Today, March 12, Orthodox believers honor the memory of St. Theophanes the Confessor and St. Gregory the Two-Word, writes IZ. The people call this day Theophanes. Let's consider the history of these saints, signs, traditions and prohibitions associated with this date.
Content
- The Life and Deeds of the Venerable Theophanes the Confessor
- Saint Gregory the Theologian – an outstanding theologian
- What church holiday is March 12, old style?
- Folk omens for March 12
- Prohibitions for March 12
- What to do on March 12
- Who celebrates their birthday on March 12?
In 2023, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine switched to a new calendar style — the New Julian. Accordingly, non-transitory holidays were shifted 13 days back. However, many believers continue to adhere to the Julian calendar, which is their right.
The Life and Deeds of the Venerable Theophanes the Confessor
The Monk Theophanes lived in the 8th century. He came from a noble family, close to the emperor of Byzantium. Despite his high status, he decided to devote his life to serving God, took monastic tonsure and retired to a monastery. There he was engaged in copying books, and later founded his own monastery in Asia Minor.
Theophanes was known for his miracles and for helping people heal. He also wrote the Chronographia, a historical work about the Christian Church of the 3rd-9th centuries. For refusing to renounce the veneration of icons, he was imprisoned, where he died.
Saint Gregory the Theologian – an outstanding theologian
Saint Gregory the Theologian lived in the 6th century and was one of the most prominent theologians of his time. He left civil service, distributed his inheritance to build monasteries, and took monastic tonsure. He later became Pope.
His contribution to theology is invaluable: he wrote down in Latin the liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts and created “Discourses on the Lives and Miracles of the Italian Fathers.” His relics rest in the Basilica of St. Peter the Apostle in Rome.
What church holiday is March 12, old style?
According to the Julian calendar, today we commemorate the memory of the Venerable Procopius of the Decapolis, a famous ascetic and prayer writer.
Folk omens for March 12
Our ancestors believed that the weather on this day indicated the coming summer:
- Sunny and warm day – summer will be rainy.
- Crows are sitting on the ground – it will soon get warmer.
- Morning fog means a good flax harvest.
- Frost on the trees – it will be cold and rainy in June.
During this period, the snow usually melted, and people went out at dawn to welcome spring.
Prohibitions for March 12
On this day you cannot:
- Swearing, arguing, insulting others.
- To be lazy, to be jealous, to lie.
- Borrowing money involves the risk of financial loss.
- Accepting gifts just like that should be rewarded with at least a coin.
- Sleeping for a long time can bring bad luck for the whole year.
What to do on March 12
On this day, believers pray:
- To Saint Theophanes about health and healing.
- To Saint Gregory about wisdom and well-being.
There is also a tradition of sprinkling holy water on the front door and placing coins in the corners of the house, symbolizing the attraction of prosperity. In addition, housewives bake a round cake, symbolizing harmony in the family.
Who celebrates their birthday on March 12?
Today, the day of the angel is celebrated by: Grigory, Vladimir, Alexander, Ivan, Dmitry, Konstantin, Sergey. According to the old style, the name days of Mikhail, Peter and Prokopy are celebrated.
We remind you that we previously wrote about church traditions, prohibitions and memorable dates on March 11.