Help Me, O God!

This is from the Prologue of Ochrid, for the 13th of August on the celebration of the memory of our holy father Tikhon of Zadonsk.

The hymns of praise in the Prologue are wonderful bits of poetry, but typically they are more focused on the life of the Saint, as a testament to their devotion to God. This hymn is a bit different because it reaches out to all of us as a reminder of what life is about and how we should approach it. Thus, it serves as a little sermon. Due to the style of the hymn, it is written in a way in which anyone can understand.

It is my prayer that we learn from this short and simple homilette, through the prayers and intercession of our dear St. Tikhon. Amen.

HYMN OF PRAISE

Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk The hut of a peasant nurtured a saint,

Imbued with the Spirit of the Orthodox Church:

Tikhon, the hierarch, shone like a star,

And in spiritual mysteries, instructed the world:

“Read Holy Scripture—within it God is concealed;

It conceals God, and reveals Him.

All the books in the world can tell you no more

About God or yourself than Scripture.

Behold, without God, one cannot know God.

It is vain to seek God outside of God.

God gives Himself to us, as much as our minds can bear:

You cannot pour the sea into an egg!

Holy Scripture teaches you how to save your soul

From sin, death and eternal damnation.

A drowning man doesn’t ask about the water:

‘What is it?’ ‘How?’ ‘Where did it come from?’

He is only concerned about saving himself,

And in panic he seeks for a safe rock.

The sea of life foams and rages;

In the midst of this sea, seek salvation for yourself.

‘What is this life?’ ‘From what was it made?’—

Is this so important to know when death is stronger than we are?

Knowledge and possessions remain on earth;

Your body and fine clothing are given over to the grave.

The soul—only the soul can still be saved.

Labor and pray: ‘Help me, O God!’”