Akathist to Saint George

How to read the akathist?

After submitting the names, download and read the text of the Akathist to Saint George in Russian, English, or listen to it online weekly according to the schedule at your chosen hour of prayer. To begin the prayer with the Akathist, you can say, "Bless me, Lord!" In the final prayer of the Akathist, mention the submitted names in any place that fits the meaning ("help us…," "do not leave us…," etc.). After completing the prayer, you can thank God and ask for help in your own words.

What prayer should be read by those going to the army (mobilization)?

Being a warrior, a protector of one’s family and homeland, and serving in the army is truly a man’s calling. But fulfilling this duty to the fullest is possible if one does not rely solely on their own strength but trusts in God's help, allowing Him to work within them.

As those who have already been in combat zones say, “There are no atheists on the battlefield...” When faced with life and death, when no one can help, and one is forced to rely on divine help, then everyone turns to God with a fervent prayer, seeking His Mercy.

Among those who have gained eternal life—who have entered the Heavenly Kingdom after their earthly journey—there are many warriors! All of them now stand before the Lord and pray for those still on earth. A warrior understands a fellow warrior. Therefore, when praying for soldiers, it is common to turn to canonized warriors, so that through their holy prayers to the Creator, being closer to Him, they might intercede for blessings, protection, and the preservation of the life He has given.

Saint George the Victory-Bearer is one of the most renowned warrior saints worldwide, who has come to the aid not only of Orthodox Christians but also of non-believers when they were in need. Saint George lived his earthly life as a soldier, ended it as a great martyr, and now stands before God with boldness. That is why, first and foremost, we pray to him for our sons or husbands at war, for mobilized and enlisted soldiers, and for all who have voluntarily risen to defend their country, called by the Spirit to the noble self-sacrifice for the sake of preserving others.

Why should you pray for a son in the army?

The period of military service is undoubtedly challenging for any young man.

Therefore, if his family, especially his mother, prays for him, the Lord, through their prayers, will not leave him without His help. For many years, Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria have been offering communal prayers by reading the Akathist hymns. This is when Orthodox believers around the world pray together at the same time! A prayer for sons and husbands serving in the army, asking for the Lord's help and the protection of the holy warrior Saint George the Victory-Bearer, for their safety and blessed return home, is performed by reading the Akathist to Saint George every Thursday at 2:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 8:30 PM Moscow time. You can choose any convenient time to join this spiritually uplifting communal effort.