Saints for Addiction and Alcoholism
Russian families with a drinking husband, son or father pray before the “Inexhaustible Cup” icon of the Mother of God, revealed in 1878 to a retired soldier ruined by drink, who was healed. They also pray to the Martyr Boniface, himself freed from drunkenness, and to St Moses the Black, the robber who became a desert father. St John of Kronstadt led countless people out of alcoholism. These saints are asked for drug addiction too. Prayer goes alongside treatment, a sponsor and a doctor, not in place of them. No one is beyond hope.
The saints the Church turns to
The Mother of God “Inexhaustible Cup.”
Asked for deliverance from drunkenness and addiction, for oneself and for loved ones.
5 May (18 May on the Old Calendar).
St Boniface of Tarsus
Asked for deliverance from drunkenness and the return of a loved one to sobriety.
19 December (1 January on the Old Calendar).
St Moses the Black
Asked for strength to overcome a destructive passion and for sobriety.
28 August (10 September on the Old Calendar).
St John of Kronstadt
Asked for deliverance from drunkenness and drug addiction.
20 December (2 January on the Old Calendar).
In our shop
- “Inexhaustible Cup” icon (coming soon)
- St Boniface, St Moses the Black and St John of Kronstadt icons (coming soon)
How Orthodox Christians pray for this
Families ask for a moleben before the “Inexhaustible Cup”; many sobriety groups make a pilgrimage on its feast. Pray the Jesus Prayer on the rope when the craving comes. Confession and Communion, with the priest’s counsel, go alongside recovery meetings and medical care.
Have it consecrated by our priest before it reaches you — Consecration, $49.
Questions
Who is the patron saint of alcoholism?
Catholics often name Ven. Matt Talbot, St Maximilian Kolbe or St Monica. Orthodox Christians pray before the “Inexhaustible Cup” icon and to St Boniface and St Moses the Black.
Is this St Boniface the Apostle of Germany?
No. The patron against drunkenness is the Roman martyr Boniface of Tarsus. St Boniface of Mainz is a different saint.
