Saint Paraskeva was born during the reign of King Diocletian at the beginning of the 2nd century. Her father's name was Agathon, and her mother's name was Politia. They were believing Christians. In a country estate on the outskirts of Rome, Saint Paraskeva lived with her parents until their death. Being rich people and living a pious life, according to the covenants and teachings of Christ, they with love and care helped the poor and needy in everything. Charitable activities brought them great joy and peace.
At first they did not have children and this greatly darkened their lives - they did not have children. Day and night they prayed to the Lord for the birth of a child - not in order to inherit their wealth, but in order to continue their family line and devote the child to the service of God. The Almighty condescended to their fervent prayer and after some time, on the sixth day of the week, Politia gave birth to a girl, who was named Paraskeva in honor of this day. From early childhood it was clear who this young woman would become. Saint Paraskeva was modest and very obedient and never upset her parents in any way.

In addition to general education and upbringing, the girl also studied the Holy Scriptures. She diligently attended church, never missing a single service, and was constantly seen with a book in her hands, except when eating or doing something. The saint of God constantly read prayers and sang psalms. So great was her zeal that she often stayed late into the night studying the Holy Scriptures. She always found an opportunity to share her knowledge with inferior and less enlightened women, thereby strengthening their faith. Saint Paraskeva greatly respected virginity and the purity of her soul. Since childhood, she understood the value of chastity in the eyes of the Lord.

This is how St. describes her behavior. Cosmas of Aetolia: “Saint Paraskeva used her tears as decoration when she remembered her sins, and instead of earrings - her ears, tasting the Holy Scriptures. Instead of expensive rings - the bones of her fingers, instead of a golden belt - her virginity, carrying it throughout her life , instead of expensive attire - your modesty and your obedience before the Almighty." So Saint Paraskeva led a Christian lifestyle and, as a reward, the Lord endowed her with the gift of performing miracles. She healed the deaf and raised the dead. Many representatives of wealthy families sought kinship with Saint Paraskeva by marrying their sons to her, since she had extraordinary beauty and virgin purity, and also came from a very rich family. But the girl was faithful to the covenant of her parents and with all her soul wanted to devote herself to serving God. This desire especially pleased her parents, who saw in their daughter the embodiment of all their hopes.

At the age of 20, misfortune befell Saint Paraskeva - her parents died. All property was distributed - divided between the needy and the Church, while part was given to the monastery, in which lived young Christian girls who dedicated their lives to serving God, spending monastic life there. Saint Paraskeva entered this monastery. Having accepted monasticism, she diligently fulfilled her vows. She lived for some time in this monastery, obeying the abbess in everything.

However, this was not enough for Saint Paraskeva - her soul thirsted for more. Therefore, having accepted the blessing of the abbess and the entire monastery community, she set off on the road, visiting villages and cities and preaching the word of God everywhere. Saint Paraskeva chose a difficult path for herself. The faith that she preached was contrary to the pagans and idolaters, who in those days were ardent enemies of Christianity and cruelly persecuted believers. In addition, the youth and beauty of Saint Paraskeva also exposed her to the danger of desecration. And, of course, fatigue - without leaving any means for herself, she moved on foot from one place to another, in fact, wandered along the roads and valleys... Despite all the hardships and difficulties that Saint Paraskeva experienced, her faith became stronger every day stronger, and the word of God spoken by her reached the very hearts of people, leaving no one indifferent. In addition to communicating with ordinary people, Saint Paraskeva sought meetings with wise and enlightened representatives of society of that time, conducting conversations with them on philosophical topics, she talked about faith in Jesus Christ. Her speeches were so strong and wise that as a result many believed in Christ. For such activities Saint Paraskeva became known throughout the entire region of Rome.

At that time, Rome was ruled by Emperor Antoninus, who was an idolater. His predecessor on the throne was Emperor Hadrian. Following her vow, Saint Paraskeva traveled and preached the New Faith, and her fame grew increasingly among the people. Many Greeks and Jews, listening to her, became followers of Christ. Among the Jews there were also haters of Saint Paraskeva, who, seeing that people, listening to the saint’s instructions, were converting to Christianity, slandered her in the eyes of the emperor, saying the following: “Our great and immortal sovereign! We all honor you and live in obedience to your decrees, but there is one woman named Paraskeva who preaches about Jesus Christ, the Son of Mary, whom our ancestors crucified on the cross as a slanderer and disobedient. She also says that only He is the real Most High, and the gods that Your Highness and our people worship are. just soulless chumps!"

Hearing this, the emperor became furious and immediately gave the order to his guards to find Saint Paraskeva and bring her to him without delay. Seeing before him a young girl of extraordinary beauty, he was very surprised and at first tried to persuade her to idolatry with flattering words, saying: “I expected something different and I see before me a woman of rare beauty. While pitying your youth, I will not punish you, but command you to live as you wish.” our gods and be content with your youth and beauty. Otherwise, if you disobey and continue to preach and seduce my subjects, I will be forced to deprive you of your freedom and subject you to such tortures and torments that people are afraid to even hear about, let alone be subjected to them. !" Despite the emperor’s threats, Saint Paraskeva crossed herself and answered like this: “Do not think, sir, that you can achieve anything with your threats. There is no such punishment, there is no such force that can force me to refuse and betray Jesus Christ! My love for it is infinite and no force can kill it in me! No one and nothing can come between us!

Hearing the speeches of Saint Paraskeva, the emperor again became angry and ordered his soldiers to heat an iron helmet red-hot in the fire and put it on the maiden’s head. But the Almighty did not abandon His novice, and just as He once saved three youths thrown into the fire, and nothing happened to them, so nothing happened to Saint Paraskeva - instead of fire, cold water fell on her head and face . The people present during the torture were amazed by the miracle, and many Greeks believed in Jesus Christ. For which Emperor Antoninus sentenced many of them to death: some had their heads cut off, others were burned at the stake, others were drowned in the Tiber River, and others were completely skinned.

Having dealt with the newly-minted Christians in this way, the emperor ordered the arrest of Saint Paraskeva and her imprisonment until her next punishment. He had to think and decide how to get rid of her. Saint Paraskeva, being in captivity, fervently prayed to the Lord to give her strength to resist her enemies and protect her from oppressors. Exactly at midnight, an Angel of God suddenly appeared before the praying girl. Holding in his hands a luminous cross, a stick, a rope and a crown, he said to her: “Rejoice, Paraskeva, messenger of our Almighty! Do not be afraid of the punishments of your tyrants - our Jesus Christ, who sacrificed Himself for the sake of people, crucified and crowned with a thorny crown. He will be yours. assistant and will protect you from all troubles and temptations!" Saying these words, the Angel freed her from her bonds and disappeared. Saint Paraskeva, having heard these words, was comforted and continued to pray until dawn.

Early in the morning the emperor ordered the saint to be brought to him. Entering the prison, the guards were very surprised to see her free from bonds. When Saint Paraskeva appeared before the emperor, he asked if she had changed her mind? But having received a refusal from Saint Paraskeva, he ordered his soldiers to hang her by the hair, tying it to a log, and also to light torches and scorch her body with fire. The martyr bravely withstood this torture. Without uttering a single groan, she continued to pray throughout the execution. The emperor was angry, seeing that nothing had any effect on the girl, and ordered her to be subjected to the next test - to fill a large cauldron with resin and oil and light a fire under it. When the contents of the cauldron began to boil, he ordered Saint Paraskeva to be thrown into the cauldron. The martyr stood in the middle of the cauldron, as if nothing had happened, as if she were in a cool garden. The amazed emperor approached the cauldron and, not believing his own eyes, said to Saint Praskeva: “Spray me with liquid from the cauldron, woman. I want to make sure that the resin and oil are really hot or is it a fantasy that nothing happened to you.” Saint Praskeva scooped up the red-hot mass with her palms and splashed it directly into the emperor’s face, burning out his eyes. Crying out in pain and fear, the emperor begged before the maiden: “Have pity on me, unfortunate one, give me back my sight and then I will believe in your only True God!” Coming out of the cauldron, Saint Paraskeva restored the sight of Emperor Antoninus, and then baptized him in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Thus, Emperor Antoninus converted to the Christian faith and abandoned idolatry.

After this, Saint Paraskeva left Rome and set off on a further journey. One day she stopped in a city ruled by another sovereign named Axclepius. Having learned that a woman preaching Christianity was staying in his city, he ordered to find her and bring her to trial, which he himself headed. He sternly asked Saint Paraskeva, who appeared before him: “Where are you from, woman? What God do you preach about?” Saint Paraskeva crossed herself and, calling out to the Lord God, answered him thus: “Where I come from, sir, is not so important and it does not change anything, and the Lord our God, about whom I preach to people, is not a new Lord, but an ancient and eternal It was He who created heaven and earth and everything that exists on them. It was He who, in the name of saving people, descended to earth, taking on human form, took upon Himself human torment, allowed Himself to be crucified on the cross, and rose from the dead after His death. He will return and reward every person according to his deeds. I worship Him and preach about Him to everyone I meet, for He is the only and Righteous One on our earth, and the gods you believe in are wooden and soulless idols.”

Hearing such words from the saint’s lips, the sovereign was horrified and ordered her to be taken outside the city and left to be devoured by the large snake that lived there, to which those condemned to execution were constantly given as food. The warriors left the martyr in front of the monster’s lair, and they themselves retreated to a distance and began to watch what would happen. Seeing the girl, the snake crawled out of its lair, straightened up to its full height and, opening its mouth, prepared to spew out a burning flame. The saint calmly stood before the monster and, uttering the following words: “Cunning monster, God’s punishment has befallen you too, and your end has come, you have swallowed up too many people,” and, crossing herself, blew on him. The serpent soared upward, spewed flame from its mouth and... broke into two parts. Seeing such an unusual sight, Emperor Asclepius, like his predecessor Emperor Antoninus, believed in the Lord God. The same thing happened to everyone present at this spectacle. Saint Praskeva baptized there all those who wanted to follow Christ. And then she again set off on her journey through the Roman Empire.

Arriving in a city where a certain Tarasius was the ruler, Saint Paraskeva was again captured by the pagans. She was asked to make a sacrifice to the idol. The saint was given a choice: either she would make a sacrifice to idols, or she would undergo terrible torture. Ruler Tarasius, his entourage and advisers, as well as a crowd of curious people entered the temple after Saint Praskeva. Everyone was very interested in how this spectacle would end. Everyone had heard about the miracles that accompanied the martyr. Entering the temple, Saint Paraskeva approached the statue of Apollo and, waving her right hand in his direction, calmly asked: “Do you want, insensitive idol, for me to make a sacrifice to you and pray to you?” Having said this, Saint Paraskeva crossed herself. Suddenly a loud voice was heard from the mouth of the idol: “I am not the Most High, and none of us idols are the Most High, and only the One you preach about is the Most High of this world. We are his angels, but because of our pride we turned into demons.” Since then, we have been deceiving people out of envy of the Almighty, and people, not knowing the truth, worship us as gods." “So why are you standing in front of me, a humble servant of the Almighty?!” - the saint exclaimed loudly. Suddenly there was thunder, and a terrible howl filled the temple, and then all the idols standing there collapsed to the ground. Enraged priests and adherents of idolatry pounced on the girl and, beating her, dragged her out of the temple and began to demand from the ruler: “Kill her, our lord, kill the blasphemer, otherwise she will destroy both the temple and our city!”

Hearing the cries of an angry crowd and seeing that all attempts to reason with the martyr were in vain, the ruler was forced to give the order for the death penalty: “Paraskeva, blasphemer and infidel, you who believe in the unknown Christ, idolizing Him as the Most High, will be expelled from our city and deprived of unruly head!" The death sentence was proclaimed, and the soldiers led the martyr outside the city to carry it out. Before her execution, Saint Paraskeva asked the guards to leave her alone for a while and give her the opportunity to pray. The guards retreated from her, granting her last request. The martyr knelt down, raised her hands to heaven and said: “Lord Jesus Christ, You, the son of our Most High, who came to us on earth and suffered for our sins, I thank You for endowing me with faith and allowing me to stand All torments and punishments are in Your name. Take me into Your bosom, lift me up into Your kingdom, and give peace to my soul. How You helped me to withstand the torments of the earth, help me to accept death for Your sake and accept me as one of the holy martyrs. help all those who suffer and believe in You and turn to You through me. Remember all who perpetuate the memory of my perfection, and grant them grace. Heed their prayers and fulfill their requests for the salvation of their souls. May Your Name be holy forever and ever! " In the midst of the silence, a loud voice rang out like lightning, and everyone froze when they heard the following: “I heard everything you asked for, Paraskeva. May everything be as you want!” The saint's face lit up, and she humbly bowed her head in reverence before God. The next minute the death sentence was carried out. The pure and bright soul of the martyr ascended to the Kingdom of Heaven, to the bosom of the Almighty. After the execution of Saint Paraskeva, some Christians, who had been in the crowd all this time, took the remains of her body and reverently washed and wiped it with myrrh and laid it in a certain place, praising and blessing the Lord.

The pilgrimage of the suffering began to the burial place of the remains of Saint Paraskeva. The rumor about her and the miracles that accompanied her spread throughout the Roman Empire, as well as throughout the surrounding states. The sick, visiting her grave and fervently praying to the Almighty, reverently took with them a grain of earth. And so great was their faith in the holiness of the deceased that many of them were healed of their ailments. And if you count everyone who has been freed from their illnesses, then it is as impossible as counting the stars in the sky or the grains of sand in the ocean. And so, over the centuries, Saint Paraskeva continued to do good to those who believed in her; also in our days, if someone truly, with faith, turns to her for help, he will be rewarded with her reverence.

It is believed that Saint Paraskeva is the patroness of patients with eyes and, of course, the blind. She is depicted in Greek iconography with eyes in her hand. This is connected with the moment in her life when the holy nun appeared before the court of Emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161), was condemned for professing the Christian faith and miraculously remained unharmed in a cauldron of boiling tar. Sprinkling resin in the emperor's face, she blinded him, and after he prayed for healing, she restored his sight. After this, the emperor pardoned the captive and stopped the persecution of Christians for the entire duration of his reign.

Based on materials from www.moniparaskeva.ru

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The life-size icon of the Holy Martyr Paraskeva of Rome is made of a copper base and covered with silver and gold using the electroplating method. The frame and base are made of wood (ash) and varnished. The background is made of dark blue velvet.

Holy Martyr Paraskeva of Rome born in the second century in Rome and was the only daughter of pious Christians. Saint Paraskeva preached faith in Christ and converted many pagans to the faith. After denunciation, she was captured and tortured, demanding that she renounce Christ. However, she remained unharmed. Seeing these miracles, Emperor Antoninus Pius accepted holy Baptism, and Saint Paraskeva was released and continued to preach. Many pagans converted to the faith of Christ when the ruler Tarasius captured her, subjected her to numerous cruel tortures, and then ordered her head to be cut off with a sword.

Information about the icon Icon of the Holy Martyr Paraskeva of Rome 18.5 x 29 cm

Prayers to the Holy Martyr Paraskeva of Rome

PRAYER FIRST

Oh, holy and long-suffering Martyr Paraskeva! To you, like a warm prayer book for us to God, we fall down and pray diligently: beg our Lord and Master to add His mercy to us, His unworthy servants, to grant us mental and physical health, fruitfulness of the earth, goodness of the air, prosperity for Christians in piety, necessary and contented for temporary life, and everything necessary for salvation; Yes, having lived peacefully and piously, we will be honored to achieve a good Christian death and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. To her, our good representative! Do not disgrace our hope, which, according to God and the Most Holy Theotokos, we place strong on You, but be an intercessor for our salvation, so that together with you and all the saints, in the joy of eternal bliss, we may glorify in your intercession the great mercy of our God, the Father, and the Son, and The Holy Spirit now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

PRAYER TWO

Pray to God for me, holy servant of God (name), as I diligently resort to you, a quick helper and prayer book for my soul.

Troparion to the Holy Martyr Paraskeva of Rome

Troparion, tone 1

Having diligence in accordance with your name, you have chosen the same faith in cohabitation, victorious Paraskeva, and you also pour out healings and pray for our souls.

Kontakion, tone 4

Kontakion, tone 8

Passion-bearer, faithful, hymn to Paraskeva, come, let us sing, for she sees miracles in the world, driving away the charms of darkness, and giving unenviable grace to the faithful, calling: Rejoice, long-suffering martyr.

Greatness

We magnify you, passion-bearer of Christ Paraskeva, and honor your honest suffering, which you endured for Christ.

Akathist to the Holy Martyr Paraskeva of Rome

Kontakion 1

To the chosen bride of Christ, the holy martyr Paraskeva, with faith and love, we offer songs of praise, like a good healer; But you, passion-bearer of Christ, mercifully bow down to us, praising your deeds and sufferings, and free us from all troubles, calling with tenderness to you:

Ikos 1

An angel of the Lord was sent quickly to announce to your barren parents, the venerable martyr, that God had heard their prayer: for they will give birth to a blessed daughter, an heir to the Kingdom of Heaven. We marvel at such a wonderful announcement of your birth, as God’s chosen one, we please you with these praises:

Rejoice, proclaimed by angelic prophecy; Rejoice, you who resolved the infertility of your parents through your birth.

Rejoice, you have asked God for many prayers; Rejoice, you who taught everyone not to lose heart in prayer.

Rejoice, good root of holy vegetation; Rejoice, Christ-loving father and mother, God-loving daughter.

Rejoice, chosen from your mother’s womb to serve Christ; Rejoice, you have betrothed your virginity to the Imperishable Bridegroom.

Rejoice, divine manifestation of mercy towards people; Rejoice, prayers were incessantly incense.

Rejoice, reproof of the lazy; Rejoice, those who doubt this good statement.

Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva.

Kontakion 2

Having seen the vanity and inconstancy of the world, Paraskeva the God-Wise One, you desired to withdraw from the world, so that you could continually please Christ God and bear His good yoke without repentance, and be constantly in prayer, calling to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Having acquired the heavenly mind, the Venerable Martyr Paraskeva, after the death of your parents, distributed all her property to the poor, having diligently flowed into the path of confession of Christ, for this reason we praise you:

Rejoice, you who shone with spiritual beauty; Rejoice, you who neglected bodily kindness.

Rejoice, having filled your soul with the grace of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, you who did not fear the confession of His name.

Rejoice, unshakable confessor of Christ; Rejoice, long-suffering passion-bearer of Jesus.

Rejoice, God-wise evangelist of the Gospel; Rejoice, repository of many virtues.

Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva.

Kontakion 3

We are strengthened by the power of God from above, O holy Martyr Paraskeva, you put aside the weakness of your female nature and, having put on the armor of the confession of Christ, you fought vigorously against idolaters, even though you were vain to turn you away from the love of Christ God with fierce torment, but by your patience you were overcome, and with the Angels You sang to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

You had a soul filled with courage for Christ, God-wise Paraskeva, you firmly put the tormentors of the wicked to shame, and at the same time you laughed at their torment, as if you were in an alien body, you endured everything for Christ’s sake, but you taught us to chant you with your tits:

Rejoice, loud confessor of God; Rejoice, beautiful bride of the Sweetest Jesus.

Rejoice, you who brought immaculate virginity to Him as a gift; Rejoice, you who shed your blood for Him.

Rejoice, who fearlessly confessed His name before the judges and tormentors; Rejoice, you who brought the witnesses of your torment to faith.

Rejoice, warm refuge in our prayers; Rejoice, confirmation of our trust in the Lord.

Rejoice, reproof for lovers of temporary pleasures; Rejoice, you who seek encouragement on high.

Rejoice, helper in these struggles; Rejoice, good consolation to the offended.

Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva.

Kontakion 4

Tsar Antonin, possessed by a storm of unbelief, was surprised when he saw you unharmed in a boiling cauldron; When you cast your hands from the cauldron on the face of the tormentor, he was scorched crying: “Have mercy on me, servant of the true God, and give me the light of my eyes, so that I may believe in God, Him whom you preach, and I will sing to Him together with you.” : Alleluia."

Ikos 4

Having heard your many and fierce sufferings, O glorious Paraskeva, we, sinners, tenderly marvel at your patience: how you bore the fire of iron on your head and endured many fierce beatings; we also call you pleasingly:

Rejoice, you who bore the marks of the Lord Jesus on your body; Rejoice, you who loved the One.

Rejoice, in the Lord who strengthens you in all things possible; Rejoice, you who performed many miracles to reassure the idolaters.

Rejoice, having overcome your tormentors with patience; Rejoice, you who punished the unfaithful king.

Rejoice, you who mercifully gave healing to him; Rejoice, you who greatly glorified the name of Christ among the Roman people.

Rejoice, you who showed the image of long-suffering with all your tongue; Rejoice, you who have shown the fulfillment of faith to all your people.

Rejoice, you who bestow grace-filled enlightenment on those who praise your deeds; Rejoice, you who pray to the Lord for their sins.

Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva.

Kontakion 5

You have become like a god-loving star, holy Martyr Paraskeva, visiting many cities and countries and preaching the Name of Christ, and for Him you have suffered many times even to the point of blood, and today you stand before the Lord, constantly singing the angelic song: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Having seen the people of your glorious miracle, O venerable martyr, how you slayed the dragon of the great Name of God with your invocation, you believed in Christ, saying:

Rejoice, you who glorified your Lord and Christ through your suffering and miracles; Rejoice, the cause of the salvation of many human souls.

Rejoice, kindly victorious passion-bearer of Christ; Rejoice, many-wonderful witness of Jesus.

Rejoice, planter of the true faith; Rejoice, merciful healer of human ailments.

Rejoice, you who did not abandon sinful people with your love; Rejoice, you who were jealous of the enlightenment of our souls.

Rejoice, you who have labored many times for the sake of the Gospel; Rejoice, for this sake of greatness you were named in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Rejoice, decoration of the face of virgins; Rejoice, glorious regiment of martyrdom.

Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva.

Kontakion 6

You faithfully imitated the preacher of Christ, the God-bearing Apostle, the long-suffering Paraskeva, and in preaching the Gospel through your entire life you labored, catching people to salvation. You were enriched with the same miracles by the gift of Christ God, and because of them and unfaithfulness you came to the faith and hurried to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

You have shone like a star on the firmament of the Church of Christ, the good-victorious Paraskeva, and the way of your life shines clearly upon us all, and with faith and love we honor your holy memory, crying out to you:

Rejoice, ascetic of God, raised by fasting and prayer; Rejoice, immaculate dove, filled with meekness and gentleness.

Rejoice, you who offered the Lord’s prayers for your tormentors; Rejoice, thou art like Christ our Savior.

Rejoice, having conquered the malice of your enemies with goodness; Rejoice, you who were jealous of the crown of Stephen the First Martyr.

Rejoice, faithful performer of the Gospel commandments; Rejoice, terrible accuser of unbelief.

Rejoice, speedy granter of forgiveness from God to those who repent; Rejoice, good teacher of those faithful to salvation.

Rejoice, filling our hearts with tenderness; Rejoice, raising our thoughts to God.

Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva.

Kontakion 7

Wanting to lay down your soul for Christ, having endured much torment for His sake, you were beheaded by the wicked tormentor Tarasius, but from Christ you received an imperishable crown on your head, and with your soul you ascended to the heavenly abode of paradise, where you are with the Angels and all the saints Eat sweets to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

You have received a new eternal life, O God-praised one, when you were delivered from the flesh by the sword's death, you ascended to the marriage of the Heavenly Bridegroom. Don’t stop praying for us, sinners, who honor your suffering with love and always say:

Rejoice, you who crowned your martyrdom with a sword-like death; Rejoice, having thus erased the head of the invisible serpent.

Rejoice, in the voice of the angelic singing your soul soared into heaven; Rejoice, you who brought joy to the martyr’s face in heaven.

Rejoice, you who rejoiced the fasting regiment; Rejoice, joyful decoration of the virgin host.

Rejoice, thou who lived a life of fasting, but who also combined a martyr’s death; Rejoice, and you who strive for our virtues are zealous.

Rejoice, you who lived holy and blameless on earth; Rejoice, you who have exposed idolatry flattery.

Rejoice, thou who has put to shame the demons; Rejoice, you who gave the tormentor the thought of repentance.

Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva.

Kontakion 8

It is strange for infidels to see how from a single prayerful invocation of your holy name, long-suffering Paraskeva, healing is given to the sick and spirits of evil spirits run away from people, to us sinners who call upon you for help and sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

The entire venerable Church of Christ glorifies your suffering, the holy and all-praiseworthy martyr, and receives grace from you for healing and joyfully cries out to you, saying:

Rejoice, glorified by many miracles in your life after death; Rejoice, you who unenviously bestow healing gifts.

Rejoice, repaying those who love and honor you with deep love; Rejoice, you who quickly fulfill our good requests.

Rejoice, you who graciously visit those who suffer in their illnesses; Rejoice, you who quickly heal incurable diseases.

Rejoice, granting help to those who endure illness; Rejoice, you who help overcome spiritual passions.

Rejoice, for we are ashamed of the feat of your long-suffering, our cowardice; Rejoice, for your courage is remembrance, we strive to wage war on the flesh.

Rejoice, you have enlightened many people in your life; Rejoice, having established many generations in piety after your repose.

Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva.

Kontakion 9

All the Angels of Heaven and the faces of the saints joyfully greeted you, O venerable martyr, when you ascended into the gates of the Kingdom of Heaven, having received the reward of your feats and sufferings from the Lord; for for us, the unworthy, ask for an eternal inheritance with the saints, praying that the Lord will vouchsafe us to sing with you to Him in the Kingdom of Heaven: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

Human flamboyance does not suffice, but to glorify you, O all-blessed Paraskeva, according to your heritage, and we are overcome by your love, we offer you praise:

Rejoice, you who reign forever with Christ and implore Him for us; Rejoice, you who generously give us His Divine gifts through your prayers.

Rejoice, condescension to the repentant; Rejoice, good instruction to those who strive.

Rejoice, reaching from the heights of the earth to those born on earth with mercy; Rejoice, you who reflect demonic temptations with your prayer.

Rejoice, thou who hast received the victorious branch into shuitsa; Rejoice, you who invisibly give help to all who labor for salvation.

Rejoice, prophesied by the Angel; Rejoice, and appeared to the interlocutor of the Angels.

Rejoice, uplifter of our minds.

Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva.

Kontakion 10

You grant salvation to those who pray, O holy martyr, who come with faith to your holy temple, you continually bestow gifts of grace and quickly fulfill all our good requests, for you have acquired great boldness towards Christ our God. For him, joyfully sing the victory song: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

With the wall of your prayers, O venerable martyr, protect us from every temptation of the devil, so that the enemy does not rejoice at our falls, but through you may he be deeply put to shame in us, who cry out in praise to you:

Rejoice, our hope is strong in God and the Mother of God; Rejoice, shameless intercession in troubles.

Rejoice, you who visit the faithful in dream visions; Rejoice, and graciously giving healing gifts to the unfaithful.

Rejoice, star of God's grace, with which the darkness in us is driven away; Rejoice, the abyss of miracles, you who endlessly water us all.

Rejoice, thou who hast become like the ancient Judith in her abstinence; Rejoice, you who have surpassed this courage.

Rejoice, for you have loved Christ’s myrrh-bearers; Rejoice, you who remained faithful to Him in your torment.

Rejoice, glorified by His word; Rejoice, I will take Him out face to face, contemplating.

Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva.

Kontakion 11

Our singing of praise is not enough to glorify your many and wondrous miracles, holy venerable martyr, but, as a good and merciful imitator of Christ, look upon us sinners with your mercy and with your holy and powerful prayers to the Lord, ask for peace of mind for us, even when we cry out to God: Alleluia .

Ikos 11

You shine unwaveringly with the bright rays of miracles, Paraskeva God-praised, all who want to live piously, graciously towards the unsetting Sun of truth, Christ God, guides, calling to you:

Rejoice, precious and beautiful color of chastity; Rejoice, the world-repository filled with the aromas of heaven.

Rejoice, from your fulfillment you endlessly overflow gifts of grace to us; Rejoice, valiant confessor of Christ, endowed with grace.

Rejoice, marvelously exalted in your humility in Heaven and on earth; Rejoice, thou who through temporary poverty hath acquired imperishable wealth.

Rejoice, for the Kingdom of God I have brought forth spiritual weeping; Rejoice, you who did not give in to crying in the torment of your body.

Rejoice, having inherited the meekness of your tongue from Christ; Rejoice, you who hungered for His righteousness.

Rejoice, you who forgot about food more perishable for His sake; Rejoice, you who invoked the mercy of God on the unfaithful through your prayer.

Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva.

Kontakion 12

The grace of the Lord has been granted to the source of water here by your prayers since ancient times. Likewise, you have favored the temple of God from the monastery of virgins to be created there in your name. Therefore attend this and do not forget your spiritual children, in your likeness to imitate those who want and sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing your deeds and sufferings and your many miracles, holy and all-praised Paraskeva, we pray to you diligently: pray for us to the Master who has glorified you, that we may be delivered from eternal destruction, and that some of those who are being saved may be saved, gratefully calling:

Rejoice, crowned woman, crowned by the hand of Christ; Rejoice, you who through the purity of your heart have been granted the vision of God.

Rejoice, many people, who through you believed in Christ and reconciled to God; Rejoice, you who have received hatred from the people of Christ for the sake of Christ.

Rejoice, you who withstood terrible torment for His sake; Rejoice, you who came with a bright light to the marriage of the Heavenly Bridegroom.

Rejoice, brighter of God's zeal, filled with the oil of mercy; Rejoice, our souls are anointed with the ointment of the Holy Spirit, living in you.

Rejoice, blessed daughter of the Heavenly Father; Rejoice, for your reward is many in Heaven.

Rejoice, for your prayers are effective on earth; Rejoice, for your strength trembles in the underworld.

Rejoice, O venerable martyr of Christ, all-glorious Paraskeva.

Kontakion 13

Oh, holy and long-suffering Martyr Paraskvo! Mercifully accept this prayer of ours and beg the Holy and Ever-Worshipped Trinity to deliver us from eternal torment and to grant us, together with you, the Kingdom of Heaven and to sing to our Creator forever: Alleluia.

(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)

Canon of the Venerable Martyr Paraskeva, tone 4.

Song 1

Irmos: MHaving scoured the dark abyss with damp feet, ancient Israel traveled on foot, and with the cross-shaped hands of Moses defeated the power of Amalek in the desert.

Chorus (during private reading): WITHHoly Martyr Paraskeva, pray to God for us.

To those who sing of your luminous memory, all-praised martyr, pray for the grace to grant us forgiveness of sins, O glorious Paraskeva, through your petitions to the Lord.

To destroy the power of your patience, martyr, the ruler menacingly commanded you to bow down to the idols, but with your wise words all his insolence was destroyed.

Thou art the beauty of the martyrs, having overthrown the enemy of cunning with the weapon of the cross, and having martyrically overcome the rulers of cruelty, thou hast preached the pious faith.

Theotokos: The Word from Your most pure blood, Lady, is born, animate flesh is received, and we, fallen by the remorse of the seducer, are raised up by Divine power to eat.

Song 3

Irmos: INThy Church dwells in You, Christ, calling: You are my strength, Lord, and refuge, and confirmation.

The Divine Spirit confirmed the weak and the great light of showing the god-like radiance of your pure soul.

Strengthened by the power of Christ, you endured the merciless scourging of oxen, the martyr of Christ, like some hard adamant.

For love, even for God, at the funeral feast you firmly endured the beating of your body by scorpions and countless other scourgings.

Theotokos: You are the only one who exists on earth, the Giver of premium blessings, Mother of God, and we also call You, rejoice.

Sedalen, voice 5

Having dedicated yourself to Christ from the swaddling cloths, like a martyr, you pleased Him, the Savior of all, and, having firmly corrected the insolence of your tormentors, you truly courageously endured suffering. Moreover, Christ, having crowned you, led you into the Heavenly palace of glory. Most wonderful Paraskeva, ask us from Christ God for forgiveness of sins.

Song 4

Irmos: INYou have been exalted, having seen the Church on the Cross, the Righteous Sun, a hundred in your rank, worthily crying out: glory to your power, Lord.

Having received healings, gifts, and visions, glorious, Divine currents of grace always flow with faith to those who worship you and come running to your temple.

Having truly no vice or defilement, having acquired the sanctification of your body, you saw the Angels, and with them you cried out: Glory to Your power, O Lord.

If the sign of a terrible day is terrible, the saving passion was always imagined in your feminine body, you saw the cross, and the cane, and the crown, and the lip.

Theotokos: You conceived without art, O Virgin, and at Christmas you appeared virgin again. With the same silent voices, Rejoice, crying out to You, Lady, with undoubted faith.

Song 5

Irmos: TYou, Lord, my Light, you came into the world, Light of the Saints, convert those who sing of You from the darkness of ignorance to faith.

Thou hast striven, O honorable one, and thou hast meaningfully trampled upon the tormentors of the infidelities of the wise before the judgment, preaching Christ.

Having a strong mind, with a fearless thought you put to shame all the idolatry of honoring, with the mind of the scriptures.

You have been honored with a clever lodge and a palace, rejoicing with the godly virgins, glorious Paraskeva.

Theotokos: We turn You, an indestructible weapon, against our enemies, You are the anchor and hope of our salvation, Bride of God, a money-grubber.

Song 6

Irmos: PI will devour You with a voice of praise, Lord, the Church cries out to You, having been cleansed of demonic blood for the sake of mercy from Your side with the flowing Blood.

By the coming of the angel, the most honorable plaque placed on your breasts, the all-honorable one, and the nails on the hands of the glorious martyr, the Lord, with the mania of the Divine, soon took away food.

We glorify the new first martyr Thekla, as she preached to everyone, and enlightened many with the Divine word, and led unbelievers to the Divine faith.

Thy opening, the ark of the Divine dogmas, honey-melting lips, teaching knowledge to all with boldness, Paraskeva, adornment of the martyrs.

Theotokos: Oh miracle, the strangest of all miracles! Like the Virgin in the womb, having unartifically conceived the All-Embracing One, do not be oppressed.

Kontakion, tone 4

Your temple, O all-honored one, like having found a spiritual physician, in it all the faithful loudly honor you, glorious martyr Paraskeva.

Ikos

Voice of the Groom, call upon you like a bride, adorn you with the crown of immortality, God-wise, all-praised Paraskeva, and deserve to be considered a crown bearer and an honorable martyr. While you rejoice with them, remember those who celebrate your holy holiday and those who have come to your temple, for it is now coming, from our hearts we offer these songs to the glorious martyr Paraskeva.

Song 7

Irmos: INThe caves of Abraham, the Persian youths, were scorched by the love of piety rather than by flame, crying out: Blessed art thou in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord.

Preserved by the Lord, before the judgment of the wicked, O martyr, you have strengthened your muscles firmly, you are scorched by flame, always singing to you, calling: Blessed are you, my God and Lord.

A fire burning in no way like you, but scorching the wicked more than anything else, O youth, but Christ preserved you unharmed, as He preserved you of old, rustling in the midst of the fire, with the strong hand of the fearless youths.

Let all the earths wisely and heavens not created, demons, idols and gods perish, you cried; “Christ is the Lord,” you preached, “the Creator of all things.”

Theotokos: Highly sanctified Divine village, rejoice, for You have given joy to the Mother of God, calling: blessed art Thou among women, All-Immaculate Lady.

Song 8

Irmos: RDaniel stretched out his mouth, the gaping lions in the den; Having quenched the fiery power, girded with virtue, zealots of piety, youths, crying out: bless all the works of the Lord, the Lord.

You showed not real gods, but lying demons, ghosts, to you, martyr, and you trampled in every possible way, and you completely crushed them, in joy, constantly singing to Christ: bless, all the works of the Lord, the Lord.

The temple was shaken on earth by your coming, honorable one, Apollo fell and the idols were shot down by the power of the honorable Cross, which was mysteriously protected, with boldness you cried out to many: all you do, bless the Lord.

By Thy beauty and love, O Christ, wounded, pure Paraskeva endured the burning of fire, crying out: into the stench of Thy Divine world, now suffering firmly, I flow unceasingly after Thee, praising Thy Divine Name.

Theotokos: You are one in all kinds, the Immaculate Virgin, you appeared as the Mother of God, you are the dwelling place of the Divine, the Most Pure One, not scorched by the fire of the impregnable Light. In the same way, we all praise You, Mary the Bride of God.

Song 9

Irmos: TOThe uncut stone from the uncut mountain, to You, Virgin, the cornerstone was cut off, Christ, the aggregator of the scattered nature. Thus, having fun, we magnify You, the Mother of God.

The passing life and the temporary one, the God-wise martyr, you despised, having seen the unimaginable beauty of your Bridegroom, chasing after Him in reality. Moreover, you received the crown, imperishable, good maiden.

Hearing the voice of the Divine, answering from heaven, Paraskeva, to the petitions of your heart, you cheerfully ended your course, an honorable martyr, and you ascended to Him, truncated at the head of an honorable one.

Pray to Christ, Paraskeva, to grant victory over your enemies to all who come to your Divine Temple with the warmest faith, forgiveness of sins, and deliverance from troubles.

Theotokos: You appeared, surpassing the Cherubim and higher than Heaven, the Pure Virgin Mary, having given birth to the Great Council of the Angel, co-beginning with the Father, the Judge of all to come.

Exapostilary

Strengthened, O good maiden, by the Cross of your Lord, you have overcome your tormentors insolence, you have suffered valiantly, you have been a martyr, and you have departed to the crown of victory of Christ, the all-wonderful Paraskeva, praying for us, who honor you with love.

Life of the Holy Martyr Paraskeva of Rome

The Venerable Martyr Paraskeva of Rome is a Christian saint who suffered for her faith in the 2nd century.

The future saint was born in Rome into the Christian family of Agathon and Politia. The couple did not have children for a long time and constantly asked God for the birth of a child. Their prayers were heard. The born girl was named Paraskeva. She was raised in Christian virtues. Since childhood, Paraskeva developed an interest in the Holy Scriptures, and she spent a lot of time in prayer. When her parents died, the girl distributed her property to the poor, and she herself became a monk.

Seeing her calling in preaching the Gospel, she went on a journey through the cities of the empire, where she successfully spread Christianity. Emperor Antoninus Pius (reigned 138-161) learned about her activities. The arrested ascetic was brought to him for trial. Paraskeva was promised a safe life, then threatened, but she did not renounce her faith. Then, by order of Antoninus, a red-hot iron helmet was placed on the saint’s head. Instead of fire, water poured down the girl’s face. Seeing this, many believed in Christ, for which they were immediately executed by the emperor.

Paraskeva was imprisoned. Here she turned to God for help to give her the strength to withstand the torment. An angel appeared to the girl and freed the saint from her bonds. The guards who came for Paraskeva were surprised that she was not tied up.

She was doomed to new torture. At first they burned her with fire, but it did not harm her. Then they threw it into a cauldron with boiling resin and oil. When the ruler saw Paraskeva standing calmly in the cauldron, he doubted that the liquid was really boiling. Then the saint splashed resin in his face, which got into his eyes and scorched them: Antonin became blind. The emperor prayed to be cured by the power of the Christian God. Paraskeva healed the blind man, and he, along with many of those who were executed, became Christians. Paraskeva was released.

She continued her Gospel preaching throughout the empire. In the city where Asklipius ruled, the venerable martyr was again captured and sent to be devoured by a large serpent. Paraskeva made the sign of the cross over him, and the monster died. The witnesses to this, together with their ruler, believed in Christ, and the saint was again free.

After her sermons, many accepted the holy faith of Christ. In the city where Tarasius was the ruler, Paraskeva Rimskaya was arrested again. Here, after torture, her head was beheaded.

In Crimea, there is a legend that the venerable martyr died in the Toplu gorge (near the village of Topolevka), and at the place where her blood was shed, a spring formed. Near the source in the 19th century. A monastery arose in the name of Paraskeva of Rome, which became a place of pilgrimage. The water in the source heals from various ailments.

The relics of the Primts Paraskeva of Rome (its head) are located on Mount Athos in the Russian Panteleimon Monastery. Part of the chapter is in the church named after the saint in Athens. In one of the 4 monasteries of Paraskeva of Rome on the island of Corfu, near the village of Kinopiastes in the center of the island, the right hand of the saint is kept. You can venerate the relics of the venerable martyr in the city of Varna (Bulgaria) in the church named after her, the Holy Spiritual Cathedral of Kherson and the Church of the Mother of God of Minsk, Minsk (icons with partial relics).

There are many churches in honor of the saint in Greece, in Corfu, where Paraskeva of Rome preached. One of them is a cave church with a healing spring near Thessaloniki near the Olympic Ridge. In Russia, the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and Paraskeva Church in the village are known. Ilyeshi, Leningrad region.

The saint is approached with requests for healing, help in business, and childless families for the birth of children. Paraskeva Rimskaya especially helps in curing diseases of the eyes and head. On icons she is even depicted with a dish on which her eyes lie. The saint is also the heavenly intercessor of all Praskovs.

When Emperor Antoninus Pius tortured Saint Paraskeva, they put a red-hot helmet on her head and threw her into a copper cauldron filled with boiling oil and resin. However, the holy martyr remained unharmed. The emperor, wanting to check whether the contents of the cauldron were hot, ordered Saint Paraskeva to sprinkle water on him from the cauldron. The saint fulfilled the command, and the resin that fell on the emperor’s face burned out his eyes. Repentant, Antonin began to ask the holy martyr for forgiveness, and she healed him. Seeing the power of the saint's prayer, the emperor and many of his servants accepted holy Baptism.

Therefore, Saint Paraskeva provides special assistance in healing from eye diseases. On the icons she is depicted with a dish in her hand, on which her eyes lie. People turn to her with prayer for the healing of various ailments, as well as for help in business.

You can donate an icon to:

– people suffering from eye diseases;

- girls, young women and women bearing the name Praskovya.

The Russian Orthodox Church has many holidays and days of remembrance of saints, which speaks of the great history of the Church. But there are martyrs about whose lives not much is known and their names often cause confusion among people who do not often attend services. For example, the life of Saint Paraskeva Friday is not familiar to everyone, but her name surprises Christians.

Life of Paraskeva

The life of Saint Paraskeva is filled with events that make Christians not only think about their own lives and trials, but also inspire them to completely renounce everything worldly and be filled with the Holy Spirit for the Lord’s work.

Icon of the Holy Martyr Paraskeva

Miracle of birth

In the 3rd century in the Roman Empire, under the reign of the cruel emperor Diocletian (he was a tormentor and persecutor of Christians), a rich senator lived in Iconium. This family were deeply religious Christians; they not only sincerely believed in Christ, but also tried to fulfill all the instructions of the Church and observe the sacraments and rituals.

In those days, Christians especially revered Friday as the day of the week on which the Lord Jesus was crucified. Therefore, the senator's family fasted on Friday and Wednesday. Since the senator did not have children, he and his wife also prayed on Friday for the Lord to give them children. God heard their prayers.

One Friday, the senator's wife gave birth to a girl, who they decided to name Paraskeva in honor of Friday.

About other Orthodox saints:

• Life of the Holy Venerable Alexander Oshevensky, Abbot

Serving the Lord

Paraskeva was left an orphan at a young age, but was committed to the Christian faith and decided to become the bride of Christ. Therefore, she refused all suitors who approached her.

She distributed the fortune left by her parents to all those in need, while praying and preaching the Gospel. She served Christ a lot, preaching Him, many of her neighbors and townspeople converted to Christianity, but there were also those who envied the girl. Such people slandered her and oppressed her in every possible way. As a result of constant slander, the girl was thrown into prison.

This was a period of persecution of Christians, as the emperor decided to completely eradicate faith in the Lord and give way to paganism. The city of Iconium belonged to Laconia, where the eparch Aetius ruled, who decided to carefully carry out the emperor’s order to destroy Christianity and turned his attention to the preaching girl Paraskeva.

Despite the fact that she was accused of witchcraft, the eparch fell in love with the beautiful maiden and invited her to become his wife in exchange for renouncing Christ and worshiping pagan gods. But Paraskeva responded with a decisive refusal. The eparch was extremely angry at the refusal, and he ordered the girl to be punished - she was to be whipped naked with raw sinews.

During the torture process, Aetius stopped the executioner several times and again proposed to the girl, which she contemptuously rejected and prayed to Christ. Aetius began to blaspheme all Christians, and Paraskeva responded by spitting in his face. This angered the ruler so much that he gave the order to torture the maiden with iron claws, hanging her upside down.

The girl endured everything in silence, but her tormentors did not allow her to die right in the square, but threw her into prison to die from blood loss.

Life of the Holy Martyr Paraskeva

Repose

The Lord showed His mercy and sent an Angel to console her and heal her, so when the guards came to the prison in the morning, they saw not a corpse, but a blooming young girl who sang hymns to her Lord. There was no trace of wounds on her body.

Aetius decided that it was the gods who healed Paraskeva and again invited her to bow to the temple. The girl asked to be taken to the temple, which was taken as consent. But in the temple, the maiden touched the statues and ordered them to turn to dust in the name of the Lord. At the same moment, the earth shook and the temple seemed to fall into the ground.

For this, the girl was again repeatedly tortured: burned with fire, hung on a rack, cut with knives. The girl accepted everything silently and with humility. This led to many people who watched the torture repenting and accepting the Lord as their Savior.

In the end, Aetius decided to execute her by cutting off her head to avoid a popular uprising. At the moment when Paraskeva’s head was separated from his body, the aroma of flowers filled the air, which became a symbol of the Lord’s presence in that place.

Aetius did not live long, the Lord’s punishment befell him too - he went hunting, and the horse reared up and knocked over the ruler, who broke his neck and at the same moment gave up the ghost.

Pagan beginning

Many people consider Paraskeva Pyatnitsa to be a pagan goddess, but this is not true. In fact, they confuse the saint with the goddess Makosh, who, according to pagan legends, was the patroness of water and households. There are similarities with Lada, who was the goddess of family and fertility. That is why people consider Saint Paraskeva the patroness of agriculture and family.

In addition, people mistakenly confuse the memory of the martyr with the cult of the Week. In response to these erroneous opinions, the Holy Synod issued a ban on mixing the holy image with pagan goddesses. But folk traditions are strong, so people continue to consecrate vegetables and fruits on the day of her memory.

Read about popular beliefs and superstitions:

The image of the martyr is also reflected in the mythology of other peoples:

• Tajiks have a myth about the image of “Lady Tuesday”, who patronizes family and agriculture, in particular cotton processing;
• among the Germans it is the goddess Frigg, who helped women in labor and babies;
• among the Greeks, these are the Moirai;
• Icelanders have norns, etc.

The popular image depicts Friday as a tall, powerful woman with large breasts and a long braid. This idea makes her similar to the images of mermaids, Slavic goddesses and Doles. But it is wrong.

Important! Saint Paraskeva has nothing in common with pagan goddesses and is a martyr who died for the name of Christ, so she deserves to be venerated like any saint.

Saint Paraskeva, named Friday

Customs

In ancient Russian monthly books you can find her name written like this: “Saint Paraskeva, named Pyatnitsa”, Pyatina, Petka, so you can find many churches that were named in her honor Pyatnitsa. Usually these were small roadside chapels.

The memory of Saint Paraskeva is invested with special love among the Orthodox people; they reverence her with reverence with many customs on the day of her memory - November 10.

Icons of Saint Paraskeva were also revered: on them the girl was depicted as a stern, tall maiden with a crown of shining light on her head. There is a certain canon - to depict a mouse on an icon. Such images were carefully decorated and placed in beautiful carved frames. It is believed that the image patronizes families, promotes peace and happiness in them.

Important! Church chronicles claim that Paraskeva is the patron of fields and cattle breeding, therefore, on the day of her memory, people bring the fruits of the fields to churches to bless. They pray to her for a rich harvest, for an increase in the farmyard and success in farming.

There is a custom to consecrate linen cloth on the day of remembrance of the saint, which is then used to cover the icon. It is believed that if you place such an icon near a container of water, it will become consecrated. Herbalists consecrate herbs and roots on this day, so that they can then prepare medicinal decoctions based on holy water. In village churches, on the day of remembrance of the holy girl, they usually decorate her image with herbs and ribbons and dedicated the first frayed stalk of flax to her.

Women in labor hang an icon of the saint on their chest before giving birth so that they can give birth easily and quickly.

On Friday, girls try to put aside needlework in memory of the saint.

But the most wonderful tradition is observed among the Finno-Ugric peoples. They believe that after Easter, every 9th Friday is the day of the sick, when the image of Holy Friday heals people.

Temples and icons in honor of the saint

Many churches are named in honor of Saint Paraskeva Friday. Typically, such temples are located near roads or reservoirs; some of them were also named in honor of the martyr.

Some churches are very ancient, like the church in northern Butovo, the construction of which dates back to the 16th century, and the latest restoration dates back to the 20th century. This is a unique example of church architecture, since the entire temple is made in the shape of a ship and carries the idea that the Church is the flagship of the world.

Temple in honor of Saint Paraskeva Friday (Butovo)

In addition to this unique temple, there are other Pyatnitsky churches:

1. In Yaroslavl there is the Pyatnitsko-Turovsky Church, built in the 17th century.
2. In Suzdal - Pyatnitsky St. Nicholas Church of the 16th century.
3. In the Voronezh region, near the “7 Keys” stream (considered healing), they are building a church that was destroyed in 1940-1945. Temple of Paraskeva.
4. In the Yekaterinburg region there is a temple of Friday, where her icon is kept.

There is a myrrh-streaming icon of the saint - it is kept in a women’s monastery (Komi Republic). And the relics of the martyr are kept in several places:

• Temple of the Prophet Elijah;
• Russian Panteleimon Monastery on Saint Athos.

You can also purchase a holy image in a church shop for a home iconostasis; you can pray to the saint in church or at home, but a sincere prayer will always be heard.

Prayers and petitions to Saint Paraskeva

A sincere prayer to the Lord will always be heard by Him, no matter how it is pronounced. But people usually pray before the image of the holy virgin for:

• pious and faithful wife;
• the well-being of the newborn baby;
• family;
• peace in the family;
• healing of psychological illnesses;
• healing from pain and physical ailments:
• women's health;
• patronage of agriculture;
• safe journey;
• healing of the soul and spiritual salvation.

Since the martyr is considered the patroness of home and family, in ancient times there was an icon of her in every hut, along with images of the Holy Trinity. And today you can read prayers before them both in church and at home.

Troparion of the Great Martyr Paraskeva Friday

The all-wise and all-praiseworthy martyr of Christ Paraskeva,/ having accepted the strength of men,/ having rejected the weakness of women,/ defeated the devil and the tormentor to shame,/ crying and saying:/ come, cut off my body with a sword and burn it with fire,/ for, rejoicing, I go to Christ , To my Bridegroom./ Through your prayers, O Christ God,/ save our souls.

Another Troparion of the Holy Great Martyr Paraskeva

Believing and with spiritual courage, your namesake,/ you put the devil to shame/ and you valiantly overcame painful punishment and wounds,/ to the martyr Paraskeva, crying out:/ cut off my body with a sword and consume my body with fire,/ for yes, I rejoice, I will come to my Bridegroom, Christ God./ Pray to him for the salvation of our souls.

Prayer to the Holy Great Martyr Paraskeva, named Friday

Holy bride of Christ, long-suffering martyr Paraskeva! We know that from your youth you loved with all your soul and with all your heart the King of Glory, Christ the Savior, and you were ignorant of Him alone, having distributed your possessions to the poor and poor. You shone with the power of your piety, your chastity and righteousness, like the rays of the sun, living holy among the infidels and fearlessly preaching Christ God to them. You, from the days of your youth, taught by your parents, have always reverently honored the days of the redemptive passions of our Lord Jesus Christ, for His sake you yourself voluntarily suffered. You, by the right hand of the Angel of God, miraculously healed from incurable wounds and receiving indescribable lightness, amazed the unfaithful tormentors. You, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the power of your prayer in the pagan temple, having cast down all the idols, you have crushed them to dust. You, scorched by the lights, with your single prayer to the omnipotent Lord, you extinguished the natural fire, and with the same flame, miraculously kindled through the Angel of God, having burned the frantic lawless people, you led many people to the knowledge of the true God. You, for the glory of the Lord, having accepted the sword beheading of your head from the tormentors, you valiantly ended your suffering feat, ascending with your soul to Heaven, to the palace of your longed-for Bridegroom, Christ the King of Glory, who joyfully greeted you with this heavenly voice: “Rejoice, ye righteous, like the martyr Paraskeva crowned!” In the same way, today we greet you, long-suffering one, and, looking at your holy icon, we cry out to you with tenderness: all-honorable Paraskeva! We know that you have great boldness towards the Lord: pray to Him, the Lover of Mankind, and for us who stand and pray for you. May He give us, like you, patience and complacency in troubles and sorrowful circumstances; May He, through your intercession and intercession, grant a joyful, prosperous and peaceful life, health and salvation, and good haste in everything to our beloved Fatherland, may He bestow His holy blessing and peace, and may He grant confirmation in the faith to all Orthodox Christians through your holy prayers, piety and holiness, success in Christian love and all virtue; may he cleanse us sinners from all filth and vice; may He protect us with His holy angels, may He intercede, preserve and have mercy on everyone with His holy grace and make us heirs and partakers of His Heavenly Kingdom. And thus, having improved salvation through your holy prayers, intercession and intercession, all-glorious bride of Christ Paraskeva, let us glorify all the most honorable and magnificent name of the true God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, in our saints, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Kontakion of the Great Martyr Paraskeva Friday

Having brought all-holy and immaculate torment, / like a most honorable vein, to the immortal Bridegroom Christ, / You have rejoiced the angelic countenance / and you have defeated the demonic intrigues. / For this sake, we honestly honor you with faith, / the long-suffering martyr Paraskeva.

Another prayer to the holy great martyr Paraskeva, named Friday

Oh, holy and blessed martyr of Christ Paraskeva, maiden beauty, praise of the martyrs, purity of image, magnanimous mirrors, wonder of the wise, guardian of the Christian faith, idolatry flattery to the accuser, champion of the Divine Gospel, zealot of the Lord’s commandments, honored to come to the haven of eternal rest and in the hall of the Bridegroom your Christ God, brightly rejoicing, adorned with the extreme crown of virginity and martyrdom! We pray to you, holy martyr, to be sorrowful for us to Christ God, and to rejoice at His most blessed sight; pray to the All-Merciful One, who opened the eyes of the blind with a word, that He may deliver us from the illness of our hair, both physical and mental; With your holy prayers, kindle the dark darkness that has come from our sins, ask the Father of Light for the light of grace for our spiritual and physical eyes; Enlighten us, darkened by sins, with the light of God’s grace, so that for the sake of your holy prayers sweet vision will be given to the dishonest. Oh, great servant of God! O most courageous maiden! Oh, strong martyr Saint Paraskeva! With your holy prayers, be a helper to us sinners, intercede and pray for the damned and extremely negligent sinners, hasten to help us, for we are extremely weak. Pray to the Lord, pure maiden, pray to the Merciful, holy martyr, pray to your Bridegroom, immaculate bride of Christ, so that through your prayers, having escaped the darkness of sin, in the light of the true faith and divine deeds, we will enter into the eternal light of the unevening day, into the city of everlasting joy, in now you shine brightly with glory and endless joy, glorifying and singing with all the Heavenly Powers the Trisagion of the One Divinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Despite the fact that the unusual name of the martyr and her life are not familiar to all Christians, she has always enjoyed love and reverence among Russian Orthodox Christians. Temples are named in her honor, and many rituals and sacraments are held.

Life of the Holy Great Martyr Paraskeva

The Holy Martyr Paraskeva was born in Rome, into the family of pious Christians Agathon and Pochitia. They had no children for a long time, and only after fervent prayers did the Lord give them their only daughter, Paraskeva, so named because she was born on a Friday. The parents raised their daughter in the spirit of true Christianity, and this education was not in vain.

After their death, Paraskeva distributed all her property to the poor and devoted herself to apostolic labors - preaching the Gospel. The Venerable Martyr Paraskeva of Rome gave her first sermon in Rome, and here she suffered her first suffering. Emperor Antonin received a denunciation of a brave Christian woman.

He ordered the ascetic to be brought to him and tried, both with caresses and threats, to force her to renounce her faith in Christ. Paraskeva was unshakable, and the angry emperor ordered her to be tortured. A red-hot copper helmet was placed on her head, but this terrible weapon did not bring any harm to the saint.

Then a new order followed - to throw Paraskeva into a copper cauldron with boiling resin and oil, but the saint remained unharmed here too. The emperor doubted whether the resin in the cauldron was really melted, and imprudently ordered Paraskeva to throw liquid into it. She scooped it out of the cauldron with her hand and splashed it in his face.

Severe burns and blindness were punishment for the cruel ruler. Suffering from unbearable pain, seeing nothing, the recent tormentor begged his victim: “Servant of the true God,” he asked, “have mercy on me and return light to my eyes, so that I too can believe in the God you preach.”

Through prayer, the holy emperor was immediately healed, received his sight, and together with his entourage accepted Christianity. Dismissed in peace to St. Paraskeva went to other lands to preach Christianity. One day she came to a place ruled by a man named Tarasius. And here the saint preached Christianity, for which she was given over to terrible torture. Tarasius, seeing that the saint was unshakable, ordered her head to be cut off. Thus, the holy venerable martyr Paraskeva crowned her apostolic labors with martyrdom for the name of Christ.

The relics of the venerable head of St. The Venerable Martyrs Paraskeva are located on Mount Athos, in the Russian Panteleimon Monastery. In the Tempi gorge, at the foot of the Olympic ridge, there is a cave temple of the Venerable Martyr Paraskeva of Rome. Not far from the temple, in a deep cave, a source of healing water forms a small underground lake.

Once upon a time, a miraculous icon of St. Paraskeva was found in it, and therefore a cave temple was built. Saint Paraskeva provides special assistance in healing from eye diseases. On the icons she is depicted with a dish in her hand, on which her eyes lie.

PARASKEV ROMAN
Troparion, tone 1

Having diligence in accordance with your name, namesake, / you have chosen faith in cohabitation equal to yours, / victorious Paraskeva, / in the same way you pour out healings and pray for our souls.

Kontakion, tone 4

Your temple, O all-honorable one, / as if you have found a spiritual physician, / in it all the faithfulness / with a loud voice we venerate you, / glorious martyr Paraskeva.

Another kontakion, tone 8

With the trust-bearer, faithfulness, the song of Paraskeva, come, let us sing in agreement, / for the miracles in the world shine forth, / driving away the charms of darkness, / giving unenvyable grace to the faithful, calling: / Rejoice, long-suffering martyr.

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There are many intercessors of God in Orthodoxy, many intercessors for sinners, but the Great Martyr Paraskeva Friday is especially revered. She is given special respect by the female half of the population. The saint stood in line with the Mother of God and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, she was so loved, dear and revered. The image of the Great Martyr was often depicted on the reverse side of the icon of the Mother of God. In Rus', the face of Paraskeva was in every house in the red corner. The name Praskovya, derived from Paraskeva, was also popular.

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Classmates

Life

It is written in her life that she was born in the 3rd century in Iconium. Then it was the great Roman Empire, and it was ruled by the formidable persecutor of Christians, Diocletian. The future saint appeared in the family of a wealthy senator. Her parents were deeply religious Orthodox Christians and respected all customs and holidays. But they especially revered Friday, the day of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.

Paraskeva’s parents observed a special fast on Wednesday and Friday, remembering the betrayal and suffering of the Lord. Also on Fridays they offered a special prayer for the gift of a child. The request was heard. When a girl was born into the family on the fifth day of the week, they decided to name her Paraskeva. Translated from Greek it means “Friday”.

In her youth she was left an orphan. But she still continued the work of her parents and became the bride of Christ. Many suitors approached her, but the maiden was adamant. The righteous girl distributed her rich inheritance to the poor, the disadvantaged and everyone who was in need. Paraskeva continued to pray and preach the faith of Christ among the people. She converted many townspeople to Christianity, but there were also ill-wishers who slandered and slandered her. As a result, the girl was put in prison.

During this period, the emperor ordered his subjects to eradicate Christianity. And Eparch Aetius decided to carry out the order in the region of Lycaonia under his control, where the city of Iconium was located. They rushed to tell him about the preaching Paraskeva. The priests of the cult accused her of magic, sorcery and sorcery.

When the eparch saw the beautiful maiden, he was seduced by her beauty and youth. And he offered to become his wife and live in wealth. In exchange, she had to renounce Christ and make a sacrifice to the pagan gods. But the preacher was adamant and I saw only Jesus Christ as my groom. She told the ruler about this.

Aetius became angry and ordered her to be stripped and beaten with raw ox sinews. In moments of torture, the thoughts of the ascetic of Christ were occupied only with the true God Jesus. But the military leader was sorry to disfigure such beauty, and then Aetius stopped the torture and began to seduce the maiden again with earthly joys. If only she would bow to idols. The martyr was silent. Then he began to blaspheme the entire Christian race, the virgin could not stand it and spat in his face. Angry, Aetius ordered Paraskeva to be hung upside down and tormented with iron claws. But she bravely endured and did not moan. To prolong her death throes, the maiden was thrown into prison, in the hope of a terrible death.

But through her prayers and for her martyrdom, the Lord sent an angel for comfort and healing. In the morning, the guards discovered a healthy and prettier girl who was singing prayers of praise to the Lord. But the emperor’s subject decided that it was his gods who healed the maiden. Then Paraskeva ordered to show her these gods and she was taken to a pagan temple. A lot of people followed them.

Everyone thought that she would renounce her faith and worship idols. But, touching the statue of the idol, she commanded in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to turn it into dust. Then a strong earthquake occurred and the temple was destroyed. Many people, seeing this, believed in Jesus Christ. But the priests were sure that she was a sorceress, and only her magic destroyed the idols.

Aetius agreed with the priests and continued the torment of Paraskeva. He ordered her to be hung up and her sides burned with fire. The girl offered a prayer with special fervor and faith. And the fiery flame spread to the tormentors. Seeing this people began to doubt the power of pagan gods and believed in Jesus.

The ruler decided to execute Paraskeva by cutting off his head, fearing an uprising and rebellion among the people. When the execution took place, the air was filled with a fragrance. Thus, the Lord took to Himself the immaculate soul of the saint. Christians buried her in the house church. Soon death overtook the terrible torturer. When the eparch went hunting, the horse reared up and knocked him over.

Patroness of Iconium

The Holy Great Martyr patronized her native city even after her death. During the siege of Iconium by the Gentiles, angels appeared at night at the shrine and asked Paraskeva to go with them. They warned that the city would be handed over to the Arabs for the sins of the inhabitants. She refused and offered a prayer to the Lord. Then the saint said that if the city is destined to perish, let her perish, but she will not leave the city. At that moment, a strong storm began near the city walls and burning stones began to fall from the clouds onto the enemy. A voice from heaven commanded the enemy to retreat from the city. This incident destroyed 70 of the emir's regiments.

Then the Arab ruler decided to make peace with the Iconians. In return they gave him a lot of silver. And he told them how an unknown force destroyed almost his entire army at night. Then the bishop spoke about the vision in the church at the tomb of Saint Paraskeva.

The emir decided to take possession of the relics of the saint, but the horses harnessed to the cart were motionless. Almost three dozen horses could not carry the coffin. After this, everyone understood that the saint wanted to stay in her homeland. The bishop began to beg the emir to leave her, then the Arab ruler ordered a ransom for the relics. He ordered to bring as much gold as the saint’s body weighed. Counting on a generous ransom. The precious metal was collected. The saint's coffin was placed on one pan of the scales, and coins began to be poured into the other. The scales balanced only when there were 15 spools left on the pan. Thus, Saint Paraskeva saved the city from invaders.

There were several Saints Paraskevi in ​​Orthodoxy:

Pagan beginning in the image of Paraskeva

In Rus', the image of a saint was inextricably associated with Slavic pagan goddess Mokosh (Makosh), patroness of water, fate, spinning, weaving, cattle breeding and crafts. And also the goddess of love and beauty Lada, guardian of the family hearth, fertility and nature. Therefore, the saint is credited with patronizing agriculture, handicrafts, weaving and home life.

The Holy Synod forbade mixing the image of the ascetic of Christ with pagan goddesses, but the tradition of consecrating the fruits on the day of Paraskeva and storing them until next year was preserved. The holy great martyr was also associated with the cult of the Week (Sunday), which was mixed with the veneration of Saint Anastasia (translated, the name means “Sunday”).

Parallels are drawn with the image of Paraskeva in the mythology of other countries. In Tajik myths there is an image of “Lady Tuesday” (Bibi-Seshanbi). She is the patroness of family happiness, spinning and processing of cotton. There are other mythical creatures that spin fate: the ancient Greek moirai, the Icelandic norns, the German goddess Frigg. She helped women in labor, arranged the fate of newborns, prophesied and cast spells.

In the popular understanding, Friday was represented as a tall, portly woman with large breasts and long hair, which brings her closer to mythical characters such as Death, the mermaid, and Doli. In Paraskev's legends, Pyatnitsa spins abandoned work, which also makes her image similar to the brownie, kikimora and Mara (Morena), the Slavic goddess of death and fertility.

What do people address to Saint Paraskeva Friday?

What do those suffering pray for in front of her image:

It is revered by industrialists and tailors.. There was not a single bazaar in Rus' where there was not a holy temple. The auctions themselves were held on Friday, so it is also revered by traders.

The saint is the patroness of water; her image often appeared in the waters. Throughout Russia there are many springs bearing her name, but there is one endowed with special healing powers. In Rus', sculptures and icons carved from wood were erected, and Paraskeva chapels were erected near reservoirs and wells. The temples at the crossroads were called Fridays.

Customs and rituals associated with Paraskeva Friday

On the day of Paraskeva Friday, it is advisable to go to church and bless a piece of flax. Then they will hang it on the icon. There is a ritual in which the icon must be placed near water so that it acquires healing properties. In the future, take this water for treatment. On Saint's Day, you can tie flowers and herbs to the icon, and then brew a medicinal decoction from them. If you wrap the text of the prayer in linen and apply it to the sore spot, healing will occur. Before giving birth, a woman hung an icon around her neck with a prayer to the saint.

In memory of Paraskev, handicrafts are prohibited on Friday. It was believed that whoever disobeyed her prohibition would clog her eyes, spin her hair and prick her with spindles. The saint could punish, tangle the threads, cause blindness, or throw 40 spindles out the window, which had to be spun in a short time.

Among the Finno-Ugric peoples, the ninth Friday after Easter was considered "cherished day of the sick". On this day, the miraculous image of Holy Friday brought healing.

On the holiday of Paraskeva Friday, wild fun and hard work are not welcome. At this time, you must observe, you cannot do household chores and agricultural work. It is forbidden to wash, bathe children, comb their hair and gossip. A woman expecting a child should not lend money. It was believed that the fate of the child was being transferred into the wrong hands.

Often on Paraskeva's day they repeated the rites of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary.

Fortune telling

Fortune telling. You need to go to bed without undressing and let your hair down. Place a mirror, comb, soap or handkerchief on the pillow. If you dream of a sweetheart and he is gentle and affectionate, then there will be a wedding. The next morning you can’t look out the window so as not to disturb your sleep. If you have a nightmare, you need to wash your face with water and tell the dream so that it does not come true.

Signs

• if a rapid thaw occurs on Paraskeva Friday, then this promises long frosts;
• if a circle has formed around the moon, then a strong wind will rise;
• if Paraskeva is slushy and dirty, then wait for winter in a month.

Temples and churches in honor of Saint Paraskeva

In northern Butovo there is a temple of Paraskeva Friday of the 16th century, which was finally restored in the 20th century. It is shaped like a ship, representing a spiritual flagship for believers.

There is the Pyatnitsko-Tugovsky Church in Yaroslavl, built in the 17th century. And in Suzdal there is the Pyatnitsky Church, which is called Nikolsky. A church is being built in the village of Khvoshchevatka, Voronezh region. During the war, the Paraskeva temple was destroyed by bombing. Not far away there is a spring known throughout Russia, “7 streams” (“7 springs”), remarkable for its healing power. In the village of Savino near Yekaterinburg in the 19th century, an icon of the saint appeared in the waters of the Pyshma River. As a result, a temple was built in those places, where the icon found its place. In the convent in the Komi Republic there is a myrrh-streaming icon of the Great Martyr.

There are grains of relics in the Holy Trinity Lavra of Sergius, in the Church of the Ascension of the Lord in Moscow. In the capital, there used to be a Church of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa on Okhotny Ryad. Now the State Duma stands there. And Moscow Pyatnitsky Lane was named after the saint’s temple, but now there is a metro in its place. The relic of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa is also in the right aisle, consecrated in honor of Peter and Paul. The relics of Paraskeva are present on Mount Athos in the Russian Panteleimon Monastery.