Today, March 13, the Orthodox Church commemorates the translation of the relics of Saint Nicephorus, Patriarch of Constantinople, writes IZ. The people call this day Nicephorus. The date is accompanied by certain traditions, signs, and prohibitions that have long been respected by believers.
Content
- Saint Nicephorus: life path and feats
- What holiday is March 13 according to the old style?
- Folk omens for March 13
- What not to do on March 13
- What to do on March 13
- Who celebrates their birthday on March 13?
In 2023, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine switched to the new Julian calendar, which shifted the dates of non-transitory holidays back 13 days. At the same time, some believers continue to adhere to the Julian calendar, which remains their right.
Saint Nicephorus: life path and feats
Saint Nicephorus lived in the 8th century in Constantinople. He was brought up in piety and love for God. As an adult, he became an advisor to Emperor Leo IV, and during the reign of Constantine VI he participated in the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, where he defended the veneration of icons. After that, he left the capital and founded a monastery by the sea.
In 806, after the death of Patriarch Tarasius, Nicephorus took the tonsure and was elected the new patriarch. However, the iconoclastic emperor Leo V the Armenian sent him into exile for refusing to support heresy. The saint spent 13 years in exile, where he passed away. After 19 years, his relics were solemnly transferred to the Cathedral of St. Sophia.
What holiday is March 13 according to the old style?
According to the Julian calendar, this day commemorates the memory of St. Basil the Confessor and St. Kasian, the hermit of Kyiv-Pechersk.
Folk omens for March 13
According to popular belief, the weather on this day predicts the coming summer:
- If the geese have returned from their roost, the summer will be warm and productive.
- Fog indicates a rainy summer.
- Geese are swimming in ponds – warming will soon come and there will be a rich grain harvest.
- Strong winds this day may portend abnormal heat in the summer.
What not to do on March 13
On this day it is forbidden:
- To quarrel, especially between spouses.
- To slander, to envy, to refuse help.
- Insulting animals, as this can bring misfortune.
- Chopping trees and firewood is considered a bad omen.
- Go to the forest, because bears can wake up from hibernation.
Since Lent is in progress, those who are fasting are allowed to eat hot dishes without oil on this day.
What to do on March 13
On the Orthodox holiday of March 13, believers turn to Saint Nicephorus for healing and protection for themselves and their loved ones. The saint is also prayed to for the recovery of seriously ill people.
According to folk traditions, water has special power on this day, so it is considered useful to take a shower, go to the bathhouse or just wash yourself – this will bring health for the whole year. In addition, there is a belief that if you wash the floor in your home on this day, then family members will not get sick.
Who celebrates their birthday on March 13?
Today, the day of the angel is celebrated by: Alexander, Grigoriy, Christina, Mikhail, Nikifor, Nikolay, Terenty. According to the old style, the name days of Nikolay, Serhiy, Arseny, Vasyl, Marina and Kira are celebrated.
We remind you that we previously wrote about what church holiday believers celebrate on March 12, the traditions and signs of the day.