It has long been accepted that every saint is especially strong in a particular area. For example, Panteleimon the Healer helps with illnesses, the unmercenary saints Cosmas and Damian help with teaching, Saint Spyridon of Trimifuntsky willingly responds to the prayers of those who are experiencing financial difficulties, and the holy Great Martyr John the New with business prosperity.
The most common question in the church is: who should I light a candle in the hope of helping with one or another life problem? Now there is a specific answer to this question for entrepreneurs and businessmen. They had their own patron saint. This happened the other day. With the blessing of Patriarch Kirill, St. Joseph, abbot of Volotsk, miracle worker, was declared the heavenly patron of Orthodox entrepreneurship and economics. It is clear why the Patriarch’s choice fell on this saint. Joseph Volotsky was talented not only in church ministry and theology, but also in business. He lived at the end of the 15th - beginning of the 16th centuries. He founded a monastery in Volokolamsk, which quickly became economically prosperous. This was the creed of St. Joseph. He believed that the Church should expand its economic and material capabilities in order to use them for good purposes.
Saint Reverend Joseph of Volotsky.
At the same time, Joseph not only skillfully led the monks and organized the economy of the monastery, but he himself worked equally with everyone else. As his life says, “he was skilled in every human activity: he felled wood, carried logs, chopped and sawed.” And outwardly he was no different from the others - he wore simple rags and bast shoes made from bast trees. He came to church before everyone else, sang in the choir along with the rest of the choir members, preached, prayed, and was the last to leave the church. The experience of Joseph Volotsky became a guide for many Russian monasteries. One could call him a leader in the monastic economy of Russia. And not only the monastic one. Joseph's contemporary was another remarkable monk, Nilus of Sorsky. His teaching was called non-covetousness. Many believed that the Nile called on the monks to renounce everything worldly, including housekeeping, and focus on prayer. And in this way the venerable Joseph and Nile were opposed to each other. And their followers were called “Josephites” and “non-possessors.” But this opposition now seems artificial. Both of them - Joseph and Neil - are glorified by our Church as saints. Their teachings complement each other. Prayer is not a hindrance to a successful business. But “acquisitive” and “successful businessman” are not synonymous at all. By the way, Joseph Volotsky himself highly valued the spiritual experience of Nil Sorsky, even sending his students to him to study the experience of inner prayer. And yet, it is Joseph, with the patriarchal blessing, who will now look after our business.
Prayer before starting trading: how to pray correctly?
Trade is a delicate matter. Its success depends on many factors: the number of buyers, their mood, interest and even weather conditions. Sellers, whether they are ordinary home-harvest traders or boutique owners, are superstitious people.
Prayers will help you be confident not only in yourself, but also in successful trading. As a rule, such prayers are completely harmless and are needed in order to attract positive energy. There are no special rules for reading the prayer, but it is best to read it in the morning before the start of the working day.
How to read a prayer for successful trading:
- Get yourself in order in the morning, free your mind and soul from negativity.
- Stand in front of the icon (you choose it yourself) and read the prayer in a confident but quiet voice.
- You can read the prayer at home or at your workplace (or both).
- After prayer, thank the Lord for everything he has done for you and begin your work confidently.
Prayers for trading:
To protect both yourself and your business
Prayer to the Honest Cross of the Lord
Symbol of faith
Orthodox prayers after trading: how and to whom to read?
Reading a prayer is a special personal matter for everyone and there are no strict rules for this. It is only important to pronounce every word with love and faith, without being embarrassed or ashamed of your occupation. The result of your communication with God depends on how truthfully and sincerely you express your thoughts.
After successful and even not the best trading (even if the day was not going well at all), it is important to thank the Lord for the opportunity to continue your business further, ask for forgiveness for negative thoughts and pray for a more successful next day. You can pray at any convenient time, immediately after the end of the working day or along with all the prayers before going to bed.
Before starting any business
At the end of the case
Prayer to Archangel Michael for trade: text
Archangel Michael is one of the most revered in Orthodoxy. He is famous for being able to protect a person from a lot of evil:
- He is the patron saint of warriors in the fight against evil
- Able to protect the souls of the righteous who are heading to heaven, protecting them from enemies.
- It is believed that Archangel Michael begs for all his sins for a person if he has done at least some good deeds in life.
- Archangel Michael protects and heals the sick
- People turn to Archangel Michael in any new matter, so that he can help him in any endeavors and carry them through safely.
IMPORTANT: Those who are engaged in business, personal affairs and trade often pray to Archangel Michael for the well-being and prosperity that this work can bring.
Prayer, text:
Archangel Michael: text
Icon of Archangel Michael
Patron saints of professions
Even in ancient times, Christians had a tradition of turning to saints in their prayers, so that they would intercede with the Lord for help or bright guidance in matters related to work, craft or career. It is noteworthy that people of certain professions turned to certain saints.
This was due to the fact that during his earthly life a particular saint was famous for his good deeds in some area: he treated physical or mental illnesses, helped the poor and downtrodden, distinguished himself on the battlefield, defending his native land, etc. After death, the gracious help of holy people did not fade away - turning to them in prayer, Christians felt invisible support and grace.
People of different professions have chosen for themselves spiritual mentors, helpers and a moral ideal - saints who were once engaged in similar work. Today we call them the Heavenly Patrons of the professions. The table below lists the patron saints of the main professions.
| Professional industry | Heavenly patrons | What is customary to pray for? |
| FSB |
| About spiritual support and guidance, about the will to carry out one’s duty with honor and dignity, about protection from external and internal enemies, about peace, about triumph over ill-wishers |
| Ministry of Internal Affairs |
| |
| Ministry of Emergency Situations |
| About protection from fire, about help and support if a person is in trouble or on the verge of death |
| Russian Railways |
| About protecting those who are far from home, about showing the right path (both spiritual and physical), about protecting their native land |
| Doctors, pharmacists, paramedics, orderlies, veterinarians |
| About healing, about the gift of strength, talent and skill for healing, about good health |
| Workers of kindergartens, orphanages, nursing homes |
| About tolerance and mercy, about the health of children (both moral and physical) |
| Teachers, lecturers, scientists and researchers, workers of laboratories, archives and museums |
| About the desire for knowledge and success in studies, about the power and opportunity to bring enlightenment to people, about healing from feeblemindedness, about the ability to comprehend science |
| Financiers (bankers, economists, accountants) |
| About the wise distribution of capital, about material well-being, about success in business, about heavenly patronage when starting a new business, about resolving material conflicts and litigation |
| Business managers |
| About wisdom in managing a company, about fair and correct decisions, about help in all matters and endeavors, about protection from slander, ill-wishers and enemies |
| Diplomats, embassy staff, translators, linguists |
| About protection in foreign lands, about the strength to serve with honor and dignity far from home, about peace and defense of the homeland, about ease in learning languages |
| Sailors, drivers, guides and tourism industry employees |
| About health in foreign lands, about help and intercession while traveling, about protection from natural disasters |
| Lawyers, prosecutors, tax officials, bailiffs |
| About honest and fair judging, about pardoning innocently accused, about spiritual guidance during trials, about the successful resolution of litigation, about protecting the interests of the fatherland |
| Oil and gas industry |
| About fair and wise rule, about protecting the interests of the country, about spiritual support for honest work for the benefit of people |
| Civil servants |
| About protecting the interests of the country, about wise government, about justice, about the welfare of people, about spiritual support in work and about making the right decisions |
| Aviation |
| About help in the sky and the well-being of flight, about protection from enemies and evil intent |
| Nuclear industry |
| About peace and the prevention of nuclear war, about the safety of people and protection from disasters, about the health of employees of the nuclear industry and saving them from any industrial disaster |
| Customs |
| About protection from slander, malicious intent, open and hidden enemies, about success in business |
| Cooks, food industry, farmers, agriculture, livestock |
| About fertile fields and good harvests, about the absence of drought, famine and pestilence |
| Artists, designers, creative professions |
| About the strength and talent to create for good, about success in work, about the gift of creative abilities, about an inexhaustible source of inspiration |
| Builders, engineers, architects |
| About the absence of errors in projects, about working for the benefit of society |
| Miners, workers in the mining industry, metallurgy, chemical and heavy industries, geologists |
| About protection in difficult working conditions from sudden death, illness and other troubles, about serving for the good of the homeland and one’s people, about protection from evil intent |
| Athletes |
| About strong will and fortitude, about the desire for fair victory, about the granting of good health, about success in achievements |
| Managers, IT specialists, HR, advertising industry employees |
| About success in your career, about material well-being, about success in everyday affairs |
| Fishermen and hunters |
| About a good catch and prey, about finding something lost, about help far from home |
Buy an icon of the patron saint of your profession!
You can purchase an icon of the heavenly patron of your profession in our icon-painting workshop “Creating a Heritage”. We will be happy to make an Orthodox image for you to order or we will offer ready-made icons from stock. Each such icon (no matter whether it was painted individually for you or not) is a genuine work of art, one of a kind.
Our icon painters belong to the Vladimir school of Orthodox icon painting, which at all times, from Ancient Rus' to this day, was considered the largest, oldest and most revered in our country. The brushes of our artists belong to thousands of icons, which are now carefully preserved in churches and homes around the world.
You can acquire a patron saint of a profession both for yourself and for close friends or relatives. An Orthodox image will become a priceless gift for a loved one.
It’s easy to order an icon:
- Choose the look from stock or to order that you need;
- Contact us by phone, email or by submitting an online application:
Order an icon of the patron saint
- We will call you back and agree on the desired plot and signature;
- From 2 weeks to 3 months (depending on the complexity of the plot and execution technique), the icon painter will work on the image;
- Upon completion of the work, the image will be consecrated in the Church of St. Basil the Great (Vladimir region), you will be able to take part in this bright event;
- After this, you can pick up the finished icon in person, or we will deliver it to you by mail anywhere in Russia or the world.
Create a spiritual legacy with us!
Trading is a specific field of activity in which luck is very important. There are many factors that influence the success of a given business. That is why there are a large number of prayers and conspiracies regarding this issue. There are many saints whom people turn to for help in trading. A large number of traders say that a prayer for help in trade to St. Spyridon the Wonderworker of Trimifunts can come to the rescue.
Prayer to Matrona for trade: text
With prayers and good work that can bring a person not only prosperity, but also happiness, people often turn to Matrona of Moscow. This face is famous for its ability to help a person find self-confidence and gain great spiritual strength to resist confusion and negativity.
Prayer to Matrona of Moscow will not allow decline, fear, self-doubt and grief to arise in your soul. People who prayed to Matrona often find a successful business, or good wealth, harvest and profit. It is important not to ask Matrona for wealth, but only to pray for the well-being of the business and thank the Lord for all the benefits that he has given you.
Prayers:
Prayer to Matrona “About work”
Prayer to Matrona “About money” Icon of Matrona of Moscow
Prayer to St. Joseph of Volotsk
O blessed and ever-glorious Father Joseph! Leading your great boldness to God and resorting to your firm intercession, in contrition of heart we pray to you: illumine us with the light of the grace given to you and with your prayers help us to pass through the stormy sea of this life serenely and to reach the haven of salvation without blemish: enslave us to vain things, and love sin, and if weakness arises from the evils that have befallen us, to whom shall we resort if not to you, who showed the inexhaustible wealth of mercy in your earthly life? We believe that even after your departure you acquired the greatest gift of showing mercy to those in need. Therefore, as we now fall before your celibate icon, we tenderly ask you, holy saint of God: having been tempted yourself, help us who are tempted; by fasting and vigil, trample down the demonic power, and protect us from enemy attacks; nourished by the hunger of the perishing, and ask us from the Lord for an abundance of the fruits of the earth and all that is necessary for salvation; Having put to shame heretical wisdom, protect the Holy Church from heresies and schisms and confusion with your prayers: let us all think in the same way, with one heart glorifying the Holy, Consubstantial, Life-giving and Indivisible Trinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, for all ages. Amen.
Prayer to John the New Sochavsky for trade: text
Great Martyr John the New, Sochavsky was known not only because he was engaged in trade, but also because he was always kind and condescending to the poor people. To this day he is popular as the Protector of merchants, those who independently earn their living by private business. Many sellers and business owners thank the Great Martyr for the opportunity and availability of such work, and also ask him for help in the prosperity of their business.
Prayer:
For successful trading to St. John the Merciful
Martyr John the New (Sochavsky): prayer 1
Martyr John the New (Sochavsky): prayer 2
Great Martyr John of Sochava
Holy miracle worker
This saint was known for his miracles during his lifetime. Born into a family of fairly wealthy people, he constantly worked and adhered to a righteous life. For such faith in the Lord and following God's commandments, he was awarded certain abilities:
- heal from terrible diseases;
- resurrect people;
- cast out demons.
He always came to the aid of those who really needed it. There is even a belief that even after his death the saint walks the earth and helps those in need. That is why the clergy annually change his clothes and shoes, since the old ones become unusable. During his lifetime, he could borrow money and not ask for repayment.
Despite this, he spent his entire life working. Even holding the high rank of bishop, he worked in the field and reaped the harvest until the end. He gave food to everyone who suffered from hunger, and accommodation for the night to those who did not have a place to spend the night. His life shows how an ordinary farmer can reach unprecedented heights and still not give up leading an ordinary life. There was also a situation in his life that forced him to completely change everything.
This happened after the death of his child and wife. He decided to sell everything he had. He distributed the money to those who needed it, and he himself went to travel around the world. He stood before the Lord during prayer. But the believers did not stop turning to him with prayers and requests after that.
A very strong prayer for trade to Seraphim of Sarov: text
This Saint is the Protector and Patron of any person seeking help in business or any personal matter. It is recommended to hang the icon of Seraphim of Sarov in retail outlets and in the office where you work.
Prayer: text
Icon of Seraphim of Sarov
Prayer to the Guardian Angel for trade: text
Each person has his own Guardian Angel, which is given by the Lord to him at birth and baptism. You can read prayers to your Guardian Angel for the well-being and advancement of your personal business; these prayers are often read by traders, sellers and businessmen.
This prayer is read in the morning
Prayer to the Guardian Angel for protection from failure
Prayer to the Guardian Angel for protection from poverty
“Alive in Help” - a prayer for a successful outcome of the case
If you find yourself in a difficult life situation, read “Alive in Help.” This is a powerful prayer about trade and other significant things in a person's life. It is best if you learn it by heart so that you can always keep the miraculous text in your head.
In the church store you can buy a ribbon with the words “Alive in Help” printed on it. You should always carry it with you, hide it under your clothes, or put it under the product. This is a powerful amulet that will be useful to everyone whose work involves risk.
We present the canonical translation from the language of our distant ancestors.
