To many believers, holiness seems something distant and unattainable. “Of course, he is holy due to these and these circumstances... of course, the Lord gave him the grace to be a saint...” they say. In fact, every person can achieve holiness, and the Orthodox faith knows many examples of this. Moreover, to acquire this status, a monastic or priestly rank is not required at all, only faith and the embodiment of God's truth on earth is required. Confirmation of this fact is the personality and icons of Daniel of Moscow, who to this day is revered in many churches and inspires parishioners.
The Peaceful Policy of the Righteous One of God
Shortly after the beginning of the reign of the young sovereign of a small principality, a small and unenviable inheritance turned into the capital of the capital, and Daniel received the name of the Grand Duke of Moscow.
That was the time of the Mongol-Tatar yoke, constant invasions of barbarians and imposition of unaffordable taxes. During the raids of the Tatar-Mongols, entire villages were destroyed, people were exterminated from children to the elderly, and men were taken into slavery, but this did not stop the nobles from tearing apart their possessions, waging internecine wars.
The prince's peaceful policy contributed to stopping and avoiding bloodshed; even his brother's treacherous lesson could not shake the ruler's love for the people.
Patron saints by date of birth
Each person has his own icon: its choice depends on the specific time period in which your birth date falls. Such an icon has greater power and can protect you from great trouble, as well as attract joy, happiness and prosperity into your life.
For example, those born between December 20 and January 22 are patronized by the icon of the Virgin Mary “Unexpected Joy”. The holy mentor and protector for people born at this time is the Venerable Elder Seraphim of Sarov.
Orthodox Christians born between January 22 and February 20 are under the protection of the “Vladimir Mother of God” icon, and prayers to Saint Athanasius will help gain the patronage and help of this ascetic.
For those born from February 21 to March 20, the Iverskaya icon will be a good protection. You can pray to the Iveron Mother of God for the preservation of your family and deliverance from childhood illnesses. The patron saint for those born at this time is Saint Alexy.
Those born from March 21 to April 20 are patronized by the Kazan Mother of God: this icon must be in the house, since it in itself is a powerful protection for the whole family. You can also turn in prayer to the patron saint George the Confessor, who strengthens you in faith and guides you on the right path.
Those born between April 21 and May 20 should pray to the icon of the Mother of God “Help of Sinners.” Prayers in front of this icon will help you find the right path and strengthen yourself in the Orthodox faith. The patron saint is the Apostle John.
For those born from May 21 to June 22, the image of the Most Holy Theotokos “The Burning Bush” will be an excellent protection. For help and support, those born at this time can turn to Saint Alexei.
For Orthodox Christians born between June 23 and July 22, the icon of the Virgin Mary “Joy of All Who Sorrow” will provide help, support and support. Saint Cyril is the patron saint of those born at this time.
Those born from July 23 to August 23 should pray to the icon of the Mother of God “Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” This image will help you avoid serious illnesses and adversities. Also, Orthodox Christians born during this period are patronized by Saint Elijah, the prophet of the Lord.
Those born from August 24 to September 23 are patronized by the “Vladimir Mother of God”. Prayers in front of this icon will help Orthodox Christians born during this period of time find family happiness and well-being. The patron saint of those born at this time is John the Baptist.
People born between September 24 and October 24 should seek intercession and protection from the icon of the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord. This image will protect and protect from disasters and misfortunes, and will help avoid damage to death. You can also turn to the Most Holy Sergius of Radonezh for help.
Those born from October 25 to November 22 should definitely have with them the icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear”, and in difficult life situations turn to the Apostle Paul in prayer.
Those born between November 23 and December 20 should offer prayers to the “Sign” icon of the Virgin Mary. Prayer in front of this image will help you avoid the manipulation of people around you, and the patronage of Saint Barbara will help you live a happy Christian life.
Unification of Rus'
1302, the ruler of Pereyaslavl-Zalessky dies, leaves his principality to Uncle Daniil as an inheritance, the principality of Moscow turns into the largest and most powerful appanage, which marked the beginning of a single powerful state. Pereyaslav was much larger than Moscow at that time, but the prince did not move the capital from Moscow. The unification of the lands of Rus' began around his principality.
Filled with faith and piety, the son of Alexander Nevsky contributed to the construction of Orthodox churches throughout the Russian land, and thus arose:
- Kremlin Church of the Savior on Bor;
- the temple of St. Daniel the Stylite, later turned into a monastery;
- Epiphany Monastery;
- Peter and Paul Church.
Residents of Moscow and Pereslavl loved their ruler for his meek, God-loving disposition and mercy.
How not to make a mistake when choosing a personalized icon?
In Rus', when baptizing infants, it was customary to give them the names of one or another saint. The chosen saint became the child’s patron, protecting him from illness and danger from birth, and helping him in difficult times. Now this tradition is being restored. Each baptized person has his own Heavenly helper, whose life path should serve as an example and lead forward.
A personalized icon depicting the patron saint has enormous power. She is able to drive away illnesses and bring peace and harmony to the soul. By sincerely praying before her, a person receives support
It is important not to treat a personal icon mercantilely, as a means of solving all problems. Thank your protector for the good things in your life, share your joy and your feelings with him
You can find out which saint is a person’s patron in the following ways:
- Having studied the church calendar. Usually the child is named after the saint whose memory is honored on the day closest to his date of birth.
- From loved ones. Sometimes parents give their child the name of a saint who is especially revered by them.
- From the certificate of Baptism.
- In the temple where the ceremony took place. If a person’s name is not in the church calendar, then at baptism a second name is given: it can be consonant with the first (Alina - Angelina) or meaning (Yuri - Georgy). Records of this must be kept and can be raised.
Personalized icons are selected in the church shop
Usually on them the patron is depicted from the waist up; icon painters pay special attention to the eyes. They must look into a person’s soul, filling it with light and harmony
If you are named after a little-known saint, you can order a personalized icon from an icon-painting workshop.
Personalized icons for children
For newborn children, baby-sized icons are often made. They depict the patron in full height. This image is hung above the crib. It protects the baby and helps to establish a special spiritual connection between him and the saint.
A personalized icon will help the child visibly feel the presence of a saint in his life. It’s good if parents read to their grown-up child the life of his spiritual patron and learn together the prayer addressed to him
It is important that the holy “namesakes” become for children not just a lifesaver to which you resort in difficult situations, but a powerful moral guide
Monasticism and the last days
At the age of 41, the great ruler of Moscow retired, accepted the rank of schemata and devoted himself entirely to serving God.
Holy Blessed Prince Daniel of Moscow
In March 1303, the schema-monk Daniel left this world, bequeathing to be buried in a cemetery near ordinary monks.
A few years later, his son Ivan Kalita ordered the transfer of the Daniel Monastery to the Kremlin Church of the Savior on Bor, leaving the Church of Daniel the Stylite near the ashes of his father.
2 centuries passed, the cemetery was abandoned, and no one could remember where the grave of the great founder of Moscow was.
What does the icon of Daniel of Moscow help with?
The icon of St. Daniel helps in reconciling various warring parties. As you remember, the prince always knew how to find a profitable solution for each side and maintained peace. Therefore, they often pray to him so that simple everyday troubles can be resolved in the best way:
- land and property disputes;
- disputes with neighbors or relatives;
- elections of bosses and management – helps to accept the best option.
Often Daniil Moskovsky helps in finding your own home or resolving some real estate issue. Helps improve relationships with superiors.
At the same time, we must remember that Saint Daniel takes the side of the highest justice, and therefore helps those on whose side the truth is.
How to pray correctly
Appeals to Daniel are made in churches or at home. The home iconostasis is installed in such a way as to be able to concentrate and be in solitude. The best time for home prayer: early morning or early evening, before dinner. Priests advise to treat texts with care and take into account some rules:
- texts from the prayer book intended for daily prayers are memorized;
- before memorizing, the main thoughts are translated from Church Slavonic into Russian in order to fully understand what is being said;
- prayers with requests are read separately, accompanied by daily texts, as well as words of gratitude.
On the home iconostasis, icons are installed in accordance with the laws of hierarchy. Lamps and candles can be placed nearby.
Information! They do not place photographs or paintings next to icons, nor decorate them with napkins or artificial flowers.
Personal life
The name and origin of the prince's wife are not found in surviving primary sources. However, Pyotr Vladimirovich Dolgorukov, who compiled the “Russian Genealogical Book” in the 19th century, wrote it down under the name of Evdokia Alexandrovna.
Ivan Kalita, son of Daniil of Moscow
Nothing is known reliably about Daniel’s daughters either, because the stories of women in that era were rarely recorded in the chronicles. And the prince had five sons: Yuri, Alexander, Boris, Ivan and Afanasy.
Miracles
Before considering how this image helps, it is necessary to briefly describe the known miracles that were performed throughout the long history of Rus'. Wikipedia can tell you about this; these facts are well known. Until now, miracles associated with this icon help believers.
Hundreds of thousands of believers for centuries, both ordinary people and aristocrats, prayed before him, great ascetics and worldly people comprehended the faith before him, through the prayers of the Russian people, the Virgin Mary worked miracles and protected her native land from all sorts of adversities.
Famous miraculous events:
- In 1395, the Most Pure Virgin appeared in a dream to Tamerlane, who at that time had conquered a huge amount of land, forced him to retreat and not capture Rus'.
- In 1451, the Tatars again stood under the city walls, but Jonah, who was the metropolitan at that time, carried an icon of the Mother of God along the city walls for the glory of God in order to protect the city. At night, the Tatars heard an incomprehensible noise and believed that it was the approaching army of Vasily Dmitrievich. The enemy hordes were seized with fear, they retreated from the walls of the city and went home.
- Standing on the Ugra River in 1480. According to legend, the miraculous Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God was taken to the river before the start of the supposed battle. Russian and Tatar troops stood on opposite banks of the river for 9 months, not daring to launch an offensive. Before the battle, the Russians brought the icon to their shore and, after a short time, the Tatars retreated.
- Saving Moscow. At the beginning of the 16th century, the invasion of the Tatars could have completely destroyed Moscow, but one of the nuns had a dream about the icon and the sins of the inhabitants of the capital. As a result, in the morning, townspeople and priests gathered in the temple to pray to the Mother of God for help. As a result, the Tatars retreated again.
- Finding a king. With the icon, under the leadership of the Metropolitan, they went to Boris Godunov so that he would become the new Tsar.
- Liberation from the Poles. In 1613, liberation troops entered the city and were greeted with exactly this face.
In addition, the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God was actively used during the coronation of various royalty. People noticed various miracles that were achieved by prayer before the image or by washing with the water that had previously washed it. These facts were recorded in various church books.
Standing on the Ugra River in 1480.
How to pray
Many Orthodox Christians have seen at least a photo or reproduction of this image. It is available in many temples. What they pray to the Vladimir Icon of God: believers ask for their own needs, do not forget about their own land and other Orthodox Christians who will benefit from the intercession of the Mother of God.
We list the most common reasons:
- strengthening faith in moments of doubt, when there is a need to strengthen faith and deepen one’s own religious feeling;
- for healing from mental and physical ailments, the Virgin Mary constantly prays to the Lord and is a great intercessor who helps those who ask to find health;
- about deliverance from sin - this is what the image especially helps with; every believer can come to repent and receive forgiveness;
- to ask for the country and the Orthodox faith - such a prayer is traditional and has been practiced for many centuries;
- before making a decision, when you need to think about something and receive some valuable advice, after praying to the Mother of God, the best decision itself comes to the mind of the believer.
From the previous description, we know what the icon looks like: the distinctive feature is the foot of Christ, which is facing the viewer. From this detail it is easy to see the desired image when you come to the temple and offer a prayer.
To do this, you need to come before or after the service in order to be able to light a candle and read the prayer the required number of times.
It is also possible to pray in private, that is, at home, in front of the image that is in the room. This practice is integral to the Orthodox; solitary prayer brings significant spiritual benefits.
Here are some tips for this practice:
- before starting, you should clear your own mind, tune in to prayer, and renounce earthly worries;
- in front of the image, if possible, a candle or lamp is lit first;
- you need to ensure privacy and complete calm so as not to be distracted and focus on the words of prayer;
- It’s best when the prayer is read from memory, but a prayer book or just a convenient printout can also be used;
- Prayer in your own words is also allowed, which begins with the traditional address “O All-Merciful Lady Theotokos.”
