St Modestos: The Healer of Animals

St Modestos: The Healer of Animals

The prayer has been handed down through the centuries from St. Modesto, who was a priest and patriarch of Jerusalem.

Born in the year 292 AD, St. Modesto has been known for years as the Orthodox Christian patron saint of animals. During his life, he was known both for his piety and for his respect for animals. His prayer includes a request for the creator's protection of the animals we love from all illness and injury. The feast of St. Modestos is observed on Dec. 16.
St. Modestos Patriarch of Jerusalem, a great Protector, and Healer of Animals

Protector and Healer of Animals

Once, there was a poor widow who had five pairs of oxen. They were her only means of support, and, unfortunately, at one point turned greatly sick. The woman was greatly worried and mourned inconsolably. She took refuge in the Church and implored all of the Saints to help her in her time of need. She didn't receive any help, so she called upon the Holy Twins.

In Search of an Animal Healer

Sts. Kosmas and Damian, to have mercy on her, the sinner, for because of her sins, her oxen were in danger of being lost. In her sleep, Sts. Kosmas and Damian appeared to her and told her that to them were not granted the Grace to heal animals. For this Grace was granted by God to the great Bishop of Jerusalem, Modestos.

If she went to him, her oxen would be healed. She awoke and hastened straightaway, seeking St. Modestos, but did not find him because he lived far from Jerusalem. She prayed with fervent faith for this Wonderworking physician to show up...

One night, the woman saw the Saint in a dream. He asked her why she was weeping. The Saint revealed to her that he was the Modestos that she was looking for and that he heard her prayers and had come to heal her oxen!

Modestos recommended that she cut off a portion of her iron tools and go to a place called "Lagenas," where there was a Church of the Archangel Michael.

In front of the Church, there lived a good artist named Eustathios, and with her iron, he would make a cross that she should bring to her home.

In the morning, when the priests would be serving liturgy, she should take the Cross, dip it in some oil, and anoint her oxen straightaway in the name of Christ. This supplication would heal them from their sickness.

 A Miracle Worker and a Bringer of Healing

The woman did as the Saint advised, and she saw her oxen healed. Again, she was able to work without any problem. At the same time, all gave glory to God, who gave such Wonder-working power to His servant St Modestos.

Since then, the faithless and magicians' art could not affect the houses of faithful Christians, for they could not approach the wondrous power of that Cross.

And even today, whoever celebrates the memory of St Modestos with faith, preparing a cross as mentioned above, his animals remain unharmed, through the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, from every diabolic energy and danger by men.

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