I was wondering if there are any Byzantine (Orthodox or Catholic) resources on devotion to Saint Joseph. For instance, is there an Akathist Hymn to him somewhere? I think traditionally, we Byzantines have seen Saint John the Forerunner as the icon of masculinity, but very clearly this "Guardian of the Redeemer" and the last of the great OT Patriarchs should not be simply forgotten.

Any thoughts?

Fr. Deacon Daniel

I totally agree..however, it does not seem that we have any particular or specific devotions to St. Joseph. His most sacred and awesome responsibility as caretaker and foster father of the Holy Family is simply overlooked in the Eastern tradition. I find this unacceptable because his holiness must have been great to have been chosen by God for this task, and because he was a stellar example of fatherhood...

I have a hunch that it may be because the Early Church felt that his role in the Holy Family, would be misconstrued by pagan converts who may not have been able to relate to the dictates of Jewish morality that governed St. Joseph's honor...and I suppose the fact that scripture does not tell us too much about him also added to this. I am just speculating, ofcourse.

In Christ,
Alice

There is an Orthodox Akathist to Righteous Joseph the Betrothed translated by Isaac Lambertsen from the Slavonic available from St John of Kronstadt Press:

Ak Joseph Betrothed
trans. Isaac Lambertsen
Akathist hymn for 12.26.
Item# 1036. (DC: S) . $2.25

http://www.sjkp.org

This is in an 8.5 x 11" reinforced loose leaf copy of the Akathist. I have a hard copy of it bought from the Press, but not electronic.

Fr David Straut

Saint Joseph plays an important role in our salvation as a protector of Mary and her virginity. I have a special love for him.

There is also an on-line Akathist to Saint Joseph at http://hometown.aol.com/dangellbrown/akathistjoseph.html
Father David, I am wondering if you could review this text and see how it differs or agrees with the Lambertsen translation.

Ray
www.theologyincolor.com

Alice,

I agree with you. Interesting speculation, regarding any potential pagan reaction. I wish there was some book written on the subject for both Orthodox and Eastern Catholics. It would be an interesting read!

Thanks Father David and Ray for the links to the Akathists.

I have my icon of Saint Joseph in my chapel at home and may offer an Akathist this Saturday to him, especially for those who are in a financial crisis and who may be losing their home. (and I will not be burying him upside down in the backyard... )

Fr. Deacon Daniel

Brother Claude Lane has written some nice icons of Saint Joseph: http://www.mtangel.edu/ikons/index.html

awsome Icons
as coming from a Latin background I have a great devotion to St. Joseph the Latin church dose not use the title betrothed but gardian of the virgin and Foster father of the son of God

I also have a Canon to Joseph the Betrothed that was printed on my parish's Sunday bulletin for the feast of King David, Saint James, and Saint Joseph on the Sunday following the Nativity of the Lord.

I'll post it when I find it.

These 2 titles are, indeed, prominent in the recitation of the Novena to St. Joseph.

To take on the entire attributions to St. Joseph as authorized by the (Latin) Catholic Church, the Litany of St. Joseph says it all:

http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/Litanies/joseph.htm

Amado

St. Joseph is a great insparation and should be for all the church east and west

Dear Amado,

I have often prayed to the awesome St. Joseph from the novena, litany and other prayers of the Roman Catholic Church, as offered on the EWTN website...they are very beautiful, respectful and honoring of his unique attributes.

Does this grant me your forgiveness from my presumptious post on those disposable communion cups?!?

Alice

Dear Alice:

There is nothing, on my part, to forgive! You had no intention to cast aspersion or ill-will.

(But if you insist, you are forgiven!)

Amado

http://www.stjosephsite.com/



To you blessed Joseph, we come for we are in need. We have asked the help of Mary, your wife, and with confidence we ask, too, for your help. Remember the love with which you were united to the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God; remember the father's love you had for the Child Jesus you carried in your arms. By those two loves we pray you look with love on the human race, which Jesus our Lord won by His blood. Help us with your power in all our needs. You were a careful provider for the Holy Family: protect, then, the chosen people of Jesus Christ. As a loving father, keep far from us all that could lead us wrong or corrupt us. Our warfare is with the power of darkness: in your kindness, mighty Defender, help us from your place in heaven. Long ago, you rescued the Child Jesus from the danger which threatened His life: defend, now, the holy Church of God from the traps the Enemy lays, and from all adversity. Keep us, everyone, in your continuing care. Strengthened by your example, aided by your assistance, may we have the strength to lead a good life, die a happy death, and come finally to possess the everlasting happiness of heaven.

"The October Prayer" by Pope Leo XIII

A small word of caution - some Roman Catholic devotions to Saint Joseph the Betrothed assume that he was a remarkably young man, and had not been previously married. This is definitely not in accordance with our tradition, and for that matter is not in accordance with the older tradition of the Western Church.

Fr. Serge

We by far know he was not young, but previously married?