Patron Saints of Travelers
Before a journey, Orthodox families pray to St Nicholas the Wonderworker, who calmed the storm at sea and is called the protector of all who travel by land and sea. A small icon goes in the bag or on the dashboard. A folding diptych opens on a hotel nightstand and becomes a church in miniature. The Archangel Raphael, who led young Tobias there and back in safety, keeps the same watch. So does St Christopher, who carried the Christ child across the river. And the Guardian Angel, given at baptism, goes everywhere we go: “He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”
The saints the Church turns to
St Nicholas the Wonderworker
Asked for a safe journey and a safe return home, and for help in any hard hour on the road.
6 December (19 December on the Old Calendar); spring feast 9 May (22 May on the Old Calendar).
The Archangel Raphael
The guide of Tobias, asked for a safe journey and return.
Synaxis of the Archangels, 8 November (21 November on the Old Calendar). In the West he is kept on 29 September.
St Christopher
Honored in Orthodox sources as a patron of travelers and asked for protection on the road; the river-crossing story is mainly Western, and Greeks have taken it up widely.
9 May (22 May on the Old Calendar).
The Guardian Angel
Given at baptism and asked for safe journeys.
Honored at the Synaxis, 8 November (21 November on the Old Calendar).
The Mother of God Hodegetria, “She who shows the Way.”
Asked for guidance on the right path.
Dormition, 15 August (28 August on the Old Calendar).
In our shop
St Nicholas the Wonderworker & Guardian Angelfolding diptych.$69
Christ Pantocrator & Our Lady of Kazantravel diptych.$69
Christ (Zvenigorod Saviour) & Vladimir Mother of Godtravel diptych.$69
Holy Trinity (after Rublev) & Christtravel diptych.$69
Wooden Orthodox cross, 10 cm (4 in)for the car.$29
St Gertrude of Nivelles & Guardian Angelan old Western patron of travelers and pilgrims.$69
- Archangel Raphael icon (coming soon)
- St Christopher icon (coming soon)
How Orthodox Christians pray for this
Before a long trip the family stands before the icon corner, lights the lamp and asks St Nicholas and the Guardian Angel for a safe road. Many ask the priest to read the Church’s prayers for travelers, and to sprinkle a new car with holy water. A small icon rides on the dashboard or in the bag, a cross is worn under the shirt, and a prayer rope fits in a pocket for the Jesus Prayer on the plane. At home, a candle is lit in thanks on arrival.
Have it consecrated by our priest before it reaches you — Consecration, $49.
Questions
Who is the patron saint of travelers?
In the Orthodox Church it is first of all St Nicholas the Wonderworker, the protector of all who travel by land and sea. Catholics usually name St Christopher and St Raphael. Both are honored in the Orthodox Church too, and many Orthodox travelers keep all three.
Is St Christopher an Orthodox saint?
Yes. The Holy Martyr Christopher of Lycia is on the Orthodox calendar on 9 May (22 May on the Old Calendar). The story of the giant carrying the Christ child, and the medal for drivers, come mainly from the West.
What icon should I take on a trip?
A folding diptych. It closes like a book, stands open on any table, and keeps your patron and the Guardian Angel with you.