Akathist Hymns

Akathist Hymns are well-loved services of devotion in the Orthodox Church.

Akathist comes from the Greek word, “akathistos” which literally means “not sitting”… and is traditionally read and sung with all participants standing while the service is being prayed. The first and ancient Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos below, was composed in the imperial city of Constantinople, by St. Romanos the Melodist, who reposed in the year 556 A.D.

Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos

Many other Akathist Hymns have been written following its [original] format. These include Akathists to Our Lord Jesus Christ, to the Mother of God – our Most Holy Theotokos, to the Guardian Angel, and various other Saints. The hymn is comprised of 24 stanzas, alternating long and short. Each short stanza (kontakion) ends with the singing of “Alleluia.” Each longer stanza (ikos) ends with the refrain: “Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded.” The majority of the hymn is made up of praises directed to the Mother of God, always beginning with the salutation of the Archangel Gabriel: “Rejoice.” In each of them, one after the other, all the events related to our Lord’s incarnation pass before us for our contemplation. The Archangel Gabriel ( in Ikos 1) marvels at the Divine self-emptying and the renewal of creation which will occur when Christ comes to dwell in the Virgin’s womb. The unborn John the Baptist (Ikos 3) prophetically rejoices. The shepherds (Ikos 4) recognize Christ as a blameless Lamb, and rejoice that in the Virgin “the things of earth join chorus with the heavens.” The pagan Magi, (Kontakion 5) following the light of the star, praise Her for revealing the light of the world. As the hymn progresses, various individuals and groups encounter Christ and His Mother. Each has his own need; each his own desire or expectation, and each finds his or her own particular spiritual need satisfied and fulfilled in Our Lord and in the Mother of God. So too, each generation of Orthodox, and each particular person who has prayed the Akathist, has found in this hymn an inspired means of expressing gratitude and praise to the Mother of God for what she has accomplished for their salvation. In the same way, may the readers of this Hymn find the Mother of God to be a help and consolation for their souls as well. ~ Fr. Michael Carney

Akathist of The Inexhaustible Cup 

The Akathist of The Inexhaustible Cup is prayed specifically for those struggling with many forms of substance abuse, including drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, food, and more. It has been a source for the Virgin Mary to work many miracles and healings for those who are battling various types of addiction.  Also, this Akathist can be read by those seeking help for themselves, and also prayed by those praying in behalf of other individuals with addictions.