Who to pray for healing. Prayer for healing from serious illnesses

(1866–1938)

Childhood and adolescence

Saint Silouan of Athos (secular name - Simeon) was born in the Tambov province, in the village of Shovskoye, in the family of the peasant Ioann Antonov, in 1866.

His parents were illiterate, but pious, wise, sensitive and sympathetic people. Despite their poverty, they were distinguished by their hospitality and helped those in need. Sometimes they had to share even from the meager supply, even the last. Simeon himself (father Silouan) always spoke of his mother and father with love and warmth

Being hardworking and economical people, they always found time to visit the temple. Simeon loved to attend services with his parents. Here he became acquainted with the word of God, with the history of the lives of the saints.

During working hours, Simeon worked with adults: he helped his father in the field, and sometimes his older brothers took him with them to construction.

The future elder was brought up from childhood in Orthodox traditions, and Christian upbringing was to his liking. From his youth, he disposed himself to the idea of ​​monastic ascent to God and the Kingdom of Heaven. He even chose a monastery where he would like to make vows to the Lord and indulge in ascetic deeds: he wanted to enter the Kiev Pechersk Lavra.

Meanwhile, the father, warning his son against haste in accepting such important decision, carefully insisted that he, first, test himself in military service, and then decide what to do.

Obeying the will of his parent, Simeon postponed his plans. Gradually, worldly temptations and pleasures began to draw him in more and more, and soon they completely outweighed the desire to withdraw from the world. The thought of monasticism faded (for the time being) into the background.

Advice from above

But soon the Goodness of God reminded itself. One day, when Simeon returned from another walk and fell asleep, either in a half-asleep, or in a subtle sleepy vision, he suddenly saw himself as if from the outside. At the same time, he witnessed with his own eyes how the disgusting serpent penetrated into him.

Feeling disgusted and horrified, Simeon woke up and immediately heard a mysterious voice. It was the voice of the Most Pure Mother of God. The Mother of God explained that just as it was disgusting for him to look at the swallowing of the snake, so it was hard for Her to look at his sinful life.

As a result of such extraordinary admonition, Simeon realized that he was wrong, repented heartily, and thanked Heavenly Queen for your attention and kindness. After this incident, he was again inflamed with zeal for the Lord, fired up with a desire to live according to God’s law, in accordance with his conscience.

Military service

The hardships of military duties did not frighten Simeon. The army service he served in St. Petersburg helped strengthen his character and taught him responsibility and diligence. He thought more and more decisively about monastic life, far from worldly temptations and meaningless vanity.

Several times Simeon donated the accumulated money for needs Athonite monks. On this occasion, a saying developed among his colleagues that his mind was on the Holy Mountain and on the Last Judgment.

When his period of military service was nearing its end, Simeon decided to visit, ask for his blessing for monasticism and receive pastoral guidance. Not finding Father John on the spot, he wrote and left him a note asking for prayers. And the very next day, being in the location of the unit, Simeon felt as if he was in the midst of a roaring hellish flame. This feeling helped him confirm his desire to leave the world and devote himself to the service of God.

Holy Mountain

Returning home after serving, Simeon stayed there for several days, and then, getting ready for the journey and preparing gifts, said goodbye to his loved ones and went to Athos. The year was 1892.

Arriving at the Holy Mountain, he entered the Russian Panteleimon Monastery. At first he worked at a mill. Then they began to assign him other obediences.

He was capable of physical labor, because he grew up in a peasant family and served in the army. It was much more difficult to resist temptations.

At some time, Simeon became so discouraged that he considered leaving the monastery. And just the thought that he will upset you again Mother of God, sobered up the troubled spirit.

Another time he was tempted by conceit. The thoughts that tormented him destroyed the beginnings of humility and contributed to the formation of pride and vanity. Eventually, through prayer, obedience, and the advice of the priests, Simeon overcame this temptation as well.

But here another danger awaited him: excessive, to the point of despair, awareness of personal insignificance, loss of faith in the possibility of salvation. Then the merciful Lord lifted Him up in spirit to the Heavenly Kingdom. Feeling the presence of the Almighty, Simeon felt that he was filled with the grace of “martyrdom.” This beneficial experience of meeting with Heavenly King he remembered for the rest of his life.

Once he knew the sweetness of Paradise, he strove with all his might to acquire grace, intensified his exploits, and the fight against evil thoughts. Later, he compared a person who has lost grace through sin with a small child who has lost the joy of communicating with his mother.

Simeon did not have any specific elder mentor. As the closest example to follow, he always kept in mind the activities of the great prayer book and lamp of the Russian land.

In 1896, Simeon took monastic vows and a new name - Silouan, and in 1911 he was elevated to the schema.

As he grew in spiritual age, he increased his feats. Striving to subordinate himself to God, he strengthened his abstinence and humbled himself in almost everything: he ate little, maintained strict fast; often limited sleep to two hours a day, while sleeping in fits and starts, not lying down, but sitting on a small stool.

Once, when, despite the efforts made by Father Silouan, prayer did not work out (evil spirits interfered with the prayer impulse, it was impossible to concentrate and distance himself from extraneous movements in the soul), he turned to God for help. The Lord heeded the appeal and replied that the proud suffer from demons. In addition, God commanded him not to despair and to remember hellfire.

Over time, petitions began to be heard more and more often in the prayers of the elder about the world sinning and forgetting the Creator. These petitions were accompanied by sorrow and love.

Father Silouan devoted himself to prayers for his neighbors great value and in some respects compared them with shedding blood for people. He believed that thanks to prayers peace is preserved, and when prayer weakens, the world will not stand.

Having lived for many years according to the rules of the communal charter, the elder did not strive for the solitary life of a recluse, as other ascetics did. He believed that this required God's special favor, which is not given to everyone.

On September 24, 1938, Father Silouan left the earthly temple, appeared before the Court of God's Truth and moved to the Kingdom of Saints.

Some of his teachings have come down to us, including those written down and put together in the form of manuals by other people, such as: . Writings of Elder Silouan. Silouan of Athos.

Troparion to St. Silouan of Athos, tone 2

Seraphim’s love for the Lord, a fiery zealot / and Jeremiah, for a people weeping, / a zealous imitator, / all-blessed Father Silouan, / you, I call to the Mother of the Lord of Powers, / you wisely cast out the sinful serpent / and you withdrew to Mount Athos from the vanity of the world, / where in labors and prayers with tears / the grace of the Holy Spirit is abundantly acquired. / With it, ignite our hearts / and strengthen us with a tender cry: / My Lord, my Life and Holy Joy, // save the world and us from all evil ones.

Kontakion to St. Silouan of Athos, voice of the same

A wonderful confessor of humility, / and kindness warmed by the Holy Spirit, / beloved Silouan of God, / the Russian Church rejoices in your struggle, / but the foreigners of Mount Athos and all Christian people, / rejoicing, rush to God with filial love. / Pray for us, equal to the angels of God, // in escape us, imitating you in the burning of love.

Silouan of Athos is a man who learned from his own experience that prayers and requests addressed to God never go unheard. By praying before the face of the saint, everyone can get rid of sins and know the power and strength of the Almighty.

The Monk Silouan of Athos is known as a monk with extraordinary faith in God and the power of prayer. Having abandoned all the pleasures of life, at the age of 30 he entered the Panteleimon Monastery, where he decided to become a monk and devote himself forever Orthodox religion. Before last days During his life, people turned to Silouan of Athos for advice and blessings, and after his death he was canonized and began to be revered as a saint.

History of the icon of Silouan of Athos

While still at a young age, the Monk Silouan of Athos decided that he would lead ascetic image life according to church rules, and decided to leave his home and become a monk. However, the father insisted that his son think carefully about this decision, after which the future monk moved away from religion for a while, and temptations and pleasures took their place. earthly world. However, he soon returned to the righteous path, from which he never left.

How does the image of Silouan of Athos help?

In front of the icon of Silouan of Athos they pray for deliverance from sins, for the health and happiness of others, for the preservation of the family, so that atheists can find faith, for an end to wars and riots, for peace and equality in the world.

The prayers said in front of the icon of the reverend monk have special power, since during his lifetime Silouan of Athos himself gave prayers special meaning. He believed that as long as prayer is alive, the world is safe, but as soon as it weakens, the world will collapse.

Prayer before the icon

“O reverend and wonderful Father Silouan! By God's grace It has been given to you to pray for the salvation of the dead and the living, sinners and sinless, healthy and sick. Help us, Most Holy Silouan, to find the same faith, to be saved and protected by God. Thank the Holy Virgin Mary for enlightening and protecting us, servants of God. All the people sincerely ask you: turn from us to our Almighty, may He hear our prayers, may He see our faith, may He bless us sinners and protect us from terrible diseases, from evil people and from deadly wars. Hear us, Father Silouan, and convey our prayers to God. Amen!"

Days of celebration icons

Every year on September 24, the Orthodox Church pays tribute to the memory of the holy monk. On this day, according to religious traditions, not only in Russia, but also in other countries solemn services. People pray to the image of Silouan of Athos and ask him for what they want.

The personality of Silouan of Athos has become a striking example of the fact that sincere prayer and unshakable faith will help God hear you. If such an icon protects your home, then peace will reign in it, and your loved ones will always be healthy. Take care of yourself and your familyand don't forget to press the buttons and

24.09.2017 05:32

Saint Melania is revered by women all over Orthodox world. The icon of this saint can protect girls from harm...

September 25th, 2015 , 02:03 am

Book " Elder Silouan"helped many people come to faith, just like in Soviet times, and in our days, about which there is also numerous evidence.

Being with the Lord in heaven, the Monk Silouan effectively helps everyone who turns to him in prayer in various needs and infirmities.

There lived a man named Silouan of Athos. He prayed desperately and daily, asking God to have mercy on him. But his prayers remained unanswered. Several months passed, and his strength was exhausted. Silouan despaired and shouted to the heavens: “You are implacable.” With these words, something seemed to break in his soul. For a moment he saw the living Christ before him. His heart and body were filled with fire - with such force that if the vision had lasted a couple more seconds, the monk would simply have died. All his life, Silouan remembered the inexpressibly meek, joyful, infinitely loving look of Jesus and told those around him that God is incomprehensible and immeasurable love. We will talk about this saint in this article.

Silouan Afonsky (real name Semyon Antonov) was born in the Tambov province in 1866. The boy first heard about God at the age of four. One day his father, who loved to host guests and ask them about something interesting, invited a bookseller to the house. During the meal, a “hot” conversation began about the existence of God, and little Semyon sat nearby and listened attentively. The bookseller convinced his father that the Lord did not exist. The boy especially remembered his words: “Where is he, God?” Semyon then told his father: “You teach me prayers, but this man denies the existence of the Lord.” To which he replied: “Don’t listen to him. I thought he was smart, but it turned out to be the opposite.” But his father’s answer cast doubts in the boy’s soul.

Youth

Fifteen years have passed. Semyon grew up and got a job as a carpenter on the estate of Prince Trubetskoy. There was also a cook who worked there and regularly went to pray at the grave of John Sezeniewski. She always talked about the life of the recluse and the miracles that happened at his grave. Some of the workers present confirmed these stories and also considered John a saint. After hearing this, the future Venerable Silouan of Athos clearly felt the presence of the Almighty, and his heart burned with love for the Lord.

From that day on, Semyon began to pray a lot. His soul and character changed, awakening in the young man an attraction to monasticism. The prince had very beautiful daughters, but he looked at them as sisters, and not as women. At that time, Semyon even asked his father to send him to the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. He allowed, but only after the young man completed his military service.

Extraordinary Power

Elder Silouan of Athos possessed tremendous physical strength in his youth. One day one of the prince’s guests was about to harness a horse. But severe frosts struck that night, and all her hooves were covered in ice, and she did not allow her to fight it off. Semyon tightly wrapped his hand around the horse’s neck and said to the man: “Beat it off.” The animal couldn't even move. The guest knocked the ice off his hooves, harnessed his horse and rode off.

Semyon could also take a vat of boiling cabbage soup with his bare hands and transfer it to the table. With a blow of his fist, the young man broke the thick board. In hot and cold weather, he lifted and carried heavy objects for several hours without rest. By the way, he ate and drank the same way he worked. One day, after a hearty meat dinner on Easter, when everyone had gone home, Semyon’s mother offered him scrambled eggs. He did not refuse and happily ate the fried egg, which, as they say, contained at least fifty eggs. It's the same with drinking. On holidays at the tavern, Semyon could easily drink two and a half liters of vodka and not even get drunk.

First big sin

The strength of the young man, which was useful to him in the future for accomplishing feats, became the cause of his first great sin, which Silouan of Athos spent a long time praying for.

On one of the holidays, when all the villagers were outside, Semyon walked with his friends and played the harmonica. Two brothers, working as shoemakers in the village, walked towards them. The eldest was of enormous height and strength, and besides, he loved to scandalize. He began to take the accordion from Semyon. He handed it over to his comrade, and asked the shoemaker to calm down and go on his way. It did not help. A heavy fist flew towards Semyon.

This is how Saint Silouan of Athos himself recalled this incident: “At first I wanted to give in, but then I felt ashamed that the residents would laugh at me. So I hit him hard in the chest. The shoemaker flew several meters away, and blood and foam gushed from his mouth. I thought I killed him. Thank God, everything worked out. They pumped it out for about half an hour, watering it cold water. Then they lifted him up with difficulty and took him home. He finally recovered only after two months. Afterwards I had to be very careful, because two brothers were constantly lying in wait on the street with knives and clubs. But the Lord saved me.”

First vision

Semyon's young life was in full swing. He had already forgotten about the desire to serve God and was simply spending his time unchastely. After another drinking session with friends, he dozed off and in a dream saw a snake crawl inside him through his mouth. Feeling intense disgust, Semyon woke up and heard the words: “Aren’t you disgusted by what you saw? I also hate to see what you do with your life.”

There was no one nearby, but the voice that said these words was unusually pleasant and amazing. Silouan of Athos was convinced that the Mother of God herself spoke to him. Until the end of his days, he thanked her for her instruction in true path. Semyon felt ashamed of his past life, and he became stronger in his desire to serve God after finishing his military service. A sense of sin awoke in him, which completely changed his relationship to everything around him.

Military service

Semyon was sent to serve in St. Petersburg, in the Life Guards. The army loved him because he was a good, calm and efficient soldier. One day he and three comrades went to the city to celebrate a holiday in a tavern. Everyone was drinking and talking, but Semyon sat and was silent. One of the soldiers asked him: “Why are you silent? What are you thinking about?" He replied: “Here we are sitting, having fun, and now they are praying on Mount Athos!”

Throughout his military service, Semyon constantly thought about this Holy Mountain and even sent the salary he received there. One day he went to the nearest village to transfer money. On his way back he met a mad dog that wanted to attack him. Shackled by fear, Semyon only said: “Lord, have mercy!” The dog seemed to have stumbled upon an invisible barrier and ran into the village, where it harmed livestock and people. After this incident, he became even more strengthened in his desire to serve the Lord. When the service ended, Semyon came home, packed his things and went to the monastery.

Arrival to the Holy Mountain

Silouan of Athos, whose teaching is still relevant today, came to the Holy Mountain in 1892. He began his new ascetic life in the Russian monastery of St. Panteleimon.

According to Athonite customs, the new novice had to be in complete peace for several days, remembering his own sins. Then put them in writing and repent to your confessor. Silouan's sins were forgiven, and his service to the Lord began: prayers in his cell, long services in the temple, vigils, fasting, communion, confession, work, reading, obedience... Over time, he learned the Jesus Prayer from the rosary. Everyone in the monastery loved him and regularly praised him for his good character and proper work.

Monastic exploits

Over the years of serving God on the Holy Mountain, the monk accomplished many ascetic feats that would seem impossible to most. The monk's sleep was intermittent - he slept several times a day for 15-20 minutes, and did this on a stool. He didn't have a bed at all. The prayer of Silouan of Athos lasted all night. During the day the monk worked like a worker. He adhered to internal obedience, cutting off his own will. He abstained from movement, conversation and food. In general, he was a role model.

Conclusion

Silouan of Athos, whose life was described in this article, slept literally for a few minutes until the end of his life. And this despite illness and dwindling strength. This freed up a lot of time for him to pray. He did this especially intensively at night, before Matins. In September 1938, the monk died peacefully. With his life, the Monk Silouan of Athos set an example of humility, meekness and love for others. Fifty years after his death, the elder was canonized.

The Monk Silouan of Athos has now become one of the most revered Russian saints in the Orthodox Church, as evidenced in particular by the inclusion in various Orthodox calendars of the day of remembrance of the Monk Silouan (September 11/24) among the most important Orthodox holidays. Many Russian believers turn their prayers to St. Silouan and receive support and help in their needs.

In particular, there is numerous evidence that the Lord, through the prayers of St. Silouan of Athos, provides believers with special help in increasing love, reconciling and pacifying those at war, calming hostility, liberating from unbelief, and converting the lost and unbelievers.

And during his life in this world, St. Silouan especially prayed for humble love (especially towards enemies), considering such love “the last and most reliable criterion of truth in the Church.”

Through prayers for the softening of evil hearts and for the pacification of warring ones, St. Silouan provides assistance, first of all, in softening his own evil heart, which very often greatly helps to truly pacify the warring parties.

Rev. Silouan also has the special grace to provide assistance in liberation from unbelief that troubles the soul. Even during his life in this world, he devoted a lot of time to prayer for the whole world, for the salvation of the world. He said, in particular:

The Lord wants to save everyone, and in His goodness calls the whole world. The Lord does not take away the will from the soul, but with His grace pushes it towards goodness and draws it towards His love. And when the Lord wants to have mercy on someone, he inspires others with the desire to pray for him, and helps in this prayer. Therefore, you should know that when the desire to pray for someone comes, it means that the Lord Himself wants to have mercy on that soul and mercifully listens to your prayers.

The Lord wants everyone to be saved and to be with Him forever, and therefore listens to the prayers of a sinful person, for the benefit of others, or the one who prays.

O wonderful servant of God, Father Silouan! By the grace given to you by God, tearfully pray for the entire universe - the dead, the living and the future - do not remain silent for us to the Lord, who diligently fall to you and touchingly ask for your intercession ( names). Move, O all-blessed one, to prayer the Zealous Intercessor of the Christian race, the Most Blessed Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, who miraculously called you to be a faithful worker in Her earthly city, where God’s chosen one beseeches God for our sins, merciful and long-suffering, so as not to remember our untruths and iniquities , but according to the ineffable goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ, to spare and save us according to His great mercy.

Hey, servant of God, with the Most Blessed Lady of the world - the Most Holy Abbess of Athos and Her holy ascetics, ask the saints for her earthly lot Holy Word Holy Mountain Athos and its God-loving desert inhabitants will be preserved in the world from all the troubles and slander of the enemy. Yes, the Angels deliver the saints from evil and strengthen them in faith and brotherly love with the Holy Spirit, until the end of the century they pray for the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and show everyone the saving path, and the Earthly and Heavenly Church constantly glorifies the Creator and Father of Lights, enlightening and illuminating peace in the eternal truth and goodness of God.

Ask the people of the whole earth for a prosperous and peaceful life, a spirit of humility and brotherly love, good morals and salvation, a spirit of fear of God. Let it not be malice and lawlessness that harden the hearts of men, which can destroy the love of God in men and cast them into godless enmity and fratricide, but in the power of Divine love and truth, as in heaven and on earth, hallowed be the name of God, may His holy will be done in men , and may peace and the Kingdom of God reign on earth.

So also for your earthly Fatherland - the Land of Russia, ask, servant of God, the longed-for peace and heavenly blessing, covered by the omnipotent omophorion of the Mother of God, to get rid of famine, destruction, cowardice, fire, sword, invasion of foreigners and internecine warfare and from all enemies visible and invisible, and so holy house The Most Blessed Mother of God, until the end of the age, the Life-Giving Cross will remain in his power and he will be established in the inexhaustible love of God.

For all of us, who are immersed in the darkness of sins and warmth of repentance, who have no lower fear of God and who constantly insult the Lord who loves us immeasurably, ask, O all-blessed one, from our All-Bountiful God, so that with His Almighty divine grace He will visit and revive our souls, and all May he abolish the malice and pride of life, despondency and negligence in our hearts.

We also pray that we, strengthened by the grace of the All-Holy Spirit and warmed by the love of God, in philanthropy and brotherly love, in humble crucification for each other and for everyone, may be confirmed in the truth of God and well-behaved in the gracious love of God, and will draw closer to Him who is filial. Yes, so, doing His all-holy will, in all piety and purity of temporary life, let us walk the path unashamedly and with all the saints of the Heavenly Kingdom and His Lamb we will be honored.

To him from all earthly and heavenly be glory, honor and worship, with His Originless Father, His Most Holy and Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Troparion, tone 2

Seraphim's love for the Lord, ardent zealot and Jeremiah, for the people weeping, zealous imitator, all-blessed Father Silouan, you, I call to the Mother of the Lord of strength, heed the sinful serpent with wisdom and you wisely vomited out the sinful serpent and you withdrew to Mount Athos from the vanity of the world, where in labors and prayers with tears the grace of the Holy Spirit is abundantly acquired. With it, ignite our hearts and strengthen us with a tender cry: My Lord, my Life and Holy Joy, save the world and us from all evil ones.

Kontakion, voice of the same

Humility of wisdom, admirable confessor and kindness warmed by the Holy Spirit, O beloved Silouan of God, the Russian Church rejoices in your struggle, but the monks of Mount Athos and all Christian people, rejoicing, rush to God with filial love. Pray for us, equal to the angel of God, so that we may be saved, imitating you in the burning of love.

Personal petitions

Servant of God, Father Silouan, remember us in your favorable prayers before Christ God, may He protect us from temptations, illnesses and sorrows, may He grant us humility, love, reasoning and meekness, and may He vouchsafe us, unworthy, His Kingdom. Amen.

O great servant of God, venerable and God-bearing Father Silouan! Look upon us (names), humble and weak, and burdened with many sins, for your help and consolation of those asking: approach us with your mercy and help us (content of the petition). We now place our hope in you, merciful father: lead us to the unevening light of eternal life by your favorable intercession at the throne of the Most Holy Trinity, so that we glorify and sing with all the saints the venerable name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

Servant of God, Reverend Silouan! I pray to you, your servant (name), seek mercy from God and our Savior Jesus Christ, so that through your prayers he will grant me (the content of the petition) forgiveness of all my sins. Amen.

O holy and blessed one, Reverend Father Silouan! With your holy prayers, be a helper to us sinners (names), intercede, so that through your prayers we will be worthy (the content of the petition), and together with you we glorify and glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.