The Passion-Bearer is a concept from the Russian Orthodox Church. It applies to all Christian martyrs.
Definition of a concept
The Passion-Bearer is a person who suffers suffering, tests by passions in the name of Jesus Christ. Moreover, in most cases, this definition does not apply to those who have been martyred for the Christian faith. Such people are usually called martyrs and great martyrs. Passion bearers are called those who mortally suffered from their loved ones and even co-religionists. Most often because of their anger, envy, deceit, intrigue and conspiracy.
Therefore, the sufferer is a concept that emphasizes the nature and characteristics of a perfect feat. This is the name of only a person who died without malice in his heart, in accordance with the commandments of Jesus Christ.
In a literal sense, the sufferer and martyr are synonymous concepts. But at the same time, the first dies from suffering for the fulfillment of Christian commandments. But the martyr dies because of suffering for his faith in Jesus Christ, because he does not agree to renounce this faith, even undergoing torture and persecution.
Prayer to the sufferers
In Orthodoxy, a special prayer is addressed to the sufferers. In its most widespread version, the believer specifically refers to the last Russian emperor Nicholas II and his family. They were canonized in 2000 precisely in the rank of martyrs.
In prayer, it is necessary to list all the canonized members of the royal family who died that night. This is not only Emperor Nicholas and his wife Alexander, but also their children: Alexei, Maria, Olga, Tatyana and Anastasia.
Turning to them, believers ask for help, protection and fortitude, which they lack. After all, this is a strong family that has suffered unprecedented suffering. They say that they brought out their "Ipatiev" cross (they shot the royal family in the Ipatiev house).
Turning to them, it is customary to pray for family well-being, mutual love and respect between spouses, raised children, purity and chastity in the family. They are also asked to assist in illnesses, persecutions and sorrows.
Why is Nicholas II a martyr?
Nicholas II is a martyr. He was recognized first by the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, and then by the Moscow Patriarchate. In 1981 and 2000, respectively. Today in Orthodoxy, the emperor and his family are revered as regal martyrs.
They were shot by the Bolsheviks in the Ipatiev House on the night of July 16-17, 1918. The power of this party in the country at that time was fragile, therefore the top leadership by any means sought to gain a foothold in the head of state. One of the ways was the total destruction of the royal family. This was done so that neither the emperor himself, nor his wife or children could even theoretically claim the throne. It is worth recognizing that, despite the victory of the October Revolution, Nicholas II could still gather for himself a certain part of Russian society in order to try again to reverse history. The Bolsheviks were ahead of the curve.
Other sufferers
In the history of the Russian Orthodox Church there are many sufferers. These are people who, even before the face of death, did not betray the Christian faith and the commandments of Jesus Christ.
In addition to Nicholas II, the brothers Boris and Gleb, as well as the Rev. Dula, are considered the most famous martyrs.
Dula lived in the V century in one of the Egyptian monasteries. Because of his meek disposition, he was often attacked and ridiculed by the brethren. Once he was accused of stealing church vessels and committing other crimes. Dula denied everything, but there were monks who testified against him. Then he pleaded guilty. But at the same time he could not tell where he hid the stolen, because he did not commit it. He was tortured, and then the court sentenced him to be cut off. Only after that a real thief was found who confessed everything.
At the same time, Dula was only grateful for the opportunity to suffer innocently. Three days after his release, he died in his cell.
Boris and Gleb were killed by their brother Svyatopolk. He sought to get rid of all the next of kin in order to monopolize power. They died a martyrdom, praying before their death. Moreover, according to various versions, they knew that Svyatopolk sent killers behind them, but practically did nothing and did not try to defend themselves. The brothers accepted death as true Christian martyrs, martyrs.