Patron saints and intercessory icons by date of birth

In the modern world, few people honor the traditions of their ancestors. For example, at the birth of a baby, he is given a name in honor of his grandfather, grandmother or favorite book character, famous actor, singer. But choosing a name is a very important moment in anyone’s life; one might say it has a sacred meaning. After all, it is then that your baby receives a patron saint forever. They are identified either by date of birth or by the same name as a child (or adult).

About the author About the book

In the article we will explain how to find out which saint is “yours”, what is the difference between the Guardian Angel and the heavenly patron, how name days differ from birthdays, and we will give a lot of other useful information.

From December 22 to January 20

Born

during this period,
Saint Sylvester
and
Saint Seraphim of Sarov
(you can pray to him for the granting of love for yourself and for your loved ones).

Those born from December 22 to January 20,

will be protected by
the “Sovereign” icon of the Mother of God
.

Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Sovereign” they pray for the health of their relatives, a speedy recovery from illness, healing from mental trauma, helping lonely people find a faithful life partner, unfeigned love for each other, heartfelt joy, peace, truth, help with serious financial problems , peace in the country, salvation from the invasion of troubles and wars, pacification of enemy malice, protection of the throne and state.

Help from a guardian angel

6 – your rainbow Guardian Angel.

Such angels take people with creative abilities as their wards. People of creative professions are more often than others subject to sudden changes in mood, from inspiration to complete despondency. The rainbow angel saves from melancholy, disperses depression, and often it is he who inspires his ward to new creativity.

7 – your Guardian Angel is energetic.

This angel is very active and wants to constantly be in contact with his ward. However, he is very touchy and changeable. In order not to lose him, do not forget to always thank the angel for everything good that happens to you. In the same way you can establish contact with him.

8 – your Guardian Angel is a deceased close friend or relative.

After death, this person decided to become your patron. This angel knows the character of his charge well, he is always ready to help, he is merciful. In order to establish a connection with him, a person needs to honor the memory of a friend or relative who decided to take him under his wing, he needs to be thanked and prayed for.

9 – your Guardian Angel is warm.

Such an angel always treats his charges very kindly, he knows how to inspire optimism in people. Such a person is in harmony and happiness thanks to the protection of his warm angel.

From January 21 to February 20

If you were born during this period, then pray to Saints Athanasius and Cyril

. They are asked to have pious thoughts and not give up their minds.

Those born from January 21 to February 20 will be protected by the icons of the Mother of God “Vladimir”

and
"The Burning Bush".

Icon of the Mother of God " Vladimir"

“helps to find the true path, make the right decision, reconciles those at war, softens people’s hearts, helps strengthen faith, gives strength in a difficult period of life, heals from bodily ailments, protects from enemies, and also promotes a happy marriage without quarrels and discord.

The Burning Bush icon is capable of protecting a home and people from natural disasters, from robbers and other criminals. She protects firefighters, doctors, military and pilots. In front of the Burning Bush icon of the Most Holy Theotokos they pray for deliverance from fires and lightning, for healing of physical and psychological ailments, for deliverance from committed sins, from rash actions, and for protection in battle.

What are name days

Few people think about why a person is called a birthday boy on his birthday. Long years of godless Soviet power almost erased from people's memory the customs that their grandfathers and great-grandfathers observed. Modern people confuse the concepts of “birthday” and “name day”. But this is not the same thing at all.

A birthday is the date on which a person was born. Today it is customary to celebrate each year of life, especially highlighting “round” dates (multiples of 5 or 10). But the first Christians did not celebrate birthdays at all. They considered the most important day of transition to eternal life (that is, the death of man).
Name day - this particular date was solemnly celebrated in pre-revolutionary Russia. Among churchgoers you can also hear another name for it - namesake (this is where the word “namesake” comes from - a person who celebrates a name day on the same day, accordingly, bears the same name). This is a day of church veneration of one or another saint. Namely, your heavenly patron, who bore the same name during his lifetime. Today many people mistakenly call this date “angel day.”
A guardian angel is given to a person on the day of baptism, but the proper names of these inhabitants of heaven are not revealed to people. We know only a few from the Bible (for example, the Archangel Michael). The Orthodox Church honors all heavenly powers on one day.

Work as a courier at Yandex.Eda (up to 3,400 rubles per shift) leave a request →

Name days are mistakenly confused with Angel's Day. An angel is an incorporeal heavenly entity assigned to the soul by God to guide it on the true path.

So, name day is a day of church celebration of the memory of your patron saint. Quite often it does not coincide with the date of birth. But you will learn why this is so from the next section, which is devoted to the issue of choosing a heavenly intercessor.

From February 21 to March 20

Those born during this period pray to the holy Archbishop Milentius of Antichon

(they ask him for intercession before God and help in introducing virtues) and to
Saint Alexei.
Those born from February 21 to March 20 will be protected by the icon of the Iveron Mother of God.

If a person is overtaken by illness and misfortune, then he needs to turn to the Iveron Mother of God icon. They ask the Mother of God for intercession for themselves, for their loved ones, and even for their enemies. Before the Iveron Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos they pray for the healing of physical and mental ailments, for replenishment of reserves, for deliverance from various misfortunes, for consolation in troubles, for deliverance from grief and sadness in difficult circumstances, for protection of the home from unwanted visits, from fire , about the fertility of the earth. This image will help you find inner purity and peace of mind.

Is it possible to change the name after the Sacrament has been performed?

Photo: Hram-irtyshskij.ru
The name that a person receives at Baptism never changes (with the exception of becoming a monk). With him he passes into another life, therefore the baptismal name of the deceased is written in the funeral notes.

If you believe in damage, the evil eye, and want to change your name so that it is not brought upon you, then this is wrong and is not approved by the Church. “My holy martyr, I don’t want to suffer all my life,” some people think. “All these are superstitions,” explains Archpriest Konstantin Parkhomenko. Therefore, in such cases, the name given at birth remains the same at Baptism.

From March 21 to April 20

The heavenly patrons of those born during this period were Saints Sophronius

and
Innocent of Irkutsk
, as well as
George the Confessor
(they pray to him for deliverance from illnesses and pains).

Those born from March 21 to April 20 ask for protection from the icon of the Kazan Mother of God

They pray to Our Lady of Kazan for the cure of any bodily ailments, for spiritual insight, for finding the right path, for support in difficult life situations, for guidance and consolation, for blessing the young for marriage, for improving relationships in marriage, for well-being, for protection children from misfortunes and sorrows, about deliverance from enemy attacks.

About icons - patrons

In Orthodox church shops you can buy a wide variety of icons. But in order to choose the one that is your personal one, you need to have accurate information:

know the name of the saint and by whom he is recognized (martyr, new martyr, blessed, righteous, etc.);
imagine how it should be depicted - the image should be written according to certain rules (canons);
decide in advance what size the icon is needed, and to do this, take measurements from your shelf. According to the rules of iconostasis design, the image of a saint cannot be larger than the image of Christ.

You can purchase a small sample to take with you on trips. It is also advisable to find a troparion and prayer compiled by the church for your patron saint. You can turn to the heavenly intercessor in any difficult situation, ask for help and assistance, like a close friend.

From April 21 to May 20

The patrons and intercessors of those born at this time are the Apostle John the Theologian

(he is approached with requests for increased intelligence in studies and love)
, Saints Stephen
and
Tamara
.

If your birthday falls between April 21 and May 20, the “Support of Sinners” icons

and
the Iveron Mother of God
.

Surety of sinners means Surety for sinners before the Lord Jesus Christ. In front of the icon “Helper of Sinners” they pray for strength to correct the spirit, for spiritual relief, for finding hope in the future, for the granting of repentance, for the healing of various physical and mental ailments, for the salvation of sinners. People turn to the icon in times of spiritual grief, despair, despondency, during family quarrels or troubles.

Choosing a patron saint by date of birth

Using the month word you can also search by date of birth. This makes the task much easier, especially if people are just starting church life. As a rule, the calendar contains several saints with the same name. In this case, you need to do a simple thing - choose the one whose celebration is closest to your birthday.

Please note that the list of righteous people is changing and being supplemented. At the beginning of this century, many new martyrs and confessors were canonized.
If a Christian was baptized before 2000, then the patron saint should be determined according to the calendar published earlier than this date.
If the baptism was carried out after 2000, then you can take a new edition.
Previously, a saint was chosen by the date of his baptism, but today they are more often guided by the day of his birth.

What to do if a person at birth received a name that is not in the calendar? You can choose any other or similar sounding one. For example, Jeanne can become Joanna.

From May 21 to June 21

Patron saints of those born during this period - Alexey

,
miracle worker and Metropolitan of Moscow
(they turn to him with prayers for family well-being and peaceful life) and
Constantine
.

Those born from May 21 to June 21 ask for protection from the icons of Our Lady “Seeking the Lost”

,
"Burning Bush" and "Vladimirskaya"
.

Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Seeking the Lost,” they pray for the blessing of marriage, for single girls to find a successful marriage, for the health and well-being of children, for liberation from vices, for perishing children, for the healing of illnesses and pains, from the disease of drunkenness, for the return of the lost to the Church. People who have lost all faith in anything good and have turned away from the Lord can also pray to the image.

In front of the Burning Bush icon of the Most Holy Theotokos they pray for deliverance from fires and lightning, for healing of physical and psychological ailments, for deliverance from committed sins, from rash actions, and for protection in battle.

Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Vladimir” they pray for making the right decision, for reconciliation of warring parties, for softening evil hearts, for marriage without quarrels and strife, for the healing of bodily and mental weaknesses, for strength in a difficult period of life, for protection from enemies, and also about the healing of the demoniac.

The faces of all saints on one icon

When a person wants to cope with mental anxiety or ask God for help, but does not know who to pray to, the Icon of All Saints, which has incredible power, will help.

It depicts Jesus Christ with the main saints. If you look at the icons of all the saints, at the photo and their meaning, it becomes clear that each hero or martyr depicted on it can be addressed with a prayer, depending on the problem in life:

As a rule, women turn to Matrona of Moscow in case of illness, family problems, troubles with children, and ask for a good husband. The workers of the land and the military ask for a good harvest and protection from the enemies of Alexander Nevsky. Archangel Michael is revered as the most important angel and guardian of paradise, helping to fight passions - drunkenness, drug addiction, unrequited love. When a person feels that he is too dependent on the material principle, he is overcome by gluttony, drunkenness and greed - he asks to save Saint Boniface from sin. John the Baptist helps get rid of mental illness, drunkenness and drug addiction. All those imprisoned or those in danger are protected by Anastasia the Pattern Maker. Everyone who needs victory on their life path - to pass an exam, win a competition, defend their point of view in business - turns to St. George the Victorious for support. They pray to the martyrs Guria, Avav and Samon for peace in the family, prosperity and an end to quarrels. John of Kronstadt helps in solving various everyday and family issues and indicates the correctness of actions. If the heart is filled with pain from adultery or suffers from love, they turn to Ksenia and Petersburgskaya with a plea for help. Nicholas the Wonderworker listens to the prayers of all those who ask, who find themselves in a difficult situation due to financial failures, debts, as well as travelers on their dangerous journey and those serving in the army. They turn to Elijah the Prophet when there is a danger of natural disasters due to water, when it is difficult to make decisions, and they ask for conflict resolution. They pray to Panteleimon the Healer for deliverance from mental and physical ailments. Those who have problems in business or controversial financial situations turn to Spyridon of Trimifuntsky, Seraphim of Sarov and the Martyr Varvara with a prayer. They ask Sergius of Radonezh to get rid of pride, to send down worldly wisdom, peace and justice.

You may find this article useful on how to remember a deceased person on his birthday.

From June 22 to July 22

The heavenly patron of those born at this time is Saint Cyril

. He is asked for protection from wicked teachings and help in acquiring knowledge.

Icons “Joy to All Who Sorrow”

and
the Kazan Mother of God
- intercessor of those born from June 22 to July 22.

When turning to the icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow,” it gives hope, brings consolation in sorrow, supports in difficult life trials, gives necessary benefits to those in need, heals physical and bodily illnesses, helps in difficulties at work and in family life, and protects merchants.

They pray to the Icon of the Kazan Mother of God for the cure of any bodily ailments, for spiritual insight, for support in difficult life situations, for finding the right path when the fire of faith weakens in the soul, for consolation and guidance in any sorrow and sadness, for the blessing of young people for marriage , about improving relationships in marriage, about protecting children from misfortunes and sorrows, about getting rid of enemy attacks. It also protects you from making mistakes and misfortunes, and also shows you the path to a good goal.

What should I do if my name is not in the monthly word?

Photo: Sofrino.ru
A person who wants to be baptized and was not named by his parents according to the calendar can choose his own name (priests recommend choosing names that are consonant, for example, Alena - Elena, Ilona - Ilaria, Lilia - Leah). The choice is made taking into account the date of birth or baptism, family traditions or personal sympathies. According to established tradition, Alice is baptized with the name Alexandra, in honor of St. passion-bearer Queen Alexandra (Romanova), who before accepting the Orthodox faith bore the name Alix (Alice).

Some names in the calendar differ from the sound we are accustomed to. For example, Ulyana - Juliania, Ivan - John, Victoria - Nika, Svetlana - Fotina or Fotinia, Denis - Dionysius, Julia - Julia.

The name Maria in the Russian Orthodox Church is given only in honor of saints and never in honor of the Mother of God.

From July 23 to August 23

Patrons and intercessors of the prophet Elijah

and
Saint Nicholas the Pleasant
protect those born during this period. Elijah the prophet helps in times of hunger, trouble and illness.

Those born from July 23 to August 23 are protected by the “Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos” icon.

The word “cover” in Orthodox Rus' meant both veil and protection. The icon of the “Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos” symbolizes the prayer of the entire Heavenly Church for the human race. Prayers to the icon of the Mother of God of the Intercession can protect from all evils, troubles and illnesses. It gives a feeling of security and grace, helps with political conflicts, military operations, despondency and sadness. They pray to her to heal the sick, to add wealth to the poor and housing for the homeless, to find love.

What can you ask your patron or patroness for?

In church canons there are no strict frameworks that limit the requests of those praying in front of a personal icon. The only thing to consider in such situations is:

The patron, like any other icon, cannot be asked to harm another intelligent being. Such requests are not pleasing to God, and punishment can overtake the one asking.
In difficult situations, the image is asked for any available help, regardless of its area of responsibility.
Your patron, like other saints who bring the light of the Christian faith to the people, may have strong abilities in some specific matter. Accordingly, if you ask for help in this area, the final effect can be noticeably more powerful. However, this does not mean that they do not protect against other misfortunes and you cannot ask for the health of your family or loved ones if the image is responsible for some other area of human life.

Important! The most important thing is to pray with faith and pure thoughts. If this is so, help will come regardless of age, gender and the guardian angel appointed by God.

From August 24 to September 23

If you were born during this period of time, then turn your prayers to Saint Alexander

about steadfastness in faith, about success in military affairs (for military personnel), to Saints John and Paul.

Those born from August 24 to September 23 ask for protection from the “Passionate” icons

and
"The Burning Bush"
.

On the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Passionate”, near the face of the Mother of God, two Angels are depicted with the instruments of the Lord’s passion - a cross, a sponge, a spear. The icon protects the house from natural disasters and fires, grants relief from various physical and spiritual ailments, strengthens faith and fortitude, gives hope, helps to comfort those who mourn, heals mental trauma, relieves worries, drives away dark thoughts, and helps lead a righteous life.

In front of the Burning Bush icon, people ask for divine protection and patronage. People who have dangerous professions (police, firefighters, military personnel), people with serious illnesses, as well as those who want to protect their home from fire and from unwanted and evil people ask for help. She can heal the sick and admonish them from all kinds of earthly temptations and bad thoughts, and can give the one who prays peace of mind and a bright future.

An icon without faith is powerless

A person can scrupulously calculate the name of the patron saint by date of birth, name his children in accordance with the church calendar, memorize prayers, buy icons and hang crosses and amulet on his body, considering them amulets. And with your thoughts and deeds in everyday life you violate all the commandments. In this case, his actions cause nothing but bitter irony.

Prayer with a pure heart

People must understand that any material object in itself does not kill or save. If a person who does not believe in God hopefully hangs a cross as a talisman or puts an icon in a corner and looks at it as if it were a beautiful and fashionable picture, then this will be his prayer to the devil. But when an Orthodox believer hangs a cross with hope, this action will be his prayer to God, who has real salvation. If you say a prayer with inspiration and a pure heart before any image, asking for protection, advice and consolation, then this prayer will reach God.

Sources:

https://ikona-i-molitva.info/svyatye-pokroviteli-po-imeni-i-date-rozhdeniya-kak-uznat-svyatogo-pokrovitelya/
https://tolkovanie.info/svyatye-pokroviteli-po-imeni/
https://1001molitva.ru/tserkovnye-pravila-i-obychai/svyatogo-pokrovitelya-i-ikona-po-date-rozhdeniya.html

From September 24 to October 23

Those born during this period will be helped throughout their lives by St. Sergius of Radonezh.

It helps in learning and subduing carnal passions, especially pride.

Those born from September 24 to October 23 seek protection from the icons of the Pochaev Mother of God

,
“The Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord”
and
“The Burning Bush”
.

People come to the “Pochaev” icon of the Mother of God to heal terrible and incurable diseases, to strengthen the spirit and faith, to find the righteous path, to give peace, to get rid of unclean thoughts, for peace in the home and family, to get rid of misfortune and quarrels, to protect your home from uninvited guests and thieves.

The cross
is the sacred and most important symbol. The Savior showed the life-giving power of His Cross through the revival of the deceased, to whom the Cross was attached. People turn to the icon of the Exaltation to get rid of incurable diseases, any bodily ailments and pains, and to cope with infertility.

From October 24 to November 22

Your heavenly patron is the Holy Apostle Paul,

which will help fight mental illness and protect against injury.

Those born from October 24 to November 22 are protected by the icons of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear”

and
"Jerusalem"
.

They pray to the Icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear” for healing from various diseases and demons, for help in childbirth and for breastfeeding, for children, for spiritual insight, for consolation, for choosing the right path.

They pray before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Jerusalem” in grief, sadness, despondency, with bodily ailments, as well as during travel, business trips and when attacked by enemies. They pray at the icon for family well-being, preservation of the family hearth and help in conceiving a child.

How to pray in front of a personalized icon

There are general rules for reading a prayer in front of an icon that should be followed:

You need to turn not to the object, but to the image of the saint that is depicted on it. The frame itself is worth nothing, and only the spirit itself is holy, which fills the icon painting, with the help of which God interacts with us.
Before reading the prayer, the believer must make the sign of the cross and bow.
Then the text of the prayer itself is read, which will help tune the soul in the right way. The text can be read both by heart and with the help of a prayer book.
After the prayer, the person asking is allowed to turn to the Lord in his own words, expressing everything that has accumulated in the soul.
At the end of the ritual, kiss the hands or feet of the image.

Keep in mind that the image must always be kept clean and it is prohibited to hang it in indecent places not intended for conversation with the Almighty. If you do not follow these rules, your guardian angels will not hear you and will not be able to help you with future adversities.

From November 23 to December 21

Those born during this period turn with prayers to St. Nicholas the Pleasant

(it helps to organize life: create a strong family and find a way out of many difficult situations) and
Saint Barbara
.

Those born from November 23 to December 21 should ask for the intercession of the Tikhvin Icons of the Mother of God

and
"The Sign"
.

The Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God is considered the patroness of infants. The icon strengthens the bond between parents and children, helps children in illness, calms restless and disobedient children, helps them choose friends, and protects them from bad influences. Helps women with problems with conception, childbirth and pregnancy.

Before the icon of the Mother of God “ The Sign”

“They pray for an end to disasters, for peace and tranquility, for healing from illnesses, for the reconciliation of warring parties, for protection from natural disasters, from attacks by enemies, from criminals and thieves, for the return of what was lost, and delivers from envious people and attackers.

Choosing a patron saint by name

Today, many parents baptize their child in infancy, according to Orthodox tradition. In this case, the choice falls on their shoulders. Let's say they registered their son as Ivan. Now, before baptism, dad and mom must decide which saint’s name will be given to the baby during the ceremony. In this case, it is necessary to find a righteous person for whom it is the same.

First you need to find out what the church form of the name is. It does not always coincide with the secular one. For example, Ivan will become John, Svetlana will become Fotinya, Martha will become Martha, Yuri will become George . There are many similar examples. To find out exactly, refer to the church calendar; there is usually a dictionary of names at the end.
Don't be alarmed if the name form is different . It is not necessary to use it in everyday life. It is useful only for church rituals - when submitting health notes, during Communion, and confession. For example, in Orthodoxy there are a lot of saints named John. Choose one of them. It is advisable, of course, that you are familiar with the biography of the righteous man. There you will be able to form a personal attitude, because otherwise the prayers will be formal.
There is another book that is useful in our business - the Saints, or church calendar, the Monthly Book. There you can find the names of all the saints whose memory is officially immortalized in the Orthodox Church.