Patron saints of travelers
Almost all areas of human life are under the protection of patron saints. There are icons that protect travelers and everyone who is often on the road. Such images can be seen not only in churches and in the homes of believers. Many of them are placed in cars, believing that under the patronage of the saint the driver, passengers and the vehicle itself are safe. Several shrines that protect travelers are the most revered in Orthodoxy. You can choose a patron from the list below and take his icon with you on the road.
Christian traditions of the Russian fleet
Sailors are always a very religious people, because their profession is inextricably linked with the elements and numerous dangers in which human strength and skills are not enough, and military sailors in particular. But even against the background of the latter, the servicemen of the Russian Navy, famous for many Christian traditions, stand out.
On the eve of Russian Navy Day, let us remember on what foundation the Russian fleet grew and how strongly it is connected with Orthodoxy.
Let’s start at least with the main thing - with the ship’s flag, which is a shrine for every military man. The Russian navy uses the St. Andrew's flag as a battle flag, introduced at the very beginning of the 18th century by decree of Peter the Great and dedicated to the holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called.
St. Andrew's flag
Great things in Rus' always began with an appeal to God for protection. When in 1699 Peter I decided to create a fleet and win from the Swedes access to the Baltic Sea, which was vital for Russian trade, he decided to turn to Apostle Andrew for protection.
The first-called disciple of Christ is considered the patron saint of fishermen and representatives of professions related to the sea. He came from a family of Galilean fishermen and his youth was inextricably linked with voyages on the Sea of Galilee (Lake of Gennesaret), which was at times quite stormy.
On the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles and the Church appeared, the Savior’s disciples distributed among themselves by lot the countries in which they were to preach. Here, Apostle Andrew inherited the lands around the Black Sea - the northern coast of modern Turkey, the coast of the Caucasus and Stavropol, Crimea and Bulgaria. On the way, he again had to travel on ships.
According to Tradition, Apostle Andrew also had the chance to preach on the banks of the Dnieper, precisely in those places where the first capital of Rus', the city of Kyiv, was subsequently built. Therefore, the Apostle Andrew was especially revered in our country.
After many years of travel and evangelistic work, the Apostle Andrew the First-Called found himself on the territory of modern Macedonia, where local authorities crucified him on an oblique cross for preaching the Gospel. So he accepted martyrdom.
When preparing the Charter for the fleet, Peter I gave the following description of his future flag: “The flag is white, across it there is a blue St. Andrew’s cross, with which he christened Russia.” Thus, from its very foundation, the Russian fleet was dedicated to God and placed under the protection of the Apostle Andrew.
Patrons of sailors
In addition to the holy apostle, the Russian fleet also has a number of heavenly intercessors, to whom sailors often turn for help: St. Nicholas, the Miracle of Lycia, the wonderworker, who during his life resurrected a sailor who had fallen to his death and fell from the mast, and after his death he calmed him down in miraculous phenomena on the waters. the sea or saved drowning sailors from death; passion-bearer Klimenty Nagorny (uncle of Tsarevich Alexei, executed in Yekaterinburg), who during his life was a simple Baltic sailor - hardworking, honest and faithful; Martyr Phocas, who, according to Tradition, lived in the seaside city of Sinop (northeast of modern Turkey) in the 5th century and on stormy nights lit a bright fire on the seashore, the light from which helped sailors find the right path to the shore; as well as the holy righteous admiral Fyodor Ushakov.
“Thanks be to God, during all the aforementioned battles with the enemy and during the entire existence of this fleet under my command at sea, preserving the Most High goodness, not a single ship from it was lost and not a single person from our servants was captured by the enemy,” he wrote in 1804 Admiral Ushakov in a memo to the emperor.
This righteous naval commander fought many naval battles and was not defeated in any of them, but the Church canonized him not for this, but for his constant hope in God’s help, for his sincere zeal in all matters entrusted to him and for his constant care for everyone. a person under his command or in his assigned area of responsibility.
Fyodor Fedorovich Ushakov began every battle, and indeed every important matter, with prayer and communion in the Church of the Holy Sacraments. Before the battle, he admonished his sailors: “When going into battle, read Psalms 26, 50 and 90 and neither a bullet nor a saber will take you!” While a squadron of Russian ships was in Constantinople in 1798, Saint Admiral Ushakov, together with the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, paid a visit to Patriarch George V of Constantinople and only after his blessing began the liberation of the Greek islands from the French occupiers.
How the flag and quarterdeck became a ship's shrine
A raised flag is not just a visible symbol indicating that a ship belongs to a particular fleet, but also a signal to the enemy, indicating the crew’s readiness to repel any aggression directed against their homeland. While the flag is raised, the ship is alive and the sailors are fighting, which means the naval commander and comrades on other ships can count on them.
The ancient prototype of the flag were church banners, on which the face of the Savior was often embroidered. Simply put, the first battle flags are icons. Hence the attitude towards them as to a shrine. In addition, before transferring them to the ship, battle banners and flags must be brought to the temple, where the priest prayerfully performs the Rite of Consecration over them.
Since ancient times, there has been a tradition to consider the quarterdeck as the most honorable place on a ship - the part of the upper deck from the mainmast to the mizzenmast. This is due to the fact that it was here that the icons of the Lord, the Virgin Mary and saints were located during ship prayers. Also, on the quarterdecks of Russian warships, the crew gathered to read the Naval Regulations, orders were read out, and court sentences were passed.
When entering the quarterdeck, all sailors from sailor to admiral were required to remove their hats. Later, the removal of the headdress was replaced by performing a military greeting by briefly touching the visor of the cap, indicating readiness to remove the headdress.
Construction and naming of ships
The construction of some warships for the Russian fleet is always carried out with donations from the people and various organizations. Including believers and the Church. This tradition originated from the very foundation of the Russian fleet, when Tsar Peter ordered monasteries and merchants to bear “ship duty.” Some bishops and priests also showed private initiative in collecting donations.
For example, Saint Mitrofan of Voronezh convinced the people to help the Tsar with all their might, and once gave the Tsar 6,000 rubles. Later, Saint Mitrofan sent money to the Tsar several more times, adding: “for the military.” Novgorod Metropolitan Job also donated money for the creation of the fleet.
In subsequent centuries, during the years of war, the clergy held a special circle collection in churches for the creation and strengthening of the army and navy. These funds also helped the country to rebuild its fleet twice after terrible defeats in the Crimean and Russo-Japanese wars.
During the Great Patriotic War, believers donated 300,000,000 rubles to the Defense Fund. This money was used to build the Ditriy Donskoy tank column and the Alexander Nevsky squadron, but it was also used for other needs, including the creation or repair of warships. Today the tradition of building part of warships using donations also lives on...
Naming naval combat units in honor of saints or church holidays is also a very ancient custom. He has been present in the Russian fleet since its founding. Thus, one of the first ships of Peter the Great was called “Goto Predistination” - “God's Foresight”. In 1758, the largest for that time, the 100-gun combat ship “St. Dmitry of Rostov” was launched.
The ships under the command of Saint Admiral Ushakov also mostly bore names associated with the Church: “Nativity of Christ”, “Mary Magdalene”, “St. Vladimir”, “St. Paul”, “Transfiguration of the Lord”, “St. George the Victorious”, “Saint Andrew the First-Called”, “Ambrose of Milan” and others.
The modern Russian Navy includes such ships as: “Yaroslav the Wise”, “Admiral Ushakov”, “George the Victorious”, “Prince Vladimir”, “Dmitry Donskoy”, “Ilya Muromets” and others.
Spiritual support for sailors
Another tradition that originated in the times of Peter the Great and has survived to this day is the military clergy. Peter I introduced the positions of naval chief hieromonks, whose rights and responsibilities were defined in the Naval Regulations.
Chief hieromonks blessed ships during their keeling and launching, as well as ship flags and weapons of military sailors. Before and after the battle they served prayer services, and during the battle they helped the wounded and encouraged the timid sailors. In peacetime, chief hieromonks were usually located within the naval bases, where they performed services in garrison churches specially designated for prayer for military personnel.
Since the beginning of the 90s, the Russian Orthodox Church again began to minister to military personnel. In 2009, the institution of military clergy was restored and priests reappeared in regiments and on warships. Garrison temples at the main naval bases have also been restored or built.
The invincibility of Russian sailors
The bravery and fortitude of the Russian soldier and, in particular, the Russian sailor or marine is known throughout the world. There is no courage in a person who does not know who he is protecting and for what he is ready to pay with his life.
A warrior defending his Fatherland must know why he takes up arms and when and how he can use them. The justification for the use of weapons should be not only the requirements of the military regulations, but also the moral justification of its use. It was Christianity that gave Russian soldiers a firm understanding of their own rightness in defending the Motherland, based on spiritual experience, and gave military service the character of highly moral service.
On the last Sunday in July, Russia traditionally celebrates Navy Day, which has been making great discoveries and humanitarian missions for more than 300 years, but, most importantly, stands guard over the shores of the Motherland from any threats.
We congratulate everyone related to the fleet on this wonderful holiday and wish them to remember how closely the life of a sailor is connected with the Church and with the help of God, and not to forget to pray to the Lord in any circumstances of their life. He is always ready to strengthen, comfort and bestow His mercy on those who believe in Him.
Andrey Szegeda
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Image of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
Nicholas the Wonderworker is very popular in the Christian world. He is chosen as the protector of many temples, cities and countries. The saint is also considered the patron saint of everyone on the road. When getting ready to travel, you should read a prayer to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. At the same time, there should be complete silence in the room. At the end of the prayer, you need to kneel and cross yourself three times. The saint should be addressed with the following words:
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Oh, Saint Nicholas of Christ! Hear us, sinful servants of God (names), praying to you, and pray for us, unworthy, our Creator and Master, make our God merciful to us in this life and in the future, so that he does not reward us according to our deeds, but according to his own He will reward us with goodness. Deliver us, saints of Christ, from the evils that come upon us, and tame the waves of passions and troubles that rise against us, so that for the sake of your holy prayers the attack will not overwhelm us and we will not wallow in the abyss of sin and in the mud of our passions. Pray to Saint Nicholas, Christ our God, that he may grant us a peaceful life and remission of sins, and salvation and great mercy for our souls, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Patrons of the Russian Navy: what is known about the holy relics that were transported to the Baltiysk Naval Cathedral
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The relics of the patron saints of the Russian Navy, Andrew the First-Called, Nicholas the Wonderworker and Admiral Fyodor Ushakov, were transferred to the St. George Naval Cathedral in Baltiysk. What is known about the lives of the saints and who they help - in the material "Klops".
Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called
In the world, a simple fisherman Andrei Zavedeev is known as the first disciple of Christ. According to legend, he was close to Jesus throughout his life. Then he preached the Gospel and healed people in Scythia, Asia Minor and Greece. The Apostle Andrew was crucified in the city of Patras on an oblique cross, later called St. Andrew's (this cross is depicted on the flag of the Navy).
Andrew the First-Called is considered the patron saint of “maritime” professions, as well as translators, military personnel and foreign language teachers. People turn to him for help in traveling and with requests for a happy marriage.
Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
Saint Nicholas was born around 270 AD. in the territory of modern Turkey. It is known that his parents were believers, and Nikolai was their only late child. From birth the saint observed fasting. All his life he preached the Orthodox faith. During the persecution of Christians he was imprisoned. Despite bribery and torture, he did not give up his faith in God and supported the Christians who were imprisoned with him. When the persecution of believers stopped, Nikolai was released and continued his activities.
Nicholas received the nickname Wonderworker during his lifetime, as he healed hopeless patients and resurrected the dead. In addition, Saint Nicholas is the prototype of Santa Claus. Based on his life, which tells how the saint gave a dowry to the three daughters of a ruined rich man, the tradition of giving Christmas gifts arose.
Nicholas the Wonderworker is the patron of sailors, farmers, merchants, travelers and beekeepers. People turn to the saint with requests to save him from any misfortunes and troubles. At the icons of his name they pray for healing and preservation of family well-being.
Holy righteous warrior Theodore Ushakov
Admiral of the Russian fleet Fyodor Ushakov was born in 1745 into a poor noble family. The outstanding Russian naval commander commanded the Black Sea Fleet and led the Russian-Turkish squadron in the Mediterranean Sea. He won 43 naval battles and did not suffer a single defeat. It is known that after key battles, the admiral, together with the Russian sailors, thanked God for his help in the battles. Fyodor Ushakov devoted the last years of his life to charity and prayers. He was buried in 1817 in the Sanaksar monastery near the grave of his uncle, the Monk Theodore of Sanaksar.
The saint is the patron saint of the navy. The Orthodox also ask Admiral Ushakov to strengthen faith and inner purity.
The transfer of particles of the relics of the patrons of the Russian Navy, Saints Andrew the First-Called, Nicholas the Wonderworker and Admiral Fyodor Ushakov, to the St. George Naval Cathedral in Baltiysk took place on February 13.
Image of the Mother of God "Hodegetria"
This type of Eastern Orthodox icon of the Mother of God, called the "Guide" or "Showing the Way", is an ideal choice for drivers and travelers. The image is an iconographic image of the Ever-Virgin holding the Son Jesus Christ in her arms. At the same time, the Mother of God points to the Baby as the savior of humanity.
Any of the famous icons of the Mother of God (Blachernae, Voroninskaya, Tikhvinskaya, Smolenskaya and others) will show the traveler the right path and help avoid danger. Text of the prayer:
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Oh, my Most Holy Lady, Virgin Mary, Hodegetria, Patroness and hope of my salvation! Behold, on the journey that lies before me, I now want to leave and for the time being I entrust to You, my most merciful Mother, my soul and body, all my mental and material powers, I entrust myself entirely to Your strong gaze and Your all-powerful help. Oh, my good companion and protector! I earnestly pray to Thee, that this path may not creep, guide me on it and direct it, All-Holy Hodegetria, as She herself, to the glory of Thy Son, my Lord Jesus Christ, be my helper in everything, especially in this distant and difficult While traveling, protect me under Your sovereign protection from all troubles and sorrows that may arise, from enemies visible and invisible, and pray for me. My lady! May Your Son, Christ our God, come to help me, His peaceful, faithful mentor and guardian Angel, and just as in ancient times He gave food to His servant Tobiah Raphael, in every place and at all times, keeping him on the road from all evil, so is mine guide the path safely and protect me with heavenly power. May she return me to health, peace and completeness to my dwelling for the glory of Your Holy Name, glorifying and blessing Him all the days of my life and magnifying You, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Image of St. Arseny Konevsky
Believers consider this icon a powerful amulet for all travelers. The life of the saint tells us that he himself repeatedly visited Mount Athos and the islands of Lake Ladoga and became famous for his righteousness and hermitage. Patronizes everyone who is on the road; it protects especially powerfully while swimming.
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Icon of St. Sergius of Radonezh
He had to go on a journey more than once. He reconciled the princes and blessed the builders of new monasteries. The saint did not know any places unsuitable for asceticism. In our time, travelers who find themselves far from their home pray to St. Sergius. Prayer to St. Sergius of Radonezh:
Hail, Intercessor of the Russian land, St. Sergius of Radonezh! Reward me with glory for long prayer services and faithful service. Bring success to your business, fill your home with goodness and prosperity. May luck not turn away from the Servant of God (Servant of God) (your name) and follow on your heels all day long and at night fill your head with bright thoughts and ideas. Pray for me before the Almighty, so that He may send success to my deeds and decisions. I will glorify Our God and You, the Holy One, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.
Why is Andrew the First-Called the patron saint of sailors?
22.04.2015
The 13th day of December is the day of remembrance of Andrew the First-Called, the apostle of Jesus Christ, the patron saint of sailors. Tsar Peter I founded the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called - the main and highest award of Russia back in 1698, and exactly 300 years later this award was revived and became the basis of the symbolism of the Russian Navy.
On the night of December 13, unmarried and unmarried girls have been telling fortunes about grooms since ancient times: putting a loaf of bread under their pillow, they uttered the words: “Betrothed, come to me for dinner.” After that, they went to bed and judged the future based on what they dreamed that night. If the same man was dreamed of on Christmastide and on the night of St. Andrew’s, then the fortune-telling came true exactly. It was forbidden to talk to anyone before or after fortune telling, and close relatives were not allowed to go hungry.
The Apostle of Jesus Christ, Andrew the First-Called, was one of his twelve disciples. Before following his teacher, he was engaged in fishing in the city of Bethsaida in Galilee. Andrew the First-Called received his name from the fact that he became the first apostle of the Lord, and besides, he was the first to bring to him his older brother Simon, who later became the apostle Peter.
Prayers became the main aspiration of young Andrei; he did not look for a wife and did not marry, but was a disciple of John the Baptist, the holy prophet who announced the Incarnation. After John the Baptist pointed to the Lamb of God, as he called Jesus Christ, Andrew and John the Theologian immediately followed the Lord and became his disciples. After the Resurrection of the Lord and the Ascension, which Andrew the First-Called witnessed, he comes to Jerusalem,
There Andrei, as predicted, is filled with the Holy Spirit. After these events, the Apostle Andrew goes on a journey, where he preaches the Word of God. Three times he returned to Jerusalem, preached the Faith of Christ in Iberia, Bithynia, Pontus, communicated with people in different languages, and healed people from incurable diseases. In Constantinople (in those days - Byzantium), the Apostle Andrew created the Christian Church, preached on the shores of the Black Sea and reached Kiev.
After traveling, where he was beaten and expelled from cities by the pagans, the Apostle Andrew was executed. According to legend, he suffered martyrdom in the city of Patras, where the ruler of the city, not wanting to accept the Christian faith, ordered the apostle’s hands to be tied to an X-shaped cross. The oblique St. Andrew's cross, which is awarded to dignitaries of the Russian state, today has exactly this shape, and the Russian fleet under the St. Andrew's banner has become the winner in many naval battles since the times of Peter the Great.
Alexander I, who honored with his presence the beginning of the construction of St. Andrew's Cathedral in Kronstadt in 1805, gave the go-ahead for its construction. And after 12 years, at the end of summer, a ceremony was held to illuminate the temple with 10 unique bells. Later, famous naval commanders and admirals of great Russia were interred at the Council, including the discoverer of Antarctica F.F. Bellingshausen.
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Author: Tatyana Vikhlyaeva
Image of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called
Believers often take with them on land and sea journeys an icon with the image of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called. Since ancient times, everyone who goes on a sea cruise, fishing, vacation or business trip has asked for the saint’s help. Legend says that the Apostle Andrew helped Jesus feed five thousand people with fish and bread. Therefore, travelers believe that the saint will give them strength to overcome any difficulties. Prayer:
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First-called Apostle of God and our Savior Jesus Christ, supreme follower of the Church, all-validated Andrew! We glorify and magnify your apostolic works, we sweetly remember your blessed coming to us, we bless your honorable suffering, which you endured for Christ, we kiss your sacred relics, we honor your holy memory and believe that the Lord lives, and your soul lives, too. You remain with us forever in heaven, where you do not abandon us with your love, just as our fathers loved us, when you saw through the Holy Spirit the conversion of our land to Christ. We believe, as God prayed for us; in His light all our needs are in vain. Thus we confess this faith of ours in your temple and we pray to the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ, that through your prayers He will give us everything we need for the salvation of us sinners. Yes, as if you were in favor of the voice of the Lord, leave your hesitation, you followed Him unswervingly, and let each one from us not seek his own, but let him strive for the creation of his neighbor, and let him think about a higher calling. Having you as a representative and prayer book for us, we hope that your prayer can accomplish much before our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to Him belongs all glory, honor and worship with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Patrons of sailors
Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called is named by this name, since he is the first whom the Lord called to be his disciples. He was a Galilean fisherman, but left fishing and devoted himself entirely to serving the Lord. After the Ascension of Jesus Christ and the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles, he traveled through many countries where he conveyed the word of God to the Gentiles. He visited Holy Rus', where he destroyed pagan temples, converted pagans, as well as their priests, to the Christian faith, and erected Orthodox crosses. He sailed on a boat up the mighty Dnieper, predicting in the future many churches in the capital city of Kyiv. Patronizes everyone whose life is connected with the maritime profession. The Church of Christ commemorates it twice a year - on July 13 (the Council of the Glorious and All-Glory 12 Apostles) and on December 13 - the day of remembrance.
The name of St. Nicholas, the Pleasant of God , has been glorified throughout the centuries with many miraculous healings from illnesses and wondrous miracles for the glory of the Lord and for the benefit of believers. Sincere prayer before the image of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker always helps to solve complex problems that sometimes cannot be solved by earthly means. According to the Holy Scriptures, the Saint of God, Nicholas, saved the ship during a storm at sea, and all the sailors who were on that ship. Days of remembrance are May 22 (Nikola the Spring), and December 19 (Nikola the Winter).
Quite rare, but deeply revered by believers, the Icon “ The Rescue of the Drowning Apostle Peter ” patronizes everyone whose life is connected with the sea. Before the image on this icon, it is appropriate to pray for protection from all sorts of troubles on the water, from shipwrecks and drowning. This icon must be in every home where a sailor or fisherman lives. Celebrations in honor of the icon “The Rescue of the Drowning Apostle Peter” are held by the Orthodox Church on January 29, as well as on July 12 and 13.
The Monk Zosima, Abbot of Solovetsky , was born in the Novgorod province, into a wealthy family. Upon reaching adulthood, he decided to serve Jesus Christ, distributed his considerable property to those in need, took monastic vows and went in search of a secluded place. In search of a hermit's place of residence, he met the same ascetics as himself - Herman and Savvaty, and together they, having made a sea voyage, reached the Solovetsky Islands, where Saint Zosima spent his pious life, founding a monastic monastery. According to Christian legend, Saint Zosima with the Monk Savvatius appeared to sailors in distress and saved them from inevitable death in the depths of the sea. The church commemorates him on April 30, August 21 and 22.
Another of the icons that patronizes long sea voyages is the icon of Saints Nicholas the Wonderworker and Spyridon of Trimifuntsky , holding a boat.
Image of Saint Christopher
An ancient legend tells that Saint Christopher, not knowing who the Infant Christ really was, carried Him across the river. Therefore, he is considered the patron saint of travelers. A distinctive feature of the Orthodox icons dedicated to him is that they depict the saint with the head of a dog.
Text of the prayer:
Saint Christopher, patron saint of drivers, envelop me in your tutelage when I get behind the wheel. Ask the Good God to protect drivers from bravura and accidents, so that they are responsible, sober, restrained and friendly on the road. Amen.
Crucifixion of Christ
The above list would be incomplete if it did not mention the Crucifixion of Christ. Christ is the Savior of all mankind. When praying to the saints, you should understand that they help not with their own power, but with the power given to them from above by Jesus Christ. Prayer to Jesus Christ before traveling:
Lord Jesus Christ, our God, the true and living way! You accompanied Your imaginary father Joseph and Your most pure Mother the Virgin Mary to Egypt, and also accompanied Luke and Cleopas to Emmaus! Now we humbly pray to You, Most Holy Master, to accompany us, Your servants, with Your grace. As to Your servant Tobiah, send a Guardian Angel and mentor, preserving and delivering us from every accident, from visible and invisible enemies and instructing us to fulfill Your commandments, accompanying us in prosperity and health on the journey and returning home safe. Help us to fulfill all our good intentions for Your glory. For it is Your nature to have mercy and save us, and to You we exalt glory with Your beginningless Father and the Most Holy and Good and Life-giving Spirit forever. Amen.
Good patron saint of sailors and travelers Saint Nicholas
On December 19, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Wonderworker, St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia. Among those who especially venerate this holy saint of God are sailors and travelers, whose patron is Saint Nicholas. On this day, the Odessa St. Nicholas Church at the Seaport celebrated its twentieth birthday. The festive liturgy on the patronal feast was performed by His Eminence Diodorus, Bishop of Yuzhnensky, vicar of the Odessa Diocese. And after the end of the service, he consecrated the mosaic image of St. Nicholas, and also presented church awards.
Saint Nicholas is known throughout the world for his kindness and generosity. And for sailors and travelers he is a close assistant, since more than once he protected them in difficult times. The history of the saint’s life mentions an incident when, as a young man, on one of his sea voyages from Myra to Alexandria, he resurrected a sailor who had fallen from a piece of ship’s equipment in a storm and crashed to his death.
His Eminence Diodorus, Bishop of Yuzhnensky, Vicar of the Odessa Diocese
Saint Nicholas is especially revered by sailors because there have been many known cases when he appeared to sailors who were in distress, who were about to die, but he came and with his miraculous intervention, changed these circumstances for the better. That’s why today we honor him with love and gather in his churches on the days of his memory. We believe and know that he, as one who has boldness before God, as a friend of God, he will certainly fulfill our requests.
20 years ago, on the shores of the Black Sea, with the blessing of His Eminence Agathangel, Metropolitan of Odessa and Izmail, the St. Nicholas Church was built so that everyone traveling could ask for help from their patron. After all, from time immemorial throughout the Christian world, sailors received a blessing before a voyage, and when returning, they brought gifts to the image of the universally revered saint.
Odessa sailors also revere the saint and before each voyage they come to pray to him at St. Nicholas Church. And wives and mothers pray for their safe return home.
: before each departure on a flight, naturally, we contact you,
As my grandfather once told me: without God you can’t reach the threshold, but with God you can go overseas. So I follow his instructions. I think it certainly helps.
I go to church every weekend, I pray for him, that’s what we were taught, I don’t know how young people are now. And today, I go here on May 22, and on December 19, every time.
I have a son who is a sailor, a senior engineer, and a grandson who is a sailor.
Every year I come to this church, pray for them, often go to church, wish them health, calm weather, friendship,
And his son and grandson are always on the flight, they pray, and in difficult times he always helps them.
On the holiday, Bishop Diodorus conducted a liturgy in the church, and also, with the blessing of Metropolitan Agathangel of Odessa and Izmail, congratulated the rector of the church, and presented a high award for services to the Odessa diocese.
His Eminence Diodorus, Bishop of Yuzhnensky, Vicar of the Odessa Diocese
It is customary for us to give gifts to children on this day, but since we are all big children, each of us also wants to receive a gift, although many are already walking on 3 legs, so I wish you, and each individual, joy in God, gratitude to the mother God's protection for her protection have always been your companions. And St. Nicholas, not only in the days of his memory, but also as often as possible, sent you small and large gifts. Let us understand that they are undeserved, but they will still make us happy.
Sailors with many years of experience admit that they never go to sea without prayer, and they always take with them the icon of St. Nicholas.
Despite their position or religion, all sailors prefer and respect Nicholas the saint. Maybe not everyone goes to church, but I personally prefer to go.
I always take a small icon with me. I was in and jira, among the Arabs. And under the Liberian flag, I worked and I always took the icon with both. It’s an icon somehow, it’s easier on a flight or something.
: to pray to Nicholas the saint, to ask him to help our children, all sailors, families.
We go to this temple regularly since we started it. On Nicholas Day we only go to this temple. We go to different churches. When we walk, we light a candle to St. Nicholas, always because everyone has lit a candle, and always to St. Nicholas, of course, he is the protector of sailors, travelers,
Bishop Diodorus consecrated the largest mosaic in the Odessa region (300,000 thousand mosaic cubes), located on the outside of the St. Nicholas Church. The image of Nikolai Ugodnik will be able to be seen by sailors leaving on voyages and returning home to their native Odessa.
His Eminence Diodorus, Bishop of Yuzhnensky, Vicar of the Odessa Diocese
Anyone who enters or leaves the Odessa port will see the image, it will be visible from any ship, even the largest ocean liner, and will remember that St. Nicholas is always nearby.
Prayer for the driver
When setting out on the road, you should remember your own responsibility for the lives of yourself and your passengers, and respect the rights of all road users. Text of the motorist's prayer:
Lord Almighty, Our God, I turn to you for support! I ask You for help, I pray for Your condescension! I find myself on a difficult road, there are many obstacles on my way: bad people, crappy thoughts, pressing problems! Protect me, save me, guide me on the true path, make sure that my road is smooth and even, problems and misfortunes are bypassed. So that the way I set off on the journey is the way I come back! I trust in Your help, I call for your support! I glorify Your name!
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