At the dawn of the Christian era, true worshipers of Jesus Christ, who recognized Him as the Savior, and believers in eternal life, went to execution with special, sometimes inexplicable joy, enduring inhuman torture. The icon of Saints Cyprian and Justina is a holy image, a monument to the victory of the Christian faith over the evil forces of the occult, magic and fortune telling.
On October 15, the martyrs Cyprian and Ustinya, one of the first Christians who suffered in the fight against evil spirits and demonic temptations, are venerated in the churches of the Orthodox Church.
Hieromartyr Cyprian and Holy Martyr Justina
Brief lives of the Hieromartyr Cyprian and the Martyr Justina.
The celebration takes place on October 2/15.
The Holy Martyr Cyprian lived in Antioch. In early childhood he was dedicated by his pagan parents to the service of Apollo. From the age of seven he was prepared for priestly service to the pagan gods, in which he perfected himself in the cities of Argos, Tavropol, Lacedimon and the Egyptian Memphis. By the age of thirty, Cyprian had completed his studies with the Babylonian sages and returned to his native Antioch. He amazed everyone with his knowledge of secret sciences and the miracles he performed with the help of dark forces, controlling the elements, sending diseases and inciting moral vices in people.
Also in Antioch the maiden Justina lived with her parents. Until the time Justina heard the sermon about the Risen Christ, she and her parents were pagans. Having learned the truth, the saint made every effort to convert her parents to the saving faith. Their home became the home of Christian piety.
The extraordinary beauty of Saint Justina attracted the attention of one rich pagan youth, Aglaid. He began to seek Justina’s consent to marriage. But Saint Justina decided to maintain virginity, devoting herself to the Lord Jesus Christ, and refused marriage with a pagan. Aglaid continued to persistently pursue her.
When there were no other means left, he turned to the famous sorcerer Cyprian for help, thinking that everything was accessible to his mysterious knowledge, and hoping that he would win Justina’s heart towards him.
Cyprian arrogantly promised the young man, for a reward, to arouse passion in the girl and force her to become Aglaid’s wife.
Justina, protected by firm faith in Christ, prayer and the sign of the cross, destroyed all the machinations of the devil and his servant Cyprian. The once powerful sorcerer Cyprian, who failed to defeat the weak maiden, began to take revenge for his failure and unleashed a pestilence on the city. The frightened townspeople, considering Justina to be the culprit of the disaster, convinced her to agree to marry Aglaid. Justina calmed the people and, firmly trusting in God’s help, prayed to the Lord with her God-pleasing prayer, and the illness in the city stopped.
The victory of the Christian woman completely defeated the great sorcerer Cyprian. Cyprian was a smart man. Having begun to ponder why everything he possessed turned out to be powerless in front of a weak young girl, armed with faith in Christ, prayer and the sign of the cross, the sorcerer realized that all demonic power was nothing before God, in whom Saint Justina believed.
The famous sorcerer humbly came to the Christian bishop Anthimus (September 3), told him about his errors and asked him to teach him the truths of the Christian faith. After the announcement, Cyprian was baptized. A year later he was ordained a priest and soon elevated to the rank of bishop.
Burning with love for Christ, Saints Cyprian and Justina, whom he appointed as abbess of the convent, did much to spread and establish Christianity. At that time, Christians were persecuted for their faith. The head of the region, Eutolius, having received a denunciation accusing Cyprian and Justina of turning the people away from the pagan gods, ordered the saints to be seized and converted to idolatry through torture. The holy martyrs were unshakable. By order of the emperor, they were beheaded with a sword (about 304).
Prayers
Troparion, tone 4
And by character a communicant, / and a vicar of the throne, an apostle, / you gained your deed, inspired by God, / in a vision rising: / for this sake, correcting the word of truth, / and for the sake of faith, you suffered even to the point of blood, / Hieromartyr Cyprian, / pray to Christ God for the salvation of souls ours.
Kontakion, tone 1
Turning from magical art, O God-wise, / to the knowledge of the Divine, / you appeared to the world as the wisest physician, / granting healing to those who honor you, Cyprian and Justina; / now we pray to the Lover of Mankind / to save our souls.
Icons and temples in honor of saints
There are few churches built in the name of the great martyrs. The most famous of them:
- Moscow, Cathedral of the Conception Monastery;
- Cyprus, village of Meniko;
- Germany, Frankfurt am Main;
- Romania, Bucharest;
- Lugansk, Ukraine.
Also in some ancient monasteries you can find pieces of miraculous relics that once belonged to saints. The relics of Cyprian and Ustinya also have a strong protective effect and are capable of repelling evil spirits and demons from a sinful soul.
What do they pray for in front of the icon?
People pray, asking for protection from magical forces, evil people and love spells. Prayers allow you to get rid of evil spirits, receive protection from temptations, and enlighten a person who practices black magic, fortune telling, and other similar things.
There are many prayers, but they can only be used with pure thoughts, and in situations where the help of saints is really needed. Any prayer is considered very powerful, but only if you read it from a pure heart.
Prayer is an important ritual used by believers. Each of them has its own meaning, but the goal is one - to be heard by God. While praying, a person should not be distracted by extraneous things. He must think only about his desire, and then it will come true.
Hundreds of people pray to the icon, asking for protection. Saints really only help people with pure thoughts.
Hieromartyr Cyprian of Antioch, Nicomedia, bishop
Kontakion 1.
Chosen wonderworkers and speedy intercessors, the Hieromartyr Cyprian and the Martyr Justino, as having great boldness towards the Lord and to stand before His Throne, by your representation from all Free from troubles and make the heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven sing songs of praise to you:
Rejoice, Cyprians and Justinos, helpers of speed and prayer for our souls.
Ikos 1.
The angelic powers were surprised how you, Cyprians and Justinos, having turned away from the soulless gods and believed in the Living God, through the knowledge of the Divine truth found a natural angelic, passionless life ́. We, marveling at this, cry out to you like this:
Rejoice, you surprised 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, for through His confession you received crowns of incorruption by nature.
Rejoice, you who stand in heaven today before the Throne of God; Rejoice, you who pray to the Lord for the salvation of our souls.
Rejoice, Cyprians and Justinos, helpers of speed and prayer for our souls.
Kontakion 2.
Seeing the vanity of idolatrous wickedness, you, Cyprian, turned away from the knowledge of the Divine from the art of magic, consuming your soul from eternal destruction. Now, standing before the Throne of God in the glory of heaven, we pray to the Lord, the Lover 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, O Cyprian, and with tearful repentance you quenched your passions; Having realized that in the name of Christ and the Life-giving Cross demons tremble and the machinations of the enemy are destroyed, you flocked to the temple of God to serve Him. Moreover, praising your zeal, we cry out to you:
Rejoice, you who courageously rejected the tricks of the demons; Rejoice, their destructive wiles are like a spider torn to pieces.
Rejoice, thou who fearlessly exposed the delights of his service; 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, Cyprians and Justinos, helpers of speed and prayer 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 are the sermons of Deacon Prailius about the Lord Jesus Christ, born of the Most Pure Virgin Mary and who suffered, and was buried, and who was destroyed by death, death, heeding, didst increase 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 Justino, you understood that only in the Church of Christ you will find the salvation of your soul, in it, listening to the word of God, by the Holy Spirit in You are established in your faith in Christ. Rejoicing at 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, thou who hast filled thy 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, thou who was named great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Rejoice, Cyprians and Justinos, helpers of speed and prayer for our souls.
Kontakion 4.
Avoiding the storm of sin, you came to Christ and you brought everything for yourself, like a fragrant sacrifice, to our Savior, god-father Cyprian, for you accepted a firm intention in your heart Thou shalt: Whiten thy soul by holy baptism, be a faithful follower of the Lord, and sing praises all the days of thy life To him: Alleluia.
Ikos 4.
Hearing your renunciation of serving the enemy of the human race and seeing your good intention, clothe yourself in Christ and become a perfect Christian, Bishop Anthim Abiye, baptize you, Cyprian , and become a reader in the temple of God. We, rejoicing at your conversion to Christ, sing this:
Rejoice, for you loved the Lord with all your soul; Rejoice, for you desired to be a true Christian.
Rejoice, having received holy Baptism with reverence; Rejoice, thou who has made the Holy Spirit a dwelling place for yourself.
Rejoice, enlightened by the Lord from above; Rejoice, instructed by the bishop in the faith of Christ.
Rejoice, Cyprians and Justinos, helpers of speed and prayer for our souls.
Kontakion 5.
You set off along the rich path and reached a quiet refuge, O holy martyr Justino: for you enlightened your Divine parents Edesias 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 may sing to Him without restraint: Alleluia.
Ikos 5.
Seeing the great virtue of your father Edesius, the saint of God made him a presbyter, so that by his virtuous life he might lead others to Christ; But to you, worthy Justino, his worthy daughter, who loved Christ above all and labored well in keeping His commandments, we honor these titles:
Rejoice, you who shone with spiritual beauty; Rejoice, you who brought immaculate virginity as a gift to God.
Rejoice, bringer of the God-wise Gospel; Rejoice, zealous preacher of the Lord’s commandments.
Rejoice, ascetic of God, raised by fasting and prayer; Rejoice, immaculate dove, filled with meekness and gentleness.
Rejoice, Cyprians and Justinos, helpers of speed and prayer for our souls.
Kontakion 6.
You appeared as a preacher of the truth of Christ, O Hieromartyr Cyprian, and also the Lover of Mankind, Who, although you want everyone to be saved, has given us to you a wondrous prayer book, a healer and protector from the spirits of evil. would be in heaven: for by your deeds and words you bring many to repentance and sinful lives to correction, teaching everyone to sing To God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
You have shone like a luminous light, illuminating with the light of the knowledge of God all, in the darkness of unbelief of those who exist, Saint Cyprian, because of your prayer and sorcery, from crafty demons and evil ones people who come out cannot resist: they are both destroyed and driven away by the power of God. For this reason, let us cry out:
Rejoice, destroyer of the enemy’s wiles; Rejoice, drive away evil demons.
Rejoice, wall and fence from enemies visible and invisible; Rejoice, wonderful help left by the doctors.
Rejoice, you will soon deliver from troubles and sorrows; Rejoice, transform suffering into joy.
Rejoice, Cyprians and Justinos, helpers of speed and prayer for our souls.
Kontakion 7.
Although you were jealous of the wise evangelical virgins, you, the glorious martyr Justin, were filled with the oil of good deeds, and, having kindled the lamp of your soul, you enlightened people with the teachings of Christ so that those who know the Lord Jesus may sing to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 7.
The Almighty Lord has shown His mercy to you again: by His divine grace He has exalted you, glorious Justino, to the height of spiritual perfection, even as you are weak from ailments of soul and body. You can heal those who are asleep, and you can free those who suffer from unclean spirits from the wiles of their evil ones. For this reason we cry out to you:
Rejoice, O one above, who loved those below; Rejoice, you who have surrendered everything to God.
Rejoice, burning with seraphim love for Him; Rejoice, teaching us to love Him with all our souls.
Rejoice, confirmation of Orthodox people in their faith; Rejoice, decoration of the virgin host.
Rejoice, Cyprians and Justinos, helpers of speed and prayer for our souls.
Kontakion 8.
It’s strange for the wicked hegemon to see you, holy martyr Cyprian, when you were handed over to an unjust judgment: for you, as an unshakable warrior of the Heavenly King, with the boldness of Christ confessed your , chanting in suffering: Alleluia.
Ikos 8.
You betrayed everything to God for yourself, holy martyr Cyprian: for you were not afraid of the cruel punishments and the sufferings themselves, but with a bright face, shining with the grace of God, you appeared before the judgment seat of wickedness Therefore, I urge all the faithful to sing to thee:
Rejoice, unshakable confessor of the faith of Christ; Rejoice, bold preacher of the Most Pure Trinity.
Rejoice, victorious through the power of God over the spirits of malice; Rejoice, you who burned the arrows of the enemy with the fire of prayer.
Rejoice, for you did not count the cruel torment as anything; Rejoice, for in your suffering you glorified God.
Rejoice, Cyprians and Justinos, helpers of speed and prayer for our souls.
Kontakion 9.
Do not deny every good request of ours that comes to you in faith, O holy martyr Justino, for by the grace given to you from God, you drive away the unclean spirits that torment a person, drive away demons They are given and health is given to the sick, who cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9.
The branches of many things will not be able to sing of all your labors, Saint Justino, for you loved God with all your heart and all your soul, you directed all your diligence and desire, in to fulfill His holy will. Likewise, even now, burdened with troubles and sorrows, you do not abandon us, but intercede for us before the Lord, giving 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 sicknesses.
Rejoice, there is a warm refuge in our prayers; Rejoice, good consolation to those who are offended.
Rejoice, good teacher of those faithful to salvation; Rejoice, helper in their struggles.
Rejoice, Cyprians and Justinos, helpers of speed and prayer for our souls.
Kontakion 10.
The salvation of all is arranged by the Lord, the Lover of mankind, who, at the end of your confessional feat, crowned you, Saint Cyprian, with a martyr’s crown: confessing before the tormentors the True God, in the Trinity Holy One, who is worshiped, you fearlessly bowed your head under the sword, chanting: Alleluia.
Ikos 10.
Thou art a wall and a shield, God-dear Cyprian, to all who diligently come running to you and warmly pray before your icon: for the All-Good Lord has granted you to help and heal illnesses of the soul and body sleepy. For this reason we cry to you:
Rejoice, for you have offered up 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 love.
Rejoice, Cyprians and Justinos, helpers of speed and prayer for our souls.
Kontakion 11.
You, the passion-bearer Saint Justino, offered up all-compassionate singing to the Lord, when you bravely endured severe torment for Him; Having finished your confessional course, you joyfully bowed your head to beheading, singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 11.
Shining with a luminous light on the church candlestick, Saint Justino, driving away enemies, visible and invisible, from us with a gracious light. 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 defeated your tormentors.
Rejoice, you who crowned your martyrdom with a sword-like death; Rejoice, thou who glorified thy Lord through suffering and miracles.
Rejoice, Cyprians and Justinos, helpers of speed and prayer for our souls.
Kontakion 12.
Grace has been given to you from God, Saints Cyprian and Justino, to trample upon the power of the enemy and every demonic presence: for you have endured great suffering, and by your martyrdom you have found bliss in we have achieved this naturally; Now, standing before the Throne of the King of Glory, pray for us, so 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 demonic hordes at the hour of death, then show us your intercession, so that we may be delivered by you, we cry out:
Rejoice, quick protection from the wiles 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, having been washed in the Blood of Lambs; Rejoice, you who have taken up residence in the palaces of the Lord.
Rejoice, to the host of saints; Rejoice, Tri-shiny Light of illumination.
Rejoice, Cyprians and Justinos, helpers of speed and prayer for our souls.
Kontakion 13.
About the prestige and glory of the saint of God, Hieromartyr Cyprian and Martyr Justino, speedy helper of all who come running to you with faith, receive from us, unworthy, this song of praise, and from Heal us all from mental and physical ailments, protect the eternal from enemies visible and invisible Pray the Lord to free us from torment, and let us cry together with you: Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1st and kontakion 1st.
Prayer.
O holy martyr Cyprian and martyr Justino, heed our humble prayer! Even though you naturally died your temporary life as a martyr for Christ, you do not depart from us in spirit, always following the commandments of the Lord to teach us and to bear your cross patiently for us. own. Moreover, as you have gained boldness towards Christ God and His Most Pure Mother, be the prayer books of creption and intercessors for us unworthy, so that through your intercession we may be preserved, unharmed from demons and magicians and from evil men we will abide, glorifying the Holy Trinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and ever. Amen.
Relics
In the Church of St. Cyprian there is a carved iconostasis covered with gilding. There are ancient icons of the Mother of God, Christ the Merciful, and St. Michael, dating back to the 18th century.
Relics of saints
In the central part of the temple there is a silver shrine. The relics of Saints Cyprian and Ustinya are kept there. A priest is always present next to them. To ask for something, pilgrims approach the clergyman. He covers their head with the stole, which is part of the vestment, and says a prayer to the saints. Then the priest takes out from the box a bag with a piece of cotton wool moistened with olive oil. The priest blesses it on the relics and gives it to those who come. On the right, in a glazed box, a “shoe” is stored, which according to legend belonged to Spyridon of Trimifuntsky.
Icon of Saints Cyprian and Ustinha
The face of the holy martyrs is on the right side of the Royal Doors. The saint is depicted as a middle-aged man with a beard. He is dressed in the clothes of a saint. In his left hand he has a closed Gospel, and with his right Cyprian blesses people. Ustinya is depicted as a young girl, whose figure is completely wrapped in a veil. Her left hand is open, symbolizing sincere faith. There is a cross in the girl’s right palm.
On a note
Leaving the church in the village of Meniko, pilgrims can draw holy water from a special reservoir with water taps. Therefore, when going on an excursion, you need to take an empty container.
Priests
There are two priests serving in the church - Fathers Cyprian and Savvas. They speak different languages, including Russian. Pilgrims from Russia are always greeted here warmly and treated with warmth and love.
Story
According to legends, Cyprian was a unique person. From 7 to 30 years old, he traveled around the world and studied sorcery, demonic wisdom, priestly service, sorcery, sorcery, astronomy, and listened to the lessons of the great priests. Returning to Antioch, Cyprian became a great sorcerer and murderer. He was able to:
- Cause a natural disaster.
- Send damage.
- Harass a person to death.
- Bring diseases to people.
- Summon the deceased, make him speak and move.
- Cause diseases in livestock.
Cyprian did dirty deeds, helping evil people, and receiving a reward for it.
Justina was the daughter of a pagan priest. She learned about Christianity by chance. One day a deacon passed near her house, and she heard him talk about Christ. The message she received resonated deeply with her, and she went on a quest to learn more about Jesus. The girl fell in love with the Word of God and was baptized.
Justinia was beautiful and a man named Aglaid really liked her. But the girl decided to give her life to Christ, so she avoided the man. Aglaid went to Cyprian for help, offering him a large reward. Cyprian used all his strength to bewitch Justinia, but her faith in God was strong, and the love spell did not help.
He wanted to scare the girl and sent a plague to the inhabitants of the city, but as soon as Justinia prayed, all the ailments disappeared. And then Cyprian realized that he had committed evil deeds. This made him fall in love with God. The sorcerer realized that he had committed many sins, took the right path, and together with Justinia did only good deeds, helping people.
The Holy Scriptures contain many episodes of the struggle between the wise men and the righteous. And the Lord’s confessors always won. But the wicked did not always return to the true path. Cyprian made the right decision, he was wise.
What happened next?
Very soon the former sorcerer was awarded the rank of deacon, then priest.
Therefore, on the icons Cyprian is called a holy martyr (this means that the saint held holy orders during his lifetime), and Ustinya is called a martyr. Years passed, the virgin went to a monastery, and Cyprian became a bishop. But the main tests were ahead. By order of Emperor Diocletian, the saints were captured and sentenced to torture. Seeing that they were not producing results, it was decided to behead the martyrs with a sword. The warrior who witnessed what was happening announced that he also accepted Christ. For this he was also executed. The veneration of Cyprian and Justinia began immediately after their death, as evidenced by written documents of that era.
The relics of the saints rest in Italy, as well as in Cyprus. In 2005 they were brought to Moscow. The Ark was available for worship in the Conception Monastery. If you want to address the saints at home, you can purchase an icon. Where to hang the image of Cyprian and Ustinha is not of fundamental importance. It is important that the shrine is located in an appropriate place, away from digital technology, entertainment posters, and photographs.
Special prayers have been written to address the saints; you should not deviate from them. You can ask in your own words for strengthening of faith and protection from enemies. But the main hope must be placed in the Lord Jesus Christ, pray to him more often, confess sins, wear a cross - this protection is quite enough, as the history of the saints demonstrates.
Who were you during your lifetime?
The Holy Great Martyrs Cyprian and Ustinya suffered a terrible death in 304 in Nicomedia. This is a small city located near Constantinople. Almost all believers know this when they read prayers in front of their icon. But how did these people live? What were they doing? Not every parishioner can answer these questions. Meanwhile, the meaning of the iconographic image and what it is customary to pray for in front of it is largely determined by the lives of the saints represented on it.
At the time of his martyrdom, Cyprian was bishop of Antioch, the city in which he was born and lived. He was a very educated and respected man. Before becoming a Christian, Cyprian was one of the most influential priests and the city sorcerer, to whom local residents turned to with various needs. This man received his education in Babylon, Argos, Memphis and Targopol. Of course, it was directly related to divination. It also indicates that he came from a very wealthy family.
Ustinya was the daughter of one of the city priests. She accidentally heard a street Christian sermon and became interested in this creed. Ustinya soon received the sacrament of baptism and was able to convince her parents to do the same. And after meeting Cyprian, she contributed to his conversion to the Christian faith.
How does the icon of Cyprian and Ustinya help?
Cyprian was initiated into the priesthood from childhood and studied magic in different cities. He wore a special ring on his finger that gave him power over unclean spirits. The sorcerer was very strong in his craft - he cast spells on people and summoned the dead. Today, near the icon of Cyprian and Ustinya, those who seek protection read prayers:
- from magic;
- from witchcraft;
- from love spells;
- ill-wishers;
- diseases.
The miraculous icon was installed in every hut and was considered the guardian of the hearth and comfort.
