Brief biography
Sparse biographical information has been preserved about the early Christian saints. Their exploits in the name of faith in Jesus Christ are described in more detail.
Origin
Bonifatius was a slave. There is no detailed information about his place of birth and the reasons for his low social status. In Christian chronicles he is mentioned as a young man of pleasant appearance, a Christian who lived in Rome in the 3rd century AD.
Life and service to God
Bonifatius differed from other slaves in his intelligence and organizational skills, for which he was appointed manager of a large estate. The owner, a Roman matron named Aglaida, being unmarried, made him her lover. They had a fun and carefree time, not observing fasts and Christian commandments.
Aglaida was older than Bonifatius in age. She began to be tormented by remorse and fear of the Last Judgment after death, because she was baptized into the Christian faith. During this period of time, cruel persecution of preachers and followers of the teachings of Jesus Christ began in the East.
Aglaida decided to atone for her sins before the relics of the holy martyrs. For this purpose, she ordered Bonifatius to go to the eastern countries, redeem the relics of tortured Christians and bring them to Rome. She gave him a large sum of money and an escort of other slaves for the journey.
Bonifatius was distrustful of Aglaida's idea and joked whether she would pray to his remains if he died at the hands of the pagans. To which the matron called him a frivolous drunkard and ordered him to hit the road.
Arriving in Tarsus, Bonifatius and his companions stayed at a hotel. In a great mood, the young man went for a walk around the city. In the central square, he saw Christians being tortured and was shocked by their courage and resilience.
Death
Bonifatius threw himself at the feet of the martyrs, kissed their shackles and asked for the mercy of God to share their suffering. When asked by the judge why he said this, Bonifatius replied that he was a Christian. His behavior made a strong impression on the people present in the square.
Bonifatius began to be forced to renounce his faith in Christ. They beat him with iron rods, poured molten tin down his throat, and threw him into a cauldron of boiling tar. But the Lord saved the repentant sinner. All the trials did not harm him. Then Bonifatius' head was cut off. Along with the blood, milk flowed from the wounds and a fragrance spread. Most of the witnesses to the execution believed in Christ after this.
Bonifatius's companions set out a day later in search of what they believed was the reveler leader. The news of his tragic death struck them to the core. They ransomed the head and body of Bonifatius and returned to Rome.
Aglaida had a prophetic dream in which an angel appeared to her and ordered her to prepare to meet the remains of a former slave who had become equal among the angels in the Kingdom of Heaven. The Roman woman buried Bonifatius on the territory of her estate and built a small temple in his honor. Having distributed all her property, she retired to the monastery. Eighteen years later she was buried next to the saint.
When the martyr Boniface arrived in the city, he saw torture of Christians in the square
When Boniface arrived in the city of Tarsus, he left his companions at the hotel. After which he went to the square, where he saw Christians being tortured. He was horrified by the torment and torture people had to endure.
But he was also surprised by their enlightened faces, which were overshadowed by the grace of God. Then Boniface threw himself at the feet of the martyrs and began to kiss them. He asked the martyrs to pray for him, a sinner, so that he could also have the honor of suffering with them.
Seeing the torture of Christian people in the square, Boniface decided to suffer torment along with these people
What is asked of the holy martyr?
Prayer to Saint Boniface helps to cope with alcoholism and drug addiction.
But this requires three conditions:
- desire to get rid of vice;
- faith in the help of a saint;
- persistence in achieving goals.
Repentance gives every Orthodox believer hope for the mercy of the Lord.
Relatives and loved ones of patients suffering from these addictions can turn to the holy martyr.
Saint Boniface was given over to torture
When the judge saw this, he asked Boniface who he was. Saint Boniface answered immediately that he was a Christian. After which he, like many other Christians, refused to sacrifice to idols. He was then captured and given over to torture.
They beat him so hard that the meat fell off the bones, they stuck needles under his nails, after which molten tin was poured down his throat. But it was only by the power of the Lord that he was completely unharmed. When the people saw this, they began to throw stones at the judge, and then went to the pagan temple to destroy all the idols.
The next day, when the people calmed down a little, the judge ordered Bonifatius to be thrown into a cauldron of boiling tar. But this did not cause him any suffering. Resin poured out of the cauldron and burned his tormentors. After which the martyr Bonifatius was sentenced to beheading by sword. Blood and milk flowed from his wound. When people saw this miracle, many of them then believed in the True God.
When Boniface's head was cut off, blood and milk flowed from his wound, after which many people then believed in God
Prayer text
Oh, long-suffering and all-praised martyr Bonifatius, we now resort to your intercession: do not reject the prayers of us who sing to you, but graciously hear us, see our brothers and sisters who are overcome by the grave illness of drunkenness, see for this sake from your Mother, the Church of Christ, eternal salvation falling away. Oh, holy martyr of Christ Boniface, touch their hearts with the grace given by God, quickly raise them from the fall of sin and bring them to saving abstinence. Pray to the Lord God, for whose sake you suffered, that having forgiven us our sins, may He not turn away His mercy from His sons, but may He strengthen us in sobriety and chastity, may He help His right hand to maintain strong and saving God’s promise to the end, in the days and keep vigil about him at night, and give a good answer about him at the Last Judgment. Accept, servant of God, the prayers of mothers who shed tears for their children; honest wives who weep for their husbands; children of orphans and wretched children abandoned by pianists; and all of us who fall to your icon, and may this cry of ours come through your prayers to the Throne of the Most High, granting to all through their prayers health and salvation of souls and bodies, especially the Kingdom of Heaven. Cover and protect us from the evil deception and all the snares of the enemy, in the terrible hour of our exodus, help us to pass through the airy ordeals without stumbling, and with your prayers deliver us from eternal condemnation. Pray to the Lord to grant us unfeigned love for our Fatherland and unshakable will before the enemies of the Holy Church, visible and invisible, so that God’s mercy will cover us for ever and ever. Amen.
Is it possible to pray in your own words?
The words needed for prayer can be found both in ready-made collections and in your own heart. The second option in the modern world is much preferable, since the texts contained in old collections are filled with words, the essence of which is not close and not entirely clear to people.
This means that the prayer to Boniface, filled with ornate words that have long gone out of use, will not be filled with sincere conviction; the person will simply repeat the memorized text without understanding its meaning.
The exception is folk prayers that are not recorded in collections and are passed on as folklore, orally, for generations. Such texts always keep up with the times, and their words are close and understandable to everyone.
Akathist
Kontakion 1
Chosen warrior of Christ, adorned with the crown of glory, delivered from eternal death by martyrdom, turned away from the darkness of sin and come to the eternal Light, accept our prayer in praise offered to you, and deliver us from the snares of our evil enemy, so we joyfully call to you:
Rejoice, Boniface, long-suffering martyr.
Ikos 1
By a bright angel, the fire of your torment extinguished by the dew of grace, you were protected, Boniface, who suffered more than Christ, so that as an unrepentant sinner you did not perish and appear before the Lord in wedding clothes, teach us to put on the bright vestments of holiness, calling to you:
Rejoice, you who gave your life for Christ; Rejoice, imitating His suffering.
Rejoice, turning your eyes to God; Rejoice, having strengthened your will in virtues.
Rejoice, faithful servant of Christ; Rejoice, holy end of your life has been accepted.
Rejoice, turn your hearts to repentance; Rejoice, lead to Christ, the true path.
Rejoice, enlightened by the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, not seduced by the temptations of this world.
Rejoice, you who put to shame the evil serpent; Rejoice, joyful face of the saints.
Rejoice, Boniface, long-suffering martyr.
Kontakion 2
Seeing the great turmoil of this world and the sorrows of the earth, and counting all this as dust, you raised your mind to the most worldly, suffering more than Christ, ascended to the height of prudence, you confessed Christ God before everyone, and now you call the souls of all who perish in sins to the merciful Lord , may they repent in humility and cry out to Him in tender tears: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
You strengthened your reason with sobriety and you extinguished the flame of passions with repentance, wonderful Boniface, you came from the west to the east from Rome, to sympathize with our Lord Jesus Christ, bearing a holy intention, so that grace abounds in you, and now you have drawn us into the temple of God, who speak to you :
Rejoice, teach to overcome passions; Rejoice, give hope of salvation to the desperate.
Rejoice, having known the vanity of earthly life; Rejoice, you who predicted your own suffering.
Rejoice, consolation and encouragement to those who are sober; Rejoice, strengthening the weak by will.
Rejoice, for through you we turn away from drunkenness; Rejoice, for through you we turn to God.
Rejoice, inexhaustible source of healings; Rejoice, endless treasure of miracles.
Rejoice, teaching us to always raise our minds to God; Rejoice, having found true freedom from sins.
Rejoice, Boniface, long-suffering martyr.
Kontakion 3
The ineffable power of God’s mercy has been revealed to you, for the wondrous narrative of your life, martyr, clearly tells us how great sinners are mercifully accepted by our Father God when they bring repentance to Him, so you too have pleased God and instead of bitter death you have received eternal life, teach And I will make God sing to us: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having now eternal joy in the Heavenly Villages, and do not forget us sinners on earth,
Martyr of Christ Boniface. We, who are toiling and burdened, come running to you: do not leave us orphaned and sick, asking you for help, but bring our prayers to the Heavenly Altar, and we joyfully call to you:
Rejoice, you who loved your neighbor as you loved yourself; Rejoice, you who did not harden your heart in sins.
Rejoice, you who served as a stranger and traveler with all diligence; Rejoice, for this reason you bypassed hundreds of hailstones at night.
Rejoice, you who teach mercy to the rich; Rejoice, protect the orphans and widows.
Rejoice, kind representative of the needy and humiliated; Rejoice, you who are intercessors for the offended and humiliated.
Rejoice, thou who are burned by the unbearable thirst for drunkenness and cooled down by sobriety; Rejoice, for the sake of wine, call the impoverished to sobriety.
Rejoice, comforter of weeping women; Rejoice, bring their tears to the Lord.
Rejoice, Boniface, long-suffering martyr.
Kontakion 4
The storms of sin did not drown you, you were covered below the waves of passions, martyr of Christ, you did not perish, but you came to Christ and you offered your life, like a fragrant sacrifice, to Him, our Sweetest Savior. Pray, then, and we, who exist in the sea of life, to a quiet refuge, the Lord Savior, as a father, calling in tenderness: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
We also hear the Gospel parable, how the prodigal son in a distant country, having spent his wealth, came from the hunger of his soul, came into the arms of his father, calling in repentance: Father, those who have sinned in Heaven and before you. So you, martyr Boniface, did not destroy yourself, but turned away from the birth of sin, and turned to Christ. We, rejoicing in your correction, sing to you:
Rejoice, you who have experienced passion in your work and are strong in your work; Rejoice, O Christ God, for you who hungered for living bread.
Rejoice, O Most Pure One of His Blood, for having partaken of the true drink; Rejoice, for you were venerated as a glorious martyr.
Rejoice, you who fly to God on the wings of sobriety; Rejoice, you who have sorrow in your heart.
Rejoice, you who came to the Lord by the power of the Life-giving Cross; Rejoice, for you have received the crown of victory.
Rejoice, imperishable treasure of our souls; Rejoice, our Church is a valuable adornment.
Rejoice, the beauty of this world is rejected; Rejoice, you have taken off your sinful clothes.
Rejoice, Boniface, long-suffering martyr.
Kontakion 5
Remember the rich Blood of Christ for all of us unworthy and the martyr’s blood shed for Christ, Aglaida tells you: Weigh how many sins we have desecrated ourselves, and we are careless about the future of our life. I heard from the divine man that the relics of the martyrs are granted salvation, like the martyr, who is a guardian and intercessor before God. And we say to you: You are our guardian and intercessor before our God, for with the Angels you stand before the Throne of the Most Holy Trinity, singing: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
We now see and understand how these words of Aglaida awakened your soul, and you called for abstinence for yourself, martyr Boniface, and help us to imitate you, so that we do not perish in the abyss of lawlessness by being drowned, but we joyfully call to you:
Rejoice, awakening from passions, as from a disastrous sleep; Rejoice, freed from the bonds of sin.
Rejoice, reproof of those who doubt the mercy of God; Rejoice, endless joy affirmation.
Rejoice, calling us to the feat of abstinence; Rejoice, for with the sign of the Cross you stopped the outburst of passions.
Rejoice, having acquired for yourself eternal possessions; Rejoice, and encourage us to the work of salvation.
Rejoice, for you have despised the joy of wine; Rejoice, for you have endured fleshly wounds because you were incorporeal.
Rejoice, beaten by your enemies for confessing Christ; Rejoice, scorched by unbearable fire for Him.
Rejoice, Boniface, long-suffering martyr.
Kontakion 6
The preacher of the worship of the holy relics appeared Aglaida, your mistress, the sufferer of Christ, when you sent to the east the holy relics of the martyrs who suffered for the faith of Christ, to bring, in the image of good deeds flowing abundantly and eternal salvation is given to all who diligently flow to the martyr’s face. Grant that we too may receive consolation from the Lord, and to Him we offer the angelic song: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
You have shone upon us, like an unsetting star, through your wondrous life, most blessed martyr, the light and all-bearing yoke of Christ that we have accepted and received salvation, for there is no way to find piety without Christ the Lord. In the same way, with your prayers, bring us to the heavenly monastery, praising you here:
Rejoice, God-written tablet of the law of Christ; Rejoice, fragrant myrrh of prayers to the Lord.
Rejoice, true pillar of fire in Christ’s faith; Rejoice, honorable one, crowned with the commandments of God, built like precious stones.
Rejoice, heavenly ladder of sobriety; Rejoice, heal sinful illnesses and wounds.
Rejoice, you have received grace and strength from the Lord Jesus Christ; Rejoice, for through this light of Christ you have shone.
Rejoice, teaching us to illuminate the holidays by abstinence from sins; Rejoice, you protect us from mortal wine.
Rejoice, you who revive those killed by passions with the light of Christ; Rejoice, you call to a new life.
Rejoice, Boniface, long-suffering martyr.
Kontakion 7
Although you left your home on a journey to the east, you predicted the end of your life, O worthy Aglaida, saying: My lady, accept my body, tortured for Christ, when it is brought to you. Having in your soul the thought of suffering for Christ, you sincerely prayed to Him, and strengthen our faith, so that we too may prepare it for the sake of suffering, singing to the Lord: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
Not believing your wondrous and glorious correction, think evil in your heart Aglaida, wanting to slander you with the sin of blasphemy, thus answering: “Now is not the time for mockery, brother, but for reverence, knowing how to bear the relics of the holy imasha. May the Lord send His angel before you and guide your steps with His mercy.” We, the purity of your heart, wondrous Bonifatius, seeing, cry out to you:
Rejoice, admirer of holy relics; Rejoice, giver of reverent images to us.
Rejoice, we are commanded to guard against atrocities; Rejoice, all of you, for whom the sons of this age rejoice, despising them.
Rejoice, known helper to us; Rejoice, treasurer of holy relics.
Rejoice, patron saint of all who struggle with sins; Rejoice, the guarantor of our repentance before God.
Rejoice, for through your prayers the Lord leaves sins; Rejoice, helping us to endure sorrows and reproaches.
Rejoice, you who created joy and wonder with your angelic face; Rejoice, you who have brought the spirits of evil to shame.
Rejoice, Boniface, long-suffering martyr.
Kontakion 8
Pagan idolatry seemed strange to you, and you, holy martyr, when you came to Tarsus, you did not bend your knees before alien gods, but you appeared to be a zealot as an Apostle. In the same way, pray for us, that we too may be ignited with the fire of love for the Lord Christ, always singing: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
You were all inflamed with holy zeal, not tolerating blasphemy against the Lord, and you were filled with the spirit of God, denouncing the blindness and madness of those who worship false gods. For this reason, the wicked king brought execution on you, the bitter martyr, unbearably beating you with scourges and inflicting inhealable wounds. We sing your praises:
Rejoice, bold accuser of evil; Rejoice, thou clothed with armor in the truth of God.
Rejoice, for your bones are laid bare from their wounds for Christ; Rejoice, for the purity of your soul was then revealed.
Rejoice, for you have inherited the heavenly village; Rejoice, for even now you reprove evil people’s blasphemy against Christ.
Rejoice, thou who was pierced for Christ with sharp reeds; Rejoice, unfading flower of the Garden of Eden.
Rejoice, for you have purified gold from the furnace of plagues; Rejoice, thou struck for Christ.
Rejoice, having pleased God with your death; Rejoice, you who loved Him even to the point of martyrdom.
Rejoice, Boniface, long-suffering martyr.
Kontakion 9
Having betrayed everything to the Lord God, more passionately than Christ, when the wicked king commanded to open your mouth and pour in boiling tin, you raised your hand to heaven, praying: Lord my God Jesus Christ, who strengthened me in torment, remain with me now, ease my suffering. and do not leave me overcome by being a wicked prince. Thus you teach us love for Christ, singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Let the superstitious spirits tell us that because the tin of kindled thy throat did not fall, do no harm to you, martyr Boniface, for you asked from the Lord for a sign of victory over the tormentor, and this sign was given to you quickly. For this reason, everyone cried out in wonder: Great is Jesus Christ, we believe, we believe in You, Lord. We glorify you, martyr, Sitsa:
Rejoice, for through you the faithful are enlightened; Rejoice, for through you they are being delivered from shameful death.
Rejoice, find your consolation in Christ alone; Rejoice, teach us to call on God in suffering.
Rejoice, for you did not overcome the torment; Rejoice, for you have not overcome passion.
Rejoice, for you have burned the thorns of sins within yourself; Rejoice, for you were not scorched by fire.
Rejoice, ever-living, joyful passion-bearer; Rejoice, our gracious prayer book.
Rejoice, for through you the eyes, blinded by sins, are opened; Rejoice, for with your help sorrows are turned into joy.
Rejoice, Boniface, long-suffering martyr.
Kontakion 10
Having desired to be saved, you ardently desired to suffer to the end for the Lord, martyr Boniface, and you cried out to Him: Lord, Lord my God, grant me Thy mercies and be my helper, so that for the iniquities of my insane acts, the enemy will not block my path to Heaven , accept my soul in peace, join me with the martyrs, who shed their blood for You and kept their faith to the end, and now cry out to You: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
A strong wall, not overcome by the machinations of the enemy, you remained to the end, martyr of Christ, when your head was quickly cut off from your body, what a miracle! Abi blood and milk flowed from that wound, just as the unbelievers who beheld this miracle, glorify Christ and call you with us:
Rejoice, because your torment is visible, many people have turned to Christ; Rejoice, for for your sake you rushed towards the prince of your malice.
Rejoice, for your death will enlighten the darkened minds; Rejoice, for your glorious death has resurrected the conscience buried in sins.
Rejoice, reproof of unrepentant sinners; Rejoice, by the will of the paralytic, healing comes from wine.
Rejoice, in the night of ignorance there is admonition for those who wander; Rejoice, golden soul who draws you to salvation from the depths of sins.
Rejoice, for you were heard from God in your prayers; Rejoice, for you have dwelled in the Heavenly Kingdom.
Rejoice, thou clothed with purple from thy blood; Rejoice, for you now see an indescribable light.
Rejoice, Boniface, long-suffering martyr.
Kontakion 11
Bringing silent singing to the Lord, martyr Bonifatius, standing with the martyr's faces to the Most Holy Trinity, you gave yourself up for Nyuzhe, and we, too, like beautiful brides, present our souls to the incorruptible Bridegroom Christ with the sacred song: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
The light of love even after death shone forth, O wondrous Boniface, when my friends, having found your truncated head, wept bitterly: Servant of Christ, forget us the sin of unrighteous condemnation and our reckless abuse. Then your face, like living rays, will be illuminated, showing forgiveness to them. For this reason we call you with love:
Rejoice, you have a mouth of meekness speaking sweet words; Rejoice, spacious container of love.
Rejoice, for the Church and her children rejoice in you; Rejoice, for you have come to the Highest Heavenly City.
Rejoice, equal in death to the Apostle; Rejoice, glorious in zeal for God.
Rejoice, you denounce the evil rumors of everyday life; Rejoice, deliver us all from the enemy’s trappings.
Rejoice, for you protect those who are unjustly persecuted; Rejoice, before the Throne of the Lord there is an unquenchable lamp.
Rejoice, having loved your enemies even according to the commandment of Christ; Rejoice, you are imputable to slander and slander.
Rejoice, Boniface, long-suffering martyr.
Kontakion 12
The grace of healing, sharpening your relics, as I approached Rome, the Angel of the Lord appeared to Aglaida, saying: You who were a slave of old, now accept our brother and fellow servant as if you were a master, and rest in peace, that your sins may be forgiven, for he is now with us in the Heavenly Ones. To the Most High God: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing your miracles, I created a wondrous temple for you, warrior of Christ, Aglaida, in which you placed your relics, and you yourself, having distributed wealth to the poor and lived for fifty years in labors of fasting and repentance, reached the ranks of saints. Even more majestic are your miracles, we glorify you:
Rejoice, you who created your soul as a beautiful temple to God; Rejoice, clear book of God's wonderful works.
Rejoice, deliverer of sudden deaths; Rejoice, protect sorrowful wives from evil pianists.
Rejoice, calling upon those who have fallen to rise from sins; Rejoice, give them the light of purity.
Rejoice, for you tame the fire of passions; Rejoice, for through you we leave the prison of sin.
Rejoice, guarding little children from the temptations of the world; Rejoice, you teach the teachings of Christ.
Rejoice, messenger of sobriety, glorified forever; Rejoice, ever-honored servant of Christ.
Rejoice, Boniface, long-suffering martyr.
Kontakion 13
Oh, wonderful torment of Christ Boniface, accept from us this small praiseworthy offering, kneeling before your icon and stretching out our hands to you, we now ask you: grant us your intercession before the Lord, especially to those who perish from drunkenness, send healing and a good life Make us all worthy to begin, so that having gained salvation through your prayers, we will praise God forever, singing to Him: Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “By the bright angel...” and the 1st kontakion “The Chosen Soldier of Christ...”.
Boniface's companions took his relics to Rome
Soon Boniface’s companions began to wonder where he had disappeared to. At first they thought that Bonifatius had indulged in a frivolous pastime, but then they began to look for him. At first, their searches were completely unsuccessful, but soon they met a man who saw Boniface’s torment.
He led them to the place where his body lay. The companions began to ask the saint for forgiveness for their thoughts. They were able to buy the body for a lot of money, and took it with them to Rome.
The relics of the martyr Boniface were brought to Rome and given to his mistress, who built a temple for the martyr
Before the companions arrived at the place, Mrs. Boniface saw an Angel in a dream, who told her to get ready to receive her former slave. The woman called all the clergy, and then with great honor she accepted the relics of Saint Boniface. A little later, she built a temple of the holy martyr and placed the relics there.
Soon many miracles began to occur from the relics of Saint Boniface.
The woman decided to distribute all her property to the poor, and then went to the monastery. She spent about 18 years in repentance, and during her lifetime she had the gift of casting out unclean spirits. After her death, the saint was buried not far from the grave of the martyr Bonifatius.
