Powerful Prayer for Holy Relics: how to read and worship correctly

Relics are special shrines that preserve the spiritual power and memory of the saints of God. In Orthodoxy, relics are considered a source of grace and life-giving power of saints, to whom believers turn with prayers for help, healing and protection. The clergy point out that prayer in front of relics is especially powerful and effective when performed with a conscious heart and respect. For more information about the rules of prayer reading and proper veneration of relics, see the Izvestia article.

What are relics?

Relics are the remains or body parts of saints of God, as well as objects that were closely related to their lives and ministry. The word "relics" comes from the Old Russian "might" — strength, might, which reflects the belief in a special spiritual power contained in these holy relics.

In the Orthodox tradition, relics are considered sacred because they manifest the grace of God and the life-giving power of the saints. Believers turn to the relics with prayers, asking for healing, protection and help in life's difficulties. Veneration of relics is one of the oldest customs of the Christian Church, dating back to the first centuries.

The relics of saints are usually kept in special reliquaries — beautiful vessels or arks, often decorated with precious metals and stones, located in Orthodox churches and monasteries. Famous shrines visited by pilgrims from all over the world include the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in the Italian city of Bari, Saints Alexander Nevsky and Sergius of Radonezh in Russia, John the Baptist, Panteleimon the Healer and many others.

Relics can be kept not only in Russia, but also in Greece, the Holy Land, Bulgaria, Cyprus and other Orthodox countries. Often, the relics of saints are displayed for worship during church holidays or great divine services, allowing believers to venerate and receive spiritual gifts.

The spiritual significance of relics in Orthodoxy

In Orthodoxy, the relics of saints have a special spiritual significance as holy relics. They symbolize a living connection between the earthly and heavenly worlds, being a source of prayerful help and spiritual strengthening. For the Orthodox, the relics serve as a kind of symbol of inviolable holiness and the constant presence of saints in the life of the church and every believer. Through prayer, the relics communicate with the spiritual world, heal mental and physical ailments, and increase faith and hope.

The relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Bari are considered one of the most revered. Many testimonies speak of miraculous healings that occur after touching his relics: getting rid of diseases, protection from troubles and spiritual consolation.

The holy relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov, kept in Diveevo, are glorified by numerous miracles of healing and help in life's difficulties. His intercession is especially revered by those who seek peace of mind and health.

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The relics of St. Spyridon of Trimifunt are distinguished by their life-giving power. Believers go to them with prayers for health and protection, confirming cases of getting rid of serious illnesses.

Rules of veneration of holy relics

Veneration of the relics is expressed in reverent application to them or to the nearest icon of the saint. Before this, it is customary to consecrate the hands with the sign of the cross and kiss the shrines with reverence. Each bow should be meaningful and cordial. During the prostration, one can silently address the saint or repeat short prayer words such as "Lord, have mercy" or "Holy servant of God, pray to God for us."

If a person is standing in front of the relics for the first time, it is useful to ask the blessings of the priest or senior parishioners, who will help to properly perform the bows and prayer rule. Do not hesitate to read the prayer out loud, try to concentrate and not be distracted. It is advisable to prepare a prayer book in advance, where there are akathists and canons, so as not to get lost in the text.

The main thing is to pray with all your heart, with sincere faith in the help of the saints and their prayerful intercession. Then prayer for the holy relics will bring spiritual peace and support in life.

Prayer before the holy relics: the text, how to read it correctly

Prayer before the holy relics plays an important role in the spiritual life of an Orthodox person. This is a special appeal to a saint whose remains or objects embody his holiness and spiritual power. To read such a prayer correctly means to be attuned to sincere faith and deep respect, to realize that prayer is not just words, but living communion with God through a holy intercessor.

Prayer before the holy relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh, one of the most revered Russian saints, patron saint of Russia and spiritual mentor, occupies a special place in Orthodox prayer practice.

Prayer to St. Sergius of Radonezh

"O holy head, our Venerable and God-bearing Father Sergius! Through your prayer, faith, love for God, and purity of heart, you established your soul on earth through the abode of the Most Holy Trinity, and were honored with communion with Angels, and the visitation of the Most Holy Theotokos, and received the gift of miraculous grace. After your departure from earthly life, you drew especially close to God, and partook of Heavenly Power, but also You have not departed from us in the spirit of your love, and you have left us your precious relics as a vessel of grace full and overflowing. Having great boldness towards the All-merciful Master, pray for the salvation of His servants, who believe in His grace that dwells in you and flow to you with love. Ask of our God, who is rich in gifts, every gift that everyone needs: the observance of the immaculate faith, the establishment of our cities, peace, deliverance from famine and pestilence, preservation from the invasion of foreigners, consolation for the sorrowful, healing for the sick, rebellion for the fallen, return to the path of truth and salvation for those who err, and asceticism for those who struggle. strengthening, success and blessing for those who do good in good deeds, upbringing for infants, guidance for the young, admonition for the ignorant, protection for orphans and widows, good preparation and guidance for those who depart from this temporary life, blessed rest for those who depart, and grant us all, accompanying us with your prayers, on the Day of the Last Judgment from to get rid of the fate of those standing on the left, and to become companions of the right side, and to hear that blessed voice of Vladyka Christ: "Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the end of the world." Amen to that."

When reciting prayers in front of the relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh, it is recommended to make the sign of the cross, pronounce the words sincerely and with reverence, and accompany the prayer with bows. Such prayer strengthens spiritual strength, helps to find protection and support in life's trials.