Icon of Saints Nicholas the Wonderworker and Spyridon of Trimifuntsky

The famous Optina elder Hieromonk Ambrose, who during his lifetime possessed the gift of clairvoyance and after his repose was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church, in one of his letters to his spiritual children, mentions a miracle that is difficult to explain for atheists, witnessed by the great Russian writer Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol. The latter, like many other Russian writers and philosophers (Dostoevsky, the Kireyevsky brothers, Konstantin Leontiev, Sergei Nilus, Leo Tolstoy, etc.), often visited Optina Pustyn - a monastery that is one of the main spiritual centers of Russia, where the writer had his spiritual father.

Once again in Optina, Nikolai Vasilyevich told his confessor and all the monastic brethren about a miraculous phenomenon that happened before his eyes during a trip abroad.

It happened during his pilgrimage to the holy relics of the saint of God, Saint Spyridon of Trimifuntsky - the same saint who was friendly with the famous Saint Nicholas, the Wonderworker of Myra, who was always especially ardently revered in Rus' under the name Nikolai the Pleasant, and together with him (as well as with others zealots of Orthodoxy) at one time defended the purity of teaching in the fight against the heresy of the priest Arius, which then shook the Church, at the First Ecumenical Council in 325 after the Nativity of Christ. Unlike the relics of St. Nicholas the Pleasant, which now rests in the Italian city of Bari and exudes fragrant myrrh, the relics of St. Spyridon of Trimifuntsky have completely unique properties: not only do they remain incorruptible for centuries, they also continue to retain the softness characteristic of to an ordinary living human body.

On the day when Gogol came to venerate the saint, believers, as is customary every year on December 12 (25 according to the new style), with great solemnity carried the holy relics around the city. At the same time, everyone present usually applies them with reverence and reverence. However, this time among them was a certain English traveler, naturally raised on the skepticism and rationalism of Protestant culture. He allowed himself to notice that, apparently, incisions were made in the saint’s back and the body was carefully embalmed. A little later he came closer to the relics. Imagine his amazement, bordering on horror, when the relics of the saint, in front of everyone... slowly rose from the reliquary and turned their backs precisely to this “ideological” heir of the Apostle Thomas, nicknamed “the unbeliever”: here, my friend, look for “ your own cuts! What is the further fate of this honorable Briton, unfortunately, is unknown. Gogol was shocked by this miracle to the very depths of his soul.

* * * Anton Soloviev

Miracles of Saint Spyridon

The fourth century AD can rightfully be considered the golden age of Christianity. In 325, the first Ecumenical Council took place, at which the “Creed” was adopted, briefly setting out the main tenets of Orthodox doctrine. This century has given us many saints and outstanding theologians, among whom are Nicholas the Wonderworker, the founder of monasticism, Anthony the Great, and Saint Athanasius the Great. The clergy in those years were far from the temptation of power and money - after all, less than two centuries had passed before adherents of the Christian faith were killed for their beliefs. Young, but already fully aware of itself as a real force capable of bringing light and goodness, the Christian church and its clergy were a model of moral principles for people.

This small preamble is by no means accidental. After all, in order to understand a person, especially a saint, it is necessary to penetrate the spirit of his time.

So, 343rd year from the Nativity of Christ. The island of Cyprus, one of the pearls of the Byzantine state, basked in the glory and power of the greatest of rulers - Emperor Constantine. At this very time, in the small but prosperous Cypriot city of Trimyfunda, a clergyman named Spyridon was elected bishop.

Despite the fact that fifteen centuries have passed since his death, quite a lot is known about him. Spiridon came from a very wealthy family; he owned a rich house and vast lands. He was quite an active person, took an active part in the public life of his native city, and was respected by all local residents. Despite the fact that he occupied a high position, anyone could come to him for advice. Spiridon was ready to listen to anyone, be it a poor artisan or a large landowner.

People often turned to him in search of material support, and Spiridon readily lent hefty sums, without requiring any written obligations, much less interest. He only said: “You will give it back when you can.” His main joy and relaxation from earthly labors was his wife, whose name history, unfortunately, has not preserved. Spiridon loved her very much, and over the years this love only became stronger. At that time, being married was not yet an obstacle to occupying a high place in the church hierarchy: the institution of monasticism was established in Christianity later.

One day a misfortune happened. Spiridon's wife fell ill and died a few days later. As his contemporaries note in their memoirs that have survived to this day, the tragedy that occurred once and for all changed the life of this man. Spyridon did not grumble against God. He did not ask why such a punishment was sent to him, who had done nothing to anger the Lord. He accepted his widowhood with submission and humility, seeing in it a sign - a sign by which the Lord was calling him to change his life.

For some time, Spiridon became withdrawn and had little contact with his friends. He rarely left the house unless absolutely necessary, but at services he was still kind and merciful to everyone, and people continued to come to him for help and advice.

Less than a year had passed since the death of his wife, when Spiridon, Bishop of Trimifunda and one of the richest and most respected people in the city, made a decision that surprised even those who knew him very closely. First, he forgave the debts of everyone who borrowed from him, and then began to distribute his money. Moreover, he tried to ensure that his savings went to the poorest and most needy people. Then Spiridon sold his house, all his property and lands, and again distributed the proceeds among the poorest residents of Cyprus.

Of all his property, Spiridon kept for himself only the clothes he was wearing and his traveling staff. But when he left his hometown, his friends saw that this wonderful man was truly happy. Happy as in those days when his beloved wife was still alive. From this moment the story of the pious bishop of the city of Trimifunda, a participant in the first Ecumenical Council, ends, and the story of Saint Spyridon begins.

Holy Shepherd

As soon as he began wandering around the island, Spiridon discovered his gift for healing. In one of the villages, as a spiritual person, he was asked to pray for a man dying of fever. When Spyridon read a prayer over the sick man’s bed, the dying man immediately recovered. In every village, wherever he went, there was a sick or crippled person. After Spyridon’s prayer, the blind received their sight, the lame threw away their crutches, and those on their deathbed returned to life.

Very quickly the fame of the miracle worker spread throughout the island and even spread beyond its borders. The miracles were witnessed by hundreds of people, and they are documented in the annals of the island of that time.

But Spyridon shunned glory and fame, saying, like many saints before and after him, that God performs miracles, and he is only a conductor of His will. To confirm these words, he showed another miracle of healing. And indeed, all the saint did was simply read a prayer over the suffering person and ask the Lord for help.

Avoiding close attention, Spiridon hired himself as a shepherd in one of the remote villages. But even here the suffering did not give him peace, and Spiridon could not refuse anyone.

One day a woman came to him and brought the corpse of her daughter, who had drowned a few days ago. The corpse had already turned blue and, even knowing about the power and miracles of Spiridon, no one believed that the girl could be resurrected. Seeing the mother’s uncontrollable grief, Spiridon brought the child back to life. In a matter of moments, the blue disappeared from the body, the girl opened her eyes and spoke.

The mother, who still did not fully believe in the miracle, but went to ask Spiridon for help out of despair, could not stand it, and died of shock. Then Spiridon immediately resurrected her too. All this happened in front of many witnesses and was recorded in the chronicles of the island of Cyprus. The Church, having studied the circumstances of the case in detail, officially recognized what happened as a miracle.

It must be said that the ability to resurrect from the dead was granted to very few saints. It was first performed by Jesus Christ by resurrecting his friend Lazarus. After this, resurrections did not happen often, and double resurrections in the history of Christianity are generally very rare.

However, the church honors Spiridon not only as a miracle worker, but also as a person famous for his extraordinary wisdom. One day, even before his wandering life, a peasant came to him and, complaining about a bad harvest, asked for some grain for sowing. Spiridon invited him to go into the barn and take the necessary measure himself. “Won’t you come with me and see how much I take from you, so that you can then know how much to demand back from me?” - asked the peasant. “I just know that you will take as much as you need, and give as much as you can,” Spiridon calmly answered. The petitioner was very surprised by the saint’s answer, but when he entered the barn, he simply physically could not take more than was really required - the excess grain spilled out of his hands.

Having performed many miracles, Saint Spyridon died on December 12 at the age of 78. This day - according to the new style, December 25 - is the main holiday for those who want to honor the memory of St. Spyridon, Bishop of Trimythia.

Miracles after death

Having learned about the righteous and holy life of Bishop Spyridon, one of the Byzantine emperors ordered his body to be dug up and placed in the tomb of the Church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople.

When the remains of Spiridon were removed from the grave, the surprise of those present knew no bounds. Despite the fact that the body had lain in the ground for many decades, it had not changed at all - as if the holy elder had been buried yesterday. His teeth and hair were intact, his skin was perfectly preserved, and his facial features could be easily recognized.

When the relics were placed in a special shrine in Constantinople, it was discovered that the saint continued to perform miracles. Many pilgrims, having prayed before the shrine and touched the relics, received healing.

The relics of Saint Spyridon were in Constantinople until its capture by the Turks. After this, the incorrupt body was transported to the Greek island of Corfu (local name Kerkyra). Having learned about the greatest treasure that they had received, the Corkyreans built a temple for the relics and to this day consider St. Spyridon the patron saint of their island.

The island of Corfu is one of the few Greek islands that was not under Turkish rule. Its inhabitants consider themselves true Hellenes, whose blood did not mix with foreign blood. Of course, the Turks had a constant desire to conquer this picturesque island. The first time their fleet approached him, the Turkish sailors saw the huge, terrifying shadow of the old man and were afraid to land on shore. Then they decided to blow up the temple with the relics, hoping that after this the Corkyreans would lose their patron. But Saint Spyridon appeared to the residents and warned about the planted explosives. She was found and neutralized in time.

Miracles with your own eyes

Despite the fact that all the miracles of St. Spyridon are officially recognized by the church and have documentary evidence in the chronicles of the island of Cyprus, it is very difficult for modern people to believe in them.

However, I was lucky: when I got to the temple of the saint in Corfu, I saw with my own eyes confirmation of what I had read and heard so much about.

The reliquary with the relics of the saint is in plain sight in the temple; it is all hung with gold and silver jewelry - gifts from those whom the saint helped. This container of the relic is locked: the custodian opens it only for Orthodox tourists, and Catholics are only allowed to kiss the reliquary itself.

Perhaps for me it was one of the most powerful shocks in my life. Through the glass I was able to see the face of the saint very well. His features are quite recognizable, his hair and snow-white teeth are perfectly preserved. The skin is slightly wrinkled and darkened, but retains its shape. By the way, the keepers of the shrine say that Saint Spyridon darkened relatively recently. This happened in the 17th century, when a reform of Orthodox rituals and liturgical books was carried out, known to us as the reform of Patriarch Nikon. Apparently, the saint did not like her.

The body of Saint Spyridon has a constant temperature: 36.6 degrees. His hair and nails are growing. And what’s most surprising is that the clothes he’s wearing are changed every six months, because they get worn out, as if he’s not lying in a cancer bed, but walking. The keeper of the shrine said that there were cases when the key simply could not open the lock on the shrine. And then the priests know that there is simply no saint in cancer, he walks around the island.

Scientists from all over the world tried to study the phenomenon of the incorruptible relics of St. Spyridon, and the church did not interfere with them. However, biophysicists and biochemists, having studied the relics of the saint, only threw up their hands. There is no other explanation, other than a miracle, for what any Orthodox visitor to the temple in Corfu can see.

Saint helping with money

It has long been accepted that every saint is especially strong in a particular area. For example, Panteleimon the Healer helps with illnesses, the unmercenary saints Cosmas and Damian help with teaching, and Saint Spyridon willingly responds to the prayers of those who are experiencing financial difficulties. A guide on the island of Corfu told me how literally a week before my arrival the saint helped a Russian tourist.

Our unlucky compatriot managed to lose his wallet, which contained not only all his money, but also his passport and tickets. Local residents advised him to turn to Saint Spyridon. The tourist was a rather skeptical person, but he still went to the temple. At first the wallet was not found. The travel agency barely managed to negotiate with the authorities to get the tourist on the plane, but it was unclear how he would deal with our customs without a passport upon arrival in Russia.

And suddenly, an hour before departure, they called him on his mobile and said that they had found his wallet and were already taking it to the airport. The courier arrived ten minutes before the end of registration. The wallet contained tickets, passport and money intact.

Although Saint Spyridon is an Orthodox saint, his icon in Russian churches can, unfortunately, be seen infrequently. However, priests advise: if there is no icon of the saint in the church to whom you want to turn, then you should pray to the icon of All Saints.

So, if you need help or just guidance, contact Saint Spyridon. If your intentions are pure, then he will definitely help.

Prayer to Sergius of Radonezh for help in business and exams

Sergius of Radonezh helps those who pray sincerely and contritely in teaching. He himself had difficulty mastering the basics of literacy, but often the boy turned with a tearful prayer for the sending of understanding to the Lord. And an angel in a monastic guise appeared to the boy, and Sergius began to understand the texts of Holy Scripture and learn better than the prudent brothers

Venerable Sergius of Radonezh

The saint still helps in understanding the sciences. He gifts those who pray to him with memory and intelligence.

O venerable and God-bearing Father Sergei! Look upon us mercifully, and lead us to the heights of heaven, those who are devoted to the earth. Strengthen our cowardice and confirm us in faith, so that we undoubtedly hope to receive all the good things from the mercy of the Lord God through your prayers
Through your intercession, ask for the gift of understanding science and grant us all the prayers that will help us (with the help of your prayers) to be delivered on the day of the Last Judgment.
The right countries will be fellow men and hear the blessed voice of the Lord Christ: “Come, blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Amen

A mother's prayer will help her child learn
. Contact Saint Sergius if your child has difficulty learning.

Text of the prayer:

O Venerable Sergius of Radonezh! Forgive us our sins, voluntary and involuntary! O Venerable Sergius of Radonezh, hear my prayer, I ask you with all my heart, help the servant of God/servant of God (Name) to pass difficult studies. Send confidence and clarity of mind, intelligence and attention
Help me collect my thoughts. I trust in your mercy, help the servant of God/servant of God (Name). Grant help in all matters, send good luck. Protect. With your prayers, deliver from all troubles and misfortunes, do not leave me for sins. Venerable Sergius of Radonezh!
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit! Amen. Amen. Amen"

Sergius of Radonezh
Another prayer is effective when passing a difficult exam:

O reverence and God-bearing Father Sergius! Look upon us (names) mercifully and, those who are devoted to the earth, lead us to the heights of heaven. Strengthen our cowardice and confirm us in faith, so that we undoubtedly hope to receive all the good things from the mercy of the Lord God through your prayers
Ask through your intercession for every gift that is beneficial to everyone, and through your prayers, grant that on the day of the Last Judgment all of us will be delivered from this part, and the right hands of the country will be common and the blessed voice of the Lord Christ to hear: “Come, blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Amen

Before a difficult exam, ask the Lord for help

Before reading the prayer, go to the Temple. After the blessing of the clergyman, purchase candles, a body icon of the Saint, and a prosphora. Turn to Sergius with lighted candles, kneeling before the image. Work hard in mastering knowledge and the help of the Saint will certainly come.

Prayer to Archangel Gabriel for help in business, work, business

After failures in business and an overwhelming lack of money, we involuntarily turn our thoughts to intercession from above.

When experiencing difficulties in business and affairs, turn to Archangel Gabriel for help with sincere and fervent prayer. The saint helps everyone who finds themselves in a difficult situation.

Prayer 1

Holy great Archangel Gabriel!
Stand before the Throne of God, illuminated by the illumination of the Divine Light, and enlightened by the knowledge of the incomprehensible Mysteries of His eternal wisdom!
I earnestly pray to You, guide me to repentance from evil deeds and to confirmation in my faith, strengthen and protect my soul from seductive temptations, and beg our Creator for the forgiveness of my sins
Oh, Holy Great Archangel Gabriel!
Do not despise me, a sinner, who prays to you for help and your intercession in this world and in the future, but an ever-present helper to me, may I unceasingly glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, the power and your intercession forever and ever. Amen

Prayer 2

Oh, Holy Archangel of God Gabriel, ever standing before the Throne of the Most High, joyful evangelist and zealous helper of our salvation!
With your characteristic mercy, accept this song of praise brought to you from us unworthy
Correct our prayers, and bring incense to the Heavenly Altar like incense; illuminate our minds with the light of knowledge of the mysteries of our saving faith
inflame our hearts with love for Christ our Savior, turn and strengthen our desires to the saving path of His Gospel commandments; May we live quietly and godly in this time for the glory of God
in the future, we will not be deprived of the eternal Kingdom of God, if we receive it, may we be worthy of the grace of Christ our God, through the intercession of His Most Pure Mother, the Immaculate Virgin Mary, and through your powerful prayers to the Lord God for us
and may we glorify with you and the other incorporeal forces of heaven and all the saints the One in the Trinity, glorifying God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen

Prayer to the 12 apostles for strong help in business, affairs, trade

When there are problems in business and affairs, a strong prayer to the Council of the 12 Apostles helps.

Prayer for help

Text of the prayer:

Consecration of the apostles of Christ: Peter and Andrew, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew, James and Jude, Simon and Matthew!
Hear our prayers and sighs, now offered by our contrite hearts, and help us, the servants of God (names), with your powerful intercession before the Lord
Get rid of all evil and enemy flattery, but firmly preserve your Orthodox faith, in it, through your intercession, we will not be diminished by wounds, nor by reprimand, nor by pestilence, nor by any wrath from our Creator, but we will live a peaceful life here and be honored to see the good on the land of the living, glorifying the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, the One in the Trinity glorified and worshiped God, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen

He who asks with faith in his heart for help and protection receives what he wants!

Prayer to Saint Tryphon for help in work

Contact Saint Tryphon to get rid of unkind people when looking for work. Tryphon is revered by the Orthodox as a holy martyr, helping those who pray to him to break the vicious circle of problems.

Saint Tryphon

PRAYER TO THE HOLY MARTYR TRYTHON

Oh, holy martyr of Christ Tryphon, quick helper to all who come running to you and pray before your holy image, quick to obey the intercessor!
Hear now and forever the prayer of us, your unworthy servants, who honor your holy memory
You, servant of Christ, promised that before your departure from this corruptible life, you would pray for us to the Lord and asked Him for this gift: if anyone in any need and sorrow begins to call upon your holy name, may he be delivered from any excuse for evil
And just as you sometimes healed the daughter of the princess in the city of Rome from the torment of the devil, you saved us from his fierce machinations all the days of our lives, especially on the terrible day of our last, intercede for us with our dying breaths, when the dark eyes of evil demons surround and frighten they will start us
Then be our helper and quick drive away of evil demons, and leader to the Kingdom of Heaven, where you now stand with the face of the saints at the Throne of God, pray to the Lord, that he will grant us also to be partakers of ever-present joy and joy, so that together with you we will be worthy of glorifying the Father and the Son and the Holy Comforter Spirit forever. Amen