Akathist to Saint Moses the Ethiopian
Kontakion 1
Mighty ancient desert dweller of the Egyptian Thebaid, thy life is an everlasting memorial of the reconciliation between God and man. In thee we see the fullness of the fruits of repentance. Guide our steps onto the path of salvation as we call on thine all-powerful prayer.
Rejoice, Holy Elder Moses, righteous teacher of true spiritual wisdom!
Ikos 1
In the days of thy youth, as a gang-leader thou wast a ravenous Wolf slaying sheep and murdering men. Yet in a moment of truth, God acted invisibly on thy conscience as thou wast about to commit a crime, opening the door to the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Following thy path toward the Light we sing these praises:
Rejoice, model of correction for those who have gone astray.
Rejoice, thou who didst die to earthly pleasures and resurrect in spirit.
Rejoice, thou who camest out of much tribulation.
Rejoice, oasis of faith in the desert of unbelief.
Rejoice, ancient treasure map for those seeking the pearl of great price. Rejoice, for thou didst find the Kingdom of God within thy heart.
Rejoice, Holy Elder Moses, righteous teacher of true spiritual wisdom!
Kontakion 2
En route to great stature in grace, thou didst travel the path of lowliness, seeking counsel in all matters concerning spiritual life. Burying the instructions of the Fathers deep within thy heart thou didst always sing to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 2
As thou didst possess self-knowledge and then ascend to wisdom on high, many seekers came to thee for spiritual guidance. With a pure mind thou didst teach in simplicity, revealing hidden truths to all who would listen. Help us now to understand and do God’s will in our lives as we call upon thee:
Rejoice, thou who taughtest with power and not empty words.
Rejoice, for thy mind was renewed by prayer of the heart.
Rejoice, island of refuge for those sinking in the sea of temptation.
Rejoice, wellspring gushing forth with the words of life.
Rejoice, for the house of thy soul was not built on the sand of worldly knowledge but on the rock of Christ’s commandments.
Rejoice, Holy Elder Moses, righteous teacher of true spiritual wisdom.
Kontakion 3
A brother came to thee for a word of instruction and in thy wisdom thou didst reveal the mystery of silence by saying, “Go to thy cell and thy cell will teach thee everything.” Marveling at thy insight we raise up our minds unto God singing: Alleluia!
Ikos 3
Through fire and water didst thou pass in thy struggle to conquer the lusts of the body. In thy quest, thou didst war against nature itself, depriving thy body of food and sleep. By spending the nights hauling water for the brethren thou didst prepare thy soul to become a habituation for the spirit. Yet still being tormented by this passion, thou was forced to call upon God for deliverance. Seeing thy thirst, the Lord has brought thee into a place of everlasting refreshment. Through thee we have learned to rely on God and not ourselves, and so we praise thee:
Rejoice, victorious conqueror in the war against the passions.
Rejoice, general in Christ’s army.
Rejoice, valorous spirit in battle.
Rejoice, beacon of the light overcoming the principalities and powers of darkness.
Rejoice, thou who wast made strong by surrendering thy weakness to God.
Rejoice, for the arrows of the enemy cannot touch thee.
Rejoice, Holy Elder Moses, righteous teacher of true spiritual wisdom.
Kontakion 4
Amazed by the conversion of thy life and even yet more in awe of thy spiritual ascent, we see that truly all things are possible with God. Not lingering on the surface of newly found Orthodox faith, thou didst dive into the depths of apostolic Christianity. So now inspire us to enter into the heart of hearts, sensing the Kingdom within as we cry to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 4
In fleeing the vanity of the world, thou didst desire to live in obscurity so as to be free from the glory of men. But as a city set on a hill cannot be hid, so too the splendor of thy virtue could not be concealed. Thou didst try to hide thy identity by telling those who sought “the great Moses” that he was a man of depraved character. By reviling thyself thou didst escape the trap of vainglory, but when the wisdom of thy humility was found out, all glorified thy Father in heaven and now we praise thee:
Rejoice, thou who didst crucify thy flesh to become poor in spirit.
Rejoice, thou who didst find joy through mourning.
Rejoice, Israelite who didst see God in the purity of thy heart.
Rejoice, thou who art filled with everlasting righteousness.
Rejoice, thou who wast reviled yet kept silence for Christ’s sake.
Rejoice, and be glad for great is thy reward in heaven.
Rejoice, Holy Elder Moses, righteous teacher of true spiritual wisdom!
Kontakion 5
O Moses, thou didst travel from the kingdom of Ethiopia to the land of Egypt in order to slay the spiritual Pharaoh. Now free from the bondage of the oppressor, thou dost chant eternal praise to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 5
Behold all you who seek God, a new Moses has appeared in Egypt liberating those who were shackled in mental slavery and leading them into the promised land of faith, hope and love. Free in spirit we sing these praises:
Rejoice, thou who didst climb the mountain of God.
Rejoice, thou who was transfigured by the light of Christ.
Rejoice, chosen by God to be a leader of the people.
Rejoice, thou who didst pass over the sea of temptation dry shod.
Rejoice, deliverer of souls down pressed by sin.
Rejoice, Holy Elder Moses, righteous teacher of true Spiritual wisdom!
Kontakion 6
When the counsel of monks gathered together to judge a brother who had transgressed, thou didst teach all by carrying a leaky bag of sand into the midst of the fathers, saying, “The sands are my sins running down behind me which I cannot even see, and yet I have come to judge another.” In this wise, thou didst teach all the path of self-reproach and humility. Marveling at the wisdom given thee, we chant to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 6
Unbeknownst to thee, thy words would be a testament of desert wisdom even unto this day. Together with all those monks who, throughout the ages have been guided aright by thy words, we cry out to thee:
Rejoice, counselor of divine intellect.
Rejoice, forefather of philokalic wisdom.
Rejoice, ancient mystic.
Rejoice, thou whose mind’s eye was opened by grace.
Rejoice, seer of spiritual reality.
Rejoice, Holy Elder Moses, righteous teacher of true spiritual wisdom!
Kontakion 7
Seeing the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in thee, thy former gang members were also led to thoughts concerning the meaning of life, death and the path of salvation. Convicted by the purity of thy life, they too changed their evil ways and followed thee, learning to cry out to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 7
Once a thief and a robber but now a good shepherd, thou art even at this moment calling lost sheep back to the straight and narrow way that leads to everlasting life. Pray that our hardened hearts and our darkened minds take heed to thy call as we sing these praises:
Rejoice, perfection of renunciation.
Rejoice, guide of all who struggle to put off the old man and be clothed in Christ.
Rejoice, good seed that brought forth fruit an hundred fold.
Rejoice, thou who through remembrance of death didst attain unto life.
Rejoice, thou who didst pass through the valley of the shadow of death.
Rejoice, for thy soul did find rest in the still waters of Christ.
Rejoice, Holy Elder Moses, righteous teacher of true spiritual wisdom!
Kontakion 8
As a true rebel against the spirit of the world, thou didst leave off all attachment to temporal things, forsake thy past life like a dream, and flee to the utter desert to be alone with God. Admiring thy courage we glorify God: Alleluia!
Ikos 8
Unaware of thy physical strength, a band of thieves foolishly tried to rob thy cell of earthly treasure that did not exist. Never missing a chance to save a soul, thou didst tie them up and drag them into church. In truth, thou didst take the Kingdom unto thy brother by force, showing him the power of faith. Marveling at thy mighty works we praise thee:
Rejoice, solid foundation of brotherly love.
Rejoice, thou who didst take no thought for food and raiment.
Rejoice, thou who didst follow the way of the cross by daily struggles.
Rejoice, thou who went from strength to strength to reach the Kingdom.
Rejoice, courageous soul that didst conquer fear by perfect love.
Rejoice, thou who ever abidest in God.
Rejoice, Holy Elder Moses, righteous teacher of true spiritual wisdom!
Kontakion 9
The angelic choirs were amazed at your prophetical end, as you foretold to your disciples, “He who lives by the sword shall die by the sword.” And so it was to be—you were slain with your disciples as sheep led to the slaughter, raising them up as brethren with you in the Eternal City, crying out to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 9
Wondrous things are spoken of you, O Holy Elder Moses, for the Most High Himself has established you within His holy gates. Calling upon your heavenly intercessions, we on earth cry out:
Rejoice, prophets of the Most High!
Rejoice, apostle of Christ!
Rejoice, preacher of the Good News!
Rejoice, holy elder of devoted disciples!
Rejoice, prince of the King of kings!
Rejoice, saint pleading before the throne of God for suffering humanity!
Rejoice, O Holy Elder Moses, righteous teacher of true spiritual wisdom!
Kontakion 10
Wishing to save the world, the Saviour of all has sent a brilliant star to shine upon those lost in darkness. Seeing thy life as a light in the night, teaching, enlightening, and guiding us, we cry out to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 10
Thou art a saving hand, O Father Moses, pulling up all who are drowning in a world of hate and confusion. Reaching out to thee, we ask for guidance in this life of trials and temptations. Ever hoping in God’s mercy we cry out in faith:
Rejoice, uplifter of the downtrodden.
Rejoice, guardian of the soul in despair.
Rejoice, consolation of those who weep.
Rejoice, calm harbor for those tossed on the waves of this life.
Rejoice, redemptive sufferer.
Rejoice, thou who dost lead us to seek the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Rejoice, Holy Elder Moses, righteous teacher of true spiritual wisdom!
Kontakion 11
As a co-struggler with the great Arsenius, thou didst share a bond of unity in the monastic mystery. While Arsenius practiced silence, thou didst exercise charity; sacrificing quietude to receive weary pilgrims with hospitality. With love thou didst feed many hungry souls, giving them strength to sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 11
True to the vision of the elder who saw great boats on the river, in the one was Arsenius with the Spirit of God traveling in silence, and thou was sailing in the other, accompanied by the angels and feeding a monk with sweet honey from the honeycomb. As recipients of thy lovingkindness we give thanks to thee thus:
Rejoice, warm heart of tender mercy.
Rejoice, thou who didst crucify thyself but didst show indulgence towards others.
Rejoice, thou who didst lay down thy life for thy brother.
Rejoice, river flowing into the sea of compassion.
Rejoice, thou whose Christianity was formed in the heart and manifest in deed.
Rejoice, thou who didst accept strangers as Christ Himself.
Rejoice, Holy Elder Moses, righteous teacher of true spiritual wisdom!
Kontakion 12
Timeless preacher of repentance for all who find themselves astray from God’s love, thou didst give hope to the hopeless reminding us that there is no sin that exceeds God’s mercy. Moved to compunction, we offer our tears and sacrifice our broken hearts crying out from the depths of our souls to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 12
Now swelling in the heavenly Zion, thou dost partake in the majestic glory of the Almighty. By thine all-powerful prayers, beseech Him to grant us the strength to overcome the temptations of sin and send down upon us peace and great mercy as we sing these praises:
Rejoice, thou who didst overcome the world.
Rejoice, flaming fire ablaze with the love of God.
Rejoice, guiding star of wise men.
Rejoice, thou who wast lifted up on the wings of the Spirit.
Rejoice, thou who didst fly away to the heavenly homeland.
Rejoice, thou who art dwelling in the bosom of Abraham.
Rejoice, Holy Elder Moses, righteous teacher of true spiritual wisdom!
Kontakion 13
O holy and righteous Elder Moses, brilliant sun shining down rays of hope upon a world eclipsed in darkness: hear our supplication that we offer unto thee; help us who seek God’s truth to be steadfast in fulfilling Christ’s commandments, and save from the pit of Gehenna all who cry to God: Alleluia!
(Repeat the above Kontakion 13, 3 times)
(Then continue below)
Ikos 1
In the days of thy youth, as a gang-leader thou wast a ravenous Wolf slaying sheep and murdering men. Yet in a moment of truth, God acted invisibly on thy conscience as thou wast about to commit a crime, opening the door to the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Following thy path toward the Light we sing these praises:
Rejoice, model of correction for those who have gone astray.
Rejoice, thou who didst die to earthly pleasures and resurrect in spirit.
Rejoice, thou who camest out of much tribulation.
Rejoice, oasis of faith in the desert of unbelief.
Rejoice, ancient treasure map for those seeking the pearl of great price. Rejoice, for thou didst find the Kingdom of God within thy heart.
Rejoice, Holy Elder Moses, righteous teacher of true spiritual wisdom!
Kontakion 1
Mighty ancient desert dweller of the Egyptian Thebaid, thy life is an everlasting memorial of the reconciliation between God and man. In thee we see the fullness of the fruits of repentance. Guide our steps onto the path of salvation as we call on thine all-powerful prayer.
Rejoice, Holy Elder Moses, righteous teacher of true spiritual wisdom!
Prayer to St. Moses
Thou didst forsake temporal riches, earthly fame, and fleshly pleasure and didst freely choose a life of poverty and deprivation to become rich in spirit. Having tasted the momentary sweetness of sin, thou didst foresee the bitter end that awaits a life of self-indulgence. Having stained thy hands with the blood of thy brother, thou didst foretaste the anguish of hell. From this pit, thou didst cry out to God Who raised thee up as a testimony of His almighty power. In thy ascent to near the Living God thou didst not spare thyself but willfully endured a life of hardship and struggle. By following the path of the Cross, thy soul was empowered by the might of the Holy Spirit, thy mind was illumined with the understanding of things divine, and thy heart was filled with the burning love of God for thy fellow man. And though thou didst live in ancient times and in a distant land, today we find ourselves faced with the same struggle to overcome the evil that lies within us. In these perilous times, we call on thy prayers—help us! For our brothers and sisters are dying daily and our children are born hopeless in a world barren of Christian love. Amidst these trials, we waver because our faith is weak and we know not how to endure suffering courageously. Pray that we be strengthened to live uprightly, walking in the light of the holy Gospel, ever seeking to do the will of God. And in the dreadful day of judgment, pray that we may be received with His Unoriginate Son, and His most holy and life-creating Spirit, to whom belongs all glory, honor, and worship, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.