An Akathist (Greek for "Standing Up") is a type of extended devotional hymn used both in church and at home. This first volume contains six Akathist hymns to the Lord Jesus Christ (to our Sweetest Lord Jesus Christ, the Divine Passion of Christ, the Precious Cross, the Tomb and the Resurrection of the Lord, the Resurrection of Christ, and for Holy Communion; four Akathist hymns to the Mother of God (to the Most Holy Theotokos, the Dormition of the Theotokos, the Joy of All Who Sorrow, and the Kursk Root Ion of the Sign); and twelve to various saints (St. Alexis the Man of God; the Holy Great Martyr George, St. Herman of Alaska, St. John the Baptist, St. John of Kronstadt, St. John the Theologian, the Holy Archangel Michael, St. Nicholas, the Holy Great Martyr Panteleimon, St. Seraphim of Sarov, St. Simon the Zealot, and for the Repose of the Departed. Also contains music for typical akathist refrains.

An Akathist (Greek for "Standing Up") is a type of extended devotional hymn used both in church and at home. This second volume contains Akathist hymns for the Ascension and Nativity of Christ, an Akathist to the Holy Spirit, for seven different icons of the Mother of God, and the following other Saints: St.'s Ambrose of Optina, Anthony & Theodosius of the Caves of Kiev, the Father's of Athos, Basil the Great, Hieromartyr Cyprian, the New Martyr Elizabeth, Faith, Hope and Love with Sophia their mother, John of Shanghai, Juliana the Merciful, the Apostle Luke, Mary of Egypt the Apostle Matthew, new Martyr Maximus Sandovich, Fr. Moses of the Carpathians, the Elders of Optina, Photius of Constantinople, Theophan the Recluse and the Holy Martyr Zlata of Mglen. Beautifully bound and printed. In traditional English.

Eventually, everyone comes to dwell in darkness for a time. That is when we need to turn to Jesus, the only Light of the world and the only rescue for those in pain and despair. We break through the darkness by offering praise to God. This akathist is offered to all who sojourn in the darkness, with the prayer that they will use such praises as this to break through.

Zion in the Old Testament is a type of the Holy Mother of God. As God chose to dwell in Zion and thus blessed and glorified her, so God also chose to dwell in Mary and to bless and glorify her. In the New Testament, Jerusalem is revealed as both a virgin and a mother¿just like the Holy Theotokos. This akathist draws on scriptures that reveal this image of Mary as Zion, so that we may see anew Christ's Gospel work revealed in the Old Testament.

Matushka Olga was the wife of a Yupik priest in an Alaskan village. She was not only mother to her own eight surviving children, but also spiritual mother to those in her parish. Olga served quietly, working as midwife in her village and constantly caring for the needy. She had a special gift in working with those who suffered abuse, especially sexual abuse. After her repose on November 8, 1979, many people experienced her coming to them in dreams, bringing her healing gifts. Matushka Olga¿s sanctity reveals the possibilities for genuine theosis and holiness, even for those living in the world.

Edited by Vassilios Papavassiliou, the Ancient Faith Prayer Book brings together the most ancient and popular prayers of Orthodox Christians with some additions that address issues of modern life, all rendered in elegant contemporary English and presented in a compact format (4.5 X 7 inches) for ease of use. NOW AVAILABLE WITH A BURGUNDY COVER.

A daily prayer book following the Tradition of the Russian Orthodox Church. This book is ideal for daily personal use. Included are Morning and Evening Prayers; Prayers at Meals: Akathists to our Sweetest Jesus Christ and our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God; Canon of Preparation for Holy Communion; Thanksgiving after Holy Communion; and The Order for Reading Canons and Akathists When Alone.