Akathist to Saints Peter and Fevronia of Murom

Kontakion 1

Let us honor with deep respect Saints Peter and Fevronia, the holy protectors of marriage. They stand like sanctified branches growing from Christ the true Vine, and like rivers of divine wisdom that flow with good deeds, bringing joy and refreshment to the hearts of the faithful. In our minds, we picture them as the gentle, life-giving rivers of Paradise itself. So, with humble hearts, let us bow down our thoughts before them in reverence, then lift them up again in joyful songs, singing: Alleluia!

Ikos 1

Living with all wisdom, you, Saints Peter and Fevronia, strengthened the spiritual love between you with unceasing prayer to Christ, Who deigned to show you an icon of the building love of the city of salvation, which you pray that those who honor you may also acquire:

Rejoice, heavenly flowers of Light;
Rejoice, incorruptible bond of love;
Rejoice, hills of the Kingdom of Heaven;
Rejoice, vessels sanctified with the oil of wisdom;
Rejoice, incorruptible seals of purity;
Rejoice, you who have united in one thought to perfection;
Rejoice, sanctified mirrors of the mysteries of the Spirit;
Rejoice, unquenchable torches of piety;
Rejoice, stars that adorn the vault of the Church;
Rejoice, example of love unshaken by temptations;
Rejoice, for you had Christ as your Guide;
Rejoice, for you loved life in asceticism for the Truth;
Rejoice, Saints Peter and Fevronia, the mysterious crown of the faithful well-pleasing to the Lord!

Kontakion 2

You were appointed ruler of the Murom region by divine providence, Saint Peter, to guide the faithful people to the King of life, to whom the angelic hosts sing unceasingly: Alleluia!

Ikos 2

The beginning of your reign, Saint Peter, was marked by a terrible weakness of the body, but the Lord, in His unfathomable wisdom, permitted this illness to merit you with great joy of soul; as one who has now found boldness towards Christ, pray that He may heal our bodily pains and unite us all in His perfect love, so that all with one voice may sing to you thus:

Rejoice, for you endured illness without murmuring;
Rejoice, for you humbly bore the cross of weakness;
Rejoice, for through short pain the Lord has prepared eternal joy for you;
Rejoice, anchor of divine hopes;
Rejoice, strengthening of those gripped by weakness;
Rejoice, unbreakable rock of prayer;
Rejoice, for you placed all your hope in the mercy of the Lord;
Rejoice, vessel full of the mysterious myrrh of wisdom;
Rejoice, worthy ruler of Murom;
Rejoice, book in which the divine will was written;
Rejoice, defender of the faithful in dangers;
Rejoice, for you help us to guard ourselves from the snares of temptations;
Rejoice, Saint Peter, unshakable rock of the confession of the love of Christ!

Kontakion 3

You accepted the disturbance of bodily illness without murmuring, placing all your hope in Christ, Who heard your sighs on your bed of pain and comforted them with songs of: Alleluia!

Ikos 3

One of those who served at the prince’s court had heard of the daughter of a sugar merchant who was very skilled in healing diseases with herbs; being called to your aid, Saint Peter, she lovingly came to help you, becoming an example of kindness to those who praise her thus:

Rejoice, for you have put your wisdom at the service of good;
Rejoice, for you are counted among the doctors without silver;
Rejoice, goodness that surpasses the boundaries of nature;
Rejoice, for you healed the infirmities of the body only with herbs;
Rejoice, for you have sought with mercy even the prince tested in illness;
Rejoice, for Christ has enlightened you to heal him;
Rejoice, for you have loved heavenly things more than the world;
Rejoice, for age has not been an obstacle to your virtue;
Rejoice, for you overcame bodily ailments with your skill;
Rejoice, for you dispelled our sorrows with your prayer;
Rejoice, for you turned your desire to heavenly things;
Rejoice, mirror of innocence;
Rejoice, Saint Fevronia, wise guide to the Kingdom of Heaven!

Kontakion 4

With the beauty of your body and especially with the humility of your spirit, you shone, Saint Fevronia, always having upon you the blessing of God, to whom you sang unceasingly with thanksgiving: Alleluia!

Ikos 4

With great mercy, Saint Peter, you were cared for by the wise daughter of the sugarcane farmer, and you rejoiced in spirit seeing her adorned with all virtue; but you also with piety and gratitude thanked the Lord for the gift received, and we sing to you with thanksgiving for your intercession for us thus:

Rejoice, for the Lord has taken you under the wings of His goodness;
Rejoice, for you have been made worthy of God’s merciful attention;
Rejoice, for you have been delivered from the waves of illness;
Rejoice, most beautiful star of Wisdom;
Rejoice, for illness has led you on the path of joy;
Rejoice, for you have rejoiced in the help of the merciful girl;
Rejoice, for you have overcome the terrible illness;
Rejoice, for Christ has crowned you for your patience;
Rejoice, dispelling of the sorrow of the fallen;
Rejoice, consolation of the oppressed;
Rejoice, ray of joy of the suffering;
Rejoice, for the Savior has poured out rivers of healing upon you;
Rejoice, Saint Peter, unshakable rock of the confession of Christ’s love!

Kontakion 5

Knowing Saint Peter closely, the spiritual beauty of the honest Fevronia, sprouted in your heart the ears of true love that the angels bless, glorifying the Creator in songs of: Alleluia!

Ikos 5

Putting love above all else, Saint Peter wanted to marry you, wise Fevronia, although you were not a princess, facing all the reproaches of those subject to tradition; and we, praising his good decision, magnify you with praises such as these:

Rejoice, vessel of piety;
Rejoice, for you have drunk from the wisdom of the Spirit;
Rejoice, for you have slandered worldly thoughts;
Rejoice, for Christ has rewarded your great humility;
Rejoice, for you have been worthy to be the wife of the prince;
Rejoice, for you have sought first the Kingdom of Heaven;
Rejoice, for you have labored on the paths of Life;
Rejoice, for you had a merciful heart towards all;
Rejoice, for you have shone especially with the beauty of your soul;
Rejoice, joyful palace of the Lord of all;
Rejoice, mirror of the beauties of the Spirit;
Rejoice, crown of those who love wisdom;
Rejoice, Saint Fevronia, wise guide to the Kingdom of Heaven!

Kontakion 6

The boyars, full of envy, could not bear to see you, Saint Fevronia, in the honor of princess, being taken from the common people, and they did not know how to sing to the Lord with thanksgiving: Alleluia!

Ikos 6

Your soul was torn with grief for the wickedness of the boyars, Saint Peter, for they did not understand that the adornment of virtues is of greater value to God than the inheritance of an honorable name; but we, praising your good inclination of heart, honor you with these crowns of praise:

Rejoice, for you followed the path of the divine will;
Rejoice, for you chose a bride pleasing to the Lord;
Rejoice, for you rejected the evil counsel of the boyars;
Rejoice, for you received your wife as a gift from the Lord;
Rejoice, for you opened the eyes of your soul to the sight of the truth;
Rejoice, for you crossed the bridge of true love;
Rejoice, for you chose the path of marriage to sanctification;
Rejoice, for you overcame the temptations of enemies;
Rejoice, for you were amazed at their wickedness;
Rejoice, for you followed the good thought to the end;
Rejoice, for you resisted human thoughts;
Rejoice, for you inherited the Kingdom above;
Rejoice, Saint Peter, unshakable rock of the confession of Christ’s love!

Kontakion 7

The boyars, enslaved to wickedness, asked you, Saint Peter, to leave your wife, but you, obeying the law of the Lord, resisted the evil one’s plan, singing to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 7

You were expelled from the city as evildoers, but the bond of love between you grew stronger, having Christ as your constant guide on the paths of life; praising your patience, Saint Fevronia, we magnify you with songs like these:

Rejoice, for you endured the contempt of the boyars with kindness;
Rejoice, for you were not afraid of harsh persecution;
Rejoice, for you fought to the end for pure love;
Rejoice, for you did not heed evil words;
Rejoice, for you watered the flower of your love with tears;
Rejoice, for you had Christ as your strength;
Rejoice, for you did not chase vain glory;
Rejoice, for you sought spiritual love;
Rejoice, for you carried yourself above revenge;
Rejoice, for you have presented your sorrows to the Lord;
Rejoice, for sorrow has not overcome you;
Rejoice, example for wise wives;
Rejoice, Saint Fevronia, wise guide to the Kingdom of Heaven!

Kontakion 8

Sorrow gripped you, Saint Peter, when you saw the wickedness of the boyars who had cast you out of the city, but your heart rejoiced at the wise words of your wife, who sang to the Lord: Alleluia!

Ikos 8

In a boat you set out on your journey, traveling the turbulent sea of life in the same boat of flourishing love; your unwavering love for your wife we praise, Saint Peter, honoring you thus:

Rejoice, for you valued your wife’s love more;
Rejoice, for you kept the commandments of Christ;
Rejoice, for you endured the thorns of persecution;
Rejoice, for you did not grieve over the loss of your kingdom;
Rejoice, for you valued your wife’s love more;
Rejoice, example of sacrifice in following the Cross;
Rejoice, for the angels strengthened you on the path of wandering;
Rejoice, for you loved lawful marriage;
Rejoice, for you valued the virtues of Saint Fevronia;
Rejoice, for you did not let yourself be overcome by human glory;
Rejoice, for the Lord visited you in your sorrow;
Rejoice, for you extinguished the fire of pain with words of faith;
Rejoice, Saint Peter, unshakable rock of the confession of Christ’s love!

Kontakion 9

You encouraged your husband with wise words, Saint Fevronia, comforting his soul saddened by the wickedness of the boyars, and we, magnifying your spiritual strength, sing to the Lord: Alleluia!

Ikos 9

Your wise words, O honest Fevronia, like an understanding honey, settled in the honeycomb of your husband’s soul, sweetening his bitterness of persecution; and visit us in our sorrows with your prayers, so that we may honor you with love thus:

Rejoice, for according to the word of the Lord you comforted your husband;
Rejoice, unshakable support of Saint Peter;
Rejoice, treasure of true love;
Rejoice, sacrifice well received before the Lord;
Rejoice, honor of your humble husband;
Rejoice, haven of the stormy;
Rejoice, strengthening of the wives of the faithful;
Rejoice, the mysterious wisdom of virgins;
Rejoice, guiding light of those tested in temptations;
Rejoice, for you drive away the cloud of temptations from families;
Rejoice, for you are a quick prayer in troubles;
Rejoice, for you strengthen the blessed love between spouses;
Rejoice, Saint Fevronia, wise guide to the Kingdom of Heaven!

Kontakion 10

The storm of troubles has descended upon the city of Murom because of the injustice committed by the boyars, but you secretly pray to the Lord that divine justice may be revealed, crying out with the voice of your heart: Alleluia!

Ikos 10

The people, moved by the sad events that took place in the city, attributed their troubles to the injustice committed by the boyars and demanded your return to the kingdom; rejoicing in the work of divine justice, O long-suffering Peter, we praise you thus:

Rejoice, for you valued love more than human glory;
Rejoice, for you strengthened yourself on the rock of patience;
Rejoice, for you endured harsh rebukes with forbearance;
Rejoice, for you faced the storm of persecution;
Rejoice, for you found rest for your soul near your wife;
Rejoice, icon of sacrifice for the married;
Rejoice, haven of the wronged;
Rejoice, for you rejoiced in the repentance of your enemies;
Rejoice, for you were received again into the city;
Rejoice, seal of the good-fruitful love;
Rejoice, light of the persecuted;
Rejoice, shame of those who have grown old in wickedness;
Rejoice, Saint Peter, unshakable rock of the confession of the love of Christ!

Kontakion 11

With glory and honor, like conquerors in patience, you returned to the city of Murom and shone with deeds of mercy, unceasingly singing to the Merciful One with love: Alleluia!

Ikos 11

Your love for the poor and your running along the paths of virtue have shown you icons of divine beauty, with the rays of which you illuminate us too; and you, Saint Fevronia, receive from us wreaths of hymns like these:

Rejoice, glory of Saint Peter;
Rejoice, diligent fulfiller of the divine commandments;
Rejoice, for you have cared for the poor;
Rejoice, gate of escape for the afflicted;
Rejoice, perfect conqueror over passions;
Rejoice, for you have filled the poor with joy;
Rejoice, for you have comforted the sorrowful;
Rejoice, unquenchable candle of faith;
Rejoice, joy of the ascetics for Christ;
Rejoice, for with sweet words you have driven away sorrow;
Rejoice, for you have borne above the waves of temptations;
Rejoice, enlightened guide of the darkened;
Rejoice, Saint Fevronia, wise guide to the Kingdom of Heaven!

Kontakion 12

Before your earthly end, you put on the monastic robe, desiring to move to heavenly things, wearing the white robe of the soul, through which, having the angelic likeness, you would sing to the Lord: Alleluia!

Ikos 12

On the same day and in the same coffin you were buried, so that you might appear before the Lord united in the bond of love, receiving from all wreaths of praise such as these:

Rejoice, unceasing suppliants for the strengthening of families;
Rejoice, our solitaries to the heavenly Father;
Rejoice, those who intercede for our union in love;
Rejoice, unset stars of heavenly wisdom;
Rejoice, foundation of our joy;
Rejoice, unceasing examples of propriety;
Rejoice, unfading flowers of Paradise;
Rejoice, protectors of the newlyweds;
Rejoice, unceasing example of loving sacrifice;
Rejoice, unshakable towers of the Kingdom;
Rejoice, for now you delight in the light of eternity;
Rejoice, sanctified paths of Truth;
Rejoice, Saints Peter and Fevronia, the mysterious crown of the faithful well-pleasing to the Lord!

Kontakion 13

O Saints Peter and Fevronia, the icon of sacrificial love, who have preserved the bond of your blessed love unbroken by the multitude of temptations, strengthen our souls on the rock of spiritual love, defend the city of our families from all the turmoil of the enemy, guarding us from the arrows of temptations, so that we may sing to the Lord without ceasing: Alleluia!

(Repeat the above Kontakion 13, 3 times)
(Then continue below)

Ikos 1

Living with all wisdom, you, Saints Peter and Fevronia, strengthened the spiritual love between you with unceasing prayer to Christ, Who deigned to show you an icon of the building love of the city of salvation, which you pray that those who honor you may also acquire:

Rejoice, heavenly flowers of Light;
Rejoice, incorruptible bond of love;
Rejoice, hills of the Kingdom of Heaven;
Rejoice, vessels sanctified with the oil of wisdom;
Rejoice, incorruptible seals of purity;
Rejoice, you who have united in one thought to perfection;
Rejoice, sanctified mirrors of the mysteries of the Spirit;
Rejoice, unquenchable torches of piety;
Rejoice, stars that adorn the vault of the Church;
Rejoice, example of love unshaken by temptations;
Rejoice, for you had Christ as your Guide;
Rejoice, for you loved life in asceticism for the Truth;
Rejoice, Saints Peter and Fevronia, the mysterious crown of the faithful well-pleasing to the Lord!

Kontakion 1

Let us honor with deep respect Saints Peter and Fevronia, the holy protectors of marriage. They stand like sanctified branches growing from Christ the true Vine, and like rivers of divine wisdom that flow with good deeds, bringing joy and refreshment to the hearts of the faithful. In our minds, we picture them as the gentle, life-giving rivers of Paradise itself. So, with humble hearts, let us bow down our thoughts before them in reverence, then lift them up again in joyful songs, singing: Alleluia!

Prayer

O great favorites of God and all-wondrous wonderworkers, right-believing Prince Peter and Princess Fevronia, intercessors for the city of Murom, preservers of honourable marriage and diligent advocates for all of us before the Lord! In the days of your earthly life you showed forth a model of piety, Christian love and fidelity one to another, and thereby glorified lawful and blessed marriage. Therefore, we have recourse unto your prayer with mighty zeal: Offer your holy supplications unto the Lord God for us sinners, and ask for us all things of goodly benefit to our souls and bodies: right faith, good hope, unfeigned love, unshakable piety, success in good works; and by your supplications grant even more unto those united by the bond of matrimony chastity, love for one another in the bond of peace, oneness of mind of souls and bodies, an unsullied marriage bed, blameless journey as exiles upon the earth, long-lived descendants, the favor of children, homes full of goodness, love and respect for all in monastic orders, and the imperishable crown of everlasting glory in eternal life.

Yes, O wonderworkers of God, do not disdain our songs which are offered unto you with love, but be our merciful intercessors before the Lord, and make us worthy through your holy supplications to receive the salvation of our souls and bodies, and the increase of faith, and to stand blameless at the dread Judgment Seat of Christ, and to enter into the everlasting Kingdom of His glory, that with joy we may magnify the unapproachable Name of the All-holy Trinity: the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, unto the ages of ages. Amen.