April 1 in the Orthodox calendar is an important day that honors the memory of the Venerable Mary of Egypt, a great saint who is an example of deep repentance and spiritual rebirth, writes IZ. She was born in Egypt in the middle of the 5th century and gained fame due to her life, which changed after a spiritual epiphany. The people called this day Mary's Day.
Content
- What is celebrated on April 1st in a new style?
- What is celebrated on April 1st according to the old style?
- Signs for April 1
- What not to do today
- What can you do on April 1st?
- Name days on April 1
What is celebrated on April 1st in a new style?
The church holiday of April 1 (April 14, old style) commemorates the memory of the venerable Mary of Egypt, who spent most of her life in repentance and prayer in the desert. Her story is an important lesson that even the greatest sinners can find a way to purification and salvation.
The story of Mary of Egypt began in Alexandria, where she led a licentious life before traveling to Jerusalem, where she was prevented by an unseen force from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. After Mary repented and turned to God in prayer, she was allowed to enter the temple, and her spiritual journey began with a crossing of the Jordan River. She spent the next 47 years of her life in the desert, praying and working to purify her soul.
What is celebrated on April 1st according to the old style?
April 1, according to the Julian calendar, is the day of remembrance of the martyrs Chrysanthos and Daria. This holiday is also important for Orthodox Christians, as it reminds us of the steadfastness and devotion to the faith of these saints.
Signs for April 1
In the folk calendar, April 1st is celebrated as Mary's Day, and there are several interesting signs:
• If the sky is covered with blue clouds, expect rain and warming.
• If there is thunder, there will be a warm summer, and if there is only one lightning strike, a drought is expected.
• If there are no stars in the sky, it is warm.
If the weather is sunny on this day, according to popular belief, it will last for several more months.
What not to do today
The church holiday of April 1 imposes certain restrictions. It is important to avoid quarrels, slander, gossip and envy. You should also not insult others, refuse help or alms. During the Great Lent, it is allowed to eat hot dishes without oil, but it is important to remember about moderation and spiritual purity.
According to folk signs, on this day it is forbidden to overeat, as well as to kill spiders near the front door.
What can you do on April 1st?
Mary of Egypt is considered the patroness of repentant women. Believers pray to the saint, asking for forgiveness for their sins and blessings for fidelity and chastity. On this day, it is also important to carry out a rite of purification of the house: according to popular belief, if you wash the front door and hang a horseshoe on it, the house will be protected from evil.
Name days on April 1
April 1st is celebrated by:
• In the new style: Yefim, Makar, Maria.
• According to the old style: Sofia, Innokenty, Dmitry, Ivan, Daria.
We remind you that we previously wrote about the memory of Saint Hypatius, signs and prohibitions on March 31.