Faith is a refuge that keeps you going even in the darkest of times. This is the only solace that we sometimes find in the midst of trouble, injustice and pain. We pray to the saints and the Lord, hoping for help and comfort. And each of us turns to a certain patron saint. For example, the one whose name was given to us at the time of baptism.
Those who have visited the Czech Republic at least once, probably know that Saint Vyacheslav (Wenceslas) is considered the patron saint of this country.
Revered saint
In 2000, on September 28, the Czech Republic celebrated the first State Independence Day. The date was not chosen by chance, because it is on September 28 (according to the Catholic calendar) that the saint's memorial day is celebrated. He was killed by his own brother back in the 10th century.
In Prague, on the main square of Vaclavak, every tourist must have had the opportunity to admire the equestrian sculpture of the Saint, which is located near the National Museum. This indicates how revered the heavenly patron of the Czech lands is among the local population. Even the famous old Bohemian hymn of the state begins with the words: "HolyWenceslas, prince of the Czech land…"
It is noteworthy that not only Catholics revere him, but also Christians. After all, he actively spread the Christian doctrine, trying to replace paganism with the true faith. Numerous churches were built by him, Orthodox schools were organized. Judging by the surviving sources, he was a pure and deeply religious person. Saint Vyacheslav in Orthodoxy and Catholicism remains one of the most revered saints.
During the life of the ruler
Vaclav was a Czech prince who lived in the 10th century. It is noteworthy that his mother was the pagan Dragomir, his father was the Czech prince Vratislav, who was a Christian. The latter was killed when Wenceslas was still very young. Hypotheses about Dragomira's religion are still just theories, as many historians claim that she was also a Christian. However, the few sources that tell about those troubled times are so contradictory that it is impossible to state any facts with certainty.
Since the boy was left an orphan early, he was brought up by his grandmother Lyudmila, who is now also canonized. Lyudmila also accepted a violent death - she was strangled with her own veil, presumably on the orders of Dragomira. Is it so? No one can answer this question with certainty.
When Wenceslas became a prince, he made a lot of efforts to spread Christianity among the pagan population. To this end, he built the majestic St. Vitus Church, which many tourists fromvisit with pleasure. Historians say that he ruled wisely and fairly, was distinguished by mercy and philanthropy. But, alas, his life ended very early.
The causes of the prince's death were politics and religion. Most of his subjects remained pagans, as did his younger brother Boleslav. The last Czech nobles, dissatisfied with the policy of the prince, persuaded him to kill his older brother and take his throne.
The idea was a success: Boleslav invited Vaclav to the consecration of the church, where he was killed right at the steps of the temple. The story tells that the prince actually knew about the impending assassination attempt, but he entrusted himself to the Lord, saying that everything was His will.
It is noteworthy that on the steps of the temple in the face of death, Vaclav nevertheless behaved not like a saint, but like a knight. And he even managed to disarm his brother, but then his henchmen arrived, and one of them delivered a fatal blow with a spear. According to legend, the blood that splashed on the door of the temple could not be washed off for 3 days. After which she disappeared by herself.
Later Boleslav repented of his deed, and transferred the relics of the murdered to the church of St. Vitus. They are kept there today.
What is the saint praying for?
Each of us prays for his innermost. However, traditionally, the icon of St. Vyacheslav is addressed in the following cases:
- Prayer for the welfare of the state and the inviolability of its borders. After all, the prince was a wonderful ruler who took care of the state and its inhabitants.
- Please send patience and resolve conflicts with loved ones. This is especially true for brothers. After all, Vyacheslavloved his brother and considered him incapable of murder. He even spared him in the last moments of his life. Although he understood that he invited him to the temple with the intent to kill.
- They turn to the icon of St. Vyacheslav and ask to be protected from dangers.
- It is also believed that it can help restore the faith to people who have abandoned the Church.
- The Great Martyr also patronizes the military. It is recommended to pray to him for those who are in the places of military operations.
- Prayer helps to find inner harmony, wisdom and love for others, as historical sources indicate that the Czech prince was famous for these qualities.
- Please send strength for teaching and gaining knowledge. During his lifetime, Vyacheslav Chesky was an educated person. He knew several languages, opened Christian schools. If studying is hard for you, be sure to pray to the holy great martyr.
- It is recommended to buy an icon for owners of the name Vyacheslav. It is believed that she will help them and help strengthen their faith.
Let's look at some effective prayers to St. Vyacheslav in Old Church Slavonic, which have special power.
Prayers to the patron saint
If you want the saint to protect from danger, read the following prayer:
Today, Angels and people rejoice together with common joy, Heaven and earth rejoice brightly in your memory, holy. And we, sinners, diligently cry out: pray to the Lord for us, deliver us from the misfortune of visible and invisible enemies, who honor your blessed memory.
Below isprayer for the conversion of unbelievers into the bosom of the Church.
The pious root branch of the most honest, the holy noble Grand Duke Vyacheslav, the champion of the former Eastern Church in the Czechs and the warm refuge of the poor and the orphan, like the second Abel, suffered death without malice, head truncated by the hand of a brother before the church gates. The same, Christ instilled in you / as a confessor of the right faith in the abode of Heaven, glorify your all-honorable memory in the Slovenian tongues and grant you a quick helper to all who honor you. Pray for your people to the Lord, may he turn them into the bosom of the Orthodox Church and save our souls.
Next, you can read a prayer to St. Vyacheslav for wisdom.
Oh, holy Prince Vyacheslav! We earnestly ask you to pray for us (names), may the Lord God forgive our sins, voluntary and involuntary, and cleanse us from all filth of the flesh and spirit, may we be delivered from the wiles of the devil and save us from human slander, may he confirm us in true faith and piety may it keep from vainly wise and soulful teachings, may it save our hearts from the temptations of this world and may it teach us to rake from carnal passions and lusts, and so philosophize on high, and not earthly, glorifying the Consubstantial Trinity forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer for forgiveness is below.
Oh, great warrior of Christ, holy martyr Prince Vyacheslav! Look from the Mountain of glory on us sinners, who have tasted the poison of lukewarmness. Pray for us, Holy God! May the Lord vouchsafe us in the days of apostasy the grace to acquire repentance, with compassion for a brother and with love for enemies, without malice the holy faith injustify yourself before God in purity. May we be honored by your prayers to receive the last Tsar in Holy Russia from the Lord, with you the heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven: the eternal knowledge of the creations of God and the blessed glorification of the Most Holy Trinity: the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.
A simple prayer
However, it is not necessary to study prayers, it is enough to speak in your own words. The main thing is that the heart dictates them. For example, you can ask to maintain family relationships with these words:
"Holy Martyr Vyacheslav, I beg you to grant me (name) wisdom and patience. Help me save my family, return love and respect. Guide my spouse (name) on the true path. I hope for your intercession. Amen."
Praying is recommended in silence, in the morning or late at night. In order to create an appropriate atmosphere in the room and draw closer to the Lord, you can light a candle. After all, representatives of all religions consider fire a symbol of holiness and cleansing from filth.
St. Vyacheslav's Day
Celebrated according to the old style on the day of the death of the prince - September 28, and also on March 4. It was on this day that the relics of the saint were transferred to the temple. According to the new style - October 11 and March 17. Prayer to him during this period has special power, and will certainly be heard.
Icons of St. Vyacheslav
Traditionally, the great martyr is depicted on icons either waist-deep or full-length. Rich clothes, crown onthe head and the sword speak of his high position during his lifetime. The right hand of the saint is occupied by a cross, which is a symbol of inexhaustible faith.
Icons of the great martyr can be purchased at any shop at the temple and church. He is equally revered by both Catholics and Orthodox Christians. The choice of materials from which icons are made is quite large - from plastic to expensive woods. Lovers of needlework on the Internet can also find icons embroidered with beads. It is also quite possible to make such a product on your own if you have the desire and some skills. However, remember that a self-embroidered image must be consecrated in the church.
Conclusion
In order to be heard by God and the saints, we must not forget to take communion. You can read about this sacrament in Vyacheslav Tulupov's book "The Miracle of Holy Communion". The author tells why this church ritual is needed, how to behave correctly during it.
