Saint Cyril, Guardian Angel. The icon of the one whom the believer considers his intercessor should be kept at home. The image of the patron can be kept among personal belongings, for example in a bag. It is advisable to know the biography of your patron. Saints did not always remain on earth for long. However, they used the time allotted to them to improve their souls and the good of their neighbors. Such was the life of Equal-to-the-Apostles Cyril.

The story of a Slovenian teacher

The Slovenian teacher Kirill was born in the 9th century in Macedonia. Before becoming a schema-monk, he bore the name Konstantin. He went down in history together with his brother Methodius. The saint was well educated and accepted the priesthood early. For some time, young Konstantin was a librarian. In addition, he taught philosophy. However, the saint was to use the gift of eloquence to spread the teachings of Christ.

Constantine did not want fame and honors for himself. Despite his ability to win disputes between Muslims and iconoclast heretics, he did not want to become a missionary, dreaming only of solitude and prayer. Constantine went to live in the mountains with his brother Methodius. In 857, Emperor Michael sent the righteous brothers to the Khazars. Constantine and Methodius were supposed to persuade them to accept Christianity. Constantine's preaching was so convincing that the Khazar prince, together with his subjects, accepted the new faith. The ruler wanted to give gifts to the brothers. Constantine, after consulting with Methodius, refused the gifts. The prince was asked to replace the rich gifts with the release of Greek captives. The Khazar ruler could not refuse this request.

The main mission awaited the brothers in 862. Constantine and Methodius were sent to Moravia, where they created an alphabet for the Slavs and translated it from Greek language books for worship. Konstantin has always been in poor health. Numerous moves and hard work weakened him completely. Having managed to accept the schema and a new name, the saint died at the age of forty-two. Cyril was buried in one of the Roman churches. According to his brother's will, Methodius continued the education of the Slavs.

Who prays to Saint Cyril?

Saint Cyril helped many believers. A guardian angel, an icon of one of the Christian martyrs will only help that person who honors the Christian commandments. This should be remembered when turning to otherworldly forces. With all questions, a believer can turn to the saint who is closest to his heart. However, traditionally each Christian martyr is intended to be approached with a specific problem. They contact Kirill:

• Teachers. Having knowledge about your subject is not enough. You need to be able to convey information to another person. Kirill himself was once a teacher. Turning to him will help you not only gain the ability to teach others, but also become respected among your students.
• Politicians. The career of a politician directly depends on the gift of eloquence. In addition, you need to learn to overcome your fear of crowds. Kirill's example is indicative. He felt no fear when speaking before the Khazars, who were distinguished by their cruelty and inhumanity. But the saint knew that his faith would protect him from unexpected death.
• Pupils and students. can students of schools, secondary and higher educational institutions.

It doesn’t matter who will help you cope with the difficult task: St. Cyril, the Guardian Angel, the icon of the saint whose name you bear. Your request should be sincere and aimed only at the benefit of yourself and others.

Athanasius the Great and Cyril of Alexandria

Kontakion 1

In the election from the Heavenly Shepherd, our fathers, the blessed duo of Saints Athanasius and Cyril, the great city of Alexandria, the first throne, the enemies of the Church of Christ who were victorious with the weapon of the cross and prayer, with spiritual songs we praise you, our holy intercessors. You, who have boldness towards the Lord, pray for the Orthodox Church, for your city and all the people who call with love:

Ikos 1

Angels of earth and men of heaven appeared, Saints Athanasius and Cyril, ever illuminated by the light of true knowledge of God, as two luminaries enlightened nature by succession to each other on the patriarchal throne throughout the whole earth, and as the greatness of our hierarchs and teachers blocked the teaching of the evil heretics of nature, infusing the faithful with piety. In the same way, we, confirmed by the true faith of Christ, sing to you, defenders of the Orthodox Church:
Rejoice, having rejected the charms of this world.
Rejoice, vigilant guardians of a pure and immaculate life.
Rejoice, having loved the One Christ with all your heart.
Rejoice, having submitted your will to the will of God.
Rejoice, you who have shown the image of true faith in yourself.
Rejoice, having courageously taken upon yourself the yoke of Christ.
Rejoice, divine wisdom has been fulfilled.
Rejoice, vessels of the Holy Spirit of election.
Rejoice, faithful workers of the grapes of Christ.
Rejoice, decoration of the Orthodox Church.
Rejoice, archpastors of the holy Church of Alexandria.
Rejoice, eternal joys of the heiress.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 2

Seeing the Lord, the Knower of the Heart, your firm will, wisdom and piety, he appoints you, Father Athanasius, to the candlestick of the Church of Alexandria, so that the light of the Holy Gospel will shine in the countries of the East and, enlightened by you, people will sing a song of praise to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Having obeyed the will of God with a bright mind and a pure heart, having taken the good yoke of Christ, in the footsteps of the apostles our fathers Athanasius and Cyril followed nature into spiritual fields, abundantly sowing the word of God, enlightening their flock with grace and confirming many in the true faith. Likewise, we, enlightened by your godly teachings, cry out to you:
Rejoice, blessed by God.
Rejoice, having lived in true simplicity and silence.
Rejoice, having dedicated yourself to God from your youth.
Rejoice, even in adolescence you were filled with love for the word of God.
Rejoice, you who have loved the monastic life.
Rejoice, you who have served the Lord faithfully.
Rejoice, you who have worthily received the grace of the priesthood.
Rejoice, you who made a bloodless sacrifice for the people.
Rejoice, shepherds and teachers of the Church of Wisdom.
Rejoice, worthy successors of the apostles.
Rejoice, unceasing heralds of true piety.
Rejoice, shield and fence of the city of Alexandria.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 3

By the power of your mind, enlightened by grace, you preached the Trinity of One Essence: the Father Without Beginning, the Son Incarnate and the All-Holy Spirit, Blessed Kirill, who appeared to be the champion and defender of the Mother of God from heretical teachings. We glorify you, as the divine secret writer of the Divine Trinity, and having been illuminated by your teaching, we sing to Christ God who glorified you: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having great zeal for God, having armed ourselves with the weapon of the Cross of Christ and accepted the sword of the word of God, as the good-victory warriors of the Heavenly Father resisted the natural enemy of salvation, the devil, the blessed fathers Athanasius and Cyril, quickly cutting off the tares of heretical teachings, saving the souls of the erring children of God, being faithful in piety and Orthodoxy strengthens the faith. Likewise, enlighten us with your intercession, singing with love:
Rejoice, you who were jealous of the great desert dweller in fasting and abstinence.
Rejoice, for by the example of your life you have turned many to the Lord.
Rejoice, evangelizers of the Gospel truth.
Rejoice, our teachers in the confession of the Orthodox faith.
Rejoice, admirers of the Life-Giving Trinity.
Rejoice, for the Seraphim burned with the fire of love for the Lord.
Rejoice, eradicators of heretical worship.
Rejoice, having glorified the true God in Holy Trinity worshiped.
Rejoice, accusers of the godless and wicked.
Rejoice, guardians of your flock.
Rejoice, as the holy faith is glorified by you.
Rejoice, for we too, sinners, call on your name with faith.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 4

The devil has raised a storm of malice and hatred, seeking with Arian malice to destroy the Church of Christ through those seduced by him. But you, Father Athanasius, you loudly proclaimed the word of salvation in Nicaea at the First Ecumenical Council, you abolished all Arius’ opinions, and you preached the power of the Holy Trinity throughout the world. Moreover, you preached the true faith to all the ends of the earth, teaching the faithful to sing with love to God, the Creator of all: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Having heard, Saints Athanasius and Cyril, the voice of Christ, calling to the feat of standing for the faith even to death, following the Chief Shepherd Christ, having no rest for the sake of tireless labor to save the flock from the wolves who plundered it, and this feat has been carried through your entire life, now eternal peace in the heavenly abodes has been found. We raise the eyes of our hearts to the Lord, out of duty of love we glorify your memory, with tenderness calling to your face:
Rejoice, faithful servants of the Trinity.
Rejoice, ardent zealots of the truth of Christ.
Rejoice, you have courageously exposed the heretical teachings of the mad Arius.
Rejoice, champions of the right and unshakable faith.
Rejoice, you who have blocked the lips of the erring with godly words.
Rejoice, you who preserve the Church of Christ from false teachings.
Rejoice, shepherds, who drive away the wolves from the flock of Christ.
Rejoice, lay down your soul for your spiritual children in preparation.
Rejoice, treasuries of theology in abundance.
Rejoice, planters of true piety.
Rejoice, blessed confessor of the Orthodox faith.
Rejoice, guides to the salvation of the faithful.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 5

The God-bearing star that rose in Alexandria, you appeared to Saint Cyril, enlightened by the Sun of Truth of Christ God, illuminating the countries of the East with its unflickering light and like the star of Bethlehem, you showed the right path to Christ, so that through your enlightenment people will sing a song of thanks to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Seeing the children of the Church of Alexandria your gospel gospel and standing to death for the Church of Christ and the truth of God, I turn from heretical errors to the true faith. You, as good shepherds, received with love those who naturally seek salvation, thanking the Lord with all your heart for His mercy towards the repentant. For this reason, we praise you, holy fathers, with joyful songs and say:
Rejoice, prayer books, illuminated by the Spirit of God.
Rejoice, luminaries who enlighten our souls.
Rejoice, having given your mind to the obedience of faith.
Rejoice, you who have bequeathed to us the right to glorify God.
Rejoice, you who have overcome heretical wisdom by the grace of Christ.
Rejoice, you who have protected the faithful from heresies.
Rejoice, having exposed the devil and his servants.
Rejoice, glorification of the faithful intercessor.
Rejoice, zeal for the faith of the prophet Elijah of God becoming like
Rejoice, for the prophet Daniel and the three youths courageously glorified God.
Rejoice, having labored in the field of the Lord throughout your life.
Rejoice, even after death you were not separated from your flock by love.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 6

You appeared to the world as a preacher of the true teaching about Christ and His Most Pure Mother, Saint Father Athanasius, by the power of your gracious word and God-inspired writings, you put to shame the blasphemous flattery of Arius and you endured many troubles from the enemies of Orthodoxy: unrighteous expulsion from the throne of Alexandria, imprisonment and persecution. For this reason, seeing you as the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep, let us cry out to God who glorifies His saints: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Saints Athanasius and Kirill have naturally shone like lights in the church sky, by the feat of your life showing all the faithful the path to the unstoppable Light of Christ. We also pray to you, help us to disperse the darkness of unbelief and corruption in the world of God, so that all who love and honor God in spirit and truth cry out to you:
Rejoice, having illuminated the whole world with your words.
Rejoice, bright stars, illuminating us in the night of sin.
Rejoice, unfading radiance to the Church of Christ.
Rejoice, zealots of the true faith.
Rejoice, for your teaching has gone forth to all the countries of the East.
Rejoice, you who gave thanks to God in exile and persecution from heretics.
Rejoice, you who bravely endured much reproach from them.
Rejoice, fearless champions of faith in Christ.
Rejoice, all of you who are persecuted for the truth, a refuge.
Rejoice, we are all spiritual fathers and teachers of piety.
Rejoice, our guides to the Heavenly Fatherland.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 7

Wanting to expel you from the throne of the Church of Alexandria, the heretics slandered you, Father Cyril, before Tsar Theodosius. When this goodness of your life has been brought to light, you have disgraced those who slandered you and disbanded their heretical assembly, and you have overthrown the heretic Nestorius from the patriarchal throne of Constantinople, and installed him as the head of the Ecumenical Council in Ephesus. But you, holy father, disgraced the heresy of Nestorius at the Council, you magnified the Mother of God and the Mother of Light and you glorified God, singing a song of gratitude to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

The new grapes of Christ have been planted by your labors, worthy workers and guardians have appeared, holy fathers, and like the faithful servants of Christ, having entered into the joy of their Lord, you now rejoice in Heaven and with your prayers confirm our faith, interceding for salvation before God for us sinners, let us sing with gratitude. sitse:
Rejoice, accusers of heresies Arius and Nestorius.
Rejoice, our protectors from harmful wisdom.
Rejoice, teachers of those who have gone astray from the right path.
Rejoice, for with the light of the knowledge of God you enlighten those who are darkened in mind.
Rejoice, having filled the hearts of many with streams of grace.
Rejoice, vigilant guardian of our salvation.
Rejoice, soldiers of Christ, having been crowned with glory from Him while still alive.
Rejoice, for your faith is silently singing about your deeds and labors.
Rejoice, having brought spiritual wealth to many people.
Rejoice, you who guided them to the haven of salvation.
Rejoice, you who teach us to rejoice in the Lord.
Rejoice, you who transform our sorrows into joy.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 8

It is truly strange and wonderful to see how a new storm came to the Church of God, when King Julian opened the entire idolatry, creating sacrifices to false gods. And again against you, Saint Athanasius, he rose up, as if he had defeated the faith of Christ, telling the king: “Unless you destroy Athanasius, Christianity will not be powerfully destroyed.” But you, Holy Father, prophesied that this rebellion would soon collapse and you opposed the apostate Julian, begging the Lord and His Most Pure Mother to destroy his evil intentions against Christians, so that all the faithful would gratefully sing to God the song: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

All the sons of Russia preach your gracious help, holy hierarchs Athanasius and Cyril, since our fathers led you away from the years of ancient times, as intercessors from foreign invasions and deliverers from pestilences. Likewise, we, faithful children of the Church of Christ in the Russian lands, bring you this praise of ours:
Rejoice, faithful beloved in the Russian lands.
Rejoice, our champion of Orthodoxy in the country.
Rejoice, O representatives who love and honor you.
Rejoice, givers of the light of Christ to the Orthodox people.
Rejoice, you have opened the doors to the Kingdom of Heaven for many.
Rejoice, intercessor for the salvation of the Christian family.
Rejoice, you have surprised all the surrounding countries with your righteous life.
Rejoice, for all pious people rejoice at your names.
Rejoice, guardians of the true love of Christ.
Rejoice, Christians of all times in the prayers of your mentor.
Rejoice, crown of patience on the land of marriage.
Rejoice, shining with eternal light in Heaven.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 9

Every angelic nature was amazed at your glorious life on earth, Saint Father Cyril, for the Lord has shown you to be a steadfast defender of Orthodoxy. You proclaimed the truths of the Gospel everywhere, comforting the faithful, and thus preserved them from heretical teachings. Even now, do not forsake us sinners, but strengthen all the children of God in Orthodoxy and unanimity, so that in spiritual joy we may sing a song of thanksgiving to the Trinity of Saints: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The prophets of many things have surpassed nature by the power of your divinely inspired words and writings, holy hierarchs of divine wisdom Athanasius and Cyril, for you theologized the incarnate Word of nature, enlightening the souls of many, faithfully showing them the path to salvation, along which you yourself steadily walked by nature until your blessed death. We, rejoicing, as such are the imams, teachers of spiritual life and prayer books, glorifying you, holy fathers, saying:
Rejoice, good shepherds, who were zealous for the glory of the Lord.
Rejoice, having multiplied the talent given to you.
Rejoice, wanderers of earth, who have entered the Heavenly Fatherland.
Rejoice, with faces heavenly powers now triumphant.
Rejoice, luminaries, who have illuminated those in the darkness of error.
Rejoice, for this sake of greatness in the Kingdom of God.
Rejoice, confessor crowns adorned by God.
Rejoice, in the person of the great saints, you are exalted with much glory.
Rejoice, teachers of the wisdom of the universe.
Rejoice, with all the saints of God who pray to the Lord for us.
Rejoice, as you glorify the Christian faith.
Rejoice, for your names are written in Heaven.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 10

Although you saved the flock of Christ from destruction, Saint Athanasius, you were not afraid of royal reprimands, nor slander from heretics, nor imprisonment, but all this, as a valiant warrior of Christ, you endured, you did not cease to enlighten your flock, praying to your disciples to stand firmly in the true faith , to be afraid of the machinations of the enemy, but even in sorrows and misfortunes to thank God for everything, singing to Him the song: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

The wall is naturally indestructible by all Orthodox people, all-praised and worthy of the two, Saints Athanasius and Cyril, for the Creator of Heaven and earth chose you to be on earth as the firmament of the protector and the unshakable pillars of the true faith, and to count among the great saints and teachers of the Church of Christ. In the same way, beg for the grace of God to be worthy and to stand in the truth for all of us who love you and cry out for this:
Rejoice, you who fearlessly spoke the truth of Christ before people.
Rejoice, guardians of church dogma.
Rejoice, you who bore divine words in your hearts.
Rejoice, having left us a spiritual treasure with your God-wise writings.
Rejoice, O protector of our souls from the flattery of Satan.
Rejoice, for through your prayers we defeat the wiles of the devil.
Rejoice, healers of our mental and physical ailments.
Rejoice, a quiet refuge for those overwhelmed by misfortunes.
Rejoice, giver of all temporal and eternal good.
Rejoice, our intercessors before the throne of the Heavenly Judge.
Rejoice, for with a pure heart you now see God.
Rejoice, for even after departing to the heavenly abodes you do not leave care for us.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 11

Our prayer singing, offered today in the temple before your miraculous icon, mercifully hear, Saints of Christ Athanasius and Cyril, and for those who require your gracious help, be intercessors and prayer books, granting them all good things: healing for the sick, consolation for the grieving, deliverance in times of adversity, and Rejoicing you and glorifying God, let us sing to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

The luminaries of light and miracle workers appeared, the saints of God Athanasius and Kirill, from the ancient years and to this day, not leaving our Fatherland: as the ancient chronicler says about it, during the time of Batu’s invasion of Veliky Novgrad, God and you, saints of Christ, interceded. We also pray to you, holy fathers, to grant remission of sins to all Russian people who honor your holy memory with love and cry out like this:
Rejoice, for in all countries Orthodox names yours are glorified.
Rejoice, for in the lands of Russia churches are being built in your name.
Rejoice, you blocked the hordes of Hagarians from reaching Veliky Novgrad.
Rejoice, great patrons of our country.
Rejoice, having consecrated the city of Moscow as a temple in your honor.
Rejoice, you who have loved our land and the faithful children of the Russian Church.
Rejoice, for the sons of Russia are being saved through your intercession.
Rejoice, for all the faithful are freed from troubles and sorrows through your prayers.
Rejoice, in difficult circumstances and misfortunes, our hope and intercession.
Rejoice, this is a wonderful consolation for all of us in this time of sorrow.
Rejoice, for with your prayers you appease the Lord of all.
Rejoice, for the Church of Christ is proud and strengthened by you.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 12

The grace given to you by God knowingly, we celebrate your common memory, Saints of Christ Athanasius and Cyril, and zealously flow to your honorable image, through your intercession, as if by an insurmountable wall we are protected, for healers of ailments have appeared to us, guides to the lost and quick helpers to all who call on you and those singing the hymn to Christ God: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing your wondrous life on earth and your glory in Heaven, we humbly pray to you, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, for the power from above Orthodox Christian grant gifts to visible and invisible enemies; awaken to us, blessed fathers, helpers in all good things, bless us with peace and love, give us firm faith, purity of life and fear of God, so that we all, having found peace of mind, will sing to you in joy like this:
Rejoice, Athanasius, namesake of immortality.
Rejoice, great teacher Church of Christ.
Rejoice, Cyril, destroyer of the superstitious wisdom of Nestorius.
Rejoice, glory and confirmation to the throne of Alexandria.
Rejoice, Athanasius, expelled from your Fatherland for the sake of truth.
Rejoice, kept in secret by the love of your flock.
Rejoice, Kirill, you have labored kindly and faithfully for the honor of the Most Holy Theotokos.
Rejoice, for the Most Pure Mother of the Lord Herself is imminent of your outcome.
Rejoice, Athanasius, for the great Anthony bequeathed his robe to you.
Rejoice, for your relics were in the Church of St. Sophia of Constantinople.
Rejoice, Cyril, preacher of the wisdom of God.
Rejoice, bishop of the Most High God.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 13

O our all-validating shepherds, Saints Athanasius and Cyril, accept this little prayer of ours, offered to you from a tender heart, ask us from Christ God for confirmation in the true faith, so that we may walk in the commandments of the Lord blamelessly, and through your intercession bring us all to the Kingdom of Heaven, yes Let us be honored to joyfully sing together with you the victorious song: Alleluia.

O all-holy Fathers Athanasius and Cyril, our warm intercessors, consumers of heresies, defenders of piety, sick doctors, helpers in troubles and warm intercessors for all who come to you, help us sinners in this life, and beg the Lord God to grant us remission of sins and the Kingdom Heavenly inheritance, may we always glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and your merciful intercession, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer to Saint Athanasius of Alexandria

O all-validated and glorious Saint Athanasius the Great, for the Orthodox faith you were in long labors, many labors, in fivefold exile and flight, you endured many slander and slander, many times you wanted to kill your enemy, and only God Himself miraculously preserved you from death. And you endured all this from the wicked Aryan heretics, and you fought with them, and having plunged them into the abyss of words, you overcame them with your patience, and, having driven away their evil faith from the Church, Orthodox teaching having planted, you have multiplied the seed of the faith of Christ. Truly you are a brave warrior of Christ, like a warrior, until the end of your days you gloriously fought for the right faith against heretics. Truly you are the pillar of the Orthodox faith, for your faith was in no way shaken by these heretical persecutions, but rather became established and strengthened, and not only among you and your flock, but throughout the entire Church of Christ. We pray to you, servant of God, ask Christ our God and us to have unshakable faith and not to deviate from its right path, but to remain on it until the end of our days, not fearing flattery, reprimand, or even persecution, and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven in the glory of God the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, where you abide with all the saints. Amen.

Troparion to Saint Athanasius the Great, Archbishop of Alexandria
Troparion, tone 3:

Thou art a pillar of Orthodoxy, confirming the Divine dogmas of the Church, Hierarch Athanasius: For having preached the Son of One Essence to the Father, thou hast put Arius to shame. Reverend Father, pray to Christ God to grant us great mercy.

Kontakion, voice 2:

Having planted the teachings of Orthodoxy, you have plucked out the slander of thorns, multiplying the seed of faith by the inspiration of the Spirit, reverend, we sing the same to you, Athanasius.

Troparion to Saint Cyril, Archbishop of Alexandria
Troparion, tone 8:

Teacher of Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and purity, universe-lamp, God-inspired fertilizer of bishops, Cyril the Wise, with your teachings you have enlightened everything, spiritual priest, pray to Christ God for the salvation of our souls.

Kontakion, tone 6:

You have poured out for us an abyss of theological teachings from the source of the Savior, plunging heresies, Blessed Kirill, and saving the flock unharmed from troubles, a mentor to all countries, reverend, as the Divine is revealed.

Troparion to Saints Athanasius the Great and Cyril, Archbishops of Alexandria
Troparion, tone 3:

The deeds of Orthodoxy have risen, all have extinguished slander, the victors, the victorious have become faster, they have enriched everything with piety, the Church has been greatly adorned, worthy of the acquisition of Christ God, who gives us great mercy.

Kontakion, tone 4:

Hierarchs of the greatest piety and virtue, champions of the Church of Christ, observe everything, singing: save, Generous One, who honor Thee with faith.

Greatness

We magnify you, great saints Athanasius and Kirill, and we honor your holy memory, for you pray for us, Christ our God.

This article contains: Saint Athanasius and Cyril prayer - information taken from all over the world, the electronic network and spiritual people.

The Christian name Cyril, which is not popular these days, has a very rich history and powerful spiritual patrons. Its origin is ancient Greek, literally translated means “lord” or “lord”. Men bearing this name should know about their patron and remember the need to honor St. Cyril's day.

Righteous people named Kirill

The Orthodox Church, starting from the 4th century, canonized three dozen righteous people who bore this name and lived in the territory of Byzantium, the Western Roman Empire and Russia. One of the first in this personage is Cyril, the patriarch of the Egyptian city of Alexandria. He was glorified approximately in 451. Our most famous compatriots are the Monk Kirill of Radonezh, father of Sergius of Radonezh, who took monastic vows at the end of his life, and Kirill of Belozersky. Saint Cyril is the founder of the idea of ​​enlightened monasticism and the comprehensive social service of the church.

Most often, boys at baptism are called by an ancient Christian name in honor of St. Cyril, the enlightener of the Slavs. Each saint must have his own iconographic image. The day of celebration of the heavenly patron is called Angel Day. And the heavenly patron himself is sometimes called a guardian angel. This term is conditional and not entirely correct. This is a completely different personal immaterial entity. One of the manifestations of respect for one’s heavenly patron is prayer appeal through his iconographic image. An icon is a window into upper world. It should promote a person’s internal concentration.

Beware, fetishism

In reality, a completely different picture emerges. On countless websites it is offered to purchase icons of saints and the Virgin Mary with detailed instructions on what exactly this or that image helps with. Moreover, you can meet supposedly competent believers who will advise who should pray and in what cases. This reduces the sublime meaning of the icon to an ordinary object of religious cult. The reasons are both the ignorance of the clergy and the banal desire for profit: clients pay for results. In some churches you can see a price tag similar to offers in the secular service sector, offering to serve a prayer service to a saint with almost a guaranteed result: about a lost item, about a successful search for a groom, so that your teeth don’t hurt, etc. This is also facilitated by the incompetence of believers, who identify the holy image with medication at the pharmacy. I bought paracetamol, swallowed it - and it became easier. A very harmful misconception that can lead to Negative consequences. After all, fire can not only warm you, but also severely burn you. You can have huge treasures with you all your life and not be able to use them correctly. From huge amount icons will not add grace, but, on the contrary, a careless and unworthy attitude towards them can be punished. The sacred image requires appropriate veneration. You should know that prayer in front of any icon can help alleviate any trouble.

An icon should not be treated like a book or photograph stored on a shelf that can be used from time to time. If you have acquired a holy image, then even the smallest icon requires an appropriate reverent attitude. When venerating icons of saints, you first need to study the earthly life of the archetype. This brings the inner world of a praying person closer to the heavenly patron. On the other hand, a person located in another dimension is located in a somewhat special way towards the microcosm of earthly man, who shows reverent attention to her.

Icon of the heavenly patron

You should definitely have in your house an icon of your heavenly intercessor, that is, the saint in whose honor the person is named. Don’t just store it somewhere in a sideboard behind glass, like some kind of souvenir. When looking at an icon, you should daily pray to the patron, at least briefly. It is also preferable to show attention to a righteous person close in occupation - a patron. labor activity. For example, Saint Cyril, the enlightener of the Slavs, due to the labors he endured during his earthly life, is traditionally considered the patron saint of teachers and students. As well as an apologist for the ancient church, Patriarch of Alexandria Kirill earned the fame of a great preacher and writer. The icon of St. Cyril, the guardian angel and patron of Orthodox theologians, enjoys reverent veneration among theologians.

Prominent Personality of the Middle East

Saint Cyril was an extraordinary church figure, and on the other hand, a typical representative of his era. Exact date his birth is unknown. He came from a noble Greek family. In Alexandria there was a kind of dynastic continuity in the hierarchy. The beginning of the tradition was laid by Patriarch Athanasius, who was succeeded by his nephew Peter. So Cyril took the department after the death of his uncle Theophilus. According to church historian Socrates Scholasticus, Cyril's enthronement was accompanied by mass unrest in the city. Many parties fought for the throne, including heretics. It was possible to calm the citizens only thanks to the intervention of troops. Saint Cyril was a very active person and, having settled into the pulpit, began to claim the powers of a secular ruler. Then it was the call of the times. The first Christian communities were not only engaged in preaching doctrine among non-believers and spiritually nurturing their flocks, but also carried an enormous burden of social service to society.

In the 5th century, the Church struggled with numerous heretical teachings. By order of Cyril, all Novatian parishes in Alexandria were closed. Contemporaries testify that Saint Cyril not only waged an uncompromising fight against heresies and remnants of pagan ideology, but was also distinguished by aggressive anti-Semitism. The persecution of the Jews led to clashes with the Roman governor Orestes. The authority of the Egyptian See allowed the Patriarch to openly fight the heresy of Nestorius, who in 428 took the See of Constantinople. It was on Kirill’s initiative that the III Ecumenical Council, who established veneration Holy Virgin Mother of God. He ruled the local Church of Alexandria for 32 years and died in 444. Cyril wrote many dogmatic treatises. The most outstanding exegetical works are interpretations of the books of the Old Testament prophets, the Gospel of Luke, John the Theologian and the epistles of the Apostle Paul.

Iconographic image of Cyril of Alexandria

The tradition of Christian painting has ancient roots of Syro-Palestinian origin. It is customary to depict saints on icons in accordance with the way of their earthly life. As a rule, a pictorial image is created at the time of the canonization ceremony. Sometimes more than a dozen years pass between the death of a righteous person and his canonization, and the image on the icon may not quite correspond to the portrait likeness. Unfortunately, due to the iconoclastic heresy that raged in the 8th century on the territory of Byzantium, many ancient icons were irretrievably lost. The most ancient images depicting the great patriarch of Alexandria, Saint Cyril, have not survived either. The modern icon depicts the saint in liturgical vestments corresponding to his episcopal service. An obligatory detail of the composition is the Gospel in the hands. In accordance with the iconographic tradition, emphasizing the reverent attitude towards Holy Scripture, the saint holds the book not with an open hand, but through the fabric of his vestment.

Saints Athanasius and Cyril of Alexandria

The memory of Saint Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria, is celebrated on June 22 according to the new style. However, the church established another veneration - January 31. On this day, the triumph of Cyril is celebrated together with another outstanding teacher of the church, his predecessor at the department, Athanasius of Alexandria. The joint celebration is determined in memory of recognition of their merits and exploits in defense of the dogmatic teaching of the Church. Saints Athanasius and Cyril are two great representatives of the Alexandrian theological school. Their works have important not only for intra-church use, but also very relevant for sociologists, historians and psychologists.

Apostle of Eastern Europe

The greatest contribution to the culture of our fatherland was made by two brothers, Cyril and Methodius. Saint Cyril, Equal to the Apostles, bore the name Constantine before taking monastic vows. He and his brother Methodius came from a pious Slavic family. Their father was a military leader in the Greek city of Thessaloniki (modern Thessaloniki). Constantine received an excellent classical education at the emperor's court, for which he received the nickname of philosopher. They became famous in connection with their unprecedented efforts to educate the East Slavic tribes. For the effective impact of Christian preaching, they compiled and put into circulation a new alphabet for Slavic tribes speaking related languages. After one of the creators, this monument was named Cyrillic. The brothers translated many liturgical books and the Gospel into Slavic. In order to be able to perform divine services in a dialect understandable to the Slavs, Constantine was ordained a bishop. Shortly before his death in 869, he accepted the monastic rank.

It should be noted that the clergy of the Russian, Serbian, Bulgarian and some other East Slavic churches have been using the original writing for more than a millennium. And if the modern languages ​​of related peoples are already difficult to understand for each other, then the language of worship is absolutely identical. The feat of preaching activity of Constantine-Cyril is equated by the church consciousness with the feat of the apostles, therefore, during canonization, the saint was given the title “equal to the apostles”, and the days of celebration were not set on May 24 and February 27. In every Orthodox educational institution on place of honor there is an icon of St. Cyril, the guardian angel and patron of students and teachers.

Images of the enlightener of the Slavs

Artistic images of the great teacher are widespread. In Orthodox churches in Eastern Europe you can find authentic frescoes depicting St. Cyril. The icon has several canonically approved versions. Constantine-Cyril is most often depicted in the vestments of a monk-schema. He took monastic tonsure of particular severity - the schema. When written together by two enlightenment brothers, Cyril is depicted only in monastic vestments. Since the saint was ordained, there are icons where he is depicted in the liturgical robes of a bishop. Invariably in the hands of the saint there is either a scroll with the Slavic alphabet, or open book, most often the Gospel of John with the first lines of scripture. Kirill died when he was 42 years old. In modern tradition, he is depicted at approximately this age. On the few surviving ancient icons, the Slavic guardian angel Saint Cyril is represented as an old man with a rather long beard, forked at the end.

Name day day

The Primate of the Russian Church, His Holiness Patriarch of All Rus' Kirill, took this name during his monastic tonsure. A new name is given as a sign of renunciation past life and a new, ascetic beginning, subordinate to completely different ideological principles. At the same time, the enlightener of the Slavs, Saint Cyril, became the heavenly patron of the future hierarch in monasticism. The Patriarch of Moscow sets an example of reverence for his heavenly patron. According to Christian canons, on the day of your Angel you should certainly partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ. On May 24, the Orthodox world celebrates the holiday of Slavic literature and culture. On the day of your heavenly patron His Holiness Patriarch Cyril obligatorily celebrates the Liturgy, if possible in a church dedicated to the saint. Also, every believer bearing the name Cyril, if he really wants to honor his heavenly patron, must take part in public worship on this day or at least go to the temple to light a candle.

Spiritual conversation

Regardless of whether a person believes or not, the laws of the spiritual world apply. An analogy can be drawn with the laws of physics. Even if a person has never heard of Newton's law and the acceleration constant of gravity, universal gravity operates, and those who ignore it can suffer greatly. The world of metaphysics is still waiting for its researchers and discoverers, but for now we should listen to the thousand-year experience of the church. Appeal to saints is usually called prayer. There are canonical prayers for liturgical use, which believers can also use at home. In prayer to St. Christians turn to Cyril of Alexandria as an assistant in the defense of all truth and piety. Preserving and spreading the faith is impossible without preaching. The success of a speaker is based on talent, comprehensive education and dedication. This is how Saint Cyril, a guardian angel, appears in the church consciousness for all those striving for enlightenment. The prayer to the righteous Equal-to-the-Apostles expresses requests for help in overcoming fraternal discord between peoples and preserving fatherly traditions and traditions.

World is Small

What we think about will come true...what we send into the world will come back to us...

January 31 is the Day of Saints Athanasius and Cyril, Archbishops of Alexandria.

Heretics, as long as Christianity has existed, have poisoned the lives of pious ascetics of the church. Many saints suffered from their evil tongues and the hatred bubbling in their rotten souls, but still did not deviate from their own convictions. Representatives of the clergy especially suffered from those carrying heresy. A similar fate did not spare the Archbishops of Alexandria, Athanasius and Cyril, whose memorial day the church celebrates annually on January 31.

The childhood of Athanasius of Alexandria.

The future saint was born around 297 in Alexandria. His family strictly adhered to Christian dogmas, so the boy grew up in an atmosphere of piety and virtue. It is not surprising that from early childhood he had a love for worship. Moreover, the boy preferred playing priest to ordinary children's entertainment, organizing this action together with his peers, who were also raised in Christian families. Often children of the pagans joined them, but no one persecuted the children of opponents of the Jesus faith. On the contrary, Athanasius tried to convey the word of God to such children, talking about life and service to people and God the Savior. He converted the youths who believed to Christianity, performing the rite of Baptism on them.

Such a zealous and at the same time reverent attitude towards God and the church topic in general was formed in young Afanasy, including under the influence of his mother’s actions. She brought her son to the temple to St. Alexander, Patriarch of Alexandria, thus dedicating him to the Lord.

Spiritual activity of Athanasius.

At the age of 21, the ascetic was ordained to the rank of deacon by his mentor. This is where the clash between the future archbishop and heresy began. Athanasius observed, not without sorrow, the situation developing in the Church. Converts to the faith of Jesus did not possess desirable qualities, such as piety, virtue, and humility. On the contrary, their entire existence and service in the temple was aimed at achieving selfish goals - fame, high priestly ranks. These people continued to observe pagan customs.

One of these heretics - Arius - laid the foundation for a new false teaching: Arianism - whose followers called themselves Arians. He taught to live for one’s own pleasure, heaped abuse on Jesus and the Mother of God, and placed Man above God. This heresy became widespread, but Saint Athanasius tried to fight it. In 325, the ascetic publicly spoke out against Arius at the Council of Nicaea. A year later, having become a bishop after the death of the Patriarch of Alexandria, he continued the good work, using all his strength, using new powers.

Such zealous resistance to the new false religion caused an uprising of Christians, unstable in their faith. Saint Athanasius became the object of slander. Heretics entwined the imperial court like snakes. Taking advantage of the soft-heartedness of the then ruler Constantine the Great, they continually informed the emperor about the saint. Afanasy had to leave the city and hide for a long time. True, his friends did not leave him without support: the holy monks Pachomius and Anthony.

The malice of the heretics, alas, did not subside. Afanasy endured many sorrows from them, but everywhere he emerged victorious, he refuted all the accusations against him, presenting evidence of his own innocence. However, this did not help. It got to the point that the imperial court took the side of the Arians. The ruler at that time was already the son of Constantine the Great, Constantius. Terrible Christian persecutions began, and Saint Athanasius was forced to take refuge in Rome for 3 years.

In the end, God punished the wicked. The saint returned to Alexandria under Emperor Valens, who gave the go-ahead to the ascetic to take up his former position as bishop. In total, Afanasy served in this rank for 46 years. He passed away on May 2, 373, at the age of 76.

Childhood and youth of Cyril of Alexandria.

The second archbishop, whose feast day the Orthodox Church celebrates together with that of St. Athanasius, January 31, was of noble origin. The family into which he was born also adhered to Christian canons and was distinguished by piety.

The parents made sure that their son grew up as a smart and educated child. Kirill studied many sciences of a secular nature, including philosophy. The future archbishop showed particular diligence in mastering knowledge on the topic of the Jesus Faith. As a young youth, the ascetic entered the monastery of St. Macaria, located in the Nitrian mountains. Saint Cyril lived in this monastery for 6 whole years. With his zeal for the faith, he earned the rank of deacon, which was granted to the ascetic by the Patriarch of Alexandria Theophilus himself.

At this time, in Alexandria, opponents of Christianity were actively promoting a new false teaching - the Novatian heresy. This “teacher” inspired everyone to believe that believers who had fallen away during the period of persecution of the Church could never be accepted into its fold again. Saint Cyril, already a patriarch in place of the deceased Theophilus, fought against this heresy and achieved positive results: the wicked were expelled from Alexandria.

But there was another misfortune that threatened the Christian religion. The danger was posed by the Jews, who periodically rebelled against the Church, and, moreover, dealt with the righteous with particular cruelty. The Archbishop had to wage a long, stubborn struggle with this problem. He also successfully dealt with the final eradication of paganism by building a temple on the site of the temple.

And then a new trouble of global proportions happened: the presbyter of the Antiochian Church, Nestorius, was elected to the See of Constantinople. Thus, he had a great opportunity to promote his own false teaching to the masses.

The next heresy had the following main dogmas:

*the two essences of God - God the Father and God the Son - do not merge into one, and must be considered separately;

*The Virgin Mary should be called the Mother of Christ in this regard, because she gave birth to the man Jesus.

Of course, St. Kirill was deeply outraged by such absurdity. He tried to reason with Nestorius, but in vain. And the bishop decided to take extreme measures: he wrote accusatory treatises to the clergy of several large Churches, Patriarchs and Popes. Nestorius began an open war with Christianity, and St. He hated Kirill and constantly slandered him. As a result, an Ecumenical Council was convened to solve the problem, which subsequently called the teachings of Nestorius a heresy. Well, Bishop John of Antioch, who was on the side of the wicked, reacted by convening his own unofficial Council, where he accused St. of spreading heresy. Kirill.

The emperor put an end to this matter. He sent Memnon of Ephesus, St. Cyril and Nestorius. After some time, the defenders of the true faith were released, but as a result of the meetings of the Council, Nestorius was defrocked and exiled to Sasim, in the Libyan desert. There he died from a terrible illness.

The episcopal activity of St. lasted 32 years. Kirill and it was completed very fruitfully: not a trace remained of heresies. He died in 444, having given the Christian world many theological works.

Prayer to Saint Athanasius the Great.

O all-praised and glorious Saint Athanasius the Great, for the Orthodox faith you were in many labors, many struggles, in five-fold exiles and flights, you endured many slander and slander, many times you wanted to kill your enemies for your sake, and only God Himself miraculously preserved you from death. And you endured all this from the wicked heretics - the Arians, and you fought with them, and having plunged them into the abyss of words, you overcame them with your patience, and, driving away their evil faith from the Church and planting Orthodox teaching, you multiplied the seed of the faith of Christ. Truly you are a brave warrior of Christ, like a warrior, until the end of your days you gloriously fought for the right faith against heretics. Truly you are the pillar of the Orthodox faith, for your Orthodox faith was in no way shaken by these heretical persecutions, but rather became established and strengthened, and not only among you and your flock, but throughout the entire Church of Christ. We pray to you, servant of God, ask Christ our God and us to have unshakable faith and not to deviate from its right path, but to remain on it until the end of our days, not fearing flattery, reprimand, or even persecution, and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven in the glory of God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, where you and all the saints abide. Amen.

Prayer to Saints Athanasius and Cyril of Alexandria.

O all-holy Fathers Athanasius and Cyril, our warm intercessors, consumers of heresies, defenders of piety, sick doctors, helpers in troubles and warm intercessors for all who come to you, help us sinners in this life, and beg the Lord God to grant us remission of sins and the Kingdom Heavenly inheritance, may we always glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and your merciful intercession, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Troparion of Saints Athanasius and Cyril of Alexandria.

God our father,/ always deal with us according to Your meekness,/ do not leave Your mercy from us,/ but through their prayers// guide our life in peace.

Troparion of Saints Athanasius and Cyril, Archbishops of Alexandria

The deeds of Orthodoxy have risen, / all extinguished slander, / victorious, victorious, / enriched everything with piety, / the Church has been greatly adorned, / worthy of the acquisition of Christ God, / who gives us great mercy.

Troparion of St. Athanasius the Great

You were the pillar of Orthodoxy, / Confirming the Divine dogmas of the Church, / Hierarch Athanasius: / Having preached to the Father the Son of Consubstantiality, / You put Arius to shame. / Reverend Father, / pray to Christ God / to grant us great mercy.

Troparion of St. Cyril of Alexandria

Teacher of Orthodoxy,/ teacher of piety and purity,/ lamp of the universe,/ God-inspired fertilizer of the bishops,/ Cyril the Wise,/ you have enlightened everything with your teachings,/ the spiritual priesthood,// pray to Christ God for the salvation of our souls.

Kontakion of St. Athanasius of Alexandria

Having planted the teachings of Orthodoxy,/ you have cut off patience from slander, multiplying the seed of faith by the inspiration of the Spirit, O Reverend, // we sing to you in the same way, Athanasius.

Kontakion of Saints Athanasius and Cyril of Alexandria

Priests of the greatest piety/ and goodness, champions of the Church of Christ,/ keep everything, singing:/ save, Generous,// honoring Thee with faith.

Kontakion of St. Athanasius the Great

Having planted the teachings of Orthodoxy,/ you have cut off the slander of the thorns,/ having multiplied the seed of faith by the blessing of the Spirit, O Reverend, // we sing to you in the same way, Athanasius.

Kontakion of St. Cyril of Alexandria

You have poured out for us the abyss of theological teachings/ in reality from the source of the Savior,/ plunging heresies,/ Blessed Kirill,/ and saving the flock unharmed from troubles,/ a mentor to all countries, reverend,// revealing the Divine.

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Pat-ri-ar-hu Alek-san-driy-sko-mu, and from-da-la to the temple to serve God. And he began to spend his life at the temple, zealously fulfilling God’s commandments.

In 319, the pat-ri-arch ru-ko-po-lo-lived him in the dia-ko-na of the Aleksandriya Church. Already at this time, Saint Afa-na-siy began to write co-chi-ne-niya. The future saint saw that those who have come to the Church of Christ have no zeal, they have no truth God's blessings, many of them seek glory for themselves, empty words, celebrations and all languages Czech customs, which they used to have, were transferred into Christian life. A certain Arius appeared, who blasphemed Christ, destroyed the Mother of God and disturbed the people, teaching the people to beat -to gain honor, glory, and into the Church, to achieve priesthood and even arch-priesthood. And many listened to him and followed him to this heresy - ari-a-na-mi. And this heresy spread so widely that it almost overwhelmed the entire Church - there was a great war. In 325, Saint Afa-na-siy was at the Nicaei So-bo-re, where you marched against Arius.

In 326, after the death of Pat-ri-ar-kha Alek-sandra, Saint Afa-na-siy was elected to the Alek-san-dri-ka-fed-ru. Episcopal Afa-na-siy went around the church, stood up a lot, fought against the Ari-an, pissed, insulted them , and all the untrue Christians rose up against him and began to slander him. At that time, Constantin the Great reigned (306-337), he was considered the blood of the Church of Christ. howl. He is good at military strategy, diplomacy, state affairs, but church affairs and -by-ve-di Evan-ge-lia didn’t know, that’s why the ko-le-bal-sya is between the Ari-an-stvo and the right-to-sla-vi-em.

Taking advantage of the kindness and simplicity of them-per-ra-to-ra, here-ti-ki surrounded his entire yard, penetrated into everything properly -sti and began to whisper heresies and lies and introduce races. They about-vi-nya-li ar-hi-episco-pa Afa-na-siya, that he is a bad person, that he does not listen to the king, he works separately from the royal treasury and believes that he is doing bad things, that he is both a sorcerer and a criminal -nick, and fornication-nick. He-per-ra-tor saw a great rift, enmity, tried to restore peace, but would-have such times, that a war could have opened, then he proposed to the saint Afa-na-this to retire for a while to some-where . And the saint spent most of his long reign in exile, and then he often used supported by the monks, was in friendship with both the fathers of the monks - the saints, the pre-loving ones and .

In particular, heresies and evil people have become aware of the problem with Saint Afa-na-siya in the fact that he does not listen to -ve-le-niy im-per-ra-to-ra, does not pay attention to his pre-pi-sa-niya, does not accept Aria into the church - the general public that he is a sorcerer and a sorcerer, who himself is manifested by the cha-ro-de-i-mi, and that through the means of some dead hand, supposedly at the Kli-ri-ku Ar-se-niu, is creating a spell. Im-per-ra-tor ordered the investigation. Ar-se-niy was a cleric, a reader, having completed some kind of step, he hid for a long time, and when rumors about This began to spread all over the place, then he developed a sense of truth, fairness, somehow invisibly. but the saint of Christ Afa-na-siy was, and Ar-se-niy himself did not suffer, not from him -ku, another person was found somewhere by evil judges, although many of them were bishops. Talking about my father and the good-de-te-le and grieving in my heart about the fact that the truth is lawless Yes, it’s a lie, he secretly came to Afa-na himself, coming to his honest feet Blessed Afa-na - this one, rejoicing at Ar-se-niy’s presence, ordered him not to show his name to anyone before the trial.

Meanwhile, the vicious hatred of Afa-na-siya’s opponents grew so much that to one lie they added a new one: support ku-pi-whether one shameless woman bring-up a cle-ve-tu on the holy Afa-na-siya, what he did with her without-for-ko-nie. When the trial began, the judges sat down in their places and slandered before the court, and this woman was brought in . She cried for a long time about the saint, something she had never seen and didn’t even know , what does he look like? Everyone listened in bewilderment. But she didn’t even want to know the blessings of Evan-Gel’s, being glad that they had given her a lot of money. At that time, Afa-na-siya’s friend Pre-sweeter Ti-mo-fey, standing with him outside the door and hearing everything, was troubled by the spirit and, suddenly -dan-but having entered inside the court, he hastily stood before the eyes of that slanderer, as if he were Afa himself -na-siy; he boldly turned to her: “Have I done violence to you at night, as you say?” And she, with great shamelessness, cried out to the judges: “This, this man is my corrupter and evil-minded against the mo- she's clean; he...” The judges laughed when they saw the meanness, playing a wounded comedy, and drove her away. But against St. Afa-na-siya, although they were tired, they did not calm down and began to blame him for the murder of Ar-se-niy, apparently - some scary-looking dead hand. Saint Afa-na-siy listened to them and was silent, then he asked: “Are there any of you who knew Ar-se-sho well?” nia? Which of you can confirm whether this is his hand? And the majority of unjust judges rose up, quickly and began to assert that this was in fact the hand of Arse -nia. And then, when they re-examined their dirty heart and their cunning, the saint moved away behind the weight, behind when Ar-seniy was standing, he brought him out in front of his companions and asked: “And who is this standing in front of you? You said that Ar-se-niy is no longer alive, this is his hand.” And everyone was horrified. “Here, men, is Ar-se-niy! - announced Saint Afa-na-siy. - Here are his hands, which wouldn’t have been the same! Let-you know your Ar-se-niya, if you have one, and give it to someone you belong to “There lies a hand that will condemn you for committing this crime.” But the judges must carry out the trial, exhausting all their slander. And Saint Afa-na-siy, you are not the one who agrees with my injustice, out loud he testified everything -to-so-bo-ru: “The right-of-right has died out, in-the-right-of-the-ti-na, the right-of-su-die has died, disappeared from the judges for - horse-investigation and careful examination of cases! Is it legal for someone who wants to be acquitted to be kept in prison, and the court of the whole case would be slandered? -to no-names and enemies, and so that the thief-schi-ki su-di-go, on whom they are biting?” By him, the saint was acquitted and sent to his Aleksandriya ca-fedral.

When Kon-stan-tin the Great died and his second son Kon-stan-tsiy took over the throne, the entire court of the imper-ra-torsky pe- re-went to the hundred-ro-well ary-an. They began to drive out the right-wing Christians, exile the bishops, place wicked people, treacherous people on the thrones , fornicators, heretics, who did not recognize Jesus Christ as God. And Saint Afa had to flee to Rome, where he lived for three years.

Then the Lord judged everything with His judgment: Aria and the heretics were punished, and the wicked king died. After him, Yuli-an the Renegade reigned for two years, followed by Jovi-ni-an the blessed one, then Valent, who -that, although the Church did a lot of evil, but, having woofed the Alek-San-Driy-tsev, he pretended to be a saint -let Afa come back and manage the Aleksandriya Church without any language. And it is described in the life of Saint Afa-na-siya that during the last part of his life he lived in peace and serenity -koy, died about the State on May 2, 373 at the age of 76 years.

For 46 years Saint Afa-na-siy was the bishop of the city of Aleksandria and many times left the cathedral and returned - talked about-rat-but, because the Ari-ans, who call themselves chris-sti-a-na-mi, believe-in Evan-ge-lie, is-ka-li, come-we-vi-well, to condemn and put to death the saint. But the Lord, proclaiming the Gospel, did not try to kill his enemies; these same evil-deeds have created Baptism, Christianity and faith without goodness.

See also: "" in the text of St. Di-mit-ria of Ro-stov.

Prayers

Troparion to Saint Athanasius the Great of Alexandria

You were the pillar of Orthodoxy, / Confirming the Divine dogmas of the Church, / Hierarch Athanasius: / Having preached to the Father the Son of One Essence, / You put Arius to shame. / Most Reverend Father, / Christ God pray, // grant us great mercy.

Translation: You have become a pillar of Orthodoxy, establishing the Church as divine, Athanasius, for having proclaimed the Son consubstantial with the Father, you have put Arius to shame. Father, pray to Christ God to grant us great mercy.

Troparion to Saints Athanasius and Cyril of Alexandria

O God our Father,/ deal with us according to Your meekness,/ do not forsake Your mercy from us,/ but through their prayers// guide our lives in peace.

Translation: God of our fathers, who always deals with us according to Yours, do not remove Your mercy from us, but through their prayers, peacefully manage our lives.

Troparion to Saints Athanasius and Cyril of Alexandria

The deeds of Orthodoxy have shone, / extinguished all slander, / victorious, victorious faster, / enriched everything with piety, / adorned the Church with greatness, / worthy of finding Christ God, // who gives us everything I have mercy.

Translation: Having shone with deeds in defense of Orthodoxy, having extinguished all wrong-thinking, you have become victors, bearing trophies; Having enriched everyone, having majestically decorated the Church, you have dutifully found Christ God, who through your prayers bestows great mercy on everyone.

Troparion to Saint Cyril of Alexandria

Teacher of Orthodoxy,/ piety to the teacher and purity,/ the lamp of the universe,/ God-inspired fertilizer of the bishops,/ Cyril the Wise,/ with your teachings you have enlightened all things,/ the spiritual soul,/ / pray to Christ God to save our souls.

Translation: Orthodox mentor, teacher and purity, lamp of the universe, adornment of bishops, Cyril the Wise, with your teaching you have enlightened everything, spiritual lyre, pray to Christ God for the salvation of our souls.

Kontakion to Saint Athanasius the Great of Alexandria

Having planted the teachings of Orthodoxy,/ you have cut off the slander of the thorns,/ having multiplied the seed of faith by the rain of the Spirit, O Reverend, // we also sing to you, Athanasius.

Translation: Having planted the teachings of Orthodoxy, you destroyed the thorns of unrighteousness and multiplied the sowing of faith with the shower of the Spirit; That’s why we praise You, Athanasius.

Kontakion to Saints Athanasius and Cyril of Alexandria

Priests of the greatest piety,/ and virtuous champions of the Church of Christ,/ observe all the singing:/ Save, Generous,// who honor Thee with faith.

Translation: Hierarchs of the greatest piety and valiant defenders of the Church of Christ! Protect all who sing: “Save, O Merciful One, those who honor You with faith!”

Kontakion to Saint Cyril of Alexandria

You have poured out for us the abyss of theological teachings/ from the source of the Spasovs,/ plunging into heresy, Blessed Kirill,/ and saving the flock unharmed from troubles,/ a guide to all the countries,// like a Divine manifestation.

Translation: You have clearly poured out to us the abyss of theological teachings from the sources of the Savior, drowning, Cyril, and keeping us unharmed from storms, for you are a teacher of all ends of the Earth, explaining the Divine.

Prayer to Saint Athanasius the Great of Alexandria

Oh, all-validated and glorious Saint Athanasius the Great, for the Orthodox faith you were in long labors, many labors, in fivefold exiles and flights, you endured many slander and slander, many times you want to kill your enemies for nudes, and God Himself miraculously preserved you you from death. And you endured all this from the wicked heretics - the Arians, and you fought with them, and having immersed them in the abyss of words, you overcame them with your patience, and drove away their evil from the Church Having planted the Orthodox teaching, you multiplied the seed of the faith of Christ. Truly you are a brave warrior of Christ, like a warrior, until the end of your days you fought gloriously for the right faith against the heretics. Truly you are the pillar of the Orthodox faith, for your Orthodox faith has never been shaken by these heretical persecutions, but has become stronger and stronger, and not only among you and your flock, but throughout the entire Church Vi Christovey. We pray to you, saint of God, ask Christ our God for us to have unshakable faith and not to deviate from the right path, but to remain on it until the end of our days, not afraid of flattery, nor reproach, even persecution, and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven in the glory of God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, where you and all the saints abide. Amen.

Oh, all-holy Fathers Athanasius and Cyril, our intercessors, consumers of heresies, defenders of piety, physicians for the sick, helpers in troubles and representatives of all those who come to you , help us sinners in this life, and beg the Lord God to grant us remission of sins and The Kingdom of Heaven is our inheritance, may we always glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and your merciful intercession, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Canons and Akathists

Akathist to Saints Athanasius the Great and Cyril, Archbishops of Alexandria

Kontakion 1

In the election from the Heavenly Shepherd, our fathers, the blessed duo of Saints Athanasius and Cyril, the great city of Alexandria, the first throne, the enemies of the Church of Christ who were victorious with the weapon of the cross and prayer, with spiritual songs we praise you, our holy intercessors. You, who have boldness towards the Lord, pray for the Orthodox Church, for your city and all the people who call with love:

Ikos 1

Angels of earth and men of heaven appeared, Saints Athanasius and Cyril, ever illuminated by the light of true knowledge of God, as two luminaries enlightened nature by succession to each other on the patriarchal throne throughout the whole earth, and as the greatness of our hierarchs and teachers blocked the teaching of the evil heretics of nature, infusing the faithful with piety. In the same way, we, confirmed by the true faith of Christ, sing to you, defenders of the Orthodox Church:
Rejoice, having rejected the charms of this world.
Rejoice, vigilant guardians of a pure and immaculate life.
Rejoice, having loved the One Christ with all your heart.
Rejoice, having submitted your will to the will of God.
Rejoice, you who have shown the image of true faith in yourself.
Rejoice, having courageously taken upon yourself the yoke of Christ.
Rejoice, divine wisdom has been fulfilled.
Rejoice, vessels of the Holy Spirit of election.
Rejoice, faithful workers of the grapes of Christ.
Rejoice, decoration of the Orthodox Church.
Rejoice, archpastors of the holy Church of Alexandria.
Rejoice, eternal joys of the heiress.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 2

Seeing the Lord, the Knower of the Heart, your firm will, wisdom and piety, he appoints you, Father Athanasius, to the candlestick of the Church of Alexandria, so that the light of the Holy Gospel will shine in the countries of the East and, enlightened by you, people will sing a song of praise to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Having obeyed the will of God with a bright mind and a pure heart, having taken the good yoke of Christ, in the footsteps of the apostles our fathers Athanasius and Cyril followed nature into spiritual fields, abundantly sowing the word of God, enlightening their flock with grace and confirming many in the true faith. Likewise, we, enlightened by your godly teachings, cry out to you:
Rejoice, blessed by God.
Rejoice, having lived in true simplicity and silence.
Rejoice, having dedicated yourself to God from your youth.
Rejoice, even in adolescence you were filled with love for the word of God.
Rejoice, you who have loved the monastic life.
Rejoice, you who have served the Lord faithfully.
Rejoice, you who have worthily received the grace of the priesthood.
Rejoice, you who made a bloodless sacrifice for the people.
Rejoice, shepherds and teachers of the Church of Wisdom.
Rejoice, worthy successors of the apostles.
Rejoice, unceasing heralds of true piety.
Rejoice, shield and fence of the city of Alexandria.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 3

By the power of your mind, enlightened by grace, you preached the Trinity of One Essence: the Father Without Beginning, the Son Incarnate and the All-Holy Spirit, Blessed Cyril, and having appeared as a champion and defender of the Mother of God from heretical teachings. We glorify you, as the divine secret writer of the Divine Trinity, and having been illuminated by your teaching, we sing to Christ God who glorified you: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having great zeal for God, having armed ourselves with the weapon of the Cross of Christ and accepted the sword of the word of God, as the good-victory warriors of the Heavenly Father resisted the natural enemy of salvation, the devil, the blessed fathers Athanasius and Cyril, quickly cutting off the tares of heretical teachings, saving the souls of the erring children of God, being faithful in piety and Orthodoxy strengthens the faith. Likewise, enlighten us with your intercession, singing with love:
Rejoice, you who were jealous of the great desert dweller in fasting and abstinence.
Rejoice, for by the example of your life you have turned many to the Lord.
Rejoice, evangelizers of the Gospel truth.
Rejoice, our teachers in the confession of the Orthodox faith.
Rejoice, admirers of the Life-Giving Trinity.
Rejoice, for the Seraphim burned with the fire of love for the Lord.
Rejoice, eradicators of heretical worship.
Rejoice, having glorified the true God in the Holy Trinity worshiped.
Rejoice, accusers of the godless and wicked.
Rejoice, guardians of your flock.
Rejoice, as the holy faith is glorified by you.
Rejoice, for we too, sinners, call on your name with faith.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 4

The devil has raised a storm of malice and hatred, seeking with Arian malice to destroy the Church of Christ through those seduced by him. But you, Father Athanasius, you loudly proclaimed the word of salvation in Nicaea at the First Ecumenical Council, you abolished all Arius’ opinions, and you preached the power of the Holy Trinity throughout the world. Moreover, you preached the true faith to all the ends of the earth, teaching the faithful to sing with love to God, the Creator of all: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Having heard, Saints Athanasius and Cyril, the voice of Christ, calling to the feat of standing for the faith even to death, following the Chief Shepherd Christ, having no rest for the sake of tireless labor to save the flock from the wolves who plundered it, and this feat has been carried through your entire life, now eternal peace in the heavenly abodes has been found. We raise the eyes of our hearts to the Lord, out of duty of love we glorify your memory, with tenderness calling to your face:
Rejoice, faithful servants of the Trinity.
Rejoice, ardent zealots of the truth of Christ.
Rejoice, you have courageously exposed the heretical teachings of the mad Arius.
Rejoice, champions of the right and unshakable faith.
Rejoice, you who have blocked the lips of the erring with godly words.
Rejoice, you who preserve the Church of Christ from false teachings.
Rejoice, shepherds, who drive away the wolves from the flock of Christ.
Rejoice, lay down your soul for your spiritual children in preparation.
Rejoice, treasuries of theology in abundance.
Rejoice, planters of true piety.
Rejoice, blessed confessor of the Orthodox faith.
Rejoice, guides to the salvation of the faithful.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 5

The God-bearing star that rose in Alexandria, you appeared to Saint Cyril, enlightened by the Sun of Truth of Christ God, illuminating the countries of the East with its unflickering light and like the star of Bethlehem, you showed the right path to Christ, so that through your enlightenment people will sing a song of thanks to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Seeing the children of the Church of Alexandria your gospel gospel and standing to death for the Church of Christ and the truth of God, I turn from heretical errors to the true faith. You, as good shepherds, received with love those who naturally seek salvation, thanking the Lord with all your heart for His mercy towards the repentant. For this reason, we praise you, holy fathers, with joyful songs and say:
Rejoice, prayer books, illuminated by the Spirit of God.
Rejoice, luminaries who enlighten our souls.
Rejoice, having given your mind to the obedience of faith.
Rejoice, you who have bequeathed to us the right to glorify God.
Rejoice, you who have overcome heretical wisdom by the grace of Christ.
Rejoice, you who have protected the faithful from heresies.
Rejoice, having exposed the devil and his servants.
Rejoice, glorification of the faithful intercessor.
Rejoice, having become like the prophet of God Elijah through your zeal for faith.
Rejoice, for the prophet Daniel and the three youths courageously glorified God.
Rejoice, having labored in the field of the Lord throughout your life.
Rejoice, even after death you were not separated from your flock by love.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 6

You appeared to the world as a preacher of the true teaching about Christ and His Most Pure Mother, Saint Father Athanasius, by the power of your gracious word and God-inspired writings, you put to shame the blasphemous flattery of Arius and you endured many troubles from the enemies of Orthodoxy: unrighteous expulsion from the throne of Alexandria, imprisonment and persecution. For this reason, seeing you as the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep, let us cry out to God who glorifies His saints: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Saints Athanasius and Kirill have naturally shone like lights in the church sky, by the feat of your life showing all the faithful the path to the unstoppable Light of Christ. We also pray to you, help us to disperse the darkness of unbelief and corruption in the world of God, so that all who love and honor God in spirit and truth cry out to you:
Rejoice, having illuminated the whole world with your words.
Rejoice, bright stars, illuminating us in the night of sin.
Rejoice, unfading radiance to the Church of Christ.
Rejoice, zealots of the true faith.
Rejoice, for your teaching has gone forth to all the countries of the East.
Rejoice, you who gave thanks to God in exile and persecution from heretics.
Rejoice, you who bravely endured much reproach from them.
Rejoice, fearless champions of faith in Christ.
Rejoice, all of you who are persecuted for the truth, a refuge.
Rejoice, we are all spiritual fathers and teachers of piety.
Rejoice, our guides to the Heavenly Fatherland.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 7

Wanting to expel you from the throne of the Church of Alexandria, the heretics slandered you, Father Cyril, before Tsar Theodosius. When this goodness of your life has been brought to light, you have disgraced those who slandered you and disbanded their heretical assembly, and you have overthrown the heretic Nestorius from the patriarchal throne of Constantinople, and installed him as the head of the Ecumenical Council in Ephesus. But you, holy father, disgraced the heresy of Nestorius at the Council, you magnified the Mother of God and the Mother of Light and you glorified God, singing a song of gratitude to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

The new grapes of Christ have been planted by your labors, worthy workers and guardians have appeared, holy fathers, and like the faithful servants of Christ, having entered into the joy of their Lord, you now rejoice in Heaven and with your prayers confirm our faith, interceding for salvation before God for us sinners, let us sing with gratitude. sitse:
Rejoice, accusers of heresies Arius and Nestorius.
Rejoice, our protectors from harmful wisdom.
Rejoice, teachers of those who have gone astray from the right path.
Rejoice, for with the light of the knowledge of God you enlighten those who are darkened in mind.
Rejoice, having filled the hearts of many with streams of grace.
Rejoice, vigilant guardian of our salvation.
Rejoice, soldiers of Christ, having been crowned with glory from Him while still alive.
Rejoice, for your faith is silently singing about your deeds and labors.
Rejoice, having brought spiritual wealth to many people.
Rejoice, you who guided them to the haven of salvation.
Rejoice, you who teach us to rejoice in the Lord.
Rejoice, you who transform our sorrows into joy.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 8

It is truly strange and wonderful to see how a new storm came to the Church of God, when King Julian opened the entire idolatry, creating sacrifices to false gods. And again against you, Saint Athanasius, he rose up, as if he had defeated the faith of Christ, telling the king: “Unless you destroy Athanasius, Christianity will not be powerfully destroyed.” But you, Holy Father, prophesied that this rebellion would soon collapse and you opposed the apostate Julian, begging the Lord and His Most Pure Mother to destroy his evil intentions against Christians, so that all the faithful would gratefully sing to God the song: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

All the sons of Russia preach your gracious help, holy hierarchs Athanasius and Cyril, since our fathers led you away from the years of ancient times, as intercessors from foreign invasions and deliverers from pestilences. Likewise, we, faithful children of the Church of Christ in the Russian lands, bring you this praise of ours:
Rejoice, faithful beloved in the Russian lands.
Rejoice, our champion of Orthodoxy in the country.
Rejoice, O representatives who love and honor you.
Rejoice, givers of the light of Christ to the Orthodox people.
Rejoice, you have opened the doors to the Kingdom of Heaven for many.
Rejoice, intercessor for the salvation of the Christian family.
Rejoice, you have surprised all the surrounding countries with your righteous life.
Rejoice, for all pious people rejoice at your names.
Rejoice, guardians of the true love of Christ.
Rejoice, Christians of all times in the prayers of your mentor.
Rejoice, crown of patience on the land of marriage.
Rejoice, shining with eternal light in Heaven.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 9

Every angelic nature was amazed at your glorious life on earth, Saint Father Cyril, for the Lord has shown you to be a steadfast defender of Orthodoxy. You proclaimed the truths of the Gospel everywhere, comforting the faithful, and thus preserved them from heretical teachings. Even now, do not forsake us sinners, but strengthen all the children of God in Orthodoxy and unanimity, so that in spiritual joy we may sing a song of thanksgiving to the Trinity of Saints: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The prophets of many things have surpassed nature by the power of your divinely inspired words and writings, holy hierarchs of divine wisdom Athanasius and Cyril, for you theologized the incarnate Word of nature, enlightening the souls of many, faithfully showing them the path to salvation, along which you yourself steadily walked by nature until your blessed death. We, rejoicing, as such are the imams, teachers of spiritual life and prayer books, glorifying you, holy fathers, saying:
Rejoice, good shepherds, who were zealous for the glory of the Lord.
Rejoice, having multiplied the talent given to you.
Rejoice, wanderers of earth, who have entered the Heavenly Fatherland.
Rejoice, from the faces of the heavenly powers now triumphant.
Rejoice, luminaries, who have illuminated those in the darkness of error.
Rejoice, for this sake of greatness in the Kingdom of God.
Rejoice, confessor crowns adorned by God.
Rejoice, in the person of the great saints, you are exalted with much glory.
Rejoice, teachers of the wisdom of the universe.
Rejoice, with all the saints of God who pray to the Lord for us.
Rejoice, as you glorify the Christian faith.
Rejoice, for your names are written in Heaven.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 10

Although you saved the flock of Christ from destruction, Saint Athanasius, you were not afraid of royal reprimands, nor slander from heretics, nor imprisonment, but all this, as a valiant warrior of Christ, you endured, you did not cease to enlighten your flock, praying to your disciples to stand firmly in the true faith , to be afraid of the machinations of the enemy, but even in sorrows and misfortunes to thank God for everything, singing to Him the song: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

The wall is naturally indestructible by all Orthodox people, all-praised and worthy of the two, Saints Athanasius and Cyril, for the Creator of Heaven and earth chose you to be on earth as the firmament of the protector and the unshakable pillars of the true faith, and to count among the great saints and teachers of the Church of Christ. In the same way, beg for the grace of God to be worthy and to stand in the truth for all of us who love you and cry out for this:
Rejoice, you who fearlessly spoke the truth of Christ before people.
Rejoice, guardians of church dogma.
Rejoice, you who bore divine words in your hearts.
Rejoice, having left us a spiritual treasure with your God-wise writings.
Rejoice, O protector of our souls from the flattery of Satan.
Rejoice, for through your prayers we defeat the wiles of the devil.
Rejoice, healers of our mental and physical ailments.
Rejoice, a quiet refuge for those overwhelmed by misfortunes.
Rejoice, giver of all temporal and eternal good.
Rejoice, our intercessors before the throne of the Heavenly Judge.
Rejoice, for with a pure heart you now see God.
Rejoice, for even after departing to the heavenly abodes you do not leave care for us.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 11

Our prayer singing, offered today in the temple before your miraculous icon, mercifully hear, Saints of Christ Athanasius and Cyril, and for those who require your gracious help, be intercessors and prayer books, granting them all good things: healing for the sick, consolation for the grieving, deliverance in times of adversity, and Rejoicing you and glorifying God, let us sing to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

The luminaries of light and miracle workers appeared, the saints of God Athanasius and Kirill, from the ancient years and to this day, not leaving our Fatherland: as the ancient chronicler says about it, during the time of Batu’s invasion of Veliky Novgrad, God and you, saints of Christ, interceded. We also pray to you, holy fathers, to grant remission of sins to all Russian people who honor your holy memory with love and cry out like this:
Rejoice, for in all Orthodox countries your names are glorified.
Rejoice, for in the lands of Russia churches are being built in your name.
Rejoice, you blocked the hordes of Hagarians from reaching Veliky Novgrad.
Rejoice, great patrons of our country.
Rejoice, having consecrated the city of Moscow as a temple in your honor.
Rejoice, you who have loved our land and the faithful children of the Russian Church.
Rejoice, for the sons of Russia are being saved through your intercession.
Rejoice, for all the faithful are freed from troubles and sorrows through your prayers.
Rejoice, in difficult circumstances and misfortunes, our hope and intercession.
Rejoice, this is a wonderful consolation for all of us in this time of sorrow.
Rejoice, for with your prayers you appease the Lord of all.
Rejoice, for the Church of Christ is proud and strengthened by you.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 12

The grace given to you by God knowingly, we celebrate your common memory, Saints of Christ Athanasius and Cyril, and zealously flow to your honorable image, through your intercession, as if by an insurmountable wall we are protected, for healers of ailments have appeared to us, guides to the lost and quick helpers to all who call on you and those singing the hymn to Christ God: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing your wondrous life on earth and your glory in Heaven, we humbly pray to you, Saints Athanasius and Cyril, to grant power from above to Orthodox Christians against visible and invisible enemies; awaken to us, blessed fathers, helpers in all good things, bless us with peace and love, give us firm faith, purity of life and fear of God, so that we all, having found peace of mind, will sing to you in joy like this:
Rejoice, Athanasius, namesake of immortality.
Rejoice, great teacher of the Church of Christ.
Rejoice, Cyril, destroyer of the superstitious wisdom of Nestorius.
Rejoice, glory and confirmation to the throne of Alexandria.
Rejoice, Athanasius, expelled from your Fatherland for the sake of truth.
Rejoice, kept in secret by the love of your flock.
Rejoice, Kirill, you have labored kindly and faithfully for the honor of the Most Holy Theotokos.
Rejoice, for the Most Pure Mother of the Lord Herself is imminent of your outcome.
Rejoice, Athanasius, for the great Anthony bequeathed his robe to you.
Rejoice, for your relics were in the Church of St. Sophia of Constantinople.
Rejoice, Cyril, preacher of the wisdom of God.
Rejoice, bishop of the Most High God.
Rejoice, Saints Athanasius and Kirill, pillars of Orthodoxy, teachers of steadfastness and divine wisdom.

Kontakion 13

O our all-validating shepherds, Saints Athanasius and Cyril, accept this little prayer of ours, offered to you from a tender heart, ask us from Christ God for confirmation in the true faith, so that we may walk in the commandments of the Lord blamelessly, and through your intercession bring us all to the Kingdom of Heaven, yes Let us be honored to joyfully sing together with you the victorious song: Alleluia.

This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos: “Election from the Heavenly Shepherd...” and the 1st kontakion: “Angels of the earth...”

Prayer to Saints Athanasius and Cyril of Alexandria

O all-holy Fathers Athanasius and Cyril, our warm intercessors, consumers of heresies, defenders of piety, sick doctors, helpers in troubles and warm intercessors for all who come to you, help us sinners in this life, and beg the Lord God to grant us remission of sins and the Kingdom Heavenly inheritance, may we always glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and your merciful intercession, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Everyone has their own guardian angel and their own intercessor icon, which is given from birth. Pray to your icon, ask the Lord through it for healing and it will definitely come.

Every profession, every direction has its own unspoken heavenly patron. According to tradition, in ancient times all believers had an icon of their saint at home. All icons are sacred. Many of them emanated a radiant light, others streamed myrrh or smelled fragrant. Icons have more than once saved cities from fires, capture and destruction. There are countless icons in the temples, and they are all revered. First of all, icons give people help - they heal, they deliver from death and destruction. All icons somehow manifest miracles, with their help we find peace and strength.


For each person, the word “faith” means something different. Some people go to church and pray, others simply believe in their souls and believe that going to church every week is not at all necessary. And everyone is right in their own way. After all, faith is in our soul, in our heart. Almost every believer has Orthodox icons in their home, and if someone doesn’t, then these people go to church and pray there. Although an icon is not at all necessary for prayer. In the history of Christianity, icons play a huge role. In essence, an icon is a certain form of Divine revelation. And its purpose is to cleanse the souls of people who contemplate it and pray in front of it. They pray in front of the icons. And prayer can be different. Sometimes people ask for help, sometimes they thank you for it. At the same time, the icon is revered, but not worshiped, since only God can be worshiped.
The past is an endless distance, and the more we look into it, the better we see how deep the roots of human history go back centuries. But there are events that unite all centuries, all peoples, and then time, which, at first glance, mercilessly measures out the earthly human path, seems to cease to exist.

Those born from December 22 to January 20 will be protected by the icon Mother of God“Sovereign”, and their guardian angels are Saint Sylvester and Saint Seraphim of Sarov.
Before Your Sovereign Icon
I stand, embraced in prayerful trepidation,
And Your royal face, crowned,
Draws my tender gaze towards Him.
In a time of unrest and inglorious cowardice,
Treason, lies, unbelief and evil,
You showed us Your Sovereign Image,
You came to us and meekly prophesied:
“I myself took the scepter and the orb,
I myself will hand them over to the King again,
I will give the Russian kingdom greatness and glory,
I will nourish, console, and reconcile everyone.”
Repent, Rus', unfortunate harlot...
Wash away your desecrated shame in tears,
Your Intercessor, Heavenly Queen,
He pities you and protects you, the sinner.
S. Bekhteev


Icon of the Mother of God “Sovereign”
Before the icon Holy Mother of God“Sovereign” pray for truth, heartfelt joy, unfeigned love for each other, for peace in the country, for the salvation and preservation of Russia, for the protection of the throne and the state, for deliverance from foreigners and for the granting of healings of body and soul.
Icon of the Mother of God “Vladimir”
Those born from January 21 to February 20 are protected by Saints Athanasius and Cyril, and they will be protected by the icons of the Mother of God “Vladimir” and “Burning Bush”.
The “Vladimir” Icon of the Mother of God has been revered as miraculous for several centuries. Before her, they prayerfully ask the Mother of God for healing from bodily ailments, in particular, diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system. People turn to her for help during disasters, when they need protection from enemies. In front of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God in all centuries they prayed for the preservation of Russia. Every home should have this icon, because it reconciles those at war, softens people’s hearts, and helps strengthen faith.
The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God was written by the Evangelist Luke on a board from the table at which the Savior dined with the Most Pure Mother and Righteous Joseph. The Mother of God, seeing this image, said: “From now on, all generations will bless Me. May the grace of the One born of Me and Mine be with this icon.” In 1131, the icon was sent to Rus' from Constantinople to the holy prince Mstislav († 1132, commemorated April 15) and was placed in the Maiden Monastery of Vyshgorod - the ancient appanage city of the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duchess Olga .


Icon "The Burning Bush"
Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “The Burning Bush” they pray for deliverance from fire and lightning, from severe troubles, and for the healing of ailments. The icon of the Mother of God “The Burning Bush” is depicted in the form of an octagonal star, consisting of two sharp quadrangles with concave ends. One of them is red, reminiscent of the fire that surrounded the bush seen by Moses; another - Green colour, indicating the natural color of the bush, which it retained when engulfed in fiery flames. In the middle of the octagonal star, as if in a bush, the Most Pure Virgin with the Eternal Child is depicted. At the corners of the red quadrangle there are depicted a man, a lion, a calf and an eagle, symbolizing the four evangelists. In the hands of the Most Pure Virgin is a ladder, leaning its upper end against Her shoulder. The ladder means that through the Mother of God the Son of God descended to earth, raising to Heaven all who believe in Him.
It used to be: the gray-haired church
Burning Bush,
Crouching in a white snowstorm,
Flashes at me from the silence;
In front of the thoughtful icon case -
Unquenchable lantern;
And falls lightly
Under the light there is a pink snowball.
Neopalimov Lane
The blizzard is boiling with pearl barley;
And Our Lady in the alley
He looks thoughtful with tears.
A. Bely


Icon of the Mother of God "Iverskaya"
The icon of the Iveron Mother of God is the intercessor of those born from February 21 to March 20. Their guardian angels are Saints Alexius and Milentius of Antioch. The history of the Iveron Icon can be traced back to the first century, when, out of indescribable love for people, the Mother of God blessed the holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke to paint its image during the days of Her earthly life. The Monk John of Damascus wrote: “The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, at a time when the Most Holy Mother of God still lived in Jerusalem and dwelt in Zion, painted Her Divine and honest image on a board with picturesque means, so that, as in a mirror, subsequent generations would contemplate her and childbirth. When Luke presented this image to Her, She said: “From now on all generations will bless Me. May the grace and power of Him who is born of Me and Mine be with you.” Tradition attributes to the brushes of the holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke from three to seventy icons of the Mother of God, including the Iveron icon.
Before the Iveron Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos they pray for deliverance from various misfortunes and for consolation in troubles, from fire, for increasing the fertility of the earth, for deliverance from grief and sadness, for the healing of physical and mental ailments, in difficult circumstances, for help to farmers.


Icon of the Mother of God “Kazan”
Those born from March 21 to April 20 need to ask for protection from the icon of the Kazan Mother of God, and they are protected by Saints Sophrony and Innocent of Irkutsk, as well as George the Confessor. We do not know by whom and when the icon of the Russian Mother of God Hodegetria was painted, which translated from Greek means “Guide”. The image of the Kazan Mother of God belongs to this type of icon. An ancient Russian monk-icon painter, inspired by the image of the Byzantine Hodegetria, which is believed to have been painted by the Evangelist Luke during the life of the Mother of God, paints his own version of this icon. Its iconography, compared to the Byzantine one, is slightly changed. The Russian version can always be recognized by its barely noticeable warmth, softening the regal severity of the Byzantine originals.
The Kazan Mother of God and her holy, miraculous, saving icon (she returns sight to the blind, gives strength to the weak) are considered practically official intercessors, defenders of Russia from external and internal enemies. It is also popularly believed that prayer before the Orthodox icon of the Mother of God protects and frees the praying person from his visible and invisible enemies, i.e. from evil people and from evil spirits...


Icon of the Mother of God “Helper of Sinners”
The icons “Support of Sinners” and the Iveron Mother of God will protect those born from April 21 to May 20. Saints Stephen and Tamara, Apostle John the Theologian are their guardian angels. The icon received its name from the inscription preserved on it: “I am the Helper of sinners to My Son...”. Much happened from the miraculous image miraculous healings. Surety of sinners means Surety for sinners before the Lord Jesus Christ. Before the miraculous image of the Mother of God, “Helper of Sinners,” they pray for the granting of repentance, in despondency, despair and spiritual sorrow, for the healing of various ailments, for the salvation of sinners.
For the first time this image became famous for miracles in the Nikolaev Odrina monastery in the Oryol province in the middle of the last century. The ancient icon of the Mother of God “Helper of Sinners”, due to its dilapidation, did not enjoy proper veneration and stood in the old chapel at the monastery gates. But in 1843, many residents discovered in their dreams that this icon was endowed, by God’s Providence, with miraculous power. The icon was solemnly transferred to the church. Believers began to flock to her and ask for healing of their sorrows and illnesses. The first to receive healing was a relaxed boy, whose mother fervently prayed in front of this shrine. The icon became especially famous during the cholera epidemic, when it brought back to life many terminally ill people who flocked to it with faith.


Icon "Recovery of the Dead"
If your birthday falls between May 21 and June 21, you must ask for protection from the icons of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost,” “Burning Bush,” and “Vladimirskaya.” Protected by saints Alexei of Moscow and Constantine. According to legend, the icon of the Mother of God “SEEKING THE LORD” became famous back in the 6th century in the Asia Minor city of Adana, saving the repentant monk Theophilus from eternal death, who subsequently achieved the highest spiritual perfection and was glorified by the Church as a saint. The name of the icon arose under the influence of the story “On the repentance of Theophilus, the steward of the church in the city of Adana” (7th century): praying before the image of the Mother of God, Theophilus called it “Recovery of the Lost.”
Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Seeking the Lost” they pray for the blessing of marriage; people come to her with a prayer for liberation from vices, Mothers come with petitions for perishing children, for the health and well-being of children, for the healing of eye diseases and blindness, for toothache, for fever, for the disease of drunkenness, for headaches, for the admonition of those who have fallen away from the Orthodox faith and the return of the lost to the Church.


Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow”
Queen of heaven and earth, consolation to those who mourn,
Heed the prayer of sinners: in You are hope and salvation.
We are mired in the evil of passions, we wander in the darkness of vice,
But... our Motherland... Oh, incline your all-seeing eye to it.
Holy Rus' - your bright home is almost dying,
We call to You, Intercessor: no one else knows about us.
Oh, do not leave Your children who grieve Hope,
Do not turn Your eyes away from our sorrow and suffering.
Icons of “Joy of All Who Sorrow” and the Kazan Mother of God are the intercessors of those born from June 22 to July 22. Saint Cyril is their guardian angel. “The Joy of All Who Sorrow” is one of the most popular and widely revered miraculous icons of the Mother of God in Imperial Russia, having a number of significantly different iconographic options. Many sick and mourning people, prayerfully turning to the Mother of God through Her miraculous image, began to receive healing and deliverance from troubles.
According to custom, the Mother of God is depicted according to the words of the prayer addressed to her. “Helper of the offended, hopeless hope, intercessor of the poor, consolation of the sad, nurse of the hungry, clothing of the naked, healing of the sick, salvation of sinners, help and intercession of Christians for all,” - this is what we call the image embodied in the icons “Joy of All Who Sorrow.”


Icon "Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary"
Saint Nicholas the Pleasant and Elijah the Prophet protect those born from July 23 to August 23, and the icon “Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos” protects them. In Orthodox Rus', the word “pokrov” means both veil and protection. On the Feast of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary Orthodox people they ask the Queen of Heaven for protection and help. In Rus', this holiday was established in the 12th century by Holy Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky. Having learned that Saint Andrew, the Fool for Christ's sake, saw the Mother of God holding Her veil over the Orthodox, he exclaimed: “Such a great event cannot remain without celebration.” The holiday was established and immediately accepted by all the people in the joyful conviction that the Mother of God tirelessly keeps Her cover over the Russian land. I've been fighting all my life Grand Duke Andrey is against discord and disunity of his land. He firmly believed that the cover of the Mother of God would protect Rus' “from arrows flying in the darkness of our division.”
The Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos is great Orthodox holiday in memory of the miraculous appearance of the Mother of God in the Blachernae Church in 910 during the siege of Constantinople. The Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos is a sign of the grace of God covering us, strengthening us, and preserving us. The icon depicts a procession to heaven through the clouds, to the Savior. The procession is led by the Mother of God, holding a small veil in her hands, and behind Her are a host of saints. The icon symbolizes the prayer of the entire Heavenly Church for the human race.


Icon "Passionate"
Those born from September 24 to October 23 should seek protection from the icons of the Pochaev Mother of God, “The Burning Bush” and “The Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord”. They are protected by Saint Sergius of Radonezh.
Those born from August 24 to September 23 should ask for protection from the Burning Bush and Passionate Bush icons. Their guardian angels are Saints Alexander, John and Paul. The “Passionate” Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos received its name because near the face of the Mother of God two Angels are depicted with the instruments of the Lord’s passion - a cross, a sponge, a spear. The holy image was glorified during the reign of Mikhail Fedorovich.


Icon "Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord"
“When you pray before that image with faith, you and many others will receive healing.”
Those born from September 24 to October 23 should seek protection from the icons of the Pochaev Mother of God, “The Burning Bush” and “The Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord”. They are protected by Saint Sergius of Radonezh. The honest and life-giving Cross of the Lord was found in 326 in Jerusalem not far from the site of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In memory of this event, the Church established a holiday on September 14/27. The legend of the finding of the Cross of Christ is closely connected with the lives of the saints Equal to the Apostles Helen and Konstantin. The Savior showed the life-giving power of His Cross through the revival of the deceased, to whom the Cross was attached. When the Cross was found, in order to give everyone gathered for the celebration the opportunity to see the shrine, the patriarch erected (raised) the Cross, turning it to all cardinal directions.
Saint Paul is the guardian angel of those born from October 24 to November 22. The icons of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear” and “Jerusalem” protect them.

Now for us the cross is a sacred, most important and most expensive symbol. More than two billion people on earth (more precisely, 2 billion 100 million - that’s how many Christians there are on the planet) wear it on their chests as a sign of their involvement in the true God. Two thousand years ago in Palestine, and in many other places, the cross was just an instrument of execution - just like the electric chair is now in America. And Mount Golgotha ​​near the city walls of Jerusalem was a common place for carrying out death sentences.
About three hundred years have passed since the death on the cross and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christianity, despite severe persecution, spread more and more throughout the entire earth, attracting both the poor and the rich, the powerful and the weak. Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, his father was a pagan, his mother, Queen Helena, a Christian. After the death of his father, Constantine had a war with the ruler of the city of Rome. On the eve of the decisive battle, when the sun began to set, Constantine and his entire army saw a cross in the sky, with the inscription “This way you will win.” In a dream, at night, Constantine also saw Christ with a cross. The Lord ordered him to make crosses on the banners of his troops and said that he would defeat the enemy. Constantine fulfilled God’s command, and having won the victory and entered Rome, he ordered a statue with a cross in his hand to be erected in the city square. With the accession of Constantine, the persecution of Christians ceased, and the emperor himself was baptized shortly before his death, because he considered himself unworthy to accept this sacrament earlier.


Icons of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear”
Saint Paul is the guardian angel of those born from October 24 to November 22. The icons of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear” and “Jerusalem” protect them. The history of the icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear” goes back more than a millennium. According to legend, it is contemporary with the founding of the Athonite Dochiar monastery and was written in the 10th century with the blessing of the founder of the monastery, St. Neophytos. It is believed that the icon is a copy of the revered image of the Mother of God, located in the city of Alexandria. The icon received its name, now known throughout the Orthodox world, later - in the 17th century, when a miracle occurred from it. In Rus', the miraculous Athonite icon “Quick to Hear” has always enjoyed great love and veneration, because it became famous for its miracles. Particularly noted were cases of healing from epilepsy and demonic possession; she provides quick help and consolation to all who come to Her with faith.
In front of this icon they pray for spiritual insight, for various infirmities, for cancer, for help in childbirth and for feeding with milk, for children. And first of all, they pray to the Quick to Hear when they do not know how best to act, what to ask for, in confusion and bewilderment.
According to the pious Tradition of the Church, some of the ancient miraculous images of the Mother of God were painted by the first icon painter, the holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, even during the earthly life of the Ever-Virgin. These include Vladimir, Smolensk and other icons. It is believed that the image of the Jerusalem icon was also painted by the Apostle Luke, and this happened in the Holy Land, in Gethsemane, in the fifteenth year after the Savior’s ascension to heaven. In 453, the image was transferred from Jerusalem to Constantinople by the Greek king Leo the Great. In 988, Tsar Leo VI presented the icon as a gift to Grand Duke Vladimir when he was baptized in the city of Korsun (present-day Kherson). Saint Vladimir gave the Jerusalem Icon of the Mother of God to the Novgorodians, but in 1571 Tsar Ivan the Terrible transferred it to Moscow to the Assumption Cathedral. During Napoleon's invasion in 1812, this icon of the Mother of God was stolen and taken to France, where it remains to this day.


Icon of the Mother of God “Jerusalem”
Those born from November 23 to December 21 should ask for the intercession of the icons of the Mother of God “Tikhvin” and “The Sign”. Saint Nicholas the Pleasant and Saint Barbara are their guardian angels.
Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos of Jerusalem they pray in grief, sadness and despondency, for healing from blindness, eye diseases and paralysis, during a cholera epidemic, for deliverance from the death of livestock, from fire, during relaxation, as well as during an attack by enemies.


Icons of the Mother of God “The Sign”
Those born from November 23 to December 21 should ask for the intercession of the icons of the Mother of God “Tikhvin” and “The Sign”. Saint Nicholas the Pleasant and Saint Barbara are their guardian angels. The Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God is considered the patroness of infants; it is called the children's icon. She helps children in illness, calms the restless and disobedient, helps them choose friends, and protects them from the bad influence of the street. It is believed to strengthen the bond between parents and children. Helps women during childbirth and pregnancy. Also, people turn to the Mother of God in front of Her Tikhvin icon with prayer when there are problems with conception.
One of the most revered shrines in Rus'. It is believed that this image was created by the holy evangelist Luke during the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Until the 14th century, the icon was in Constantinople, until in 1383 it unexpectedly disappeared from the Blachernae Church. According to the chronicle, in the same year in Rus' the icon appeared before fishermen on Lake Ladoga near the city of Tikhvin. The miraculous Tikhvin Icon from the Tikhvin Monastery is currently kept in Chicago in the USA.
The Icon of the Mother of God “The Sign” became famous in the 12th century, at a time when the Russian land was groaning from civil strife. The Vladimir-Suzdal prince Andrei Bogolyubsky, in alliance with the princes of Smolensk, Polotsk, Ryazan, Murom and others (72 princes in total), sent his son Mstislav to conquer Veliky Novgorod. In the winter of 1170, a huge militia laid siege to Novgorod, demanding its surrender. After fruitless negotiations, the Novgorodians refused to surrender, and the battle began. The defenders of Novgorod, seeing the terrible strength of the enemy and exhausted in the unequal struggle, placed all their hope in the Lord and the Most Holy Theotokos, since they felt the truth was on their side.
Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “The Sign” of Novgorod they pray for an end to disasters, for protection from enemy attacks, from fires, for protection from thieves and criminals and for the return of what was lost, for deliverance from the plague, for the pacification of the warring and deliverance from internecine warfare...


Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Iverskaya Goalkeeper”
In every home it is desirable to have the Iveron Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos (Goalkeeper), which protects the house from enemies and ill-wishers. The Iveron Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the most famous and revered in Orthodox world. According to legend, Iverskaya was written by the Evangelist Luke, for a long time it was located in Nicaea in Asia Minor, and from the beginning of the 11th century. permanently resides in the Iveron Monastery on Holy Mount Athos (in honor of which it received its name).
Not far from the Iveron monastery on the seashore, a miraculous spring has been preserved to this day, flowing at the moment when the Mother of God set foot on Athos soil; this place is called Klimentova pier. And it was to this place that the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, now known to the whole world, miraculously, in a pillar of fire, appeared across the sea. The veneration of this image is evidenced by the fact that the Monk Nicodemus the Holy Mountain alone wrote four canons to the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God.


Here is what the famous Russian pilgrim-pedestrian of the 18th century Vasily Grigorovich-Barsky writes about the “Goalkeeper”: “In this beautiful, built temple at the inner gates of the monastery, in the iconostasis, instead of the local ordinary Mother of God, there is a certain holy and miraculous icon, named after the ancient monks Portaitissa, i.e., the Goalkeeper, extremely terribly transparent, with great feathers, holding Christ the Savior on her left hand, her face blackened by many years, both showing the entire image, and everything except her face is covered with silver-plated gilded clothing, and in addition, dotted with valuable stones and gold coins, from various tsars, princes and noble boyars given for many of her miracles, where I saw with my own eyes the Russian tsars, queens and princesses, emperors and empresses, princes and princesses, gold coins and other gifts were hung up.”


A family icon is an icon depicting the namesake saints of all family members. A family icon is a shrine that connects all family members and unites their spirit. A family icon is part of a family heritage that is passed down from generation to generation. The presence of a family icon in the house brings the family together, strengthens their faith, and helps in various family matters. The spiritual power of such an icon lies in its conciliarity; when offering their prayers, each family member prays not only for themselves, but also for their parents, children and loved ones.
Recently, the tradition of the family icon has been revived everywhere. On family icon the patron saints of family members are depicted together. Here, as if outside of time, saints gather who pray for this clan, for this family. Among them may be the patron saints of parents who have already passed away - the founders of the clan. To paint such an image, the names of each saint are selected, and rare saints are also found.

Faith is just that: it doesn’t need proof. Nevertheless, over the past two thousand years, so much evidence has been collected for each episode of the gospel history that only a not very informed person can doubt that all this actually happened.

Performing a miracle, that is, fulfilling a prayer, first of all depends on the faith of the person praying. If the one who pronounces a prayer with his lips does not have a conscious and heartfelt appeal to God, then even in front of the miraculous icon itself, the prayer will remain fruitless...
HOW TO CORRECTLY PLACE ICONS IN A HOUSE OR APARTMENT:
The house is a continuation of the temple, in the past in each Orthodox family- both peasant and urban, in the most prominent place of the home there was always a shelf with icons, or an entire home iconostasis. Moreover, the quantity and richness of the decoration of the icons indicated the wealth and position in society of the owner himself. The place where the icons were placed was called differently: front corner, red corner, holy corner, shrine, icon case or ark.
The icon in the apartment is a window to the Kingdom of God. The red corner with icons is the place where the day begins and ends Orthodox Christian: here the morning and evening prayers and therefore everything must be subordinated to one goal - concentrated prayer to God.
When praying, it is customary to stand facing east; the altar is built to the east. Orthodox churches. Therefore, it is advisable to place the icons on the eastern wall of the room. But what to do if the house is oriented so that there are windows or doors in the east? In this case, you can place the icons in any other accessible place, as it is sung in Psalm 112, “from east to west praise the name of the Lord.” The main thing is that there is enough free space in front of the icons, so that the worshipers do not feel crowded when praying together.
Some people arrange a red corner above the bed - this way the cramped space is used more effectively, cabinets and windows do not interfere, and you sleep under the shadow of shrines.
You can place the icons on a special shelf, and if there are a lot of them, hang them on the wall, following a few simple rules. For example, if icons are hung haphazardly, asymmetrically, without a thoughtful composition, then this causes a constant feeling of dissatisfaction and a desire to change everything, which very often distracts from prayer.
Icons can and should be placed in other rooms. The icon should also be in the kitchen. There must be a holy image in the children's room (for example, an icon of the Guardian Angel or an icon of the Heavenly Patron of the child).
According to tradition, it is customary to hang an icon of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary above the entrance to a house or apartment. Although it could be any other icon or cross.