History has painted February with special calendar colors. Valentine's Day and February 23 are the most noticeable pagan holidays of this time (pagan does not mean bad, “filthy”; pagan means folk, commercial, state, but nothing more, nothing higher). The church sign of February is Candlemas, in Russian - Meeting: The Infant Savior on the fortieth day after Christmas is met by Simeon the God-Receiver and the prophetess Anna. God incarnate enters the Old Testament Temple; the Old Testament meets the New. However, reducing the entire church calendar to the twelve feasts would be an unbearable impoverishment. Each of the 365 days of the year is dedicated to the memory of some event or holy person. These “everyday” holidays often go unnoticed - what a pity!
In 107, the relics of Saint Ignatius the God-Bearer were transferred from Rome to Antioch. Until now, for 19 centuries, the Church remembers this event every year on February 11 (January 29, old style). We know very little of the saints who lived in such ancient times (the future martyr was born in the middle of the first century). But about Ignatius the God-Bearer we have reached not only oral testimonies, but also his own letters, which is an exceptional rarity. For comparison: the Apocalypse of John the Evangelist was probably written only ten years earlier.
Saint Ignatius was the bishop of the city of Antioch. In 107, during the reign of Emperor Trajan, he was arrested and sent to Rome, where he suffered martyrdom in the circus arena - he was torn to pieces by wild animals. On the way to Rome, the Bishop of Antioch, already foreseeing the imminent outcome, wrote several (we know of five) letters to the Churches of Asia Minor, bidding them farewell and conveying his last instructions. Another letter was addressed to the Romans, and one personally to Polycarp, then bishop of Smyrna.
Where are these Asia Minor Churches now? Ephesus, Smyrna, Thyatira, Laodicea, Magnesia... The Apostle Paul also wrote to them (whose sermon in Antioch must have been heard by Ignatius the God-Bearer, then not yet a bishop), John the Theologian addressed them (remember, “write also to the angel of the Laodicean church” ?). These Christian communities were located in the territory of modern Turkey. All that remains of Ephesus are ruins, now there is a museum; Smyrna is called Izmir - it is large modern city; but the surroundings of ancient Laodicea still attract masses of people to this day - thousands of tourists come here every day to admire the snow-white cliffs of Pamuk-Kale. There are practically no Christians in Turkish settlements, and local residents don’t even really understand why their cities are wonderful. But in those distant times, there were the largest communities of the new religion here (not even 80 years had passed since the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ). It was to them that the imprisoned Bishop Ignatius wrote, as did the imprisoned Apostle Paul about 40 years earlier.
The Epistles of Ignatius the God-Bearer are real pearls of early Christian writing. Their style is simple - no high rhetoric, no philosophical refinements. Experts say that even from the point of view of the Greek language, Ignatius’s works are not entirely flawless - after all, the bishop was a Syrian and hardly received a thorough education. But this is not the point at all: the instructions of the holy martyr are all the most valuable things that the saint, who had achieved the highest spiritual life, passed on to his brothers. Martyrdom for Christ was a step from which all previous life experience seemed imperfect to him. “Now I’m just starting to learn,” writes Ignatius, for a long time leader of the largest Christian community of that time.
The Church did not yet have a developed system of canon law and complex hierarchical subordination, but the Archpastor of Antioch found words that express the very essence of the not yet published canons: “Therefore, it is necessary not to do anything without a bishop. Submit also to the presbytery as the apostles of Jesus Christ - your hope, in whom God grant us to live. And everyone should please the deacons, the ministers of the sacraments of Jesus Christ, in every possible way, for they are not ministers of food and drink, but servants of the Church of God, and therefore they too should be protected from criticism as from fire.”
In some places, turmoil and discord began among the believers; the saint points to the root of the division - a violation of liturgical unity: “So, try to have one Eucharist. For there is one Flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ and one cup in the unity of His Blood, one altar, as well as one bishop...”; “Do not think that anything commendable will come of you if you do it on your own; but in the general meeting let you have one prayer, one forgiveness, one mind, one hope in love and in immaculate joy. There is only one Jesus Christ, and there is nothing better than Him. Therefore, you all make up, as it were, one temple of God, as if one altar, as one Jesus Christ, who came from the One Father and abides in the One, and went to Him alone.”
With particular force he denounces the Docet heretics, who said that the Savior’s suffering was only apparent, it was only an appearance, because God cannot suffer... “He endured all this for our sake, so that we might be saved; and He suffered truly and resurrected Himself, and not, as some unbelievers say, that He suffered in a ghostly way. They themselves are ghosts, and as they think, so will happen to them - incorporeal, like evil spirits. For I know and believe that even after His resurrection He was and is in the flesh. And when he came to those with Peter, he said to them, “Take me, touch Me and see that I am not an incorporeal spirit.” They immediately touched Him and believed, convinced by His flesh and spirit. That is why they despised death and appeared above death... If our Lord did this ghostly, then I wear the bonds only ghostly. And why did I give myself up to death, to fire, to the sword, to be torn to pieces by wild beasts?”
Ignatius writes boldly and clearly about high dogmas, boldly instructs the lost, boldly indicates how to act. This is the courage that is born from fiery faith, from clear vision - not by touch, not in the dark, but directly, towards the goal. The goal is one: “Neither visible nor invisible, nothing will stop me from coming to Jesus Christ. Fire and the cross, crowds of animals, dissection, dissolution, crushing of bones, cutting off members, crushing of the whole body, the fierce torment of the devil will come upon me - if only I can reach Christ.”
What is unusual and unexpected for the modern “uncertain” Christian is the thirst for suffering and martyrdom. Ignatius exhorts Roman Christians in every possible way not to intercede for him before the authorities, not to deprive him of the opportunity to suffer with Christ. “I beg you: do not show me untimely love. Leave me to be food for beasts and through them to reach God. I am the wheat of God: let the teeth of beasts crush me, so that I may become the pure bread of Christ. It’s better to caress these animals so that they become my coffin and leave nothing from my body, so that after death I won’t be a burden to anyone.”
Undoubtedly, there were many glorious and instructive things in the life of the holy bishop even before his farewell letters. But for us, his image remains in this single scene: the bishop says goodbye to his flock, to his children - and further, under the escort of ten soldiers, enduring ridicule and mockery, in last way. To Rome, stage by stage.
Why is Saint Ignatius called the God-Bearer? For many interpreters - both ancient and new - this remained not entirely clear. They explained it differently. Someone said that Ignatius was brought to Christ as a child, and the Savior took him in his arms. Others claimed that when the martyr’s body was cut with a sword, they saw that “Jesus Christ” was written in gold letters in his heart. The literalism of this legend probably reflected the idea of the imprinting of the name of Christ in the soul and life of faithful Christians. Ignatius himself calls faithful Christians who “have Jesus Christ within themselves” as God-bearers. “Your faith carries you to heights, and love serves as the path that leads you to God,” he writes to the Ephesians. “That’s why you are all companions to each other.” God-bearers and Temple-bearers, holy-bearers, adorned in everything with the commandments of Jesus Christ. That’s why I rejoice that I was honored to talk with you in writing and share my joy with you, that you, as is typical for another life, love nothing but God alone.” Let us also rejoice, having today the wonderful opportunity to read the authentic letters of the great archpastor of antiquity - either in a book or on the Internet - reflecting on his words and drawing from them the purest teaching about eternal life.
Library “Chalcedon”
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Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer
The memory of the Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer, Bishop of Antioch is celebrated by the Orthodox Church on January 29/February 11 and December 20/January 2
(2 January) The Holy Church celebrates 1900th anniversary of his death Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer. Saint Ignatius, Greek by birth, was born in Antioch. According to legend, as a youth he and his parents listened to Divine words of the Savior. Answering the question of the disciples who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ called the boy Ignatius to Himself and, taking him in his arms, said: “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18, 1-3). Saint Ignatius, who loved God, constantly stood before Him, having received the gift be called God-Bearer. Saint Ignatius himself called every person “who has Christ” a God-bearer. in your heart."Church historian Eusebius Pamphilus writes that
future saint together with saints Polycarp Smyrna and Papias of Hierapolis was a disciple of the Apostle John the Theologian. Saint John Chrysostom notes that the Hieromartyr Ignatius “was brought up under the guidance of the holy apostles, being inseparably with them, and was their fellow student in everything, drawing abundant streams from their depths.” Spiritual apostolic leadership fostered in Saint Ignatius that courage and that zeal for the Truth of Christ, with which he became famous as a bishop at the See of Antioch.The consecration of Saint Ignatius was performed by the Apostle Peter simultaneously with the consecration of the saint Evoda, apostle from the age of 70. The first was placed over the converted Jews, the second over the former pagans. After the death of Saint Evoda, Ignatius entered into full control of the Antiochian Church. Chastity, meek and quiet disposition, truly “apostolic zeal” for the Church glorified him during his lifetime name of the saint. All the eastern bishops had great respect and love for him; his word was a defense against heretical temptations. Saint Ignatius, honored to see singing angelic faces, entered in the Antiochian Church antiphonal singing, thus decorating the Divine service.In 81, during the persecution of Emperor Domitian
(81-96), the saint showed himself to be an active and firm leader of the flock of Christ, encouraging and praying for the faint-hearted. Seeing a good example in the person of their shepherd, Christians strengthened in faith and piety, many the pagans accepted holy baptism, and heretics returned to the bosom of the Church.The saint was honored to accept martyrdom during the persecution of Emperor Trajan (98-117). After
Victory over the Scythians, the emperor ordered that thanksgiving be given to pagan idols everywhere. In 106, going on a campaign against the Persians, Trajan stopped in Antioch, where he was immediately informed about the famous saint, preacher of the Word of God. Calling upon Saint Ignatius, Trajan tried either by flattery or by threats persuade him to obey the royal decree and bring sacrifices to pagan deities."I'm not looking for temporary good,” answered the saint, “but one and eternal, so that come to Christ my God, who accepted for me death" . Saint Ignatius tried to convince Trajan, that idolatry makes people wicked and inspires them to evil deeds. Trajan ordered to be imprisoned saint to prison and the next morning announced the sentence: to throw the saint to the lions, not in Antioch, but in Rome, so as not to give it to local Christians martyr's example. Thanking God for His great mercies and entrusting his flock to Him, St. Ignatius, accompanied by soldiers and several especially Christians devoted to him, set off on his journey. Trajan's plan did not come true. The procession of Saint Ignatius in iron shackles through Asia Minor and Macedonia to the place of execution showed an example of true faith and readiness to accept torment for it. Saint took every opportunity to preach to Christians who flocked from nearby cities to the prisoner's stopping places.In Rome, Saint Ignatius was met with tears
Christians who offered to release him. Saint,filled with faith and desire to suffer for Christ, asked not to look for ways to liberate him and only earnestly pray for external and internal peace Churches. On December 20, 107, on the day of the pagan holiday, Saint Ignatius was led out to execution. The legend that has reached us tells that, going to death, the saint Ignatius continuously repeated the Name of Jesus Christ. After the execution, among the bones gnawed by lions, the heart of the saint was found untouched. Having cut the heart, the pagans saw with amazement what was in it inscribed in gold letters: “Jesus Christ.”On the night after his death, the saint appeared to many Christians in visions
, comforting the mourners and praying about the Church. The honorable remains of the holy martyr were collected by Christians and, with the singing of psalms, laid in a coffin in the vicinity of Rome. Emperor Trajan, having learned about the courageous death of the saint, repented and stopped the persecution.In the year 108, the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius were
transferred and placed on the outskirts of Antioch, behind Dafi Gate. The Second Transference, which is celebrated by the Orthodox Church on January 29, was committed in 438. Emperor Theodosius II (408-450), having consecrated the ancient pagan temple of Fortuna in honor of Saint Ignatius, ordered his relics to be transferred to Antioch. After the city was captured by the Persians, the relics of Saint Ignatius were returned to Rome and placed in the temple in honor of the holy martyr Pope Clement in 540year (according to other sources, in 637).The text is given from the publication: Orthodox Church Calendar. 2007. M.: Publishing Council of the Russian Orthodox Church, 2006. P. 22-23.
We don’t know much about the holy martyr Ignatius the God-Bearer, Bishop of Antioch. There are only two dates that have official confirmation. December 20, 107 -its day martyrdom and January 29 / February 11 (old / new styles) -the day of the transfer of his relics. On February 11, on the day of remembrance of Ignatius the God-Bearer, “Parishioner” reminds its readers that they need to know about this saint.
Saint Ignatius the God-Bearer was born in Syria. True, the exact date of his birth is unknown. From Syria, he and his parents came to Judea, where he was lucky enough to see Christ during His earthly life and where Ignatius subsequently communicated with His apostles. For 40 years (from 67 to 107) he was bishop in Antioch (today the Turkish city of Antakya). By the way, it is Antioch that is considered the cradle of Christian theology, and the famous Antiochian school of theology is associated with this city. Saint Ignatius the God-Bearer suffered martyrdom in Rome. On the road from Antioch to Rome, he visited many cities of Asia Minor: Seleucia, Smyrna, Troas, Naples, Philippi...
Why was he called the God-Bearer?
There are two explanations why Saint Ignatius is called the God-Bearer. According to one version, it was Ignatius who was the same child whom the Lord, taking his hand, placed in front of His disciples. “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Jesus, calling a child, placed him in the midst of them and said: Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”(Matt. 18: 1-4). According to another version, he was called God-Bearer because he had the name of Christ in his heart and constantly prayed to Him. Even when he was being led to execution in Rome, Saint Ignatius incessantly repeated the name of the Savior, and when he was asked why he was doing this, he replied that he carried this name in his heart, “and Whom is sealed in my heart, Him I confess with my lips.” .
Disciple of the Apostle and Bishop of Antioch
It is known that Ignatius the God-Bearer was a disciple of the holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian. In his “Eulogy to Ignatius,” St. John Chrysostom wrote that Ignatius “I had close contact with the apostles and received spiritual currents from them”, “I was brought up with them and was with them everywhere, had communication with them both in speech and in ineffable things” that the power of the episcopate was entrusted to him by the holy apostles and “the hands of the blessed apostles touched his sacred head”.
We also know that Ignatius the God-Bearer was the third bishop of Antioch (after the holy Apostle Peter and Bishop Euodius). The bishopric of Ignatius occurred during the terrible reign of the pagan emperor Trajan. It is known that after the victory over the Scythians, Trajan ordered sacrifices to be made to the pagan gods everywhere. Christians who refused to worship pagan idols were killed by order of Trajan.
Arriving in Antioch, Emperor Trajan ordered Ignatius to be brought to him and, when this was done, demanded that the bishop renounce Christ. Ignatius refused, and then Trajan ordered the elder to be taken to Rome and given to be devoured by lions.
For a long time, Ignatius the God-Bearer, chained in chains, traveled to Rome, accompanied by ten Roman soldiers, whom he nicknamed “leopards” for their cruelty. During his long journey, he visited many cities, and representatives of Christian communities came to him from many places: both clergy and ordinary believers.
Spiritual legacy of the Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer
It is believed that Ignatius the God-Bearer was the first major Christian writer of non-Jewish origin and from a non-Jewish environment. His messages were so significant for Christians that many forgeries ascribed to Ignatius the God-Bearer appeared. Modern research confirm that out of 15 epistles, only 7 were actually written by Saint Ignatius. These epistles are called by the name of the people to whom the saint addressed: epistles to the Ephesians, Magnesians, Trallians, Philadelphians, Romans, Smyrni. And what stands out is the message addressed to Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, who, like Ignatius, was a disciple of the Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian.
In almost all his letters, Saint Ignatius the God-Bearer raised the same important questions. He wrote about how important it is for Christians to honor and follow the advice of their bishops in everything, to strengthen and protect the unity of the Church, and to beware of heretics. Hieromartyr Ignatius calls on all Christians to be meek and humble, to pray for each other and to become like the Lord in everything. Today to us, living in the 21st century, these thoughts seem so obvious, but if you think about it, this was written and said two thousand years ago - at the moment when the first stones were just being laid in the foundation Christian Church. And for many nascent Christian communities in the Roman provinces, the words of the Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer were essentially a real revelation.
The teaching of Ignatius the God-Bearer about Christ is very clear. He has no doubt that Christ is both God and Man, born “of Mary and God.” He calls the church a place of sacrifice, and the Eucharist a medicine of immortality. Ignatius was the first to use the expression catholic Church to designate the body of believers: “Where the bishop is, there let there be a people, and where Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church (“Ecumenical” is translated into Slavic languages from Greek as “catholic”, and in Western - “catholic”). The spiritual life of a Christian is understood by Saint Ignatius the God-Bearer as the imitation of Christ: “Be imitators of Jesus Christ, just as He was of His Father.”
In his letters, Saint Ignatius asked Christians not to try to save him from death. “I beg you, do not show me untimely love,- he addressed them. - Leave me to be food for beasts, so that through them I can reach God. I am the wheat of God. Let the teeth of beasts crush me, so that I may become the pure bread of Christ.”.
It is known that it was Ignatius the God-Bearer who began to use antiphonal singing. Antiphon (Greek: " sounding in response") - a chant that is sung alternately by two choirs. Ignatius the God-Bearer was honored in a vision to witness heavenly worship and hear angelic singing. Following the model of the angelic world, he introduced antiphonal singing at divine services. In it, two choirs alternate and seem to echo. Antiphonal singing, starting from the 2nd century, quickly spread from Syria throughout the Christian world.
Troparion to Ignatius the God-Bearer
The imitator of the apostolic morals / and the heir to their throne, / the fertilizer of the bishops / and glory to the martyrs, O God-inspired, / you dared to fire, and the sword, and the beasts for the sake of faith / and, correcting the word of truth, / you suffered to the point of blood, Hieromartyr Ignatius, / pray Christ God / our souls will be saved.
Prepared Petr Selinov
The national holiday Ignatiev Day in 2020 is celebrated on January 2 (according to the old style - December 20). In Orthodox church calendar This is the date of honoring the memory of the Hieromartyr Ignatius of Antioch. The people called him the God-Bearer. There are two versions of why he was given this name. According to the first, Ignatius was inextricably linked with the divine spirit that was present in him. According to the second version, when he was still a small child, Jesus Christ took him in his arms.
Life story of Saint Ignatius
Ignatius lived in the 2nd century. His teacher was John the Theologian. During the Trojan persecution of Christians, Ignatius was arrested and sent from Antioch to Rome to carry out a terrible execution on him. Along the way, he traveled through six cities and left a message for each church community. Upon arrival in Rome, he was thrown to hungry lions to be torn to pieces.
Traditions and rituals of the holiday
Traditionally this folk holiday Churches hold prayer services aimed at protecting homes. Priests perform religious processions with the icon around houses in order to protect the owners from misfortune and hunger.
On this day in Rus' it was customary to knock frost off apple trees. It was believed that this ritual helped to grow a rich harvest of apples.
Signs and beliefs
- Frost on the trees on Ignatiev's day means clear weather.
- If there are many stars in the sky at night, then the year will be fruitful.
- The tits began to chirp loudly - the coming nights will be cold.
- If the sun shines brightly and there is frost, then in August it will pamper people and bathe them in heat. If slush or other bad weather sets in, then August will be cloudy and rainy.
- A person born on January 2 will be tied to his home for the rest of his life.
Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer, a native of Syria, was a disciple of the holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, together with Saint Polycarp (February 23), Bishop of Smyrna. Saint Ignatius was the second bishop of Antioch, successor to Bishop Evoda, the holy apostle from the 70s.
Tradition reports that when Saint Ignatius was a child, the Savior hugged him and said: “Unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 18:3). He was called a God-bearer because he had the Name of the Savior in his heart and constantly prayed to Him.
Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer
Saint Ignatius worked zealously and sparingly in the field of Christ. He was responsible for the establishment of antiphonal singing (for two faces or choirs) in church services. During persecution, he strengthened the souls of his flock and he himself was eager to suffer for Christ.
In 106, Emperor Trajan (98–117), on the occasion of the victory over the Scythians, ordered that sacrifices be made to the pagan gods everywhere, and that Christians who refused to worship idols be killed. During the campaign against the Armenians and Parthians in 107, the emperor passed through Antioch. Here he was informed that Bishop Ignatius openly confesses Christ, teaches him to despise wealth, lead a virtuous life, and preserve virginity. At this time, Saint Ignatius voluntarily appeared to the emperor in order to avert persecution of the Antiochian Christians. Emperor Trajan's persistent requests to sacrifice to pagan idols were decisively rejected by Saint Ignatius. Then the emperor decided to give him to be devoured by wild beasts in Rome. Saint Ignatius joyfully accepted the sentence handed down to him. His readiness for martyrdom was testified by eyewitnesses who accompanied Saint Ignatius from Antioch to Rome.
Ignatius the God-Bearer.
Cathedral of St. Sophia of Constantinople. Mosaic in the niche of the northern tympanum. End of the 9th century
On the way to Rome, the ship that sailed from Seleucia stopped in Smyrna, where Saint Ignatius met with his friend Bishop Polycarp of Smyrna. Clergymen and believers flocked to Saint Ignatius from other cities and villages. Saint Ignatius exhorted everyone not to be afraid of death and not to grieve for it. In his letter to the Roman Christians dated August 24, 107, he asked them to assist him with prayers, to ask God to strengthen him in the upcoming martyrdom for Christ: “I seek Him, who died for us, I desire Him, who rose for us... My love was crucified, and there is no fire in me that loves matter, but the living and speaking water in me calls out to me from within: “Go to the Father.” From Smyrna Saint Ignatius arrived in Troas. Here he was caught by the joyful news of the end of the persecution of Christians in Antioch. From Troas, Saint Ignatius sailed to Naples (Macedonia) and then to Philippi. On his way to Rome, Saint Ignatius visited churches, delivered teachings and instructions. At the same time, he wrote six more letters: to the Ephesians, Magnesians, Trallians, Philadelphians, and to Bishop Polycarp of Smyrna. All these messages have been preserved and have survived to this day.
sschmch. Ignatius and Sschmch. Clement, Pope. Minsk
Roman Christians greeted Saint Ignatius with great joy and deep sorrow. Some of them hoped to persuade the people to abandon the bloody spectacle, but Saint Ignatius begged them not to do this. Kneeling down, he prayed along with all the believers for the Church, for love between brothers and for an end to the persecution of Christians. On the day of the pagan holiday, December 20, Saint Ignatius was taken to the circus arena, and he addressed the people: “Men of Rome, you know that I am condemned to death not for the sake of crime, but for the sake of my only God, for Whom I am embraced with love and for Whom I strive.” . I am His wheat, and I will be ground by the teeth of beasts, that I may be pure bread for Him.” Immediately after this the lions were released.
Tradition tells that, going to execution, Saint Ignatius incessantly repeated the Name of Jesus Christ. When asked why he did this, Saint Ignatius replied that he bears this Name in his heart, “and Who is sealed in my heart, Him I confess with my lips.” When the saint was torn to pieces, it turned out that his heart was intact. Having cut the heart, the pagans saw on its inner sides a golden inscription: “Jesus Christ.” On the night after his execution, Saint Ignatius appeared to many believers in a dream to console them, and some saw him praying. Hearing about the great courage of the saint, Trajan regretted him and stopped the persecution of Christians.
Troparion to Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer, tone 4
AND a communicant in character,/ and a vicar of the throne, an apostle,/ you gained your deed, inspired by God,/ in a vision rising,/ for this sake, correcting the word of truth,/ and for the sake of faith you suffered even to the point of blood,/ Hieromartyr Ignatius./ Pray to Christ God/ for the salvation of souls ours.
Kontakion to the Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer, tone 3
WITH Your venerable deeds, the luminous day/ is preached to everyone in the den of the Born:/ For this, thirsting to enjoy from love,/ you suffered from being devoured by beasts,/ for this reason you were called the God-Bearer,// Ignatius of all wisdom.
Prayer to the Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer
ABOUT Great Saint Ignatius, God-bearing! We fall to you and pray to you: look upon us, sinners, who resort to your intercession! Pray to the Lord to forgive us all our sins. You laid down your soul as a martyr for your faith, grant us the courage to imitate you in everything. Nothing in life could separate you from your love for the Lord: neither flattering promises, nor reprimands, nor threats, even worse than torment, you joyfully appeared before the beasts to a fierce death and, like an Angel, you flew into the monastery of our Heavenly Father, and prayer yours can do much before the Lord. Be, holy servant, a representative of the Lord, ask us for a prosperous and peaceful life, health, and salvation, and prosperity in everything, and for victory and victory over our enemies, may He, the Merciful, overshadow us with His grace and protect us on all holy paths Your Angels. Help us with your holy prayers to Almighty God, may he deliver us from famine, cowardice, hail, lack of rain and deadly diseases. Be a quick helper to us in all sorrow, especially at the hour of our death, appear to us as a bright protector and intercessor, and beg the Lord to grant us all, who are now warmly praying to you, to receive the Kingdom of Heaven after our Christian death, where all the saints, together with you, eternally glorify the Father and the Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
*Published in Russian:
Letters / Slav. lane His Grace Ambrose (Zertis-Kamensky). - M., 1779. The same / Transl. Archpriest Gerasim Pavsky // Christian Reading. 1821. 1828. 1829. 1830. The same // Orthodox interlocutor. 1855. Dept. Ott. - Kazan, 1857. The same / Trans. Archpriest Preobrazhensky. - M., 1860. Ed. 2nd. - St. Petersburg, 1902.*
