Saints for Protection
Orthodox Christians have never been shy about asking for protection. Every baptized Christian receives a Guardian Angel. Every house keeps an icon of the Archangel Michael, captain of the heavenly hosts. On 1 October (14 October on the Old Calendar) the Church keeps the Protection of the Mother of God, whose veil was seen spread over the faithful at Blachernae. Russians carry Psalm 90 (91), “He that dwelleth,” sewn into clothing. A cross worn from baptism, the prayer “Let God arise,” and the angel by the bed: this is how the tradition keeps watch over a household.
The saints the Church turns to
The Archangel Michael
Asked for protection from enemies visible and invisible and deliverance from fear.
8 November (21 November on the Old Calendar).
The Guardian Angel
Asked for protection from every evil and danger.
8 November (21 November on the Old Calendar).
The Mother of God
Asked for protection under her veil from enemies visible and invisible.
Protection, 1 October (14 October on the Old Calendar); the Church of Greece keeps the Holy Protection on 28 October.
The Precious Cross
“Save and protect” is engraved on the back of the Russian cross; “Let God arise” is prayed against the demons.
Exaltation, 14 September (27 September on the Old Calendar).
St Nicholas the Wonderworker
The speedy helper, asked for deliverance from misfortune.
6 December (19 December on the Old Calendar).
Sts Cyprian and Justina
Asked for deliverance from sorcery and the evil eye.
2 October (15 October on the Old Calendar).
St George
Asked for the protection of one’s home and homeland.
23 April (6 May on the Old Calendar).
In our shop
St Michael the Archangel medallionstainless steel, silver-tone.$49
“Save and Protect” wooden wall cross, 8 in$49
St Nicholas & Guardian Angelfolding diptych.$69
St George medallion$49
- Patron saint & Guardian Angel diptychs — every name diptych carries the Guardian Angel.
- Orthodox crosses — stainless steel, silver-tone, gold-tone and black-and-gold-tone.
- Sts Cyprian and Justina icon (coming soon)
How Orthodox Christians pray for this
The cross is put on at baptism and worn for life. An icon of the Mother of God hangs over the door and the Archangel in the icon corner, where the lamp is lit for evening prayers. Families sprinkle the rooms with holy water, and after Theophany the priest comes each year to sprinkle the whole house. Many read the Akathist to the Archangel Michael, or Psalm 90, and make the sign of the cross over children before they sleep.
Have it consecrated by our priest before it reaches you — Consecration, $49.
Questions
Who is the patron saint of protection?
The Archangel Michael, venerated by Orthodox and Catholics alike. Orthodox Christians add their Guardian Angel and the Mother of God of the Protection.
Is St Michael a Catholic or an Orthodox saint?
Both. Orthodox Christians keep the Synaxis of the Archangels on 8 November (21 November on the Old Calendar). The 29 September feast, Michaelmas, is Western.
What does “Save and protect” on a Russian cross mean?
It is the prayer “Спаси и сохрани” engraved on the back of the Russian baptismal cross: a short prayer to Christ, worn over the heart.