Is it permissible for Orthodox Christians to pray for money?
The very life of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker indicates: money can be spent both for good and not entirely. As you know, when, while still young, the saint helped three girls and saved them from fornication, he first threw only one bag of gold into the house to see what they would do with it. The father of the family then did not use the new funds for his own financial well-being or debauchery, but used the bag as a dowry.
After this, Saint Nicholas the Pleasant threw in the next bag and looked again, and again was not disappointed. Then he threw in a third one. From here it becomes clear that prosperity and financial support are given only to those who know how to manage it.
A worldly person, as a rule, needs to take care of attracting money and the well-being of his family. Nikolai Ugodnik himself saved three young girls from sin. The father of these girls had no money and everything was going towards giving the girls away to fornicate, but Nicholas the Wonderworker tossed each a bag of gold and thus not only saved them from sin, but also allowed them to create strong families.
Now many people offer prayers to Nicholas the Pleasant for money, for well-being in order to also receive family happiness or get rid of some difficulties. The saint helps believers.
To summarize, one should draw a simple conclusion: praying to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for money and good luck for an Orthodox Christian is a completely permissible act, especially when there really is a need and corresponding motivation.
Brief information about the coins of Nicholas II
Historians differ in epithets regarding the significance of the era of Nicholas II for the development of Russia. On the one hand, there are outstanding scientific discoveries and significant economic development, coupled with advanced social policies for that period. On the other hand, defeat in the war with Japan, the revolutionary movement throughout the country and thoughtless entry into the battles of the First World War. A beautiful façade that quickly collapsed in 1917. An unusual illustration of Russian history at the beginning of the 20th century can be created using the coins of the last emperor of Russia. For beginning collectors, all items in the coin series are quite accessible. If the coins of Alexander II and Alexander III seem too expensive to someone, then quite a lot of kopecks and even rubles of Nicholas II have survived to this day.
Collection of coins of Nicholas II
Album manufacturers produce not only solid folios for annual displays, but also simple one-page capsule-type tablets to create just such an exhibition. Let us recall that 500-carat silver (bilon) is used for denominations from five to twenty kopecks, while higher denominations (25 and 50 kopecks, as well as the ruble) are minted from high-grade silver
(900th metal sample). Small denominations (from five kopecks and below) are minted from copper. It is worth knowing that in connection with the renaming of St. Petersburg to Petrograd on the reverse of coins of 1915-1917. there is no abbreviation “S.P.B.” (indication of the mint). In addition to copper and silver, gold coins were also in circulation, but we will not consider them in this article.
¼ kopeck 1894-1916
Quarter kopeck of Nicholas II
This is the smallest denomination of the Russian Empire of this period and the smallest in size. Weight - 0.82 grams, diameter - 13.2 millimeters. The rarest are the first and last year of mintage. In 1901-1908 and 1911-1914. no minting was carried out. The most affordable examples are from the late 19th century. Coins of denominations less than a kopeck have the monogram of the last Emperor of Russia on the obverse.
½ kopeck 1894-1916
Half kopecks of Nicholas II
Rare dates are considered to be the first year of minting (according to the Bitkin catalog, the degree of rarity is R2) and the last (R according to the Bitkin catalog). The coin with the date “1895” also has a rarity level of R2, where the rounded ends of the letter of the imperial monogram on top have three curls
instead of four. In 1901-1907 this denomination was not minted. Huge circulations of other dates have brought to this day a large number of well-preserved copies that are easy to purchase. The weight is 1.64 grams, the diameter is in the range of 16.15-16.3 millimeters.
Kopek 1895-1917
One kopeck of Nicholas II
Since the obverse bears the coat of arms of the Russian Empire, as a result of which the design of the obverse has remained unchanged since 1867, kopecks are attributed to the period of Nicholas 2, starting from the date “1895”. On the obverse is the Small State Emblem of the Russian Empire. On the sides of the Great Imperial Crown flutter the ends of the ribbon of the Order of St. Apostle Andrew the First-Called. Below we see a pair of similar smaller crowns crowning a double-headed eagle. In his claws are the symbols of royal power - an orb and a scepter. On the chest there is a shield, where the Holy Great Martyr and Victorious George strikes a serpent with a spear. On the eagle's wings are the coats of arms of the eight kingdoms that form the empire. The left wing is represented by the Kazan kingdom, the Polish kingdom and the kingdom of Chersonese Tauride. On the fourth shield, the coats of arms of the Grand Duchy of Kyiv, the Grand Duchy of Vladimir and the Grand Duchy of Novgorod were merged. The right wing is decorated with the coats of arms of the Kingdom of Astrakhan, the Kingdom of Siberia, the Kingdom of Moscow and the Grand Duchy of Finland. Only specimens from 1917 have the highest degree of rarity. Pennies dated 1902 are uncommon. All other dates are considered ordinary and are present on the numismatic market in huge quantities. The weight of the penny is 3.28 grams, and the diameter is 21.7 millimeters.
2 kopecks 1895-1917
Two kopecks of Nicholas II
The weight of a two-kopeck coin is 6.56 grams, and the diameter is in the range of 24.1-24.3 millimeters. The undoubted decoration of the reverse of copper coins are laurel and oak branches tied with a ribbon. Small dots collected in a circle delimit this decorative element and the date from the center of the coin. The lower part of the central circle is separated by two curved lines, similar to the f-holes of a violin. The rarest specimens
, which some experts mistake for samples, are kopeck pieces with the date “1917”. The 1902 coins are also somewhat more expensive than the others. It is easiest to pay attention to the specimens from 1911-1916, since among them there are a larger number of “UNC” coins. Coins with a natural stamp shine will look advantageous as part of the exhibition.
3 kopecks 1895-1917
Three kopecks of Nicholas II
The mass of a three-kopeck coin is 9.83 grams, and the diameter ranges from 27.9 to 28.4 millimeters. Single examples of 1917 at various auctions show a variety of sevens in the date, which leads to thoughts that most of them are fakes. And here only 1902 is uncommon. The remaining dates are also available for beginning collectors.
5 kopecks of Nicholas II
Five kopecks of Nicholas II (copper)
This denomination is transitional, as it belongs to both the copper and silver groups of coins. The nickel of this period was minted in copper three times - in 1911, 1912 and 1916. Copper coin weight
equal to 16.38 grams. The diameter is in the range of 32.15-32.4 millimeters. The declared circulations are quite high - 3,800,009 (1911), 2,700,008 (1912) and 8,000,000 (1916) pieces. Despite the indicated circulation, the most expensive coin is the one with the date “1916” (according to Bitkin’s catalog, the rarity level is R). For an entry-level collection, it's easier to buy a 1911 nickel.
Five kopecks of Nicholas II (silver)
It's a different matter with five kopecks in silver. In the period 1897-1915. There are almost no missed years. Coins of the same year may differ in the letters under the eagle's paws due to the change of mintmasters. 5 kopecks of 1899 SPB-EB and 5 kopecks of 1901 SPB-AR according to the Bitkin catalog have a rarity degree of “R”, while 5 kopecks of 1899 SPB-AG and 5 kopecks of 1901 SPB-FZ are ordinary coins. Silver Patch Weight
only 0.9 grams (of which 0.45 grams are pure silver), and the diameter is 15.1 millimeters.
10 kopecks 1895-1917
Ten kopecks of Nicholas II
Early years of minting are somewhat more expensive than later ones. In terms of price, the kopeck coins with the date “1917” stand out, which, although they are constantly present on the numismatic market, are expensive. The weight of the coin is 1.8 grams, of which silver accounts for 0.9 grams. The diameter is seventeen and a half millimeters. In addition to different letters on ten-kopeck coins with the same date, it is worth noting that the 1916 coins have no letters at all. This batch was minted by the mint of the Japanese city of Osaka. Analyzing the auctions, you can see that the price of coins without letters is higher than the same ones, but with the initials of mintzmeister Viktor Smirnov.
15 kopecks 1896-1917
Fifteen kopecks of Nicholas II
Rare are the coins of 1899 with the initials “EB” and 1917. The first year of minting can be called infrequent. The remaining dates are offered in large quantities, so only those in excellent preservation are expensive. The weight of a five-altyn coin is 2.7 grams (of which silver is 1.35 grams). The diameter is 19.7 millimeters. In 1916, part of the mintage was also minted in Osaka, and these coins do not have the letters under the eagle's feet.
20 kopecks 1901-1917
Twenty kopecks of Nicholas II
During the reign of Nicholas 2, this denomination was minted only in the 20th century. In addition to expensive coins of 1917, specimens with the date “1912” and the letters “BC” are considered very rare. The weight of the two-kopeck piece is 3.6 grams (of which 1.8 grams are pure silver), and the diameter is 22 millimeters. It is worth noting that coins from 1902 also have a rarity grade of “R”, but recently their supply on the market has increased significantly.
25 kopecks 1895-1901
Twenty-five kopecks of Nicholas II
This is where the group of senior denominations begins. Now the side where the imperial coat of arms is minted is considered the reverse, because the portrait of the emperor
. A complete set of weather equipment occupies only five positions. A half-fifty dollar note with the date “1898”, which is not in the catalogs of Ilyin and Petrov, is considered a unique specimen. This coin is minted in "Proof" quality. Coins 1900 (R according to Bitkin) and 1901 (R2 according to Bitkin) also cannot be called accessible to beginning numismatists. For the collection, it is worth looking for specimens with the date “1895” or “1896”. The weight of a standard half-fifty piece is exactly five grams (silver accounts for four and a half). The diameter is only a millimeter larger than two kopecks (23 mm).
50 kopecks 1895-1914
Fifty kopecks of Nicholas II
The minting of fifty dollars ceased only after the outbreak of the First World War. Until the beginning of the twentieth century, part of the circulation was minted by the Paris Mint. These half rubles can be identified by an asterisk on the edge instead of the initials of the mintzmeister. The weight of the coin is ten grams (of which nine are pure silver). The diameter is 26.75 millimeters. Coins with a smooth edge
or the alignment of the sides is 180 degrees (the so-called “coin” ratio of obverse and reverse). For collectors of varieties, the most interesting year is 1899, which, in addition to the three variants described above, has three more, distinguished by the initials of the mintzmeister (EB, FZ and AG). Instances with the date “1903” are known only as “Proof”, and those with the date “1905” are not known at all. In VF condition, the most accessible coins are from the 19th century.
1 ruble 1895-1915
Ruble of Nicholas II
The highest denomination of the silver coin series. In addition to the Paris Mint, the Brussels Mint also participated in the minting (two stars on the edge instead of the mintmaster’s initials). Also rare are coins with a smooth edge and misalignment (such coins made in Paris are known only with the dates “1896” and “1898”). The mass of the Nicholas 2 ruble is equal to twenty grams, of which eighteen are pure silver. The diameter of the coin is 33.65 millimeters. The closer to the collapse of the empire, the smaller the circulation, so for an entry-level collection it is worth taking a closer look at 19th-century rubles. The interesting fate of the ruble of 1915
. Kazakov's catalog indicates a meager circulation of 600 pieces. However, a sufficient number of these coins circulate on the numismatic market. Experts believe that most of them were minted with authentic stamps already in Soviet times.
Complete selection of silver and copper of Nicholas II
For the mini-collection we only needed thirteen coins. But whether to place them in a standard album or to make a unique and inimitable stand with artistic design yourself is a decision entirely up to you.
Should You Pray Regularly?
In a difficult situation, it is quite important to periodically read a prayer for help with work and money in Russian or in the Old Church language in order to find some peace and opportunities for developing one’s own faith. For example, praying to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for money can bring prosperity to the family and give peace of mind. Especially if you got married, you should strive to preserve the marital union and try in every possible way for this, this is the service of a worldly person - to preserve the peace and piety of your own family.
On the other hand, one should not put material well-being in life above everything else and make the attraction of money the main goal of existence. If you regularly pray purely for selfish motives, there is a high probability that nothing positive will come out of it.
Next, a strong prayer is offered for wealth and good luck to Nicholas the Wonderworker, which should be read in the temple in front of the image and by lighting a candle. It is also possible to pray privately, that is, in your own home and secluded space. It is best, of course, to have an icon of the saint for this, but if the prayer for help in business and money is said sincerely, then the saint will hear the cries of the believer.
How to ask for help correctly
Any prayer requires a certain attitude. Having decided to ask a saint for help, you cannot blame strangers for your difficulties. Before you start reading the prayer, you need to ask the Lord for forgiveness for all sins.
When reading a prayer text, you should adhere to certain rules:
- It is better to pray in front of the image of St. Nicholas the Pleasant, placing a lighted candle in front of the icon.
- Read the sacred text morning and evening, pronouncing the words clearly and clearly.
- It is advisable to memorize the text, but you can read it from a piece of paper.
- When reading a prayer, avoid pretense and falsehood, turning to the saint sincerely, focusing on the prayer words.
- End the prayer with the sign of the cross.
Priests recommend reading Psalm 37 before and after the money prayer, which helps when financial problems arise.
The most favorable days for turning to the saint are the days of his veneration: May 22, August 11, December 10. In case of great financial difficulties, you can order a prayer service.
What you want doesn’t always appear right away. Sometimes you have to wait several days or even months. You need to be patient and believe in receiving rewards.
Prayers for help with money to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
O our good shepherd and God-wise mentor, Saint Nicholas of Christ! Hear us sinners (names), praying to you and calling on your speedy intercession for help: see us weak, caught from everywhere, deprived of all good and darkened in mind from cowardice. Strive, servant of God, do not leave us in the captivity of sin, so that we may not joyfully be our enemy and die in our evil deeds. Pray for us unworthy of our Creator and Master, to whom you stand with the disembodied faces: make our God merciful to us in this life and in the future, so that He will not reward us according to our deeds and the impurity of our hearts, but according to His goodness He will reward us. We trust in your intercession, we boast of your intercession, we call upon your intercession for help and we ask for help in your most holy image: deliver us, saint of Christ, from the evils that come upon us, so that for the sake of your holy prayers the attack will not overwhelm us and we will not wallow in the abyss more sinful and in the mud of our passions. Pray to Saint Nicholas of Christ, Christ our God, that he may grant us a peaceful life and remission of sins, salvation and great mercy for our souls, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
About money help
Oh, Saint Nicholas of Christ! Hear us, sinners, praying to you (name) and calling for your quick intercession for help. Make our God merciful to us, so that in His goodness He will give us (the content of the petition). Deliver us, saint of Christ, from the evils that come upon us, and send us your help in every need and need of life. Amen.
About help at work
Oh, all-holy Nicholas, the most excellent servant of the Lord, our warm intercessor and quick helper everywhere in sorrow. Help me, a sinner and sad person, in this life, beg the Lord God to grant me forgiveness of all my sins, most of which I have sinned from my youth, in all my life, in deed, word, thought and with all my feelings, and help me in the exodus of my soul, accursed one, beg the Lord God, the Creator of all creation, to deliver me from airy ordeals and eternal torment, so that I always glorify the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit and your merciful intercession, now no, forever and ever. Amen.
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