On January 25, students celebrate Tatyana's Day, which for many years has been considered a holiday dedicated to everyone who studies at universities and institutes. In 1755, on January 25 (new style), Empress Elizaveta Petrovna signed a decree on the creation of Moscow University. Since then, this day has become a student holiday. But few of the youth know how to read the prayer to the Holy Great Martyr Tatiana and who this truly great woman was.
Who is Saint Tatiana
The saint lived in Rome at the beginning of the 3rd century. She came from a wealthy consul family. Her father was a secret Christian and instilled in his daughter a love of Christ from childhood. Having matured, the girl decided not to tie the knot, but to devote her life to serving the Lord.
Tatiana became a deaconess, abbess of one of the Christian churches, caring for the sick and poor. When Christians were forced to worship pagan idols, she refused and was executed. During the torture of the girl, miracles happened: instead of blood, milk flowed from the wounds; the lion behaved as a protector of the saint, and not as a predator; angels warded off the executioners' blows from the martyr; and some of the torturers refused to mock her and believed in Christ.
Daughter of Secret Christians
The first centuries of the new religion were very difficult. It was a small sect that was banned by the Roman authorities. And in the second century, when the martyr Tatiana lived, everyone had to obey their word - freedom of faith did not exist in the same form as it does now. You could practice your religion, but at the same time you must make sacrifices to the supreme gods in front of their statues. It was also necessary to recognize emperors as demigods. For Christians, this is a violation of the First Commandment.
Therefore, the family carefully hid their faith, but were able to raise their daughter as a Christian. The father of the family was rich and had a high position. The icon of St. Tatiana does not tell how people went to secret services in caves at night, or with what difficulty they managed to survive. The image only shows us the soul of a righteous woman who decided to devote herself completely to the Lord - and the path of suffering describes her life.
To gain righteousness, the girl prayed for a long time and learned the truths of faith. She achieved such success in this that the community made her a deaconess. This position used to exist in the church, only for women. They prepared their sisters in faith for baptism and explained the basics of the faith.
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The theological meaning of the icon of the martyr Tatiana can be understood by the traditional colors and symbols:
- the white color of the cape speaks of moral purity, purity (i.e. a person does not serve his passions);
- a red cloak is a common detail on icons of martyrs who had to pay for their faith with their own blood;
- the cross in the right hand symbolizes the personal godfather of the saint. Many martyrs were crucified as the Savior, but St. Tatiana's head was cut off;
- the cross also means victory over sin and death, the superiority of God's truth over temporary earthly evil.
What do they pray to Saint Tatiana for?
Students pray to Saint Tatiana; everyone who studies learns a new job. The roots of such a tradition are difficult to trace; it is believed that on the feast of the martyr, an order was given to build the first University. True, this is not confirmed by historical data. But the house church at the Temple of Sciences was consecrated precisely in honor of this Roman saint.
She is approached with the following requests:
- about help with studies,
- about the upbringing and education of children,
- about healing from illnesses,
- about making the right choice,
- for help in difficult life situations,
- about getting rid of despondency,
- about perseverance in adversity,
- about justice.
Also, Saint Tatiana is the patroness and intercessor of all Tatianas, so all women with this name can pray to her. For them, she is a heavenly patroness, and Tatyana can turn to her with any requests.
Tatyana's Day. “Tell me: which Tatyana?..”
Tatiana, Tanya, Tanyusha
We consider the name Tatyana to be ours, originally Russian. They say it came to us from Greece or Rome and there are two versions of its interpretation. According to one of them, Greek, Tatyana means “organizer”, “founder”, and this is more likely. According to the Roman version, Tatiana means “belonging to Tatius.” Tatius Titus, according to legend, was the king of the people living on the territory of Rome. Science history knows little about this king, except for individual pages from the writings of Plutarch. In any case, the name Tatyana sounds so Russian, is so deeply embedded in Russian history and culture, that its distant Mediterranean origin seems to be a coincidence.
They also say that all Tatianas are characterized by a strong spirit, strong-willed character, and vital activity. They are not afraid of difficulties and resolutely overcome failures...
There is hardly any need to look for the hidden meaning of a name - by name we cannot say anything in advance about a person, we cannot guess his character and inclinations, and we cannot determine the future. The name will not allow you to discover your own destiny and control the destiny of your child. The life of a Christian is in God's hands, and no other entities control us. However, people named Tatyana have a common heavenly patron. And the patron remains with them in constant prayerful communication. Remembrance Day of the heavenly patron is the name day of those who are named in his honor. A more accurate designation for name day is Angel Day. For most Tatianas, it falls on January 25, the day of remembrance of Saint Tatiana of Rome (unless, of course, the name is given in honor of the Russian new martyrs Tatiana[2]).
And about those who are under the patronage of one of the greatest Christian saints - the martyr Tatiana of Rome - we can confidently say that they are protected from manifestations of prolonged melancholy, lack of will and helplessness thanks to her constant angelic protection.
Prayer to Saint Tatiana for prosperity and good luck
“Oh holy martyr Tatiano! Bride of your Sweetest Bridegroom Christ, lamb of the Divine Lamb, dove of chastity! In suffering, as if dressed in royal robes, numbered among the heavenly faces, now rejoicing in eternal glory! From the days of her youth, the holy servant of the Church who was promised to God, who observed chastity and loved the Lord more than all the good things! We pray to you and we ask you: heed the request of our hearts, and do not reject our prayers! Grant purity of body and soul, inspire love for Divine truths, lead us on the path of virtues, ask God for us to receive Angelic protection. Make our bodily wounds and ulcers painless, grant patience in suffering. Heal sinful ulcers. Protect our youth, grant us a painless and comfortable old age, help us in the hour of death! Remember our sorrows and grant us joy! Visit us who are in the prison of sin: instruct us in repentance quickly, kindle the flame of prayer! Don't leave us orphans! May your suffering glorify, we send up praise to the Lord of hosts, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.".
Mon, 24 Jan 2022 13:00:10 +0300
Golaeva Irina
Iconography
Sometimes on icons the Great Martyr Tatiana is depicted together with a lion. This illustrates one of the moments in her life. Seeing that ordinary torture did not help, they threw her into the lion's den. However, even a wild animal is capable of submitting to the glory of God. The beast did not touch the holy maiden. In the image, the lion falls at Tatiana’s feet, as if recognizing her as higher and stronger than himself. After all, the Lord created not only people, but also animals. Therefore, saints could often pacify wild animals.
Also on a number of images of icons of St. Tatyana holds a green branch in her hand. She points with her right hand. Green color means heavenly abodes, new life. With the same branches, the inhabitants of Jerusalem met the coming Savior and gave Him praise. And the Roman martyr gave her life to glorify the Creator. Sometimes in her left hand she holds not a branch, but an open scroll with words from the Holy Scriptures.
The saint was tortured for several days - they were thrown into the fire, deprived of food and drink, but she endured everything, thanks to her strong faith. One very old icon depicts the martyr Tatiana on her knees, praying with her hands folded on her chest. In the sky, Christ sits on a cloud, blessing the saint.
- Icon of Saint Helena
- Icon of Saint Alexandra - here
- Icon of Saint Natalia -
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Few are deigned to see God in their mind's eye, but if this happens, it is much easier for a person to pass the tests that are prepared for him. Every believer should strive for this - to see the Lord, hear Him, and most importantly - obey. If you do what God wants, there will be a reward in heaven. May everyone be worthy of it!
How to pray when sick?
Prayer to the Great Martyr Tatiana often brings relief and helps to recover even for those who suffer from the most severe diseases, considered incurable.
You should ask for the gift of recovery with deep faith in your heart and without resentment, anger or other negative emotions hidden in your soul.
Example text:
“Tatiana, the bright martyr of Christ, delivered by the Lord from bodily suffering! I fall to you with sincere prayer and hope in my heart. Help me endure terrible torment, grant healing, do not let me fall into despair and fall into sin. Deliver my body from illness, fill my heart with joy and my soul with peace. Strengthen my faith and grant me strength, both physical and mental. Amen"
The prayer to the Great Martyr Tatiana can be offered on any day; there are no restrictions or special requirements.
How to pray for help and protection?
The prayer to the Great Martyr Tatiana is read not only by women named after her. All people in need of help pray to her. There is no need to pronounce the memorized text; you can ask the saint for protection in your own words.
Example text:
“Great Martyr Saint Tatiana! Just as you loved the Lord above all earthly blessings, so do not refuse me help. Protect and save from misfortunes and sorrows, take troubles aside, do not let misfortunes befall me. Amen"
After Tatyana refused to worship the gods, she was taken to the place of torture
Tatyana was captured and taken to the place of torture. They beat her in the face and tormented her with iron hooks, but the girl endured all the suffering. She prayed not only for herself, but also for her tormentors, for they did not know what they were doing.
Tatyana prayed that the Lord would open the eyes of these people and teach them the truth, guide them on the right path of salvation. Tatiana’s prayers were heard, heavenly light illuminated everyone, and they saw four angels who began to surround the saint. Tatiana's tormentors immediately fell at her feet and began to ask forgiveness for tormenting her. Seeing this, they were ordered to be executed, but the martyrs loudly praised God, after which all eight people were beheaded.
Every morning Tatyana was brought to the ruler, and everyone saw that she did not have a single scratch.
The next day Tatyana was brought to the ruler. Everyone was surprised that there was not a single scratch on the saint after yesterday’s torment. The girl's face was calm and joyful. Then the ruler ordered to expose the girl’s body and cut her body with razors.
But instead of the blood on Tatiana’s body, milk began to flow from the wounds, and it filled the air with its fragrance. It was a fragrance like holy myrrh, because Tatiana herself was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Then they stretched her out and began to beat her with rods. The torturers quickly got tired, one replaced the other. Angels stood invisibly around the girl, deflecting all blows from her, the girl remained unshakable. Many executioners fell dead, while others simply lay motionless, without strength.
The martyr Tatiana was taken to the place of torture by order of the ruler of Rome. They beat her in the face and tormented her with iron hooks, but the girl endured all the suffering. She prayed not only for herself, but also for her tormentors, for they did not know what they were doing.
