Akathist of Thanksgiving: ‘Glory to God for All Things’, Kontakion 2
O Lord, how lovely it is to be Thy guest. Breeze full of scents;
mountains reaching to the skies; waters like boundless mirrors,
reflecting the sun’s golden rays and the scudding clouds. All nature
murmurs mysteriously, breathing the depth of tenderness. Birds and
beasts of the forest bear the imprint of Thy love. Blessed art thou,
mother earth, in thy fleeting loveliness, which wakens our yearning for
happiness that will last for ever, in the land where, amid beauty that
grows not old, the cry rings out: Alleluia!