Patron Saints of Police Officers
Police officers in America already know their patron: St Michael the Archangel, who casts down evil and defends the innocent. Orthodox tradition adds St George, protector of the weak, and St John the Warrior, a soldier who used his post to shield the persecuted. Russians pray to St John to find thieves, to recover what was stolen and to be defended from those who wrong them. St Demetrios, the soldier-saint of Thessaloniki, is asked for courage in danger. For the officer who works the night shift, these are the saints the family prays to while the house sleeps.
The saints the Church turns to
The Archangel Michael
Asked for protection from enemies visible and invisible and for deliverance from fear.
8 November (21 November on the Old Calendar).
St George
Asked for courage, help for the poor and the freeing of captives.
23 April (6 May on the Old Calendar).
St John the Warrior
Asked for the exposing of thieves, the recovery of stolen property and justice for the wronged.
30 July (12 August on the Old Calendar).
St Demetrios of Thessaloniki
Asked for courage in danger and the protection of his city.
26 October (8 November on the Old Calendar).
In our shop
St Michael the Archangel medallionstainless steel, silver-tone.$49
St George medallionstainless steel, 60 cm chain.$49
St John the Warrior & Guardian Angelfolding diptych.$69
Protector Set$169
- St Demetrios icon (coming soon)
How Orthodox Christians pray for this
An officer’s cross is consecrated and worn under the uniform. At home a lamp burns before St Michael through the night shift, and the family says a short prayer for the officer’s return. Many keep a small diptych in the patrol car or the locker, and give the officer’s name to the priest for commemoration at the Liturgy.
Have it consecrated by our priest before it reaches you — Consecration, $49.
Questions
Who is the patron saint of police officers?
St Michael the Archangel. The designation comes from the Catholic Church (Pope Pius XII), and Orthodox Christians in America widely share it. Orthodox tradition adds St George and St John the Warrior.
What is a good gift for a police academy graduate?
A St Michael medallion, consecrated with the officer’s name read at its Consecration, or the Protector Set with its St John the Warrior diptych consecrated.
