Although the first sinner on earth was a woman, many of the fairer sex became revered in the Orthodox faith. You can talk about their deeds for the sake of love to the Lord God for a long time. A special place in the Orthodox Church is occupied by female Myrrh-bearers, who, not being afraid of anything, followed Christ.
Myrrh-bearing women-who is this?
The women who first came to the tomb of Jesus Christ after the Sabbath, who resurrected, bringing to him fragrances and incense (miro) for the ritual abrasion of the body, are myrrh-bearers. The seven women mentioned in different scriptures were faithful to Jesus Christ to the end, and they did not run away as disciples and apostles, leaving the Son of God to die on the Cross. Finding out who they are, myrrh-bearers, it is worth saying that they were not afraid to turn to Pontius Pilate, so that he allowed to take the body of Jesus for burial.
According to existing legends, early in the morning of the third day, women came to the burial place with the prepared world. They were not afraid of guard and arrest, and therefore they were rewarded by being the first to recognize and see the Resurrection of Christ. At first, myrrh-bearers did not believe in what had happened, because Jesus was resurrected in another body, but when they heard his voice they were convinced of the miracle. The story that explains what it means to a myrrh-bearing wife is instructive in many ways. The main conclusion is that a loving heart is ready for much and even overcome fear and death.
Wife-bearers - names
In fact, the evangelists call different female names, but as a result of the analysis conducted by experts and, considering the Sacred Tradition, seven real persons can be identified. If you are interested in the names of myrrh-bearers, then remember the following names: Mary Magdalene, Maria Kleopova, Salomia, John, Maria, Martha and Susanna. Each woman had her own unique life story, but together they were reduced to a great love for the Lord God. There are no reliable information about other myrrh-bearers.
Life of myrrh-bearers
The Church represents the generally accepted lives of seven important women in Orthodoxy:
- Mary Magdalene . Before her acquaintance with Christ, the woman led a sinful life, because of which seven devils settled in her. When the Savior expelled them, Mary repented and followed him, serving Him and the holy apostles. Proceeding from the presence of a large number of references to this myrrh-bearer, we can conclude that she stood out among others by her faith and devotion.
- John . Many holy myrrh-bearing wives came to the Son of God after the miracle, so John followed Christ when he healed her dying son. Before that, she was a rich woman who did not follow the Lord's commandments.
- Salome . According to church legends, she was a daughter to the holy righteous Joseph the Hrapby. She gave birth to the apostles James and John.
- Maria Cleopova . It is believed that this woman is the mother of the apostle James the Alpha and the Evangelist Matthew.
- Susanna . Finding out who the myrrh-bearers are who they are, it's worth noting that not all women know a lot of information, for example, Susanna is mentioned once in the passage of the apostle Luke, in which he talks about how Jesus traveled around the cities for preaching. Susanna was one of the wives who accompanied him. There is no other information about it.
- Martha and Mary . These are native sisters, who also had a brother - Saint Lazar the Four-Ageed. They believed in Christ even before his resurrection. The Church believes that Mary was the woman who poured on the head of Jesus a pound of nard and pure precious world, thus preparing his body for burial.
What does the "Myrrh-bearer Wife" icon help?
There are several icons on which the great women are represented. They can be found in churches and bought for a home iconostasis. Many are interested in what the Myrrh-bearing women pray for, and so the icons are an inspiration for women praying for the feat of fidelity, peace and love. Before the image one can ask for forgiveness for the sins committed, for strengthening the faith and getting rid of the existing temptations. Help icons to find a quiet and righteous life.
Myrrh-Bearing Wives - Prayer
Since the great women for the Orthodox Church have created a feat in the name of love for the Lord, they are being addressed by prayer messages, as well as to the saints. Prayer to myrrh-bearers is a request that holy women be asked before the Lord for deliverance from sins and forgiveness. They turn to them to find love for Christ, as they themselves did. Regular prayer calls help to soften and tenderen the heart.
Wife-bearers - Orthodoxy
According to church canons, the day dedicated to holy women is analogous to March 8. The week of myrrh-bearers begins after Easter for the third week, it is worth pointing out that the word "week" means Sunday. On this holiday, women in ancient times must take communion, and then, cheerful celebrations were held. The Holy Fathers of the Myrrh-bearing Wives say that every woman on Earth is awarded such a title, because she brings peace to her family, gives birth to children and is the guardian of the hearth.
Wife-bearers in the modern world
Orthodoxy glorifies very different qualities of women, for example, devotion, sacrifice, love, faith and so on. Many chose for themselves a different path, focusing on other values, for example, fame, money, indifference, but there are exceptions. You can find many stories about how modern myrrh-bearers glorify the Lord and live a righteous life. This includes sisters of mercy, volunteers, mothers of many children, whose love is not only enough for their children, but for all who need it, and other women who live for the benefit of others.