Patron Saints of Students
Russian students pray to St Sergius of Radonezh, who as a boy could not learn to read until an elder prayed over him, and then he understood at once. Before exams they also pray before the icon of the Mother of God “Addition of Mind.” Greek students keep the Three Holy Hierarchs, Basil, Gregory and John Chrysostom, patrons of learning, on 30 January. Sts Cyril and Methodius gave the Slavs their letters. St Nicholas is asked by every child with a test tomorrow. A small diptych on the desk or in the backpack is a classic gift for a first school year or a graduation.
The saints the Church turns to
St Sergius of Radonezh
Asked for success in studies and exams, and for children who struggle to read.
25 September (8 October on the Old Calendar).
St Nicholas the Wonderworker
Asked for the well-being of children and help in any hard hour.
6 December (19 December on the Old Calendar).
The Mother of God “Addition of Mind.”
Prayed to before exams.
Nativity of the Theotokos, 8 September (21 September on the Old Calendar).
The Three Holy Hierarchs are kept on 30 January (12 February on the Old Calendar). St Xenia, St Matrona and St John of Kronstadt are also asked for help in studies.
In our shop
St Nicholas & Guardian Angelfolding diptych.$69
Holy Trinity (after Rublev) & Christthe Trinity icon was painted in honor of St Sergius.$69
Name-Day Gift Setfor a graduate’s own patron.$149
- St Sergius of Radonezh icon (coming soon)
How Orthodox Christians pray for this
Russian parishes serve a moleben at the start of the school year, and many families ask for one before exams. Students pray to St Sergius before studying and cross themselves before the test. A small icon on the desk and a cross under the shirt go to every exam.
Have it consecrated by our priest before it reaches you — Consecration, $49.
Questions
Who is the patron saint of students?
In Russian Orthodox tradition, St Sergius of Radonezh; in Greek tradition, the Three Holy Hierarchs. Catholics usually name St Thomas Aquinas or St Joseph of Cupertino.
Which saint do I pray to before an exam?
St Sergius of Radonezh, and the Mother of God before the icon “Addition of Mind.”