Prayers to the holy righteous Theodore Ushakov
First prayer
O glorious defender of the Russian land and the most glorious faith, zealous champion, invincible warrior Theodora! No words of gratitude, nor graceful orations are enough to glorify your righteous and wondrous life, since from childhood you acquired a strong faith in Christ and love for the Fatherland, and you appeared in the fruitful life of honest parents. For this reason, by the name of God’s gift, you appeared to your country in sorrowful times of battles against foreigners. For, imitating the righteous commanders, you defeated your enemies not only in numbers and skill, but even more so through faith, demonstrating the power of true piety.
In the same way, we are inflamed with love for you, we sing of your many virtues: great love for the Lord and your neighbors, for whose sake you set your stomach, your angel-like purity, so you surprised you with all your abstinence, true non-covetousness, for you despised the good and red of this world.
To her, blessed Theodora, servant of God and faithful Bolyarin of the Orthodox kings, look upon our wretched prayer, offered to you from sinful captivity. Incline to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, may he not repay our deeds, but rather grant remission of sins, deliver us from the evil ones who come upon us, and give diligent care to our authorities and people, courage to the army in battle, and sober piety to the people. And he will make us worthy to achieve a serene refuge in the Kingdom of Heaven, where, with all the saints, we will glorify the all-holy name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen. Second prayer
: Come, righteous warrior Theodora, from the mountain villages to those who flow to you and listen to their prayer: beg the Lord God to grant to all of us the hedgehog we ask from Him for our salvation, with your holy intercession. You have carefully carried out the great service entrusted to you, and with your help, guide us to remain in what we are called to do. You, having defeated the many adversaries, have brought down all visible and invisible enemies who have taken up arms against us. Pray to the Lord God to grant strong and inviolable peace and fruitful lands, shrines to the shepherds, truth and strength to the laws, wisdom and invincible valor to the military leaders, judgment to the mayors, your Russian fleet and all our troops, devotion to faith and the Fatherland and invincible courage, and to all Orthodox Christians health and piety. Save our Russian country and this holy monastery from all the slander of the enemy, so that in word and deed the all-holy name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit is glorified, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.
Start of service
His diligent attitude towards service did not go unnoticed among the experienced sailors of the Baltic Fleet, where the young midshipman was sent. Having successfully mastered the secrets of maritime practice, Fedor was transferred to the Azov squadron.
In 1775, on the Black Sea, by decree of the Empress, the creation of a regular Russian fleet began, the admiralty of which was located in Kherson, where Fyodor Ushakov was sent in 1783 with the rank of captain of the second rank.
Two years later, the newly created fortress of Sevastopol met the ship "St. Paul", commanded by captain of the first rank Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov.
Icon of Fyodor Ushakov – Radonezh Icon Painting Workshop | Moscow
Handwritten icon of Fyodor Ushakov.
On the golden background of the icon is a half-length figure of the righteous Theodore Admiral (Fyodor Feodorovich Ushakov), naval commander, one of the founders of the Black Sea Fleet.
The saint's gaze is fixed on the viewer. Theodore is dressed in the admiral's uniform of her era, with awards earned by him in numerous battles.
In his right hand the saint holds an open list proclaiming: “Do not despair! These terrible storms will turn to the glory of Russia.” In the left hand is an officer's saber, as a symbol of the noble profession of defender of the fatherland.
The weapon with which the righteous warrior fought the enemies of his Fatherland.
Correct, harmonious facial features personify the spiritual beauty of a celestial being.
A stern facial expression, without excessive sensuality and emotionality, shows detachment from the world, concentration in serving the Lord. The face is painted with delicate ocher melts.
The pinkish tones of the blush and lips contrast with the olive color of the sankir, which gives the face additional volume and expressiveness, softness and warmth.
Straight and wide folds of clothing set a certain rhythm and movement of the icon, expressing the complete orderliness of spiritual forces. Their strict geometric structure reveals the elasticity of spiritual energy. All elements of the icon are painted with thin, transparent melts, which give depth, softness, and unearthly airiness to the appearance of the righteous Theodore the Admiral.
The subtle engraving pattern on gesso gives the icon a solemn, sophisticated look.
The icon of Fyodor Ushakov is made in the canonical style, in compliance with the centuries-old traditions of icon painting.
When painting the icon, a pure and natural palette of colors was used: minerals, semi-precious stones, ocher, earths manually ground with a chime and mixed with yolk.
The rich color palette of natural pigments made it possible to achieve moderate saturation and softness of colors characteristic of the Moscow school of writing.
Righteous Theodore Admiral, life
“All batteries that are captured will raise flags on them, which will mean our victory. Without wasting time, try to master the entire island. As soon as a favorable wind comes, I will immediately weigh anchor and with the entire fleet I will hasten to carry out as indicated.
“In 1659, across the Moksha River near the ancient city of Temnikov, the Sanaksar Monastery was founded. In our century, this monastery has become a place of glorification of the righteous warrior - admiral of the Russian fleet - Fyodor Ushakov. Thousands of kilometers separate the Sanaksar monastery from the shores of the Black Sea, where the Russian naval commander Fyodor Ushakov served.
Why exactly did the famous admiral retire here, to Sanaksary, after leaving his military career?
The Ushakovs are not a rich, but an ancient noble family. Fyodor Ushakov spent his childhood on a family estate in the village of Burnakovo, Romanov Uyezd, Yaroslavl province, in a family of pious and deeply religious parents. The uncle of the future naval commander Ushakov, Ivan Ignatievich, who was 27 years older than his nephew, had an unusually great influence on the young man.
According to the custom of that time, the children of well-born nobles were assigned to the guard. In his youth, Ivan Ushakov served in the Leipgguard in the Preobrazhensky Regiment, but at the age of 30 he left military service.
At the Alexander Nevsky Lavra he took monastic vows and was named Feodor as a monk.
When his nephew was enrolled in the naval cadet corps in St. Petersburg, Father Fedor restored the monastery in Sanaksar in the Tambov Province.
An invisible connection, spiritual, prayerful with this monastery, accompanied the admiral throughout his life. She kept us safe during dangerous campaigns and supported us in seemingly hopeless circumstances. Two Fyodors - a monk and a sailor, were soldiers of Christ, both did the same thing. Uncle Ushakov restored the monastery, was a firm and strict abbot, served God and prayed for the fatherland.
Admiral Fedor Ushakov performed glorious feats for the glory of Russia. The prayerful communication between my uncle, the Venerable Fyodor of Sanaksar, and Admiral Ushakov was never interrupted. A man of righteous life, Ushakov also served God in the military field. And evidence of this is the brilliant victories of the Russian Fleet.
Historians shrug their shoulders - “It doesn’t happen!” A fact truly unprecedented in all military history. During his military service, the admiral did not lose a single battle.
Another amazing example from the life of a naval commander - sometimes money for the maintenance of the Black Sea Fleet was delivered untimely; in such cases, Ushakov gave several thousand from his own money to the office of the Sevastopol port, so as not to stop the work.
He extremely valued government interests, arguing that he should be generous with his own money, and stingy with government money. And he proved this rule in practice. After retiring in 1810, Fyodor Ushakov went to live in the village of Alekseevka, Temnikovsky Uyezd, next to the Sanaksar Monastery.
About the last years of the admiral’s life, eyewitness accounts have been preserved - the abbot of the monastery, Hieromonk Nathanael. He wrote that Ushakov reverently endured long services in the monastery. He also had his own cell. The admiral donated significant sums to the monastery and established an almshouse in Temnikov. There was always prayer in his heart. During the Patriotic War of 1812, he consoled:
"Do not despair! These terrible storms will turn to the glory of Russia. Faith, love for the fatherland, and commitment to the throne will triumph.”
Fyodor Ushakov was buried, according to his wishes, near his uncle, the founder of the monastery, Hieromonk Fyodor of Sanaksarsky.
The Orthodox Church celebrates the memory of Fyodor Ushkov twice: October 15, the day of his death, and August 5, when the warrior was canonized. On these days, a festive liturgy is celebrated, and everyone can honor the memory of the great warrior and saint of God.
The meaning of the icon of Fyodor Ushakov
Fedor Fedorovich Ushakov, a great admiral and a simple righteous warrior, glorified by the church, gives us the most profound and edifying, very important example for our time that not a single thing, in any field, state-political or military, can be done without the blessing of God, without turning to God in prayer, but it is even more important that our prayers, our requests to God are created and based on the purity of our inner life, otherwise they can all be in vain. We need to live holy, which is what the Gospel calls us to do.
How does the icon of Fedor Ushakov help?
The patron saint of sailors and all defenders of the fatherland, Fyodor Feodorovich Ushakov is an example of passionate service to God and the Russian people.
His spiritual strength, pure faith, helped him cope with many difficulties and mortal dangers.
The holy image of Admiral Fyodor Ushakov teaches us unshakable faith, calls us to do works of faith and love, to trust in God's help and His boundless mercy.
Before the icon of Fyodor Ushakov they pray:
— About strengthening faith— About the health of officers and soldiers who protect our peaceful existence. Mothers pray for their sons serving in the armed forces, for their safe return home. About giving them courage and patience in their difficult service.
About valor and selflessness on the battlefields.— About sailors.— About victory over enemies.— About protecting the weak, innocent, oppressed.— About relief from bodily and spiritual infirmities.
Saint Theodore will hear our sincere prayer and, being before the throne of God, will convey our petitions to Him and we will receive what is beneficial to our souls.
The icon depicts Theodore in a military uniform with awards
The icon of St. Theodore Ushakov was painted as close as possible to the historical figure.
It depicts Theodore in a military uniform with the awards he earned for his victories. In his right hand he holds a scroll with prayers, and in the other - a weapon with which he struck his enemies.
The icon of St. Theodore Ushakov was painted as close as possible to the historical figure
In front of the icon they pray for the repose of deceased people who gave their lives for the good of their native country, and also pray for the health of soldiers who are serving.
Final years of life
Having resigned, the righteous warrior settled in the village of Alekseevka, not far from the Sanaksar monastery, where his uncle once served.
Hieromonk Nathanael shared his memories of the years of life in solitude of the glorious admiral of Russia. According to him, Ushakov lived without excesses, often came to prayer services. During Lent, the holy warrior lived within the walls of the monastery, standing with the monks during all services.
The monastic treasury was more than once replenished with significant sums from the zealous believer Ushakov.
The Council of Bishops recognized the legendary admiral as a saint
Due to health reasons, the admiral was unable to join the militia in 1812, when the war with Napoleon began, but he helped in the rear by establishing a hospital with his savings and thereby helping the front.
A faithful parishioner of the Orthodox Church, a true Christian, died on October 2, 1817 and was buried near St. Feodor, his uncle.
Feodor Ushakov was born on February 13, 1745 in the village of Burnakovo
Admiral of the Russian Fleet - Feodor Ushakov, was born on February 13, 1745 in the village of Burnakovo, Romanovsky district. His parents came from an ancient noble family, although they were not at all rich. But they were kind and pious people, they believed in God.
Theodore's father, Feodor Ignatievich, was an admiral and served in the guard. He had to fight the Turks, but after the third child born into his family, he was dismissed from service. Therefore, he decided to return to his native village to take care of simple household chores and raising his beloved children.
13 February 1745
Feodor Ushakov was born
The boy was born on the day of remembrance of two warrior-great martyrs - Theodore Stratelates and Theodore Tyrone. It was in honor of them that Theodore was named.
His whole life passed under the beneficial influence of his uncle, Theodore of Sanaksar, a warrior in spiritual warfare.
The Monk Theodore of Sanaksar grew up in these same places, after which he went to serve in the capital's guard. But his soul lay more towards spiritual service. He fled to the forest to perform prayers and fasts there.
When they found him, they sent him to the empress, who left him in the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. There he took his monastic vows.
The whole life of Theodore Ushakov passed under the beneficial influence of his uncle, Theodore of Sanaksar, a warrior in spiritual warfare.
At the temple, which was located near the village of Burnakovo, Theodore was baptized. There he studied literacy at a school for noble children. His parents really wanted to instill in him high religious feelings, especially since his uncle was an example for him.
