Met. Tikhon of Washington (OCA): Reflection on the Saturday of the Akathist

The following reflection was originally posted to the OCA website as part of an ongoing series of His Eminence's reflections titled Reflections in Christ.

"In the sacred tradition of the Holy Eastern Orthodox Church, the importance of the Akathist hymn to the Mother of God can scarcely be overstated. As the lives of many saints and ascetics amply demonstrate, this hymn is a boundless well from which we draw joy in sorrows, resolution in trials, and comfort in afflictions. The words of the Akathist have accompanied many saints throughout all the phases and turns of life in this world, carrying them all the way to the kingdom of heaven. Let this feast be a reminder for us to recite this wondrous hymn not just once a year, but as often as we can. Its words proclaim the mystery of our salvation, honor the Mother of God and her divine Son, and invoke the aid and protection of the Theotokos and the Savior. Let us strive to read or sing this holy hymn at least weekly, all the days of our life."

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