What church holiday today, February 11: the life of St. Lawrence, a powerful prayer, the main superstitions

On February 11, the Orthodox Church remembers St. Lawrence, Bishop of Turov, who was famous for his miracle-working gift. For many years he lived as a hermit in the Pechersk Monastery, for which he was nicknamed the Hermit of Pechersk. In 2025, St. Lawrence's memorial day falls on Tuesday. "Izvestia" tells what pray to the saint and what folk omens are associated with this day.

Church holiday February 11 - Memorial Day of Saint Lawrence: the life of the saint

St. Lawrence was born in the XII century in the city of Turov, an ancient Belarusian city, which during the saint's lifetime was the capital of the principality of Turov. St. Lawrence early renounced worldly life and took monastic tonsure, settling in one of the monasteries of the city. Later he was elevated to the Turov cathedra as bishop, succeeding the famous spiritual writer and preacher Cyril of Turov.

But before that Lavrentiy lived for many years in the Kiev-Pechersk monastery. There he was given a separate cell where he could lead a reclusive life. All this time he remained in silence and strict abstinence, praying tirelessly to the Lord. As a reward for his deep faith and piety, the Lord gave him the gift of healing people from bodily and mental illnesses, as well as the power of prayer to cast out demons.

There is a legend that once a demon-possessed man was brought to the Monk. The man could lift and throw aside a gigantic tree without anyone's help, which ten people could not move. All the way to the temple he was demon-possessed. And only after meeting with Lawrence was the unfortunate man cured.

The saint died on February 11 (January 29, O.S.), 1194. After his death, the body of Saint Lawrence was carried to the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery and laid with honor in the Near (Anthony's) caves of the monastery. There his miraculous relics remain to this day.

The Church honors the saint several times a year: on the day of his death, on the Cathedral of the Monk Fathers of Kiev-Pechersk, on the Cathedral of Kiev Saints and the Cathedral of Belarusian Saints.

Epiphany thaw: how Russians celebrated the Epiphany holiday

In Moscow and the Moscow region almost 250 swimming pools were organized

What to pray for today in the church Orthodox Christians

People turn to Lawrence of Pechersk in various situations of life. First of all, they ask him for strengthening in faith, healing from illnesses, protection from demons and other hardships. In popular memory, the saint is also remembered as a healer of eye diseases. Therefore, the Monk is still prayed to for healing from eye diseases. It is believed that sincere prayer will help to restore sight.

Here are some of the most powerful prayers to St. Lawrence, which can be read on the holiday in the temple or at home. Since the texts of the prayers are quite voluminous, we give them with abbreviations:

"Reverend Father Lawrence! We prostrate before thy all-honorable icon, as thou livest, and we pray: accept our prayers and lift them up upon the altar of God's goodness, that we may receive thy grace and timely help in our needs. Strengthen our cowardice and establish us in faith, that we may surely hope to receive all good things from the goodness of the Lord through thy prayers. Help all of us who come to thee in faith by thy intercession to the Lord, and guide us all to end our lives in peace and repentance, and to depart with hope into the blessed depths of Abraham. Amen."

"O great Hierarch, our warm intercessor, St. Lawrence! Standing at the Throne of all the Tsar, pray to save the flock of Christ's people, establish the welfare of the holy churches: Adorn the bishops with the splendor of holiness, strengthen the monastics in the pursuit of a good course, and implore them to keep the holy faith blameless, preserve the reigning city and all cities and countries well, pacify the whole world by thy intercession, deliver it from famine and pestilence, preserve from foreign attacks, comfort the old, guide the young, make wise the foolish, have mercy on the widows, intercede for the orphans, raise up the infants, bring back the captives, deliver the weak and those who pray to Thee from all misfortunes and calamities by Thy intercession. Amen."

Calendar of fasts for 2025: all dates of Orthodox fasts

Folk superstitions and beliefs for the feast of February 11

In the people the day of the memory of the saint is known as Lavrentiev Day. With him there are many omens and superstitions. In the old days on this day, witches and people possessed by demons were feared. Our ancestors believed that they could inflict spoilage and cause a lot of different troubles. To protect themselves and their homes, thistle was spread all over the house. The plant was also placed in the corners, at the headboards of beds and in the cradles of babies.

According to beliefs, on Lawrence in no case can not remove the crosses, and women to walk with loose hair, so as not to be subjected to the evil eye. Spouses should avoid quarrels, and if they still occurred, it is necessary to make up before sunset. People believed that if a husband and wife fall asleep in discord, they will not see peace in the family for a long time.

Also on the holiday it was forbidden to scold children in vain and leave their requests unheeded. It was believed that St. Lawrence would intercede for a pure child's soul and would definitely punish the adult. According to the signs of the day determined the weather. If the wood in the stove does not burn well, then soon there will be a thaw. And if the smoke from the stove pipe is piling up, it will soon get warmer.

Earlier in February celebrated the Memorial Day of St. Gregory the Theologian. "Izvestia" told what this saint is known and who helps.