Romanians everywhere, together with other nations from the Balkans and Eastern Europe, honor on October 14 the Church of St. Parascheva, whose relics have been in Iași for 383 years. The Akathist of St. Parascheva is said to have special power, especially when recited on her feast day.
This year, for one week (October 8 – 15), the largest pilgrimage in Romania, dedicated to Saint Parascheva, takes place in Iași. Believers from all corners of the country and abroad come to worship and pray at the relics of Saint Parascheva from Iași, considered miracle workers for health, protection and the fulfillment of wishes. Pilgrims wait for hours in long queues, hoping that their prayers will be heard and that their troubles or illnesses will be dispelled through the intercession of the saint. This tradition attracts hundreds of thousands of people annually, giving the event a special spiritual significance.
Akathist of St. Parascheva is a special prayer dedicated to the patroness, recognized for her care for those who pray with faith. The prayer is recited during religious services, but also individually, especially on October 14, the saint’s feast day.
Reciting the akathist is a way for believers to get closer to God, seeking the blessing and help of St. Parascheva from Iași (SEE PHOTO GALLERY) in everyday life. This devotional practice combines Orthodox tradition with personal faith, offering peace of mind and encouragement to those who pray.
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The canopy with the reliquaries of the relics of Saint Parascheva and Saint Pantelimon from Iasi Photo Mihai Florin Pelin
Why it is good to read the Akathist of St. Parascheva
We asked priest Gabriel Cazacu, parish priest of the Cașin Monastery, about the power attributed to the Akathist of Saint Parascheva, and he explained to us: “Over time, the Akathist underwent improvements and today represents a synthesis of the life and miracles performed by the Holy Great Martyr Parascheva during her lifetime. The akathist, however, also tells us about the miracles that the saint has worked in the lives of the faithful throughout the generations, and it is good to know that it has been more than three and a half centuries since she protected the citadel of Moldova, the city of Iași, and she protects us, on all Romanians”.
Father Gabriel Cazacu added: “And it is a blessing to have the akathist in our home and whenever we feel the need to ask for the protection and help of the saint, do not hesitate to sing it, read it before an exam, before an operation, before a day when we need help, grace and guidance from the good God. But let’s not forget that when we received these blessings, we should also thank the saint for the intercessions and miracles she does for all of us. Because the saint protects and intercedes for many miracles for the Romanian nation”.
The power of the Akathist of St. Parascheva
The Akathist of St. Parascheva is a special prayer addressed to St. Parascheva from Iași, one of the most revered saints in the Orthodox tradition, known for the support offered to believers in times of difficulty. This prayer has deep meaning and is believed to have spiritual and therapeutic powers. Here are some aspects of the power of prayer:
Divine help
The faithful who come on pilgrimage to St. Paraskeva from Iași resort to the akathist of the saint to ask for help in various problems, such as health, protection from dangers or the fulfillment of wishes. It is believed that prayer can bring blessings and divine support.
Healing and protection
Many people testify that they have experienced improvements in health or even healing after reciting the akathist. Saint Parascheva is considered the protector of the sick and suffering. Prayer is also seen as a shield against evil spirits, bad luck and other dangers.
Strengthening faith
Recitation of the akathist strengthens faith and relationship with God. It is a way for believers to approach divinity and seek the support of Saint Parascheva.
Tradition and continuity
The akathist is part of a deep tradition of saint veneration, which also includes fasting, prayers and attending services. This practice gives believers a sense of community and continuity in faith.
mercy
During prayer, many believers are urged to pay attention to the needy, being encouraged to do acts of almsgiving and charity.
The structure of the akathist
The akathist consists of a series of hymns divided into two types: kondaks – which are hymns describing the lives of the saints and asking for help, and icoas – shorter prayers that follow each kondak and expand on its theme.
Here is a simplified structure of the Akathist of St. Parascheva:
Condac 1
“To you, Saint Paraskeva, we praise you and humbly raise our prayers, asking for your help and your intercession before God.”
Icos 1
“Rejoice, chosen among the saints, Parascheva! / Rejoice, for you are our protector! / Rejoice, for through you comfort is given to us! / Rejoice, for you are exalted in the heavens! / Rejoice, that even on earth you listen to us!”
Condac 2
“Oh, Saint Paraskeva, who endured many sufferings for Christ, do not leave us, but intercede for us.”
Icos 2
“Rejoice, for God’s mercy has filled you! / Rejoice, that you bring us deliverance from need! Rejoice, for you are a guiding star! Rejoice, for your grace strengthens us!”
The end of the akathist
At the end of the akathist, believers usually address requests for help, health and blessing, invoking the protection of Saint Parascheva over themselves, their families and the community. A special prayer for health and blessing can also be recited.
The difference between the Akathist of Saint Parascheva and the prayer to the saint
The akathist of St. Parascheva and the prayer of St. Parascheva are two distinct forms of devotion, but they are often interconnected.
The Akathist of St. Parascheva is a specific prayer, consisting of kondaces and icosas, which is recited in honor of St. Parascheva, it has a more elaborate structure and includes invocations, praises and requests for help. It is considered an act of worship that can bring divine blessings and help.
The prayer to Saint Paraskeva
The Saint Parascheva Prayer generally refers to any prayer to Saint Parascheva that can be recited in times of need or veneration. This may include simple prayers or short formulas invoking the Saint’s help and protection.
It can vary, but a common version of the prayer is as follows:“Oh, Holy Great Martyr Paraskeva, who patiently suffered for Christ, hear us, those who pray to you! Please, intercede for us before God, so that he forgives our sins and gives us health, the fulfillment of our desires and help in all our needs. Protect, we pray, this city and all who worship your holy relics. Be our defender before enemies and evil, and guide us on the path of salvation. We thank you for all your blessings and ask you to never leave us without your help. Amen”.
This prayer is often used by the faithful in times of need or on days dedicated to Saint Parascheva, such as his feast on October 14. It is important to note that there are other versions and variations of the prayer, and some of them may be included in the akathist dedicated to the saint.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the akathist is a specific form of prayer dedicated to Saint Parascheva, while the prayer can refer to any form of devotion addressed to her.
The Akathist of St. Parascheva is considered a source of spiritual strength for those who recite it with faith. It is a way for believers to seek divine help, healing and protection, but also a means of strengthening their relationship with God. This practice is frequently associated with personal testimonies of those who have received help through this prayer.
