In the year 2001 the monastery published an Akathist to the Mother of God, entitled "Nurturer of Children," as an aid to encourage parents to actively pray for their children. Over twenty-five thousand copies of that akathist have since been sold or given away, and we continue to receive comments from grateful mothers who treasure their well-worn copies. A stream of other akathists continues to flow from the series. The akathists chosen are ones that often provide a place to insert personal names, and they address pastoral concerns which so many are facing today: help in raising children, healing from cancer, healing from alcoholism an drug addiction, encouragement for bereaved spouses and prayers for their dear ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. We hope you also find them useful.