Saints for Anxiety, Depression and Despair
St Seraphim of Sarov greeted every visitor with “My joy, Christ is risen!” and taught “Acquire the spirit of peace, and thousands around you will be saved.” Orthodox Christians in anxiety and despondency pray to him and to the Mother of God before her icon “Joy of All Who Sorrow.” St John of Kronstadt and St Xenia are asked by those in heavy sorrow, and St Panteleimon for the healing of despondency and faintheartedness. The Church calls despair a burden to bring to God, not a private shame. The prayer rope and the Jesus Prayer are its oldest medicine for a racing mind.
The saints the Church turns to
St Seraphim of Sarov
Asked for peace of soul and help in despair, anxiety and fear.
2 January (15 January on the Old Calendar).
The Mother of God
Asked for comfort in sorrow, before the icon “Joy of All Who Sorrow.”
Dormition, 15 August (28 August on the Old Calendar).
St John of Kronstadt
Asked for help in despair.
20 December (2 January on the Old Calendar).
St Xenia of Petersburg
Asked by those in heavy sorrow.
24 January (6 February on the Old Calendar).
In our shop
- Icons of the Mother of God — wooden.
- St Seraphim of Sarov icon (coming soon)
- St John of Kronstadt and St Xenia icons (coming soon)
How Orthodox Christians pray for this
Keep a short rule: the Jesus Prayer on the prayer rope, slowly, morning and evening. Light the lamp before the Mother of God, read a psalm, and tell your priest what weighs on you in Confession. The Church prays alongside a doctor’s and counselor’s care. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) now.
Have it consecrated by our priest before it reaches you — Consecration, $49.
Questions
Who is the patron saint of anxiety?
Orthodox Christians pray to St Seraphim of Sarov for peace of soul. Catholics often name St Dymphna, a Western devotion.
What do Orthodox Christians pray in despondency?
The Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me,” on the prayer rope, and prayers to the Mother of God before the icon “Joy of All Who Sorrow.”
