Saints for Business and Success
Orthodox merchants have long kept an icon of St Spyridon, the Wonderworker of Trimythous who turned a snake into gold for a poor farmer and then back again, and of St Nicholas, patron of merchants across Russia. In old Russia St Paraskeva “Pyatnitsa” guarded market days and fairs. Russians begin every work “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” and an Orthodox business begins the same way. A diptych on the shop counter or the office shelf is a quiet prayer over honest work, and a meaningful gift for a new business.
The saints the Church turns to
St Spyridon
Asked for God’s help in one’s business and in financial difficulty.
12 December (25 December on the Old Calendar).
St Nicholas the Wonderworker
Patron of merchants.
6 December (19 December on the Old Calendar).
St Paraskeva Pyatnitsa
Patron of fairs, markets and trade.
28 October (10 November on the Old Calendar).
In our shop
St Nicholas & Guardian Angel$69
Holy Trinity (after Rublev) & ChristRussians begin every work “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”$69
- St Spyridon and St Paraskeva icons (coming soon)
How Orthodox Christians pray for this
A new shop or office is sprinkled with holy water by the priest. An icon goes on the wall or the counter with a lamp, and the owner crosses himself before opening.
Have it consecrated by our priest before it reaches you — Consecration, $49.
Questions
Who is the patron saint of business?
Orthodox merchants pray to St Spyridon and St Nicholas. Catholics name St Homobonus, and St Matthew for bankers.
What is a good Orthodox gift for a new business?
A St Nicholas or St Spyridon icon for the counter, consecrated for the opening.