Patron Saints of Mothers
Every Orthodox mother has the Mother of God for her model and refuge, and a Theotokos icon is the first in most homes. Mothers also pray to St Anna, the mother of the Virgin, who waited long years for her child. In America they pray to Matushka Olga of Alaska, a village mother and midwife who cared for the women of her village. Russian mothers ask the holy Empress Alexandra, who nursed a gravely ill son, to pray for children who suffer. East and West both honor St Monica. A mother’s prayer corner is where the family’s day begins.
The saints the Church turns to
The Mother of God
Patron of mothers, asked for the health and wellbeing of children.
Nativity of the Theotokos, 8 September (21 September on the Old Calendar).
Sts Joachim and Anna
Asked for the raising of children in faith.
9 September (22 September on the Old Calendar); Dormition of St Anna, 25 July (7 August on the Old Calendar).
St Olga of Alaska
Asked for maternal tenderness, a safe childbirth and comfort in grief.
10 November by the 2023 OCA proclamation; the OCA calendar lists 27 October.
The Royal Passion-Bearers
St Alexandra is asked by mothers of sick children.
17 July.
St Matrona of Moscow
Asked for the strengthening of the family and the raising of children.
2 May.
In our shop
Christ Pantocrator & Our Lady of Kazan$69
Christ (Zvenigorod Saviour) & Vladimir Mother of Godthe Vladimir icon is the “Tenderness” of mother and child.$69
St Alexandra the Passion-Bearer & Guardian Angel$69
Holy Foremother Eve & Guardian Angel$69
St Olga of Alaska & Guardian Angel$69
- Icons of the Mother of God — wooden, gold-tone and silver-tone.
- Sts Joachim and Anna and St Matrona icons (coming soon)
How Orthodox Christians pray for this
A mother prays for her children by name every morning before the icon of the Mother of God, makes the sign of the cross over them at the door, and gives their names at the Liturgy. Many read the Akathist to the Theotokos and keep a prayer rope in the kitchen for the Jesus Prayer during the day.
Have it consecrated by our priest before it reaches you — Consecration, $49.
Questions
Who is the patron saint of mothers?
For Orthodox Christians, the Mother of God first, then St Anna. Catholics often name St Monica, St Anne or St Gerard.
What is a good Orthodox Mother’s Day gift?
An icon of the Mother of God for her prayer corner, or her own patron saint with the Guardian Angel.
