On November 10, Orthodox Ivanovites remember the Great Martyr Paraskeva of Iconium

In the people, she has long been called “the grandmother’s intercessor”, and this is not accidental: in Russia, they came to her with the most intimate female requests.

The main petitioner at the icon of Paraskeva was a girl for extradition. The saint prayed for a good bridegroom and a happy marriage. It was believed that sincere prayer helps to meet a worthy person and to have a wedding. But even after the crown, the woman did not cease to appeal to the intercessor: Paraskeva was asked about the harmony in the family, about respect and consent between the spouses. They believed that where the saint intercedes, quarrels subside, and the house is filled with peace.

Equally important was the request for children. About the birth of a child to Paraskeva appealed for a long time, seeing in her one who understands the woman’s share in all its fullness. She was trusted and the most expensive: the health of children, husband, parents. The icons of the saint were decorated with flowers, herbs and embroidered towels. In these gifts, the hostess put his love and hope. And the plants that lay at the image, then preserved as healing.

The history of Paraskeva goes back to the third century. She was born in Iconia into a family of Christians who especially revered Friday, the day of Christ’s suffering. Hence the name, which is translated from Greek – “Friday”. Early orphaned, the girl gave away property to the poor and devoted her life to faith.

However, popular love was stronger than official history. In Russia, Paraskeva became her own, close and very feminine saint. Her icon could be found in almost every home. So a simple girl from a distant Iconium turned into an intercessor, to which today they go with the most important requests - for love, family and health of loved ones.