Saint Martha in the Gospel
But before moving directly to prayers, we will briefly consider the information that we know about it from the Bible. If you believe the Scriptures, Saint Martha lived in Palestine and believed in Christ even when he was alive. The first episode in the Gospel is associated with Jesus' visit to her home. While he was reclining and teaching heavenly wisdom, Martha was busy giving the teacher a treat. Apparently she needed help, and she asked Jesus to send Mary, her sister, who had previously shown no enthusiasm for the rules of hospitality and only sat near Christ and eagerly listened to his speeches, to help her. However, Jesus told Martha that there was no need for her to fuss about the rich meal, because spiritual food was the only thing they needed at the moment. And he set Mary as an example as having chosen a better path. Since then, Martha has become the personification of thriftiness, household chores, fussiness, active service and hospitality.
The second episode is connected with her brother, known today as the righteous Lazarus of the Four Days. The story began with the news that Jesus was brought that Lazarus was sick, and the sisters asked him to come and heal him. Jesus agrees, but sets off on the road to Bethany, where they lived, only the next day, hesitates along the way and finally arrives at the place when Lazarus had been lying buried in a cave for four days. Martha and Mary met him and complained that if he had come earlier, their brother would not have died. At the same time, they testified to their unconditional faith in Christ and his divine power. Christ ordered the cave to be opened, despite the smell of corpse decomposition, and commanded Lazarus to resurrect and come out of it. Bandaged in burial shrouds, Lazarus emerged alive and well. Both sisters - Saint Mary and Saint Martha - are revered as myrrh-bearing women.
Marta Vifanskaya
Saint Martha (Martha) of Bethany is revered in both Orthodox and Catholic Christianity. In both Churches there are biographies and images of the Holy Myrrh-Bearer.
Saint Martha (Martha) of Bethany
Story
The sisters Martha and Mary, as well as their brother Lazarus, lived in the village of Bethany, which is located not far from Jerusalem. They lived during the time of our Lord Jesus Christ, who stayed in their house before entering the holy city. Martha's name is mentioned three times in Scripture:
- One day, Martha and her family received the Savior in their home. The elder sister, trying to provide a hospitable welcome, fussed about the housework. The youngest girl, Mary, sat at the feet of the Son of God and listened to his speeches. Her sister turned to her with reproach, in response to which Jesus said that Martha was doing a lot, forgetting about the most important thing - caring for the soul.
- The second time the name of the holy Bethany virgin is mentioned is in the story of the resurrection of her brother Lazarus, who, through the prayer of the Lord, rose from the dead four days after physical death.
- The third mention of her appears in the story of the earthly death of Jesus Christ. Martha is mentioned among the myrrh-bearing women who brought incense to the body of the Savior.
After the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Bethany virgins and their brother went to preach His word throughout the world. In the Orthodox tradition, they settled on the island of Cyprus, where Lazar took the rank of bishop of the city of Kition. There is no description of the date of Martha's death in sacred texts and biographies.
Reverence
Saint Martha of Bethany was canonized immediately after the completion of her earthly journey. She is the patroness of:
- family and home;
- people whose activities involve cleaning;
- cooks and waiters.
Prayer to Saint Martha
Now we give the text of the first prayer. In fact, Martha is traditionally revered along with her sister. Therefore, in this case, the object of prayer is both Saint Mary and Saint Martha: “Holy and all-praised disciples of Christ, who loved God, Martha and Mary! Pray to Christ, whom you loved and who loved you, so that he would give us sinners forgiveness of sins and firm standing in the Orthodox faith without any hypocrisy. Place in our hearts the spirit of fear of God, trust in him in humility, patience and mercy towards our neighbors. With the help of your prayers, deliver us from everyday temptations, all kinds of troubles and troubles. We, having lived a quiet and serene life here, with immaculate thoughts and a pure heart, in the boldness of faith and with hope, will appear at the Last Judgment. And, having received a good answer to it, we will be granted eternal joy in the kingdom of heaven. Amen".
Thus, the ministry of representatives and intercessors is the main one, which, as Christians believe, is performed by Saint Mary and Saint Martha. The prayer that will be given below is somewhat different from this option. This applies to both meaning and structure, since in fact it is a whole rank. And in it the main task that Saint Martha performs is the fulfillment of desires. This can be any request that is consistent in spirit and morality with Gospel values.
Iconography
In Orthodox iconography, there are several types of iconography of the Holy Righteous Virgin of Bethany.
Icon of Saint Martha
- A multi-figure composition depicting myrrh-bearing women. Righteous Martha is depicted in full growth, dressed in a golden undergarment with a blue maforium on her head. In her hands she holds a vessel with incense.
- Often in Orthodox churches you can find an image in which the holy Bethany sisters are depicted together. As in the multi-figure icon, the head of the eldest maiden is covered with a blue scarf.
- On an individual icon, the holy virgin is depicted wearing a blue head veil. In her right hand she holds a cross. And in the left palm there is a vessel. In some cases, the jug of liquid is missing and the palm is pressed to the chest.
Read about holy women in Orthodoxy:
- Day of the Myrrh-Bearing Women
- Holy Women Equal to the Apostles
Interesting: according to one version, Martha and Mary of Bethany suffered martyrdom in Crete, which is why some images bear the signature “Holy Martyr Martha.”
Saint Martha: prayer for the fulfillment of a wish
The authors of this prayer insist that the entire rite must be read once a week, on Tuesdays, for nine weeks in a row. In this case, your wishes will come true. It must be said right away that although this is a relatively common prayer in some circles, it is still not related to Christian organizations. Neither the Catholic nor the Orthodox churches have or bless this practice, the authorship of which belongs to a famous Russian witch. In this rank, the addressee is exclusively Saint Martha. The prayer for the fulfillment of desire in this version is given below. You need to read it once.
Marfa Tsaritsynskaya
In Orthodoxy, several saints with the name Martha or Martha are venerated , but Blessed Martha of Tsaritsyn is especially famous. The latter can be considered a “unique” person: she was born at the end of the century before last, encountered miracles all her life, left behind many interesting prophecies, but her biography is replete with blank spots and speculations.
Even her real last name is unknown (according to some sources, she is Medvedskaya); some researchers also question her name. This is due to the lack of any information in the newspapers of that time: all data was left by the blessed one’s contemporaries, the oldest of whom died more than fifty years ago.
She was born in Tsaritsyn (now Volgograd) in 1880 into a wealthy family and graduated from the local gymnasium. Martha was the only child in the family who grew up in parental love. Since childhood, she was pious and humble, loved to listen to the stories of pilgrims and even went with them several times.
Prayer to Saint Martha
“Oh Saint Martha the Wonderworker! I am turning to you in need of help. You, I know, will be my helper and support in my needs and temptations. I thank you and promise that I will spread this prayer. In humility and tears, I ask that you console me in my difficulties and troubles. In humility for the joy with which your heart was filled, I beg with tears: pray for me and my family. Grant that we keep God in our hearts and thus deserve intercession before the Almighty, first of all, in relation to the problem that worries me today (tell us about your request, desire). With tears, I beg you as a helper in all your needs: overcome all problems just as you overcame the snake before it lay at your feet.”
Miracles and predictions of the blessed one
During her lifetime, the blessed one often predicted the future, but she did it allegorically. Below are some of her predictions regarding the Inin family. In this family, Martha often spent the night in the barn with the goats:
- The saint once predicted a trip to Moscow for the eldest daughter, Lusha. Lusha replied that they had no relatives in Moscow, and there was no one to leave their family (husband and son) with. But Marfa repeated about the trip, adding that they had many relatives in Moscow, and they would meet their family there. Three weeks later, Lusha died of a heart attack, and a month later her husband and soon after her son died;
- Martha predicted a difficult but long life for the middle sister, Anna, and said that she would endure all the trials. The prediction came true;
- The saint did not advise the youngest, Evdokia, to get married. One day she even started chasing the girl with a broom, saying: “Where is your braid? Why did you cut it off?" Evdokia, crying, showed her whole braid, but blessed Martha meant girlhood, and by cutting it off, marriage. When Evdokia got married a few years later, her husband left her with a small child.
Saint Martha prayer
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Sometimes it happens that people want something very badly and in order to achieve what they want, they are ready to do anything: to make a deal with their conscience, to deception and tricks, to abandon their family and neglect their feelings.
So, some try and make every effort to achieve, while others simply wait for a miracle. Some achieve their results, but others may struggle and do everything possible, but in the end they will not get anything. So in such cases, it is recommended to turn to Saint Martha in prayer for the fulfillment of your desire.
Who is Saint Martha
There are a large number of saints who can help in achieving results, but the most common among them is Saint Martha.
Orthodox scriptures say that she lived at the same time as Christ. She knew him personally. She believed in his divine power even before his Resurrection. Often in Orthodoxy she is most often found as Saint Martha.
They say that she was one of the sisters. Martha and Maria were not alike. They were called the complete opposite.
Martha was constantly busy with the housework, trying to provide the guests with the best, and often busy herself with various household chores. At the same time, her sister constantly went to Christ’s sermons, forgetting about housekeeping.
Her worldview was based on the fact that everyday chores were petty and perishable before divine providence.
One day Martha decided to express her indignation about this to her sister in front of a guest. In response to such words, the Lord said that Mary was more concerned about the salvation of her soul, and did not fuss about many things.
The next memory of her was the episode with her brother Lazarus. One day Christ was far outside Bethany. At that time, Lazarus became very ill and Jesus did not have time to arrive to heal him. The patient died. The sisters had already begun to mourn him. But as soon as Christ returned, he resurrected the dead.
Often Martha is also called one of the myrrh-bearing women. She is considered the patroness of cooks, servants, waiters, and the entire household.
They read a prayer to Saint Martha and seek help from:
- healing,
- Enlightenment
- I wish you a speedy and successful marriage,
- The onset of a desired and long-awaited pregnancy,
- Household amulet,
- Fulfillment of desires,
- Resolving money issues
- Division of property
- Looking for work.
LiveInternetLiveInternet
Dear friend, you may have gained and achieved a lot in your life, but what about what you need for eternity? “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever does not believe in the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” (John 3, 36)
Prayer to Saints Martha and Mary.
Helps in healing any illness, in the most difficult trials of life, blesses for new deeds, helps in undertaking good deeds, in perseverance in the Orthodox faith.
Prayer
O holy and all-praised disciples of Christ, God-loving Martha and Mary! Pray to the Sweetest Jesus, whom you have loved and loved, Whom you have confessed in nature, Christ, the Son of God, that He may also grant us sinners forgiveness of sins and an unfeigned and firm standing in the right faith. Instill in our hearts the spirit of the fear of God, humble trust in God, patience and mercy towards our neighbors. Deliver us with your prayers from the temptations of everyday life, troubles and misfortunes, so that after living a quiet and peaceful life here, with immaculate thoughts and a pure heart, with the boldness of faith and hope, we will stand at that Last Judgment and, having given a good answer to it, eternal joys in the Kingdom of Heaven we will be worthy. Amen.
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Memory in the Orthodox Church June 4 (17), April 12 (25), April 24 (May 7),
in Catholic - July 22.
Akathist to Saints Martha and Mary, sisters of Lazarus
Christ in the house of Martha and Mary. Semiradsky G.I.,
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He stopped in Bethany. This village was located near Jerusalem, on one of the slopes of the Mount of Olives. There lived a pious family, which the Savior joyfully visited when he was in Bethany. Lazarus and his two sisters, Martha and Mary, always lovingly welcomed the Divine Guest into their home. This time, the owners were especially happy about the arrival of the Savior - after all, He had not visited them for a very long time. Both sisters tried to show respect to the distinguished Guest. Martha, who had a lively and active disposition, immediately began to take care of preparing the treat. Her sister Maria, a quiet and contemplative person, also took care of the dignified reception of the Divine Teacher. But Mary showed Him her love and respect differently. She sat in deep humility at the feet of the Savior and listened to His words.
Jan Vermeer van Delph.Christ in the House of Martha
and
Maria
.
Martha and Mary. 1598. Michelangelo de Caravaggio.
Jacopo Tintoretto. Christ in the House of Martha and Mary. (1567).
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Icon of the Righteous Martha and Mary at the feet of the Savior.
A different prayer (one woman praying, especially in a cell alone)
O blessed and holy women, who followed Christ God with faith and love and settled in the abode of the Heavenly Father! Now I, a sinner, (name) come running to you and humbly pray: teach me and help me to walk before God in your ways without stumbling and inherit eternal life with you.
O righteous Martha, who pleased Christ with your firm confession of faith, strengthen my weak faith. To serve the Lord and the brethren unfeignedly and diligently, help me to carry out my service uncomplainingly and with all my soul. Sometimes, in my sorrow, you called out to Christ for your sister, saying: The Teacher has come to eat and speaks to you. Now stand before me in this difficult hour of testing my faith and love and tell me in the depths of my heart that the Lord Jesus is coming invisibly, and through trials will draw me to Himself! Ask me, O holy mother, from our Lord for strength and strength, so that when I arise quickly, I will flow to Him, worship Him, and in His humble love I will find His peace and the salvation of my soul.
And you, O God-loving Mary, who have found at the feet of Jesus the only thing needed, pray to Him for the good part of those being saved and for me, a sinner, to improve. Having brought fragrant myrrh as a gift of thanksgiving to Christ the Giver of Life, now beg Him and my soul to give the ointment of prayer and repentance, tears, purity and good deeds, the fragrance, so that the Lord will come to my heart renewed by all these and create an abode for Himself.
To you, O holy righteous women, Martha and Mary, I fall and humbly pray: do not leave me in the days of difficult trials, lest I be tempted by the corruptible and red things of this world, especially in the bitter hour of separation of my soul from my body, present me and the common Master Beg ours to look upon me in the impoverishment of my strength with a merciful eye and, having forgiven all my sins, raise me to endless life in the blessed abodes of the Heavenly Father. Amen.
Troparion, tone 3
The God-loving sisters Martha and Mary, the most glorious, of the Righteous Lazarus, with a pure heart, loved Christ in your life by nature, the myrrh-bearing rites, and fearlessly confessed Him as the Son of God, for this reason you now reign gloriously in the abodes of the Heavenly Father with the Angels and all the saints. Pray, He was loved by nature, and we, sinners, may be strengthened in the faith and love of Christ and be worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven.
