The first centuries of Christianity are full of amazing stories of conversion and martyrdom - at the time the latter was often a consequence of the former. But people died joyfully, with the name of Christ on their lips. For them, this was a transition to the kingdom of God. The martyrs Cyprian and Ustinya, who are often depicted together on icons, also gave their lives for the faith.
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Brief Lives of the Martyrs
During the reign of the Roman Emperor Decius (III century AD), a strong magician, Cyprian, was known in Antioch. He selflessly served sorcery and gave himself up to the power of the dark emperor. For this he was given a regiment of demons as servants. At the end of his earthly life, the demons promised to make Cyprian himself a prince. Of course, the demons lied - fiery hell was prepared for them, and all the lies were aimed only at dragging away as many human souls as possible.
At the same time, the Virgin Justinia lived in the city. She was raised in a pagan family, but after learning about Christian teaching, she accepted the truth and turned her parents to the Savior. The girl devoted herself to serving the Lord, refusing to marry.
History of the holy righteous
A certain young man Aglaid fell in love with Justinia and wanted to marry her, but the girl, being faithful to her intention to keep herself pure for the sake of the Lord, refused him. Then the lover asked Cyprian to help him. Cyprian, with the help of demons, began to influence the girl: bad thoughts came to her, carnal passion was inflamed, she was tempted by flattery and deceit. But Justinia reflected all the demonic spells with fasting, prayer and the sign of the cross. The demons were put to shame and fled in shame.
Cyprian decided to take revenge on the Christian woman and sent a pestilence to the city and the girl’s house, but she trusted in the Lord, prayed, and the enemy attack stopped by the grace of God. People thanked and praised the Savior. Cyprian realized how wrong he was, repented, confessed to the bishop and gave all his books to magic to burn them. The former sorcerer received Baptism and changed his life. A year later he was ordained a priest and then a bishop. The pious life of St. Cypriana can be compared to the lives of the great Orthodox saints.
During the reign of Emperor Diocletian, persecution of Christians began. Cyprian and Justinia were imprisoned. Then Cyprian was hanged and his body was planed, and Justinia was beaten in the eyes and lips. After these torments, it was decided to throw the saints into a boiling cauldron, but the Lord protected them and they suffered no harm. As a result, Cyprian and Justinia were sentenced to death by sword.
Seeing how the innocent were brutally executed, the warrior Theoktist declared that he was also a Christian, and he was executed along with the martyrs. The Hieromartyrs Cyprian, Justinia and Theoctistus were executed in 304. The memory of the saints is venerated on October 15.
The story of the Holy Great Martyr Ustinya
The icon of Cyprian depicts not only the saint himself, but Ustinya is also represented on it. However, this woman's name was Justina. It is called Ustinya exclusively in Rus', among the people. During services, priests pronounce the name correctly. This woman was a Christian, and it was thanks to her, her influence, that Cyprian turned to the Lord, rejecting paganism.
What is known about her? Unfortunately, not so much. Only fragmentary descriptions of individual stages of her life have survived to this day. But thanks to this woman, many people learned about Christ; it is unlikely that her missionary work was limited to family members.
After Ustinya and her parents became Christians, matchmakers came to their house from one of the local rich men, whose name was Aglaid. He was refused, but the man was not going to give up. He turned to a local magician for help, ordering a love spell on the girl. This sorcerer was none other than Cyprian.
He did not refuse the “suffering groom” and began to cast a spell. But, to his great bewilderment, the girl was able to resist all the spells of prayer. At the same time, an epidemic of an unknown disease broke out in Antioch. Rumors spread throughout the city that the pestilence was caused by a disgruntled priest and sorcerer. People came to the house of Ustinya's parents to beg her to accept her fate and accept the marriage proposal. The future saint reassured them, promising to pray for an end to the disaster. The Lord heeded this prayer, the epidemic stopped.
After this miracle, many townspeople, including the failed magician Cyprian himself, accepted the Christian faith.
Description and meaning of the holy image
The saints are depicted on the icon together, in full height or waist-deep. Saint Cyprian is depicted in priestly vestments. He holds the Gospel in his left hand and blesses with his right. Justinia is depicted either in dark clothes, like a nun, or in a cloak. There are also options for depicting the martyr in a red, blue and green cloak. In most images she holds a cross.
There is also an icon on which saints are depicted in the center, and on the sides there are descriptions of their lives. There is an icon that depicts several periods at once, in particular, suffering and execution. So, the canvas combines:
- the torment of the saints in a cauldron, while the Angel of God covers them;
- beheading, execution;
- transference of the souls of martyrs by an Angel to the Lord.
Orthodox icons give grace to those who pray, saints hear appeals and help people. The opinion that an icon brings good luck to the house is a mistake and blasphemy. An icon is an image of saints; it cannot be perceived as a talisman.
Belt icon
Full size icon
Icon with Life
Hieromartyr Cyprian himself accepted holy Baptism
Soon many people began to glorify Christ, and Cyprian renounced the devil. Turning to the Christian bishop, he confessed and gave him all the books to be burned. Cyprian also asked for holy Baptism to be performed on him in order to become part of the Church of Christ.
Soon the life of Saint Cyprian improved; after baptism he was made a reader, then a subdeacon, and then a deacon. A year later he was ordained a priest. After some time he was made a bishop. He began to lead such a life that he became equal to many saints.
How does the icon of Cyprian and Ustinya help?
It is important to understand that help is given not by the icon itself, but by the saints and their grace. The disposition of the praying person, his thoughts, repentance, and sincerity are of great importance. A person can venerate an ancient miraculous icon, but not receive help if he came to the image for selfish purposes. And according to true faith, people receive help, protection and healing, even praying in front of modern paper pictures of saints.
Cyprian and Justinia are prayed for in the following needs:
- in case of demonic wiles;
- with sent witchcraft;
- for mental and physical illnesses;
- in the machinations of men;
- for tobacco, alcohol, drug addiction, gambling addiction.
It is important that when asking for help and protection from enemy power, a person himself stops serving demons. To free yourself from harmful influences, you need to keep God’s commandments, go to church, participate in the sacraments, perform a prayer rule, and observe fasts.
The saints are depicted together on the icon.
Prayers and an akathist are composed for the saints.
However, there is an opinion that reading the Akathist to Saints Cyprian and Justinia in the fight against evil spirits can sometimes be dangerous. Angry demons can bring down their anger on a person and harm him. Fighting an enemy force on your own without priestly blessing is dangerous. In the case of demonic machinations, you need to consult with your spiritual father, ignoring fear and the proud desire to start the fight on your own. The confessor will determine exactly how to pray and give a blessing for this.
Conversion of the Magus
But even here the Christian did not retreat - through her prayers, the Lord stopped the epidemic. Then many saw the power of Christ and began to glorify Him as the true God. Even the pagan sorcerer saw that he was doing terrible things. He immediately repented and came to the bishop to have him burn all his witchcraft books. The hagiographic icon of the martyr Cyprian shows this moment. Ustinya herself was very happy about the change that had occurred: repentance meant that the soul of the former sorcerer was now free.
There are many episodes in the Holy Scriptures when the wise men compete with the righteous. Those who confess the Lord have always won. But the wicked did not always convert to the true faith after this. Cyprian did the right thing by admitting his errors and receiving baptism. This requires wisdom and courage. The Lord blessed him for this with the gift of healing diseases. I accepted Christ and Aglaid into my heart.
Stories of miraculous help
There are many cases of help from holy martyrs through the prayers of Orthodox Christians:
- After an incorrect surgical intervention, a man lost his voice - his ligaments were damaged. It was impossible to restore them. The patient prayed to the saints with strong faith, and a day later his voice returned.
- The girl, suffering from obsession, went to the holy relics of the martyrs for about 20 years. During her first visit, she screamed and squirmed. The men had difficulty getting her to sit on the bench. But after a few days, visiting the relics, she began to behave more quietly, she did not need outside help to venerate the holy relics.
- A woman's teenage son has gone missing. The boy did not come home for several days, and organized searches were unsuccessful. The mother prayed before the image of the holy martyrs, and two days later her son was found in one of the hospitals. The boy had a head injury.
The memory of the saints is venerated on October 15
The story of Cyprian says that many people came to him for help
Cyprian's story says that people came to him for help with their troubles and problems. Cyprian, with the help of pagan gods and unclean spirits, settled the lives of many people.
One day a young man named Aglaid asked him for help. Aglaid had rich parents who did not deny their beloved son anything.
One day Aglaid saw a girl named Justina, and was so amazed by her beauty that he wanted to take her as his wife. But the girl was converted to the faith of Christ, and said that her fiance was Christ.
The martyr Justina believed in God and always prayed to him. Photo: 4spisok.ru
Prayer before the icon of Cyprian and Ustinya
Prayer to the Hieromartyr Cyprian
Holy servant of God, Hieromartyr Cyprian, quick helper and prayer for all those who come running to you! Accept this praise from us, the unworthy; ask the Lord God for strength in weaknesses, consolation in sorrows, and everything useful to everyone in our life; Offer your merciful prayer to the Lord, may he protect us from the falls of sin, may he teach us true repentance, may he deliver us from the captivity of the devil and all the activities of unclean spirits and tame those who offend us. Be a strong champion for us against all enemies, visible and invisible; give us patience in temptation and at the hour of our death show us intercession from the torturers at the aerial ordeals; May we, led by you, reach Mount Jerusalem and be honored in the Kingdom of Heaven with all the saints to glorify and sing the holy name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer to the Hieromartyr Cyprian and the Martyr Justina
Oh, holy martyr Cyprian and martyr Justin! Hear our humble prayer. Even though you naturally died your temporary life as a martyr for Christ, you do not depart from us in spirit, always following the commandments of the Lord to teach us and to patiently bear your cross to help us. Behold, boldness towards Christ God and His Most Pure Mothers has been acquired by nature. In the same way, even now, you will be prayers and intercessors for us, the unworthy (names). Be our intercessors of the fortress, so that through your intercession we may remain unharmed from demons, wise men and evil men, glorifying the Holy Trinity: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.
People suffering from demonic wiles come running to the image of Saints Cyprian and Justinia with prayer, asking for liberation and protection. The martyrs soon hear and help Orthodox Christians. But one should begin the fight against the enemy of the human race only by taking a blessing from the spiritual father.
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What should the icon look like? When are these saints remembered in church?
The day of remembrance of Cyprian and Ustinha is October 15. As for what the iconographic image looks like, they do not adhere to a single canon when representing these saints.
As a rule, their figures are depicted side by side, written out in the same proportions. The background can be simply gold or partially filled with fragments of scenes from the lives of saints. You can often find single images of St. Cyprian of Antioch in online stores. Before purchasing such an image, you need to go to church and consult with a priest, since both in the Orthodox tradition and in Western Christianity these saints are represented on icons only together.
What do they pray for in front of the icon?
People pray, asking for protection from magical forces, evil people and love spells. Prayers allow you to get rid of evil spirits, receive protection from temptations, and enlighten a person who practices black magic, fortune telling, and other similar things.
There are many prayers, but they can only be used with pure thoughts, and in situations where the help of saints is really needed. Any prayer is considered very powerful, but only if you read it from a pure heart.
Prayer is an important ritual used by believers. Each of them has its own meaning, but the goal is one - to be heard by God. While praying, a person should not be distracted by extraneous things. He must think only about his desire, and then it will come true.
Hundreds of people pray to the icon, asking for protection. Saints really only help people with pure thoughts.
Soulful teaching
Both Holy Scripture and the teachings of the Holy Fathers categorically forbid Christians from turning to various types of “secret knowledge,” which today are widely advertised and clothed in scientific terms.
Thus, when temptation increases, you should be especially attentive to yourself and not try to “lift” the forbidden veil. Indeed, even if we receive imaginary temporary relief in some critical situation, we will then find ourselves rejected from God’s help, both here and on the Day of Judgment. When we turn to Christ with faith and patience, we entrust ourselves to the Providence of God, and everything sorrowful and contrary over time turns to our benefit, as evidenced by numerous examples from the teachings of the holy fathers and Christian reading. Teachings of St. John Chrysostom about those who treat diseases with sorcery
In our life, when we encounter sorrows, or deprivation of property, or serious illnesses, God creates relief for us from eternal torment. When you fall into a severe illness, and many force you to go to sorcerers or wise men, you, trusting in God, remain patient, and this will bring you a martyr’s crown and deliver you from eternal torment, if, while suffering in illness, you thank God.
Why are we called Christians? Let us obey Christ and not go to the enemies of God - the magicians and sorcerers, for they are the enemies of God. It is better to die than to go to the enemies of God. What is the benefit of healing the body but destroying the soul? What profit is it to accept little consolation here, and then be sent into eternal fire and eternal torment? Listen to what happened before: King Johosiah fell ill and, leaving God’s help, turned to the wise men. God punished him with illness so that he would remember his sins. But he forgot God and turned to the idol Baal, and sent to ask his priests whether he would live. O great evil and lawless mind: he left God and sent to the Magi to ask about the time of his life. Then the prophet Elijah met the servants of Johozia and said to them:
Thus, brothers, death befalls those who turn to the Magi before their time. The holy apostles cursed sorcery, and the holy fathers also rejected them at the Councils, excommunicating for a long time from holy communion those who went to the sorcerers, and imposing heavy penances on them in order to be cleansed of sin.
Avoid, my beloved brothers, cursed sorcery, so that if you die before your time, you will not suffer eternal torment. But you will say: a severe illness weighs heavily on me. But you have not yet experienced what blessed Job previously received: he, having lost his flocks and oxen, and having been deprived of all his property, and after the death of all his children, did not blaspheme God, but said in patience: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away.” . And, suffering from an evil ulcer for seven years, he did not demand healing from sorcery, but said: it is better for me to die than to betray my faith to blasphemy.
Likewise, the paralytic, who lay ill for 38 years, did not call for doctors or send to sorcerers, but expected help from God. So Lazarus, greedy and sick, lay all the days of his life at the rich man’s gate, neglected and desecrated, and so he died, but did not seek the doctors.
What kind of mercy will we receive? They endured such illnesses, but we, even if we are a little ill, immediately call doctors and magicians to our home. O brothers, just as gold is tempted by fire, so a person is cleansed from sins by illness. Let us remember, brothers, apostles, prophets and martyrs, what suffering they endured: to the extent that someone is allowed troubles and illnesses in this age, so much greater reward does he receive in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Think, man, that sorcerers will not save you from illnesses, but you will only commit a great and cruel sin: having abandoned God, you will hasten to the demons, and what mercy will you receive from God? And how will you call on Him in prayers? Why are you destroying your soul? And how will you answer before God: when, for the sake of a minor illness, do you leave God and look for the Magi? How will you then get up in church and partake of the Holy Mysteries?
O man, if you gratefully endure illness, or any other troubles, then you will be crowned with the martyrs on that Day: they endured torment, but you gratefully endure illnesses and troubles. Glory to our God, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
(“Chrysostom”, lyrics 19, free translation).
Name day October 15
Anna, Stepan, Peter, Andrey, David, Konstantin, Fedor, Boris, Ivan, Mikhail.
Among the huge number of unique shrines that can currently be seen in ancient church monasteries, there are also those whose images clearly demonstrate the holy martyrs. One of them is the icon of Cyprian and Ustinya.
Story
According to an ancient Orthodox legend, Saint Cyprian was completely immersed in the world of magic and witchcraft from an early age. He tried to use his unique incredible magical abilities for good intentions, helping the sick and needy. Wandering around the world and gaining new life experiences, Cyprian discovered many picturesque beauties. However, ultimately, fate forced him to return to his hometown called Antioch. And at this time, one of the passing days, an unfamiliar but wealthy young man once came to him. He needed help from Cyprian in his matters of the heart. The young man demanded that he use his sorcerer’s abilities, forcing Ustinya’s feelings against her will. And this was not without reason. After all, the young girl Ustinya was unusually sweet and beautiful. However, from childhood she was completely devoted to the love of God, deciding to devote her life to Jesus Christ until the end of her days.
And in order for the girl to unwittingly fall in love with Aglaid, Cyprian sent many enchanted demons and evil spells on her. However, true love for God was able to completely protect the young girl from the evil spirits of the magician. Then, Cyprian decided to make a second attempt to realize his sinister and illegal plan. He brought a terrible disease into the city, from which it was impossible to get rid of.
Many people began to get sick with it, but despite this, Ustinya still believed that sooner or later, the Lord God would hear the prayers of believing citizens and would definitely help them survive terrible adversities
This is how it all happened, after Ustinya prayed, the Almighty heard her and again saved her from terrible troubles. After this phenomenon, Cyprian fully realized the true power of God, recognizing his power above any, even the most powerful, spells. And as a sign of admiration and respect for the great Orthodox power, he forever accepts the Christian faith and subsequently, together with Ustinya, takes part in its spread.
It is important to note that on the icon of Cyprian and Ustinya, the biblical heroes are depicted on the shrine together, standing next to each other. At the same time, on some compositions you can see one active image from those presented above
An example is the icon of St. Cyprian.
How does the icon of Cyprian and Ustinya help?
The significance of the icon of Cyprian and Ustinya is extremely great. Since ancient times, many Russian Orthodox people have turned to her. For some believers, this shrine reliably protects the home. The icon helps to cope with various illnesses, resolve conflict situations with certain ill-wishers, and make peace with lovers, leaving behind a long quarrel.
Holiday
The icon of Cyprian and Ustinia is especially revered on the day of celebration.
According to ancient church customs in honor of the memory of the two saints, it is held on October 15.
On this day, people remember the long history of the two martyrs, as well as their great deeds that were accomplished in the name of the Lord God.
Prayer to the icon of Cyprian and Ustinya
Prayer is an important and obligatory ritual used by believers while in sacred Orthodox churches. Each of the existing prayers has its own special purpose, which, if handled correctly, allows people to be heard by the Lord God himself. Being in front of the icon of Kupriyan and Ustinya, people pray, first of all, with the goal of getting rid of damage.
The text of the prayer reads as follows:
Oh, most holy martyrs, Cyprian and Ustinya! Hear our prayers. Protect from the evil demons that have settled in our souls. Get rid of the magic that destroys our lives. Protect us from troubles and misfortunes. For during your life you dedicated yourself to the Lord, dying for the faith. So become our intercessors, do not let the demon lead us astray from the righteous path. Show us the true path to Christ. We will not stop praying to you. And until the end of our lives we will remember all the good deeds that you have done. Pray before the Lord for our sins, for we repent. Become our wall and amulet from all the evil that was happening in the world! Get rid of witchcraft and magic. May we praise you, O Great Martyrs. And we will glorify your names. Forever and ever. Amen.
Fact 1. Cyprian began studying witchcraft from the age of seven and devoted more than 20 years to it
Cyprian, the famous sorcerer and philosopher, came from Carthage and lived in Antioch during the reign of Decius. Coming from wicked parents, he was dedicated by them as a child to serve the pagan god Apollo. For seven years he was given to sorcerers to learn sorcery and demonic wisdom.
Upon reaching the age of ten, he was sent by his parents to prepare for priestly service on Mount Olympus, which the pagans called the home of the gods; there were countless idols in which demons lived. On this mountain, Cyprian comprehended various demonic transformations, learned to change the properties of the air, induce winds, produce thunder and rain, disturb the waves of the sea, harm gardens, vineyards and fields, send diseases and ulcers to people. He saw there countless hordes of demons with the prince of darkness at their head, whom some stood before, others served, others exclaimed, praising their prince, and others were sent into the world to seduce people. There he also saw pagan gods and goddesses in many images, as well as various ghosts and apparitions, which he learned to summon during a strict forty-day fast; After sunset he ate, and not bread or any other food, but oak acorns.
When he was fifteen years old, he began to listen to the lessons of the seven great priests, from whom he learned many demonic secrets. Then he went to the city of Argos, where, after serving the goddess Hera for some time, he learned many seductions from her priest. He also lived in Tavropol, serving Artemis, and from there he went to Lacedaemon, where he learned to use various sorceries and induction to call the dead from their graves and make them speak. At the age of twenty, Cyprian came to Egypt and in the city of Memphis he studied even greater sorcery and sorcery. In his thirtieth year he went to the Chaldeans and, having learned stargazing there, completed his studies, after which he returned to Antioch, being committed in every crime.
Meaning: what does what is depicted on the icon mean?
Cyprian and Justina are located on the icon together, and stand side by side. But there is also a version of the icon when only one of the saints is located on it.
The meaning of the icon is that the saints depicted on it are protectors from misfortune, damage and all sorts of negative manifestations. Many people pray to ask for help related to magical matters.
Saints are able to protect a person, his home, his family from ill-wishers. They will help you cope with illnesses, resolve conflicts, and make peace with your family after a quarrel.
