How to identify your patron saint

People tend to believe in higher powers and worship them, seeking protection from adversity. The ancient tribes had tribal totems, pagans worshiped idols, and with the birth of Christianity they began to worship the Almighty, believing in its protection.

"Personal" Patron

Even those who do not adhere to religious canons, do not attend the temple, often think about the protection of the saints. At the same time, many are interested in whether they have a Guardian Angel and what kind of “personal” Patron should be respected so that luck does not pass by.

For many centuries, a large number of holy martyrs were canonized, who after death continued to help people, responding to their prayers. But in order for prayers to be heard, they must be directed to "their" Patron, which should be honored constantly.

But how to choose among the great many saints that single, "personal"? After all, there must be some rules in this case that help solve the problem.

The Problem of Choosing a Patron

In Orthodox times, our great-grandmothers did not have such a problem. Born babies were baptized in the church, giving them names according to the Saints. And already from infancy, a person knew who patronizes him in life.

By the middle of the 20th century, this tradition has become obsolete - children are named after relatives, friends, celebrities or come up with completely new names. At the same time, without thinking about the fact that the child, in addition to the name, also needs spiritual protection, which can only be given by the holy Patron.

Now evolution is making a new round, which is characterized by a return to spiritual values. Therefore, so often the question began to arise: so who is he - my Patron? From the realization of this, it will be easier for a person to live and cope with their problems. After all, he knows that “There” they are watching and protecting him.

How to recognize your protector

In those families where Orthodox traditions are still honored, people know their Patron. As a rule, he is a saint in whose honor a child was baptized (sometimes a baptized name differs from everyday).

Therefore, those who have a certificate of baptism can look into the document. If the same name is written there as in the passport (metric), perhaps the parents planned to name the child in advance by the name of the Patron. If this is not so, or there is no document on the sacrament performed, the defender will have to be determined by another method.

1. Proceed from your own (earthly) name. Turning to the Saints, find the namesake saint and take in your Patrons. If there are several of them (for example, Maria, Nikolai, etc.), “attach” to one that is closer to the date after your birthday.
2. But in Saints you may not find your name. Then you need to choose one that is more phonetically consonant. Scientists have long proved that a certain combination of sounds in names is crucial.
3. You can choose a saint who does not bear your name. In this case, the binding should also be done to the date of birth. Usually children were baptized on the 8th day of birth. It is in this gap and choose the martyr who has attracted and worship him.

If you are at a loss and cannot make the final choice, then you should turn to the clergy. They are more knowledgeable in this matter and will certainly help you. They will also tell you how to communicate with your Patron.

You and your patron

It’s not enough just to choose the Patron saint. You still need to learn to communicate with him. Be sure to get the icon that depicts your saint. Talk to him, ask for advice in difficult situations and never say anything if something in life goes wrong.

It would be nice to study the Life of your protector in order to know more about him. And if you have already chosen him as Patrons, try to follow his life principles. So you will become closer to him spiritually.

Recall the tradition of the ancestors when they honored the Patrons with a tribute. You don’t have to arrange sacrificial altars, but you should set the table with refreshments, thus celebrating the birthday.

By the way, this concept has long been perceived not as it should. Name Day is not a celebration in honor of your birthday. This event takes place on the day of your saint and is a reverence for his name.

Video: How to Know Your Patron Saint