ACATHIST HYMN
TO BLESSSED MARTYR BISHOP VASYL (VELYCHKOVSKY) C.Ss.R.
Kondak 1
O Unconquered Bishop and Martyr,
Wonderous Wonderworker, Vasyl our father,
We bring to you, our intercessor,
our faithfilled and endearing songs,
And you, who have confidence before the Lord,
free us from all harm and danger as we sing to you:
Rejoice, O Bishop and Martyr Vasyl,
glorious Champion for Christ!
Ikos 1
The angelic life you lived in this world, consecrating yourself to the Word of God, which you preached untiringly to the faithful for their salvation. When the fierce storm of ungodliness swept the nation, you remained faithful and suffered for the Word. Now as you stand before the Lord do not cease to intercede for us who sing to you:
Rejoice, O you who worshiped the Holy Trinity;
Rejoice, O you who were clothed with the grace of the Lord!
Rejoice, Good shepherd of your spiritual flock;
Rejoice, O Pillar of faith!
Rejoice, for you always loved the Lord;
Rejoice, for you always trusted in His Providence:
Rejoice, for you were on fire with the Word:
Rejoice, for you enlightened many souls!
Rejoice, O Bearer of the Cross of Christ;
Rejoice, O Defender of the faith;
Rejoice, O Enlightener of minds;
Rejoice, O Intercessor for all!
Rejoice, O Bishop and Martyr Vasyl,
glorious Champion for Christ!
Kondak 2
From your youth you lived in an atmosphere of prayer, as your priestly father led you to know the Lord, daily encountering Him in the Holy Mysteries, and together with your mother you served the poor, and came to love them, thus you learnt to sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 2
A holy mystery was revealed to you when as a young child your mother brought you to the Mother of God, where a pious monk dedicated you under her care. Throughout your life you had the Blessed Virgin as a companion and guide as she led you to dedicate yourself to her Son, Jesus, and she leads us now to sing to you:
Rejoice, O you who had the ‘Ave’ on your lips;
Rejoice, O you who had the beads in your hands;
Rejoice, O you who placed your trust in her;
Rejoice, O You who sought her protection!
Rejoice, for she led you to the angelic life;
Rejoice, for she protected you from death;
Rejoice, for her you bore insults and abuse;
Rejoice, for she was your strength!
Rejoice, for you led others to her;
Rejoice, for you enflamed them with love;
Rejoice, for she led you to Christ;
Rejoice, for you received her as your mother!
Rejoice, O Bishop and Martyr Vasyl,
glorious Champion for Christ!
Kondak 3
As war raged around you, you offered yourself to God’s providence. Though arrested and imprisoned you trusted in God to save you. When through His wisdom you found freedom, you sang out to Him: Alleluia!
Ikos 3
Inspired by the Word of God, the Blessed One hastened to study the Word and followed his father’s footsteps to the priesthood. Through prayer, the Spirit led him to a life of virginity and as a deacon he received the Redemptorist habit, joining the sons of St. Alphonsus. The Spirit also leads us to sing:
Rejoice, for you sought Christ the Teacher, the Redeemer of our souls;
Rejoice, for you lost your life to find it in Christ;
Rejoice, for you bought the pearl of great price;
Rejoice, for you found the hidden treasure!
Rejoice, for you thirsted for the Truth;
Rejoice, for you fed on the Word;
Rejoice, for you renounced the world;
Rejoice, for you chose the kingdom.
Rejoice, for you embraced the angelic life;
Rejoice, your trust in God’s providence was profound;
Rejoice, the Spirit filled you with zeal;
Rejoice, the Word took flesh in you!
Rejoice, O Bishop and Martyr Vasyl,
glorious Champion for Christ!
Kondak 4
Having completed your study of the Word, you received the grace of the priesthood. As the bishop’s hands were laid upon you, the Spirit of the Lord enveloped you, the Spirit who fulfills all that is lacking, and you, filled with joy, cried out: Alleluia!
Ikos 4
While enlightening young minds, your heart burned with zeal to proclaim His Word. You brought to the poor immigrants of Volyn the compassion and mercy of God. Your preaching gave them the true faith and a love for the Lord and thus we sing to you:
Rejoice, O golden-mouthed orator;
Rejoice, for in simplicity you proclaimed the Word of God;
Rejoice, O Bearer of the Good News;
Rejoice, O Enkindler of the Flame!
Rejoice, for you renewed the true faith;
Rejoice, for you restored those who were lost;
Rejoice, for you brought food to the hungry;
Rejoice, for you quenched those who thirst for truth!
Rejoice, for you were one with the poor;
Rejoice, for you brought them life;
Rejoice, for you showed them the path of devotion;
Rejoice, O Proclaimer of hope!
Rejoice, O Bishop and Martyr Vasyl,
glorious Champion for Christ!
Kondak 5
The enemies of the church were quick to oppose you, for you enlivened the people with the true faith. They sought to expel you and falsely accused you. Remembering the words of Christ who blessed the persecuted, you rejoiced and sang out: Alleluia!
Ikos 5
Returning to Halych, you continued to be the mouthpiece of the Lord. Like the apostles you toured the villages with the Word of God, seeking to bring people to a deep conversion of life, leaving sin and receiving Christ. Together with all those who heard your voice and were moved by the Word, we bring this song to you:
Rejoice, untiring missionary of Christ;
Rejoice, O Seeker of souls;
Rejoice, O Thunder of God;
Rejoice, O Balm for sinners!
Rejoice, Proclaimer of the mercy of God;
Rejoice, O Doctor of souls;
Rejoice, Compassion of Christ;
Rejoice, O Healer of wounds!
Rejoice, for you proclaimed the salvation of God;
Rejoice, for you brought us to repentance;
Rejoice, for you led us to the knowledge of God;
Rejoice, for you showed us His mercy!
Rejoice, O Bishop and Martyr Vasyl,
glorious Champion for Christ!
Kondak 6
In honor of our Mother of Perpetual Help, you processed through the streets with the people. For this, the ungodly ones arrested you and began to beat you. But you kept your mind and eyes on the Virgin, who strengthened and comforted you. When you were released from them, you sang out: Alleluia!
Ikos 6
As the flames of war engulfed the city of Ternopil, you freely and courageously entered it and sought out the most abandoned. Protected from death, you ministered to the orphans and to those who could not leave. For you became a shining light and a source of hope for all those crushed by the terror of evil, and we, encouraged by your resolve, now sing to you:
Rejoice, O Pillar of strength;
Rejoice, O Steadfast love;
Rejoice, O Courage of faith;
Rejoice, Abandoned to Christ!
Rejoice, for you sought out the poor;
Rejoice, O Consolation for the ill;
Rejoice, for you shared their cross;
Rejoice, for you did not abandon them!
Rejoice, O Selfless gift;
Rejoice, O Undying trust;
Rejoice, O Bearer of Christ;
Rejoice, O Faithful resolve!
Rejoice, O Bishop and Martyr Vasyl,
glorious Champion for Christ!
Kondak 7
As the enemy pursued you, you ran to the Mother of God, seeking her wisdom. Like Christ in the garden, you came to your persecutors and did not resist them, but placed your hands in theirs. When offered freedom you chose Christ and for this they arrested you and thus you sang out: Alleluia!
Ikos 7
Leaving the freedom of the world and embracing Christ, you were flogged and beaten by the ungodly. Interrogated and falsely accused, you were sentenced to die by firing squad. While on death row the Lord led you to bring his Word and His salvation to your fellow prisoners. They found a new freedom in Christ and together with them we sing to you:
Rejoice, for you brought hope to the hopeless;
Rejoice, for you were a light in the darkness;
Rejoice, for you freed those imprisoned by sin;
Rejoice, for you showed forth the mercy of God!
Rejoice, for you opened the unenlightened minds;
Rejoice, for you fed the starving hearts;
Rejoice, for you shared the Bread of Life;
Rejoice, for you brought them to penance!
Rejoice, O Hope for the dying;
Rejoice, O Confidence in eternal life;
Rejoice, O Surety in the Cross of Christ;
Rejoice, O Readiness for death!
Rejoice, O Bishop and Martyr Vasyl,
glorious Champion for Christ!
Kondak 8
For three months you stood on the threshold of death, awaiting the martyr’s crown. With joy in your heart you left your cell ready to die for Christ. But then, you were sent instead to the death camps of Siberia. Embracing this new Cross you sang out: Alleluia!
Ikos 8
With many others you suffered greatly in the dark coal mines of the North, sharing in the Cross of Christ. Secretly you offered the sacrifice of the Lord and fed the multitudes. Courageously you professed your faith even to the ungodly. Though punished severely, you fixed your gaze upon Jesus and therefore we sing to you:
Rejoice, for you received the crown of thorns!
Rejoice, for you were bound to the pillar of pain!
Rejoice, for you carried the full weight of the Cross!
Rejoice, for you were stripped before the ungodly!
Rejoice, for you drank the cup of sorrow!
Rejoice, for you were baptized in the bath of pain!
Rejoice, O Light of Christ!
Rejoice, O Joy of the kingdom!
Rejoice, for you bore insults for Christ!
Rejoice, for you were falsely accused!
Rejoice, O Glory of Christ!
Rejoice, O Flame unextinguished!
Rejoice, O Bishop and Martyr Vasyl,
glorious Champion for Christ!
Kondak 9
Returning to Lviv after your imprisonment, you saw the enslavement of those who followed Christ, for the ungodly sought to destroy the Church even though the gates of hell cannot prevail against it. Joining those persecuted, you courageously brought them the Word of God. Seeing grace abound you sang out: Alleluia!
Ikos 9
Like to Peter the Lord asked you “Do you love me?” With your generous “Yes” the Lord said: “Feed my sheep!” As a good shepherd you put on the yoke and carried the Lamb, becoming a bishop for your people. With gratitude for your generosity we sing to you:
Rejoice, O good Shepherd;
Rejoice, for you were clothed with Grace;
Rejoice, O Presence of Christ;
Rejoice, O Joy of the Banquet!
Rejoice, for you taught the young;
Rejoice, for you fed the poor;
Rejoice, for you gave courage to the weak!;
Rejoice, for you consoled the mournful!
Rejoice, O Fountain of Mercy;
Rejoice, O Bestower of Grace;
Rejoice, O Teacher of Truth;
Rejoice, O Pastor of souls!
Rejoice, O Bishop and Martyr Vasyl,
glorious Champion for Christ!
Kondak 10
The Grace of God flowed from you as you clothed others with the priesthood. For Christ did not leave his people orphaned but rather remained with them, fed them and saved them. Though persecuted the Church grew strong, being formed by the Cross of Christ, and you, its shepherd, sang out: Alleluia!
Ikos 10
Pursued by the enemy again you were arrested. The ungodly sought to destroy you, to silence your voice, and to scatter the sheep. The Cross of Christ was now placed on your shoulders and under its heavy weight you fell to the ground: your body broken, your mind destroyed, your emotions shattered, but your love of God and your faith in Him remained on a solid rock and so we sing to you:
Rejoice, O Sacrifice of the Lamb;
Rejoice, O Expiation for our sins;
Rejoice, O Unceasing Prayer;
Rejoice, O Faithful disciple!
Rejoice, for by your wounds we are healed;
Rejoice, for by your suffering we are enlightened;
Rejoice, O Clear Witness for Christ;
Rejoice, O Martyr Divine!
Rejoice, O Lover of Christ;
Rejoice, O Faithful son;
Rejoice, O Bearer of pain;
Rejoice, O Champion of faith!
Rejoice, O Bishop and Martyr Vasyl,
glorious Champion for Christ!
Kondak 11
For three years you suffered greatly, endured much torture and pain for the sake of Christ. Near death, the ungodly ones release you, knowing that your days were numbered. You were driven from your native land and like the Suffering Servant you became a foreigner in a foreign land. Receiving this as the Lord’s will you sang out: Alleluia!
Ikos 11
Received by the New World you came to your own, though your own knew you not. For they could not recognize the one who once preached to millions – now silenced by the tortures he received. But your faith shone forth by your silent witness and thus we sing to you:
Rejoice, O Silent One who spoke loudly to us;
Rejoice, O Tender One who showed us compassion;
Rejoice, O Shepherd who brought us the Word;
Rejoice, O Witness to the Power of God!
Rejoice, for you drank the cup of Christ;
Rejoice, for you paid the full price of love;
Rejoice, for you lost your life and found Christ;
Rejoice, for He clothed you with His Spirit!
Rejoice, O Trophy of the Church;
Rejoice, O Glory of the Cross;
Rejoice, O Power of the Resurrection;
Rejoice, O Life eternal!
Rejoice, O Bishop and Martyr Vasyl,
glorious Champion for Christ!
Kondak 12
Having completed the journey of life and succumbing to the tortures you received for the sake of Christ, you breathe your last, commending your spirit into the hands of the Lord. You fell asleep in the Lord and your mortal body was placed on Canadian soil, where it remains with us, and so we raise our voices and sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 12
Having fulfilled God’s Will, like Christ you laid down your life for our salvation. Now you stand with countless martyrs before His Face. Do not leave us orphaned, but intercede for us that we may be with you as now we sing:
Rejoice, O Wellspring of living water;
Rejoice, O Healing for the sick;
Rejoice, O Ointment for the soul;
Rejoice, O Harbor for the lost!
Rejoice, for you call us to repentance;
Rejoice, for you show us the Face of Christ;
Rejoice, for you heal the broken heart;
Rejoice, for you restore the health of our bodies!
Rejoice, for you do not abandon us;
Rejoice, for you lead us to Christ;
Rejoice, O Bishop for all;
Rejoice, O Martyr for Christ!
Rejoice, O Bishop and Martyr Vasyl,
glorious Champion for Christ!
Kondak 13
* O holy martyr and our father Bishop Vasyl,
Receive our humble prayer and protect us
from all danger and misfortune that may befall us.*
Intercede in our behalf before the Lord,
and deliver us from every visible and invisible enemy.*
Be our guide to life eternal and to salvation
and lead us on the path of holiness as we sing: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
(Repeat Ikos 1 and Kondak 1)
Ikos 1
The angelic life you lived in this world, consecrating yourself to the Word of God, which you preached untiringly to the faithful for their salvation. When the fierce storm of ungodliness swept the nation, you remained faithful and suffered for the Word. Now as you stand before the Lord do not cease to intercede for us who sing to you:
Rejoice, O you who worshiped the Holy Trinity;
Rejoice, O you who were clothed with the grace of the Lord!
Rejoice, Good shepherd of your spiritual flock;
Rejoice, O Pillar of faith!
Rejoice, for you always loved the Lord;
Rejoice, for you always trusted in His Providence:
Rejoice, for you were on fire with the Word:
Rejoice, for you enlightened many souls!
Rejoice, O Bearer of the Cross of Christ;
Rejoice, O Defender of the faith;
Rejoice, O Enlightener of minds;
Rejoice, O Intercessor for all!
Rejoice, O Bishop and Martyr Vasyl,
glorious Champion for Christ!
Kondak 1
O Unconquered Bishop and Martyr,
Wonderous Wonderworker, Vasyl our father,
We bring to you, our intercessor,
our faithfilled and endearing songs,
And you, who have confidence before the Lord,
free us from all harm and danger as we sing to you:
Rejoice, O Bishop and Martyr Vasyl,
glorious Champion for Christ!
Prayer
O great and holy martyr, our blessed father Vasyl, you were on fire with God’s Word and have followed His Will even unto death. You have been sanctified and purified by the Cross and now you stand in God’s Presence wearing the martyr’s crown interceding on our behalf. You, who have confidence before the Lord, pray for us who come to you with love and devotion. For we come to you with all our needs knowing that Lord hears His faithful ones. Intercede for us before the Almighty God, that each one receives according to their needs; bring comfort to the sorrowful and hope to the lost; heal the sick; give courage to the young; bring a change of heart to all those who fall into sin; enlighten our minds with the truth of the Gospel; inspire us always to follow Christ; help us always to choose the good; give us courage in times of distress, faith in times of despair, hope in times of darkness; and strengthen our commitment to love our Lord. Grant that each one of us be saved through the grace and mercy of God, that together with you we may praise and glorify Him who is wondrous in His saints: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.