Icon of St. Mary Magdalene - how to pray and what to ask for

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The most famous person not only in the Orthodox faith, but also in the Catholic faith, Mary Magdalene the Myrrh-Bearer. There are speculations and true facts about the life of this woman, which you will be interested to learn about from our article.

Disciple of Jesus Christ

The woman's name Magdalena comes from her place of birth in the city of Magdala, Syria. There is no information about the family, but before meeting Christ she led the sinful life of a harlot. Everyone knows the fact from the Bible when Jesus suggested throwing a stone at a woman to those who are sinless. According to legend, Christ cleansed the woman from evil demons, and she followed Christ as the myrrh-bearing wife.

Mary stood out among the women of Christ's teaching. She treated him with reverent love and tenderness. She was the only person who was close to Jesus when he was under guard. Love for the son of God was stronger than fear for his life.

Together with the Mother of God, the mother of Jesus, she stood at the crucified Christ on the cross. When his heart was pierced with a spear, Maria was visited by terrible heart and mental pain. The crucified body of Christ was wrapped in a shroud with incense according to Jewish custom and placed in a cave, and the entrance was surrounded by a large stone.

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Full texts in Russian

To ask the saint for help, both short prayers and an akathist are read.

Prayer

O holy myrrh-bearer and all-praised equal-to-the-apostles disciple of Christ, Mary Magdalene! To you, as the most faithful and powerful intercessor for us, sinners and unworthy God, we now earnestly resort to you and pray in contrition of our hearts. In your life you have experienced the terrible machinations of demons, but by the grace of Christ you have clearly freed them, and through your prayers you have delivered us from the snare of demons, so that in all our life we ​​may faithfully serve the only Holy Master God in our deeds, words, thoughts and secret thoughts of our hearts, as they were promised to Him. You loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all earthly blessings, and you followed Him well through all your life, with His Divine teachings and grace not only nourishing your soul, but also bringing many people from pagan darkness to Christ’s wonderful light; then, knowingly, we ask you: ask us from Christ God for the grace that enlightens and sanctifies, so that we, overshadowed by it, may succeed in faith and piety, in the labors of love and self-sacrifice, so that those who earnestly strive to serve our neighbors in their spiritual and physical needs, remembering the example of your love for mankind. You, holy Mary, have lived your life on earth cheerfully by the grace of God and have peacefully departed to the heavenly abode, pray to Christ the Savior, that through your prayers He will grant us the ability to complete our journey without stumbling in this vale of tears and in peace and repentance to end our life, and so Having lived in holiness on earth, we will be granted eternal blissful life in Heaven, and there with you and all the saints together we will praise the Indivisible Trinity, we will glorify the One Divinity, the Father and the Son and the All-Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

Akathist

Prepared by the Lord for equal-to-the-apostles service, Saint Mary Magdalene, you followed your beloved Christ: with the same songs we praise you with love; But you, who have great boldness towards the Lord, deliver us from all troubles with your prayers, so that with joy we cry to you:

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene, who loved the Sweetest Lord Jesus above all blessings.

Ikos 1

The Creator of angels and the Lord of hosts, foreknowledge of your good will, holy myrrh-bearer, chose you from the city of Magdala, freeing you from the devil’s snare; You, a faithful servant of the Lord, have appeared to this day, zealous for the glorification of His life and service. We, marveling at God’s vision of you like this, in the tenderness of our hearts, call to you:

Rejoice, you who were called from the Son of God from the darkness of the devil into His wonderful light; Rejoice, for by His grace you remained pure in body and spirit to the end.

Rejoice, having preserved spiritual poverty to the end with purity of heart; Rejoice, you who were privileged to behold the risen Christ above all others.

Rejoice, thou who has conquered the power of the enemy for good; Rejoice, you who shone forth with strong faith and warm love for Christ our God.

Rejoice, you who loved Christ the Savior with all your heart; Rejoice, you who served Him faithfully even to death.

Rejoice, thou who hast been renewed with grace in thy soul; Rejoice, you who have contained the preaching of the Gospel in the treasure of your heart.

Rejoice, you who proclaimed the preaching of the resurrection by the apostle; Rejoice, venerable angelic conversation.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene, who loved the Sweetest Lord Jesus above all blessings.

Kontakion 2

Seeing Holy Mary to be delivered from seven fierce demons, to cleave to the conqueror of hell to Christ God with all her heart, teaching all people not only with their lips, but also with all their lives to serve God, crying out to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

The human mind is perplexed, thinking, from what troubles, to the height of an angelic life, by the grace of Christ, you ascended, worthy of praise to Mary Magdalene. In the same way, we, who are your good intercessor, warmly pray to you: deliver us from the abyss of sin, so that we cry out to you in love:

Rejoice, you who escaped the cruel slavery of demons; Rejoice, you who have exposed the flattery of crafty demons.

Rejoice, having taught everyone to run to Christ God in the adversity of the enemy; Rejoice, causing no one to despair in the great sinful sorrow.

Rejoice, having shown the path to holiness to all sinners; Rejoice, thou who has known the omnipotent power of the grace of Christ.

Rejoice, good teacher worthy of thanksgiving to God; Rejoice, faithful teacher of true praise of God.

Rejoice, in your life you showed us the right path of the earthly course; Rejoice, good intercessor for all sinners before God.

Rejoice, protector of our souls from satanic flattery; Rejoice, our warm intercessor for Christ in all sorrow.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene, who loved the Sweetest Lord Jesus above all blessings.

Kontakion 3

By the power of Divine grace, coupled with your good will, you sadly left your father’s house, like Abraham of old, and joyfully followed Christ God; We also pray to you, disciple of Christ, glorious Mary, with your prayers, enlighten our hearts with love for God, and now and ever we cry out to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having the power God-given to you, you courageously rejected Mary Magdalene, the red one of this world, and like a good disciple, you truly served the Word that was impoverished for us with much mercy. For this reason, we cry out to you with tenderness:

Rejoice, good disciple of Christ; Rejoice, teacher of true love for God.

Rejoice, you who have known the vanity of this world well; Rejoice, you who courageously rejected his joys.

Rejoice, red one who has imputed nothing to the world; Rejoice, you who have shown the monastic rite a good path of life.

Rejoice, you who guide everyone to Christ God; Rejoice, you who came forth from your earthly home for works of mercy.

Rejoice, having found Christ’s mercy here and in Heaven; Rejoice, for you have achieved eternal bliss.

Rejoice, wise lamb, who ran from the evil wolves to the good shepherd Christ; Rejoice, you who entered into the fold of His verbal sheep.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene, who loved the Sweetest Lord Jesus above all blessings.

Kontakion 4

A storm of demonic rage rushes with great force towards the temple of your soul, holy Mary, but it is not possible to shake it completely: for you have found salvation on the firmament of faith, the stones of Christ, on which you, wise woman, standing motionless, teach all the good God to sing the song: Alleluia .

Ikos 4

Hearing, God-wise Mary, because in following Christ you have found true joy of heart, truth, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, we strive to appear as partakers of this Kingdom of God. To you, as a partaker of that existence and who showed us the way to it, with your whole mouth the following:

Rejoice, thou who has loved the heavenly sweetness of Jesus; Rejoice, having found true life in Christ.

Rejoice, you who faithfully showed us the same image; Rejoice, you who now live forever in heavenly joy.

Rejoice, you who eat the heavenly food; Rejoice, having kindled the fire of love for God in your heart.

Rejoice, O Christ God, as His faithful and beloved servant; Rejoice, diligent prayer book for us to God.

Rejoice, helper in our troubles; Rejoice, our kind and gentle teacher.

Rejoice, most holy dwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene, who loved the Sweetest Lord Jesus above all blessings.

Kontakion 5

The God-bearing star, accompanying Christ, the glorious Mary, you appeared in the midst of the myrrh-bearers. With them now I will bring forth the coming Holy Trinity, and unite us with your prayers to the sacred face, illuminating the dark path of our life with your light, so that we joyfully cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Seeing, holy Mary, Christ God hanging on the cross, you showed wondrous courage: for many disciples left their Teacher; But you, having kindled your soul and thought with His incessant divine teachings, you overcame the weakness of your female nature and thus you partook of Christ’s more salvific passion. For this reason, we, your valiant courage visible, cry out to you:

Rejoice, wise women are beauty and fertilizer; Rejoice, good joy to all Christians.

Rejoice, Christ God, hanging on the cross, compassionate; Rejoice, you who showed us the way more unshakably than love for Him.

Rejoice, having gained great boldness through your love for us in your intercession with God; Rejoice, kindness and praise to women.

Rejoice, strong refuge for Christians; Rejoice, stronger than strong men.

Rejoice, wisest of the wise men of this world; Rejoice, for God has revealed His secret wisdom to you.

Rejoice, for God the Word Himself taught you true theology; Rejoice, you who loved Christ God more than your own life.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene, who loved the Sweetest Lord Jesus above all blessings.

Kontakion 6

By Your grace you healed the weak and made weak vessels strong, O Christ the King. The myrrh-bearing women stand courageously at Thy Cross and fearlessly proclaim the grace of the cross to everyone; The faces of the wise women, likened to the faces of angels, ardently, cheerfully cry out to the Trinity of Saints: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Seeking to be illuminated by the light of true understanding of God, when you saw God hanging on the Cross, you said tearfully, marvelous Mary: how can Life now accept free death? We, who lead your glorious enlightenment through the grace of the Holy Spirit, cry out to you:

Rejoice, you who mourned Christ crucified from the depths of your soul; Rejoice, having found eternal joy in the heavenly villages.

Rejoice, you who showed us the image of good crying; Rejoice, for you are our constant joy.

Rejoice, true consolation for all who mourn; Rejoice, as for Christ, for His sake, you suffered on earth.

Rejoice, for you are glorified with Him in Heaven; Rejoice, strong conqueror of all our enemies.

Rejoice, you are an ambulance in all our sorrows; Rejoice, for your memory is sweet to all Christians.

Rejoice, for your name is most honorable to the entire Church of Christ; Rejoice, true vine of Christ's grapes.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene, who loved the Sweetest Lord Jesus above all blessings.

Kontakion 7

Wanting to understand the all-conquering power of the Cross, until the end of Christ’s passion you stood at the cross of Spasov with other wives, glorious Mary. The Mothers of the Lord are painfully compassionate, so you cried out in bewilderment: what is this strange miracle? Let all creation suffer as you please. We, by the will of the Ascended Love, cry out to the Life-Giving Cross: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

Thou didst appear as a wondrous wife, blessed Mary, through thy love for Christ God: for she expressed her sorrowful sobs, falling to Him taken down from the Cross, and with pure tears thou didst wash His wounds. You also followed the noble Joseph and the truth-loving Nicodemus, to the tomb of Spasov with other holy wives you flowed, weeping, His Immaculate Mother weeping inconsolably, you passed through her soul with a fierce weapon, comforting. We, who know such valor of yours, humbly cry out to you:

Rejoice, you who washed the pure wounds of Christ with your tears; Rejoice, O Mother of That Most Immaculate One who had compassion.

Rejoice, you who did not leave Christ even to the grave; Rejoice, thou who has been placed in the grave of a Life that has matured in bewilderment.

Rejoice, our good teacher, tears of repentance; Rejoice, teaching us to wash away those tears of sinful defilement.

Rejoice, you who encourage us to soften our hardened hearts; Rejoice, you who showed us the image of true wisdom.

Rejoice, you who teach us to remember the passions of Christ; Hail, glorious Mary, together with the Immaculate Virgin Mary, our faithful intercessor.

Rejoice, good servant of Christ; Rejoice, O Lord, and not pleasing to man.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene, who loved the Sweetest Lord Jesus above all blessings.

Kontakion 8

It is strange, God-wise Mary, when the burial of the life-giving Life-Giver appeared to you to all: He was wounded by love, even to the present darkness, to His tomb you brought myrrh and shed tearful aromas. In the same way, you are now in the fragrant villages of paradise, with angelic faces crying out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

All the sweetness, all the joy, all the life to you was Jesus, holy Mary, For this sake, having seen the stone taken from the tomb, But not having found this, you flowed weeping to the living stone of faith Simon and the other disciple whom Jesus loved, painfully saying: having taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where he laid Him. Now you, having been freed from that sorrow, rejoice with Christ forever in Heaven. We on earth are filled with such joy through your prayers, we cry out to you with tenderness:

Rejoice, having conquered the darkness of the night with the radiance of your love for Christ; Rejoice, you who taught us night vigil in prayer.

Rejoice, shone with eternal light in Heaven; Rejoice, having purchased the Kingdom of Heaven through spiritual poverty.

Rejoice, for through your sorrow over the passion of Christ you have found abundant consolation; Rejoice, meek woman, heir to the land of Heavenly Paradise.

Rejoice, you who have hungered and thirsted for the righteousness of Christ, for you are now satisfied with the Heavenly table; Rejoice, merciful one, having received the mercy of the Lord and earnestly asking for His pardon.

Rejoice, for now, as pure in heart, you see God face to face; Rejoice, for you have been vouchsafed above all others to see the resurrection of Christ, the Eternal World.

Rejoice, expelled righteousness for the sake of Christ, for yours is the Kingdom of God; Rejoice, having gained eternal joy and much reward in Heaven.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene, who loved the Sweetest Lord Jesus above all blessings.

Kontakion 9

Every order of angels marveled at the great mystery of Your glorious resurrection, O Christ the King; Hell was in awe, seeing that you had descended into the underworld of the earth and crushed the eternal faiths that contained the bound ones, Christ. We rejoice with the joy of the myrrh-bearing women and cry out with joy: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The waving tongues of many things are not sufficient to adequately express your great sorrow, O glorious Mary, when you stood outside the tomb weeping. Who will be able to solve the illness of your soul, when you did not find your beloved Lord in the tomb more than the life of your beloved? Your sad heart is unable to heed the consolation of the bright angels. Remembering your great sorrow with tenderness, we sing to you like this:

Rejoice, to see Christ Jesus leaning into the cave; Rejoice, now seeing Him on the Throne of Glory.

Rejoice, thou who hast seen the bright celestial beings still existing on earth; Rejoice, from those who received the voice of joy of the resurrection of Christ.

Rejoice, for now you rejoice with them forever; Rejoice, you who brought myrrh to Christ through love.

Rejoice, thou who hast flowed sweetly into the fragrant peace of Christ; Rejoice, you who have rejected the joys of the sinful world and bitterness.

Rejoice, thou who has loved the heavenly sweetness of Jesus; Rejoice, good summer-bush of the garden of Jesus.

Rejoice, fruitful vine of the garden of God; Rejoice, the most adorned temple of the All-Holy Spirit appearing.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene, who loved the Sweetest Lord Jesus above all blessings.

Kontakion 10

Although thou didst descend immortally into the grave to save the world, thou didst destroy the power of hell and rose again as a conqueror, O Christ God, who said to the myrrh-bearing women: Rejoice. With them we now bring a song of joy to Ty: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

The walls of stone became solid, your love for Christ who loved you, the glorious myrrh-bearing Mary Magdalene. Moreover, you were the only one who saw before and our Life rose from the grave. You did not expect the heli-grader to be, and you cried out to Him, forgetting the weakness of nature: “If you took Him, tell me where you laid Him, and I will take Him.” But show Him the sweet voice of the Teacher, and teach us the herald:

Rejoice, thou who hast risen first and beheld the true Vertogradar; Rejoice, thou who art settled in the heavenly city.

Rejoice, you who are now feeding on the grapes of God’s grace; Rejoice, rejoicing in the wine of heavenly joys.

Rejoice, for your love for God has conquered your nature; Rejoice, for you have taught us the zeal of God to eat.

Rejoice, you who first received the broadcast of the resurrection from the lips of Christ; Rejoice, you who first proclaimed the words of joy as an apostle.

Rejoice, having found eternal joy in Heaven; Rejoice, for you call us to that joy with you.

Rejoice, for you have interceded with God on our behalf; Rejoice, for you bring warm prayers for us to Him.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene, who loved the Sweetest Lord Jesus above all blessings.

Kontakion 11

Not a single word is sufficient to sing the divine joy of the resurrection of Christ, even with other wives, the glorious Mary, the apostle to proclaim on this appointed and holy day, a feast of feasts and a triumph of triumphs. Moreover, before the greatness of Your ineffable bounties, O Christ the King, who were upon us, bowing, with humility and love, we call You: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

You appeared as a luminous star to the sinful world, Mary Magdalene, when, after the glorious Ascension of the Savior, cities and weights were passing away and proclaiming the word of the Gospel everywhere, you bowed many under the good yoke of Christ. Having reached even ancient Rome, you courageously appeared before Tiberius Caesar and with that image of a red egg and with wise words you understood the life-giving power of Christ, but you denounced the wicked Pilate and the godless bishop, so that for their lawless deeds they will accept worthy, marveling at such a feat of your apostleship, joyfully we cry out to you:

Rejoice, glorious evangelist of Christ’s teachings; Rejoice, radiant chaser of pagan darkness.

Rejoice, you who have resolved the sinful bonds of many people; Rejoice, having taught everyone the wisdom of Christ.

Rejoice, you who have led many people from the darkness of ignorance into the wonderful light of Christ; Rejoice, you who showed us the image of standing firmly for the truth of Christ.

Rejoice, you who loved the salvation of the souls of sinners more than your own life; Rejoice, you who have understood the commandments of Christ well.

Rejoice, you who followed faithfully; Rejoice, you who boldly exposed the darkness of the pagans.

Rejoice, thou who was not afraid of Caesar’s wrath; Rejoice, you who showed the malice and deceit of Christ’s enemies.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene, who loved the Sweetest Lord Jesus above all blessings.

Kontakion 12

Abundantly filled with grace from God, you brought many souls to Christ, O glorious Mary, for this reason you came to Ephesus, where you served apostolic love with the Apostle for the salvation of man, and reposed in a blessed dormition to the Lord, and now you will take him out with numerous heavenly singers to eat: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing your praiseworthy life on earth and the glory that is in Heaven, we joyfully glorify, sing and magnify the wondrous Heavenly King in our saints, for not only you yourself, holy Mary, rejoice in His grace in the villages of the righteous, but also make us glad on earth, Having left us the valuable myrrh of your relics, even the wise King Leo commanded to bring the city from Ephesus to Constantine. You and we, as if we exuded boundless grace with love flowing to all who flow, with faith and love mentally kissing, touchingly sing to you like this:

Rejoice, you who burned with love for Christ on earth; Rejoice, you who have taken up residence in Heaven in the heavenly abode of Him.

Rejoice, firm intercession of the faithful; Rejoice, fragrant myrrh, fragrant Church.

Rejoice, golden censer, bringing incense of prayer for us to God; Rejoice, endless source of healing.

Rejoice, inexhaustible treasure of God's grace; Rejoice, faithful partner of the angelic faces.

Rejoice, glorious inhabitant of the heavenly palaces; Rejoice, for your reward is abundant in Heaven.

Rejoice, for your joy is eternal in the abodes of the saints; Rejoice, for you have given us joy, and you have interceded for grace and glory.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene, who loved the Sweetest Lord Jesus more than all the blessings.

Appearance of Christ to Mary

When the devoted student went the next day to the burial place, she did not see the body of Christ, but only the shroud. She began to cry bitterly and two angels appeared to her, and a man, a gardener, stood behind her. Mary did not recognize Christ in him, and only when he turned to her with the question of why she was crying, she realized that Jesus was in front of her in a different form.

This is how Christ appeared to Mary Magdalene after the resurrection. He told her not to touch him, but to go and tell everyone about the resurrection of the Son of God. After this, Mary set off with others to preach the teachings of Christ; her path lay in Italy, inhabited by unbelievers.

She told the story of the resurrection to the Emperor of Italy Tiberius. He didn’t believe it, then she took the egg with the words “Christ is Risen”; it turned red. This is how the custom of painting eggs on the Saturday before Easter appeared in the Orthodox world.

Description

Icons with a variety of images of the saint have survived to this day. In the classical interpretation, she is depicted with a vessel containing precious ointment. He is in her hands or standing near her feet. There are other images:

1. With an Easter egg.
2. With her hair down.
3. In the group of patron saints of the family of Tsar Boris Godunov. This is explained by the special veneration of the icon by Queen Mary.
4. Paired with Saint Alexander Nevsky. The thing is that they were the main patrons of the imperial couple - Alexander III and Maria Fedorovna.

In Western European iconography you can find images of a saint washing the feet of Jesus. The penitent Mary Magdalene is another famous image. On this icon the saint is depicted as a hermit living in a cave, constantly praying to God.

Western artists often paint her sobbing at the foot of the Cross or supporting his legs during the “Entombment.” She is present on various icons among the women who came to anoint the body of Jesus, but discovered an empty tomb and an angel who told them about the resurrection.

Saint's relics

When the saint reached old age, she settled in the city of Ephesus, which became the burial ground for a follower of the teachings of Christ. In Ephesus, she assisted the Apostle John the Theologian in preaching. The relics were taken to Constantinople, then to Rome.

Currently, you can bow at the holy remains in Paris, in four monasteries on Mount Athos and in Jerusalem. However, the Orthodox Church cannot give an exact answer as to where the relics of Mary Magdalene are. Catholics are convinced that they are kept in France. The holy basilica is located in the city of Vézelay. The remains were subsequently moved to the city of Saint-Maximin-la-Saint-Baume. According to Catholics, the saint lived in Marseille for the last years of her life.

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Catholics celebrate the feast of Mary Magdalene on July 22, in the new style on August 4, and Orthodox people on the second Sunday after Christ's resurrection.

Interesting Facts

The following facts are associated with the name of the saint:

• In the New Testament, Mary Magdalene is mentioned thirteen times.
• Worshiped shrines associated with Mary include not only relics, but also hair, blood and even chips from the coffin.
• Some sources believe that Mary was the wife of Jesus. According to this legend, they even had virginally conceived children. According to one version, this was the ancestor of the Merovingians, Joseph. According to another, in addition to Joseph there was also a daughter, Sophia or Sarah.
• There is a theory that in the icon called the “Last Supper”, next to Christ it is not John the Theologian who is depicted, but Magdalene.
• Mary is considered the best disciple of Christ.
• Many artistic paintings, songs, poems and literary works were created in honor of Magdalene. The saint wrote several prayers.
• The Faberge Egg was inspired by Easter traditions.
• In memory of the Equal-to-the-Apostles saint, the beautiful monastery of Mary Magdalene in Jerusalem remains. The church in this monastery was built under Emperor Alexander III on the initiative of Ivan Kapustin.

Prayer to Mary Magdalene

The holy woman triumphed over the fear of death and got rid of the vice of the prodigal woman.

What they pray to the icon for:

• prayers in front of the icon help to receive mercy for committed sins;
• repent before the woman’s icon for having an abortion;
• they pray for deliverance from harmful attachments and temptations, alcoholism, drug addiction, promiscuity;
• she is revered as the benefactor of hairdressers and pharmacists;
• They ask for protection from the evil eye, damage, and curses.

When should you celebrate Angel Day?

What date is Angel Day celebrated according to the Orthodox church calendar:

How does the icon of Mary Magdalene help?

Praying to the icon helps strengthen one’s belief. An icon is an image through which one addresses God. Information is transmitted through a system of signs. Orthodox Christians do not pray to the image on the icon; through it they communicate with the Saints with a penetrating sense of the reality of the spiritual world.

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A person can come with any request and pray to enlighten the mind and strengthen faith. Orthodox and Catholics pray in front of the icon.

How the icon helps:

• protects from bad attachments of alcoholism, drug addiction and dissolute life, mental illness;
• forgives sins for women committing abortion;
• protects against witchcraft and magical effects of damage, curses, evil people and enemies;
• forgives the seven deadly sins;
• The icon of Mary Magdalene is a symbol of repentance.

Among Catholics, Magdalene is considered the patroness of the family. Therefore, she is asked to strengthen marriages, give birth to healthy children, and resolve family disputes. She is also revered as the patroness of monasticism and brides. They ask for the conversion of non-believers to the faith of Christ.

The saint was honored to be the first to see the resurrection of Christ. According to legend, she suffered from demons that the Lord cast out. Having acquired strong faith, she followed Christ along with other followers. After the crucifixion of Jesus, she preached his teachings until her death, living in solitude and tranquility.

Orthodox and Catholics venerate her image in the icon and turn to her in any troubles in life with requests for strength and patience.

The Lord is always with you!

Who else was among the myrrh-bearing wives?

Saint Salome

Daughter of Joseph, betrothed to the Holy Virgin Mary, born from his first marriage. St. Salome was married to Zebedee and had two sons from this marriage, St. John the Evangelist and James. Together with other myrrh-bearing women, Salome served Christ when He was in Galilee. Evangelist Matthew, describing the suffering of the Lord Jesus on the cross, says that there were also many women there, watching from afar, who followed Jesus from Galilee, serving Him. Among them was the mother of the sons of Zebedee (Matt. 27:55-56). Along with other myrrh-bearing women (13), she also came to the tomb of the risen Lord and learned from the angels about His Resurrection and the command to inform the disciples that He had risen from the dead and “is going before you to Galilee: there you will see Him” (Mark 16:7 ).

Saint Joan

Saint Joan is the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward. When the head of John the Baptist was cut off, the murderers did not want to put the head of the Forerunner along with his body, fearing that he would not be resurrected; The disciples buried the body of the Forerunner in Sebaste, and the enemies hid the head in Herod’s palace. Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, who was a secret follower of Christ, learned about this. She secretly took the honest head and, putting it in a vessel, reverently buried it in Herod’s estate, on the Mount of Olives. The Holy Evangelist Luke in his Gospel, speaking about the passage of Jesus Christ through cities and villages to preach and evangelize, notes that some women followed Him, among whom he speaks of John, the wife of Chuza, the steward of Herod, who served Him with their property. (Luke 8:1-3). In addition, St. Evangelist Luke says that these wives followed Christ from Galilee to Jerusalem and at the crucifixion of the Lord they stood in the distance and looked at the crucifixion, at the tomb and how they laid the body of the Lord.

Saint Mary of Clopas

Maria Kleopova is the daughter of Joseph, betrothed to the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was married to Joseph's younger brother, Cleopas. She was still a girl when the Most Holy Virgin, betrothed to Joseph, entered his house and lived with this daughter of Joseph in tender love, like sisters. Based on this tender love, St. Evangelist John calls Mary of Cleopas the sister of the Mother of Jesus (John 19:25). She was honored to be present at the cross of the Savior and to hear the Divine adoption by the Lord of his beloved disciple to the Most Holy Theotokos. We have nothing in church traditions about the further life and death of Mary of Cleopas.

Saint Susanna

Only one evangelist, Luke, mentions Susanna, and only once: when he talks about the passage of the Lord Jesus Christ through cities and villages to preach and evangelize, then among the wives accompanying him he also names Susanna (Luke 8:3), as serving Christ from her estates.

Holy Mary, mother of James the lesser and Josiah

Three evangelists mention this wife - Matthew, when listing the wives who stood at the cross, calls her Mary, the mother of James and Josiah. Evangelist Mark mentions her twice: the first time when listing the wives who looked from afar at the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. He calls her Mary, the mother of James the lesser and Josiah. Another time, listing the myrrh-bearing women (14) who bought the fragrances, he also mentions Mary of Jacob. Finally, the Evangelist Luke, telling about the women who returned from the tomb of the risen Savior to the disciples to preach the good news about the Risen One, also mentions Mary, the mother of James (Matt. 27:56; Mark 15:40, 16:1; Luke 24:10) .