Faith is a refuge that helps not to lose heart even in the most difficult times. This is the only consolation we sometimes find among troubles, injustices and pains. We pray to the saints and the Lord, hoping for help and comfort. And each of us turns to a specific patron saint. For example, the one whose name we were given at the time of baptism.
Those who even once visited the Czech Republic probably know that Saint Vyacheslav (Wenceslas) is considered the patron of this country.
Revered saint
In 2000, on September 28, the Czech Republic celebrated for the first time Independence Day. The date was not chosen by chance, because it is on September 28 (according to the Catholic calendar) that the saint is commemorated. He was killed by his own brother in the distant 10th century.
In Prague, on the main Wenceslas Square, surely every tourist had the opportunity to admire the equestrian sculpture of the Saint, which is located at the National Museum. This indicates how much we venerate the heavenly patron of Czech lands among the local population. Even the famous Old Bohemian anthem of the state begins with the words: "St. Wenceslas, prince of the Czech land ..."
It is noteworthy that not only Catholics, but also Christians venerate it. After all, he actively spread the Christian teaching, trying to replace paganism with true faith. He built numerous churches, organized Orthodox schools. Judging by the surviving sources, this was a pure and deeply religious person. St. Vyacheslav in Orthodoxy and Catholicism remains one of the most revered saints.
During the life of the ruler
Wenceslas was a Czech prince who lived in the 10th century. It is noteworthy that his mother was the pagan Dragomira, his father was the Czech prince Vratislav, who was a Christian. The latter was killed when Wenceslas was still very young. Religious hypotheses Dragomirs are still just theories, as many historians claim that she was also a Christian. However, the few sources telling about those troubled times are so controversial that it is impossible to state with confidence any facts.
Since the boy was left an orphan early, he was raised by his grandmother Lyudmila, who is now also considered a saint. Lyudmila also accepted a violent death - she was strangled by her own veil, presumably on the orders of Dragomira. Is it so? No one can answer this question with confidence.
When Wenceslas became prince, he made a lot of efforts to spread Christianity among the pagan population. To this end, he built the majestic St. Vitus Church, which many tourists enjoy visiting. Historians say that he ruled wisely and fairly, distinguished by mercy and philanthropy. But, alas, his life was cut short very early.
The causes of the death of the prince were politics and religion. Most of his subjects remained pagans, like his younger brother Boleslav. The last Czech nobles, dissatisfied with the prince’s policies, were persuaded to kill his older brother and take his throne.
The plan was a success: Boleslav invited Wenceslas to consecrate the church, where he was killed right at the steps of the church. The story tells that the prince actually knew about the impending assassination attempt, but he entrusted himself to the Lord, saying that everything was His will.
It is noteworthy that on the steps of the temple in the face of death, Wenceslas nevertheless behaved not as a saint, but as a knight. And he even managed to disarm his brother, but his minions arrived in time, and one of them dealt a fatal blow with a spear. According to legend, the blood that splashed on the temple door could not be washed for 3 days. After which she disappeared herself.
Boleslav later repented of his deed, and transferred the relics of the murdered to the church of St. Vitus. They are stored there today.
What is the saint praying for?
Each of us prays for his innermost. However, traditionally the icon of St. Vyacheslav is addressed in the following cases:
- Prayer for the welfare of the state and the inviolability of its borders. After all, the prince was a wonderful ruler who took care of the power and its inhabitants.
- Please send patience and resolve conflicts with family members. This is especially true of the brothers. After all, Vyacheslav loved his brother and considered him incapable of murder. He even spared him in the last minutes of his life. Although he understood that he invited him to the temple for the purpose of murder.
- They turn to the icon of St. Vyacheslav and request to protect them from dangers.
- It is also believed that it can help restore faith to people who have abandoned the Church.
- Patronizes the great martyr and the military. It is recommended that he pray for those in the field of operations.
- Prayer helps to find inner harmony, wisdom and love for others, as historical sources indicate that the Czech prince was famous for these qualities.
- The request to send forth strength on teaching and gaining knowledge. During his life, Vyacheslav Chesky was an educated man. He knew several languages, opened Christian schools. If study is hard for you, be sure to pray to the holy great martyr.
- It is recommended to buy the icon to the owners of the name Vyacheslav. It is believed that she will help them and help strengthen their faith.
Consider several effective prayers to St. Vyacheslav in the Old Slavonic language, which have special power.
Prayers to the patron saint
If you want the saint to protect from danger, read the following prayer:
Today, the Angels with people rejoice, together with a general joy, Heaven and earth lightly rejoice in your memory, holy. And we, sinners, diligently cry out: Pray to the Lord for us, save us from the adversity of visible and invisible enemies, who honor your blessed memory.
The following is a prayer for the conversion of unbelievers to the fold of the Church.
To the pious root, the branch is notorious, the holy noble Grand Duke Vyacheslav, a champion of the Eastern Church in the Czechs and a warm refuge miserable and impoverished, like the second Abel, was kindly endured if death, he was truncated by the hand of his brother at the head of the church. The same Christ and instilled a righteous confessor of faith in the abode of Heaven, glorify your venerable memory in the Slovene town and the gift of a quick assistant to all those who revere the cha. Pray for thy people to the Lord, that he may turn them into the fold of the Orthodox Church and save our souls.
Then you can read a prayer to St. Vyacheslav for wisdom.
Oh, holy prince Vyacheslav! We earnestly ask you to pray for us (names), may the Lord God forgive our sins, free and involuntary, and cleanse us from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, save us from the machinations of the devil and save us from the slander of men, and confirm us in true faith and piety may he keep from the wise and stifled teachings, may he save our hearts from the temptations of this world and teach us how to take refuge from carnal passions and lusts, but such a mountain of wisdom, and not earthly, glorifying the One-Essential Trinity forever and ever. Amen.
A prayer for forgiveness is given below.
Oh, the great warrior of Christ, holy martyr, Prince Vyacheslav! Look from the Eternity of glory to us sinners, the poisons of the warmth who have tasted. Pray for us, holy of God! May the Lord grant us in the days of apostasy grace for repentance of acquisitions, with compassion on our brother and with love on our enemies, to glance without malice the holy faith to justify ourselves in cleanliness before God. Let your prayers of the last Tsar in Holy Russia from the Lord accept us, with you heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven: the eternal knowledge of the creations of God and the blessed blessing of the Holy Trinity: the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and ever. Amen.
Simple prayer
However, it is not necessary to study prayers, it is enough to speak in your own words. The main thing is that their heart dictates. For example, you can apply with the request to maintain relations in the family with these words:
"Holy Martyr Vyacheslav, I beg you to grant me (name) wisdom and patience. Help me save my family, return love and respect. Direct my spouse (name) to the true path. I hope for your intercession. Amen."
Praying is recommended in silence, in the morning or late in the evening. In order to create the appropriate atmosphere in the room and get closer to the Lord, you can light a candle. After all, representatives of all religions consider fire a symbol of holiness and purification from corruption.
St. Vyacheslav Day
Celebrated in the old style on the day of the death of the prince - September 28, as well as March 4. It was on this day that the relics of the saint were transferred to the temple. According to the new style - October 11 and March 17. Prayer to him during this period has a special power, and will certainly be heard.
Icons of St. Vyacheslav
Traditionally, the icons show the great martyr either waist-high or in full growth. Rich clothes, a crown on his head and a sword indicate his high position during life. The right hand of the saint is occupied by the cross, which is a symbol of an inexhaustible faith.
The icons of the great martyr can be purchased in any shop at the church and church. He is equally revered by both Catholics and Orthodox Christians. The choice of materials from which the icons are made is quite large - from plastic to expensive wood. Lovers of needlework on the Internet can also find icons embroidered with beads. Such a product is also quite possible to make on their own if there is a desire and some skills. However, remember that a self-embroidered image must be consecrated in the church.
Conclusion
In order to be heard by God and the saints, we must not forget to receive communion. This mystery can be read in the book of Vyacheslav Tulupov "The Miracle of Holy Communion." The author tells why this church ritual is needed, how to behave properly during it.