Which saint should one ask in distress?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

In times of deep distress, anguish, or spiritual warfare, we turn first and foremost to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, casting all our cares upon Him. Alongside our direct supplication to God, the Church teaches us to seek the intercessions (— presbeia, a Greek loanword commonly used in our liturgical life) of the heavenly hosts, the Mother of God, and the holy martyrs and ascetics who have great boldness before the throne of God.

Here are the primary saints whom the faithful turn to in times of severe trial, danger, and distress:

1. The Holy Theotokos, the Virgin St. Mary

The Mother of God is the first and greatest intercessor. As the Queen standing at the right hand of the King (Psalm 45:9), her prayers carry unmatched warmth and motherly boldness.

• In every distress, the faithful pray: "O Lady and Mistress, the Theotokos, deliver us from tribulations, save us from sorrows, and intercede for us before your beloved Son."
• When the soul feels overwhelmed, her maternal intercession provides immediate comfort and refuge.

2. The Holy Archangel Michael

St. Michael is the chief of the heavenly hosts, the commander who fought against the devil and cast him down (Revelation 12:7–9).

• Turn to him when: facing spiritual warfare, intense fear, demonic attack, oppression, or danger.
• He is invoked as the protector of God’s people and the one who stands before God to plead for mercy on behalf of creation.

3. St. George the Prince of Martyrs

Known as the "Prince of Martyrs", St. George endured seven years of gruesome tortures for his unyielding confession of Christ.

• Turn to him when: facing insurmountable trials, injustice, physical peril, or overwhelming odds.
• Because of the immense endurance God granted him, he is known as a swift helper and defender of those in deep distress.

4. St. Mina the Wonderworker

St. Mina is renowned throughout Egypt and the entire Orthodox world as the "Wonderworker" and "the swift to hear."

• Turn to him when: experiencing hopeless situations, sudden emergencies, loss, or urgent needs.
• Our fathers and mothers have witnessed countless miracles through his swift intercession when all earthly hope seemed lost.

5. St. Philopater Mercurius

He is the "Bearer of the Two Swords"—one of iron given by an earthly emperor, and one of light and fire given to him by an archangel to wage battle in the name of Christ.

• Turn to him when: facing severe spiritual attacks, inner turmoil, or malicious enemies.
• He is known for his power against the forces of darkness and his strength in upholding those who are weak.

6. St. Marina the Martyr

St. Marina is specifically venerated for her victory over the devil, who appeared to her in her prison cell in the form of a terrifying dragon. Through the sign of the Holy Cross, she conquered him and trampled him underfoot.

• Turn to her when: overcome by crippling fear, anxiety, phobias, nightmares, or deep emotional and spiritual torment.

7. Contemporary Intercessors

• Pope St. Kyrillos VI (Abba Kyrillos): Renowned for his life of continuous prayer, the daily celebration of the Divine Liturgy, and his fatherly care for all in sorrow. Many who are distressed cry out: "Remember us, our holy father Abba Kyrillos."
• St. Abba Bishoy (the Perfect Man): A pillar of asceticism and humility, sought for peace of heart and spiritual steadfastness.

How to Pray in Distress

When you are in distress, take comfort in the prayers of the Church:

1. Pray the Agpeya (the Book of Hours): Specifically Psalm 90 (91) ("He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High...") and Psalm 22 (23) ("The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want").
2. Make the Sign of the Cross: Proclaim the victory of Christ over all distress and darkness.
3. Say the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner".
4. Ask the Saint Directly: "Through the intercessions of the holy Theotokos, Saint Mary, and the prayers of [Saint's Name], O Lord, deliver me from this affliction and grant me peace."