTAKION III
The power of the Most High overshadowed your sorrow and pain, O royal passion-bearer, and finding sweet consolation therein you died to this world, that you might live in Christ: you shunned the fleeting pleasures and vanities of this life, and clothed yourself in garments of joy and salvation, and abode in palaces, praying and chanting to God therein:
Alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
IKOS III
With a fervent desire to serve your fellow man, you gathered a multitude of souls to labor for God; and, raising up a house of mercy, which you dedicated to the Protection of the all-holy Theotokos, O holy Elizabeth, you chose our holy mothers Martha and Mary as the heavenly patrons, emulating themas paragons of piety and good works. Andmindful of the magnitude of your charitable deeds and Christian virtues, we praise your memory, chanting thus:
Rejoice, you opened your heart to good deeds;
Rejoice, you gathered the virtues into a spiritual sheaf!
Rejoice, you have been reckoned among the friends of Christ;
Rejoice, you hearkened to His words!
Rejoice, you ever rejoiced in your Lord;
Rejoice, you fill our hearts with joy when we call upon your name!
Rejoice, you reward those who seek your heavenly aid;
Rejoice, you speedily fulfill the requests of those who have recourse to you with faith!
Rejoice, you adorned the city of Moscow;
Rejoice, obedient handmaid of the holy Mary and Martha!
Rejoice, you hid your good works from the eyes of the haughty;
Rejoice, you called all of us to perform deeds of mercy!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!
KONTAKION IV
Those who were tempest-tossed amid the tumults of life and floundering upon the floods of the passions you guided to the calm haven of salvation which you established in the royal city of Moscow, O holy Elizabeth; for having opened your heart unto God, you opened its doors to the children of God, showing them the mercy of their heavenly Father. Wherefore, you have now been shown to be the patroness of the forgotten and oppressed. Cover us all with your holy protection, that we may be moved to cry aloud to our good God: Alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
IKOS IV
Accepting the counsel of the elders of the Hermitage of Saint Zosimas, you proved yourself to be an obedient daughter of the Orthodox Faith, O venerable martyr, so that your words brought profit and consolation to all who hearkened unto you. You were a most wise abbess and a loving mother, who tended well the flock entrusted to you, teaching them how to care for the afflicted as a sister of mercy by your own example, O holy princess. Wherefore, tend also the ailments of our souls, that we may cry aloud unto you:
Rejoice, you who anoint all with the oil of mercy;
Rejoice, you still the tempest of sorrows!
Rejoice, instruction of those who turn to Orthodoxy!
Rejoice, pillar of truth set firmly upon the rock of the Faith!
Rejoice, you rescue us from the mire of despondency;
Rejoice, you feed the orphan and the widow!
Rejoice, you embraced charity with your whole heart;
Rejoice, you exchanged a palace for a poor and humble cell!
Rejoice, you put aside your royal robes to don the hairshirt of asceticism;
Rejoice, you laid your princely coronet at the feet of the Savior!
Rejoice, you took up the Cross as a kingly scepter;
Rejoice, you loved God more than earthly honor and glory!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!
KONTAKION V
You have been revealed to us as a most radiant star adorning the vault of the firmament of the Church, O martyr of Christ. And ever illumined by the effulgence of your sufferings, unto Christ, the Judge of the contest, do we offer hymnody of thanksgiving for you, and we chant unto Him: Alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
IKOS V
Through the guidance of the heavenly intercessors who shone forth in Russia-the venerable Sergius of Radonezh, and Peter, the divinely eloquent Metropolitan of Moscow, in company with Martha and Mary, the sisters beloved of Christ-the narrow and royal path which alone leads to salvation was disclosed to you, and travelling it you became amodel for all Orthodox Christians dwelling in the Russian Empire, showing them how to unite the ideals of ascetic endeavor and charitable acts. Wherefore, for you grace was added unto grace, and while you were yet alive the report of your holiness spread far and wide. The pious cried out in wonder to God Who is wondrous in His saints: “Glory be to Thee, O Lord!”; and to you they uttered such praises as these:
Rejoice, scion of a royal house who tended the sores of paupers with your own hands;
Rejoice, paragon of monastic virtue and rule of faith!
Rejoice, you rejected worldly praise and received heavenly rewards;
Rejoice, you partook of everlasting splendor on high, and exposed spiritual deception;
Rejoice, you strengthened the common folk in the true Faith!
Rejoice, summoner of the faithful to prayer and vigilance;
Rejoice, you adopted the Russian nation as your homeland!
Rejoice, you spurned the praises of men;
Rejoice, beacon guiding all to the safe harbor of heaven;
Rejoice, you labored for Christ in the midst of the world!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!
KONTAKION VI
How can angels and men refrain from wonderment when they ponder the depths of your love and compassion? For your convent was not only a spiritual haven for those seeking salvation, but also a well-spring gushing forth torrents of consolation upon those parched by the burning heat of the passions. By your example were your sisters, the handmaidens of Christ, taught how to comfort the sorrowing, tend the sick, teach the ignorant, correct the erring and prepare the dying for the life which is to come. Wherefore, your nuns joined chorus with you to praise the Lord continually, chanting unto Him: Alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
IKOS VI
As a true image of piety you venerated the wonder-icons and holy relics enshrined throughout the Russian land. Her monasteries and countless churches witnessed your ascetic feats and fervent prayers. Your tears, shed in such profusion, adorned your person like lustrous pearls and moved to wonder those who beheld you. And we who cherish your holy memory exalt in spirit, crying out to you:
Rejoice, image of piety who delighted to venerate the sacred icons of the Mother of God;
Rejoice, you ever bless those who have recourse unto your precious relics!
Rejoice, wise pilgrim whose destiny was the kingdom of heaven;
Rejoice, adornment of Holy Russia!
Rejoice, you are ever magnified by the Holy Church;
Rejoice, you did not forsake Russia in her time of tribulation!
Rejoice, you perceived the providence of God in all that befell you;
Rejoice, you taught others to set their hope on Christ alone!
Rejoice, you were present when the venerable Seraphim was glorified;
Rejoice, you venerated his grace-bearing relics!
Rejoice, you heard the prophecy of that holy father;
Rejoice, you prophesied the down-fall of the Orthodox monarchy!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!
KONTAKION VII
When those whowere told slanderous tales about youwere brought before you, O royal martyr, they perceived your innocence and blamelessness and the holiness of your life, for you sacrificed yourself for the good of others, and your heart was ever intent upon their needs, so that you ever move them to chant unto God: Alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
IKOS VII
“This is no new creation or concept, neither do I depart from the Church traditions,” you declared unto those who sought to discredit your convent and labors; “I only repeat what the Church teaches; for it is Christ Who said: ‘Love your neighbor’, and the divine Theologian manifestly thunders: ‘If you do not love your neighbor whom you see, you cannot love God Whom you see not.’” You renewed that which had grown old, and have revealed to us the essence of true love in the miracle of your life. Wherefore, we chant to you thus:
Rejoice, you ever care for our souls;
Rejoice, holy princess, worthy of all praise!
Rejoice, you united love and mercy, as a bridge joins land to land;
Rejoice, you knew well saving words of grace!
Rejoice, you were persecuted for righteousness’ sake;
Rejoice, for truly great is your reward in the heavens!
Rejoice, you silenced blasphemy and impiety by your faith in Christ;
Rejoice, you most humbly endured the calumny and slander hurled at you by your own countrymen!
Rejoice, you loved righteousness and hated falsehood;
Rejoice, you did not seek to avoid the reproaches of men, that you might receive praise from the Lord!
Rejoice, you loved the Gospel above all else;
Rejoice, you ever delighted in the words thereof!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!
KONTAKION VIII
Having beheld a sight strange to all, the fall of an empire once dedicated to God, the desecration of all that is holy, and the public ridicule of the martyred EmperorNicholas, you shed endless streams of tears for all the tribulations which had befallen your adopted homeland. Yet trusting in God, and believing this to be His holy will, you never ceased to cry out to Him: Alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
IKOS VIII
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the nation was overtaken by chaos, your family was taken away, and all your friends stood afar off. Only a few fearless hierarchs came to comfort you and your sisters, O royal martyr. Your convent was as a sheep-fold beset by ravening wolves; yet you remained undaunted by their depredations during those violent days, ever preserving your flock from harm by your supplications. Wherefore, receive from us these praises:
Rejoice, royal servant of the omnipotent King;
Rejoice, handmaid of the Queen of heaven!
Rejoice, you who with the royal martyrs were prey to grievous slanders;
Rejoice, you found consolation in the service of God!
Rejoice, you did not judge the sinful lies of men;
Rejoice, you refused to condone their misdeeds!
Rejoice, you uprooted the tares of evil growing in the royal garden;
Rejoice, you did not approve of vile and wicked deeds!
Rejoice, for you ever help us to see the will of God in all things;
Rejoice, you rebuked the riotous multitude with your courage!
Rejoice, for you did not turn away from the hapless Tsar when he was mocked and abused;
Rejoice, you who with him and his family ever rejoice in heaven!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!
KONTAKION IX
The angelic armies on high were stricken with awe, beholding Holy Russia bound and led to bloody slaughter by those who wage war against God; for, bleeding and dying in the arena of martyrdom, the land is dyed red with the blood of the countless new martyrs, who cry out continually to the Lord of hosts: Alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
IKOS IX
The vile minions of Satan, sinful men with hands reeking of the blood of the innocent, openly reviled God, and mockingly asked you how you who are of royal blood could minister to the poor and lowly, O royal passion-bearer. But we marvel at your patience and humility, and cry out to you:
Rejoice, you quenched the flames of discontent with your tears;
Rejoice, you lamented the woes of Russia, as Martha and Mary wept over Lazarus!
Rejoice, you submitted to the will of God;
Rejoice, you beheld the Savior enthroned on high!
Rejoice, venerable martyr of royal birth;
Rejoice, you put to shame those who mistreated you!
Rejoice, you bless those who bless you;
Rejoice, you wipe the tears away from those who grieve!
Rejoice, you calm our troubled hearts;
Rejoice, you bow down before the throne of God, offering Him our entreaties!
Rejoice, you are ever attentive to His decrees;
Rejoice, you continually preserve us from all harm!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!
KONTAKION X
Wishing to make you captive, O martyr, evil-minded men arrived at your convent on the third day of Pascha, to separate you from your flock; for after the holy Patriarch Tikhon the Confessor blessed you and your nuns, the wicked fell upon you and took you away into exile. Yet knowing what was to follow, you took with you your faithful companion, the venerable Barbara, and with you she chanted the hymn of victory unto the risen Christ: Alleluia!
Choir/Faithful: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
IKOS X
Banished to the heart of Russia, hidden away from the eyes of the world, with prayer and fasting you prepared for your departure from this life, O Elizabeth, with your Companion Barbara, and the holy Princes Sergius, John, Igor, Constantine and Vladimir, who were all to share in thy sufferings and receive incorruptible crowns from the hands of the Savior. And sharing together in the delights of heaven, we offer you our praises:
Rejoice, you who ever pray for the salvation of Russia;
Rejoice, you though cast down by the ungodly into the depths, have been raised on high by Christ!
Rejoice, you shed the scarlet robe of royalty and put on the purple robe of martyrdom;
Rejoice, you were not deceived by the deceit of the evil one!
Rejoice, you lift up your hands to God in supplication;
Rejoice, you cast away earthly riches to receive treasure in heaven!
Rejoice, patient sufferers who endured all for the Lord;
Rejoice, you put to shame those who took your lives, but could not slay your souls!
Rejoice, you received wreaths of victory fashioned by the hand of the Creator;
Rejoice, bright constellation of holy stars shining in the firmament of the Church!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!
KONTATKION XI
O the glorious wonder! A mine depleted of its ore is shown to be full of the lustrous gold of grace and piety! A shaft sunk deep into the bowels of the earth is shown to be a ladder extending up to heaven, whereby Elizabeth and her companions ascend from the depths unto the heights of paradise! O holy martyrs, you blessed ones, as you delight in celestial joys forget not us who celebrate the memory of your godly struggles, that with you we also may chant the angelic hymn: Alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
IKOS XI
The minds of men, darkened by their fallen state, are unable to devise for you hymns worthy of. the pangs and sufferings you endured, O holy passion-bearers of Christ; for you were like unto the youths of Ephesus who fell asleep to death in a shaft sunk into the earth, only to awaken in the splendid mansions of heaven, where ye now receive fromus our poor praises:
Rejoice, seven-branched lampstand burning before the throne of God;
Rejoice, glory of Alapayevsk!
Rejoice, you who the tree of life amid the barren mountains and watered it with your blood;
Rejoice, royal passion-bearers, adorned with kingly diadems more precious than gold and costly jewels!
Rejoice, O Barbara, devoted daughter of thy spiritual mother;
Rejoice, ye interceded for your compatriots who find themselves amid suffering and exile!
Rejoice, O Sergius, valiant confessor of the true Faith;
Rejoice, O brethren, equal in number to the Trinity!
Rejoice, OPrinces John, Igor and Constantine, whowere like unto the holy youths in the fiery furnace;
Rejoice, O Vladimir, prince and martyr, who foresaw thine own suffering and death!
Rejoice, you have washed your souls clean in the streams of your blood;
Rejoice, ye stand before the Savior in the ranks of the new martyrs and confessors!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!
KONTAKIOIN XII
With what words of praise shall we weave a wreath of victory to adorn the new passion-bearers of Alapayevsk? For even if we try to recount their manifold labors, our own weakness and hardness of heart puts us to shame. For while they ever sought after the Lord, we ever stray father away from Him. Wherefore, come ye speedily to our aid, and drive our enemies, visible and invisible, far away from us, that unvexed and at peace, we may chant aloud unto God: Alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
IKOS XII
We chant your praises, O holy new martyrs of Alapayevsk, for when faced with death, you manifestly confessed Christ as God in the presence of the ungodly. Wherefore, the martyred nun Barbara received from the hand of God a wreath fashioned of truth and obedience, and her royal companions were endowed with two-fold crowns of majesty and martyrdom for their struggles. And thus has Christ the Lord, the Judge of the contest, shown us all that it is meet to glorify them with such praises as these:
Rejoice, boast of the Urals;
Rejoice, you shone forth like rays out of a dark pit!
Rejoice, you sanctified a lowly mine-shaft;
Rejoice, you were like unto Joseph, who was likewise cast into a pit by envious brethren!
Rejoice, you were like unto Daniel, who was thrown into a lions’ den;
Rejoice, you have summoned countless other new martyrs to the banquet of the Bridegroom!
Rejoice, you were welcomed to the mansions of heaven by your kin, the martyred Tsar and his holy family;
Rejoice, you were slaughtered by the godless and unbelieving!
Rejoice, O Elizabeth, who bound your companions’ wounds and tended to their hurts;
Rejoice, you encouraged and strengthened them until the moment of their soul’s departure!
Rejoice, for you chanted fitting hymns as their life ebbed away;
Rejoice, you who before an icon of the Savior surrendered your own soul into His hands!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!
KONTAKION XII
O all-praised and venerable martyr Elizabeth, with the other passions-bearers of Alapayevsk – the martyrs Barbara, John, Igor, Constantine, Vladimir, and Sergius, accept this, our meager hymnody of praise, which we offer to you in honor of the sufferings and violent death you endured for Christ; and beseech the all-holy Trinity our God, that we be delivered from the perils and evil circumstances which beset us throughout our life: that with you and all the new martyrs and confessors of Russia we may ever chant unto the omnipotent Lord of heaven and earth: Alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
This kontakion is recited thrice; whereupon Ikos I and Kontakion I are repeated.
IKOS I
The Creator of the angels and Lord of mankind led you from the delusion of heresy to the divine knowledge of the Truth, O blessed Elizabeth, that your loving heart and soul might renew Christian love, which had grown cold in the land of Russia: for through your efforts the hearts of men again warmed to the word of God, and the Master of all granted you to live a life exalted above your peers, in love, humility and fervent prayer. Wherefore, we ever chant unto you, as is meet:
Rejoice, lamp burning with the love of God; handmaid of Christ the Lord!
Rejoice, scroll whereon the Holy Spirit inscribed the Christian virtues;
Rejoice, divinely wise princess and new martyr!
Rejoice, daughter who forsook they father’s house and turned to Holy Orthodoxy;
Rejoice, vessel wherein the wine of gladness and the oil of healing are mingled together;
Rejoice, upholder of the traditions of piety!
Rejoice, treasure-house of compassion;
Rejoice, radiant star resplendent with heavenly glory!
Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!
KONTAKION I
Come, all ye who love Christ, and let us offer up a hymn of praise unto the martyred nun Elizabeth, / who was chosen by the Lord of hosts to serve as an example of Christian piety and love / for those who desire to follow in His steps. / For, spurning the vanity of worldly possessions, rank and cares, she dedicated her whole life to the aid of those in need. / Wherefore, it has pleased Christ our God to crown her ascetic labors / with the diadem of martyrdom; / and, dwelling now in His heavenly kingdom, she makes supplication unto God, / that He deliver from misfortunes and perils all who chant unto her with joy: // Rejoice, O
venerable martyr Elizabeth, true model of Christian sacrifice!
Again and again on bended knees let us pray to the holy Nun Martyrs Elizabeth and Barbara.
O Holy Nun Martyrs Elizabeth and Barbara pray to God for us.
A Prayer to Saints Elizabeth and Barbara
O holy Saints, Elizabeth and Barbara, even as you did not turn away from the vilest of wretches during your earthly sojourn, so do not turn away from our unworthiness. Pray unto the Lord that He may grant to us healing of soul and body, and great mercy. Help us, encumbered as we are with the pleasures and ease of life, to emulate your martyrdom to the things of this world. Pray unto God for us, that we may join thee in the Heavenly Kingdom.
Amen.