Saints for Those with Cancer
For cancer, Greek Orthodox families turn to St Nektarios of Aegina, whose many healings in the last century made him the saint of the cancer ward. Russian families pray before the Athonite icon of the Mother of God “All-Queen” (Pantanassa) and to St Luke of Crimea, the surgeon who operated by day and prayed by night. St Panteleimon, the healer, completes the circle. The Church never stops asking for healing, and no one is left alone. A small icon on the hospital tray is a prayer that stays when visitors leave.
The saints the Church turns to
St Nektarios of Aegina
Patron of cancer patients, asked for healing and for strength for the sick and their caregivers.
9 November (22 November on the Old Calendar).
St Luke of Crimea
Asked for the sick with cancer and for a skilled hand for the surgeon.
11 June.
St Panteleimon the Healer
Asked for help when doctors can do no more.
27 July (9 August on the Old Calendar).
The Mother of God “All-Queen.”
Russians pray before this Athonite icon for those with cancer.
Dormition, 15 August (28 August on the Old Calendar).
St John the Russian is also asked in Greece for the healing of cancer.
In our shop
- Icons of the Mother of God — wooden.
- St Nektarios, St Luke of Crimea and St Panteleimon icons (coming soon)
How Orthodox Christians pray for this
Ask the priest for Holy Unction and Communion before treatment begins. Families read the akathist to St Nektarios, give the sick person’s name at every Liturgy, and bring oil from the lamp before his icon. An icon goes on the hospital tray. Prayer goes alongside treatment, never in place of it.
Have it consecrated by our priest before it reaches you — Consecration, $49.
Questions
Who is the patron saint of cancer?
Catholics pray to St Peregrine Laziosi, a Western saint after the schism. Orthodox Christians pray to St Nektarios of Aegina, St Luke of Crimea and the Mother of God “All-Queen.”
Is St Nektarios Greek or Russian?
Greek, of Aegina, and widely loved in Russia, where he is called “Nektary of Aegina.”
