Orthodox Saints and Prayers for Fertility
Orthodox Christians are given a “Host of saints” to ask for intercessions. They are with our Lord in Paradise and prove time and time again that they hear our prayers and offer them to God on our behalf.
There are countless stories of visitations and direct miracles after fervent prayer. In my fertility journey, I discuss my encounter with the Iveron Hawaiian Icon of the Mother of God and I believe she is the one who finally opened my womb.
Whether you have been trying to conceive for a month or many years, the pain of waiting for a child can feel unbearable. If you’re able to cast the burden, so to speak, on an intercessor who prays unceasingly before the Lord, the burden is no longer on your shoulders.
God is a merciful God who knows exactly what is right for our Salvation. I pray these saints and prayers give you strength as you wait on a child.
Orthodox Christian Saints for Fertility
Our Holy Lady the Theotokos
First and foremost, Mary, the mother of God, as intercessor for fertility. There isn’t anything we can’t ask her to talk to her Son about. She hears our prayers and as a mother has a direct line to her son.
There are also the cotton belts that are blessed on the Theotokos’ own Zone (belt) that was left behind after her assumption into Heaven. I was given a belt after my two miscarriages and I wore mine through my whole third (first healthy) pregnancy and the early months of my other three pregnancies.
Many monasteries have connections to the blessed belts, I acquired mine from Holy Protection Monastery in White Haven, PA.
Sts. Joachim and Anna
It’s no wonder that these two holy saints are renowned for their intercessions in fertility. Sts. Joachim and Anna waited decades to be granted a child. In their patience and steadfastness in the Lord, they were granted the blessing of being in the line of the Messiah.
One icon of St. Anna, located at St. Tikhons Monastery in South Canaan, Pennsylvania, has served countless miracles in helping women conceive. I venerated her icon and was anointed with the holy myrrh during our time at seminary. There are many, many little Annas running around the world in St. Anna’s honor.
St. Irene Chrystovolantou
Though I didn’t know about St. Irene when we were trying to conceive, I’ve heard many stories of how powerful St. Irene’s prayers are. Her life was an example of steadfast love and trust in Christ. She was a humble nun who gave her family's wealth away and devoted her life to Christ. She performed countless miracles while alive and many after her repose. She is commemorated on July 28th.
St. Elizabeth mother of John the Baptist
Like Sts Joachim and Anna, St. Elizabeth and Zachariah waited many years for a child. In Judaic custom, people assumed you were cursed if you couldn’t have a child, even more so for a priest of God.
St. Elizabeth trusted the Lord’s plan while St Zachariah doubted the Angel of the Lord, and because she trusted God’s plan, she was honored with a son who was “the greatest to be born of a woman”. St. Elizabeth is commemorated on September 5h.
Sts. Peter and Febronia
Though Sts. Peter and Favronia aren’t specifically known for intercessions in fertility, they are a beautiful example of a Godly marriage. Their prayers can help strengthen you and your husband while you build your life in Christ and wait for a child. They are commemorated on July 25th.
St. Marina of Antioch
St Marina is an incredible Saint. Her intercessions are powerful and she is a true example of a Christian. She is also known for her intercessions for fertility.
Mirelle describes that in Arabic, her story tells that before her martyrdom, she asked the Lord if her prayers could assist couples who struggle to conceive. Mirelle says that after she prayed before St. Marina's relics in Syria, she conceived after 10 years of infertility.
St. Marina is commemorated on July 17th.
Orthodox Christian Prayers for Fertility
When I was yearning for a child, Mother Olympiada at Holy Protection Monastery in White Haven told me, “Of course you’ll have more children! Why would God not want you to have children?” It brought me a lot of comfort and though I know that not all couples are given children, the Orthodox Church still offers prayers for fertility. Only God knows why He opens and closes wombs. So there is nothing wrong with asking Him for the desires of our hearts and then saying “May it be Blessed.
Prayers of the Sacrament of Marriage
In the wedding ceremony, we hear over and over again the blessing of the marriage bed and that the couple may see their children's children. Though we understand that you don’t have to have children in order to have a fulfilling Christian marriage, it is still a blessing to have children. If you forget what your marriage is founded on, consider talking to your parish priest about going through the marriage ceremony prayers again to freshen them in your mind.
“O Sovereign Lord, stretch forth Your hand from Your holy dwelling place and join together Your servant (Groom) and Your servant (Bride), for by You is a wife joined to her husband. Join them together in oneness of mind; crown them with wedlock into one flesh; grant to them the fruit of the womb and the gain of well-favored children….”
Paraklesis to the Mother of God for 40 Days
It is often prescribed to a couple struggling with conception to pray the Paraklesis to the Mother of God for 40 days straight. I haven’t personally met a couple who has done this and conceived but my priest husband has! Consult your spiritual father for further direction for any specific prayer rule.
St. Arsenius Psalter Book of Needs
Speaking of my priest husband, he is the one who introduced me to St. Arsenius’ Psalter book of needs. St. Arsenius gave each of the psalms a different “need” and you may find great comfort in praying the psalms this way.
The following two Psalms are the most applicable for women wanting to conceive or struggling with infertility. Click on the picture to download.
Psalm 19(20) for the couple who could not conceive due to medical reasons and so they do not divorce.
Psalm 106(107) for the woman who could not give birth and the ability to do so. Click here for a PDF booklet.
Saints For Fertility Bring Hope While Waiting
As Orthodox Christians we must live sacramentally partaking in confession, communion, and community. Union in the marriage bed is a beautiful gift from God and often results in the blessing of children. But when it doesn’t, the ache of waiting for a child can feel unbearable.
Prayerfully consider these saints for fertility and if you feel an affinity to one, ask for their help. And talk to your parish priest or spiritual father about directed prayers for fertility.
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