"Save me, God!".
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All believers in difficult situations ask for help and support from the Holy Great Martyrs. Prayers to the Saints give strength to find a way out, seemingly where there is none. Each of us has our own favorite Saints, to whom we entrust our problems and share our worries and experiences.
John Chrysostom is one of the beloved and most revered Saints. But why the Orthodox love him so much and trust him so much, you and I will now find out.
Who is Saint John Chrysostom
The birthplace of John Chrysostom was Antioch. Date of birth: approximately 347. The family of the future saint was noble and quite wealthy; his father held a high position in the Byzantine army. John's mother was widowed early, but never remarried, devoting herself to raising John and his sister. But the girl soon died, and the mother gave all her attention to her son.
The woman tried to give her son the best education. This allowed him to engage in legal practice after graduation. The young man’s soul yearned for the Lord; he dreamed of entering a monastery. But the mother opposed her son’s wishes. John resigned himself to his mother’s will, but continued to study the Holy Scriptures and theological books.
In 367, John's mentor, the Antiochian Bishop Meletius, baptized the young man. He then received the title of reader. Soon after, John's mother died. There was nothing stopping him from withdrawing from the world. Having distributed his property, the saint went to the monastery, taking monastic vows.
But monastic life with long, strict fasts led to the monk developing a serious gastric disease. He was forced to leave the monastery, returning to his homeland.
The saint’s further ecclesiastical career developed as follows:
- 381 – ordination to the deaconate;
- 386 – appointment as a priest;
- 397 - headed the Patriarchate of Constantinople, becoming an archbishop.
Having taken a high church position, John began to fight the injustice and inequality that reigned in society. The archbishop tried to help poor people as much as possible by doing charity work. John denounced clergy who shirk their Christian duty, expelling them from their posts.
All this caused discontent among the authorities and the higher clergy. Intrigues were waged against the archbishop with the aim of defrocking and expulsion. But this did not stop the saint. The archbishop's sermons attracted more and more people.
And for the eloquence and grace emanating from his words, people called John Chrysostom.
John was expelled from the city. The earthquake that broke out after the saint's expulsion frightened the authorities. John was allowed to return, but not for long. After a while, the saint was again sent into exile. But on the way the saint fell ill and died on September 14, 407.
Life of a Saint
John was born in Antioch into a noble family around 347. The boy's mother was an educated Christian, his father an officer in the Byzantine army. Shortly after the birth of his son, he died. His mother took care of John's upbringing. She gave the child a good legal education.
Over time, he became a lawyer. But the chosen profession had a downside - lies, crimes, enmity. This could not but outrage the young man, who dreamed of entering a monastery. But his mother held him back. She wanted her only son to be nearby and follow in his father's footsteps. The young man, at the behest of his mother, remained in worldly life.
John received a theological education. Actively studied the Holy Scriptures. He liked the message of the Apostle Paul the most, so later his interpretations came to light. After the death of his mother, John became a monk. But he was unable to strictly fast like all monks because of a stomach illness. He had to leave the monastery and return to his native land. The career of the saint consisted in stages of the following posads:
- deacon;
- priest and preacher of God's word;
- Archbishop of Constantinople.
High ranks did not overshadow John's strong faith. He strongly criticized the capital's clergy, looked after the poor, and opposed paganism. But the archbishop was disliked by Empress Arkadia Eudoxia. This happened because he stood up for one family whose property they were trying to take away.
To all this, slander from enemies was added, after which a decree was issued to execute the saint. Then it was replaced by exile. The archbishop's supporters took his side. And at night the city was hit by an earthquake, which the empress took as a sign.
By order of Eudoxia, the saint was returned to the city. His stay there did not last long. Because of another slander, John had to go to the territory of what is now Transcaucasia. On the way he fell ill. At night, a Basilisk appeared to him in a dream, warning him of his approaching death. The next day, due to an attack of fever, he was sent to church. There the archbishop received holy communion and prayed fervently, after which he fell exhausted. Thus ended the saint’s earthly life.
How to pray to a saint correctly
People turn to Saint John in a variety of situations. He helps:
- bring children to their senses;
- protect the house from unkind people;
- gain the gift of speech;
- resist devilish temptations;
- recover from serious illnesses.
But in order for the saint to respond to a prayer request, you need to learn to pray correctly. Before the prayer begins, it is recommended to go to church for confession and communion. Having chosen John Chrysostom as your defender, it is advisable to purchase an icon depicting the saint. For the prayer service, you need to find a secluded place so that nothing distracts from the prayerful conversation with the saint.
During prayer, the following rules should be observed:
- When starting the prayer service, wash yourself with holy water.
- It is necessary to throw all extraneous thoughts out of your head, forget about problems for a while, focusing on reading the prayer text.
- Standing before the face of John Chrysostom, clearly, slowly pronounce the sacred words, delving into the essence of what was said.
- At the end of the prayer, give thanks to the Lord and the saint, making the sign of the cross.
There is no need to despair if the request is not fulfilled immediately. The Lord hears any person, but He knows better when to give what he wants. The main thing is not to lose faith and be patient, continuing to read the prayer daily.
Theological Importance of Acts
A parishioner who heard his sermon called the saint Chrysostom. This nickname was united with the name of John forever. He knew how to reach people's hearts - his words penetrated deep into consciousness. The saint's literary heritage has been translated into different languages. The saint left many accessible works. Among them are the following:
- scientific treatises on the topic of Christianity;
- letters;
- sermons;
- explanations of the texts of the Holy Scriptures;
- prayers;
- books.
John Chrysostom never deviated from God's word. He was straightforward. He was famous not only for his eloquence, but also for his charity. When he was appointed Archbishop of Constantinople, he sold the property of the former saint and bought himself only the necessary, simple things for life. With the assistance of John, a hospital was built, as well as other structures. He always stood up for orphans and exposed lies.
Texts of Orthodox prayers to John Chrysostom
There are many prayer appeals to John Chrysostom. Among them there are those dedicated to the saint, as well as those written by the saint himself.
About help and understanding
Every person is subject to temptation more than once throughout his life. It happens that someone close to you goes astray and loses faith in the Lord. In such cases, they resort to prayer to John Chrysostom for admonition.
This prayer text is also read when children have problems with their studies. Speakers often resort to prayer for understanding before speaking.
The prayer for help and understanding sounds like this:
“O great saint John Chrysostom! You received many and varied gifts from the Lord and, like a good and faithful servant, you multiplied all the talents given to you for good: for this reason, you were truly a universal teacher, as every age and every rank learns from you. You are the image of obedience to the youth, the luminary of chastity to the young, the mentor of hard work to the husband, the teacher of kindness to the old, the rule of abstinence to the monk, the inspired leader of God to those who pray, the enlightener of the mind to those seeking wisdom, the inexhaustible source of living words to those who are kind, the inexhaustible source of living words to those who do good. a star of mercy, a wise image for rulers, an inspirer of zeal for truth, an inspirer of daring, a mentor of righteousness for the persecuted, patience: you were everything to everyone, and you saved everyone. Over all of these you have acquired love, which is the bond of perfection, and with that, as if by the power of the Divine, you have united all the gifts in your one person, and here you have shared the reconciling love, in the interpretation of the words of the apostles, you preached to all the faithful. We are sinners, we each have our own talent, we are not imams of unity of spirit in the union of peace, we are vain, annoying each other, envious of each other; For the sake of this gift, we are divided not into peace and salvation, but into enmity and condemnation. Moreover, we fall to you, the saint of God, overwhelmed by discord, and in contrition of heart we ask: with your prayers drive away from our hearts all pride and envy that divides us, so that in many places we will be one church body, so that, according to your prayerful words, we will love each other and with one mind we confess the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, Consubstantial and Indivisible, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen".
24 prayers for every hour
During the church service, not only theological treatises, but also prayer texts came from the pen of John Chrysostom. Among them are short appeals to the Lord, scheduled according to the number of hours in the day. They can be read in the morning or evening, but it is better to pray throughout the day.
- Lord, do not deprive me of Your heavenly blessings.
- Lord, save me from eternal torment.
- Lord, whether I have sinned in mind or in thought, in word or in deed, forgive me.
- Lord, deliver me from all ignorance and oblivion, and cowardice, and petrified insensibility.
- Lord, deliver me from every temptation.
- Lord, enlighten my heart, darken my evil lust.
- Lord, as a man who has sinned, You, as a generous God, have mercy on me, seeing the weakness of my soul.
- Lord, send Your grace to help me, that I may glorify Your holy name.
- Lord Jesus Christ, write me Your servant in the book of animals and grant me a good end.
- Lord, my God, even if I have done nothing good before You, grant me, by Your grace, to make a good beginning.
- Lord, sprinkle the dew of Your grace in my heart.
- Lord of heaven and earth, remember me, Thy sinful servant, cold and unclean, in Thy Kingdom. Amen.
- Lord, accept me in repentance.
- Lord, accept me, a repentant one.
- Lord, don't leave me.
- Lord, do not lead me into misfortune.
- Lord, give me a good thought.
- Lord, give me tears and mortal memory, and tenderness.
- Lord, give me the thought of confessing my sins.
- Lord, give me humility, chastity and obedience.
- Lord, give me patience, generosity and meekness.
- Lord, plant in me the root of good things, Thy fear in my heart.
- Lord, grant me to love You with all my soul and thoughts and to do Your will in everything.
- Lord, protect me from certain people, and demons, and passions, and from all other inappropriate things. Lord, protect me from evil people, demons, and passions, and from all other unworthy deeds.
Brief
When you need to find a way out of a difficult situation or make a difficult choice, it is recommended to read a short prayer. It will help you gather your thoughts and soberly assess what is happening.
Text of a short prayer:
“Lord, Jesus Christ, our God, open the ears and eyes of my heart, so that I, Lord, may listen to Your word, understand and do Your will, since “I am a stranger on earth; do not hide Your commandments from me. Open my eyes, and I will see the wonders of Your law” (Ps. 119:19, 18). My God, I trust in You, that You may enlighten my heart.”
Troparion
Among the hymns dedicated to John Chrysostom, there is a troparion that has no less power than other prayer texts.
“Thy lips, like the lordship of a fire, shined forth, illuminating the universe with grace: the love of money and the treasures of the world were won, the height of humility was shown to us, but, chastising with your words, Father John Chrysostom, pray to the Word of Christ God to save our souls.”
Sacred texts
Knowing the prayer service to Chrysostom, a person can sleep peacefully, because in the face of the saint he will acquire a faithful helper. The sacred texts written by the saint are simple, so they can be easily learned by heart. Especially Christians often use the short prayers of the archbishop.
About admonition
The text is said when it is necessary to direct someone close to the true path - a husband, wife, child, etc. It happens that a son or daughter falls into bad company or one of the spouses succumbs to temptation.
To bestow understanding, it is best to use the prayer to John Chrysostom. Near his face it is worth saying the following words:
Prayer for the gift of understanding to the saint helps in learning and gaining wisdom. She supports announcers and speakers.
When leaving home
When one of your loved ones leaves home, he is blessed. If you read the prayer to St. John Chrysostom in addition to everything, it will give the following results:
- will provide protection from negative influences;
- will protect you from accidents;
- parents will be calm for their children - His Holiness will become their patron.
Before leaving home, you should read this short prayer:
For any help
It happens that a person finds himself in a difficult situation when the only hope left is for the assistance of higher powers. He may have domestic, financial or mental problems.
John Chrysostom especially patronizes those who preach and help study the word of God. Helps in honest work. Takes care of lawyers, teachers, and media workers. Protects the home from enemies, Christian marriage.
The prayer to John Chrysostom for help sounds like this:
