Imagine, being under the cruel regime of the “Soviet Yoke”…everywhere you look there is
malice and darkness and horror and despair. Now, imagine your own struggles here every day, and weigh them against the struggles of these people in Soviet Russia.

Now, imagine, that instead of falling into despair, you sit down to write out in great detail all of the things that you have to be grateful for in the midst of that darkness. Imagine even being able to see light in that darkness. How could someone do that?

Now imagine, after you’ve written down all of these reasons to be grateful, you sit to compose them into a hymn of theological poetry, offering light to those who hear it.

This Akathist Hymn is one of joyful hope, originally written in Russian by Metropolitan Tryphon of Turkestan (1861-1934).

Its radiant spirit of sublime hope helped to sustain countless Orthodox Christians under the “Soviet Yoke” during the years where Christians were violently persecuted and martyred for their faith. Metropolitan Tryphon’s original title for this beautiful hymn, “Glory to God for All Things,” happens to be the dying words of Saint John Chrysostom, as his own life in exile came to an end in God’s presence. This beautiful hymn of thankful praise, is a glorious star illuminating the darkness, seeing and responding transcendently to the beauty in God’s many blessings…even from amidst terrible sufferings.

On the evening before Thanksgiving, lets regain sight of what true gratitude looks like!