In fact, Peter’s name was David Yuryevich, and Fevronia’s name was Euphrosyne. These were completely real people. From 1205 to 1228 they ruled Murom. Before their death, they took monastic vows under the names of Peter and Fevronia.
For a long time, bizarre legends were composed about Peter and Fevronia, where completely pagan eroticism and magic were mixed with Christian concepts. In the 16th century, Ivan the Terrible ordered the couple to be canonized. The famous Moscow journalist Ermolai was hired to compile their full official biography. He had two pseudonyms. “Hipster” - Erasmus (no less than in honor of Erasmus of Rotterdam). And home-grown - Sinful.
Having collected oral traditions, Erasmus-Ermolai the Preregreshny composed “The Tale of Peter and Fevronia” - a delightful story with miracles, eroticism, stabbings, secrets and living corpses. The story became a literary hit for centuries. And the Murom prince and princess turned into super-popular saints. They were asked for happy love, sexual health, marital harmony and fertility. Obviously, they succeeded in all this - the population of Russia grew.
When he was president, Dmitry Medvedev decided to make their church holiday on July 8 a national Day of Family, Love and Fidelity. Both Peter and Fevronia stepped into the 21st century.
Fact 3
The story of Peter and Fevronia is interesting. Murom Prince Peter defeated the flying serpent, but before his death the serpent managed to bite the warrior. Peter became covered with ulcers that no doctor could cure. Fevronia, who was the daughter of a simple beekeeper, managed to save Peter. The prince promised to marry the girl, but did not keep his promise, since he could not tie the knot with a commoner. Because of this, God punished Peter and the disease returned to him again. The prince realized that he had to marry the girl, and after the wedding was played, the disease subsided forever.
How to place an icon with the face of saints at home
The icon of Peter and Fevronia of Murom is not a personal, but a family heirloom, if we talk not about those in churches, but about household icons. Unlike personalized or dimensional icons, which are usually hung or placed in a personal space, the icon of the patron saints of a family is usually placed in the place where all its members most often visit. Therefore, the best option to hang it is in the living room or hall.
An icon is not a decoration, not a piece of furniture, but a shrine, so the red corner should be designed accordingly. Need to follow:
- There should be no technical devices near the icon - television, radio, telephone, computer. Place it as far as possible from such objects so as not to be distracted during prayer;
- there is no need to place clay and porcelain figurines, watches, paintings, photos, etc. next to the icon;
- the space above the face of the saints should be clean, nothing should be hung above;
- if the icon is placed on a shelf, then special hanging icon shelves are chosen and a white lace napkin is placed under the icon;
- near the icon you can place fresh flowers or embroidered fabrics;
- there is no need to place books nearby - in the red corner it is advisable to place only prayer items - a prayer book, the Bible, a lamp, candles, holy water, blessed oil from icons, etc.
You can also hang the icon in the hall, if such a room exists. Then all family members, passing by, will restrain themselves and remember piety, looking into the peaceful, righteous faces of Peter and his faithful life partner Fevronia.
Fact 13
After the revolution, the relics of Peter and Fevronia were taken to the museum. They were returned to the Church only in 1989.
Now you know more about the history of the Day of Love, Family and Fidelity, as well as about the incredible love of Prince Peter and the simple girl Fevronia, who serve as an example for modern couples and help preserve love and understanding for all those who turn to them with sincere prayer!
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The serpent and the hare
Today the myth of Peter and Fevronia looks surprisingly relevant. Orthodox rhetoric only bashfully covers up its powerful pagan energy. It would be worth filming this story in the spirit of Game of Thrones. There is a lot of blood, magic and outright indecency. It is not surprising that our ancestors were so fascinated by this legend for centuries.
The story begins with the fact that the “evil winged serpent” begins to go to the wife of his elder brother Peter “to commit fornication.” The snake is the oldest erotic symbol of Slavic folklore. He is not dangerous - he does not kill anyone, does not breathe fire, he only indulges in love pleasures. To an earthly woman who enters into a relationship with him, the snake gives incredible offspring - heroes, wizards, handsome men.
In our story, the snake is also a werewolf - at first he appears to the princess under the guise of her husband. And then he indulges in lovemaking with her in the form of a monster. Showing a kind of humor, he, in the guise of a prince, sits with the princess in the palace, and the courtiers do not notice anything. The husband has no idea about anything either.
Finally, the wife finally tells the prince about the snake. Showing reasonable caution, he does not rush at the enemy, but tells her to find out from her lover how he can even be killed. Having become overwhelmed by the caresses, the snake trustingly tells the princess: “I am destined to die from Peter’s shoulder, from Agrikov’s sword.”
Then the prince calls his younger brother, whose name is Peter, for help. During prayer, a certain youth appears to him and points out the secret place where Agrikov’s sword is kept. It is very noticeable that Ermolai-Erasmus the Pregreshny is well acquainted with European folklore. Agrikov's sword and the story of its acquisition are closely reminiscent of the story of King Arthur's sword.
Bursting into the princess's bedroom, Peter kills the snake, but the monster's blood gets on his skin, and the prince is covered with scabs. He is treated by different doctors, but to no avail. Having heard that many skilled doctors live in the Ryazan land, Peter orders him to be taken there. There, in the village of Laskovo, Peter's servant sees a girl in one house. She sits and weaves, and a hare jumps on the floor in front of her.
The hare appears in the legend for a reason. He is the main character of the so-called “kissing songs” and all marriage folklore. For the pagan Slavs, the hare is a popular and powerful spirit of fertility. It is responsible for sexual strength and can provide abundant offspring. All these “bunny, jump!” brought to our times the echo of ancient pagan spells. By jumping in front of the girl, the hare recognizes her strength and serves her. This means that this is a very difficult girl.
Fevronia and the hare. Peter kills the serpent
© wikipedia.org
Akathist to the Holy Blessed Prince Peter and Princess Fevronia of Murom
Kontakion 1
Chosen miracle workers and great saints of the Lord, intercessors of the city of Murom and dreams of prayer for our souls, holy blessings of Prince Peter and Princess Fevronia! Bringing praise to you, we earnestly pray: for those who have boldness in the Lord, through your intercession free us from all troubles, and make us heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven, so we joyfully call you: Rejoice, holy and glorious wonderworkers Peter and Fevronia.
Ikos 1
The angels of earth and the people of heaven have truly appeared, blessed Peter and Fevronia, from your youth having a clear conscience towards God, and having lived well together in piety and purity, leaving us as an example of imitation of your God-pleasing life, to whom wonder and your miracles are illuminated, we call you voices of praise: Rejoice, having loved Christ from your youth and worked for Him with all your heart; Rejoice, guardians of chastity and guardians of mental and physical purity. Rejoice, having prepared your souls and bodies on earth for the abode of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice in being filled with the wisdom and intelligence of the Divine. Rejoice, as in the flesh, as without flesh, live together; Rejoice, for you are worthy to receive honor equal to the angels. Rejoice, for you stand before the Trinity from earth to Heaven and there from the Angels; Rejoice, for with disembodied faces you sing the thrice-holy hymn to Her. Rejoice, glorified in Heaven and on earth by the Lord; Rejoice, having found an eternal, all-bright resting place. Rejoice, rich treasure of the city of Murom; Rejoice, source of inexhaustible miracles. Rejoice, holy and glorious wonderworkers Peter and Fevronia.
Kontakion 2
Having seen Prince Peter in his recurring illness, a sign of God's wrath, for not fulfilling his vow, he took the wise Fevronia as his wife, trying to fulfill this and united with her in a legal marriage. a body that pleases God; In the same way, now you sing to Him with the Angels a song: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
With a divinely enlightened mind, gifted from above, Saints Peter and Fevronia, love and mercy for the poor and orphans, the offended and helpless intercessors, and many other virtues adorned their earthly reign. For this reason, we cry out to you: Rejoice, blessed and blessed, having lived in love of God and preserved good faith; Rejoice, you are filled with mercy and compassion. Rejoice, quick helper to the helpless; Rejoice, comforters of sad blasias. Rejoice, feeders of orphans and widows; Rejoice, representatives of those in trouble. Rejoice, healers of mental and physical illnesses; Rejoice, joy-creating visitors of sorrowful hearts. Rejoice, having shown your love for God, your love for your neighbors; Rejoice, having maintained your earthly reign righteously and pleasing to God. Rejoice, praise of the Orthodox princes and the establishment of the city of Murom; Rejoice, all Russian lands, intercession. Rejoice, holy and glorious wonderworkers Peter and Fevronia.
Kontakion 3
We strengthen you with the power of God’s grace, blessed Prince Peter, you would rather leave the city of your fatherland and the reign of Murom than to divorce the wise Fevronia at the insistence of your proud nobles. For this sake, God glorify you and create, so that the same bolyars returned together with your spouse, you are once again established on the throne of the reign of Murom, but you show us an example of keeping the law of God by your feat, and imitating you in the holiness of keeping the marriage union, we sing to the hero Christ: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having care for his people, the blessed Peter and Fevronia, vigilantly labored for their good, inculcating piety, eradicating wickedness and pacifying enmity. Likewise, the Lord, seeing such deeds of yours, bless the land of Murom with fruitfulness and deep peace to your gift of reign, challenging your people to sing gratefully to you: Rejoice, saints of God, partakers of the lives of the great saints; Rejoice, good rulers, people of Murom who have guided you to salvation. Rejoice, guardians of Christian piety; Rejoice, eradicators of disorder, strife and all wickedness. Rejoice, Christian spouses to the pious life of a mentor; Rejoice, conjugal chastity and continence are a most excellent image. Rejoice, guardians of the righteous judgment; Rejoice, zealots of non-extortion and selflessness. Rejoice, holy kings Constantine and Helen, acquirers of virtues; Rejoice, Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir and Blessed Princess Olga are worthy successors. Rejoice, most honorable and good combination of two, unwaveringly shining with rays of miracles; Rejoice, O blessed luminary of your fatherland. Rejoice, holy and glorious wonderworkers Peter and Fevronia.
Kontakion 4
The storm of sorrows and misfortunes, raised by the malice of this world, do not weaken your strong love even for God, Blessed Peter and Fevronia, but even more teach you to skillfully repel the kindled arrows of the temptations of the devil: for you, having wrapped yourself in the armor of the faith of Christ, in the deep world have gone beyond the multi-rebellious abyss of everyday life sea, and reach the quiet harbor of salvation, bring us to it with your prayers, so that together with you we sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Having heard your pious life near and far, faithful Peter and Fevronia, I glorified the philanthropic God, who has given you strength for all good deeds, in whose image you shine like shining rays in your fatherland, where to this day your names are honorable, and your deeds are sung with these praises: Rejoice , the most luminous two, united by God; Rejoice in the light of your pious life, like a divinely luminous light that has shone forth. Rejoice, having acquired the Kingdom of Heaven through alms and prayers; Rejoice, having improved eternal bliss through humility and fasting. Rejoice, for your reward is abundant in Heaven; Rejoice, for your joy is eternal in the light of the saints. Rejoice, beloved servants of Christ; Rejoice, friends of all saints. Rejoice, stars of incorruption, who faithfully point out the path of married life pleasing to God; Rejoice, dew-bearing clouds, driving away the heat of passions and wickedness. Rejoice, givers of God's mercies and bounty to us; Rejoice, an inalienable adornment of your fatherland. Rejoice, holy and glorious wonderworkers Peter and Fevronia.
Kontakion 5
The divinely enlightened luminaries of piety and wonderworkers Peter and Fevronia, who loved God with all their souls, kept all His commandments; In the same way, Christ, like the sun and the bright moon, has shown you, most blessed, many miracles with the dawn illuminating the Murom region and the entire Russian country, glorifying your holy and multi-healing relics with incorruption, falling to them, according to your heritage, we bless you and sing with gratitude to the wondrous thing in our saints To God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen your righteous life and your generosity, the people of the darkness glorified us, their merciful rulers, the faithful Peter and Fevronia, but you loved true humility and human praise carelessly, remained proudly invulnerable, and thus showed us the image of the highest humility, learning from it, crying out with love This is for you: Rejoice, you who have imputed the glory of man for nothing; Rejoice, you who have zealously loved the humility of Christ. Rejoice, faithful performers of the commandments of the Lord; Rejoice, followers of the true teachings of the Gospel. Rejoice, servant of the Most High God, having done His will; Rejoice, having kept the faith of Christ to the end. Rejoice, teachers of piety to men named after Christ; Rejoice, you who want to live a godly life according to the wisdom of your teacher. Rejoice, for through your prayers you save us from all troubles; Rejoice, you who fulfill all our good requests. Rejoice, you who have provided grace to heal the ills of those who suffer; Rejoice, patron of the mercy of the Murom country. Rejoice, holy and glorious wonderworkers Peter and Fevronia.
Kontakion 6
Preachers of the Orthodox faith and zealots of piety, not only in words, but with all their lives, were quick in the city of Murom, praising Peter and Fevronia; Likewise, the Holy Church worthily honors your exploits and labors, in whose image you labored for the glory of the Most High God, silently singing to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Shine in the city of Murom with the light of your virtuous life, like God’s bright stars, the blessed Peter and Fevronia, and your memory in it with praises to this day, as even after your death you do not cease to illuminate us, performing many miracles, and with those the bright dawn of immortality for us from the relics yours shining, may we please you with great praises: Rejoice, faithful guardians of the rites and statutes of the holy Church; Rejoice, reverent worshipers of the servants of the altar of the Lord. Rejoice, zealots of the good customs and traditions of the patrists; Rejoice, eradicators of evil customs and superstitious wisdom of the pagans. Rejoice, the judgments that have been impartial to your people are not impartial; Rejoice, having united your judgments with mercy. Rejoice, meek and gentle followers of Christ; Rejoice, you who have overcome evil with good. Rejoice, incorruptible and fragrant flowers; Rejoice, unflickering rays of immortality. Rejoice, you who shine on earth with the greatness of miracles; Rejoice, angels in Heaven glorifying God. Rejoice, holy and glorious wonderworkers Peter and Fevronia.
Kontakion 7
Although the Lord, the lover of mankind, will show in your life, Peter and Fevronia, an image of edification not only for worldly people, but also for monastic faces, inspire you in your old age to leave the glory of the earthly reign, and accept the monastic image, in which you strive for goodness through fasting, vigil and prayer, chanting continually to the Triune God the angelic song: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
You have received the new grace of God in tonsure as a monk, with new deeds you have embellished your life as an angel, and thus you have brought the fruit of spiritual perfection to Christ, and you have received the reward of the saints worthy of Him. Remembering your zeal for spiritual deeds, we glorify you with these worthy praises: Rejoice, for for the love of the Lord, you have abandoned the reign and glory of this world; Rejoice, for you have diligently accepted the monastic life of equal angels. Rejoice, perfect patience of the ascetic; Rejoice, free men of poverty and blessed money-grubbers. Rejoice, having mortified all passions through abstinence before your death; Rejoice, having received the holy schema into the armor of salvation. Rejoice, you who have exchanged the prince’s scarlet for a monastic hair shirt; Rejoice in fasting, vigil and unceasing prayers for those who have pleased God well. Rejoice, seekers of God-loving solitude; Rejoice, lovers of saving silence. Rejoice, watered with tears of prayer; Rejoice, in the host of saints glorified in Heaven. Rejoice, holy and glorious wonderworkers Peter and Fevronia.
Kontakion 8
It was a strange and wondrous miracle, when you, blessed Peter, at the end of your life, petitions for the sake of your wife, Saint Fevronia, delayed your outcome, until she had finished the church shroud, with which she stitched and together with you came to the end of death, and thus inseparable in life, inseparability in death he appeared, and on one day and hour he gave up his holy soul in the hand of God, calling everlastingly alive and dead to the possessing Master God: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
All the miracles and glory of the wondrous God in His saints, when your holy bodies, laid in different tombs, were miraculously found lying in a common tomb, which you prepared for yourself, Reverend, in the cathedral church of the city of Murom, where to this day you rest inseparably, holy wonderworkers, inexhaustibly exuding healing to all who come running to you with faith and call: Rejoice, you have faithfully preserved the union of your love to the grave and beyond the grave; Rejoice, not only in life, but also in death, in the Lord’s unity. Rejoice, in your pious married life imitating your strength and help; Rejoice, you who warm us with the warmth of your love. Rejoice, having passed through temporary death to eternal life; Rejoice, from the Lord incorruptibility and miracles of glorification. Rejoice, for your memory is with praise and your dormition is with the saints; Rejoice, for your names are honorable and blessed in your fatherland. Rejoice, fertile fertilizer for the Russian country; Rejoice, the city of Murom has an indestructible fence. Rejoice, O heavenly representatives who love and honor you; Rejoice, you who ever ask us from the Lord for the gifts of His goodness. Rejoice, holy and glorious wonderworkers Peter and Fevronia.
Kontakion 9
All the Angels and the faces of the saints rejoiced with great joy, when your holy souls reached the eternal in the abodes of the heavenly villages, and the Creator of Angels and the Most Holy of Holies, the King of Glory Christ, crowned you with immortality and gave you the grace to pray to Him with boldness to many for all those who seek your intercession, Do not deprive us sinners of this, Peter and Fevronia, of worthy praise, humbly singing a song of praise to God who glorified you: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Human Vetism does not suffice for the worthy glorification of your wondrous life, holy wonderworkers Peter and Fevronius; Who confesses all your prayers and fastings, illnesses and labors? who will count all your tears and sighs to God? Moreover, we strive with love for you, we dare to sing to you this small and simple praise: Rejoice, vessels of the grace of the Holy Spirit of election; Rejoice, everlasting joy to us, favorable intercessors. Rejoice, strengthening of God-fearing spouses in piety; Rejoice, formidable reproof for violators of marital chastity and harmony. Rejoice, the wrath of God, righteously moved upon us, quenched by your prayers; Rejoice, you who continually pray to the Lord for the peace of the whole world. Rejoice, fortified enemies, visible and invisible, and our supporters; Rejoice, angelic people. Rejoice, joint heirs of the venerable and righteous; Rejoice, faithful saint of the Most Holy Trinity. Rejoice, blessed inhabitants of the mountainous city of Heavenly Jerusalem; Rejoice, triumphant with the saints in the tabernacles of paradise. Rejoice, holy and glorious wonderworkers Peter and Fevronia.
Kontakion 10
Having inherited eternal salvation from the blessed Peter and Fevronia, your souls in the heavenly abodes abide inseparably in God, and with your holy relics you rest incorruptibly in the temple of God, and you exude abundant healing, and with your miracles gracefully illuminated, we cry out in praise to the Supreme Creator of miracles, God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
The wall of intercession, your auspicious prayer to God, having been found, the holy wonderworkers Peter and Fevronia, we diligently send up thanks to the Heavenly Father for all His good deeds, abundantly shown by you to all of us, and to you, our representatives, we bring the chic: Rejoice, heir of the all-bright Kingdom of Christ; Rejoice, angelic faces of your interlocutor. Rejoice, you who contemplate God in unapproachable glory; Rejoice, Trisiyannogo Deity of the Mystery. Rejoice, you who reign forever with the saints in Heaven; Rejoice, you who mercifully reach from the heights of the earth to the earthly. Rejoice, smell the fragrance of heavenly vegetation; Rejoice, cypress trees of the miracle-working paradise of Jesus. Rejoice, givers of envy-free, free healing; Rejoice, performers of many praiseworthy miracles. Rejoice, you who shower us with many blessings; Rejoice, the mercy of your compassion embraces everyone. Rejoice, holy and glorious wonderworkers Peter and Fevronia.
Kontakion 11
We bring prayer singing to you, saints of God Petra and Fevronia, and with love we fall before the rank of your holy and multi-healing relics, glorifying your godly life and many deeds. We pray to you earnestly, holy wonderworkers, help us to imitate your virtues, so that we may sing to our Creator in a godly manner: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
The cathedral church of the city of Murom was filled with heavenly light, when by the grace of God your holy relics of Peter and Fevronia, safe and fragrant, were found in it, and from the depths of the earth, like a precious treasure, they were worn out, where they rest to this day, inexhaustible healings flowing to the sick and sick . For this reason we cry out to you in song: Rejoice, incorruptible gold, found in the depths of the earth; Rejoice, shining beads who enlighten people with grace. Rejoice, the Holy Orthodox Church has been praised; Rejoice, denunciation of heresies and schisms. Rejoice, shine upon your minds, illuminating with the dawn of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, the world is filled with the fragrance of Christ. Rejoice, having been clothed in the robe of grace-filled incorruptibility; Rejoice, girded with the power of many miracles. Rejoice, for your honest physician revealed cancer as a human disease; Rejoice, for from her everyone who comes with faith receives healing gifts. Rejoice, you who illuminate the darkness of our souls with the light of your miracles; Rejoice, for by the incorruption of your holy relics you show us the dawn of the common resurrection of all. Rejoice, holy and glorious wonderworkers Peter and Fevronia.
Kontakion 12
Having recognized the grace from above given to you, the holy wonderworkers Peter and Fevronia, with reverence and love we worship your incorruptible and multi-healing power and from them we accept healing in the sick, consolation in sorrows, gracious help in troubles: in the same way we glorify you according to your heritage, heavenly representatives and our intercessors, singing praises and thanksgiving to the Master God who has done good for us: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing your many and glorious miracles, the great saints of God Petra and Fevronia, we please you, as healers, comforters and helpers from the Lord given to us, and we prayerfully celebrate your holy memory, from the love of our hearts we sing to you in gratitude and praise: Rejoice, in the fragrance of the incorruptible shrine resting; Rejoice, you who come with faith to the race of your relics, sanctifying them with grace. Rejoice, you who call upon the prayerfully honest names of your speedy hearers; Rejoice, trust in you through God, who lays wonders on your helpers. Rejoice, you who have known the propitiators of the Heavenly King; Rejoice, our mighty protectors from invisible enemies. Rejoice, you have dreamed of the intercessors of salvation for all of us; Rejoice, persistent guardians of the city of Murom. Rejoice, wonderful kindness of the Russian princes; Rejoice, God-given patrons of your fatherland. Rejoice, healing grace of our bodies; Rejoice for our souls’ zeal for the Lord in prayer. Rejoice, holy and glorious wonderworkers Peter and Fevronia.
Kontakion 13
About the holiness and glory of the miracle workers, the blessing of Prince Peter and Princess Fevronia! Mercifully accept this praiseworthy singing from us unworthy, brought to you in tenderness, and through your intercession from the Lord ask us for confirmation in faith and good deeds, and deliverance from all sorrows and illnesses, temporary and eternal, so that we may be worthy to sing together with you and all the saints in the Kingdom of Heaven An eternal hymn of praise to the Most Holy Trinity: Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
Prayers to the Holy Blessed Prince Peter and Princess Fevronia of Murom
First prayer
O great saints of God and wonderful miracle workers, blessed Prince Peter and Princess Fevronia, representatives and guardians of the city of Murom, and about all of us, zealous prayer books for the Lord! We come running to you and pray to you with strong hope: bring your holy prayers to the Lord God for us sinners and ask us from His goodness for all that is good for our souls and bodies: rightful faith, good hope, unfeigned love, unshakable piety, success in good deeds, peace of peace, fruitfulness of the earth, prosperity of the air, health to souls and bodies and eternal salvation. Intercede with the Heavenly King: may His faithful servants, in sorrow and sorrow cry out to Him day and night, hear the pained cry and may our belly be delivered from destruction. Ask the Church of Saints and the entire Russian Empire for peace, silence and prosperity, and for all of us a prosperous life and a good Christian death. Protect your fatherland, the city of Murom, and all Russian cities from all evil, and overshadow all the faithful people who come to you and worship you with the power of your auspicious prayers, and fulfill all their requests for good. Hey, holy wonderworkers! Do not despise our prayers offered to you with tenderness, but be worthy of us as intercessors to the Lord in your dreams and make us worthy, through your holy help, to receive eternal salvation and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven; Let us glorify the ineffable love for mankind of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, in the Trinity we worship God, forever and ever. Amen.
Second prayer
O saints of God, blessed Prince Peter and Princess Fevronia, we come running to you and pray to you with strong hope: offer up your holy prayers for us sinners (names) to the Lord God and ask His goodness for all that is useful to our souls and bodies: faith right, good hope, unfeigned love, unshakable piety, success in good deeds. And petition the Heavenly King for a prosperous life and a good Christian death. Hey, holy wonderworkers! Do not despise our prayers, but awaken in your dreams to intercede with the Lord, and with your help make us worthy to receive eternal salvation and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, so that we glorify the ineffable love for mankind of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, in the Trinity we worship God forever and ever.
Troparion to the blessed prince Peter, in monasticism to David, and Fevronia, in monasticism to Euphrosyne, to the Murom wonderworkers
Troparion, tone 8
Just as you were of pious origin and most honorable, having lived well in piety, blessed Peter, so also with your wife, the wise Fevronia, you have pleased God in the world and have been honored with a reverent life. With them, pray to the Lord to preserve your fatherland without harm, so that we may continually honor you.
Greatness
We bless you, holy wonderworkers Peter and Fevronia, and honor your holy memory, for you pray for us to Christ our God.
Protection and support: punishment for encroachment on the weak
Perhaps most consistent with modern ideas are episodes from medieval sources where saints punish people for atrocities against those who are much weaker than the criminal. Descriptions of these cases were frightening even centuries later. For example, in the 19th century, the publisher of the life of Herald of Aurillac (Aurillac) in the Patrologia Latina series did not dare to include the following episode in the printed text - the fragment was published much later.
So, a woman from Limoges visited the tomb of St. Gerald. On the way back, she was raped by a certain horseman. Although any attack on pilgrims was condemned, it was not stopped either by the fact that she was returning from a holy place, or by the very name of Herald. Soon - apparently by the will of the saint - the criminal’s genitals decomposed and fell off. Even after this, he did not repent of what he had done, although the compiler of his life clearly expected this: for a medieval person, such a sudden illness was an understandable sign requiring repentance. However, the sinner did not admit his guilt, so a few days later he drowned in the river, which means he could not repent of his sins even before death - such a fate was feared by any Christian of that era.
This type of punishment from above is quite understandable today. But in this life there are many other examples of frighteningly, from our point of view, cruel punishments, and for much lesser crimes. By the will of the saint, norm-breakers are struck by sudden illnesses, their hands dry up, and the skin peels off their bodies in an instant. Paradoxically, all these facts do not make Herald cruel, from the point of view of the compilers of his life.
On the contrary, they constantly emphasize how gentle a person he was. The saint came from a noble family and could become a warrior, like the generations of his ancestors. Instead, he abandoned secular life and marriage and founded a monastery on his lands, where he later rested. The life mentions that Herald's associates called him timid, shy, almost effeminate. Hagiographers also report that during his entire life in the world he did not inflict a single wound - just as he himself was not wounded, although he participated in battles.
To some extent, these descriptions can be considered a commonplace, characteristic of lives - the saint must be portrayed as kind and meek, not accepting violence. However, these characteristics also partially revealed a specific medieval view of harsh punishments. Herald scholar Matthew Kuefler writes:
“...their cruelty was so built into the structure of the world and was such a common feature of human life that even saints could go on a rampage.”
Among strangers: the cruelty of saints towards Gentiles
Another traditional type of “strike of a saint” is associated with the defense of the interests of Christianity from those of other faiths. Such episodes are present, for example, in the lives of saints who converted other nations to their faith.
Thus, Leonty of Rostov managed to bring the settlement of pagan Merians to Christianity. Arriving in foreign lands, he decided that it was useless to exhort adults whose views had already been formed, and turned exclusively to young pagans. The indignant Merians came to Leonty and his companions, “the Ovi with weapons, and the Druzians with drekoli,” planning, if not to kill the missionary, then at least to drive him out of the city.
In response, the future saint organized a religious procession, and at the sight of him, some of the Gentiles fell dead, and the rest instantly became blind. However, Leonty immediately revived the dead and restored sight to the blind - amazed by his miracles, the Merians voluntarily were baptized.
Not all Christian missionaries were as lucky as Leontius (however, some rare versions of his life report that he was later killed by pagans). More often than not, clerics traveling to foreign lands became victims of local residents who did not want to renounce their faith. The images of saints who were able to lay a crowd of foreigners dead and then revive them showed both the strength of the Christian faith and the almost unbearable difficulties that awaited those who went to distant lands on a spiritual mission.
