Old Believer prayers

Morning and evening prayers

In the morning, getting up from sleep, while still in bed, cross yourself with a prayer:
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
Females should pronounce “sinful” instead of “sinful”; likewise, in all prayers, one should do the declension according to one's kind.
Getting out of bed and washing your face, and in the evening, going to sleep, get up with reverence before the holy icons and, looking at them, directing your thoughts to the invisible God and His saints, earnestly, slowly, protecting yourself with the sign of the cross and bowing, say with tenderness the prayer of the publican:
God be merciful, wake me a sinner(bow).
Create me, Lord, and have mercy on me(bow).
Without the number of those who have sinned, Lord have mercy, and forgive me a sinner(bow).
It is worthy to eat, as truly blessed the Mother of God, ever blessed and most blameless, and the Mother of our God. The most honest cherubim, and the most glorious truly seraphim, who gave birth to the Mother of God without corruption of God the Word, We magnify Thee(bow is always down to earth).
(bow).
(bow).
(bow).
Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, prayers for the sake of Thy Most Pure Thy Mother, by the power of the Honest and Life-giving Cross, and my holy guardian angel, and for all for the sake of the saints, have mercy and save me a sinner, as it is good and Humanitarian, amen(bow to the earth, without the sign of the cross).

These prayers are called "beginning," or bowing and bowing, because they are performed at the beginning and after every prayer rule.
After that, repeat the prayer of the publican with bows ( God is merciful ..., having created me ..., without the number of those who have sinned...) and start your morning prayers with reverence:
For the prayers of the saints, our father, Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, have mercy on us. Amen(belt bow always).
When praying in the morning, cross yourself and say three times:
Glory to Thee our God, glory to Thee of all for the sake of.

After that, read the prayer of Saint Macarius:
God, cleanse me, a sinner, for I have done nothing better in front of You(bow). But deliver me from the evil one, and Thy will be done in me(bow). May I not be condemned to open my unworthy mouth, and I will praise Your holy name, the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and forever and ever, amen(bow). In the evening " Glory to Thee our God... ”and the prayer of St. Macarius is not read.

Further, both in the morning and in the evening, cross yourself and read:
To the King of heaven, the Comforter, the True Soul, who are everywhere sons, and fulfilling everything, the treasure of the good, and the life of the Giver, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all defilement, and save our soul, Better.
Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us(bow three times).

Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse our sins. Master, forgive our iniquity. Visit the holy ones, and heal our infirmities, for your sake.
Lord have mercy(three times).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and forever and ever, amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven and on earth. Our daily bread, give us this day. And leave us our debts, as we also leave our debtors. And don't lead us into temptation. But deliver us from the evil one.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Lord have mercy(12 times).

Then read the prayer in the morning:
Rising from sleep, I thank the All-Holy Trinity, as many for the sake of goodness and longsuffering, did not be angry with me, a sinner, and your lazy servant, and you did not destroy me with my iniquity, but philanthropy. And lying in failure, raise me up, matinevate and glorify Thy invincible power. And now, Lord Most Holy God, enlighten the eyes of my heart. And open my mouth to study with Thy word, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and pet Thee in confession with the heart. Sing and glorify your most honorable and glorious name, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever, Amen.

After that, both in the morning and in the evening, read:
Come let us worship our Tsar God(bow).
Come let us worship Christ, the Tsar and our God(bow).
Come, let us worship and fall down to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the Tsar and our God(bow).

Then the 50th psalm (penitential):
Have mercy on me, God, according to Thy great mercy. And according to the multitude of Thy compassions, cleanse my iniquity. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my iniquity, and I will take out my sin before me. Thee, the only one, have sinned, and have done evil before thee. As if you were justified in your words and conquer, always to judge. I have conceived myself in iniquity, and in sin bore me my mother. Thou hast loved this truth, Thy unknown and secret wisdom Thou hast revealed to me. Sprinkle me with hyssop and I will be cleansed. Wash me, and I will whiten more than snow. To my hearing dasi joy and gladness: the bones of the humble will rejoice. Turn away Thy face from my sins, and cleanse all my iniquity. Create a pure heart in me, God, and renew the spirit of rights in my womb. Open me not from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of Thy salvation and confirm me with the spirit of the Lord. Those who teach unrighteousness in Your way and wickedness will turn to You. Deliver me from the blood, God, God of my salvation; my tongue will rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, open my mouth, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. As if he would have wanted the sacrifice, he would have given it; do not favor burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God - the spirit is broken: God will not despise a broken and humble heart. Bless the Lord, with Thy good pleasure Zion; and let the walls of Jerosalim be built up. Then favor the sacrifice to righteousness, the offering and the burnt offering. Then they will lay on your altar a calf.

Symbol of faith

Shielding ourselves reverently with the sign of the cross, with deep attention we utter the words of the saints, the fathers of the first Ecumenical Council:

I believe in one God, the Father, Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, visible to all and invisible.
And in the one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only Begotten, who was born of the Father before all ages. Light from Light, God is true from God, true, born, not created, consubstantial with the Father, who is all by Him.
For us for the sake of man, and for our sake, for the sake of salvation, the Holy Spirit descended from heaven and incarnated from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary became human.
Crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered and was buried.
And he rose again on the third day after the writing.
And he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
And packs coming with glory to judge the living and the dead, His kingdom has no end.

Then the words of the saints, the father of the Second Ecumenical Council:
And in the Holy Spirit, the true and life-giving Lord, who descended from the Father, who are like the Father and the Son, we are worshiped and glorified, who spoke the prophets.
And into one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism for the remission of sins.
I tea the resurrection of the dead.
And the life of the next century. Amen.
Then prayers to the Mother of God:
Virgin Mary, rejoicing, delighted Mary, the Lord is with you, blessed are you in women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, as if you gave birth to Christ the Savior, the Deliverer of our souls(bow three times).
O! All-chanting Mother, who gave birth to all the saints, the most holy Word, accept the present offering, save everyone from any misfortune and the impending torment, crying Ty: Alleluia(bow three times).
Invincible and divine power of the honest and life-giving Cross of the Lord, do not leave me a sinner who trusts in You(bow).
My Most Holy Lady Theotokos, have mercy on me and save me, and help me now, in this life, and in the outcome of my soul, and in the future(bow).
All heavenly powers, holy angels and archangels, cherubs and seraphim, have mercy on me and pray for me a sinner to the Lord God, and help me now, in this life, and in the exodus of my soul, and in the future eve(bow).
Angel of Christ, my guardian of holiness, have mercy on me and pray for me as a sinner to the Lord God, and help me now, in this life, and in the exodus of my soul, and in the future eve(bow).
Holy great John, prophet and Forerunner of the Lord, have mercy on me and pray for me a sinner to the Lord God, and help me now, in this life, and in the exodus of my soul, and in the future eve(bow).
Saints of glory, apostles, prophets and martyrs, saints, reverends and righteousness and all saints, have mercy on me and pray for me as a sinner to the Lord God and help me now, in this life, and in the exodus of my soul, and in the future.(bow).

After this, pray three times with bows the following prayers:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Praise the Lord, Thy Honest Cross.
Most Holy Lady Theotokos, save me, Thy sinful servant.
To the Angel of Christ, my holy guardian, save me, Thy sinful servant.
Holy archangels and angels, pray to God for me as a sinner.
Holy Great John, prophet and Forerunner, Baptist of the Lord, pray to God for me as a sinner.
Holy glorious prophet Elijah, pray to God for me as a sinner.
Holy forefathers, pray to God for me as a sinner.
Holy prophets, pray to God for me as a sinner.
Holy Apostles, pray to God for me as a sinner.
Saints of glory to the apostles and evangelists: Matthew, Marko, Luko and John the Theologian, pray to God for me as a sinner.
Holy glory of the supremacy of the Apostles Peter and Paul, pray to God for me as a sinner.
Saints of Greatness Trio Saints: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom, pray to God for me as a sinner.
Saint Nicholas of Christ, pray to God for me as a sinner.
Reverend and God-bearing our fathers, shepherd and teacher of the universe, pray to God for me as a sinner.
All holy, pray to God for me a sinner.

After that, pray to the saint whose name you bear, and to the saint celebrated on this date, as well as other saints, whoever you want. Do not forget to pray and penance, which obeisances you have from your spiritual father.

Then pray for the health of your parents, relatives and loved ones, bowing three times:
Merciful Lord, save and have mercy on your servant(name names, bow)
Deliver them from all sorrow, anger and want(bow),
from any illness of mental and physical(bow).
Forgive them any sin, voluntary or involuntary(bow)
(bow).

Then pray for the peace of your parents and loved ones, for spiritual fathers and for whom you have zeal, bowing three times:
Peace, O Lord, the soul of the departed is Thy servant(say their names, bow). And the tree in this life is like men have sinned, but you, like a Humanitarian God, forgive them and have mercy(bow). Deliver eternal torment(bow). Participants in the kingdom of heaven(bow). And create useful for our souls(bow).

Finishing your prayers say:
Lord, either by word, or by deed, or by thought of those who have sinned in all my life, have mercy and forgive me, for Thy mercy(bow to the earth).
I place all my hope in You, Mother of God, keep me in Your blood(bow to the earth).
My hope is God, and my refuge is Christ, and my patron is the Holy Spirit.(bow to the earth).
It is worthy to eat ... (all prayer and bow to the earth).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit(bow).
And now and forever and forever and ever, amen(bow).
Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord bless(bow).
Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, prayers for the sake of Thy Most Pure Thy Mother and the monks and God-bearing father of ours and all saints, have mercy and save me a sinner, as is Good and Humanitarian, Amen.

And, bending down to the ground, without crossing yourself, read:
Weaken, forsake, forgive, God, my sins, voluntary and involuntary, even in word and in deed, and even in knowledge and not in knowledge, even in mind and in thought, even in days of night, all forgive me, as it is good and Humanitarian, Amen.
Standing up, read this prayer with bows:
Forgive those who hate and offend us, Lord, Human-loving. Do good to those who do good, brothers and all our relatives, like those who have retired, grant them all, even for salvation, petitions and eternal life(bow).
In the diseases of the existing, visit and heal, in the dungeons of the existing freedom, in the waters that float, Wake up the ruler and others like him on the journey, correct and hurry(bow).
Remember, Lord, and captive to our brethren, of the same faith in the Orthodox faith, and deliver them from every evil of the situation(bow).
Have mercy, Lord, who gave us alms and commanded us unworthy to pray for them, forgive them and have mercy(bow).
Remember the Lord, before our fathers departed and our brethren and inspired them, where the light of Thy face is present.(bow).
Remember the Lord, and our weakness and squalor, and enlighten our mind with the light of the mind of Thy holy Gospel, and guide us in the path of Thy precepts, with Thy Most Pure prayers to the Mother and all Thy saints, Amen(bow).

These prayers end with the usual seven-bow beginning.
At the end of the prayers, both in the morning and in the evening, make the sign of the cross, and then kiss your cross, first protecting yourself with it with a prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, bless and sanctify, and preserve by the power of Thy Life-giving Cross.

In the evening, before going to bed, crossing ourselves, we read the prayer to the Cross:
May God rise, and disdain Him, and flee from the face of Him who hate Him, as if the smoke disappears, let it disappear, as the wax melts from the face of the fire, so may demons perish from the face of those who love God and sign the sign of the Cross, and let us rejoice in the river: rejoicing, the Cross of the Lord, driving the demons away by the power of our god Jesus Christ, who was soaked on You, who descended into hell, and the devil who has corrected the power, and who gave us His Honorable Cross to drive out every adversary. O! Blessed and Life-giving Cross of the Lord, help me, with the Most Holy Lady Theotokos and with all the holy heavenly powers, always and now and forever and forever and ever, Amen.

We bring to your attention selected works of the participants of the "Faith and Religion in Modern Russia" competition, which were not included in the final collection, but noted by the moderators and curators of the project.

The author of the work is Pavel Aleksandrovich Kuzminykh, a fourth-year student of the theological faculty of the Orthodox St. Tikhon University for the Humanities. The work was written in 2013, based on the results of participation in the expedition in the summer of 2012 (together with N.V. Litvina, Senior Researcher of the Archive of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and OB Khristoforova, Candidate of Culturology, doctoral student of the Institute of Geology and Geology of the Russian State University for the Humanities). The specificity of the study lies in the fact that it is at the junction of three scientific disciplines - religious studies, liturgical theology and ethnography.

Verkhokamye as a historical and cultural region.

The studied region is geographically located in the Western Cis-Urals, on the Verkhnekamsk Upland. The toponym Verkhokamye "gained wide popularity in historical and artistic monuments already in the second quarter of the 18th century." In accordance with the modern administrative-territorial division, the settlements of the following regions can be attributed to Verkhokamye - Vereshchaginsky and Sivinsky (Perm Territory) and Kezsky (Udmurtia). The location of these lands covers an area of ​​approximately 60x60 km.

Verkhokamye was opened to the scientific community in the summer of 1973. From the very beginning, the study was carried out by specialists of different directions - historians, archeographers, musicologists, folklorists, linguists, ethnographers. Over the decades of work, over 2000 monuments of Cyrillic writing have been identified.

The expedition detachment in which I had a chance to participate consisted of three people. The composition also included N.V. Litvin (Senior Researcher of the Archive of the Russian Academy of Sciences) and O.B. Khristoforova (Candidate of Culturology, Doctoral student of IVGI RGGU). The expedition members were "in the field" from June 30 to July 13, 2012. About 40 people were interviewed, mostly “cathedrals” (active bearers of the tradition). Also, the members of the expedition were as observers twice at the baptism of Old Believers-bespopovtsy, at the service of the Old Believers of Belokrinitsa consent (on Midsummer's Day), at the conciliar prayer in memory of the apostles Peter and Paul (at the bespopovtsy). The materials of the expedition were recorded on audio media (services, interviews), a camera (almost 700 photographs), and a field diary was recorded every day.

A Brief History of Old Belief in Verkhokamye

The first settlements in this area appeared at the end of the 17th century, in fact, a short time after the tragic events of the schism in the Russian Church. According to sources, the first inhabitants of Verkhokamye were Moscow archers, who fled here more than a thousand miles from the First See. Already at that time, "about four thousand Russian peasants of the Old Believers lived here, who kept themselves isolated and did not enter into any contacts not only with the neighboring Orthodox Russian population, but also with the Permian Komi and Udmurts." The way from Vyga - the largest center of Old Beliefs of that time - to Western Siberia passed through Verkhokamye. Thus, close ties were established with the traditions of the Pomor Old Belief. In 1735 Semyon Denisov, the head of the Vygov community, wrote to the Verkhokamsk Old Believers brothers: “I’ll come to our Pomor sketes to hear about your love of God ... in a dangerous time ... in a remote country”. In 1866, there was a disagreement between the two mentors, which by 1888 led to the final division of the Verkhokamsk Pomors into two agreements - “Maksimov's” and “Demin's”. At present, this local schism can be considered conditionally healed thanks to the activities of the Moscow Pomor community, whose mentors blessed local confessors for “universal” ministry. But not everyone accepted such a union. Some communities remain faithful to their own consent and do not want to dissolve in someone else's identity. In most cases, even with the loss of religious activity, the descendants of the Old Believers retain, as self-identification, belonging to one of the sects. In the transition to another consent, adherence to paternal faith is also often identified. In with. Sepych - the main point of deployment of the expedition - such a picture is evident. Saburova Matryona Fyodorovna (born in 1934), who passed from bezopovov to Belokrinitsa consent, assesses her choice in the following way: “It's like with us, Demin's faith. And then the temple was built, so I went to the temple. " Legally, all “Maximov” and “Deminsky” communities are members of the RS DOC (Russian Council of the Old Orthodox Pomeranian Church). The researcher of Verkhokamye, a native of these places, A. Bezgodov, calculates the modern Old Belief as follows: “At present, 12 operating Pomor (Demin and Maksim) cathedrals are known in Verkhokamye ... there are few cathedrals left, and young people are in no hurry to join. Nevertheless, the share of Pomor Kerzhaks in some s / s reaches 70 - 80%. There are more than 10 thousand people in Verkhokamye "baptized Pomors". "

Private prayer of the old believer-bespopovets

The community of the Old Believers-bespopovtsy (not only in Verkhokamye, but in general in all the unpopularity) can be represented in the form of two circles inscribed in each other. The one inside will designate the core of the community - the so-called "cathedral", the members of which are called "conciliar". And the outer circle will have blurred boundaries, which means a conditional, indefinite fixation of the carriers of the tradition and belonging to it. Those in the outer circle are worldly (less commonly used by laymen). Cathedrals are the backbone of the community, they fully participate in the Cathedral prayer. It is possible to become conciliar either before marriage or by ending the marriage relationship. This testifies to the old Pomorian tradition of a negative attitude towards marriage, which was already considered impossible (and, as a consequence, illegal) in the world of the "spiritual antichrist", preserved among the Verkhokamsk Bespopovites. The marriage rite that exists among the Pomors of Verkhokamye is understood not as a sacrament, but only as a form of blessing. The formation of a member of a community as a “conciliar” is called differently: “to partake”, “to begin”, “to go to the cathedral”. The conciliar in the way of life is similar to the monks, which is manifested in virtually monastic prayer practice, in fasting regulations, refusal to eat meat food, refusal from secular entertainments. To this must be added the complex system of various prohibitions existing among the cathedrals, which do not allow them to "be at peace", ie. communicate with the "world". "Reassurance" occurs through prayer or a common meal with non-conciliar ones, eating forbidden foods, sharing utensils with "infidels", using public transport, and so on. - in general, through any contacts with a sinful, fallen world. Members of the cathedral families, residents of the Old Believer village, and sometimes everyone who is not included in the cathedral are called “secular”.

In the area of ​​our research lies the practice of the conciliar Old Believers. The number of cathedrals as the nucleus of the community is very small - 5-10 people. Sometimes in one village there can be two cathedrals at the same time - Maksimovskiy and Deminskiy (Severny Kommunar, Sepych village). In other places, either a merger took place, or representatives of only one consent live there compactly. The lay people are aware of their involvement in their community, but few strive to live "like a conciliar". Most often, they come to the cathedral after retirement age, “to start” means to fully accept a lifestyle filled with many regulations and prohibitions.

By interviewing informants (Old Believers-Cathedrals), materials were obtained that can be used as sources on the liturgical praxis of the Verkhokamsk Pomors. The general picture is schematically presented in the table.

Full name, year of birth, place of residence, consent	Cell Prayer Type
Gabov Lev (Leonty) Davydovich, born in 1939, p. Sepych, Maksimovsky mentor	In the evening, for the feast party - 2 bows (106 bows to the ground, 106 bows). Also - in the morning after midnight. In winter and spring - the rule of the hour. Penance - 17 bows to the belt after each prayer (up the stairs). Before meals - 12 bows with Jesus prayer, after - 17.
Patrakov Andrey Fedotovich, d. Sokolovo, “universal” mentor	Morning and evening - start, forgiveness, blessing, normal start. 17 bows (holy day). Penance - 17 bows. Prayer for the living (for the corrected - 15 bows, for the uncorrected - 17), for the dead - 15. In winter - reading the hours.
Klimova Daria Matveevna, village Sokolovo	In winter - a midnight / feast party. In the summer - morning and evening obeisances (initial and incoming). Penance - 17 bows with Jesus prayer.
Krasnoselskikh Evdokia (Fedosya) Kirillovna, born in 1939, the village of Sokolovo	In the morning - midnight kathisma. In the evening - a prayer service (to Christ, the Mother of God, Nicholas, All Saints).
Saburova Matryona Fedorovna, born in 1934, p. Sepych, former Deminskaya, now Belokrinitskaya	Midnight office in the morning. In the evening - a feast party.
Lyadova Akulina Afanasyevna, born in 1942, p. Sepych	For midnight office - 2 ladders (earth, waist). For Vespers - 1 lestovka. For the feast night - 2 (earthly, waist).
Nikulina Vassa Fadeevna, born in 1922, p. Sepych, maksimovskaya	Midnight office, matins, feast parties - according to the word of the hour. Ladder prayer for uncorrected souls (3 bows for each person). ...

As can be seen from the above table, the practice of performing cell prayer among Verkhokamtsians is distinguished by variety and invariance (depending on the season, which directly affects the everyday economic and household way of the peasant-farmer; according to the models of performing a prayer cult, etc.). However, it can be immediately noted that the tradition of sending the service up the stairs takes the leading position. A similar "ladder prayer" is found in ancient Russian monuments, it was intended for the Keliotic type of worship for one or several monks. The history of such a cell rule (Jesus' prayer on the stairs) "has its roots in the traditions of ancient hermits, the inhabitants of the desert."

Cathedral prayer of the Verkhokamsk pomors

During the expedition, we had the opportunity to attend a cathedral service at the Bespopovites once - in the village of Severny Kommunar Fabrika (Sivinsky District of the Perm Territory) on the day of remembrance of the Apostles Peter and Paul, at the Deminsky Old Believers. Some conclusions can be drawn by illustrating them with the distinctive features of the Verkhokamsk cathedral type of service.

Firstly, a striking feature of the conciliar prayers of bespopovtsy is the absence of a permanent place for prayer (chapel or prayer house). Services performed by cathedrals on great holidays or on the occasion (commemoration, housewarming, etc.) are held in the homes of those Old Believers (both cathedral and secular) who will be invited to their prayer. More often the motivation for the invitation is option No. 2, i.e. on any occasion.

Secondly, in the context of the doctrine of secularism among the Bezpopovites, a clear differentiation of "conciliar - secular" stands out in liturgical praxis. The lay people at prayer, just like those of the cathedral, can actively participate in the service, namely, sing, read, do obeisances, everything except the making of the sign of the cross, even the two-fingered sign (!). Only conciliar ones have the right to be baptized, i.e. those who are "under the command."

Thirdly, revealing the attributive characteristics of the conciliar (and private, too) divine services, one can come to the conclusion about the extreme asceticism of the traditional Verkhokamsk praxis. This is manifested in the image of the performance of prayer (along the stairs), actionary actions (bowing to the ground, standing during many hours of worship), the clothes of the participants in the service, and the rest.

Fourthly, it should be noted that there are paralyturgical elements in the cathedral ministry of the Verkhokamians. First of all, it should be said about the so-called. "Reading for reason", directly related to the human culture and Verkhokamsk bookishness. During the morning service (the Matins service), after reading the Kathisma, the old cathedral women sat down in a circle. The old mentor, Evdokia Aleksandrovna Chadova, began to read an instructive story from a handwritten collection of the 19th century. After reading, everyone together, without interrupting, began to discuss what they had heard and one by one instruct each other in spiritual life. Moreover, the prerogative of instruction remained with the confessor E.A. Chadova, whose charismatic style of conducting services and praying as a way of “incorporating” into the text and experiencing it, stood out especially clearly against the background of the others. Even while reading the service texts (Psalter, Book of Hours, Menaion), she periodically paused and made a comment, naturally, also once taken from the teaching collections, of which there are many in the library of this Deminsky cathedral. “Reading for Reason” was repeated twice more: with a teaching from the Church calendar of the DOC and conversations about the dead (since the service to Peter and Paul on that day was combined with the funeral prayer). It is interesting to note that the content of the Old Russian Skete charter included a similar element - a conversation about what was read in the church.

Also from the field of paralyturgical phenomena, there is a compulsory communal meal in Verkhokamye at the end of the prayer work. The gastronomic diet, of course, is subject to the rhythm of the church calendar. A distinctive feature of "cathedral" meals is the presence of many dishes (sometimes it reaches 10 dishes). But the prayers take food exclusively from their own, small-sized "cathedral" cups (each one has an individual one), which are wrapped in a towel after the meal and taken away with them.

Another paralyturgical act is the chanting of spiritual verses at the end of the service. The function of a spiritual verse - the influence of prayer practice on the performance of spiritual verses - is confirmed by musicological research.

It is worth mentioning one liturgical phenomenon, which was called to fight in the 17th century by "God-lovers" from the "circle of zealots of ancient piety" and which survived as a rudimentary form among the Verkhokamsk bespopovites. We are talking about polyphony - a way of performing liturgical texts in which one part of them is chanted, and the other is read "in tai" (that is, in a whisper, to oneself). In Verkhokamye, the canon is read in a similar way.

First, the irmos are sung, then one reader reads the troparia of the canon in tai, and the rest of the cathedrals at the same time sing prayer songs (for example, the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, pray to God for us).

As you can see, the Old Believer pop-free practice of Verkhokamye is saturated with heterogeneous elements of liturgical reality. Many of these elements can be considered archaic (polyphony, “even” culture), some have absorbed the traditional layer of liturgical texts (for example, the singing of spiritual poetry), some phenomena are already a product of the New Age (walking from house to house), but they also filled its niche in the construction of rituals and customs of the upper reaches of the Kama.

The most detailed description: the Jesus prayer of the Old Believers - for our readers and subscribers.

When we in a restaurant after a meal put a knife and fork on a plate so that the waiter can see it, then in sign language we say that we ate. According to the Orthodox rule, dishes should always be closed when you are not using them. In a restaurant, we see covered bread, salt and spices on the table with lids or napkins. And the Old Believers cover the dishes with any object, even a straw, but the main cover is the Jesus Prayer or the word “Amen”, you can even say, “Amen”, that Satan will run away, where far away.

Teaching the rite to close the dishes in the families of Old Believers is accompanied by a saying (story), which is called as a divine legend:

"There is a demon, covered in pus and scabs, but I meet a saint and ask:" Where are you, unclean? " And the devil will answer: "There, a Christian man has salt and water open - I will wipe myself in the salt, and I will wash myself in the water."

Then a summary: “Here are all the sores! Yes, and now it would be a sin to use this profaned vessel, let alone Boh, drink this water and eat this salt! ” Therefore, everything is closed with the Jesus Prayer or with the word: "Amen!"

If the table is set in advance, then cover it with a prayer cloth on top. Then, when everyone has gathered, standing at the table, they begin to pray after removing the tablecloth, then they sit down decorously and are blessed for the act of eating.

If you have eaten earlier than others, sit and wait for the end of the meal. This is followed by a congregational prayer, in which they thank God. Before that, the dishes are covered with a liar (spoon).

Of course, you need to observe the order of the cup - eat only from your own. How can you not remember the tale of the three bears - “Who ate from my cup? "

By the way, dishes for newcomers are kept separately and are called mundane.

With worldly dishes, they will not take water for you, but they will pick it up from dropsy with an Old Believer ladle and pour it into your cup.

I learned this from Evdokia in her book. And I'll tell you my own afterwards.

About rosary

Hieromonk Seraphim (Paramanov)

The name "rosary", according to V. Dahl, comes from the words: count, honor (count), thus denoting a counting device - a string of beads or a belt with knots - for counting prayers and bows. The leather rosary is called a rosary. Outwardly, the rosary is nothing more than balls (cloth, glass, amber, wood, etc.) strung on a string and crowned with a cross. The lestovka is a round belt, which instead of a cross has four loafers, and between them seven slides and nine leather steps and 100 so-called "butterflies" (or another version - "bobbins"). The ladder, in its purpose, coincides with the rosary, also serving to count prayers and bows; it has survived in the everyday life of Old Believers and co-religionists, although it is not forbidden to use it in our Church. In some images (for example, on the well-known icon of prayer on stone), it is the Lestovka that is visible in the hand of the Monk Seraphim. According to church legend, the prototype of the ladder was a rope - a rope loop with knots tied on it, which served to count the number of Jesus prayers. Therefore, its other name is rosary, that is, a device for counting. Prayer beads were introduced into everyday life by Saint Basil the Great (according to other sources - Pachomius the Great and even Saint Anthony, but in any case - a very long time ago, in the first centuries of Christianity) for illiterate monks who fulfilled the prayer rule not according to books, but according to a certain number of Jesus prayers ... They had no other purpose - neither practical nor symbolic. Here, in Russia, the rope turned into a ladder - a staircase to heaven. Its parts - steps - are called so: "earth", "sky"; all parts have received an important symbolic meaning; from a simple device for counting, the vervitsa has become the most important instrument of prayer.

Lestovka is a woven leather (or, at a later time, a rag or dermantine) ribbon sewn in the form of a loop. It simultaneously marks the ladder (ladder) of spiritual ascent from earth to heaven, and a vicious circle, an image of eternal and unceasing prayer. A flap is used to facilitate the counting of prayers and bows, allowing you to focus on the prayers. The ladder device meets the practical needs of worship (for example, with 40 or 12 prayers), but at the same time it has a symbolic interpretation. The belt has 100 simple steps called "bobbins". In addition, there are three more degrees at the beginning, three at the end, and three "great" degrees in the middle, which kupno mean the nine ranks of the angels. The beginning and end of the ladder are marked with intervals without steps, symbolizing heaven and earth. By “great” steps, the ladder is divided into four unequal sections: from “earth” to the first great step - 12 steps, which means 12 apostles. From the first great step to the second inclusive - 40 steps. This means the 40-day fast of the Lord Jesus Christ. Up to the third great degree - 33 degrees, meaning 33 years of the Lord's earthly life. After the third great degree and up to "heaven" there are 17 simple steps, meaning 17 Old Testament prophecies about Christ. At the junction of the ends of the tape, four edged triangular are sewn "Bastard"(laposka, sometimes - palms), which are often decorated with beads and embroidery. They stand for four evangelists and the edging is evangelical teaching. Under the paws there are movements - seven rectangles strung on a ribbon, according to the number of seven sacraments of the church. These shifts also mean seven complete flaps that every godly Christian should pray during the day. This practical significance of the movements - the counting of the number of soaked ladders - is absent in the products of modern work, since the movements are made only symbolically, and the paws are often so tightly sewn together that it is difficult to get to the movements.

In addition to the usual 109-step ladder, there are 150-step ladders, the so-called. "Mother of God Ladies". They are of late origin and are modeled after the Catholic rosary. In the Old Believers they are minimal.

Making and decorating ladders was and remains one of the traditional Old Believer crafts. The monastery work was especially famous. Two ancient crafts are associated with the history of Old Believers in the Semyonovsky Territory (Nizhny Novgorod Region), each of which has its own history. The now forgotten fishing business can be considered an exclusively Old Believer craft. It undoubtedly appeared along with the appearance of the schism in 1667, and perhaps even earlier.

In the Old Believer communities in the city of Semyonovo, a small number of families were engaged in making ladders, or monastic rosaries, only 10-15 families, no more, the work remained purely handicraft. The main material for the manufacture of ladders was the local leather "yuft", and plain paper was used on the rollers. Various embroideries, ranging from multi-colored yarn, beads and ending with gold, served as decoration. It is interesting that the purpose of the ladders is very diverse. They were used not only for reading prayers. For example, at a wedding, a marriageable party must have a rosary in their hands, while the most beautiful and expensive ones were used. Many schismatics gave lestovki along with various alms - money, bread, belongings, etc. The elders of the sketes usually did not part with them for a minute, and they served as an instrument of punishing "whites" instead of whips. (Those who read the wonderful story "Bogomolye" by I. Shmelev can remember what awe the leather flattering in the hands of a stern grandmother aroused in the boy ...) There were also mourning beads. The entire handicraft business in Semyonov was supported by the merchant-benefactor Nikolai Alexandrovich Bugrov. He bought them in large quantities and distributed them to all followers of “his faith,” that is, runaways. Some of the ladders went on site to merchants-benefactors, some were sold in Nizhny Novgorod, in Gorodets and at the Nizhny Novgorod fair. Now you can get acquainted with this forgotten craft in the Semenovsk State Historical and Art Museum.

In the spiritual practice of the Orthodox Church, as a modern author (Hieromonk Longinus) notes, there is no strict rule on how to pray on a rosary. The main prayer that is prayed on a rosary is the Jesus prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner" or shorter forms, the shortest of which is "Lord, have mercy on me." In this short prayer, a person who has the experience of real deep prayer finds the fullness of both prayer requests, and prayer thanksgiving, and prayer sighs. Rosary beads in monasticism are called spiritual sword and are given to the monk during the tonsure for unceasing prayer, for the most frequent invocation of the name of God. In this case, the rosary is a tool (means) of reminding of unceasing prayer, a means against the dispersal of the mind. Prayer beads can also be used for a special prayer rule, which consists of a certain number of Jesus prayers (centurion, two-tier, etc.). In this case, the rule is read with a special blessing, because otherwise you can fall into a state of spiritual delusion and seriously harm your spiritual work. Moreover, for ordinary lay people (non-monastics), the use of rosaries in prayer practice is possible only with the blessing of the confessor, and even more so for a reminder of unceasing prayer than for a special prayer rule, although the latter is not excluded. Prayer on a rosary also does not exclude possible insertions of other prayers, for example, on each large bead you can read "Our Father", or "Virgin Mary, rejoice", or any other prayer close to the person praying, or prayers in your own words, which are poured out of the human heart and which Orthodox spiritual practice does not prohibit, as long as the heart cries out to God. But in any case, any prayer practice requires the blessing of a confessor.

Prayer with a rosary should be invisible to the prying eye, the only exception can be monastics who have a special blessing for this.

“When a rosary is given to a newly-tonsured monk, the following words are pronounced ...: “Take, brother, the spiritual sword, which is the verb of God, to the everlasting prayer of Jesus: always have the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in your mind, in your hearts and in your mouth, you must have ecu, saying always: Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God; have mercy on me, sinner "... It uses a saying from Holy Scripture, the words of the Apostle Paul (see Eph. 6, 17), giving the rosary a certain symbolic meaning: in this case, they are called "the sword of the spirit." And this is a very fair and wise comparison, although the Apostle Paul referred these words not to the rosary, not to the Jesus Prayer, but to the power of Christian preaching, which is the “spiritual sword”. But while engaging in the Jesus Prayer, we also preach the word of God, preach the truth as if for ourselves and force all our mental and physical strength to submit to this gospel preaching. There is no contradiction here: indeed, the beads we need to perform the Jesus Prayer seem to depict this spiritual sword, striking invisible enemies. All more or less attentively, sincerely, zealously engaged in this matter - the Jesus Prayer, know that in it we not only repent, ask God for mercy, forgiveness of sins and eternal blessed fate, but also at the moment of spiritual warfare, the uprising of demons on us them with her as a kind of sword. This is a real weapon with which we defend ourselves during the attack of enemies and strike blows ourselves. Therefore, it is very appropriate, reasonable, that the rosary given to the newly shorn is symbolically called a spiritual sword.

Based on this comparison that already exists in the church rite, we can dare to find other words, sayings, and narratives of the Holy Scriptures with which this amazing patristic invention is associated - the rosary.

First of all, the rosary reminds us of the Gospel story (see Matthew 21, 12 et seq.) How our Lord Jesus Christ, entering the Jerusalem temple, saw there people who were selling cattle, which was intended for sacrifices, and changed who exchanged money (as if for an important reason, because only special Jewish coins could be donated to God, and coins belonging to pagan states, including the Roman ones, were not suitable for this purpose - this was specially stipulated in the law). And so the Lord was outraged by the fact that in the courtyard of the temple, where people had only to pray, reverently standing before God, they were distracted from prayer by this trade and common vanity, completely inappropriate for prayer at home. He began to overturn the tables and, having made a scourge, as it is said in Slavonic - a scourge from the ropes (John 2:15), he began to drive out of the temple both the merchants themselves and the cattle that they sold. You know that the Jewish temple consisted of courtyards, was in the open air, and only the “holy” and “holy of holies” (what is called an altar in our churches) were located in a separate building. So, the rosary is just associated with this scourge from the ropes, and this association, it seems to me, has a rather serious justification, because, when praying, we really drive out from our heart, from our souls "traders" - all kinds of impurity - "cattle ", Which can be understood as carnal passions; the body and spirit of man, according to the teaching of the Apostle Paul, is the temple of God (see 1 Cor. 3, 16-17).

The rosary also reminds us of the Savior's parable of the sower (Matt. 13: 3-9). A plant growing on stony soil, without a root and withered from the heat of the sun, or one that died on the road, or one that was drowned out by thorns, can be likened to an incorrect, unreasonable prayer, from which a person ultimately does not receive any benefit. The correct exercise in prayer (and the most useful and fruitful is the unceasing prayer (Jesus')) can be compared with a hundredfold fruiting. Indeed, the rosary has a hundred knots in itself, which, as it were, contains a hint that if we diligently engage in this by doing, we will receive a hundred times more fruit than the diligence that we apply.

We need all these comparisons related to the appearance of the rosary in order to arouse in ourselves jealousy for engaging in the Jesus Prayer. You can also find a certain similarity between the rosary - their knots, which are connected to each other - with Christ's bonds, imposed on our Lord Jesus Christ, when He was taken in the Garden of Gethsemane, bound and led to an unlawful judgment, to suffering and shameful death - crucifixion. Therefore, engaging in the Jesus Prayer, we must remember with contrition the suffering of the Savior, at least trying to imitate His humility shown in those terrible passionate days. And since the rosary is crowned with the image of a cross, then, most likely, this comparison is not in vain and not artificial, it helps to understand the meaning and inner meaning that lies in this beautiful object invented by the holy fathers. The apostle Paul says: other things, let no one give me labor: as I carry the plague of the Lord Jesus on my body(Gal. 6:17). Of course, the plagues of the Lord Jesus mean the cross that the Apostle Paul, like every Christian, wore on himself. And on the rosary we also see the image of the cross, that is, the plagues of the Lord Jesus Christ, and, wearing them on our body (we carry them in our hand, which is also a part of our body), we should not engage in any other work, except for the only pleasing to the Lord, and especially the Jesus Prayer. This is the first and most important thing, and the rest, work is given by no one, because everything else is in vain, unnecessary, or, at best, secondary. Thus, the very arrangement of the rosary in the form of knotted knots, reminding us of the bonds of Christ, and the cross crowning the rosary, should remind us of Christ's humility, with which we must perform this great work of the mind, the doing of the Jesus Prayer.

Finally, the cross ends with a brush - the so-called "exclamation", with four such exclamations ended the clothes of the ancient Jews, and these brushes reminded them that they must fulfill the commandments. And, of course, in this case, this brush should also remind us that prayer can only be successful and achieve its goal when, together with diligence in it, we have zeal for fulfilling the commandments. But, in addition, this brush reminds us of the raising of the robe of the Savior Himself. … As the bleeding wife said to herself: if only I touch the cry of His robe, I will immediately heal (See Matt. 21-22). And according to her faith, she received what was asked, that is, barely touching the edge of the Lord's robe, namely, the tip of the cry, she was healed of the bleeding. So we must also believe that only, so to speak, by a light touch of the grace of Christ, as it were, to this cry, to the edge of His robe, we can receive healing from the flow of passions that tormented us, perhaps, for many, many years. , if, of course, we touch this resurrection with faith, like a bleeding wife.

It may seem that all these are just external, artificially attracted images, which in reality have nothing to do with such a simple device - beads, but even if historically it appeared as a result of a confluence of some external circumstances, there can be nothing accidental in the Church. And therefore, the argument that touching the brush, which is on the rosary, symbolizes, as it were, the invisible touch of the mind to the edge of Christ's robe, to the grace of God, is also not strained and artificial. We see that the rosary is arranged in the form of a closed circle, which, of course, without any artificiality, is easily associated in the mind with infinity, in this case - with eternity. The apostle Paul says: The visible is temporary and the invisible is eternal(2 Cor. 4:18). And the rosary, this ingenious device invented by the holy fathers to help us in doing smart doing, also reflect this invisible eternal. Being outwardly a simple object, they reflect many invisible, sublime things, as if revealing their presence for us during the Jesus Prayer. I will list it again: firstly, the rosary is a spiritual sword that helps us in the battle with demons. Secondly, it is a scourge with which we drive out passions from our souls. Thirdly, it is a symbol, it is a consolation to us, showing that if we diligently and wisely exercise the Jesus Prayer, we will receive a hundredfold reward. Fourth, the rosary reminds us of the bonds and sufferings of the Savior, and thus teaches us humility. Fifth, they teach us to remember the commandments and at the same time hope for the mercy of God, because only one touch of the glory of God and grace already heals us from the flow of passions. And, finally, they are an image and a symbol of eternity, to which a person joins through engaging in prayer, especially through engaging in the unceasing Jesus Prayer.

The attitude to the rosary should be reverent. It is necessary that they lie in the same place where the Gospel and the prayer book are kept. "

As one of the experienced practitioners of the Jesus Prayer, monk Boris, wrote at the beginning of the 20th century: “Do you want to learn how to drive away quickly and with power the thoughts brought by demons? Drive them away, when you are alone in your cell, by a vocal attentive prayer. Brother! Pronounce her words on the rosary slowly, with emotion: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

The rosary indicates one hundred and ten nodes (meaning a hundred with ten dividing nodes). Separate ten large knots out of a hundred for the creation of the prayer of the Mother of God. Pray to Her like this: "Most Holy Theotokos, save all of us and me, a sinner." And She will always be your Helper in everything.

My brother! Demons tremble from attentive oral prayer, and their nets are crumbling! And the holy angels pray together with those who do oral attentive prayer, as some of the holy saints of God were worthy to see it: st. Seraphim Sarovsky, Simeon Divnogorets and others.

Throughout their lives, the holy fathers practiced oral and vowel prayer and received the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The reason for their prosperity is that the mind, the heart, the whole soul and the whole body were united with the voice and mouth; they uttered the prayer with all their soul, with all their strength, out of their whole being, out of all man. That is how they were kindled in love for God.

Brother! Let us, with God's help and the prayers of our Most Holy Theotokos, be attentive in oral and vocal prayers, uttered by us at church services and in our private solitude. My brother in Christ, let us not make our labors and life in the monastery fruitless by our carelessness and neglect in the work of God. "

One of the 19th century elders says much more about the inner side of prayer: "The main thing is to become mind in heart before the Lord," writes Bishop Theophan the Recluse (1815-1894), "and to stand before Him permanently day and night until the end of life." According to this definition, one can pray without asking for anything and even without uttering any words. The emphasis shifts from an action that is limited to a length of time to an ongoing state. To pray is to stand before God in personal and direct communication; to know with all one's being - both intuitively and rationally, both in the subconscious and in the superconscious - that we are in God and God is in us. Personal relationships between people do not grow deeper because we incessantly question and utter words. On the contrary, the better we know each other and the more we love, the less need to say how we relate to each other. Personal communication with God is built in the same way.

“Prayer with the invocation of a name, on the one hand, is extremely simple and accessible to every Christian, on the other hand, it leads to the mysterious depths of contemplation. Anyone who intends to read it every day and for a long time, and even more so - to combine it with breathing or other bodily rhythm, must certainly find an experienced spiritual mentor, an elder, although this is very difficult to do these days. Those who have no personal connection with the elder can safely, without involving bodily rhythms, start small: ten to fifteen minutes of continuous prayer.

You do not need to study the Jesus Prayer or prepare for it in advance. Beginner tip: just get started. “If you don't take the first step, you won't go, and if you don't dive into the water, you won't swim. The same is with the invocation of the name. Start with love and reverence, be persistent. Think not that you are calling on the name, but only that you are standing before Jesus. Say the name slowly, quietly and calmly. "

Learning the words of the prayer will not be difficult. Most often it is pronounced like this: "Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me." But there is no uniformity here: sometimes “have mercy on me” is replaced by “have mercy on us” or the prayer is shortened to: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” or even to “Lord Jesus”; finally - very rarely - until "Jesus." Some, on the contrary, add "me a sinner", reinforcing the penitential aspect of prayer. Or, remembering the confession of the Apostle Peter on the way to Caesarea Filippov, they say "... the Son of the Living God ...". Sometimes an appeal to the Mother of God or the saints is inserted into the Jesus Prayer. But the Name "Jesus", which is the essence of prayer, is always present in it. We can try different combinations of words and choose the one that suits us best. Once selected, the formula can be changed over time, but not too often. “Just as plants do not take root if they are often transplanted, so prayer movements in the heart, with frequent changes in the words of the prayer,” warns St. Gregory the Sinaite.

There are no hard and fast rules for prayer "according to the rule" as well as for "free" prayer. The position of the body does not really matter. In the Orthodox tradition, the prayer is most often read while sitting, but it is possible both standing and kneeling, and if weakness or fatigue prevails, then lying down. And, as a rule, in the dark or with closed eyes, and not in front of an icon illuminated by a lamp or a candle. Elder Silouan the Athonite (1866-1938), when he was praying, hid his watch in the closet so that the ticking would not distract him, and pulled a thick woolen monk's hat over his eyes and ears.

The darkness, however, has a soporific effect! If you get sleepy during prayer, you need to get up from your knees or seat, sign yourself with the sign of the cross after the petition and bow, touching the floor with your right hand. You can also bow to the ground - kneeling down and touching the floor with your forehead. A prayer seat should not be relaxing, let alone lush, it is good if it is without handles. In Orthodox monasteries, a low bench without a back is usually used. You can pray while standing and raising your hands.

The Jesus Prayer is often recited by fingering a rosary, usually with a hundred knots. They do this not so much in order to count as in order to concentrate and keep the rhythm. It is well known from experience that keeping the hands busy makes it easier to calm the body and concentrate on prayer. Passion for quantitative assessments - by beads or something else - is by no means encouraged. In The Stranger's Candid Tales, the elder severely punished how many times a day the Jesus Prayer should be repeated: first 3,000, then 6,000, and finally 12,000, no more and no less. This is a completely unusual attention to quantity. Apparently, the matter here is not just in number, but in the inner disposition of the wanderer: the elder wanted to test his obedience and see if he was ready to fulfill without hesitation everything that he punishes him. For us, the advice of Bishop Theophan is more suitable: “You say that sometimes you forget to count your prayers with a rosary. The trouble is not great. When there is a fall to the Lord, as inherent, with fear and hope, this is better than any fulfillment of the number of prayers. "

When calling on the name, you do not need to deliberately imagine the Savior. The Jesus Prayer is usually read without looking at the icons, but in the dark or with closed eyes. “The memory of good and bad things usually imprints their images in the mind and introduces it into dreaming,” writes St. Gregory the Sinaite. - Then the one who experiences this is already a dreamer ( phantasies), and not a speechless ( hesychastes) ". "And so that while doing mental prayer you do not fall into delusion," writes the Monk Nil of Sorsk (+ 1508), "do not allow any ideas, images or visions in yourself." “In the action of the Jesus Prayer there should not be any image that mediates between the mind and the Lord,” writes Bishop Theophanes. - The essence of mental prayer is in walking before God; and walking before God is a conviction that does not depart from consciousness that God, as everywhere, is in you, and sees everything, even the inner, sees even more than we ourselves. This consciousness of the eye of God looking inside you should also not have an image, but everything should consist in one simple conviction or feeling. " Only in this way calling on the name - not representing the Savior, but simply feeling His presence -: we will experience all the power of the Jesus Prayer, which brings together and bestows integrity. "

It can be noted that rhythmic speech, which is an integral attribute of the Jesus Prayer, according to secular researchers, has a healing effect. According to Italian scientists, it has a beneficial effect on the heart.

Experts investigated the relative breathing rate of 23 people while praying with a rosary. A feature of both those and others was that their text, according to tradition, should be repeated fifty times. Or you can do it three times as much. For comparison, the rhythms of breathing were measured during ordinary conversation and during exercise to regulate breathing.

The typical human respiratory rate is about 14 units per minute, and this can be reduced to 8 in trained individuals. During the recitation of Christian prayers, the breathing rate can be reduced to 6 breaths per minute. Their effect on the body is similar: they help synchronize heart rhythms. And this, as noted by cardiologists, has a positive effect on human cardiovascular activity.

“The Jesus Prayer is amazingly flexible. This is a prayer for beginners, but it also leads to the deepest secrets of the contemplative life. It can be practiced by anyone at any time: when he is standing in line, walking, traveling by bus or train, working, during insomnia or in moments of intense anxiety, when it is impossible to concentrate on other types of prayer. However, of course, it is one thing when any Christian says the Jesus Prayer in this way at some special moments, and another thing is to say it more or less constantly, using physical exercises associated with it. Orthodox spiritual writers insist that practitioners of the Jesus Prayer should systematically, whenever possible, surrender to the guidance of an experienced mentor and do nothing on their own initiative.

For some, the time comes when the Jesus Prayer “enters the heart,” so that it is no longer pronounced as a result of a conscious effort, but by itself. It continues even when a person walks or writes, is present in his dreams and wakes him up in the morning.

Orthodox Christians believe that the power of God is present in the name of Jesus, so that invoking the name of God acts as an effective sign of divine action endowed with sacramental grace. "Prayer penetrates the inner being of a person who, in amazement, sees himself in the Divine light ... The light of the name of Jesus, through the heart, illuminates the entire universe." Both for those who read the Jesus Prayer constantly, and for those who resort to it only occasionally, it is a source of boldness and joy. To quote the Wanderer ("The Wanderer's Frank Stories to His Spiritual Father"):

“Now I walk like that and incessantly say the Jesus Prayer, which is more precious and sweeter to me than anything else in the world. Sometimes I walk seventy or more versts a day and do not feel that I am walking; but I only feel that I am making a prayer. When a strong cold seizes me, I will begin to say a prayer more intensely and soon I will be warm all over. If hunger starts to overcome me, I will more often call on the name of Jesus Christ and forget that I was hungry. When I get sick, my back and legs will ache, I will listen to prayer and I don’t hear pain. Whoever will offend me, I will only remember how delightful the Jesus Prayer is; immediately the insult and anger will pass, and I will forget everything ... Thank God! now I clearly understand what the saying that I heard in the Apostle means: “Pray incessantly” (1 Thess. 5:17) ”.

Stories from the life of holy ascetics associated with the rosary

Death of Hierodeacon Serapion

The fact that the rosary is not just a mechanical device is also evidenced by a very interesting case from the life of a Glin ascetic, Hierodeacon Serapion. This ascetic, pious, zealous, who had avoided even being ordained to the rank of hieromonk all his life, despite the fact that he was worthy of it, asked that when he died, they would not bury him for three days. And so, when he rested, the brothers saw an extraordinary miracle: after his death, when his body lay on his deathbed, he continuously fingered the rosary for three hours, and this showed his inner sublime state - everything that was in his heart.

A true novice - the imitator of Abba Dorotheus

In one of the Kerasian cells, namely in the cell of the Honorable Forerunner and Baptist John, there lived a certain reverent, simple and humble monk, a true novice, named Panteleimon (in the world Theophilus Theophilopoulos), originally from the town of Longaniko near Sparta. Having carefully read the life of Abba Dositheus, who lived in the 5th century in the monastery of Abba Seris in the East, quoted by Abba Dorotheus in his book, he wanted to imitate him.

This book and the way of life of Abba Dositheus made such an impression on Father Panteleimon that he wholeheartedly decided to imitate him. And in fact, he repeated his life in everything. He did not want to eat the eggs, which he needed due to illness, because he asked for them himself; to cut off his will, he did not eat them. Likewise, Father Panteleimon in no matter wanted his will to be done; everything had to be exactly as the elder commands.

His selflessness was perfect. He did not even drink water without the permission and blessing of the elder. He regularly confessed and revealed his secret thoughts to the confessor; he could not sleep without confessing his thoughts and the results of the spiritual warfare of this day.

In accordance with the tradition, which became a requirement of his conscience, and Father Panteleimon unacceptably performed the daily prayer rule - bows and prayer on a rosary - and incessantly uttered prayers with his mind and mouth: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me”, “Most Holy Theotokos, save me "," the Baptist of Christ, pray to God for me and help my sinner "," Holy Fathers, pray to God for the whole world and for me a sinner. "

With the permission of the elder and confessor, in addition to the daily harsh and difficult obediences and his own prayers and spiritual deeds, he made a special prayer for his parents and relatives in the flesh and in spirit and for the whole world.

He was so accurate and attentive in his life in general and in his daily prayer labors, church services and the Divine Liturgy that when in 1931 his elder sent him to Ierissos to see a doctor to heal his right hand, damaged from childhood, and during 15 days after the operation, he could not bow and touch the rosary, the elder commanded him to perform so many prayers and bows in advance to cover the days lost during his recovery; O. Panteleimon made 500-1000 bows and 50-60 hundreds per day.

To give an example of cutting off our will, we will tell about one of the many cases that we ourselves have witnessed.

It was summer; the figs are already ripe. There were many fig trees in our cell opposite the house; they also grew in the garden, about a hundred meters down the slope. On the trees that grew in front of the cell, the figs had already begun to swell, but had not yet ripened. The next day my brother and I went to the lower garden to dig it up. We set to work and, having sat down to rest a little under the shade of a fig tree, we were glad to see that there were a lot of ripe figs on it. I got up to pick some fruit.

Father and brother Panteleimon said:

Hey! What are you doing, brother?

Unaware that I was doing something wrong, I naively answered:

Brother, I see that the figs are already ripe here, and since we didn’t take anything with us for breakfast, I’ll pick up some figs to have something to eat.

And he meekly answered me:

Brother, did you take the elder's blessing?

Making excuses, I said:

I did not know, brother, that the figs were already ripe here to ask permission and blessings in advance; I don't think the elder would refuse. Let me pick some fruit now and we will eat it, and then we will tell the elder about it.

Then he says to me:

Great idea, brother: to secretly eat first, and then ask for forgiveness! This is called willful sin and deserves punishment. So you should first ask permission for what you are going to do, so that it would be with the blessing of God, for your mental and physical benefit.

He always built his life according to this criterion. And in this way he never strayed from the course, because the elder was responsible for his every work, who knew in advance about everything that Fr. Panteleimon. Therefore, his conscience was always calm, clear and serene, for he fulfilled his duty.

The power of prayer by beads

One monk from the monastery of St. Paul once went to St. Gerasimos (known for his gift of casting out demons - transl.) In Kefalonia. During the Divine Liturgy, he stood at the altar and prayed on a rosary - he said a prayer in his mind: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us," and at that time they sang in the church. One demoniac was brought to the church so that Saint Gerasim would heal him.

When the monk prayed in the altar, the demon in the temple burned, and he shouted:

Hey, you monk, don't pull this rope - it burns me!

The ministering priest heard this and said to the monk:

Brother, pray with all your might on the rosary so that the creation of God will be freed from the demon.

Then the demon, furious, cried out:

Hey you old pop, what are you telling him to pull the rope ?! She burns me!

Then the monk with even greater zeal began to read the prayer, fingering the rosary, and the man who was tormented by the demon finally freed himself from him.

Prayer with Trouble

Father Arseny Peschernik said: “When I pray on the beads while standing, I feel a strong Divine fragrance. And when I pray while sitting, I can hardly feel it. "

Despite his ninety-five years of age, the elder constantly and zealously pursued asceticism, and also constantly enriched himself spiritually, although he had already accumulated a large spiritual capital.

1. Complete Orthodox Theological Encyclopedic Dictionary in 2 volumes. Vol. 2. No date.

2. Reprinted from the publication: “Old Believers. Persons, objects, events and symbols. The experience of the encyclopedic dictionary ". M., Church, 1996.

3. Nizhny Novgorod Internet directory "Cultural tourism",

4. Abbot Abraham, confessor of the Novo-Tikhvinsky convent in Yekaterinburg. The material is posted on the website of the monastery at:

5. Monk Boris. Instructions in the Jesus Prayer. Orthodox life. No. 9 (620) September 2001.

6. Bishop Callis of Diocleus (Ware). The Power of the Name. CHURCH AND TIME, No. 1 (8), 1999. Posted at.

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Having just passed the way from catechumens to baptism, I know very well how it happens when you cannot understand something in matters relating to faith. If you are in trouble, you won’t know which book to read and where to find it.

The most accessible and book-abundant place is, st. Rogozhsky village, no. 29, bld. 9. Despite the fact that I am separated from the shop almost one and a half thousand kilometers, I have been there a couple of times.

The shop is located in the same building as the Rogozhskaya refectory. The choice of literature is huge. A definite plus - the site of the bookstore - Ismaragd - ISMARAGD.RU... In fact, I am happy to use it to purchase books.

There is a very useful little book for those who begin their Christian path in the church shop. "Educational prayer book" ... The price is 30 rubles!

The designated prayer book is a guide for an initial acquaintance with ancient Orthodox prayers. “There can be no Christian without prayer”, the compilers of the book write in the opening remarks "On Prayer." The publication also contains the sayings of the Holy Fathers of the Church.

Further, it tells about prayer customs, the sign of the cross, and gives the concept of bowing. Then there are daily prayers with interpretation and directions. An explanation is given about the most important and first prayers: the Jesus Prayer and the Prayer of the Publican. About the beginnings (small and large), about morning and evening prayers. The prayer for the meal is also given with a detailed explanation and examples of cases that may arise. Let's say if you do not eat twice a day.

The book also tells about the custom of Christians to make a prayer request to the saints of Christ's Church. The story is about lighting candles. The book will be an indispensable tool for a Christian who does not yet know or has not learned the necessary prayers.

An educational prayer book was published by the Rzhevsk publishing house "Margarit". Publishers ask to send their wishes and reviews to the address of the Intercession Church in the city of Rzhev, of which he is Archpriest Evgeny Chunin... Father Eugene is known for his articles and sermons, one of which I present at the end of my story.

About home prayer

Let me tell you today how important prayer at home is. In fact, we know that it is necessary to pray not only in church on holidays, but also at home every day: we are told about this from our very childhood, from the day of our Holy Baptism. As a rule, the spiritual father reminds us of this when we come to confession again. But many years of experience show: despite the obvious clarity of the issue, despite repeated reminders, many, very many Christians are now in a serious prayer decline ...

Moreover, no one considers prayer unnecessary, but almost everyone justifies his laziness for home prayer with some extraneous circumstances: someone - lack of time, someone - fatigue, someone - forgetfulness. So are there really so many obstacles? Is it really that hard to pray at home?

Yes, there may be some obstacles, but our first problem is that we do not understand what they are. And to understand this is necessary!

How much time is it supposed to pray? Is there a single "standard" here? It must be said that even in the monasteries there was no definite uniform for all volume of the daily prayer rule, even in monasteries: each monk fulfilled what was entrusted to him by his evangelical father. Even less uniformity was and is with regard to the prayer rule of the laity: someone prays more, someone less, someone just a little. But - even if only a little, but still - every day! Do not pray at all - this is not allowed by any, even the mildest church rules and customs. They do not allow it, because the cessation of prayer inexorably causes the progressive spiritual death of a person, that fatal process, the end of which is in fiery hell.

However, in order not to confuse our readers with the prospect of many hours of prayer exercises, let's make a reservation: in our further discussions, we will focus on the minimum prayer rule - about what is called the “Small Principles” in church use - a small prayer sequence that has an initial meaning. It includes the prayer of the publican, the prayer to the Theotokos "It is worthy ...", praise to the Trinity, and a prayer of release. Together with all the bows, it will take about one minute, together with lighting a lamp, getting a ladder and a handyman - no more than three (five) minutes to do everything unhurriedly. Agree, it's not scary anymore? And isn't it tiring? But why, then, do we not do this too?

Are we so busy that we really don't have time for prayer? Well, it's full! Is it possible that any of us will seriously assert that, having twenty-four hours in a day, each of them for sixty minutes, will not find two times a day for three minutes - in the morning and in the evening - in order to make the minimum home prayer? Therefore, if someone really thinks that he “does not have time for prayer” - such a person is clearly deceiving himself and lying before God. And vice versa: one has only to WANT to find time for prayer - and it can be easily found, with all our busyness.

Others refer to their forgetfulness ... They claim that they want and love to pray, but they just forget about it again and again, and so - every day ... Maybe this? No, this explanation cannot be trusted either - it is sly. Is it so difficult to overcome such forgetfulness? For example, ask someone from your family to remind us about prayer, or set a reminder on your mobile phone, or write yourself a sign “Don't forget to pray!” and place it where it is visible. The trick is not great. And the problem of forgetfulness can be easily resolved if you only WANT to resolve it.

It happens that we cannot organize our regime so that we have time for prayer. But this does not justify us either, because our regime is still in our hands. And if we find time to relax, read something interesting, talk on the phone with friends, watch TV, then how can we then say that we do not have enough time for prayer?

We seem to understand that prayer is necessary, but ... we cannot force ourselves to pray. Why? The reason for our prayer difficulties is not at all in busyness, and not in forgetfulness, or in any other hindrances. The reason is different, that the devil, day after day, with ingenuity and deceit leads us away from prayer, and we, like blind kittens, do not realize that all our usual excuses, sophisticatedly imposed on us by Satan, are banal self-deception.
Our main problem is that we do not feel that the devil is deceiving us. We do not know how to recognize his insidious intrigues ... Moreover, we have already succumbed to them in many respects, have lost our Christian sobriety, and that is why it is not easy for us to understand what is really happening to us, and where the crafty one is pushing us. It is against our prayer that Satan fights most of all!

How to get out of this sad state? First of all, you need to start praying. It is prayer that helps us get rid of the devil's obsession, helps us to understand life, and gives strength. Prayer is our primary spiritual weapon. And the devil slyly persuades us to hide him away or even throw him into a landfill - because “the time is now peaceful, calm, there is no one to fight with, and why should we carry such burdens with us in vain? Look around, all normal people have already thrown their weapons ... And you throw it as soon as possible! " Our soul grows cold, prayers are forgotten, and it is simply impossible to make up your mind to come to church.

But let's at least stop deceiving ourselves, stop looking for more sly excuses. The reason for our prayer difficulties is the same - our spiritual cooling, our lack of faith, our deviation from the Church and from God, and we must frankly admit this to ourselves.

Now that we have realized the cause of our spiritual distress, we must make every effort to correct the situation. And let's not doubt our success: with God's help, our efforts will not be in vain. There are such examples, Thank God.

If we do not find zeal for such work on ourselves, do not want to correct our spiritual life, then what then are we worth as Christians?
(There is a Study Prayer Book in our church shop, which contains the most basic initial prayers with the necessary commentary.)

Afterword:

... learn to pray from the example of the sick, how they beg the doctor for mercy when he is preparing to cut or burn their bodies.

John Climacus.

Igor Stepovoy for the site ""
Used photo books from Ismaragd.ru and author's photo site

Material on the topic:

About Orthodox traditions and customs

Very informative material from a time-tested brochure on the rules of conduct in the temple of God. http://rpsc.ru/info/v-hrame/- the official website of the RPSTs

How to Read the Correct Canons and Prepare for the Sacrament

An article by parishioner Olga Samsonova, designed to teach Orthodox Christiansprepare for the Sacrament without a single mistake.

Articles about Orthodox orders and traditions, the intricacies of worship and prayer rules, carefully preserved by the Old Believers.

Old Believers or Rodoverians belong to the period of the ancient Slavs. Then it was a huge tribe that spread not only in the territory of modern Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, but in the Balkans, in the Baltic States. They worshiped the most ancient gods, brought them rich sacrifices in exchange for harvest and peacetime. Old Russian conspiracies are not known to many. They formed the basis of Slavic magic, and later began to be used by modern practitioners.

They have tremendous power, because their power comes from nature, the spiritual connection of a person and his ancestors.

If you are looking for strong protective, healing spells, as well as effective damage, then you should delve into the study of this magical tradition. For Old Believers, they were of great importance, they will help you. The memory of generations will help to perform a powerful natural ritual. Your life will change for the better, because you know how to control its course.

Religion of Ancient Russia

Everyone knows that Ancient Rus was pagan. There are many beautiful legends, stories about gods and heroes. Before the baptism of Rus, sacrifices were made, the Magi helped people choose the right time for sowing, construction, and blessed them for exploits and battles. Women received help and relief during difficult childbirth, they had the support of the goddesses Lada and Makosha. Much time has passed since then. A decision was made on the Baptism of Rus, the transition to the Orthodox faith.

Temples were destroyed, idols were burned, and traditions were forgotten. But, it was so only in public. For a very long time, paganism remained the main, most powerful religion of the Old Believers. They did not accept the new God and his faith. New idols were built in the forests, and ceremonies were carried out in secret. In some places, it was generally against the worship of the new God. There, the old rituals were conducted, services were held in the name of Perun, Yarilo, Svarozhich. People did not want to forget their gods. There were many such centers in the East.

The Old Believers have kept their traditions from much earlier times. The baptism of Rus was aimed at eradicating paganism, but it was also divided into two camps. There are several generations of Slavic pagan gods. The first, the most ancient, begins with the Thunderer Perun. Later, many centuries later, Yarilo, a wise, just, very warlike god, came to replace him. And then there was a split. The Old Believers wanted to continue their rituals in honor of Perun, and the admirers of the new gods unanimously shouted that the future belongs to Yaril - the Sun, Light, Power.

Old Believers and Worshipers of New Gods

Even before the arrival of the Orthodox faith, whole areas appeared that did not recognize the power of the New Gods. They did not want to give the ancestral faith of their grandfathers. In their life, mysticism played a huge role. The faith of the Old Believers was closely associated with magic and rituals. Most of the conspiracies that date back to the Slavic period came to us from the times of the Old pagan gods. This was the beginning of the great Slavic magic, which fed from a source of natural power:

• The earth is a mother, protector. She provided food, clothing, the ability to sow and harvest.
• Water - there would be no harvest without water. A person cannot live without water, a plant, an animal need it every day. The Slavs settled along the rivers not only for the sake of their crops, but also thinking about protection. Crossing the stormy river is not easy, so on one side their cities were well defended.
• Air is as important as water.
• Fire - warmth, light, protection from wild animals. With the help of fire, you can not only cook food and heat your home, create weapons. Even then, the Slavs knew how to subjugate metal.

These four elements are pure nature for all Old Believers. She fed their magic, giving the power of all the elements at once. Rituals were performed that formed the basis of today's elemental and natural magic.

In those days, the balance between black and white magic was much stronger.

Another important feature is Rod. The ancient Slavs even had a god named Rod, who sacredly kept the connection between generations. All the power of ancestors is behind the back of the one who honors the ancestral history, knows the names of great-grandfathers and follows their faith. The nature and strength of the family helped the mystics of ancient Russia. They received tremendous power from the blessings of their ancestors. Their life was a sex of mysticism, rituals, conspiracies. Both whites and blacks.

In those distant times, nature and fate were ruthless to man. He had to use two types of magic at once in order to survive. The Old Believers had many enemies, but they also had friends. Their gods always stood side by side, reminding of themselves with thunder, rain, bright Sun or fertile soil.

Old Gods and New Gods

There are several generations of gods. They were transformed, because the idea of ​​a person about the world and the forces of nature was changing. The oldest gods belong to the era of Animism. This means that a person saw the soul in everything:

• forces of nature: rain, thunder, lightning, clear weather;
• animals: ritual, totemic animals for gods and goddesses, they served as victims or, on the contrary, were glorified;
• nature: stones, trees;
• change of seasons: the coming to power of one or another god was accompanied by a change in weather, temperature, living conditions.

For the Old Believers there was nothing, no one without a soul. The whole world was created at the behest of the gods, which means that even the smallest stone on a dusty road has a part of divine touch.

The most ancient gods:

• Perun - Thunderer, Father and Creator;
• Mother - she is earth, sky, water and fire. Later Lada.

In addition to these gods, there were also children and grandchildren:

• Horse is a god who personifies the Sun. Later, when Yarilo came to power in heaven, he combined the power of Perun and Khors in himself;
• Dazhdbog - commanded the rains, rivers, seas. He was asked for good rains for a bountiful harvest;
• Semargl - conveyed the will of the gods to people. He was the messenger and voice of the supreme deities;
• Stribog is the lord of the winds;
• Rod - protector of the clan, family, home;
• Svarozhich is the god of fire and blacksmithing. According to the legend, he gave people fire, taught how to forge iron.

Dazhdbog, Simargl, Stribog

These are male deities, but what about women? They had their own goddesses:

• Makosh is a female goddess. She taught women how to spin, sew, cook and keep the house clean. Later, it will be replaced by Friday. She also taught women to create charms, to protect the house from evil spirits;
• Women in labor - give help during pregnancy, childbirth. These goddesses keep a record of each child born, creating his own destiny for him;
• Beregini - they are only half goddesses. This is a bird woman. A very kind character who always stood up for a woman, protected her from suffering, troubles, misfortunes.

Everyone, young and old, believed in these gods. This tradition does not fade away even after 1000 years.

The power of ancient conspiracies

Conspiracies were part of everyday life. What did the Slavs defend themselves against?

Chernobog with his army of demons, devils, water. They were the main enemies of humanity. So that there was peace in the house, the children did not get sick, the old people lived peacefully, and the harvest was good, it was worth defending against the influence of an evil god. He was also revered, but his army could do much harm with its cunning. All the black deeds of man only multiplied this army of evil.
Chernobog, on the other hand, caused illness, damage, could kill with his will or cripple even the most skillful warrior. But the worst thing is that he put bad thoughts in people:

• bewitch;
• kill;
• steal;
• take away.

Then he no longer acted by himself, but by the hands of other people. Against such black deeds, amulets, talismans were created that protected the will, the soul of a person. Other conspiracies helped cure people from disease. Magi practiced such magic, but it was also widespread among ordinary inhabitants. They knew how to use magic:

• ward off disease;
• help in childbirth;
• relieve fever;
• strengthen immunity;
• save children and adults from death.

All these rituals were accompanied by sacrifices. Today, few make traditional sacrifices, but this tradition has survived. The gods will gladly accept homemade kvass, good beer, ritual fire, fresh flowers, animal blood from you. For this, it is not necessary to kill a chicken or a pig, as was done before. Today, fans of this tradition buy fresh meat, beef or pork heart. Such a sacrifice is pleasing to the old gods. If you want to follow exactly the old rituals, you will have to slaughter the ritual animal.

Simple conspiracies

They do not need rituals at all, you can pronounce it every day for your protection or for yourself not good. It is best to have a small image (idol) of the deity that you choose to worship. You need to make it yourself from clay, wood or stone. Such an idol helps to appeal to God more quickly. These conspiracies need to be learned by heart, the gods do not like it when words are read on paper or from a computer screen. During rituals or conspiracies, it is generally better to be on the street, closer to the open window. Nature will help you, give you strength for the conspiracy of the Old Believers.

A few simple conspiracies for every day will help you get started with this amazing, interesting, ancient tradition.

Health conspiracy

This spell of the Old Believers is suitable for children and adults. It can be pronounced to yourself or to another person. So, use when something hurts you, or your loved ones are sick. You need to put your hand on the person's forehead and say:

“I will become blessed, I will go to the blue sea, on the blue sea is the white-combustible stone of Alatyr, on the stone of Alatyr the Goddess Jiva sits, holding a white swan in white hands, plucking the white wing of the swan. As the white wing bounced off, bounce back, jump back, recoil from (the name is spoken) birthmarks, fever and fever - Rumble, Lomey, Decrepit, Drowsy, Wind, Trouble, Chilly, Shaking, Fire, Dumb, Yellow Karkusha, Looking, Snoring. From a violent little head with clear eyes, with black eyebrows, with a white calf, with a zealous heart. From the wind came, go to the wind, came from the water, go to the water, came from the forest - go to the forest. From century to century. The mermaid walked along the forest path, scratched a tender leg, and from that wound, yes, not blood-ore, but from that wound, yes, pure water. Yes, the water is clear, that stream flowed, but that water passed all over the earth. Yes, on that island and on that Buyan, on that Buyan, and a high mound. On the burial mound, the stone-alatyr lies in its entire width. Do not raise it, do not fold it, while the human race lives on earth. As if under the stone, the water flowed away, and behind it the disease forever. Now and ever and from circle to circle! Taco byst, taco, wake up taco! The Wanderer Lay down, my Light Guardian, given to me by the Patron-patron for protection, I ask you diligently: You enlighten me today and save me from all evil, guide me to a good deed and direct me to the righteous path, so that all my deeds will be in the Glory of Svarog and Kind of Heavenly. Now and ever and from circle to circle! Taco byst, taco, wake up taco! Oh you, Lada mother, mother Sva (heavenly) most pure! Do not leave us without love and happiness! Grace descended on us, as if we honor and glorify you Now and ever and from circle to circle! Taco byst, taco, wake up taco! Until the end of time, while the sun was shining on us! "

The pain quickly goes away, and the person falls asleep. This is the only side effect.

Conspiracy pleading for protection

Ask for protection in difficult times - the Slavic gods will not leave the request unanswered. Your entire family will defend and support. You do not need to use it every day, but only when you are in danger. It's short, so memorize it, teach your child.

Whatever happens - say:

“Father, you are Semargl-Ognebog, you are God to all Gods, you are fire to all fires! As you burn and burn in a field of grass-ants, thickets and slums, raw oak has underground roots, seventy-seven roots, seventy-seven branches, so you slept with (the name is spoken) sorrow and disease. Now and ever and from circle to circle! Tako byst, tako, wake up tako! "

Help will come to you suddenly, but it will be exactly when you need it.

Conspiracy for happiness in life

Fortunately, this conspiracy is pronounced in life. It helps especially well if you have a "black streak". No job, no money, bad family relations. This conspiracy will change everything, turn it upside down. You will have every chance of happiness. This is what you dream about today, the Slavs dreamed about the same many centuries ago. Text:

“Zarya-Zarenitsa, the red maiden, the mother herself and the queen. The month is bright, the stars are clear - take from me insomnia, sleeplessness, midwife. Zarya-Zarenitsa in the middle of the night, come to me even as a red maiden, even as a mother as a queen and lay off me (the name is spoken) and take away from me the cursed force, all the ailments of adversity. Now and ever and from circle to circle! Tako byst, tako, wake up tako! "

Success in any business

May all your endeavors be successful. Say quietly:

“Work, work, be me, the servant of God (name), hunt. Ever dear Mary, give me strength for all stubble. Forever and ever. Goy! "

This short, simple conspiracy is powerful. Your words will be heard. Do not do it very often, you can offend the gods with your desire for profit. It is best to choose the most important things, before you start, say this text 1-3 times. You will have the support you need.

Among the Old Believers, this ceremony was carried out in the field, so it is better not to deviate from the tradition.

Ancient ritual of the Forces of Nature

This ritual is suitable for strong conspiracies when you need to increase your personal strength. On a windy day, go out into an open field, preferably all planted with rye, wheat, corn.

• You need to stand in the middle of the field, draw a circle around yourself with a new knife.
• In the north, light a fire, in the south, place a container with rain or river water.
• The east will correspond to the element of air.
• In the west, collect fresh soil with your own hands, pour it into a heap.
• Get on your knees saying:

“Perun! Wake up to those who summon Thee, Glorious and Trislaven! Health and a lot of Kin to all the children of Svarog, even, Kin of patronage, the mercy of reality, rule over all, vshche from Rodno! Tako byst, tako, wake up tako! "

• Ask the god for the strength to carry out your ritual. You need to address Perun respectfully, but without fear. God loves the brave, encourages them, will always help. And he does not listen to those who curry favor.
• In this circle, thank all the elemental elements for being present.
• Begin to conduct your ritual and conspiracy. You now have the power of a great ancient god.

A very good sign is considered to have begun thunder, rain during a spontaneous ritual. This means that Perun blessed you for the ritual, he will help you in every way.

A conspiracy that heals from drunkenness

The big trouble is drunkenness. To rid a person of it, a ritual must be performed. Ask Perun and the forces of nature for help. When you have finished preparing for the ritual, place on the ground in a circle:

• personal belongings of the patient;
• a bottle of vodka;
• three leaves of laurel;
• egg.

The call of forces is a prerequisite for the ceremony

Take your personal item and place three laurel leaves on it. They have magical properties of protection, give wisdom and purify the mind.

“White spirits, help (name) remember my old life as I remember it. Help him overcome the passion that is destroying himself, and the whole family, and his wife, and children. Help to find a new meaning in life and start life from a blank sheet. Let the good remain, let the bad go away forever. "

• Place the chicken egg on the ground with the pointed end down.
• Now you need to pour the whole bottle of vodka on the ground onto the egg without a trace.
• While pouring, condemn: as the water of fire leaves the earth, pours from the egg, so (name) is freed from its dependence, burden. May it be so. Goy.

You need to leave your personal item on the field there, and bury the bottle and the egg in different places. At the end of an elemental ritual, they usually thank the deity, the forces for their presence, and let them go. Only after that you can leave the circle, leave the field.

Conspiracy to protect from all ills

After the ritual, you need to lie on the ground, say loudly:

“Perun, Rod, Svarog, protect my house and the entrance to it, my body and the work I’m doing, from all those who oppose me, from all those who wish me evil, whose names I’ll tell you, and from whom I suffer without guilt. Protect me. Goy "

The earth will give you the power of protection you need. She is a mother, a progenitor, a nurse. The earth will take any troubles from you, and it will give you happiness. Do not throw away the clothes that you were wearing during the conspiracy, but keep them at home as a protective talisman.

Home protection

Take a candle and bring it to the place where you will be performing the ritual. After calling Perun, the forces of the elements, light a candle. You need to tell her:

“My beloved home! I drive out anger, envy, discontent and quarrels! Let love, peace, joy and peace reign within these walls! "

• Bring the candle home and light it.
• Circle all corners.
• Light up corners, jambs, window frames for it.
• So your home will be reliably protected from any hardships and troubles.

Conspiracy from envious people

A conspiracy will help from envious and evil languages:

“From a bad hour, from a bad eye, from a girl’s, from a young man, from night, midnight, from daytime, noon, from an hour, half an hour, from a gray eye, from a yellow eye, from a black eye that jokes and dries this man. He didn’t flatter you, he didn’t do evil, take out all the ailments from the whole white body and from the violent head. And if you don’t stop joking and drying this man, I’ll go to the family, I’ll pray, I’ll bow to the Sun, I’ll turn to Perun, I’ll turn to the Roof, they will send menacing clouds on you, they will beat you with thunder, they will burn you with lightning, they will pierce the earth through the ashes through the Mother ... Oh, Mother Holy Mother of God, you could have saved God to give birth, help us from every unclean spirit, from a dashing eye, from a bad hour to dissuade. "

If you know a person who spreads gossip about you, conducts conversations, then imagine him during the ritual. He will stop very soon, and if he starts again, then the gods will punish him.

The dark magic of the Old Believers

In addition to protective and healing magic, there is also another side. This is the dark magic of the Old Believers. It includes damage, curses, love spells and a variety of destructive spells. They came from Chernobog himself, who also sought to help people by teaching them to control the souls of others. Anyone who dares to pronounce these conspiracies will be able to mend his love, defeat the enemy or avenge an insult. Traditionally, it was considered a great sin, but they were used anyway.

If you lose something valuable or cut yourself badly after the spell, then your debt to Chernobog is paid.

There is no such person whom Chernobog could not convert to his faith. He tempts his soul with power, but always takes his own. The sacrifice for him is not determined, because this lord of the afterlife, the lord of darkness, chooses a victim for himself.

The stronger the impact, the more valuable the sacrifice for it will be. Prepare with an open mind to sacrifice something dear to make an impact. These are the rules, they were like that in the days of the ancient Slavs, they are the same today. The power of this magic is in following tradition, because this is how it managed to survive even after 1000 years.

Love spell guy

Love spells and addicts belong to dark magic. They may sound pretty harmless, but they are not. In fact, any love spell or sexual addiction is compulsion. You destroy the protection of a person, you subjugate his will.

To bewitch a guy, you need to come to the place where birches grow. Tie three red ribbons on the birch, but tightly. The knots can be moistened with water so that they do not come loose. Tell:

“Oh, birch, beauty!
Help me, help me!
Love and happiness send me!
Like birds nest in pairs,
So I want to meet my darling! "

Tighten the knots tighter. Go away, don't turn around. Now the first message from a loved one will come in 3 days.

Bewitch any person

To bewitch a guy or a girl is a strong spell. You need to cut your hand a little. Cut so that there is blood. Go to the boy's or girl's house. Shake this blood off to the ground, looking to the South near the house of your beloved person. Tell:

“I ask you Kama, I ask you Lada,
Help my trouble, weave a sweetheart into my fate.
He will love me, he will be nice to me.
I ask you Kama, I ask you Lada,
As branches of birch and oak intertwined,
So appear in my life. "

Now he will not go anywhere from you. Feet themselves beloved or beloved will bring to you.

The return of an ancient tradition

Today you can be anyone, which means that if you want to profess the religion of the ancient Slavs, Old Believers, then all the cards are in your hands. There is a lot of literature on this topic, forums, communities. You choose the path yourself:

• join the community of Old Believers, conduct rituals together, share experiences;
• go your own way into the depths of ancient magic.

All doors are open in front of you. Today, you cannot surprise anyone with your interests, so you can easily be overwhelmed by what you love. There are many workshops in which amulets and attributes for rituals are made in strict accordance with tradition. Buy everything you need there or make it yourself.

Followers of the Old Believer tradition recommend spending more time outdoors. Make fires, swim in rivers, meet the winds, breathe deeply. This will help you be closer to nature, restore the balance of power. Whether you follow white magic or black magic is your choice. In any case, these are powerful spells, proven rituals, the result you need. Your world will change if you start these practices.