October 14 the Orthodox Church marks a great holiday Intercession of the Theotokos. Learn about the history and traditions of the holiday, what you can and can not do on October 14
Every year on October 14 the Orthodox Church marks neperehodyaschy great Orthodox holiday of the Holy Shroud Mary, full name of the holiday "Memories of St. phenomenon of the Holy Mother of God and our Lady Virgin Mary "
The basis of the Protection of the holiday story by Andrew Simpleton, who, along with his disciple Epiphanius blissful, and saw the Mother of God in the Blachernae church of Constantinople, rasprostorshuyu over the crowd in the church people, my omophorion.
During all-night vigil was a vision - the royal doors descended Virgin, which was accompanied by John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, as well as many of the saints in white robes. Near the altar of the Most Pure Virgin Mary she took off with his head omophorion (from the Greek. wide scarf worn on the shoulders) and held it over the praying people. Thus omophorion shone a bright light like the sun. Soon the Virgin withdrew, leaving the divine grace.
This vision is meant to protect and rescue the inhabitants of the city from the invasion of the enemy. At this time, a strong wind came up that prevented enemy troops approach the city.
There are many versions of who and when exactly has fixed this holiday in the church calendar. In particular, there is a hypothesis on the establishment of the feast in the first half of the XII century in Kiev. However, some scholars suggest: the initiator of establishing the holiday was not Andrew Bogolyubskii that is widely supported, and his grandfather - Monomakh.
Ukrainian holiday tradition
In the folk calendar holidays October 14 - Protection of the day, Intercession, Intercession Day zustrіchі Zimmi, the Holy Intercession - a meeting of the autumn to winter, the association when the first snow covers the ground with a white cover. Snow that fell that day, have special healing properties: it is believed that whoever Feeds them to preserve the beauty, youth and health for many years.
In Ukraine, October 14 for a long time - a very special day. Ukrainian Cossacks Read the Blessed Virgin Mary of its patroness, so this holiday is widely celebrated in Ukraine and were treated with great respect, conducted according to its special traditions and rites. For the Protection of the Ukrainians - not only a religious but also a national holiday.
It is considered a good omen to get married on the cover, so the family will be protected from all troubles and misfortunes of the Holy Virgin, and the couple will live a long and happy life.
What should be done on October 14 Shroud
The most important thing on the Shroud- to pray before the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Thank you for all that you have in this life, to ask for help and protection for themselves and their families. If you can - go to church, if not to say a word of prayer at home. Even if you do not know the prayer, please refer to the Virgin Mary in your own words, the main thing - from the heart. It is believed that any requests in that day shall be heard and executed, and asking acquire protection and cover for all ills and misfortunes of the most-Pure.
Unmarried girls, dream to get married, put a candle near the icon of the Holy Virgin, and asked for a happy marriage.
married women pray for the happiness and well-being of the family, and childless couples are asking for a speedy replenishment and that To directly get pregnant.
Always cover the people mentioned merry festivities, fairs, fun, young people - boys and girls - to go out and have fun.
It was believed that on October 14, you can meet her future husband.
To attract into your house of happiness and well-being, in Intercession Day We gave alms to the poor, and tried to help the needy. It was believed that the person who submits to this day, even more will receive this year.
On the Shroud covered celebratory table and family gather for a family dinner. The main dish is on the holiday table pancakes with various fillings, as well as a festive bread - Pokrovsky loaf. Our ancestors existed a ritual - with a plate of freshly baked goods need to walk around the house and to thank the Virgin Mary for all that you have been given this year.
On the Cover of trying to appease the brownie- treated his pancakes, his corner of the house.
What not to do on the Shroud
As with any big celebration, You do not need to do household chores - wash, clean, direct orders in the house. To restore the purity needed the day before and meet a holiday in a clean house, with pies and dinner table.
The Intercession of the Theotokos try to avoid any negatives: quarrels, conflicts and swear words. On the cover can not be sad, cry and complain about destiny.
on the Cover can not borrow and lend, and give any things from the house. It is believed that with the money and personal items can be given to the happiness and good fortune, and take someone else's misfortune, illness and sadness.
If the girl to woo the Intercession, it is impossible to deny the groom. There was a sign that the Shroud of the Mother of God gives unmarried chance to find a happy family life, and if the gift is rejected, then she risks being left alone.
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