Tomorrow, October 16: Feast of Saint Dionysius the Areopagite — how to pray for a wish
Orthodox faithful mark the feast of the first bishop of Athens and a patron of scholars; tradition says he answers sincere prayers quickly.
Tomorrow, October 16, Orthodox Christians commemorate Saint Dionysius the Areopagite, remembered as one of the Seventy lesser apostles and traditionally recognized as the first bishop of Athens.
According to the lives and traditions surrounding him, before his conversion Dionysius was a respected Athenian, serving as a judge on the Areopagus and noted for his fairness, wisdom and gentle character. He was also a family man with children. After hearing the preaching of the Apostle Paul, he accepted baptism and became a devoted follower and companion.
Following the martyrdom of Paul, Dionysius is said to have travelled to Gaul (modern-day France) to preach the Gospel among the pagans. Tradition holds that he reached an advanced age — believed to be about 90 years old — when he was seized and brutally tortured for refusing to renounce Christ.
Folk practice and how people pray to him
When his head was cut off, tradition records a miracle: the Christian woman Karula took his head, hid it and later gave his body a proper burial. Dionysius left behind important theological writings and is venerated today as a protector of the educated, scholars and just people.
Popular belief holds that Saint Dionysius responds quickly to sincere prayers from those in trouble or facing a major life decision. The customary practice advised for the day is simple: take a quiet moment, light a candle in a church or at home, and offer a single clear and honest prayer focused on one wish.
Believers add that if the request is godly and causes no harm to others, Saint Dionysius will help it come about. A traditional prayer to him reads in English translation: "Taught in gentleness and reasonable in all things, clothed with a good conscience as is fitting, he was filled from the chosen vessel of the ineffable mysteries. He preserved the faith and had a good end, O priest‑martyr Dionysius: pray to Christ our God to save our souls. Amen."
Photo: press material from the event
