What to ask the Apostle Bartholomew for: the most powerful prayer text

The Apostle Bartholomew was one of the 12 closest disciples of Christ, whose life became an example of perseverance, faith and self-sacrifice. His name is revered in many Christian traditions, and prayers to the saint are turned in the hope of healing, strengthening the spirit and help in difficult circumstances. The history of the apostle, his veneration and prayer texts are in the material of Izvestia.

The history of the veneration of the Apostle Bartholomew

The Apostle Bartholomew is one of the 12 closest disciples of Jesus Christ, whose name has firmly entered the history of the Christian Church. He is mentioned in all three synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, and in the Gospel of John appears under the name Nathanael. Most Biblical scholars and church historians agree that this is the same person. According to legend, Bartholomew was from Cana of Galilee. It was there that Christ turned water into wine.

Bartholomew's first encounter with Jesus is described in the Gospel of John. When he heard from Philip about the Messiah from Nazareth, he doubted. However, when he met Jesus, he was amazed that Christ called him a true Israelite, in whom there is no guile. These words became a symbol of the sincerity and purity of Bartholomew's soul, which accompanied him throughout his life.

After the descent of the Holy Spirit, the apostle set out on a mission to preach the gospel. Legend has it that Bartholomew traveled through Syria, Arabia, Mesopotamia, India, and Asia Minor. Together with the Apostle Philip, he preached in Hierapolis, where he converted many pagans to Christianity, including the wife of the local ruler. This caused dissatisfaction with the authorities, and the apostles were tortured.

The saint continued his preaching activities in Armenia, where he baptized King Polymius and his family. However, the king's brother, the priest Astyages, became angry and ordered Bartholomew to be captured. According to the most common version, he was skinned alive and then beheaded. That is why in iconography the saint is often depicted with a knife or his own skin — a symbol of martyrdom and spiritual fortitude.

Bartholomew is considered one of the founders of the Armenian Apostolic Church, and his name is especially revered in this country. In the Christian tradition, he has become a symbol of fearless service, missionary feats and unconditional devotion to God.

The history of the veneration of the Apostle Bartholomew

The veneration of the Apostle Bartholomew began in the first centuries of Christianity and spread rapidly both in the East and in the West. Already in the 3rd century, mentions of him are found in church chronicles and apocryphal acts, where his sermons and martyrdom are described in detail.

In 508, some of the relics of the apostle were transferred from Armenia to the Syrian city of Daru, and later, in the 9th century, they were brought to Rome. There, the relics of the saint found eternal rest on the island of Tiberina, where the Basilica of St. Bartholomew was erected. This temple became the center of his veneration in the Catholic world. Later, according to legend, the relics were also found in Germany and Italy — in the cities of Frankfurt, Benevento and Lipari.

In the Orthodox tradition, the memorial day of the Apostle Bartholomew is celebrated on June 24 (according to the new style). The Catholic Church honors the saint on August 24. In Armenia, one of the patronal feasts is named after him, as well as many temples and monasteries.

In Russia, the cult of Bartholomew began to spread with the adoption of Christianity. His name is often found in ancient shrines and temple lists. In folk traditions, the day of the apostle's memory was associated with the summer calendar cycle — the time of the beginning of haymaking and harvesting of the first grasses.

Today, the Apostle Bartholomew is revered as the patron saint of missionaries, preachers and all those who seek spiritual strength in trials. He is considered a defender against evil spirits, slander and injustice. Prayer services for health, peace of mind and help in difficult circumstances are held in churches in honor of the saint.

Practical recommendations for prayer

Prayer to the Apostle Bartholomew does not have a strict canonical format, believers can address him both in church and at home. The Church teaches that the main power of prayer lies not in words, but in the sincerity of the heart. However, there are several general recommendations that Orthodox Christians adhere to when addressing a saint.

Before starting the prayer, it is recommended to concentrate, put aside household chores and free the mind from disturbing thoughts for a while. It is better to read a prayer in front of the icon of the apostle or in silence, lighting a candle. If a prayer is made for help in an illness or a difficult life situation, it is customary to light a candle for health and mentally thank God for the trials sent to strengthen the spirit.

In some monasteries where the relics or fragments of the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew are kept, believers perform special prayer services and read akathists. At the same time, it is important not to perceive prayer as a magical rite. The church tradition emphasizes that prayer is a conversation with God and the saints, a way to strengthen faith and find inner peace.

The Apostle Bartholomew is asked for healing from diseases, especially mental ailments, for protection from evil thoughts, slander and lies. The saint is also asked for spiritual fortitude, help in difficult decisions, and relief from fear. In some regions, it was a tradition to recite a prayer to Bartholomew before starting a new business, as a request for a blessing.

Prayers to the Apostle Bartholomew

The first prayer:

"O Holy Apostle Bartholomew, disciple of Christ and preacher of the Gospel! Pray to the merciful Lord to grant us the strength of faith, patience in tribulation, and deliverance from temptation. Enlighten our hearts with the light of truth, guide us on the path of righteousness, and strengthen us in works of piety. Be our protector from all evil, from lies and human envy. Ask the Lord for peace to our souls and bodily health, so that we may glorify the name of God forever and ever. Amen to that."

The second prayer (for help in difficult circumstances):

"Holy Apostle Bartholomew, helper and comforter of the sorrowful! Hear my prayer and intercede for me before the Lord. Strengthen my heart in trials, grant me wisdom and patience. Take away the malice of my enemies from me, deliver me from fear and unbelief, and guide me to the path of peace. May I remain in the love of Christ and not waver in my faith. Amen to that."