Saint John the Myrrh-Bearer (icon, prayer, interesting facts from life will be presented in this article) is a unique person who is not mentioned as often as, for example, Saint Mary Magdalene. However, this holy woman left everything to be closer to Jesus Christ and follow Him. After the Savior died on the Cross, Joanna was among those who could personally anoint the Body of Christ with chrism. The Angels themselves informed her that her Savior would soon resurrect.
The Day of St. John the Myrrh-Bearer falls on June 27th. The Saint is also venerated on April 17th.
Unknown saint
Only Luke mentions Saint John the Myrrh-Bearer. For some unknown reason, the evangelists no longer mention John. The Myrrh-Bearer has a wonderful name, which means “The Grace of God” or “God has shed mercy.” This selfless woman is not too glorified, but she is not reproached either, like, for example, the mother of the Zebedees, who only wanted her sons to always be near Jesus Christ as he performed the Way of the Cross.
Celebrities named Ioanna
- Joanna the Myrrh-Bearer is one of the disciples of Jesus Christ.
- Joan of Chantal is a saint widely known in Catholicism.
- Gianna Beretta Molla is the first married woman of modern times canonized in Catholicism.
- Pope Joanna - according to legend, this is a woman who occupied the papal throne and bore the male name John VIII.
- Joanna of England is a Sicilian queen and countess of Toulouse.
- Joanna (Jeanne) of Navarre - Queen of France and wife of Philip IV the Fair.
- Joanna (Jeanne) of France - queen of France, Catholic saint, wife of Louis XII.
- Joanna (Joanna) Beaufort - Queen of Scots.
- Joanna (Giovanna) – Neopolitan queen.
- Joanna (Juana) the Mad – Queen of Castile, daughter of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon.
- Joanna (Jeanne) of France - Queen of France, Catholic saint, wife of Louis XII.
- Joanna Antida Toure is a nun, founder of the female monastic congregation “Sisters of Divine Mercy” (SDC), saint of the Roman Catholic Church.
- Joanna Courtmans-Berchmans is a Flemish writer who was awarded the Quinquennial Prize for literature in 1865.
- Joanna Pakula is an actress of Polish origin, whose career development took place in the USA.
- Ivanna (Yvonne) Anders is a performer working as Zhanna Aguzarova, a former vocalist of the Bravo group, a solo singer, known for her shocking style and ringing voice.
- Joanna Khmelevskaya is a writer of Polish origin, author of ironic detective stories, and the founder of this genre in Russia.
- Joanna Kinkel - German revolutionary, composer, writer, music teacher, conductor.
- Joanna Sulej is a figure skater of Polish origin, two-time Polish champion.
- Giovanna Anton is a Brazilian fashion model, actress, producer, and TV presenter.
- Giovanna I (John I) – Queen of Naples.
May 21, 2022 at 06:05 pm © Krasnikova I. V.
Prejudices and prejudices
The Orthodox world talks about some prejudices associated with Joanna the Righteous, or more precisely with her name. Many believe that girls have problems in life precisely because of it, since it is believed that this name is purely masculine. Some Christians are deeply convinced that the name John is not Orthodox at all. Many simply ask in disbelief when they find out that this name belongs to the Myrrh-Bearer.
From this ancient Hebrew name come the famous Slavic names Yana, Janechka, Yanka. Unfortunately, many Jans have to choose a different name at baptism, since almost no one associates this name with the name John, from which it comes.
Church of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist on Presnya
The Church of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist on Presnya is located in the Presnensky district of Moscow, at the address: Maly Predtechensky Lane, building 2. This church has an amazing history. It was built on the site where ancient pagan rites associated with the Slavic holiday of Ivan Kupala were held. The construction of the temple was a kind of missionary work - they tried to enlighten Muscovites with the light of Christ.
In the 18th century, at one time the spiritual center of the Georgian diaspora in Russia was located here and there was a cathedra of the Georgian metropolitan.
During the Soviet years, the church was opened, thanks to which many icons and frescoes of the 17th-18th centuries were preserved. At the end of the 19th century, the great artist Viktor Vasnetsov worked here. Unfortunately, almost all of his frescoes were then covered with layers of paint. And only in 2007, restorers carried out conservation of the master’s works.
Life of Joan the Myrrh-Bearer
Joanna was not immediately the Myrrh-Bearer. She was once part of a respectable society and had a fairly high social status. She had virtually no contact with the poor, beggarly people who were near Jesus Christ and followed Him. She also did not communicate with women who were abandoned by their husbands and who were forced to go to the porch.
Joanna successfully married Khuzu, who served at the king's court. Joanna was considered a real court lady. She had everything - clothes, food, and a roof over her head. She had communication with her friends and prayer. Joanna's only son grew up happily to the delight of his parents.
But, unfortunately, grief did not escape Joanna’s house. Her son became seriously ill. It was in Asia, where a particularly serious illness was raging. The young man was near death. The parents tried all available healing methods, but nothing helped. Then the father decided to turn to the passing Preacher. Huza could not have known that the man was Jesus Christ himself. The courtier did not understand why the Forerunner did not want to go with him to the palace. It is a special honor to be invited to the palace, Khuza thought.
He tried in every possible way to lure Jesus into the palace so that he would heal his son. But in response I heard the following words: “Your faith will never awaken if you do not see a miracle or sign.” The Savior nevertheless healed the son of Chuza, despite the fact that it was in this palace that Christ’s only close friend, John the Baptist, was killed. According to legend, it was Joanna who hid the severed head of the Baptist in a secret place in the palace in order to save the body of the Prophet from abuse. It is said that at night she placed the head in a vessel and took it to the Mount of Olives.
Khuza felt ashamed, but he could not understand why these feelings overwhelmed him. He walked home, experiencing great excitement. Joanna sent servants to tell Chuza the good news that his son had fully recovered.
After some time, the boy’s parents realized that they had turned to Jesus Christ himself for help. This news also reached King Herod. The courtiers remembered that Joanna often asked the Baptist.
Venerable Martyr Joanna
In the world her name was Susanna. She was the only child of the presbyter Rome Gavanius. The girl was educated, but at the same time very religious and chaste. She refused marriage, deciding to devote her life to serving Christ. King Diocletian, who insisted on her marriage, sent first his wife, then his son, so that they could persuade her to marry. His son Maximilian found her praying in the house and wanted to dishonor her, but he saw the radiance of an angel bending over the girl and disappeared in fear. Then the angry Diocletian ordered his mercenary, the sadist and torturer Macedonius, to force Joanna to renounce her faith. He beat her with sticks in front of her family, but she was adamant. Then she was executed by cutting off her head. This act inspired her entire family and servants to convert to Christianity.
Evil fate or God's blessing
King Herod was angry. Khuza feared for his position and for his life. Therefore, he decided to immediately divorce his wife and send her home so that the king’s anger would not harm him. In those days, divorce was commonplace. Any reason, even the most insignificant, could lead to divorce. It was difficult for the woman. Even with a high status, she instantly lost everything after the divorce. If her parents were still alive, she could return to them.
Khuza had a good example of how you can throw out your wife and marry someone younger and more beautiful. Before his eyes, King Herod himself did this. There are rumors that Joanna left on her own to avoid trouble.
Iconography of the Nativity of John the Baptist
The very first surviving icon of the Nativity of John the Baptist was found on the frescoes of the St. Sophia Church in Ohrid; it was painted in the middle of the 11th century.
In the Byzantine era, the iconographic plot of the holiday was central to the childhood cycle of John the Baptist. Icon painters depicted the righteous Elizabeth lying on a bed. The plot also included the gospel episode “The naming of John by Zechariah.”
In the 14th century, everyday details began to appear on the icons of the Nativity of John the Baptist: an image of a table with food next to Elizabeth’s bed, the scene of “Rolling the Baby.” In the 16th - 17th centuries, the birth of the prophet also became part of his life cycles.
From maid of honor to saints
But, one way or another, the woman found herself among poor women who had a dubious past, but strictly followed Christ. She came to the Savior because He healed her son. This is the only refuge she has left. Joanna was immensely grateful to Christ. She had no one else to go to. She no longer asked the Savior for anything. She simply listened to him humbly and listened to everything that awoke in her soul from his words. Now Joanna was among the orphans, the poor and the abandoned, who questioned the Preacher with genuine attention.
In her previous life, she accepted her family's luxury and prosperity as God's blessing. Now Joanna saw that in fact the Lord is with the poor and unfortunate. From this rethinking, she became joyful, as she realized that she had not lost anything, but, on the contrary, had gained a lot. All this time, the woman was sure that the Lord did not need her, abandoned and divorced, that He was angry with her and would never let her into His Kingdom. But Jesus constantly repeated that God does not care about luxurious palaces.
Joanna was immediately accepted into the new environment. No one gloated at her or was happy that she had lost everything. No one looked at her with malice or envy, or reproached her for her past wealth. They immediately offered her bread and took care of her peace of mind.
Meaning of a girl's name
What does the name John mean? In numerology, the meaning of the name John is determined by the number 4. It usually indicates a person who is capable of achieving success in technical fields. It is also a number that means stability, reliability, caution, and conscientiousness. Joanna is very useful in extreme situations; she quickly reacts to all changes and adapts to new circumstances. She is characterized by such qualities as modesty and lack of ambition. Although, since the name of Joanna is ruled by Jupiter, she is distinguished by a very strong will and strong character.
In all her affairs, Ioanna always strives to figure things out on her own and does not ask anyone for help. With some effort, she is able to develop a large number of skills, many of which will be useful professionally. Joanna inspires trust in people and knows how to listen to them. The meaning of the name knows how to cover its tracks well and reliably and feels better by maintaining a distance from everyone, hiding its feelings and goals. You should not force your communication on her.
A Life of Service to Others
Then Joanna decided to sell all her valuables, which she had been saving for a rainy day. Now her dream had come true, she could serve Jesus, feed the hungry beggars who followed the Savior.
Having given everything, Joanna mingled with the crowd of poor women and no one except Luke even noticed her. Luke always felt sorry for unfortunate women for their difficult fate.
Jesus always answered Joan, because he knew the depths of her heart and understood her sadness, as he understood the sorrow of everyone who turned to Him.
Luke told John that unexpected joy and great salvation would soon await her, because the Lord is very merciful and does not tolerate when someone suffers. Luke often consoled Joanna so that she would not grieve.
The mother of Jesus, Mary, also took care of the future Myrrh-Bearer. She treated her like a daughter who was in trouble, grieved with Joanna for her abandoned son and was glad that he was still able to be healed, and again grieved that he could no longer be with his mother.
Glorious Eternal Virgin, Mother of Christ our God, offer our prayer to Your Son and our God, may He save our souls through You.
I place all my hope in You, Mother of God, keep me under Your protection.
Virgin Mary, do not reject me, a sinner who needs Your help and Your intercession, for my soul trusts in You, and have mercy on me.
Prayer of Saint Ioannikios
My hope is the Father, my refuge is the Son, my protection is the Holy Spirit: Holy Trinity, glory to Thee.
It is worthy to glorify You, the true Mother of God, eternally Blessed and Immaculate and Mother of our Lord. With honor more honorable than the Cherubim and glory more glorious than the Seraphim, who immaculately gave birth to God the Word, we magnify You as the true Mother of God.
Glory, And now
Lord have mercy. ( Thrice
)
Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother, our reverend and God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Prayer of Saint John of Damascus
Lord Lover of Humanity, will this bed really be my coffin or will you still illuminate my unfortunate soul during the day? Here the coffin is laid before me, and death awaits me. I fear Your judgment, Lord, and endless torment, but I do not stop doing evil. I always anger You, my Lord and God, and Your Most Pure Mother, and all the Heavenly Powers, and my holy Guardian Angel. I know, Lord, that I am unworthy of Your love for mankind, but I am worthy of all condemnation and torment. But, Lord, whether I want it or not, save me. After all, if you save a righteous person, there is nothing great in it. And if You have mercy on the pure, there is nothing wondrous in this - they are worthy of Your mercy. But on me, a sinner, show Your wondrous mercy and reveal Your love for mankind, so that my anger does not overcome Your immeasurable goodness and mercy, and do whatever You want with me.
Revive and strengthen me, O Christ God, lest I fall asleep in the sleep of death, lest my enemy say that he has defeated me.
Glory
: Be the protector of my soul, O God, for I walk in the midst of many snares; deliver me from them and save me, O Good One and Lover of Mankind.
And now
: Let us sing incessantly to the Glorious Mother of God, surpassing the holy Angels in holiness, with our hearts and lips, confessing Her to be the Theotokos, who truly gave birth to us God incarnate, and who prays unceasingly for our souls.
Mark yourself with a cross and say a prayer to the Honest Cross
May God rise again, and may His enemies be scattered, and may those who hate Him flee from His presence. As smoke disappears, let them disappear, as wax melts before the fire, so let demons perish from the face of those who love God, and make the sign of the cross on themselves, and exclaim with joy: Rejoice, Most Honest and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, driving away demons by the power of our crucified Lord Jesus on you Christ, who descended into hell and destroyed the power of the devil, and gave us His Honorable Cross to repel every enemy. O Most Honest and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, help me with the Holy Lady the Virgin Mary and with all the saints forever, amen.
Or briefly:
Protect me, Lord, by the power of Your Honest and Life-giving Cross and save me from all evil.
Prayer for forgiveness of sins
Weaken, forgive, forgive, O God, our sins, voluntary and involuntary, in word and in deed, in knowledge and in ignorance, in days and nights, in mind and thought. Forgive us everything, for You are Good and Humane.
Prayer
Forgive those who hate and offend us, O Lord, Lover of Mankind. Do good to those who do good. Grant to our brothers and relatives the fulfillment of requests for salvation and eternal life. Visit the sick and grant healing. Help those who are at sea. Companion to travelers. Grant forgiveness of sins to those who serve and forgive us. Have mercy on those who have entrusted us, the unworthy, to pray for them, according to Your great mercy. Remember, Lord, our departed fathers and brothers and rest them where the light of Your face shines. Remember, Lord, our brothers and sisters who are in prison, and deliver them from all misfortune. Remember, Lord, those who bring the fruits of their labors to Your holy Churches, and those who do good in them, and fulfill their requests for salvation and grant them eternal life. Remember, Lord, us, Your humble and sinful and unworthy servants, and enlighten our minds with the light of Your mind, and guide us on the path of Your commandments, through the prayers of our Most Pure Lady Theotokos and the eternal Virgin Mary, and all Your saints, for You are blessed forever and ever. Amen.
How does John the Myrrh-Bearer help?
Undoubtedly, Righteous Joanna was and is a close companion of the Lord. As you know, now we can turn to the Creator through His companions. God may not always hear our prayers, but His faithful servants will certainly convey all our requests to Him. John the Myrrh-Bearer can help in many troubles. The icon of this saint is the main refuge of all who need maternal care, warmth and protection from injustice. Righteous Joanna shows special favor to single mothers, since she herself lost a child and was abandoned by her husband.
Prayers of the Nativity of John the Baptist
Troparion to the Nativity of John the Baptist
voice 4th
Prophet and Forerunner of the coming of Christ, we are worthy to praise thee, we are perplexed by the love of thee: the barrenness of the one who gave birth and the silence of the father was resolved by your glorious and honest birth, and the incarnation of the Son of God is preached to the world.
Translation:
Prophet and Forerunner of the coming of Christ, we, who lovingly honor you, are perplexed as to how to worthily praise you: for the infertility of the woman who gave birth and the dumbness of the father were resolved by your glorious and holy birth, and the incarnation of the Son of God is announced to the world.
Kontakion to the Nativity of John the Baptist
voice 3rd
Before the barrenness of the day, Christ gives birth to the Forerunner, and that is the fulfillment of every prophecy: For the prophets preached Him, having laid their hand on Him in the Jordan, the prophet, the preacher, and the Forerunner of God's Word appeared.
Translation:
The formerly barren one now gives birth to the Forerunner of Christ, and he is the fulfillment of all prophecies: for, having laid his hand in the Jordan on Him whom the prophets foretold, he appeared as a prophet of the Word of God, a preacher, and at the same time a Forerunner.
Glorification of the Nativity of John the Baptist
We magnify you, the Forerunner of the Savior, John, and honor your glorious birth from the fruitless.
Translation:
We glorify you, Forerunner of the Savior John, and honor your glorious birth from your barren mother.
