Memorial Day of Abraham Smolensky on September 3: the saint's story, omens and prayer

The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) commemorates St. Abraham of Smolensk on September 3. His life and ministry became an example of perseverance, spiritual discipline and fidelity to the ideals of faith. He became famous as a strict preacher of repentance. The history of the holiday and a strong prayer to the saint are in the material of Izvestia.

Who is Avraamiy Smolensky?

On September 3, the church calendar commemorates Abraham of Smolensk, one of the most revered ascetics of the XII—XIII centuries. His name is associated with the preaching of strict repentance, reflections on the Last Judgment and uncompromising spiritual discipline.

Abraham was born in Smolensk around the middle of the 12th century into a wealthy family. The parents did not have a male heir for a long time — they had 12 daughters before him. It is believed that the birth of a boy was perceived as an answer to their prayers. From an early age, he was drawn to worship and reading books, was distinguished by seriousness and a rare interest in spiritual issues for a teenager.

After the death of his parents, Abraham did something that surprised many of his contemporaries: he completely distributed his inheritance to the poor, monasteries and temples, and he put on a simple robe and went to the monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary near Smolensk. There he began a monastic life, devoting himself to prayer and work.

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He paid special attention to the correspondence of books — it was not only a monastic obedience, but also a way of in-depth study of theological and philosophical texts. It is known that he used the library of Prince Roman Rostislavich of Smolensk, which contained not only Slavic, but also Greek and Latin works.

In 1198, Abraham was ordained a priest. He celebrated the liturgy daily, preached a lot, and soon gained a reputation as a strict spiritual mentor. His sermons on repentance and responsibility for his actions resonated with the townspeople, but at the same time aroused the envy and discontent of some of the clergy and influential Smolensk families. He was accused of violations, including reading "inappropriate" books. Under pressure from his detractors, Bishop Ignatius deprived Abraham of the right to serve and sent him back to the monastery.

Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Korotaev

However, events soon turned differently. Smolensk was hit by severe drought. According to legend, after Abraham's prayers, the long-awaited rain began to fall, and the bishop changed his attitude towards the priest. Subsequently, Ignatius entrusted him with the construction and management of a new monastery in honor of the Position of the robe of the Virgin, and Abraham himself was elevated to the rank of archimandrite.

As head of the monastery, he showed rigidity and exactingness, selecting only those who were ready for severe austerities into the brotherhood. The number of inhabitants remained small — about 17 people, but the monastery gained fame as a center for preaching repentance and spiritual sobriety. Abraham was also engaged in icon painting: he created images on the themes of ordeals and the Last Judgment, which corresponded to his views on the need for constant reminders of the end of earthly life and responsibility before God.

He died after 1224, having spent about five decades in monasticism. His veneration began quite quickly: by the end of the 13th century, there was a special service for the saint, which indicates recognition of his spiritual authority and a stable place in the church tradition. Since then, September 3 has become the day of church-wide commemoration of Abraham Smolensky.

Folk signs and prohibitions on September 3

The saint's Memorial Day is perceived as a time of prayerful communion and contact with the spiritual experience of the monk. Believers can attend divine services, read the life, perform home prayer, show mercy and abstinence.

Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Korotaev

Abraham paid special attention to repentance, caring for the soul, and unceasing prayer, day and night, in order to avoid condemnation at the Last Judgment.

In the folk tradition, September 3 is associated with a number of restrictions. It was believed that on this day you should not trust other people's advice and be guided by hints from the outside, as they can lead you away from the right path. It is best to listen to your own intuition and follow it.

In addition, the date was considered a family date: it was not recommended to visit or receive guests, spending time at home and household chores. The day was not suitable for large expenses and reckless purchases. There was also a ban on haircuts and any changes in appearance.

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Avraamiy Smolensky's Day: a powerful prayer

St. Abraham of Smolensk is a vivid example of a monk who was able to combine a strict ascetic life with a deep interest in the Holy Scriptures and spiritual literature.

He is known as a miracle worker, a scribe of manuscripts, a gifted preacher and educator. He suffered severe trials: slander and harassment from envious people in the church environment. Believers turn to him in prayer, asking for support and comfort in times of unfair accusations and persecution.

Today, the monk is revered as the patron saint of missionaries, teachers, and preachers. A powerful prayer for turning to a saint:

"O great Father Abramie, thou good ascetic of Christ, our glorious helper and protector in tribulation and adversity: it is impossible to separate thee from the love of the Lord Jesus: neither persecution, nor slander, nor the reproach of thine enemies. You, like a lion, have gone out to battle against mental wolves, spirits of malice, who have moved you, for the sake of your good confession and preaching, the people of Smolensk, your kindred: and like a fiery arrow you have struck your persecutors by the power of the grace of the Holy Spirit and your strong love for God: and like an eagle you have soared into the mountain monastery Having inherited eternal life, glory and unspeakable bliss there. We believe, O holy one of God, that we stand with the angels and all the saints before the throne of the glory of the Triune God, fervently and God-pleasing offering up prayers not only for this holy monastery, which you have built, and for our city of Smolensk, but also for the entire holy Church of Christ, and we beseech you to pray to the Lord: the suffering Russian country from fierce atheists and authorities May He set them free, and may the throne of the Orthodox tsars, Your faithful servants, who cry out to You day and night in sorrow and sorrow, may He hear their painful cry, and may our lives be saved from destruction. We believe, most glorious wonderworker, that by the power of the almighty Lord Jesus Christ, who is still alive, you have implored the land of Smolensk, which is thirsty for the sins of men, to drink copious rain, and after your dormition you pour out abundant gifts of gracious help for salvation to all who run to you with faith and pray to you, and above all, you ask for death with repentance to those who honor you, so that All of us, young and old, unanimously glorify the unfathomable greatness of God's goodness. Meanwhile, with faith and love, falling down and reverently kissing your holy icon, we beseech you, our good prayer book and intercessor in heaven, help us sinners and the humble through your prayers in all our sorrows, needs and circumstances, preserve us and your holy monastery and this city of Smolensk (and all these and these temples) and All Orthodox Christians of the Russian country from holy evil and every misfortune, above all, help our eternal salvation and all those who ask for your help and intercession. O God-pleasing, Venerable Father Abramius, pray to Christ our Saviour, may He grant peace and quiet to all Orthodox Christians and may He turn away from us all anger directed at us, may He deliver us from the snares of the enemy, the longing in the bonds of sin and the torments of hell, and may He vouchsafe us, unworthy and sinful, to stand at His right hand in judgment. May we enter into the eternal rest of His saints, who celebrate the unceasing voice and ineffable sweetness of those who see the goodness of His face, and so may we be able with you and all the saints to endlessly glorify the Consubstantial and Indivisible Trinity forever and ever. Amen to that."