In Christianity as a whole and, of course, in its Orthodox tradition, a sufficiently large number of icons is of particular importance. The sufferers come to them in times of great need for help and comfort. Each such icon has its own story, almost all such images have miraculous effects.
But even among the unusual icons, there are special ones. One of these images is the icon of Guria, Samon and Aviv. It is generally accepted that this image can protect from strife, prevent quarrels and enmity between loved ones, protect the house from ill-wishers and their influence, and preserve the integrity of the family.
Who is depicted in the icon?
The icon of Guri, Samon and Aviv, whose photo is presented on almost every thematic Orthodox portal, depicts three Christian martyrs. These people lived at different times and, of course, did not suffer for the faith together. The union of saints who did not live together in one icon-painting image is not at all out of the ordinary. This artistic device is characteristic of the Christian culture as a whole and, of course, for Orthodox icon painting.
It is believed that the saints lived in the period from 293 to 322 year. And since the time of their life and achievement in the name of faith almost coincides, the Christian tradition united these martyrs.
Church historians have no consensus on whether Guri and Samon knew each other. They suffered for faith in the same city and there is an official version of joint martyrdom. Aviv died much later and had no direct relation to Guria and Samon.
How are the saints depicted?
The icon of Saints Guria, Samon and Aviv each of the martyrs portrays in a peculiar way. Guria icon painters are represented as an old man. As a rule, in the image he is in the center. However, in the mural characteristic of Orthodox churches, the location of Guria is not always the same. The figure of the old man is depicted both in the center and at the head of the composition.
Samon is usually presented as a middle-aged man. Usually, if Guri is registered in the center of the image, Samon takes a place on his right hand. When depicted on wall frescoes, his image is usually the second, if the figures are depicted sideways, in profile. But in the case when the icon painter depicts Guria in the center in a fresco, the image of Samon can be both the first and the last.
Aviv is represented as a youth, sometimes even a lad. The image of Aviv is the most controversial. Icon painters adhere to uniformity in the image of Samon and Guri, but Aviv is not always represented by the authors of the images in exactly the same way.
How is it known about the martyrdom of these saints?
For the first time, descriptions of the martyrdom of all three saints were recorded in Syriac. The text was compiled by Theophilus of Edessa. Translations of his works into Armenian, Latin and Greek have survived to this day. In the history of the martyrdom of these saints, the church focuses on the list of Theophilus’s text made in the 15th century. Due to the fact that a lot of time has passed since the manuscript was drawn up to the design of this text, church historians admit the possibility of any inaccuracies in the document that appeared due to numerous translations and copies.
Very little is known about the author himself; all knowledge is gleaned from his own description of the martyrdom of saints Guria and Samon. Theophilus describes himself as a pagan who converted to Christianity. And he mentions that he began work on a description of the act of martyrdom of Christians in the city of Edessa on the fifth day after its completion.
When did the saints accept martyrdom?
The image of these three holy martyrs is a revered icon. The holy martyrs Guri, Samon, Aviv were among the last Christians who suffered terribly for their devotion to faith. But besides the terrible death that many Christians accepted in those days, these people were buried. Believers managed to take their bodies and perform a burial rite, which was very rare at that time, terrible for Christians. Praying to the holy martyrs began almost immediately after their death, and a lot of evidence has accumulated in church history about the miracles associated with their images.
The saints died in torment during the Great Persecution begun by the Emperor Diocletian and continued by his heirs. It was the most terrible time in the entire history of the emergence of Christianity. Many historians, trying to highlight and emphasize the power of persecution, compare the atrocities committed by the pagans against believers in Christ with the convulsions of the physical body that preceded his death.
It was during the era of the Great Persecution that hundreds of Christians perished in the arenas daily, took another death, languished for years in dungeons and street prison pits. Terrible events throughout the empire became commonplace, no one was surprised and did not particularly highlight the death of another believer.
There were not so many exceptions. And among those whose names were preserved and revered by believers, there were the martyrs Aviv, Guri, and Samon. Their stories shocked the author of the biography and martyrdom itself, even against the background of evil and lawlessness at the time. And the fact that the local Christians did not leave the bodies of the martyrs, but buried them at the risk of their own lives, also testifies to the exceptional nature of their deed in the name of the Lord.
What is the martyrdom of Samon and Guria?
It is no coincidence that the icon of Guria, Samon, and Aviv represents the saints in different ways from ancient times. Samon and Guri were simple lay people who had no relation to the conduct and organization of worship. Aviv, according to his biographies, served in the rank of deacon. They also died in different ways.
The Christians of Edessa became aware of the impending arrests and many of them fled from their native walls and left the city. Among the Christians fleeing persecution, there were both future martyrs. The city authorities sent a chase after the believers and some of them were captured. Among these Christians were Samon and Gurius.
Martyrdom itself began immediately after the capture, in court. This was also a rarity, as a rule, at first the Christians were thrown into prison, where they languished in anticipation of their turn. Future saints, on the other hand, were not only immediately presented to the court of authorities, but also began to be tortured. After torture, Samon and Guri were thrown into prison for several months. Subsequently, another trial took place, after which the saints were beheaded. This happened during the reign of Diocletian.
What is the martyrdom of Aviv?
Aviv served as a deacon, that is, he was in one of the lower, first ranks. His martyrdom took place later, during the reign of Licinius, who was emperor from 308 to 324, the young man was “offered” sacrifices to the Roman gods, thereby demonstrating the rejection of the Christian faith.
Aviv was steadfast and did not deny Christ. Subsequently, he was burned alive. In the biography of Aviv, it is stated that the body of the young man remained imperishable. The young deacon was buried was his own family in the immediate vicinity of the tomb of Samon and Guria.
When do they honor the memory of saints?
Day of Remembrance of the Martyrs - November 28. On this day, the icon "Guri, Samon and Aviv" in Moscow and in other cities is taken out to the limit, and during the services, the acts of the martyrs are recalled.
In Moscow, the most famous of the icons depicting martyrs is in the Church of St. John the Warrior, located on Yakimanka.
What is the meaning of the image?
It is believed that in every house, especially young families, there should be an icon of Guria, Samon and Aviv. How does this image help newlyweds? In preserving marriage, following one’s own vows, maintaining love and respect between family members.
The image prevents the appearance of deceit and malice, enmity and misunderstanding in relations between close people. Protects families from domestic violence and protects the warmth of feelings between spouses. That is, the icon of Guria, Samon and Aviv protects the marriage, like the saints themselves.
How did martyrs patronize families?
To gain the glory of the patrons of marriage and the defenders of wives from injustice and the oaths of husbands of saints helped the incident that occurred in Edessa. This happened during the invasion of the Hun Empire, during the bishopric in this city of Eulogius of Edes.
One of the soldiers fell in love with a local girl, an exemplary Christian and beautiful, Euphemia. The warrior asked her for the hand of the girl’s mother, Sofia, who was in widowhood. Sophia hesitated for a long time before allowing this marriage. Nevertheless, she blessed the union of the young with the condition that the goth swore an oath to respect and protect her daughter in the tombs of the holy martyrs of Edessa. The icon of Guria, Samon and Aviv then either was not written, or the widow did not have it.
Be that as it may, the goth took the oath that Sofia wanted to hear, and soon left Edessa with his young wife. But in his homeland, Euphemia had an unpleasant surprise. The husband was married. Of course, the pagan wife was not happy with the girl brought from the far south. When Euthymius was born a baby, a pagan poisoned him.
The girl collected the foam from the baby’s lips and added it to a glass of water for her husband’s first wife. The pagan died that night, and her relatives accused Euthymius of the murder. The living girl was laid next to the pagan woman for a joint burial, but the Christian, remembering the oaths taken by the Goth on the tomb, began to pray to the holy martyrs. In the process, the girl lost consciousness, and came to herself in a Christian church, in her hometown, near her mother’s house.
The news of the miraculous return of Euphemia quickly flew around Edessa, as well as about her misadventures. Got was not lucky, he again had to come to this city. Of course, the warrior, as soon as he ended up in Edessa, was exposed to oath-crime and executed. Thus, the icon “Guriy, Samon and Aviv” acquired the meaning that remains to this day.
How to pray in front of the icon?
Praying before the image must be sincere - this is the main and only condition, there are no others. If the icon of the martyrs Guria, Samon and Aviv is in the house, then you can contact the saints at any time. If there is no image in the house, then the time of prayers is limited by the schedule of the temple, in which there is an image. Words can be any, no need to memorize texts. Appeal to the saints must come from a pure heart.
Prayer example:
Holy Martyrs, Guri, Samon, Aviv! I come to you and call you witnesses, I pray for help and mercy, for intercession for me, a servant of God (proper name) before the Lord! Do not leave me in an unfortunate hour. Save my house. Save my family from evil and slander, from evil thoughts and dishonor. Keep away from anger and internecine warfare, from rage and violence. Do not let lose respect and piety, guide the true path in Christ and save from losing it. Amen.