Prayer
Oh, holy martyr Cyprian and martyr Justino, heed our humble prayer! Even though you naturally died as a martyr for Christ during your temporary life, you do not depart from us in spirit, ever following the commandment of the Lord, walk us teaching and patiently bear your cross with us. Moreover, as you have gained boldness towards Christ God and His Most Pure Mother, be prayer books of strength and intercessors for us unworthy, 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 ever. Amen.
How many days should I read?
You can ask the priest in the church about how many days you need to read the akathist, taking his blessing for prayer work.
Icon
Hieromartyr Cyprian and Martyr Justina
The Hieromartyr Cyprian and the Martyr Justina are depicted together on icons. They not only suffered together under the Roman emperor Decius (249-251), but their life in Christ was inseparable from each other, because the holy virgin Justina led Cyprian, who until then was a pagan priest and sorcerer, to the Christian faith.
This is interesting: Holy protectors from evil and sorcery Cyprian and Justina
The sorcerer and the Christian
Justina and Cyprian both came from pagan families.
Even in early childhood, Cyprian's parents sent him to study as a priest of Apollo. The boy had already been studying sorcery for ten years. He devoted his entire youth to this. According to legend, Cyprian achieved great success in sorcery: he knew how to control the weather, send diseases to people and pestilence to crops and vineyards, disturb the depths of the sea, and could even raise the dead from their graves.
By the age of thirty, Cyprian had achieved such mastery in sorcery that the prince of darkness visited him and promised him a reward after death, and during his lifetime help in all evil deeds. Cyprian received a regiment of demons into his service. The sorcerer settled in Antioch, many residents of the city resorted to his help when they needed an astrologer or a sorcerer.
One day the young man Aglaid came to Cyprian. He came from a noble and wealthy family, but he wasted his youth in pleasures. The young man begged Cyprian for help, promising to give up all his wealth. Aglaid was obsessed with passion for a maiden named Justina. He tried to seduce her, spoke flattering speeches, promised gold, even proposed marriage. But Justina was a Christian, and she wanted to see Christ as the only Bridegroom.
Useful materials
The girl’s parents were pagans, but Justina, with her faith and prayer, was able to lead them to Christianity, so that her father became a presbyter.
The sorcerer Cyprian promised Aglaid that very soon Justina herself would come to him. The sorcerer used all his art and the demons serving him. He gave Aglaid a potion and ordered him to sprinkle the walls of the house where Justina lived.
In the evening, as she began to pray, the girl felt all her blood boiling. Then, realizing that these were demonic machinations, Justina turned to the Lord in prayer, asking him to preserve her purity. The girl imposed a strict fast on herself and dressed in a hair shirt. The demons were powerless before her prayer.
Then Cyprian brought disaster on the relatives of the Christian woman and on the entire city of Antioch, and struck Justina herself with a serious illness. The elders of the city came to Justina and asked her to give in and marry Aglaid. But through the prayers of the virgin, the witchcraft obsession disappeared, and people began to glorify Christ.
Cyprian turned to the prince of darkness, asking by what power the young maiden had defeated him. He confessed that this was the power of the Cross and the sign of the cross. Cyprian made the sign of the cross, and Satan could not harm him.
Having collected his witchcraft books, Cyprian came to the bishop and asked to baptize him and burn the books. Knowing this man as a sorcerer who had caused a lot of evil to people, the bishop refused. But Cyprian stood in the temple and said that he would not leave this place until baptism was performed over him.
Interesting fact
Cyprian was baptized and from that day changed his life. His zeal was so great that just a year later he became a priest, and subsequently a bishop. Justina was the abbess of the nunnery.
Around 268, Justina and Cyprian were accused before the ruler Eutholmius that they were plotting against secular power, inclining the inhabitants of the city to Christianity. Eutolmius ordered the accused to be taken into custody; he went to Nicomedia and took them with him to execute them there.
Before his execution, Cyprian asked for time to pray. He feared that Justina would be afraid when she saw his death. But the saint fearlessly put her head under the sword and presented herself to the Heavenly Bridegroom. Cyprian, following her, was also beheaded with a sword. Seeing the death of the martyrs, one of the guards named Theoktistus declared himself a Christian and was executed after Cyprian and Justina.
For six days their bodies lay without burial, and then the Christians secretly took them to Rome and handed them over to the pious Rufina, who buried them in the same grave.
Saints' Day of Remembrance October 2(15).
17
Augusta
2005
The relics of Saints Cyprian and Justina were transported for some time from Cyprus, where they are kept, to Russia for veneration by believers.
Akathist to the Hieromartyr Cyprian and the Martyr Justina
Akathist to the Hieromartyr Cyprian and the Martyr Justina
(They pray to the Holy Martyr Cyprian and Martyr Justina against unclean spirits and demonic wiles).
Kontakion 1 Chosen miracle workers and speedy intercessors, Hieromartyr Cyprian and Martyr Justino, for those who have great boldness towards the Lord and stand before His Throne, by your intercession free us from all troubles and make us heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven, bringing praise to you: Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Ikos 1
The angelic powers were amazed at how you, Cyprian and Justino, having turned away from the soulless gods and believed in the Living God, through the knowledge of the Divine truth, acquired a naturally angelic, passionless life. We, marveling at this, cry out to you like this: Rejoice, you astonished the angels with the firmness of your faith in Christ. Rejoice, having made the saints glad by entering into the marriage of the Lamb. Rejoice, for you have naturally suffered courageously for Christ. Rejoice, because for His confession the crowns of incorruption came to nature. Rejoice, you who stand in heaven now before the Throne of God. Rejoice, you who pray to the Lord for the salvation of our souls. Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 2 Seeing the vanity of idolatrous wickedness, you turned away from the knowledge of the Divine from magical art, Cyprian, snatching away your soul from eternal destruction. Now, at the Throne of God standing in heavenly glory, pray to the Master of Mankind to save our souls who sing to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Instructed from above by the mind of true knowledge of God, you turned away from sorcery and sorcery, Cyprian, and you quenched your passions with tearful repentance; Having realized that in the name of Christ and the Life-giving Cross the demons tremble and the machinations of the enemy are destroyed, you flocked to the temple of God to serve Him. Moreover, your zeal is praised, we cry out to you:
Rejoice, thou who courageously rejected the cunning of the demons. Rejoice, their destructive machinations are like a spider torn to pieces. Rejoice, fearlessly revealing the delights of his ministry. Rejoice, you put the evil serpent to shame before everyone. Rejoice, for through you demons are driven away. Rejoice, for through you illnesses of body and soul are healed. Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 3
Strengthened by the power of the Most High, you have received the seeds of saving faith in your heart, Justino: for you, listening to the preaching of Deacon Prailius about the Lord Jesus Christ, born of the Most Pure Virgin Mary, suffered, and was buried, and destroyed death by death, by listening, you increased the good fruit in your soul , uprooting the thorns of unbelief, and crying out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having a mind enlightened by God, Saint Justina understood that only in the Church of Christ had she found the salvation of her soul, and in it, listening to the word of God, she was confirmed by the Holy Spirit in her faith in Christ. Rejoicing in such God's favor for you, we sing to you: Rejoice, star, who shone in the darkness of pagan wickedness. Rejoice, enlightened by the light of pious faith. Rejoice, having filled your soul with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, you have betrothed your virginity to the Heavenly Bridegroom. Rejoice, beautiful bride of the Sweetest Jesus. Rejoice, you who have been called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 4
Avoiding the storms of sin, you came to Christ and offered everything to yourself, like a fragrant sacrifice, to our Savior, God-wise Cyprian, for you received a firm intention in your heart: to whiten your soul with holy baptism, to be a faithful follower of the Lord and to chant all the days of your life. To him: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing your renunciation of serving the enemy of the human race and seeing your good intention in Christ, you were clothed and become a perfect Christian, Bishop Anthimus Abiye baptized you, Cyprian, and made you a reader in the temple of God. We, rejoicing at your conversion to Christ, sing this: Rejoice, for you have loved the Lord with all your soul. Rejoice, for you have desired to be a true Christian. Rejoice, having received holy Baptism with reverence. Rejoice, you who have made the Holy Spirit your dwelling place. Rejoice, enlightened by the Lord from above. Rejoice, instructed by the bishop in the faith of Christ. Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 5
You have set off along the God-rich path and have reached a quiet refuge, holy martyr Justina: for you have enlightened your Divine parents Edesia and Cleodonia with the light of truth, together with them you have received holy Baptism from Bishop Ontat, so that you may be pleasing to Christ and be able to sing to Him without restraint: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Seeing the great virtue of your father Edesius, the saint of God appointed him a presbyter, so that by his virtuous life he would lead others to Christ; To you, most blessed Justino, his worthy daughter, who loved Christ above all else and labored well in keeping His commandments, we honor you with these titles: Rejoice, you who shone with spiritual beauty. Rejoice, you who brought immaculate virginity as a gift to God. Rejoice, God-wise evangelist of the Gospel. Rejoice, zealous preacher of the Lord's commandments. Rejoice, ascetic of God, raised by fasting and prayer. Rejoice, immaculate dove, full of meekness and gentleness. Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 6
Thou hast appeared as a preacher of the truth of Christ, O Hieromartyr Cyprian, also the Lover of Mankind, Who, though we all desire to be saved, has given to us a wondrous prayer book, a healer and a protector from the spirits of evil in heaven: by your deeds and words you lead many to repentance and correction of sinful lives, teaching everyone to sing God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
You have shone forth like a luminous luminary, illuminating with the light of the knowledge of God all who exist in the darkness of unbelief, Saint Cyprian, even beyond your prayer, those who come from wicked demons and evil people cannot resist: they are both destroyed and driven away by the power of God. For this reason, we cry out: Rejoice, destroyer of the enemy’s machinations. Rejoice, driver of evil demons. Rejoice, from enemies visible and invisible there is a wall and fence. Rejoice, the wonderful help left by the doctors. Rejoice, you will soon deliver from troubles and sorrows. Rejoice, transforming suffering into joy. Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 7
Wanting to envy the wise evangelical virgins, you were filled with the oil of good deeds, the glorious martyr Justin, and, having lit the lamp of your soul, you enlightened people with the teachings of Christ, so that having come to know the Lord Jesus, they sang to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
The Almighty Lord has shown His mercy to you again: With His divine grace He has lifted you up, O glorious Justino, to the heights of spiritual perfection, as you can heal those who are weak from mental and physical ailments, and can free those who suffer from unclean spirits from the snares of their evil ones. For this reason we cry out to you: Rejoice, you who are on high, who loved those below. Rejoice, you who have given yourself over to God. Rejoice, burning with seraphic love for Him. Rejoice, teaching us to love Him with all our souls. Rejoice, confirmation of Orthodox people in the faith. Rejoice, ornament of the virgin host. Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 8
It would be strange for the wicked hegemon to see you, Hieromartyr Cyprian, ever handing you over to an unjust judgment: for you, as an unshakable warrior of the Heavenly King, with the boldness of Christ you confessed, chanting in your suffering: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
You gave everything to God, Hieromartyr Cyprian: for you were not afraid of the cruel rebuke and the suffering itself, but with a bright face, shining with the grace of God, you appeared before the wicked court, challenging all the faithful to sing to you: Rejoice, unshakable confessor of the faith of Christ. Rejoice, bold preacher of the Most Pure Trinity. Rejoice, conquering the spirits of evil by the power of God. Rejoice, you who burned the arrows of the enemy with the fire of prayer. Rejoice, for you have imputed the cruel torment to nothing. Rejoice, for in your suffering you glorified God. Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 9
Do not reject every good request of ours that comes to you with faith, holy martyr Justina, for by the grace given to you from God to cast out unclean spirits that torment a person, demons are driven away and health is given to the sick who cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The branches of multi-proclamation according to their heritage will not be able to sing all your labors, Saint Justino, for you have loved God with all your heart and all your soul, and you have directed all your diligence and desire to fulfill His holy will. Even now, you do not abandon us, burdened with troubles and sorrows, but intercede for us before the Lord, granting us healing and consolation. For this reason, praising you, we cry out to you: Rejoice, you who quickly fulfill our good requests. Rejoice, you who graciously visit those who suffer in their illnesses. Rejoice, there is warm refuge in our prayers. Rejoice, good consolation to the offended. Rejoice, good teacher of those faithful to salvation. Rejoice, helper in these struggles. Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 10
The Lover of Mankind, the Lord, who arranges the salvation of all, at the end of your confessional feat, crowned you, Saint Cyprian, with the crown of martyrdom: confessing before the tormentors the True God, worshiped in the Trinity of Saints, you fearlessly bowed your head under the sword, chanting: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
You are a wall and a shield, God-Ward Cyprian, to all who diligently come running to you and warmly pray before your icon: for you have been given to us by the All-Good Lord to help and heal mental and physical illnesses. For this reason we cry to you: Rejoice, for you offer your prayers to the Lord for us. Rejoice, for you are interceding for us before the Throne of God. Rejoice, for you enlighten the righteous with the light of the knowledge of God. Rejoice, for you guide those who are lost on the path of salvation. Rejoice, quickly give healing gifts to those who ask you. Rejoice, reward those who love and honor you with deep love. Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 11
Thou didst lift up all-congratulatory singing to the Lord, O passion-bearer Saint Justino, when thou bravely endured grievous torments for Him; Having ended your confessional course, you joyfully bowed your head to be beheaded by the sword, singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Shining with a luminous light on the church candlestick, Saint Justino, driving away from us enemies visible and invisible, with the light of grace. We, who come running to you with warm faith and love, praise your martyrdom, crying out to you: Rejoice, you who boldly preached the True God. Rejoice, in the Lord who strengthens you in all things possible. Rejoice, for you bore the marks of the Lord Jesus on your body. Rejoice, for through your patience you overcame your tormentors. Rejoice, you who crowned your martyrdom with a sword-like death. Rejoice, you who glorified your Lord through your suffering and miracles. Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 12
Grace was given to you from God, Saints Cyprian and Justino, to trample upon the forces of the enemy and every demonic presence: for having endured great suffering, through your martyrdom you achieved eternal bliss in nature; Now, standing before the Throne of the King of Glory, pray for us, that we may be delivered from the captivity of the devil, so that we may be able to sing to God without stumbling: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing your zeal for God and your wondrous and glorious miracles, we magnify and praise you, Hieromartyr Cyprian and Martyr Justin, who have received such grace from God; We pray to you: when our souls are surrounded by a horde of demons at the hour of death, then show us your intercession, so that we may be delivered by you forever, we cry to you: Rejoice, quick protection from the snares of the enemy. Rejoice, deliverance from sorrows and sorrows. Rejoice, having loved Christ to the end. Rejoice, you who laid down your souls for Him. Rejoice, you have been washed in the Blood of Lambs. Rejoice, you who dwell in the courts of the Lord. Rejoice, to the host of saints in company. Rejoice, the Triscendent Light of illumination. Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 13 (read three times) About the admiration and glorification of the saint of God, the Hieromartyr Cypriana and the Martyr Justina, the speedy helper of all who come running to you with faith, accept from us, the unworthy, this song of praise, and heal us all from mental and physical ailments, from enemy of the visible and invisible, intercede and pray to the Lord to deliver us from eternal torment, and let us cry together with you: Allelia.
Ikos 1 (read again)
The angelic powers were amazed at how you, Cyprian and Justino, having turned away from the soulless gods and believed in the Living God, through the knowledge of the Divine truth, acquired a naturally angelic, passionless life. We, marveling at this, cry out to you like this: Rejoice, you astonished the angels with the firmness of your faith in Christ. Rejoice, having made the saints glad by entering into the marriage of the Lamb. Rejoice, for you have naturally suffered courageously for Christ. Rejoice, because for His confession the crowns of incorruption came to nature. Rejoice, you who stand in heaven now before the Throne of God. Rejoice, you who pray to the Lord for the salvation of our souls. Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 1 (also read again)
Chosen miracle workers and speedy intercessors, Hieromartyr Cyprian and Martyr Justino, for those who have great boldness towards the Lord and will stand before His Throne, by your intercession free us from all troubles and make us heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven, bringing praise to you: Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, speedy helpers and prayer books for our souls.
Prayer
O holy martyr Cyprian and martyr Justino, heed our humble prayer! Even though you naturally died as a martyr for Christ during your temporary life, you do not depart from us in spirit, ever following the commandment of the Lord, walk us teaching and patiently bear your cross with us. Moreover, as you have gained boldness towards Christ God and His Most Pure Mother, be prayer books of strength and intercessors for us unworthy, 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 ever. Amen.
From limitless sin to great holiness
Saint Cyprian was not always a saint. There were no prerequisites for this to ever happen. He was a great sorcerer. Almost the opposite person was Saint Justinia. From an ordinary girl she turned into a pious one . The sorcerer Cyprian, who had amazing abilities, helped her in strengthening and devotion to God, such that there is hardly a person now who can repeat all this.
To the extent that he was an evil servant of the devil, he later surpassed his sinful nature and became an obedient servant of God. How many human souls he destroyed, so many he later brought to God and repentance. Of course, any of the sins that Cyprian committed already prescribes a place in hell for a person and this stigma cannot be erased in any way, despite any merits on his own behalf - such is the law. Is it the love of God for man, which is capable of cleansing all iniquity, forgiving him and, moreover, giving him the opportunity to succeed in collecting incorruptible wealth. This is what happened to the holy martyr Cyprian.
