Blaise of Sebaste, Hieromartyr Icon. Dating: XV century. The end of the 15th - beginning of the 16th century. Icon painting school or art center: Novgorod school, northern province. Origin: From the Church of Saints Florus and Laurus c. Megreg, Olonetsky district of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Material: Wood, tempera Dimensions of the icon: height 53 cm, width 43.7 cm The icon contains a half-length image of a saint blessing with his right hand and holding the Gospel in his left. The image emphasizes the state of prayerful concentration and spiritual enlightenment. Inv. No. I-464. © Museum of Fine Arts of the Republic of Karelia Literature: CD ROM “Iconography of Karelia”. Museum of Fine Arts of the Republic of Karelia. 2002
Life
During the reign of Emperor Diocletian, there lived in Sebaste, a city located in ancient Cappadocia, a very meek and God-fearing man named Blasius. Some of his life descriptions tell that he was a skilled healer, and therefore many Sebastians knew about his non-covetousness and care for the suffering. Soon the townspeople expressed a desire for this kind and pious man to become their bishop. So the saint began to strive in the priestly field.
Those times were not easy: Diocletian, and subsequently his successor Licinius, carried out bloody persecutions against the followers of Christ’s teachings. Few Christians dared to stay in the city; most hid in the deserts and surrounding caves. Bishop Blasius also left his native Sebastia and found refuge in the Argeos desert. Here he took upon himself the feat of silent prayer and continuous fasting.
One night, in a sleepy vision, he was honored to see the Lord of Heaven three times, who commanded him to no longer hide in the deserted desert, but, as befits a true representative of the priestly rank, to sacrifice himself to his Lord. In the morning, the guards of Hegemon Agricolaus burst into the ascetic’s cave and arrested God’s servant. The bishop, submitting to the Will of the Almighty, followed them to the judgment seat with meekness. Along the way, by invoking the name of the Lord, he performed many wondrous healings of people and animals, seeing which, many of the guards believed in the Savior.
When the saint arrived in the city and appeared before the hegemon, he first tried with sweet-tongued flattery to force the bishop to recognize the local idols as gods. But St. Vlasiy resolutely refused to do this. He was not afraid of the torment that threatened him; he accepted the trials sent to him by God with spiritual firmness. Seeing the steadfastness and inflexibility of the martyr, the hegemon in anger issued a decree to put him to death by beheading with a sword. Before his execution, the ascetic appealed to the Heavenly King about His Infinite Mercy for everyone living in the world, especially for those who would commemorate him.
He prayed to the Creator to make sure that no illness would touch them, that their homes would be filled with all sorts of blessings, and that all their prayers would be heard. According to Tradition, at that moment it descended upon the schmch. Vlasia is a white cloud, from which a voice was heard:
“Behold, I will fulfill your requests, my beloved ascetic!”
This happened on the 11th day of February (February 24, new style) around 316. A local righteous woman named Elissa, having picked up the honest bodies of the bishop and two students executed with him, reverently buried them on a cliff outside the city wall. From this tomb the sick received healings for many years.
Iconography: Blasius of Sebaste, martyr Dates: XVII century. Late XVII - early XVIII centuries. Icon painting school or art center: Kargopolye Origin: From the Church of Our Lady Hodegetria village. Malaya Shalga, Kargopol district, Arkhangelsk region (1834-1836) Material: Wood, pavolok, gesso, tempera Dimensions of the icon: height 89 cm, width 56.5 cm Image of St. Blaise blessing him with the Gospel on a board in his hand. In the center of the upper field of the icon is the Savior Not Made by Hands. Inv. No. DRZh-840. © State Museum Association “Artistic Culture of the Russian North”
Further, the life of the holy martyr tells that pious Christians began to commemorate him every year. On this day they carried candles and incense to the church, distributed alms to the poor, and gathered fellow believers in their homes.
In 732, the relics of the holy martyr were transferred to the Italian village of Maratea, whose patron saint the bishop is considered to this day. From there, pieces of the relic were distributed to many parishes in Europe.
Interesting fact
The saint is depicted on the flag of Dubrovnik in Croatia. According to Tradition, in 971 St. Vlasiy appeared to the local residents and warned them about the enemy attack.
The meaning of the Hieromartyr Blasius in Orthodoxy
Blasius was a native of the city of Sevastia (now Sivas, Turkey), which was located in those ancient times (IV-V centuries) in the province of Cappadocia. Little is known about the saint’s childhood and youth. He became famous later when he became a bishop of the Christian Church.
The times were very turbulent, the attitude of the authorities towards the Christian religion quickly changed from anger to mercy and back. Therefore, the priest found a shelter in advance where he could hide from persecution. The cave he chose was located in a place inhabited by many wild animals, both good and predatory.
When the time came for the next attacks on believers, the bishop ordered his followers to hide in secret places to protect themselves from harm. He himself went to his hiding place. There is a legend that when Blasius approached the cave, a lion and a lioness blocked his way. Frightened, he stopped, and the wild animals bowed down before him. So the elder remained to live in his refuge.
Various animals came to him for blessings. He put his hand on their heads, prayed, after which they left, making room for others. One day a bear came with her paw damaged by an arrow. Vlasiy removed the weapon, anointed the wound with oil, and the forest dweller went home calmly.
The old man could not hide in the cave for long. The people of the ruler Agricola found him and brought him to trial. The saint was given a choice - renunciation of the Christian faith or martyrdom. Then the martyr accepted torture and death in the name of the Savior.
Christian churches - Catholic and Orthodox - equally highly honor the saint for his unwavering adherence to the commandments of Christ, for his meekness, righteousness, and help to ordinary people.
Blasius is revered as a protector, helper and healer for animals. They remember him as a godly and blameless person.
Veneration in Rus' and today
Since ancient times, this saint of God has been reverently revered in Rus', because he was considered not only a great healer and benefactor, but also the patron of livestock, without which peasant farming is unthinkable. The domestic ethnographer and fiction writer of the 19th century, Sergei Vasilyevich Maksimov, reasoned:
“When the gifts of grace were distributed among the saints of the Christian Church, a significant share of it went to the Holy Great Martyr Blasius. He was entrusted with the patronage and protection of all living things that serve to help and are suitable for human needs.
This happened back in those early times, when the simple consonance of names (Blasiy was equated with the pagan Veles) could strengthen the faith of the gullible and calm the suspicions of the doubters. In the north, amid the earlier settlement of the country, with remarkable consistency and in apparent integrity, temples in the name of the Hieromartyr Blasius, which were once deliberately built on the main city pastures, were preserved on the outskirts of all ancient forest cities. Where Vlasievo churches entered the middle line of cities (as in Moscow, Yaroslavl and others), they serve as a measure and indicator of the gradual growth of the urban population.”
The first temple in honor of the holy martyr was erected on Podol under Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir immediately after the Baptism of the Russian Land . Particles of the ascetic’s relics were kept here. The parish existed until the 16th century; at present, the Church of the Presentation was built here, one of the altars of which is also dedicated to St. Blasius.
Interesting fact
The most famous temple in honor of the saint is located in Moscow, on Gagarinsky Lane. It has been known since the 16th century. Once upon a time, in Konyushennaya Sloboda (as this place was previously called), where the royal grooms, cab drivers and coachmen usually settled, there was a tradition on the day of memory of St. Blasius bring horses decorated with flowers, ribbons and festive harness to this parish, lead the horses around the church three times, and then sprinkle them with holy water. It was believed that this would certainly bring well-being to both animals and their owners.
Since the saint’s memory fell during the last period of the winter cold, the people created a saying: “Vlasiy knocks the horn off the winter!”
These days, this day is rarely celebrated in Russian villages. But, sometimes there are such villages and villages, such as, for example, the village. Shudek in Udmurtia, where on this day it is customary to bake pancakes, generously pouring them with cow butter. Neighbors gather at a common table and wish each other that the livestock on the farm does not get sick, and that the cows, the main domestic “nurses,” give a lot of milk.
Prayer for the cat's recovery
Cats have been living with people for centuries. Different peoples treated cats with honor and respect. Cats were especially revered by the Egyptians. Since ancient times, it has been generally accepted that cats are connected not only with the world of the living, but also with the world of the dead. Although cats are very hardy and tenacious, they also need help and protection.
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Cats can succumb to various diseases, and sometimes they cannot be cured on their own or with the help of a doctor. This may be due to the fact that cats often take away negative energy from people, because everyone knows that they sit on a person’s sore spot and thus heal him.
If an animal feels bad, then the owner must take care of it and take all measures to make it feel good; by reading a prayer to the Saint, you will save your pet from suffering.
Patron of animals
During the asceticism of St. Blaise in the desert, wild animals came to his cave. If they caught the saint in prayer, they patiently waited for its completion. The bishop blessed his “uninvited guests” by laying his hands on them, and, if necessary, healed them of pain.
It is also known from his life that he once commanded the wolf, who had stolen her only piglet from a poor widow, to return the stolen animal to its owner alive and unharmed. These incidents from the life of the holy martyr served as the basis for the ascetic to be universally revered as the patron saint of animals.
Interesting fact
The “Brief Review of Pious Customs and Establishments Existing in the Penza Diocese,” published in 1880, talks about cases of placing icons of the holy martyr in cowsheds and stables. It was also believed that in the last days of winter he “unlocks milk from cows.” Therefore, in Novgorod it was a common custom to bring cow butter to his image on the day of remembrance of the saint. In Serbia, on this day, oxen were not harnessed for work, and it was customary for Belarusians to ride young horses “on Vlasiya”. From this day on, “livestock markets” were opened in Russian provinces, selling domestic animals.
Prayer to Saints Florus and Laurus
Among guardians of livestock, Saints Florus and Laurus are especially respected. They are considered protectors of horses, which in ancient times people could not do without. In ancient times, a “horse festival” was held in honor of these animals. On this day, the owners brought the horses to the temple, read prayers to the saints for their protection, asked for health for them and sprinkled them with holy water. This helped keep the horse healthy and healed him from ailments. Nowadays, this tradition has faded into oblivion.
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These saints were also prayed for the health of the dog, since this animal was a friend of man in ancient times. The Church has a positive attitude towards keeping dogs in a house with icons, but the animal must have its own place.
What else do they pray to Blaise of Sevastia for?
People turn to this ascetic for throat diseases. This is connected with the famous story of how he healed a certain youth suffering from a fish bone stuck in his throat. St. Blaise then exclaimed:
“My savior! You help everyone who calls on You with faith! Hear my prayer and remove the bone lodged in the throat of this youth by Your invisible Power and heal him.”
At his appeal, the boy was healed and returned to his jubilant mother.
People resort to him in various adversities and needs, since the life of the saint has preserved his fiery request to the Lord:
“If something happens to a person or animal, and they begin to remember my name, saying: “God, help through the prayers of Your servant Blasius!”, then You, Lord, are quick to help, help them and grant healing to the glory and honor of Your Holy Name! »
Likewise, the saint punished the pious widow, who brought the saint into prison food prepared from the only pig she had:
“Commemorate my memory in this way every year, then nothing you need in your house will become scarce. If someone else becomes like you and performs my memory, he will receive the gifts of God in abundance and God’s blessing will remain on him throughout his life.”
Prayer to the Lord for the salvation and health of animals
The Lord cares not only about people, but also about our little brothers, confirmation of this is the story in the Bible, everyone knows it for sure, since
we are talking about the Ark. It is for this reason that during a pet’s illness it is worth turning to God with prayerful words. Your request will definitely be heard and fulfilled.
Words of prayer
Lord, our God, mighty and mighty God, who has the power of life and death, who saves people and livestock and quickly sends what they ask to everyone who comes to You with faith and their petitions. performing graciously! To You we, Your unworthy servants, falling humbly, with faith in a contrite heart, we ask and tenderly pray: look mercifully on this cattle, overcome by heavy weakness and disease. lip, and quickly heal with the power of Your blessing, extinguishing the fire burning inside its (cattle) and relieving illness; change the winds that are harmful and destroy him to favorable ones and grant him life and health, for the sake of the prayers of Your faithful people who cry to You: according to the prayers of our Most Pure Lady, Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, by the power of the Honest and Life-giving Cross, by the protection of the heavenly Forces, bodiless, honest and glorious the prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, the holy glorious and all-praised apostles, the holy victorious martyrs, the holy unmercenary doctors: Cosmas and Damian, Cyrus and John, Panteleimon and all of Your saints, for You are the source of life and its giver, and You save people and livestock , and we give glory to You, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Iconography
One of the oldest images of the martyr, dating back to the 10th century, is located in Rome in the church of Santa Maria Antiqua. Another image, made around the 12th century, can be seen on the colonnade of the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
Icon of Saints Blaise of Sebaste, Martyrs Florus and Laurus
The faces of this saint of God are especially numerous in the ancient temple buildings of Cappadocia that have survived to this day, which indicates his especially reverent veneration in his native lands. His face is preserved in the paintings of the Church of the Archangel Michael in Turkish Ihlara (IX or 10th century), in the paintings of the rock settlement of Cavusin (10th century), in the ancient churches of the modern city of Goreme. Often St. Blasius was depicted in these places along with the most famous saints: Nicholas of Myra , John Chrysostom, Polycarp of Smyrna and other clergy.
In Rus' in the Middle Ages, a tradition appeared to paint the image of the sschmch. Blaise, together with other patrons of animals - Saints Florus and Laurus , and also began to include images of livestock, especially cows and goats, in the iconographic plot.
Iconography: Miracle of the Archangel Michael about Flora and Laurel Dates: XIX century. Material: Wood, gesso, tempera Dimensions of the icon: height 101 cm, width 82 cm The composition of the icon is divided into 2 parts: upper and lower. There is an angel at the top center. Archangel Michael is depicted full-length, full-frontal, standing on a hillock. On the left and right sides there are figures of Saints Florus and Laurus. They are presented in full height, in a ¾ turn, and in a slight forward bend. A little lower are the figures of two horses in profile, standing on their hind legs. In the foreground are icons of three riders and horses at a watering hole. Inv. No. KGIAHIM KP 5504. © Kargapol State Historical, Architectural and Art Museum
From the 12th century Hagiographic images of the saint appear. The most ancient of them are in Rome, in the church of San Clemente, and in Berze-la-Ville (France), in the Chateau de Moine chapel. The most complete cycle of his life, consisting of 58 artistic marks, is preserved on the “Frame of the Icon of St. Blasius" from the Church of the Holy Trinity in Yaroslavl. This masterpiece of icon painting is now in the Yaroslavl Art Museum. It dates back to the 17th century. The cycle presents a detailed narrative about the life of the saint and even includes scenes of the persecution of Christians and the suffering death of his disciples.
Life cycle of Blaise of Sevastia Dating: XVIII century. Material: Wood, tempera Dimensions of the icon: height 99 cm, width 78.5 cm Frame “The Life of St. Blaise” for the icon “St. Blaise”. There are 12 stamps on the frame. The plots are dedicated to the life of St. Blaise. Composition of the stamps: Baptism of Blaise; Consecration as a bishop; Saint Blaise blesses wild animals on Mount Argo; Blasius kneeling before the Cloud Christ in prayer; Warriors of Hegemon Agricolaus; The woman prays to Blasius for the healing of her son. Vlasiy in front of the hegemon's soldiers; A woman kneeling before Blasius; a woman with a boar in her hands and a warrior in front of Blasius’s prison; Vlasiy denounces the hegemon; beating Blasius with rods; The poor widow brought food to Blasius in prison; execution of Blasius; Women collect Blasius' blood; warriors and hegemon; Burial of Blasius; beheading of Blasius; two youths and the body of Blasius; Kozma and Damian.
Dmitry Fartuso in the classic manual “Guide to the Writing of Holy Icons” recommends depicting the image of the hieromartyr as follows:
“an old man of the Greek type; gray-haired, with curly hair and a large pointed beard; clothing – phelonion and omophorion. In his hands is a charter with the inscription: “Lord my God, if in sorrow or adversity anyone remembers my name, grant to everyone the requests of his heart.” (Reprint 1910, p. 183).
Tatyana Rasnovskaya
The story of Saint Blaise
San Biagio lived in the city of Sebastia in Asia Minor during the reign of the Roman emperors Diocletian and Licinius (284-324). Blasio distinguished himself with high integrity and was popularly elected by the inhabitants of the city to be ordained bishop of the city of Sebastia. While in office, he earned the love and respect of the residents. His sermons converted many parishioners to the Christian faith. But in those days the beliefs of the Romans rejected what Blasius preached, he was persecuted and was forced to seek refuge from persecution. Blasio settled on Mount Argeo in a cave. Blasio tamed the ferocious animals that lived in the area and healed the sick with his miraculous prayers. Following a complaint in 316, Blasius was captured by the Romans. During the interrogation, he insulted their pagan faith, was tortured and tortured, but did not renounce the faith of Christ. The Romans, unable to break the will of Blasius, executed him.
Memorial Day: February 24
Akathist
Kontakion 1 Chosen servant of Christ, quick representative and warm prayer book for us to God, Hieromartyr Blasie, calling on you in all prayers to hear the promise, as if you have boldness towards the Lord, do not cease praying for those who honor your holy memory, singing songs of praise for you to God and with calling to you with love:
Rejoice, our prayer book, quick helper, holy martyr Blasie.
Ikos 1 The Lord and our God has given you a guardian angel to your flock: seeing your meek and blameless life flourish in piety, the people of Sevastia have striven, so that you will be appointed to them as a bishop. And truly you have preserved the flock of Christ well. We, seeing such God’s favor towards you, cry out to you:
Rejoice, true and good shepherd of the flock of Christ.
Rejoice, you laid down your soul for the love of Christ.
Rejoice, the image of Christ’s love is revealed to us within ourselves.
Rejoice, for having shown your shepherds how to shepherd the flock of Christ by serving them.
Rejoice, sheep of words how to live, taught by life.
Rejoice, our prayer book, quick helper, holy martyr Blasie.
Kontakion 2 Seeing the fierce persecution of Christians from the godless tormentor Diocletian, like many pious people, fearing for the sake of torment and prison, I fled from the city, in forests and mountains, in dens and abysses of the earth. But you, blessed Blasie, not having the will of the Lord to undertake the feat of martyrdom ahead of time, followed such people and settled in a desert mountain, where you lived your life there in fasting and silence with unceasing prayer, singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 2 Realizing that man is the image of God and must direct himself towards the Prototype, God-wise Blasie fixed his mind and heart on the heavenly ones, succeeded in God-thinking and piety, and thus became rich in incorruptible treasure. Moreover, the angel who exists on earth reveres you, we honor you with these titles:
Rejoice, not of earth, for you are alive in heaven.
Rejoice, earthly angel, guardian of your flock.
Rejoice, you who nourished your verbal sheep with the teaching of Divine words.
Rejoice, you have received heavenly gifts from the Lord.
Rejoice, physical physician, raised from the Lord to become a physician of souls.
Rejoice, and after your death, all healing will flow abundantly to everyone.
Rejoice, our prayer book, quick helper, holy martyr Blasie.
Kontakion 3 Drawn by the power of God, you came to the martyr Eustratius, languishing in prison, at night, the saint of Christ Blasie, and fell on your face, strengthening him in the wondrous struggle of confessing Christ. Seeing his steadfast patience and courage, he glorified God, who is wondrous in His saints, singing to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 3 Imams, you are a vessel of grace, filled with many gifts of Christ, as even wild animals receive healing from you, but we are honored by you with endless mercies and miracles from the Lord, Hieromartyr Blasie, having weaved a crown of praise, we cry out to you with gratitude:
Rejoice, blessed bearer of heavenly gifts.
Rejoice, feeder and healer of the livestock of the earth.
Rejoice, good shepherd, dispenser of Christ's gifts.
Rejoice, true teacher and nourisher of your flock.
Rejoice, for the animals listen to your fierce prayer.
Rejoice, for those who come to you in troubles find deliverance.
Rejoice, our prayer book, quick helper, holy martyr Blasie.
Kontakion 4 The storm of everyday persecution from the evil tormentor, who had already raised up against you, the martyr of Christ Blasie, in order to shake your holy faith, could not have troubled you in any way, when the message came to you, living in a cave, with an insane command to fulfill. You are negligent about torment and temporary honor, but having seen the will of the Lord, you armed yourself with suffering courage, singing to God in joy: Alleluia.
Ikos 4 Having heard how many signs and wonders were being done on the name of Christ our God, glorified by you, and how many of the Greeks believed in Him, when you walked, God-bearing Blasie, to your suffering, a certain wife fell prostrate at your feet, with tears begging you for help to her son, for the bone was in his throat and was as if dead. But you, good shepherd, with faith cried out to the Savior of all, that her child might be healed, and thus praying, you asked the Lord: if someone has any trouble from people or animals, he will remember your name, help everyone, so that he may be glorified His name is Most Holy. And when the woman saw her boy healed, he glorified God, giving you praise. With this we also earnestly cry out to you:
Rejoice, by your strong faith you have converted unbelievers to Christ through miracles.
Rejoice, you who valiantly marched through suffering for Christ.
Rejoice, having shown steadfast love and undoubted hope in yourself by invoking the holy name of Christ.
Rejoice, thou who through the power of thy prayer granted healing to the lad from the Lord.
Rejoice, not just a man, but also a gift of healing to cattle.
Rejoice, and in all troubles and needs, you have inspired us to boldly call upon you.
Rejoice, our prayer book, quick helper, holy martyr Blasie.
Kontakion 5 The God-bearing star, in the darkness of unbelief, shining as if in the night and enlightening the souls of all who want to be saved, seeing you, Agricolaus the hegemon, not willing to understand, betrayed you to suffer for Christ and commanded to beat you much and mercilessly with clubs. But you, Hieromartyr Blasie, pacifying the rage of the tormentor, sang to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5 Seeing the tormentor of your immutable faith, you were ready to endure any kind of torment, more passion-bearing than the Blasius of Christ, and even more, being embarrassed by your words, you began to declare: “Do whatever you want, but in no way turn me away from confessing God,” - he commanded to prison put you in. We, marveling at such a strong confession of your faith in Christ, sing to you with all our souls:
Rejoice, chosen confessor of God.
Rejoice, glorified martyr of Christ.
Rejoice, you put to shame the wickedness of the hegemon at the court.
Rejoice, you are disgusted by his flattering tricks.
Rejoice, having adorned your sacred robe with the blood of your suffering.
Rejoice, the image of Christ’s confession has been revealed to us within ourselves.
Rejoice, our prayer book, quick helper, holy martyr Blasie.
Kontakion 6 The Church of Christ preaches you, blessed Blasie, as the true good shepherd, who, after your departure into eternal life, does not abandon the faithful, but as you promised, always anticipating us in all petitions and observing us in all sorrows, troubles and needs of all who gratefully call about you to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6 You have shone forth, blessed Blasie, like a phoenix that has flourished to the extent of the age of Christ’s perfection, from the worthless reception of heavenly gifts, together with the faces of the saints you are now in glory in heaven and you have prepared us with your prayers to dwell in the courts of the Lord, diligently crying out to you like this:
Rejoice, for you now abide in eternal joy before the throne of the Heavenly King.
Rejoice, for from the faces of the Angel and the saints you sing glory to the Creator of all.
Rejoice, our zealous intercessor before the Almighty.
Rejoice, diligent bearer of our prayers to Him.
Rejoice, our heavenly protector from troubles.
Rejoice, our faithful trustee.
Rejoice, our prayer book, quick helper, holy martyr Blasie.
Kontakion 7 Wanting to honor you, the passion-bearer of Christ Blasie, a certain widow of a beggar, brought food to you in prison, and fell at your feet, praying that you may eat. But you, holy father, having blessed the widow, you commanded her, saying: “Woman, create my memory in the same way, and nothing will be lacking in your house, and if someone else is like you and creates my memory, the gifts of God will be fulfilled and you will be blessed in every way.” days of your life." And the wife saw that God had blessed me with much contentment, telling her everywhere that you spoke to her, singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 7 New torments, worse than the first, the all-evil tormentor sought, always bringing you back from prison to the judgment, glorious martyr, though to test whether you made a sacrifice to God, or whether you wanted to perish evilly. You have rejected this wickedness and you have strengthened yourself with the power of God: even so, neither beating nor wound, nor the hanging on a tree and the planing of your body, in which you were tormented, in no way able to defeat your glorious patience. You said to the tormentor: “Gods who did not create heaven and earth, let them perish. I am not afraid of your temporary torments, for I look to the good things to come, prepared for those who love God.” For this reason we sing to you, the valiant warrior of Christ:
Rejoice, you who suffered many wounds and terrible torments for Christ.
Rejoice, hanging on a tree and iron tools, for His sake you endured the planing.
Rejoice, denouncer of the infidels’ theology.
Rejoice, protector and guardian of the faith of Christ.
Rejoice, you who showed the weak poverty of vain idols.
Rejoice, thou who confessed faith in eternal life and the blessings of the future.
Rejoice, our prayer book, quick helper, holy martyr Blasie.
Kontakion 8 The image of your suffering seemed strange and unthinkable to your tormentor, for I neglected that wicked command to you, subjecting you, Hieromartyr Blasie, to grave torment. Pious women, having seen your suffering, were not afraid, but collected your suffering blood from the earth, confessors of Christ, revealing themselves to themselves, and singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 8 With all your heart and with all your soul you loved Christ; you attracted God-wise women to the unmanly woman, like a good shepherd, with your suffering feat you attracted. Moreover, blessed Blasie, praising your suffering, we call to you with love:
Rejoice, most wonderful sufferer of Christ.
Rejoice, having surprised your tormentor with your honest suffering.
Rejoice, having moved the wives who sympathized with you to confess Christ.
Rejoice, thou who hath made the lamps of Christ's light.
Rejoice, for the sake of the future blessings, your suffering is not imputable to anything.
Rejoice, having taught us to truly believe by a firm confession of faith.
Rejoice, our prayer book, quick helper, holy martyr Blasie.
Kontakion 9 Having rejected all ungodly flattery, you, blessed Blasie, who followed your godly wife, scrupulously put to shame the charm of idols, asking the gods to give them an hegemon, as if to eat sacrifices for those who wanted to, and rushed to the lake. The warriors guarding them said that first they wanted to perform ablution according to custom; They cast idols into the depths of the lake and thus the gods desecrated them, but they hurried to the True God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9 The orbit of multi-proclaimed singing, in the image of which we dare to sing worthy praise of you, is not sufficient for you, most praiseworthy Blasius: for no earthly praise can be equal to the glory of heaven. You, standing now in the glory of Christ, look upon us who pray to you and call with love:
Rejoice, having loved Christ with all your heart and soul and devoted yourself entirely to Him.
Rejoice, thou who despised all the earthly things and inherited the heavenly settlements.
Rejoice, you who lived on earth for the glory of God and were crowned with heavenly glory.
Rejoice, you who have received the crown of martyrdom from Christ and are numbered among the host of holy martyrs.
Rejoice, thou identified in heaven by angels and saints.
Rejoice, praised and glorified on earth by those who honor your holy memory.
Rejoice, our prayer book, quick helper, holy martyr Blasie.
Kontakion 10 To save the souls of your wives who followed you, blessed Blasie, when you were brought to the place of torment, you prayed for them to accept God’s prayer for you, you brought them to the path of truth, and therefore you gave your honorable head to the beheading of the sword as a martyr of Christ. Having thus received communion, in heaven the faces of the saints sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 10 The wall of the martyr, glory to the Christians, the pillar and affirmation of faith and piety, you were, holy martyr Blasie. Be also for us sinners who come running to you, a fair steward, a guardian of faith, a comforter and healer in sorrows and illnesses, a deliverer and patron in troubles and misfortunes, and a zealous intercessor in all needs, bringing a chick song to those who bring you and call with love:
Rejoice, for through you the faith of Christ is glorified.
Rejoice, for for your sake unbelief is put to shame.
Rejoice, for for your sake piety is strengthened.
Rejoice, for through you blasphemers are humbled.
Rejoice, for we sinners place our trust in you.
Rejoice, for we, who are unworthy, receive salvation from God through you.
Rejoice, our prayer book, quick helper, holy martyr Blasie.
Kontakion 11 We offer a song of praise to you, Hieromartyr Blasie, about your courage and strong faith, which you showed, confessing Christ, when you saw your tormentor, as if you counted neither his wicked flattery nor his heavy torment, in the image of which you wished to turn you away from Christ, ask you: “If I cast you into the lake, will your Christ have mercy on you?” To Him, most praiseworthy Father, without hesitation you said: “I honor the True Living God and I will be saved forever, and on the waters you will see the power of my God.” And when you were thrown into the lake, you marked the water with a cross, as if you were walking on dry land. Therefore, you accepted the death of a martyr for Christ, having been beheaded by the sword, singing praises to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 11 The Light-Giver Christ the Lord, seeing your soul shining with purity, did not allow you to be hidden, Hieromartyr Blasie, but placed you on the priesthood of the bishop. For this reason, not only in life, but also after death, the lamp of Christ appeared bright, as if you were a great shepherd who took good care of your flock, and even at your death you did not abandon your care, not only for yourself, but for the whole world, especially for Those who wish to create your memory, you offered a fervent prayer to God and the blessed voice of the Lord Christ: “I will fulfill all your requests,” - you were honored to hear. In the same way, pray to the Lord for us, that He may enlighten us with the light of His God-mind and deliver us from church disorders, heresies and schisms, and establish piety in us who sing to you like this:
Rejoice, lamp of the light of Christ.
Rejoice, church decorator.
Rejoice, bishop, chosen by God.
Rejoice, guardian of the Orthodox faith.
Rejoice, destroyer of church enmity.
Rejoice, steward of our salvation.
Rejoice, our prayer book, quick helper, holy martyr Blasie.
Kontakion 12 The grace of God, which is in you, Hieromartyr Blasie, before the beheading of your head, illuminated your honest face with the light of Christ, after which from your tomb flowed forth various healings, compelling everyone to praise you, teaching God to sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 12 We sing of your wondrous deeds and sufferings, holy martyr Blasius, with whom you have brightly adorned your memory. Moreover, giving thanks to God, who is wondrous in His saints, we sing the following songs of praise to you:
Rejoice, God-chosen lamp of the Church of Christ.
Rejoice, glorious champion of the Orthodox faith.
Rejoice, great light, dispelling the darkness of wickedness.
Rejoice, pillar of the church, affirming piety.
Rejoice, glorious adornment of the shepherds of the Church.
Rejoice, you make the faithful rejoice in your piety.
Rejoice, our prayer book, quick helper, holy martyr Blasie.
Kontakion 13 O long-suffering and all-praised father, Hieromartyr Blasius, accept our present offering and deliver us from all mental and physical illnesses, protect us from visible and invisible enemies and save us from all torment with your warm intercession before the throne of the Most High, so that with you we sing to God : Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
Troparion and Kontakion to the Hieromartyr Blaise of Sebaste
Troparion, tone 4
You received inspiration in the visions of the dawn: for this, in order to correct the word of truth and faith for the sake of faith, you suffered to the rooftops, Hieromartyr Blasi, pray to Christ God to save our souls.
Kontakion, tone 2
Divine green, unchanging color, long-suffering vines of Christ, to the nose of God Blasi: by faith, honoring the memory of your joy, realize your joy, praying unceasingly for us all.
Kontakion, tone 8
You are gloriously adorned with anointing and torment with blood, you are glorious Blasie, and you shine everywhere in the highest, rejoicing and calling us to your temple, which has come, and in it you constantly call us: watch over us all.
Prayer
O long-suffering father, great servant of God, holy martyr Blasie.
Hear us, sinners, who come running to you and pray to you warmly. A storm of many evils, troubles and sorrows will overwhelm us, mental and physical illnesses and all sorts of obsessions of the enemy will overwhelm us. We are negligent about our salvation; we are less worthy, because of our sin, to ask the Lord for help. But you, good shepherd, had great boldness from the Merciful God, just as sometimes you were led to your torment, the tearful widows who came to you, did not reject you, otherwise you freed the beast from the misfortune, and you asked the Lord for healing of another youth, and so did Now look upon your children, who at this hour have come to you, asking for consolation and help. You therefore begged the Lord: if anyone has any illness or misfortune, he will remember your name - to help everyone in glorifying His Most Holy Name. Do not reject us who pray to you, but as you promised, fulfill all our requests for good, by the grace of the All-Good God, to Him be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
