Saints for Couples Hoping for a Child
Childless couples pray to Sts Joachim and Anna, who waited into old age for a child and were given the Mother of God. Russian tradition adds St Matrona of Moscow and St Xenia of Petersburg, to whose shrines women still bring their hope. The Feodorovskaya icon of the Mother of God and Sts Peter and Fevronia, patrons of married love, complete the prayers of a waiting home. The Church does not hurry this either. The waiting is long for many couples, and it is a prayer the whole family and parish can share.
The saints the Church turns to
Sts Joachim and Anna
Asked for the gift of a child for childless spouses and patience in long waiting.
9 September (22 September on the Old Calendar); Conception by St Anna, 9 December (22 December on the Old Calendar).
St Matrona of Moscow
Asked for conception and a safe pregnancy.
2 May.
The Feodorovskaya Mother of God
Asked for the gift of children to childless couples.
14 March (27 March on the Old Calendar).
Sts Peter and Fevronia
Asked for the gift of children.
25 June (8 July on the Old Calendar).
St Xenia of Petersburg
Women bring her their hopes for a family.
24 January (6 February on the Old Calendar).
In our shop
- Sts Joachim and Anna, St Matrona, Sts Peter and Fevronia and St Xenia (coming soon)
How Orthodox Christians pray for this
Couples pray together before the icon corner, ask for a moleben to Sts Joachim and Anna, and give their names at the Liturgy. Confession and Communion, and the priest’s counsel, carry them through the waiting.
Have it consecrated by our priest before it reaches you — Consecration, $49.
Questions
Who is the patron saint of fertility?
Orthodox Christians pray to Sts Joachim and Anna, the grandparents of Christ. Catholics often name St Anne, St Gerard and St Rita.
Which icon do Orthodox couples pray before for a child?
The Feodorovskaya Mother of God, and the icon of Sts Joachim and Anna.
