There are many Saints who have earned the honor of being called a Saint through many trials and tribulations as well as doing good works here on earth. Thankfully because of our common faith. love and communion with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ we have gained friendship and are in communion with the Saints as well. We are able to ask for their intercessions in prayer to help us in our own lives. What an incredible gift to have someone in heaven with direct access to Jesus, praying for us.
This can be so empowering during childbirth to know that not only is Jesus Christ with us through our trials, but we have a "cloud of witnesses" as mentioned in the Old Testament book of Hebrews, with us and interceding for us as well. It is also inspiring to know the Saints, their lives and the workings of Christ through their hardships. Getting to know them also gives us a deep sense of our personal Faith because we are hearing a first-hand experience of someone deeply surrendering their life to Christ, trusting God's plan fully and never letting go of their Faith regardless of the circumstances.
This deep surrender that we see in most lives of the Saints is a good example of the deep surrender that we need to embrace as we traverse the waters of labor and childbirth. More on surrender during childbirth here.
St. Eleutherios and Anthia
His name meaning "one who is free" or "one who gives freedom." On his feast day we sing the hymn "You granted pregnant women freedom who had come to your temple, Father, and helped them to deliver their children with ease; and to those who entreated you intently, you granted smooth sailing. Even now you dispense good health to those who are sick, being renowned for your Miracles."
Anthia is the widowed mother of Eleutherios who was baptized by Saint Paul and entrusted her son in the hand of the Bishop of Rome at a young age. The Bishop saw how gifted Eleutherios was and ordained him deacon at the young age of 15, by 18 he became a priest and by 20 he was a Bishop. Emperor Haridian who was a persecutor of Christians sent one of his men to arrest Eleutherios and bring him to Rome but when he entered the church, he was enamored by the word of God and his heart changed so he became a Christian. Eleutherios baptized him and they returned to Rome together.
The emperor tortured Eleutherios in various ways but Eleutherios survived them all by the power of God. Many romans converted upon seeing these miracles. Eleutherios was eventually beheaded by imperial executioners. When his mother, Anthia, came and stood over his dead body she was also beheaded.
These two have been recognized as the patrons of childbirth for centuries because of their work as wonderworkers and also the simple fact that they are Mother and Son.
Prayer:
Holy Father Saint Eleutherios intercede for us!
St. Marina (St. Margaret of Antioch)
She is known as one of the Great Martyrs. After refusing to marry a Roman prefect she chose to be chaste and devoted herself and her life to God. Because of these choices she was imprisoned and faced much torture.
One night while she was in prison she was tempted by the devil in the form of a dragon. One of the many legends has it that the dragon attempted to ingest her but before he could finish swallowing, she cut herself out using her cross. she then heard a voice from heaven saying "Rejoice, Marina! You have overcome your enemy by your faith and courage. Be strong until the end, and you will receive the crown of life!” She is depicted in many icons emerging from the belly of a beast whilst holding up her cross. This is why she is the patron of pregnancy and childbirth, the emerging from inside the dragon as well as her deep faith and trust in God's plan for her. She found so much courage and strength from her deep devotion.
Her story is another example of the deep surrender and trust we must embrace as we traverse childbirth.
Prayer:
O Saint Marina,
You were a shining example of faith and courage, and you suffered greatly for your love of God. I ask for your help and guidance as I navigate the birth of my child. Give me the strength and courage to always put my trust in God. May your example inspire me to be a more faithful and devoted follower of Christ. Amen.
Theotokos helper in childbirth
There is no better or more holy intercessor than the Mother of God. We can look upon her birth story of our Lord and Savior as encouragement as we traverse the waters of our own labor.
It all started with the Annunciation, where Mary was met by an Angel sharing with her the Good News. She would have a virgin birth and bear the most holy fruit, Jesus Christ the Messiah. Mary didn't dare question the angel or God's plan. She surrendered completely to the path that lie before her.
When it came time to give birth Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem for safety. Once again there was no question about whether or not this was the 'right' thing to do, they trusted God and His greater plan for the birth of this Child. Upon the birth of Christ, the prophecy of the Messiah was fulfilled. Mainly due in part to Mary not getting in the way of God's plan.
Her birth story is almost the opposite of what would be considered ideal. But she triumphed over fear by putting all her faith in God.
Prayer:
Most Holy Theotokos save us!
Matushka Olga of Alaska
An Alaskan native, Olga Micheal, Wife of Father Nikolai Micheal and mother to thirteen children. She served her community by helping the poor, aiding in relief for those who suffered sexual abuse as well as her role as community midwife.
Although Matushka Olga is not yet a Saint, all recognize her as one. She was always in service of others. His Grace Bishop Alexei of the Diocese of Sitka and Alaska recently said "Matushka Olga has shown that she is not dead but living, alive in Christ, always ready to come to the aid of those who call upon her for help."
Prayer:
Holy Matushka Olga, pray to God for us!
We can also ask for the intercessions of our patron saints and the patrons of our unborn children. There are also many great Orthodox prayers we can use during childbirth. In addition to the intercessions of saints we can ask for the protection of our child by their Guardian Angel.
Through the power of Jesus Christ these Saints are able to be with us, pray for us and come to our aid in a time of great need. They are an extension of our community, more than happy to answer our call. These intercessions are another great tool to rely on in the midst of the transformative journey that is childbirth.
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