8 August. Venerable Martyr Paraskeva of Rome. 7th Sunday after Pentecost

Prayer to Saint Paraskeva for marriage

“Holy bride of Christ, long-suffering martyr Paraskeva!
We know that from your youth you loved with all your soul and with all your heart the King of glory, Christ the Savior, and you were ignorant of Him alone, having distributed your possessions to the poor and poor. You shone with the power of your piety, your chastity and righteousness, like the rays of the sun, living holy among the infidels and fearlessly preaching Christ God to them. You, from the days of your youth, taught by your parents, have always reverently honored the days of the redemptive passions of our Lord Jesus Christ, for His sake you yourself voluntarily suffered. You, who by the right hand of the angel of God were wonderfully healed from incurable wounds and received indescribable lightness, amazed the unfaithful tormentors. You, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the power of your prayer in the pagan temple, having cast down all the idols, you have crushed them to dust. You, scorched by the lights, with your single prayer to the omnipotent Lord you extinguished the natural fire, and with the same flame, miraculously kindled through the angel of God, having burned the frantic lawless people, you led many people to the knowledge of the true God. You, for the glory of the Lord, having accepted the sword beheading of your head from the tormentors, you valiantly ended your suffering feat, ascending with your soul into heaven, into the palace of your longed-for Bridegroom, Christ the King of Glory, who joyfully greeted you with this heavenly voice: “Rejoice, righteous, like the martyr Paraskeva crowned!” In the same way, today we greet you, long-suffering one, and, looking at your holy icon, we cry out to you with tenderness: all-honorable Paraskeva! We know that you have great boldness towards the Lord: pray therefore to His Lover of Mankind and for us who are present and praying, that He may grant us, like you, patience and complacency in troubles and sorrowful circumstances; May He, through your intercession and intercession, grant a joyful, prosperous and peaceful life, health and salvation, and good haste in everything to our beloved Fatherland, may He bestow His holy blessing and peace, and may He grant all Orthodox Christians, through your holy prayers, confirmation in the faith , piety and holiness, and success in Christian love and all virtue: may He cleanse us sinners from all filth and vice, may He protect us with His holy angels, may He intercede, preserve and have mercy on everyone with His holy grace and make us heirs and partakers of His Heavenly Kingdom. And thus, having improved salvation through your holy prayers, intercession and intercession, all-glorious bride of Christ Paraskeva, let us glorify all the most pure and magnificent name of the true God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, in our saints, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen." vedmochka.net Share:

What do they pray for to the Roman Paraskeva?

Saint Paraskeva was born in Rome. She was the only daughter of pious Christians. Her parents Agathon and Politaia were childless, but through fervent prayer they asked God for a child. The girl who was born was named Paraskeva (literally - Friday), since she was born on Friday. Mother taught Saint Paraskeva to pray and to visit the temple of God with zeal and love. Christian upbringing bore fruit: Saint Paraskeva from her youth fell in love with reading the Holy Scriptures, was meek and humble, filled with fiery love for Christ the Savior.

After the death of her parents, Saint Paraskeva, striving for spiritual perfection, distributed her property to the poor, took monastic vows and, imitating the holy apostles, began to walk through cities and villages, preaching the word of God. She gave her first sermon in Rome, and here she suffered her first suffering. Emperor Antonin received a denunciation of a brave Christian woman. He ordered Saint Paraskeva to be brought to him and tried to convince her to renounce Christ. Then she was tortured: they threw her into a copper cauldron filled with boiling oil and resin. However, the holy martyr remained unharmed. The emperor, wanting to check whether the contents of the cauldron were hot, ordered Saint Paraskeva to sprinkle water on him from the cauldron. The saint fulfilled the command, and the resin that fell on the emperor’s face burned out his eyes. Repentant, Antonin began to ask the holy martyr for forgiveness, and she healed him. Seeing the power of the saint's prayer, the emperor and many of his servants accepted holy Baptism.

Released, Saint Paraskeva again went to different cities preaching Christian teaching. In one city, where the ruler was a certain Asclepius, the saint was captured and again brought to trial. Making sure that she would not renounce Christ, the tormentors threw her into the cave where the serpent lived and where criminals sentenced to death were thrown. Saint Paraskeva struck the snake with the sign of the cross and remained unharmed. Seeing such a miracle, Asklipius and his entourage believed in Christ. Once again Saint Paraskeva set out to preach the teachings of Christ the Savior. In another city, a local ruler named Tarasius subjected the saint to numerous cruel tortures, and then ordered her head to be cut off with a sword. Thus, the holy venerable martyr Paraskeva crowned her apostolic labors with martyrdom for the name of Christ.

The relics of the venerable head of St. The Venerable Martyrs Paraskeva are located on Mount Athos, in the Russian Panteleimon Monastery. In Crimea, near the village of Topolevka, next to the holy source of pure spring water, the Trinity-Paraskevsky Toplovsky Convent is located. Local Crimean residents firmly believe that it was here, in the remote tract of Toplu, that Saint Paraskeva met her death, and the spring began to flow at the very time when the earth was stained with the blood of the venerable martyr. The sanctity of these legends was confirmed by the fact that this source was healing, and every year on July 26 (old style) / August 8, not only from the surrounding area, but also from distant places, people flocked here, bringing their prayers, their hopes and aspirations, they were comforted and healed, and this was the best evidence that the holy martyr Paraskeva does not leave these places with her mercy. The Holy Reverend Martyr Paraskeva of Rome is asked for help in business and for the healing of mental and physical ailments, especially eye diseases.

Day of celebration (memory): August 8

Prayer before the icon of the Holy Martyr Paraskeva of Rome

Oh, holy and long-suffering Martyr Paraskeva! To you, as if warmly for us, we fall to God in the prayer book and pray diligently, beg our Lord and Master to add His mercy to us, His unworthy servants, to grant us mental and physical health, fruitful soil, prosperity in the air, prosperity in piety for Christians, and prosperity in life. temporarily necessary, contented and all necessary for salvation; Yes, having lived peacefully and piously, we will be honored to achieve a good Christian death and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. To her, our good representative! Do not disgrace our hope, which according to God and the Most Holy Theotokos we place strong on You, but be an intercessor for our salvation, so that together with you and all the saints, in the joy of eternal bliss, we may glorify in your intercession the great mercy of our God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

The Venerable Martyr Paraskeva of Rome was the only daughter of Christian parents, given to them through their fervent prayer. From a young age, she devoted herself to God, and after the death of her parents, she distributed all her property to the poor, accepted monasticism and, imitating the holy apostles, began preaching to the pagans about Christ, converting many to Christianity.

Saint Paraskeva, moving from one place to another and performing miracles, came preaching the Gospel to a city where the ruler was a cruel idolater. Neither the promise of honors and material benefits, nor the threats of torture and death shook the saint’s firmness and did not turn her away from Christ. She was given over to brutal torture and suffered martyrdom by beheading with a sword.

The Venerable Martyr Paraskeva was the only daughter of Christian parents and from a young age she devoted herself to God. While living in her parents' home, she devoted a lot of time to prayer and studying the Holy Scriptures. After the death of her parents, Saint Paraskeva distributed all her property to the poor, accepted monasticism and, imitating the holy apostles, began preaching to the pagans about Christ, converting many to Christianity.

Her activities were reported to Emperor Antoninus Pius (138–161), and Saint Paraskeva was brought to trial. She fearlessly confessed herself to be a Christian. Neither promises of honors and material benefits, nor threats of torture and death shook the saint’s firmness and did not turn her away from Christ. She was subjected to brutal torture. They put a red-hot helmet on her head and threw her into a cauldron of boiling tar. However, by the power of God, the holy martyr remained unharmed. When the emperor looked into the cauldron, Saint Paraskeva threw several drops of hot resin into his face, and he became blind. The emperor began to ask her for healing, and the holy martyr healed him. After this, the emperor released Saint Paraskeva.

Moving from one place to another with the preaching of the Gospel, Saint Paraskeva came to the city where Asklipios was the ruler. Here the saint was again tried and sentenced to death. She was taken to a huge serpent who lived in a cave so that he could devour her. But Saint Paraskeva made the sign of the cross over the serpent, and he immediately died. Asklipius and the townspeople, seeing such a miracle, believed in Christ and released the saint. She continued her sermon. In a city where a certain Tarasius was the ruler, Saint Paraskeva suffered a martyr’s death. After severe torture, she was beheaded.

See also: “” as presented by St. Demetrius of Rostov.

Having diligence in accordance with your name, you have chosen the same faith in cohabitation, victorious Paraskeva, and you also pour out healings and pray for our souls.

Your temple, O all-honored one, like having found a spiritual physician, in it all the faithful loudly honor you, glorious martyr Paraskeva.

Passion-bearer, faithful, hymn to Paraskeva, come, let us sing, for she sees miracles in the world, driving away the charms of darkness, and giving unenviable grace to the faithful, calling: Rejoice, long-suffering martyr.

Oh, holy and long-suffering Martyr Paraskeva! To you, like a warm prayer book for us to God, we fall down and pray diligently: beg our Lord and Master to add His mercy to us, His unworthy servants, to grant us mental and physical health, fruitfulness of the earth, goodness of the air, prosperity for Christians in piety, necessary and contented for temporary life, and everything necessary for salvation; Yes, having lived peacefully and piously, we will be honored to achieve a good Christian death and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. To her, our good representative! Do not disgrace our hope, which, according to God and the Most Holy Theotokos, we place strong on You, but be an intercessor for our salvation, so that we, together with you and all the saints, in the joy of eternal bliss, glorify in your intercession the great mercy of our God, the Father, and the Son, and The Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Prmts. Paraskeva Rimskaya.

Greece, XX century The image on the ark with the head of the venerable martyr. Church of St. Paraskevi, Athens

Paraskeva of Rome (2nd century), martyr.

She was the only daughter of Christian parents and devoted herself to God from a young age. While living in her parents' home, she devoted a lot of time to prayer and studying the Holy Scriptures. After the death of her parents, Saint Paraskeva distributed all her property to the poor, accepted monasticism and, imitating the holy apostles, began preaching to the pagans about Christ, converting many to Christianity.

Her activities were reported to Emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161), and Saint Paraskeva was brought to trial. She fearlessly confessed herself to be a Christian. Neither promises of honors and material benefits, nor threats of torture and death shook the saint’s firmness and did not turn her away from Christ. She was subjected to brutal torture. They put a red-hot helmet on her head and threw her into a cauldron of boiling tar. However, by the power of God, the holy martyr remained unharmed. When the emperor looked into the cauldron, Saint Paraskeva threw several drops of hot resin into his face, and he became blind. The emperor began to ask her for healing, and the holy martyr healed him. After this, the emperor released Saint Paraskeva.

Moving from one place to another with the preaching of the Gospel, Saint Paraskeva came to the city where Asklipios was the ruler. Here the saint was again tried and sentenced to death. She was taken to a huge serpent who lived in a cave so that he could kill her. But Saint Paraskeva made the sign of the cross over the serpent, and he immediately died. Asklipius and the townspeople, seeing such a miracle, believed in Christ and released the saint. She continued her sermon. In a city where a certain Tarasius was the ruler, Saint Paraskeva suffered a martyr’s death. After severe torture, she was beheaded.

Prmts. Paraskeva Rimskaya. Toplovsky Holy Trinity-Paraskevievsky Convent, Crimea.

According to local legend, the martyrdom of St. Paraskeva took place in Crimea, at the site of her execution there was a healing spring that has survived to this day. In the 19th century, the Toplovsky Paraskevinsky convent was founded at the source.

celebration July 26/August 8

The Holy Martyr Paraskeva suffered for her faith in Christ during the reign of the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161). She was born in Rome and was the only daughter of pious Christians. Her parents Agathon and Politia were childless, but through fervent prayer they asked God for a child. The girl who was born was named Paraskeva (literally, Friday), since she was born on Friday. Mother taught Saint Paraskeva to pray and to visit the temple of God with zeal and love. Christian upbringing bore fruit: Saint Paraskeva from her youth fell in love with reading the Holy Scriptures, was meek and humble, filled with fiery love for Christ the Savior.

After the death of her parents, Saint Paraskeva, striving for spiritual perfection, distributed her property to the poor, took monastic vows and, imitating the holy apostles, began to walk through cities and villages, preaching the word of God. Saint Paraskeva converted many pagans to the true faith. Seeing the success of her preaching, the Jews slandered the saint before Emperor Antoninus Pius. He ordered Saint Paraskeva to be brought to him and tried to convince her to renounce Christ. But neither threats nor persuasion shook the saint’s faith. Then she was tortured: they put a red-hot helmet on her head and threw her into a copper cauldron filled with boiling oil and resin. However, the holy martyr remained unharmed. The emperor, wanting to check whether the contents of the cauldron were hot, ordered Saint Paraskeva to sprinkle water on him from the cauldron. The saint fulfilled the command, and the resin that fell on the emperor’s face burned out his eyes. Repentant, Antonin began to ask the holy martyr for forgiveness, and she healed him. Seeing the power of the saint's prayer, the emperor and many of his servants accepted holy Baptism.

Released, Saint Paraskeva again went to different cities preaching Christian teaching. In one city, where the ruler was a certain Asclepius, the saint was captured and again brought to trial. Making sure that she would not renounce Christ, the tormentors threw her into the cave where the serpent lived and where criminals sentenced to death were thrown. Saint Paraskeva struck the snake with the sign of the cross and remained unharmed.

Seeing such a miracle, Asklipius and his entourage believed in Christ. Once again Saint Paraskeva set out to preach the teachings of Christ the Savior.

In another city, a local ruler named Tarasius subjected the saint to numerous cruel tortures, and then ordered her head to be cut off with a sword.

Later, the relics of the Holy Martyr Paraskeva were transferred to Constantinople, and in 1200 they were seen there by the Russian pilgrim Anthony. In Constantinople, on the left side of the Golden Horn Bay, in the area of ​​Haski-Kivoy, a temple was built in the name of Saint Paraskeva. The memory of the Venerable Martyr Paraskeva is sacredly revered in Russia. In 1864, in the Crimea, in the Toplu tract, a women's cenobitic monastery was established in her honor. Near the monastery there was a spring of St. Paraskeva, which was considered healing.

How to make a request to a saint

About marriage and having children

O holy and blessed martyr of Christ Paraskeva, maiden beauty, praise of the martyrs, wonder of the wise, faith to the Christian guardian, idolatry flattery to the accuser, champion of the Divine Gospel, zealot of the Lord’s commandments, worthy to come to the haven of eternal rest and in the devil of your Bridegroom Christ God, brightly rejoicing, especially adorned with the crown of virginity and martyrdom!

We pray to you, holy martyr: be for us (names) sorrowful to Christ God, whose most blessed sight ever rejoices; With your holy prayers, dispel the darkness that has come from our sins: ask the God of lights for the light of grace in our souls and bodies: enlighten us, darkened by sins, with the light of God’s grace, so that for the sake of your holy prayers sweet vision will be given to the dishonest. O great servant of God! O most courageous maiden! O strong martyr, Saint Paraskeva! With your holy prayers, be a helper to us sinners, intercede and pray for the damned and extremely negligent sinners, hasten to help us, for we are extremely weak.

Pray to the Lord, pure maiden, pray to the Merciful, holy martyr, pray to your Bridegroom, immaculate bride of Christ, that through your prayers we may be helped, having overcome the darkness of sin, in the light of the true faith and divine deeds, we will enter into the eternal light of the never-evening day, into the city of everlasting joy, in now you shine brightly with glory and endless joy, glorifying and singing with all the heavenly powers the tri-radiant one Deity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

About health

O most courageous maiden! Oh, strong martyr Saint Paraskeva! With your holy prayers, be a helper to us sinners, intercede and pray for the damned and extremely negligent sinners, hasten to help us, for we are extremely weak.

Pray to the Lord, pure maiden, pray to the Merciful, holy martyr, pray to your Bridegroom, immaculate bride of Christ, so that by your prayers, having escaped the darkness of sin, in the light of the true faith and divine deeds we will enter into the eternal light of the never-evening day, into the city of everlasting joy, in now you shine brightly with glory and endless joy, glorifying and singing with all the heavenly powers the Trisagion of the One Divinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

With a personal request

Oh, holy and blessed martyr of Christ Paraskeva! With your holy prayers, be a helper to us sinners (names), intercede, so that through your prayers we may be worthy (the content of the petition), and together with you we glorify and glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

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prmts. Paraskeva Rimskaya

Prayer to the Venerable Martyr Paraskeva of Rome

Oh, holy and long-suffering Martyr Paraskeva! To you, like a warm prayer book for us to God, we fall down and pray diligently: beg our Lord and Master to add His mercy to us, His unworthy servants, to grant us mental and physical health, fruitfulness of the earth, goodness of the air, prosperity for Christians in piety, necessary and contented for temporary life, and everything necessary for salvation; Yes, having lived peacefully and piously, we will be honored to achieve a good Christian death and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. To her, our good representative! Do not disgrace our hope, which, according to God and the Most Holy Theotokos, we place strong on You, but be an intercessor for our salvation, so that we, together with you and all the saints, in the joy of eternal bliss, glorify in your intercession the great mercy of our God, the Father, and the Son, and The Holy Spirit now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

CANON OF THE REVEREND MARTYR PARASKEV OF ROMAN

voice 4 Song 1

Irmos: Ancient Israel walked across the dark abyss with damp feet and defeated the power of Amalek in the desert with the cross-shaped hand of Moses. Chorus (during cell reading): Holy Martyr Paraskeva, pray to God for us. To those who sing of your luminous memory, all-praised martyr, pray for the grace to grant us forgiveness of sins, O glorious Paraskeva, through your petitions to the Lord. To destroy the power of your patience, martyr, the ruler menacingly commanded you to bow down to the idols, but with your wise words all his insolence was destroyed. Thou art the beauty of the martyrs, having overthrown the enemy of cunning with the weapon of the cross, and having martyrically overcome the rulers of cruelty, thou hast preached the pious faith. Theotokos: The Word from Your most pure blood, Lady, is born, animate flesh is received, and we, fallen by the remorse of the seducer, are raised up by Divine power to eat. Song 3

Irmos: Your Church rejoices in You, Christ, calling: You are my strength, Lord, and refuge, and confirmation. The Divine Spirit confirmed the weak and the great light of showing the god-like radiance of your pure soul. Strengthened by the power of Christ, you endured the merciless scourging of oxen, the martyr of Christ, like some hard adamant. For love, even for God, at the funeral feast you firmly endured the beating of your body by scorpions and countless other scourgings. Theotokos: You are the only one who exists on earth of the world’s best blessings. You were the Giver, Mother of God, and we also call You, rejoice. Sedalen, voice 5

Having dedicated yourself to Christ from the swaddling cloths, like a martyr, you pleased Him, the Savior of all, and, having firmly corrected the insolence of your tormentors, you truly courageously endured suffering. Moreover, Christ, having crowned you, led you into the Heavenly palace of glory. Most wonderful Paraskeva, ask us from Christ God for forgiveness of sins. Song 4

Irmos: You are exalted, having seen the Church on the Cross, the Righteous Sun, standing in your rank, worthily crying out: glory to your power, Lord. Having received healings, gifts, and visions, glorious, Divine currents of grace always flow with faith to those who worship you and come running to your temple. Having truly no vice or defilement, having acquired the sanctification of your body, you saw the Angels, and with them you cried out: Glory to Your power, O Lord. If the sign of a terrible day is terrible, the saving passion was always imagined in your feminine body, you saw the cross, and the cane, and the crown, and the lip. Theotokos: You conceived without art, O Virgin, and at Christmas you appeared virgin again. With the same silent voices, Rejoice, crying out to You, Lady, with undoubted faith. Song 5

Irmos: You, Lord, my Light, you came into the world, Light of the Saints, convert those who sing Your praises from the darkness of ignorance to faith. Thou hast striven, O honorable one, and thou hast meaningfully trampled upon the tormentors of the infidelities of the wise before the judgment, preaching Christ. Having a strong mind, with a fearless thought you have put to shame all the idolatry of honoring, with the mind of the scriptures. You have been honored with a clever lodge and a palace, rejoicing with the godly virgins, glorious Paraskeva. Theotokos: You, the indestructible weapon, we turn against our enemies, You are the anchor and hope of our salvation, Bride of God, a money-grubber. Song 6

Irmos: I will devour Thee with a voice of praise, Lord, the Church cries out to Thee, having been cleansed of demonic blood for the sake of mercy from Thy side with the flowing Blood. By the coming of the angel, the most honorable plaque placed on your breasts, the all-honorable one, and the nails on the hands of the glorious martyr, the Lord, with the mania of the Divine, soon took away food. We glorify the new first martyr Thekla, as she preached to everyone, and enlightened many with the Divine word, and led unbelievers to the Divine faith. Thy opening, the ark of the Divine dogmas, honey-melting lips, teaching knowledge to all with boldness, Paraskeva, adornment of the martyrs. Bogorodichen: Oh miracle, the strangest of all miracles! Like the Virgin in the womb, having unknowingly conceived the All-Encompassing, do not be oppressed. Kontakion, tone 4

Your temple, O all-honored one, like having found a spiritual physician, in it all the faithful loudly honor you, glorious martyr Paraskeva. Ikos

Voice of the Groom, call upon you like a bride, adorn you with the crown of immortality, God-wise, all-praised Paraskeva, and deserve to be considered a crown bearer and an honorable martyr. While rejoicing with them, remember those who celebrate your holy holiday and those who have come to your temple, for it is now coming, from our hearts we offer these songs to the glorious martyr Paraskeva. Song 7

Irmos: In the cave of Abraham, the Persian youths, scorched by the love of piety rather than by flame, cried out: Blessed art thou in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord. Preserved by the Lord, before the judgment of the wicked, O martyr, you have strengthened your muscles firmly, you are scorched by flame, always singing to you, calling: Blessed are you, my God and Lord. A fire burning in no way like you, but scorching the wicked more than anything else, O youth, but Christ preserved you unharmed, as He preserved you of old, rustling in the midst of the fire, with the strong hand of the fearless youths. Let all the earths wisely and heavens not created, demons, idols and gods perish, you cried; “Christ is the Lord,” you preached, “the Creator of all things.” Theotokos: Highly consecrated Divine village, rejoice, for You have given joy, O Theotokos, to those who call: Blessed are You among women, All-Immaculate Lady. Song 8

Irmos: Rutse stretched out, Daniel gaped lions in the den; Having quenched the fiery power, girded with virtue, zealots of piety, youths, crying out: bless all the works of the Lord, the Lord. You showed not real gods, but lying demons, ghosts, to you, martyr, and you trampled in every possible way, and you completely crushed them, in joy, constantly singing to Christ: bless, all the works of the Lord, the Lord. The temple was shaken on earth by your coming, honorable one, Apollo fell and the idols were shot down by the power of the honorable Cross, which was mysteriously protected, with boldness you cried out to many: all you do, bless the Lord. By Thy beauty and love, O Christ, wounded, pure Paraskeva endured the burning of fire, crying out: into the stench of Thy Divine world, now suffering firmly, I flow unceasingly after Thee, praising Thy Divine Name. Theotokos: You are one in all kinds, the Immaculate Virgin, you appeared as the Mother of God, you are the dwelling place of the Divine, the Most Pure One, not scorched by the fire of the impregnable Light. In the same way, we all praise You, Mary the Bride of God. Song 9

Irmos: The uncut stone from the uncut mountain, to You, Virgin, the cornerstone was cut off, Christ, the aggregator of the dispersed nature. Thus, having fun, we magnify You, the Mother of God. The passing life and the temporary one, the God-wise martyr, you despised, having seen the unimaginable beauty of your Bridegroom, chasing after Him in reality. Moreover, you received the crown, imperishable, good maiden. Hearing the voice of the Divine, answering from heaven, Paraskeva, to the petitions of your heart, you cheerfully ended your course, an honorable martyr, and you ascended to Him, truncated at the head of an honorable one. Pray to Christ, Paraskeva, to grant victory over your enemies to all who come to your Divine Temple with the warmest faith, forgiveness of sins, and deliverance from troubles. Theotokos: You appeared, superior to the Cherubim and higher than Heaven, to the Pure Virgin Mary, having given birth to the Great Council of the Angel, co-eternal with the Father, the Judge of all to come. Exapostilary

Strengthened, O good maiden, by the Cross of your Lord, you have overcome your tormentors insolence, you have suffered valiantly, you have been a martyr, and you have departed to the crown of victory of Christ, the all-wonderful Paraskeva, praying for us, who honor you with love.

Akathist to the Holy Venerable Martyr Paraskeva of Rome

Kontakion 1

To the chosen bride of Christ, the holy martyr Paraskeva, with faith and love, we offer songs of praise, like a good healer; You, the passion-bearer of Christ, mercifully bow down to us, praising your exploits and sufferings, and freeing us from all troubles, calling with tenderness to you: Rejoice, venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva. Ikos 1

An angel of the Lord was sent quickly to announce to your barren parents, the venerable martyr, that God had heard their prayer: for they will give birth to a blessed daughter, an heir to the Kingdom of Heaven. We marvel at such a wonderful announcement of your birth, as God’s chosen one, we please you with these praises: Rejoice, proclaimed by the angelic prophecy; Rejoice, you who resolved the infertility of your parents through your birth. Rejoice, you have asked God for many prayers; Rejoice, you who taught everyone not to lose heart in prayer. Rejoice, good root of holy vegetation; Rejoice, Christ-loving father and mother, God-loving daughter. Rejoice, chosen from your mother’s womb to serve Christ; Rejoice, you have betrothed your virginity to the Imperishable Bridegroom. Rejoice, divine manifestation of mercy towards people; Rejoice, prayers were incessantly incense. Rejoice, reproof of the lazy; Rejoice, those who doubt this good statement. Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva. Kontakion 2

Seeing the vanity and inconstancy of the world, Paraskeva the God-Wise One, you desired to withdraw from the world, so that you could continually please Christ God and bear His good yoke without repentance, and be constantly in prayer, calling to Him: Alleluia. Ikos 2

Having acquired the heavenly mind, the Venerable Martyr Paraskeva, after the death of your parents, distributed all her property to the poor, diligently flowing into the path of confession of Christ, for this reason we praise you: Rejoice, you who shone with the beauty of your soul; Rejoice, you who neglected bodily kindness. Rejoice, having filled your soul with the grace of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, you who did not fear the confession of His name. Rejoice, unshakable confessor of Christ; Rejoice, long-suffering passion-bearer of Jesus. Rejoice, God-wise evangelist of the Gospel; Rejoice, repository of many virtues. Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva. Kontakion 3

We are strengthened by the power of God from above, holy Martyr Paraskeva, you put aside the weakness of your female nature and, having put on the armor of the confession of Christ, you fought vigorously against idolaters, even though you were vain to turn you away from the love of Christ God with fierce torment, but by your patience you were overcome, and with the Angels You sang to God: Alleluia. Ikos 3

You had a soul filled with courage in Christ, God-wise Paraskeva, you deeply put the tormentors of the wicked to shame, and at the same time you laughed at their torment, as if you were in an alien body, you endured everything for Christ’s sake, but you taught us to chant to you: Rejoice, loud confessor of God; Rejoice, beautiful bride of the Sweetest Jesus. Rejoice, you who brought immaculate virginity to Him as a gift; Rejoice, you who shed your blood for Him. Rejoice, who fearlessly confessed His name before the judges and tormentors; Rejoice, you who brought the witnesses of your torment to faith. Rejoice, warm refuge in our prayers; Rejoice, confirmation of our trust in the Lord. Rejoice, reproof for lovers of temporary pleasures; Rejoice, you who seek encouragement on high. Rejoice, helper in these struggles; Rejoice, good consolation to the offended. Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva. Kontakion 4

Tsar Antonin, possessed by a storm of unbelief, was surprised when he saw you unharmed in a boiling cauldron; When you cast your hands from the cauldron on the face of the tormentor, he was scorched crying: “Have mercy on me, servant of the true God, and give me the light of my eyes, so that I may believe in God, whom you preach, and I will sing to Him together with you.” : Alleluia." Ikos 4

Having heard your many and fierce sufferings, O glorious Paraskeva, we, sinners, tenderly marvel at your patience: how you bore the fire of iron on your head and endured many fierce beatings; We also call you with joy: Rejoice, you who bore the marks of the Lord Jesus on your body; Rejoice, you who loved the One. Rejoice, in the Lord who strengthens you in all things possible; Rejoice, you who performed many miracles to reassure the idolaters. Rejoice, having overcome your tormentors with patience; Rejoice, you who punished the unfaithful king. Rejoice, you who mercifully gave healing to him; Rejoice, you who greatly glorified the name of Christ among the Roman people. Rejoice, you who showed the image of long-suffering with all your tongue; Rejoice, you who have shown the fulfillment of faith to all your people. Rejoice, you who bestow grace-filled enlightenment on those who praise your deeds; Rejoice, you who pray to the Lord for their sins. Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva. Kontakion 5

You have become like a god-loving star, holy Martyr Paraskeva, visiting many cities and countries and preaching the Name of Christ, and for Him you have suffered many times even to the point of blood, and today you stand before the Lord, constantly singing the angelic song: Alleluia. Ikos 5

Having seen the people of your glorious miracle, O venerable martyr, how you smote the dragon of the great Name of God by invoking, you believed in Christ, saying: Rejoice, you who glorified your Lord and Christ through your suffering and miracles; Rejoice, the cause of the salvation of many human souls. Rejoice, kindly victorious passion-bearer of Christ; Rejoice, many-wonderful witness of Jesus. Rejoice, planter of the true faith; Rejoice, merciful healer of human ailments. Rejoice, you who did not abandon sinful people with your love; Rejoice, you who were jealous of the enlightenment of our souls. Rejoice, you who have labored greatly for the sake of the Gospel; Rejoice, for this sake of greatness you were named in the Kingdom of Heaven. Rejoice, decoration of the face of virgins; Rejoice, glorious regiment of martyrdom. Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva. Kontakion 6

You faithfully imitated the preacher of Christ, the God-bearing Apostle, the long-suffering Paraskeva, and in preaching the Gospel through your entire life you labored, catching people to salvation. You were enriched with the same miracles by the gift of Christ God, and because of them and unfaithfulness you came to the faith and hurried to God: Alleluia. Ikos 6

You have shone like a star on the firmament of the Church of Christ, the good-victorious Paraskeva, and the way of your life shines clearly upon us all, and with faith and love we honor your holy memory, crying out to you: Rejoice, ascetic of God, brought up by fasting and prayer; Rejoice, immaculate dove, filled with meekness and gentleness. Rejoice, you who offered the Lord’s prayers for your tormentors; Rejoice, thou art like Christ our Savior. Rejoice, having conquered the malice of your enemies with goodness; Rejoice, you who were jealous of the crown of Stephen the First Martyr. Rejoice, faithful performer of the Gospel commandments; Rejoice, terrible accuser of unbelief. Rejoice, speedy granter of forgiveness from God to those who repent; Rejoice, good teacher of those faithful to salvation. Rejoice, filling our hearts with tenderness; Rejoice, raising our thoughts to God. Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva. Kontakion 7

Wanting to lay down your soul for Christ, having endured much torment for His sake, you were beheaded by the wicked tormentor Tarasius, but from Christ you received an imperishable crown on your head, and with your soul you ascended to the heavenly abode of paradise, where you are with the Angels and all the saints Eat sweets to God: Alleluia. Ikos 7

You have received a new eternal life, O God-praised one, when you were delivered from the flesh by the sword's death, you ascended to the marriage of the Heavenly Bridegroom. Don’t stop praying for us, sinners, who honor your suffering with love and always say: Rejoice, you who crowned your martyrdom with a sword’s death; Rejoice, having thus erased the head of the invisible serpent. Rejoice, in the voice of the angelic singing your soul soared into heaven; Rejoice, you who brought joy to the martyr’s face in heaven. Rejoice, you who rejoiced the fasting regiment; Rejoice, joyful decoration of the virgin host. Rejoice, thou who lived a life of fasting, but who also combined a martyr’s death; Rejoice, and you who strive for our virtues are zealous. Rejoice, you who lived holy and blameless on earth; Rejoice, you who have exposed idolatry flattery. Rejoice, thou who has put to shame the demons; Rejoice, you who gave the tormentor the thought of repentance. Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva. Kontakion 8

It is strange for infidels to see how, from a single prayerful invocation of your holy name, long-suffering Paraskeva, healing is given to the sick and spirits of evil spirits run away from people, to us sinners who call upon you for help and sing to God: Alleluia. Ikos 8

The whole venerable Church of Christ glorifies your sufferings, the holy and all-praised venerable martyr, and receives healing grace from you and joyfully calls out to you, saying: Rejoice, glorified by many miracles in your life after death; Rejoice, you who unenviously bestow healing gifts. Rejoice, repaying those who love and honor you with deep love; Rejoice, you who quickly fulfill our good requests. Rejoice, you who graciously visit those who suffer in their illnesses; Rejoice, you who quickly heal incurable diseases. Rejoice, granting help to those who endure illness; Rejoice, you who help overcome spiritual passions. Rejoice, for we are ashamed of the feat of your long-suffering, our cowardice; Rejoice, for your courage is remembrance, we strive to wage war on the flesh. Rejoice, you have enlightened many people in your life; Rejoice, having established many generations in piety after your repose. Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva. Kontakion 9

All the Angels of Heaven and the faces of the saints joyfully greeted you, O venerable martyr, when you ascended into the gates of the Kingdom of Heaven, having received the reward of your feats and sufferings from the Lord; for for us, the unworthy, ask for an eternal inheritance with the saints, praying that the Lord will vouchsafe us to sing with you to Him in the Kingdom of Heaven: Alleluia. Ikos 9

Human infamy does not suffice, but we glorify you, O all-blessed Paraskeva, because we are conquered by your love, and we offer you the praises of Sis: Rejoice, who forever reigns with Christ and implores Him for us; Rejoice, you who generously give us His Divine gifts through your prayers. Rejoice, condescension to the repentant; Rejoice, good instruction to those who strive. Rejoice, reaching from the heights of the earth to those born on earth with mercy; Rejoice, you who reflect demonic temptations with your prayer. Rejoice, thou who hast received the victorious branch into shuitsa; Rejoice, you who invisibly give help to all who labor for salvation. Rejoice, prophesied by the Angel; Rejoice, and appeared to the interlocutor of the Angels. Rejoice, uplifter of our minds. Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva. Kontakion 10

You grant salvation to those who pray, O holy martyr, who come with faith to your holy temple, you continually bestow gifts of grace and quickly fulfill all our good requests, for you have acquired great boldness towards Christ our God. For him, joyfully sing the victory song: Alleluia. Ikos 10

With the wall of your prayers, O venerable martyr, protect us from every temptation of the devil, so that the enemy may not rejoice at our falls, but through you may he be firmly put to shame in us, who laudably call to you: Rejoice, our strong hope is in God and the Mother of God; Rejoice, shameless intercession in troubles. Rejoice, you who visit the faithful in dream visions; Rejoice, and graciously giving healing gifts to the unfaithful. Rejoice, star of God's grace, with which the darkness in us is driven away; Rejoice, the abyss of miracles, you who endlessly water us all. Rejoice, thou who hast become like the ancient Judith in her abstinence; Rejoice, you who have surpassed this courage. Rejoice, for you have loved Christ’s myrrh-bearers; Rejoice, you who remained faithful to Him in your torment. Rejoice, glorified by His word; Rejoice, I will take Him out face to face, contemplating. Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva. Kontakion 11

Our singing of praise is not enough to glorify your many and wondrous miracles, holy venerable martyr, but, as a good and merciful imitator of Christ, look upon us sinners with your mercy and with your holy and powerful prayers to the Lord, ask for peace of mind for us, even when we cry out to God: Alleluia . Ikos 11

You shine unwaveringly with the bright rays of miracles, Paraskeva God-praised, all who want to live piously, graciously towards the unsetting Sun of truth, Christ God, guides calling to you: Rejoice, precious and beautiful flower of chastity; Rejoice, the world-repository filled with the aromas of heaven. Rejoice, from your fulfillment you endlessly overflow gifts of grace to us; Rejoice, valiant confessor of Christ, endowed with grace. Rejoice, marvelously exalted in your humility in Heaven and on earth; Rejoice, thou who through temporary poverty hath acquired imperishable wealth. Rejoice, for the Kingdom of God I have brought forth spiritual weeping; Rejoice, you who did not give in to crying in the torment of your body. Rejoice, having inherited the meekness of your tongue from Christ; Rejoice, you who hungered for His righteousness. Rejoice, you who forgot about food more perishable for His sake; Rejoice, you who invoked the mercy of God on the unfaithful through your prayer. Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva. Kontakion 12

The grace of the Lord has been granted to the source of water here by your prayers since ancient times. Likewise, you have favored the temple of God from the monastery of virgins to be created there in your name. Therefore, attend this and do not forget your spiritual children, in your likeness to imitate those who want and sing to God: Alleluia. Ikos 12

Singing your deeds and sufferings and your many miracles, holy and all-praised Paraskeva, we pray to you diligently: pray for us to the Lady who glorified you, that we may be delivered from eternal destruction, and that some of those saved may be saved, gratefully calling: Rejoice, crowned one, crowned by the hand of Christ ; Rejoice, you who through the purity of your heart have been granted the vision of God. Rejoice, many people, who through you believed in Christ and reconciled to God; Rejoice, you who have received hatred from the people of Christ for the sake of Christ. Rejoice, you who withstood terrible torment for His sake; Rejoice, you who came with a bright light to the marriage of the Heavenly Bridegroom. Rejoice, brighter of God's zeal, filled with the oil of mercy; Rejoice, our souls are anointed with the ointment of the Holy Spirit, living in you. Rejoice, blessed daughter of the Heavenly Father; Rejoice, for your reward is many in Heaven. Rejoice, for your prayers are effective on earth; Rejoice, for your strength trembles in the underworld. Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva. Kontakion 13

Oh, holy and long-suffering Martyr Paraskvo! Mercifully accept this prayer of ours and beg the Holy and Ever-Worshipped Trinity to deliver us from eternal torment and to grant us, together with you, the Kingdom of Heaven and to sing to our Creator forever: Alleluia. This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “Angel of the Lord...” and the 1st kontakion “To the chosen bride of Christ...”.

Life of Paraskeva of Rome

Paraskeva’s parents could not have children for a long time, but they earnestly asked God to give them a baby. When the future righteous woman was born, her mother wanted to name her Venus, which in Latin translated as “Friday,” since it was on this day that she was born. However, the father of the newborn did not want his daughter to bear a pagan name, and chose another one that was close in meaning - Veneranda, which is a rough translation of the Greek name Paraskeva.

In childhood and adolescence, the girl studied the Holy Scriptures in her parents' home and received a good moral education. After the death of her relatives, Paraskeva gave away all her property and went to preach the word of God throughout Italy and Sicily. She became a nun. She carried the light of faith to the dark pagans. Some legends say that the saint always smelled a delicate scent of roses. Despite her youth and fragility, the girl showed resilience and fortitude, which earned her the wrath of the Roman authorities.

Emperor Antoninus Pius called the saint to court, where Veneranda continued to speak fearlessly about Christ. Seeing the powerlessness of words, the emperor ordered the executioners to torture the unfortunate woman. A red-hot helmet was put on Paraskeva and thrown into a cauldron of boiling tar. But the intercession of the heavenly forces manifested itself in such a way that the maiden remained unharmed. The amazed ruler looked into the cauldron, and the righteous woman splashed resin in his eyes. He became blind and began to beg Veneranda for help. Then the saint had mercy and with the word of God healed the emperor, after which she was released in peace.

We recommend studying Psalm 85

Paraskeva continued her ministry. She went around the cities and preached to people. According to sources, the righteous woman converted many to Christianity, which again angered the local rulers. Ruler Temius subjected the righteous woman to new torments. Her breasts were cut off and then they brought her to the cave where the dragon lived so that the monster would kill the holy virgin. But Paraskeva crossed the beast with prayer, and it died.

And again Veneranda prevailed and was released. Then she fell into the power of Asclepius, who also tried to force the saint to renounce God, but failed. Paraskeva’s path ended in a city where the ruler was a certain Tarasius, who beheaded the righteous woman. It is believed that before her execution she was taken to the temple of Apollo to worship idols. The girl crossed herself, said a prayer, and the building collapsed.

Many miracles took place at the grave of Saint Paraskeva. People were healed, found what they had lost, found Divine protection and help through the prayers of the venerable martyr. Therefore, the people revered the memory of the righteous woman very much. And that is why so many traditions and legends are associated with the name of Veneranda. After all, over the centuries, people have carefully, bit by bit, collected and preserved stories about the nobility, virtues and purity of the saint.

Today there are monasteries and temples dedicated to her all over the world. Although the largest number of places associated with Paraskeva are still located in Western Europe. Particles of the saint’s relics are also kept in different parts of the world.

Venerable Martyr Paraskeva of Rome

Memorial Day - July 26 / August 8.

The Holy Martyr Paraskeva was born in Rome, into the family of pious Christians Agathon and Pochitia. They had no children for a long time, and only after fervent prayers did the Lord give them their only daughter Paraskeva, so named because she was born on Friday (Paraskeva - Friday - Greek). The dates of her birth and death are not exactly known. Her life dated back to the reign of the Roman Emperor Antoninus. Two Antonines ruled in Rome - Antoninus Pius (138-161 AD) and Antoninus the Philosopher (161-180 AD), and during whose reign Paraskeva lived is unknown.

The parents raised their daughter in the spirit of true Christianity, and this education was not in vain. After their death, St. Paraskeva distributed all her property to the poor and devoted herself to apostolic labors - preaching the Gospel. She gave her first sermon in Rome, and here she suffered her first suffering. Emperor Antonin received a denunciation of a brave Christian woman. He ordered the ascetic to be brought to him and tried, both with caresses and threats, to force her to renounce her faith in Christ. Paraskeva was unshakable, and the angry emperor ordered her to be tortured. A red-hot copper helmet was placed on her head, but this terrible weapon did not bring any harm to the saint. Then a new order followed - to abandon St. Paraskeva into a copper cauldron with boiling resin and oil, but the saint remained unharmed here too. The emperor doubted whether the resin in the cauldron was really melted, and imprudently ordered St. Paraskeva throw liquid at him. She scooped it out of the cauldron with her hand and splashed it in his face. Severe burns and blindness were punishment for the cruel ruler. Suffering from unbearable pain, seeing nothing, the recent tormentor begged his victim, “Servant of the true God,” he asked, “have mercy on me and return light to my eyes, so that I too can believe in the God you preach.” Through the saint’s prayer, the emperor was immediately healed, received his sight, and together with his entourage accepted Christianity.

Dismissed in peace to St. Paraskeva went to other lands to preach Christianity. She came to the city where a certain Asklipius ruled. And this ruler, like Emperor Antoninus, tried to reject St. Paraskeva from the gospel sermon, but not achieving what he wanted, condemned her to death. According to custom, death row prisoners were given to be devoured by a terrible serpent who lived near the city. The saint remembered the words of the Lord: “They take away the serpent, and even if they drink of death, it does not harm them” (Mark 16:18). She fearlessly approached the monster, made the sign of the cross over it, after which it split in two and disappeared. This miracle enlightened the pagans, and all the local people believed in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Finally, St. Paraskeva ended up in places ruled by a man named Tarasy. And here the saint preached Christianity, for which she was given over to terrible torture. Tarasius, seeing that the saint was unshakable, ordered her head to be cut off. Thus, the holy venerable martyr Paraskeva crowned her apostolic labors with martyrdom for the name of Christ. The relics of the venerable head of St. The Venerable Martyrs Paraskeva are located on Mount Athos, in the Russian Panteleimon Monastery.

In Crimea, near the village of Topolevka, next to the holy source of pure spring water, the Trinity-Paraskevsky Toplovsky Convent is located. It is over 130 years old. Until 1917, 300 nuns lived in it. Currently, the revived monastery houses valuable Orthodox relics: icons, crucifixes with the relics of saints. Those staying in the monastery return to the origins of the faith of their fathers and are charged with the spiritual and moral ideals of Orthodoxy.

Local Crimean residents firmly believe that it was here, in the remote tract of Toplu, that Saint Paraskeva met her death, and the spring began to flow at the very time when the earth was stained with the blood of the venerable martyr. The sanctity of these legends was confirmed by the fact that this spring was healing, and every year on July 26 / August 8, people flocked here not only from the surrounding area, but also from distant places (it is interesting that local Tatars, along with Christians, revered the spring and called it Chokrak-Sagly -Su is a source of living, healthy water). A prayer service was served with the blessing of water, water was filled into vessels and taken home. There was not yet a road or a single building here, only a spring flowing through a dense forest, and people, with difficulty making their way through ravines and forest growth, brought their prayers, their hopes and aspirations here, were consoled and healed, and this was the best evidence of this that the holy martyr Paraskeva does not leave these places with her mercy.

And, of course, irrefutable confirmation of this was the discovery in the source of an icon depicting St. Martyr Paraskeva, whom the Greeks took with them during the resettlement to the Azov region in 1778. The found icon was in Mariupol, in the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, and enjoyed special respect - according to legend, it saved Mariupol from cholera. Since then, on the day of the miracle (July 26, old style), only women gathered in the church and celebrated a kind of “women's panair”. (panair - church holiday (Greek).)

Along with the ancient ones, there were also more modern legends about the holy martyr Paraskeva. “The Toplovsky Monastery,” they said, “will never become poor; St. herself protects him and prays for him. Paraskeva. At night, especially on great holidays, she walks around the monastery in monastic attire, in a long robe, with a staff and a palm branch in her hands: quiet, beautiful, she silently blesses the traveler she meets and, if he is sick, heals him with her wondrous gaze. But it happened that evil people wanted to harm the monastery; then the saint appeared to them and with her wave stopped the daring ones; struck by an invisible force, they could not continue on their way and left behind what they had unjustly taken. This was the case with the Tatars, who tried to carry away at night the prepared logs and boards for the construction of the church and monastery cells; They and their burden only reached St. source, where the morning found them, despite their efforts to hide and take away the items they had stolen.”

Source:

https://akafist.narod.ru/P/Paraskeva_Rimskaya.htm

Akathist for the Saint

Akathist or singing of thanksgiving to Saint Paraskeva Friday, like other saints, begins with an introduction - kontakions, and the main part - ikos.

For example:

Kontakion 1. “To the chosen wonderworker, the bride of Christ, a song of thanksgiving from those who were delivered by you from all troubles and illnesses of all Paraskeva. You, being close to God, continue to deliver us from all troubles. Hallelujah!"

Ikos 1. “Rejoice, true virginity and purity preserved. Rejoice, you who did not want earthly goods and material values. Rejoice, wiser than the sages of the world. Rejoice, strong intercession for all those who mourn and sinners. Rejoice, Paraskeva Friday, praised companion of Christ.

Kontakion 2. “Preacher of God’s miracles in the human world, valiant Paraskeva, healed by a heavenly angel for our health, pray and listen to songs of praise and gratitude. Hallelujah!"

Ikos 2. “Rejoice, gifted with God’s wisdom. Rejoice, you who healed sinners from terrible wounds. Rejoice, you who pray for conscientious Christians. Rejoice, you who have been awarded saintly immortality. Rejoice, you who conquered everyone with great courage. Rejoice, Paraskeva, disciple of Christ, Friday.”

The Akathist can be read without a clergyman at home, standing in front of the icon.

Holy image

Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, whose icon is presented in this article, is depicted as a fair-haired girl with a crown of thorns on her head. She is dressed in red maforia and a blue veil. In her left hand the great martyr holds a scroll with the text of the Creed, and in her right hand a cross, symbolizing faith in Christ and the suffering that Paraskeva Pyatnitsa suffered. Until the 20th century, an icon of the saint was in every peasant house. Farmers especially honored her image, decorating it with elegant ribbons, flowers or chasuble. On the day of remembrance of the great martyr (November 10, new style), peasants were sure to come to church services and consecrate the fruits, which were stored in the house until the next year.

Also in Russian villages, on the feast of Paraskeva Friday, it was customary to consecrate a piece of linen fabric, which was used to hang the image of the saint. That is why in Orthodoxy you can find another name for the great martyr - Paraskeva Linen. The peasants prayed to the saint for the preservation of livestock, especially cows.

Saint Paraskeva Friday

It is known that Paraskeva Pyatnitsa was born in the 3rd century into a wealthy senatorial family in Iconium, the capital of ancient Lacaonia, in Asia Minor. From the days of Holy Week, her deeply religious parents especially revered Good Friday - the day of the suffering of Jesus Christ on the cross. Therefore, the daughter, born on a Friday, was named Paraskeva, which means “Friday” in Greek. Raised in a pious family, Paraskeva took a vow of celibacy from a young age and decided to devote her life to God and the enlightenment of pagans.

During the struggle of Emperor Diocletian with preachers of the Christian faith, Paraskeva was captured on the orders of the city ruler Aetius. The head of Lacaonia, struck by the beauty of the girl, even wanted to marry her, but first demanded that she make a sacrifice to a pagan idol. For refusing to renounce the Orthodox faith, on the orders of Aetius, Paraskeva was tortured for a long time and painfully, and then thrown into prison. According to legend, the Lord healed Paraskeva, who offered prayers. But this did not stop her persecutors. They began to set the girl on fire with torches and then cut off her head. After burying her body, the Orthodox began to venerate her relics and noticed that sick people began to be miraculously healed.

Prayer of Saint Paraskeva

Holy bride of Christ, long-suffering martyr Paraskeva! We know that from your youth you loved with all your soul and with all your heart the King of glory, Christ the Savior, and you were ignorant of Him alone, having distributed your possessions to the poor and poor. You shone with the power of your piety, your chastity and righteousness, like the rays of the sun, living holy among the infidels and fearlessly preaching Christ God to them. You, taught by your parents from the days of your youth, have always reverently honored the days of the redemptive passions of our Lord Jesus Christ, for His sake you yourself voluntarily suffered. You, who by the right hand of the angel of God were wonderfully healed from incurable wounds and received indescribable lightness, amazed the unfaithful tormentors. You, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the power of your prayer in the pagan temple, having cast down all the idols, you have crushed them to dust. You, scorched by the lights, with your single prayer to the omnipotent Lord you extinguished the natural fire, and with the same flame, miraculously kindled through the angel of God, having burned the frantic lawless people, you led many people to the knowledge of the true God. You, for the glory of the Lord, having accepted the sword beheading of your head from the tormentors, you valiantly ended your suffering feat, ascending with your soul into heaven, into the palace of your longed-for Bridegroom, Christ the King of Glory, who joyfully greeted you with this heavenly voice: “Rejoice, righteous, like the martyr Paraskeva crowned!” In the same way, today we greet you, long-suffering one, and, looking at your holy icon, we cry out to you with tenderness: all-honorable Paraskeva! We know that you have great boldness towards the Lord: pray therefore to His Lover of Mankind and for us from those present and praying to you. May He give us, like you, patience and complacency in troubles and sorrowful circumstances; May He, through your intercession and intercession, grant a joyful, prosperous and peaceful life, health and salvation, and good haste in everything to our beloved Fatherland, may He bestow His holy blessing and peace, and may He grant all Orthodox Christians, through your holy prayers, confirmation in the faith , piety and holiness, success in Christian love and all virtue: may He cleanse us sinners from all filth and vice: may He protect us with His holy angels, may He intercede, preserve and have mercy on everyone with His holy grace and make us heirs and partakers of His Heavenly Kingdom. And thus, having improved salvation through your holy prayers, intercession and intercession, all-glorious bride of Christ Paraskeva, let us glorify all the most pure and magnificent name of the true God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, in our saints. Now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Leningrad region

Clement, Pope of Rome, church (with the chapel of Paraskeva of Iconium) Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, chapel of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, chapel of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, church of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, bell tower of the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist on Malysheva Hill, church (with chapel of Paraskeva of Iconium) Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, church (with chapel of Paraskeva Iconium) Paraskeva Pyatnitsy, chapel of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, chapel of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, chapel of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, church (with the side chapel of Paraskeva of Iconium) “The Sign” icon of the Mother of God, church (with the side chapel of Paraskeva of Iconium)

Interesting Facts

The place where the chapel is located is considered one of the best observation platforms in the city. Did you know... that Surikov was also born in Krasnoyarsk? So, he even painted sketches from Karaulnaya Mountain. In general, the city has a Surikov Museum and even Surikov Street in the historical center. I advise you to visit both: the museum will be of interest to fans of painting, the street is rich in beautiful buildings.

And the Russian scientist radio inventor Popov (let's not start this eternal debate about who actually invented the radio) observed a solar eclipse from here, as evidenced by the plaque on the facade of the chapel.

We advise you to study the Icon of the Archangel Michael

Also on the mountain in the summer of 1927, a burial of the 13th–14th centuries was discovered. Judging by the wealth of things found, members of a noble princely family were buried here.

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It seems to me that every city has a set of places where you definitely need to be upon arrival, and Krasnoyarsk is no exception in this regard. Well, it’s simply impossible not to look at the symbol immortalized on one of the most popular banknotes in the country. Yes, yes, exactly immortalized: not all paper tens were confiscated by the bank; I think many “settled” in the hands of not only bond dealers, but also people who are not inclined to collect. I strongly recommend that you spend a couple of hours of your time not on malls and all kinds of entertainment available in many cities, but on something truly iconic and unique.

Celebration day

November 10 (October 28, old style)

The Orthodox world celebrates the day of remembrance of the Great Martyr Paraskeva Friday. On this day, every woman or girl can sincerely pray in front of the saint and ask her for protection and patronage.

Among the people, the saint received the double name Paraskeva-Friday. The Russians called the martyr Paraskeva - Friday, Pyatina, Petka

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The Russified form of the name was popular - Praskovya
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Temples and roadside chapels (Fridays) were dedicated to her. There was not a single auction in Rus' where there was not a temple or chapel in honor of Paraskeva-Friday. The saint was especially revered by industrialists, traders and travelers. In pre-revolutionary Moscow there were four churches in her honor, including one in Okhotny Ryad.

From October 3 to October 18 inclusive, the myrrh-streaming icon of the Great Martyr Paraskeva Friday from the Church of St. will remain in our monastery. Apostle Andrew the First-Called, Vladivostok. Today we are publishing the life of the Holy Great Martyr Paraskeva, a story about her veneration in Rus', as well as brief information about the holy wives named after her.

Four Saints Paraskeva

If we open the Orthodox calendar, we will see that four Saints Paraskeva are indicated in the calendar: the Venerable Martyr Paraskeva of Rome (II century), the Venerable Paraskeva (Petka) (XI century), the Martyr Paraskeva of Rome (I century) and the Great Martyr Paraskeva Pyatnitsa (III-IV century). Let us remember that in the ranks of the saints the holy monks and nuns are glorified, in the ranks of the martyrs - those who endured suffering and death for the name of Christ. Great martyrs are those holy martyrs who, like Saint Paraskeva Friday, experienced particularly severe and prolonged torment, while demonstrating amazing courage and firmness in the faith. Their feat occurred in the first centuries of Christianity, and these were times of cruel persecution of Christians by pagan emperors - the rulers of the Roman Empire. Among the great martyrs we know Saints George the Victorious, the healer Panteleimon, Theodore Stratilates, Demetrius of Thessalonica, the holy women Barbara, Catherine, Anastasia the Pattern Maker and many others. The Great Martyr Paraskeva is often confused with her holy “namesakes”; even in church literature, facts from the life of one Paraskeva are sometimes attributed to another. Therefore, before starting the story about Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, I would like to devote a few words to the holy wives of the same name. The Venerable Martyr Paraskeva of Rome (July 26/August 8) lived a century earlier than the Great Martyr Paraskeva and preached Christianity to the pagans in the same apostolic manner. By order of Emperor Antoninus, she was thrown into a cauldron of boiling resin, but remained unharmed. The emperor doubted whether the resin in the cauldron was really melted, and imprudently ordered liquid to be splashed into it. The executioners carried out his command, but the hot tar got into the ruler’s eyes, and he instantly went blind. The emperor began to beg the martyr for healing. Through the prayer of Saint Paraskeva, Antonin’s sight returned, he believed in Christ and received Baptism (this story is often mistakenly attributed to Paraskeva Pyatnitsa). Most of all, the Venerable Martyr Paraskeva is known and revered by the Greeks. Particles of her relics are located on Mount Athos, in the Russian St. Panteleimon Monastery. In Crimea, near the village of Topolevka, there is the Trinity-Paraskevievsky Convent, which was founded precisely in honor of the Venerable Martyr Paraskeva. There is a local legend that it was here that the saint met her death, and in the place where the earth was stained with her blood, a healing spring appeared. Venerable Paraskeva (Petka) (October 14/27) is especially loved in Serbia and Bulgaria. She was born into a pious Bulgarian family, after the death of her parents she took monastic vows and retired to the Jordan Valley, where she labored gloriously until she was very old. It is her relics, and not the great martyr Paraskeva (as they erroneously write in some books), that now rest in the ancient Romanian city of Iasi. In Serbia, many churches are dedicated to Saint Petka. Martyr Paraskeva of Rome (March 20/April 2) was the sister of Photina the Samaritan, with whom the Savior spoke at Jacob’s well. Together with Photina and other sisters, she accepted the crown of martyrdom, executed by order of Emperor Nero, a cruel persecutor of Christians. All four Saints Paraskeva suffered great feats and suffering for the name of Christ, and they are all equal in their holiness before God, but it was the Great Martyr Paraskeva Friday that especially came to the heart of the Russian people, it was she who, like St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, managed to become almost a “Russian” saint .

Veneration of Saint Paraskeva Friday in Rus'

The Holy Great Martyr Paraskeva has always enjoyed special love and veneration in Rus'. Girls prayed to her for a successful marriage, mothers - for their children. In many villages there was a custom on the day of remembrance of the Great Martyr (tenth Friday of Easter; October 28/November 10) to organize religious processions, prayer services, and festive feasts. And there were a lot of birthday girls on this day, since in almost every large family one of the girls bore the name Praskovya (affectionately Parashenka, Pashenka, Paraska). It was believed that through the prayers of the great martyr, family well-being and happiness were preserved. Until the beginning of the 20th century, icons of Saint Paraskeva were in almost every Russian home. The peasants decorated them with ribbons, flowers, embroidered towels, pendants, fragrant herbs, and so carried them out to religious processions. The Holy Great Martyr was also revered as the patroness of trade: it was on Fridays that auctions and fairs were held. At these markets, the icon of Paraskeva Friday was certainly installed. In honor of the Great Martyr Paraskeva, churches and chapels were built in Rus', road crosses with her icon were erected, which were called “Fridays”. Even the forks and crossroads of the roads themselves were also called “Fridays.” It was customary to accompany relatives on a long journey until “Friday”, or, conversely, to meet them at “Friday”. On these same “Fridays” the girls begged for good suitors.

Paraskeva - patroness of monasticism

Although Saint Paraskeva in Rus' was more often addressed as the patroness of family and marriage, she can also be considered the patroness of virginity - the saint herself chose to become the bride of Christ, living her life in purity and chastity. In the life of St. Gregory the Theologian (IV century) there are words that the vision of this holy virgin means a call to an immaculate and chaste life. This is what the famous elder, schema-abbot of the Pskov-Pechersk Monastery Savva (Ostapenko) (1898–1980) said about his meeting with the great martyr: “At night I prayed in front of my miraculous icon of the Kazan Mother of God. In oblivion (in reality or in a subtle dream - God knows!) a holy wife of extraordinary purity and beauty suddenly appeared. I didn't know who she was. She revealed to me all the beauty of monasticism and explained the difference between monastic and family life. She said that you can be saved in family life, but monasticism is higher.” Soon after this vision, Father Savva (and then he was still just Nikolai) saw in the temple an icon of the holy great martyrs Barbara, Catherine and Paraskeva. In Saint Paraskeva he recognized the same wonderful virgin who appeared to him in a vision and showed him the path to monasticism. Now the time has come to tell about who she is - the holy great martyr Paraskeva, who received from the Lord the gift of healing mental and physical ailments, interceding for everyone who turns to her with warm prayer.

Life of the Holy Great Martyr Paraskeva

Saint Paraskeva was born during the reign of Emperor Diocletian (late 3rd - early 4th centuries) in the city of Iconium (modern Konium, now part of Turkey) into the family of a wealthy senator. Her parents were secret Christians and lived in the fear of God, strictly observing the commandments of the Lord, but for a long time they remained childless. The couple especially revered the day of Christ's suffering on the cross - Friday, and spent it in fasting and prayer, generously giving alms. For their faith and patience, God sent them a daughter who was born on Friday. They named her Paraskeva, which means “Friday” in Greek. Parents raised Paraskeva in piety and purity. The blessed couple went to the Lord when the girl was still very young. From childhood, Paraskeva loved Christ with all her heart and, having reached adulthood, began to imitate the faith and deeds of her parents. She strictly fulfilled the commandments of the Lord, always reverently honored Friday and welcomed strangers into her home. Blessed Paraskeva generously spent her considerable fortune, inherited from her parents, not on jewelry and a luxurious life, but on food and clothing for the poor. The girl was distinguished by rare beauty, but did not pay any attention to the young men who sought her hand: she was enslaved to the Immortal Bridegroom, for Whom she lived in purity and chastity. Like the wives equal to the apostles, Paraskeva decided to devote her life to spreading the Christian faith among her fellow pagan citizens and constantly confessed the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to the people. She said to everyone who made sacrifices to the pagan gods: “Your gods are insensitive and deaf idols!” Some of the townspeople, listening to Paraskeva, believed in Christ, but many indignantly took up arms against her, attacked the confessor and wounded her. But Paraskeva continued to boldly preach the Word of God and proclaim the true path. When Emperor Diocletian began a brutal persecution of Christians, he ordered the ruler of Lycaonia, Aetius, to exterminate the Christian faith in the cities under his control through persecution and torture. Aetius went to Iconium. The townspeople solemnly greeted their ruler. They took him to the temple to sacrifice to the idols and give praise to the emperors. The next morning, Aetius sat down at the tribunal. He ordered the imperial decree on the persecution of Christians to be read. The pagans listened to the herald and joyfully exclaimed: “The command is worthy, and the autocrat’s judgment is righteous!” Then the ruler said: “Be friends of the emperor and hand over to us all the so-called Christians who do not want to make sacrifices to the gods.” “Most Serene Ruler,” the elders answered him, “the daughter of a senator lives in our city.” This girl confesses the Crucified Christ. She turned many people away from worshiping our gods and blasphemes the autocrat. As soon as rumors reached us about your arrival in Iconium to eradicate the Christian faith, we put her in prison. The ruler ordered the girl to be brought. When the soldiers led Paraskeva to Aetius, the Holy Spirit overshadowed the blessed confessor. Her face became so bright that people said to each other in surprise: “Look!” The girl is not afraid of the judgment of the formidable ruler. She is not depressed with sadness, but beams with joy. “Such is the Christian race: it strives for death more than for life,” said one of the priests. Aetius, looking at the girl, was surprised at her beauty and said to the elders: “Aren’t you slandering this girl?” You can’t ruin such sunny beauty! Then he asked Paraskeva: “What is your name, girl?” “I am a Christian, a servant of the True God,” answered Paraskeva. “Contemplation of the beauty of your face inclines me to meekness,” said the ruler, “and the words coming from your lips outrage me to the depths of my soul!” “A fair judge is glad to hear the truth,” Paraskeva objected. “When you learned the truth, you became angry.” “I asked your name and didn’t hear an answer, that’s why I’m angry,” Aetius said slyly. - First of all, I said my name in eternal life - Christian. My name in temporary, earthly life is Paraskeva. I was born on Friday. It was in honor of this day that I was named Paraskeva. My parents always honored Friday with great fear and love and spent it in fasting and prayer. “How can you experience fear and love at the same time?” asked the ruler. — Friday is the day of suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ for the human race. The suffering of Christ inspires awe, and His Redemptive Sacrifice fills our hearts with love. Christ suffered for us, and I am ready to die for His sake,” Paraskeva answered. - Stop talking like crazy! Make a sacrifice to the gods, and then for your beauty I will take you as my wife. You will become the owner of great wealth, many will magnify and please you... “I have a Bridegroom in heaven - Christ,” answered Saint Paraskeva, “and I do not need another husband.” - Come to your senses, Paraskeva, and renounce your Christ! “I don’t want to hand you over to the executioner for torture, because I really value your youth and beauty!” exclaimed the ruler. - Do not regret temporary beauty. Today it blooms, and tomorrow it will fade. Better think about your soul: eternal torment awaits you! After these words, the ruler became angry. He ordered to tear the girl’s clothes and beat her with raw ox sinews, and rub her wounds with a hair shirt. While the executioners were torturing Paraskeva, she did not utter a single sound. Looking at the sky, the saint glorified the Lord and asked Him to help endure the torment. Soon Aetius, sparing the girl’s beauty, stopped the executioners and said tenderly: “Believe, girl, in the gods, and I will save your life.” But Paraskeva was silent. “Aren’t you answering me, you evil Christian brat?” the ruler exclaimed with anger. Instead of answering, the saint spat in his face. Aetius became terribly angry. He ordered Paraskeva to be hung on a pole and her sides mercilessly whittled with iron claws. The blood of the passion-bearer abundantly stained the ground, and the body was torn to the bones. One of the executioners, thinking that the martyr had died, said to the ruler: “Sir, the girl is dead.” Why did you make us torture her so much? However, Paraskeva was alive, although she was barely breathing. The ruler decided that she would soon die. He ordered the wounded girl to be removed from the pillar, thrown into prison and kept there without providing her with any help. The saint was taken to a prison cell. From loss of blood and severe wounds, she was so weak that she could not even moan and lay as if dead. The Lord did not leave His chosen one in prison. At midnight an Angel appeared to her. His shoulders and chest were girded crosswise with a gold belt. In his hands he held the instruments of the Savior’s torment: a cross, a crown of thorns, a spear, a cane and a sponge. - Arise, maiden, fellow participant of the sufferings of Christ. I was sent to console you! Look at the cross and the crown of thorns of the Imperishable Bridegroom; look at the spear that wounded the Life-Giving Ribs, at the reed that wrote the forgiveness of the sins of the whole world, and at the sponge that erased Adam's sin. Get up, Paraskeva! Christ heals you!” said the Angel. The martyr seemed to awaken from sleep. The angel wiped the saint's wounds with a sponge. And, lo and behold! The girl’s body became strong and healthy, and the beauty of her face became even more amazing. Paraskeva reverently kissed the instruments of Christ’s suffering and glorified God. The celestial being fulfilled the command of the Lord and became invisible. In the morning, the prison guards saw that there were no wounds on Paraskeva’s body. The saint was completely healthy. She stood and sang prayers. The guards got scared, went to the ruler and informed him about the miracle. Aetius ordered Paraskeva to be brought in immediately. Seeing the girl healthy, unharmed and unusually beautiful, he exclaimed in surprise: “How patient our gods are!” They had mercy on your youth and beauty, Paraskeva, and healed you! “Show me, Aetius, the gods who saved me from death,” the martyr asked. “Go to the temple and you will see our gods,” answered the ruler. The saint entered the pagan temple. The priests and a large crowd of people followed her. There were many Hellenic statues in the temple. Everyone thought that Paraskeva wanted to bow to the gods and make a sacrifice to them. But the saint turned with fervent prayer to the One True God. Touching the statue of Apollo, she said: “In the name of Jesus Christ, I command you, flattering Apollo, and all the vain gods in this temple: let your statues fall to the ground and break into pieces!” At the word of the saint, a strong earthquake occurred. All the idols fell and crumbled to dust. People ran out of the temple. Many who saw this miracle believed in Christ and began to exclaim: “Great is the Christian God!” The wicked priests went to the ruler and crying said to him: - O ruler! We told you - execute this witch: she is seducing the townspeople. But you didn’t listen to us, and now Paraskeva, with her sorcery, destroyed all the statues in the temple! Kill this sorceress! Aetius ordered Paraskeva to be brought again and began to interrogate her with anger: “Tell me, with what sorcery did you crush our gods?” “I overthrew your gods not through sorcery, but in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ.” In the temple, I turned to Him with a prayer: “Appear, Savior, who gave me life.” And my Lord appeared, and your gods, as soon as they saw Him, trembled, fell to the ground and scattered. You see, your gods cannot even help themselves - how can they help others? What could the cruel pagan ruler object to this argument of Paraskeva? Instead of answering, he ordered the girl to be hung on a pole again and her ribs to be burned with burning lamps. Scorched by fire, the saint turned her gaze to heaven and began to pray: “My Lord and God, Creator and Provider of every creation!” You gave coolness to the three Babylonian youths in the fiery furnace and scorched the Chaldeans, You saved the first martyr Thekla from the fire. Now I ask You, Lord, that Your great power may descend upon me, unworthy, and deliver me from the lawless hands of tormentors, for wicked men are burning my body. Through the saint’s prayer, the flames turned towards the tormentors - the fire became very strong and scorched the executioners. Some of the townspeople got scared and ran away. But many of those who saw Paraskeva’s miracles believed in Christ and exclaimed: “Great is the Christian God!” We now believe in this God! Aetius was afraid that the whole city would rebel against him, and ordered Paraskeva’s head to be immediately beheaded with a sword. When the saint was brought to the place of execution, the great martyr turned her face to the east and turned to God: “Lord, I glorify Your much-praised name!” You, Lord, did not leave me and gave me, weak, strength to resist the enemy. Remember me at this hour and bless me to die for You. Help all people who worship Your feat on the Cross and strictly fast on the day of Your suffering. Help also those who call on my name for help, deliver them from all troubles and sorrows and forgive them their sins, for You do not want the death of the sinner, but want everyone to come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved. You are our God, and to You be glory forever. Amen. A Voice was heard from the sky from a light cloud: “Go ahead, Paraskeva!” I will fulfill everything you ask. Many will be saved from troubles and sorrows by your name. I will help everyone who will reverently remember your martyrdom. My Father's abode awaits you with the wise virgins. The palace of the Kingdom of Heaven has been prepared, heaven is open to you! The passion-bearer glorified God and joyfully bowed her head under the sword. When the executioner cut off the saint’s head, the air was filled with an extraordinary fragrance, and a Voice from heaven announced: “Rejoice, righteous people, for the martyr of Christ Paraskeva has been crowned!” Thus ended the long-suffering life of the glorious Paraskeva. The most beautiful bride of Christ went to her Heavenly Bridegroom. Soon the tormentor of the righteous woman was gone. The next morning, Governor Aetius went hunting. Suddenly his horse went berserk, reared up and threw its rider into the thicket. Aetius fell to his death and thus miserably gave up his damned soul. Christians reverently buried the Good Victorious Martyr Paraskeva in her home church. At the place of her burial, miraculous healings immediately began to occur. Many who came and were healed believed in Christ and received Holy Baptism. Subsequently, the relics of the great martyr were distributed among many monasteries and churches, primarily those on Holy Mount Athos. Particles of her holy relics are also kept in Russia: in the Holy Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, as well as in the Moscow Church of the Resurrection of the Lord in Sokolniki in a casket brought from Athos in the 19th century, and in other places. In Kazan (Chuvash diocese) in the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary there is a shrine with a particle of the relics of the Great Martyr Paraskeva.

Friday Guardian

Saint Paraskeva seemed to our ancestors as a strict woman who commanded them to strictly observe fasting on Wednesday and Friday, namely not to do household chores and not to bring discord among the people. She also forbade them to eat fast food on these days. The saint came to many peasants in visions, so no one doubted that it was the great martyr herself. That is why in some parts of our country the custom of postponing sewing, washing clothes and other tasks on Paraskeva Friday is still preserved.

Our ancestors also said that according to

The holy great martyr walked through the villages of Little Russia, whose body was pricked with needles because of the sins of women who did not observe strict fasting on the days allotted for her. In honor of Paraskeva, 12 Friday days were established in Rus', which were timed to coincide with some great holiday, for example the Annunciation, Easter, the beginning of Lent, etc.

Legends

“According to the traditions of the inhabitants of Epirus, Paraskevi was martyred not in Rome, as mentioned in her traditional hagiography, but in Thesprotia, where today the monastery of Saint Paraskevi of Punta stands. According to this tradition, which is firmly adhered to by the locals, the headless body of the saint was buried here, and her grave is still venerated. They say that the persecutors of Saint Paraskeva dragged her to the bank of the Acheron River to behead her. As the sword was raised above her head, she grabbed the stone pillar, which she held so tightly that the imprint of her hands melted into it, leaving an indelible mark. Eventually, believers built a church here in her honor, in which her holy relics were kept. Her skull was eventually placed in the walls of the temple church, although today it is kept in Moni Petraki in Athens." [1]

Pilgrims cut away parts of the stone pillar that Paraskevi held as a talisman to such an extent that in 1960 the stone was half its original size.[1]

The Orthodox tradition says that the miracles of Saint Paraskeva continue after her death. At her grave the blind regained their sight, barren women became pregnant, and the lame walked.[5] The dirt of her grave is said to have great power.[1]

Miracles of Saint Paraskeva

The next day, the guards, expecting to see Paraskeva dead, were shocked by her healthy appearance, her returning beauty and the joy with which she praised the Lord. The eparch ordered her to be brought and declared that she was healed thanks to the pagan gods. He himself led her to the temple. Paraskeva did not resist, but when she offered a prayer to Jesus in a pagan temple, the earth shook and the statues of the gods turned to dust. Many witnesses to this miracle later converted to Christianity, but Aetius doomed her to new torture.

They hung Paraskeva from a pole and began to burn her with torches, but, heeding her prayer, the Lord took the flame away from the maiden and turned it on the executioners. Then Aetius, realizing his powerlessness, ordered her head to be cut off. Her soul flew off to the Kingdom of Heaven. But the saint did not remain unavenged: Aetius, in order to unwind, went hunting; on the way, his horse threw him off, and his tormentor died on the spot.

Many Christians came to the True Faith thanks to Paraskeva’s preaching and her miracles. They buried her body, and subsequently the relics of Saint Paraskeva revealed many miraculous healings.

For her feat for the glory of Christ, Paraskeva was elevated to the rank of holy great martyrs; The Paraskeva icon represents her as a beautiful girl with a cross in her right hand and a scroll with the Creed in her left, and the angels of the Lord hold a crown over her head.

Venerable Martyr Paraskeva

Brief life of the Holy Martyr Paraskeva of Rome.

celebration July 26/August 8
The Holy Martyr Paraskeva suffered for her faith in Christ during the reign of the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161). She was born in Rome and was the only daughter of pious Christians. Her parents Agathon and Politia were childless, but through fervent prayer they asked God for a child. The girl who was born was named Paraskeva (literally, Friday), since she was born on Friday. Mother taught Saint Paraskeva to pray and to visit the temple of God with zeal and love. Christian upbringing bore fruit: Saint Paraskeva from her youth fell in love with reading the Holy Scriptures, was meek and humble, filled with fiery love for Christ the Savior.

After the death of her parents, Saint Paraskeva, striving for spiritual perfection, distributed her property to the poor, took monastic vows and, imitating the holy apostles, began to walk through cities and villages, preaching the word of God. Saint Paraskeva converted many pagans to the true faith. Seeing the success of her preaching, the Jews slandered the saint before Emperor Antoninus Pius. He ordered Saint Paraskeva to be brought to him and tried to convince her to renounce Christ. But neither threats nor persuasion shook the saint’s faith. Then she was tortured: they put a red-hot helmet on her head and threw her into a copper cauldron filled with boiling oil and resin. However, the holy martyr remained unharmed. The emperor, wanting to check whether the contents of the cauldron were hot, ordered Saint Paraskeva to sprinkle water on him from the cauldron. The saint fulfilled the command, and the resin that fell on the emperor’s face burned out his eyes. Repentant, Antonin began to ask the holy martyr for forgiveness, and she healed him. Seeing the power of the saint's prayer, the emperor and many of his servants accepted holy Baptism.

Released, Saint Paraskeva again went to different cities preaching Christian teaching. In one city, where the ruler was a certain Asclepius, the saint was captured and again brought to trial. Making sure that she would not renounce Christ, the tormentors threw her into the cave where the serpent lived and where criminals sentenced to death were thrown. Saint Paraskeva struck the snake with the sign of the cross and remained unharmed.

Seeing such a miracle, Asklipius and his entourage believed in Christ. Once again Saint Paraskeva set out to preach the teachings of Christ the Savior. In another city, a local ruler named Tarasius subjected the saint to numerous cruel tortures, and then ordered her head to be cut off with a sword.

Later, the relics of the Holy Martyr Paraskeva were transferred to Constantinople, and in 1200 they were seen there by the Russian pilgrim Anthony. In Constantinople, on the left side of the Golden Horn Bay, in the area of ​​Haski-Kivoy, a temple was built in the name of Saint Paraskeva. The memory of the Venerable Martyr Paraskeva is sacredly revered in Russia. In 1864, in the Crimea, in the Toplu tract, a women's cenobitic monastery was established in her honor. Near the monastery there was a spring of St. Paraskeva, which was considered healing.

What does it help with?

According to church belief, Saint Paraskeva is the patroness of fields and livestock. They pray to Saint Paraskeva to save livestock from death. Therefore, on the day of her memory, it is customary to bring fruits to the church for illumination, which are then stored as a shrine until next year.

The holy martyr is a healer of people from the most severe mental and physical illnesses. In addition, they prayed to her for the preservation of the hearth, family happiness and well-being. Women asked for help with household chores and childbearing, and the girls prayed to Saint Paraskeva to help her find a good groom. Here we wrote about who else to pray for a quick marriage.

Temples and icons in honor of the saint

Many churches are named in honor of Saint Paraskeva Friday. Typically, such temples are located near roads or reservoirs; some of them were also named in honor of the martyr.

Some churches are very ancient, like the church in northern Butovo, the construction of which dates back to the 16th century, and the latest restoration dates back to the 20th century. This is a unique example of church architecture, since the entire temple is made in the shape of a ship and carries the idea that the Church is the flagship of the world.

Temple in honor of Saint Paraskeva Friday (Butovo)

In addition to this unique temple, there are other Pyatnitsky churches:

1. In Yaroslavl there is the Pyatnitsko-Turovsky Church, built in the 17th century.
2. In Suzdal there is the Pyatnitsky St. Nicholas Church of the 16th century.
3. In the Voronezh region, near the “7 Keys” stream (considered healing), they are building a church that was destroyed in 1940-1945. Temple of Paraskeva.
4. In the Yekaterinburg region there is a temple of Friday, where her icon is kept.

There is a myrrh-streaming icon of the saint - it is kept in a women’s monastery (Komi Republic). And the relics of the martyr are kept in several places:

• Temple of the Prophet Elijah;
• Russian Panteleimon Monastery on Saint Athos.

You can also purchase a holy image in a church shop for a home iconostasis; you can pray to the saint in church or at home, but a sincere prayer will always be heard.

Reverence

Revered as a healer of the blind, Saint Paraskeva is often depicted holding two eyeballs in her hands.[8]
Saint Paraskevia is the most prominent of the female healing saints, and she is widely revered as a healer of the blind.[8] For this reason, she is often depicted holding two eyeballs in her hands.[8]

Her remains were eventually brought to Constantinople.[1] Although it is unknown when or how her relics reached Constantinople, it appears that they were displayed there ca. 1200 to be available to pilgrims.[9]

The memory of Saint Paraskeva is celebrated by the church on July 26.[1][2][3] Its celebration is preceded by Matins and the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is celebrated on the morning of the holiday.[10]

scriptures

On the Divine Liturgy: Galatians 3:23-4:5, Mark 5:24-34.[10]

Hymns

Apolytikion

The Apolytikion (Greek: Ἀπολυτίκιον) or hymn of dismissal is the final hymn that varies from day to day according to the calendar and is sung in the services of the Eastern Orthodox Church at the end of the service (for example, Matins or Vespers).[11]

First tone[12]In accordance with your calling, O Protector of Paraskevi, you worshiped with the readiness that your name carries. For the monastery you received the faith that is your namesake. Therefore you pour out healing and intercede for our souls.[3]

Kontakion

The Kontakion (Greek: κοντάκιον) is a hymn sung during the services of the Eastern Orthodox Church and acts as a poetic sermon.[13] Thus, they were originally very extended and contained many stanzas - so long that the text had to be wrapped around a pole for use in the service.[14] This explains the origin of the name kontakion, derived from the Greek κόνταξ ( kontax

), which means "rod" or "stick" and refers specifically to the pole around which the scroll is wound.[15] In modern practice, the kontakion is greatly shortened.[14]

Plagal of the fourth tone[12]O majestic one, we have discovered that your temple is a spiritual hospital in which all the faithful sincerely honor you, O famous and venerable martyr Paraskevi.[3]

Life of Saint Paraskeva

The life of the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Martyr Paraskeva tells the following: she was born in Rome, into a family of pious Christians: Agathon and Politia. They had no children for a long time, and only after fervent prayers did the Lord give them their only daughter Paraskeva, so named because she was born on Friday (Paraskeva - Friday, Greek). The dates of her birth and death are not precisely known.

Her life dated back to the reign of the Roman Emperor Antoninus. Two Antonines ruled in Rome - Antoninus Pius (138-161 AD) and Antoninus the Philosopher (161-180 AD) and during whose reign Paraskeva lived is unknown.

The parents raised their daughter in the spirit of true Christianity, and this education was not in vain. After their death, Paraskeva distributed all her property to the poor and devoted herself to apostolic labors - preaching the Gospel.

She gave her first sermon in Rome, and here she suffered her first suffering. Emperor Antonin received a denunciation of a brave Christian woman. He ordered the ascetic to be brought to him and tried, both with caresses and threats, to force her to renounce her faith in Christ. Paraskeva was unshakable, and the angry emperor ordered her to be tortured. A red-hot copper helmet was placed on her head, but this terrible weapon did not bring any harm to the saint.

Then a new order followed - to throw Paraskeva into a copper cauldron with boiling resin and oil, but the saint remained unharmed here too. The emperor doubted whether the resin in the cauldron was really melted, and imprudently ordered Paraskeva to throw liquid into it. She scooped it out of the cauldron with her hand and splashed it in his face.

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Severe burns and blindness were punishment for the cruel ruler. Suffering from unbearable pain, seeing nothing, the recent tormentor begged his victim: “Servant of the true God,” he asked, “have mercy on me and return light to my eyes, so that I too can believe in the God you preach.” Through prayer, the holy emperor was immediately healed, received his sight, and together with his entourage accepted Christianity.

Released in peace, Paraskeva went to other lands to preach Christianity. She came to the city where a certain Asklipius ruled. And this ruler, like Emperor Antonin, tried to reject Paraskeva from preaching the Gospel, but, not achieving what he wanted, he condemned her to death. According to custom, death row prisoners were given to be devoured by a terrible serpent who lived near the city. The saint remembered the words of the Lord: “They take away the serpent, and even if they drink of death, it does not harm them” (Mark 16:18). She fearlessly approached the monster, made the sign of the cross over it, after which it split in two and disappeared. This miracle enlightened the pagans, and all the local people believed in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Finally, Saint Paraskeva ended up in a place ruled by a man named Tarasius. And here the saint preached Christianity, for which she was given over to terrible torture. Tarasius, seeing that the saint was unshakable, ordered her head to be cut off. Thus, the holy martyr Paraskeva crowned her apostolic labors with martyrdom for the name of Christ. The relics of the venerable head of the holy venerable martyr Paraskeva are located on Athos, in the Russian Panteleimon Monastery. A particle of Paraskeva’s relics is also present in the monastery.

Local Crimean residents firmly believed that it was here, in the remote tract of Toplu, that Saint Paraskeva met her death, and the spring began to flow at the very time when the earth was stained with the blood of the venerable martyr. The holiness of these legends was confirmed by the fact that this spring was healing, and every year on July 26 (old style) people flocked here not only from the surrounding area, but also from distant places (it is interesting that local Tatars, along with Christians, revered the spring and called it Chokrak- Sagly-Su is a source of living, healthy water).

A prayer service was served with the blessing of water, water was filled into vessels and taken home. There was not yet a road or a single building here, only a spring flowed through a dense forest, and people, with difficulty making their way through ravines and forest growth, brought their prayers, their hopes and aspirations here, were consoled and healed, and this was the best evidence of this that the holy martyr Paraskeva does not leave these places with her mercy.

And, of course, irrefutable confirmation of this was the discovery in the source of an icon with the image of the holy martyr Paraskeva, which the Greeks took with them during the resettlement to the Azov region in 1778. The found icon was in Mariupol, in the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, and enjoyed special respect - according to According to legend, she saved Mariupol from cholera. Since then, on the day of the miracle (July 26, old style), only women gathered in the church and celebrated a kind of “women's panair” (church holiday).

Venerable Martyr Paraskeva of Rome

Brief life of the Venerable Martyr Paraskeva of Rome

The Venerable Martyr Paraskeva of Rome was the only daughter of Christian parents, given to them through their fervent prayer.
From a young age, she devoted herself to God, and after the death of her parents, she distributed all her property to the poor, accepted monasticism and, imitating the holy apostles, began preaching to the pagans about Christ, converting many to Christianity. Saint Paraskeva, moving from one place to another and performing miracles, came preaching the Gospel to a city where the ruler was a cruel idolater. Neither the promise of honors and material benefits, nor the threats of torture and death shook the saint’s firmness and did not turn her away from Christ. She was given over to brutal torture and suffered martyrdom by beheading with a sword.

Complete life of the Venerable Martyr Paraskeva of Rome

The Venerable Martyr Paraskeva was the only daughter of Christian parents and from a young age she devoted herself to God. While living in her parents' home, she devoted a lot of time to prayer and studying the Holy Scriptures. After the death of her parents, Saint Paraskeva distributed all her property to the poor, accepted monasticism and, imitating the holy apostles, began preaching to the pagans about Christ, converting many to Christianity.

Her activities were reported to Emperor Antoninus Pius (138–161), and Saint Paraskeva was brought to trial. She fearlessly confessed herself to be a Christian. Neither promises of honors and material benefits, nor threats of torture and death shook the saint’s firmness and did not turn her away from Christ. She was subjected to brutal torture. They put a red-hot helmet on her head and threw her into a cauldron of boiling tar. However, by the power of God, the holy martyr remained unharmed. When the emperor looked into the cauldron, Saint Paraskeva threw several drops of hot resin into his face, and he became blind. The emperor began to ask her for healing, and the holy martyr healed him. After this, the emperor released Saint Paraskeva.

Moving from one place to another with the preaching of the Gospel, Saint Paraskeva came to the city where Asklipios was the ruler. Here the saint was again tried and sentenced to death. She was taken to a huge serpent who lived in a cave so that he could devour her. But Saint Paraskeva made the sign of the cross over the serpent, and he immediately died. Asklipius and the townspeople, seeing such a miracle, believed in Christ and released the saint. She continued her sermon. In a city where a certain Tarasius was the ruler, Saint Paraskeva suffered a martyr’s death. After severe torture, she was beheaded.

See also: “ The Suffering of the Holy Martyr Paraskeva” as presented by St. Demetrius of Rostov.

What does this have to do with Gryaznikha?

Paraskeva was called a dirty woman because of the damp and rainy weather. October 27 was always slushy and dirty; in the old days they even said: “It’s never dry on Gryaznikha.” If it rained, the ancestors tried to stay at home and not ride the cart outside the gate, so as not to get stuck.

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Based on the amount of mud on that day, they even predicted the coming winter. If the hoof print on the road instantly filled with water, then there was almost a month left before the start of winter - namely 28 days. It was also believed that there would be frequent rainfalls in the spring.

Where are the holy relics and miraculous icons located?

Healings immediately began at the holy relics of the martyr. Over time, the relics were divided into parts and distributed to different churches. The largest part, the saint's feet, is located in the temple in honor of Saints Constantine and Helena in Istanbul. There is an icon of Paraskeva with a particle of relics in the Romanian city of Iasi.

And in our country there are churches where the miraculous icon of Paraskeva Friday resides:

• in the chapel at the holy spring near the town of Gorodishche, Ryazan region;
• in the village Butovo, located in the Moscow region, there is a temple in honor of the great martyr and in it a miraculous icon;
• in the Yaroslavl temple, consecrated in honor of the saint, as well as in Suzdal in the temple of the same name;
• the icon with a particle of the relics of the martyr is located in the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, as well as in the Moscow Church of the Ascension;
• in the Russian Panteleimon Monastery on St. Mount Athos also has an icon of the saint with a particle of her relics.

Near Yekaterinburg there is the village. Savino, located on the banks of the river. Pyshma. In the 19th century, an icon of St. Paraskeva Fridays. In honor of this event, a temple was built in the name of the saint, and the miraculous image resided in it.

Note! According to one legend, the saint was executed on the territory of the Crimean peninsula, in the area of ​​the modern village of Topolevka. Now a spring gushes at the place of execution, and in the Paraskevi women’s monastery, located not far from the village, there is a miraculous icon of the martyr.

Holy Martyr Paraskeva of Rome

Holy Martyr Paraskeva of Rome (138–161). Memorial Day July 26 / August 8

The Holy Martyr Paraskeva was born in Rome, into the family of pious Christians Agathon and Pochitia. They had no children for a long time, and only after fervent prayers did the Lord give them their only daughter, Paraskeva, so named because she was born on a Friday. The parents raised their daughter in the spirit of true Christianity, and this education was not in vain.

After their death, Paraskeva distributed all her property to the poor and devoted herself to apostolic labors - preaching the Gospel. The Venerable Martyr Paraskeva of Rome gave her first sermon in Rome, and here she suffered her first suffering. Emperor Antonin received a denunciation of a brave Christian woman.

He ordered the ascetic to be brought to him and tried, both with caresses and threats, to force her to renounce her faith in Christ. Paraskeva was unshakable, and the angry emperor ordered her to be tortured. A red-hot copper helmet was placed on her head, but this terrible weapon did not bring any harm to the saint.

Then a new order followed - to throw Paraskeva into a copper cauldron with boiling resin and oil, but the saint remained unharmed here too. The emperor doubted whether the resin in the cauldron was really melted, and imprudently ordered Paraskeva to throw liquid into it. She scooped it out of the cauldron with her hand and splashed it in his face.

Severe burns and blindness were punishment for the cruel ruler. Suffering from unbearable pain, seeing nothing, the recent tormentor begged his victim: “Servant of the true God,” he asked, “have mercy on me and return light to my eyes, so that I too can believe in the God you preach.”

Through prayer, the holy emperor was immediately healed, received his sight, and together with his entourage accepted Christianity. Dismissed in peace to St. Paraskeva went to other lands to preach Christianity. One day she came to a place ruled by a man named Tarasius. And here the saint preached Christianity, for which she was given over to terrible torture. Tarasius, seeing that the saint was unshakable, ordered her head to be cut off. Thus, the holy venerable martyr Paraskeva crowned her apostolic labors with martyrdom for the name of Christ.

The relics of the venerable head of St. The Venerable Martyrs Paraskeva are located on Mount Athos, in the Russian Panteleimon Monastery. In the Tempi gorge, at the foot of the Olympic ridge, there is a cave temple of the Venerable Martyr Paraskeva of Rome. Not far from the temple, in a deep cave, a source of healing water forms a small underground lake.

Once upon a time, the miraculous icon of St. Paraskeva was found in it, and therefore the cave temple was built. Saint Paraskeva provides special assistance in healing from eye diseases. On the icons she is depicted with a dish in her hand, on which her eyes lie.

PARASKEV ROMAN Troparion, tone 1

Having diligence in accordance with your name, namesake, / you have chosen faith in cohabitation equal to yours, / victorious Paraskeva, / in the same way you pour out healings and pray for our souls.

Kontakion, tone 4

Your temple, O all-honored one, / like having found a spiritual physician, / in it all the faithful / we loudly venerate you, / glorious martyr Paraskeva.

Another kontakion, tone 8

Passion-bearer, faithful, hymn to Paraskeva, come, let us sing in harmony, / for the miracles in the world shine forth, / driving away the charms of darkness, / giving unenviable grace to the faithful, calling: / Rejoice, long-suffering martyr.

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How does prayer in front of the icon of Paraskeva Friday help?

Saint Paraskeva, as we remember, took a vow of chastity, and her only groom was Jesus Christ. Oddly enough, its meaning lies in love affairs: to St. Girls turn to Paraskeva with a prayer for a good groom, a prosperous and peaceful family life, and women who have not been able to give birth to a child for a long time.

Prayer before the Paraskeva Friday icon helps in healing spiritual and physical ailments, especially those associated with severe pain (toothache, fever, etc.).

In the Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra there is a miraculous icon of Paraskeva Friday, found more than three centuries ago in the village of Ilyeshi near St. Petersburg. In Moscow, the icon of Paraskeva Friday is located in the church in Butovo, which was built in her honor back in the 16th century, now it has been restored and is open to believers. Most churches have icons of St. Great Martyr Paraskeva Pyatnitsa is the most revered female saint among Orthodox Christians.

Paraskeva Friday, what should she pray for?

November 10 became Saint Paraskeva's Memorial Day. Believers did not go to work, but went to the temple to see the icons, brought gifts and asked for help. What can you ask a martyr for today?

• Saint Paraskeva has always been considered a female intercessor and helper. She cures girls from various diseases and infertility.
• To preserve family happiness, they hang her icon at home.
• Women ask her for a good husband.
• Before giving birth, some people hang an icon with a prayer around their neck.

On the day of her veneration, fun and hard work are not encouraged. It’s worth spending it with your family drinking tea and taking walks.

While walking, pay attention to the weather; if it is slushy and cloudy, it means waiting for a late rainy spring next year