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- Maxim's Day: what categorically should not be done, unexplained omens on February 3
Maxim's Day: what categorically should not be done, unexplained omens on February 3
Every year on February 3, Christians commemorate the Monk Maximos the Greek, a monk and translator of theological texts under the Moscow prince Vasily III. The commemorative date is popularly known as Maxim's Day, or Maxim the Comforter. In 2025 it falls on Monday. Traditions and prohibitions of the day - in the material "Izvestia".
Maxim's Day: what holiday on February 3
Maxim's Day is a folk-Christian holiday, which is celebrated annually on February 3. The event is dedicated to the memory of St. Maxim the Greek - an Orthodox saint, theologian, philosopher, publicist and translator, who played an important role in the development of Russian writing and theology.
The Venerable Maxim the Greek (in the world Michael Trivolis) is one of the most significant figures in the history of Orthodox thought. His life was full of vivid events and dramatic changes: from studying in the best universities of Europe to many years of imprisonment in Russian dungeons. Despite this, Maxim the Greek had a significant influence on the development of theology, book culture and spiritual life in Russia, which was just beginning to recover from the Tatar-Mongol yoke and was approaching the concept of "Moscow as the Third Rome".
Reproduction of the icon "Venerable Maxim the Greek"
Maxim the Greek was born about 1475 in the city of Arta (territory of modern Greece), which at that time was under the Ottoman Empire. At birth, the boy was given the name Michael Trivolis. His family belonged to a noble family and gave him a good elementary education.
Having grown up, Maxim the Greek went in search of knowledge to Italy. There he studied theology, philosophy, literature and ancient languages. Michael Trivolis studied at the universities of Florence and Venice, as well as in Paris. He was a member of the circle of Renaissance humanists and socialized with famous thinkers of the time.
He was particularly influenced by the works of Plato, Aristotle, and the Church Fathers. At this time Maxim the Greek was interested in the works of Catholic theologians, but remained committed to the Orthodox faith. He also studied Latin, ancient Greek and Western European languages.
However, science did not give him full satisfaction, and as a result Michael decided to devote his life to spiritual exploits.
Reproduction of the icon "Venerable Maxim the Greek"
Around 1506 Michael went to Mount Athos, where he accepted monasticism with the name Maximus in the Vatoped Monastery. Here he studied theology, interpreted sacred texts, translated the works of the Church Fathers. He adopted an ascetic way of life, observing strict fasting and prayer rules. As a result, Maxim the Greek gained fame as a wise monk and expert in spiritual literature.
On Mount Athos Maximus the Greek gained fame as a talented translator, which contributed to his invitation to Russia. In 1515, during the years of struggle against heresies, Grand Duke Vasily III (father of Ivan the Terrible) appealed to the Athonite monks with a request to send a scholar-translator to correct church books.
On the recommendation of the brethren, Maxim the Greek was sent to Russia. He arrived in Moscow and began to translate the Bible, psalteries and holy theological works. Russian books by that time contained many errors, and Maxim was actively engaged in correcting them.
His labors soon brought him into conflict with Russian spiritual and secular authorities. While working in Moscow, Maxim the Greek witnessed embezzlement among the clergy, abuses of power, and political intrigue. He criticized the growth of monastic wealth and condemned bribery, which made him an enemy among the clergy. He opposed the polygamy of Prince Vasily III, which caused his displeasure.
In 1525 on charges of heresy and witchcraft Maxim the Greek was arrested and committed to the church court. He was deprived of communion and forbidden to write, tortured and abused. He was kept in complete isolation in a prison cell for about 20 years.
However, despite the harsh conditions, Maxim the Greek continued to secretly write theological works and epistles, calling for spiritual purification. In 1551 he was transferred to the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, where conditions were better, but he still remained under supervision.
Maxim the Greek spent the last years of his life in humility, prayer and labor, and died in 1556 as an 80-year-old elder. Soon after his death, his disciples began to disseminate his writings, and the memory of him as a saint was strengthened among the people.
In 1988 the Russian Orthodox Church consecrated Maximus the Greek to the countenance of saints. The memory is celebrated on February 3 (January 21, O.S.), the day of the saint's death. He is considered the patron saint of scholars, translators, and theologians.
The Venerable Maxim the Greek became a symbol of spiritual feat, fortitude and enlightenment. Despite years of imprisonment and persecution, he left a deep trace in Russian Orthodox culture, translated and corrected hundreds of texts, which helped to bring the liturgical books into conformity with the canons. His works contributed to the development of Russian theological and philosophical thought, and they continue to be studied today. And his example inspires those who seek truth and fight for justice.
Venerable Maximus the Greek is traditionally depicted on icons as an old man with a long gray beard and a high forehead, symbolizing wisdom and spiritual insight. He is depicted in monastic garb - a black or dark brown analav (cloak) over his cassock. Sometimes he is depicted in the schema, which emphasizes the ascetic life of the saint. In one hand he often holds an unfolded scroll or book. The text on the scroll may contain quotations from his teachings or Holy Scripture.
The eyes are often depicted as deep and penetrating, reflecting his spiritual insight. On some icons, the background may be gold or neutral, sometimes with architectural elements indicative of a monastic setting. Sometimes he is depicted with a quill and inkwell.
What can and cannot be done on Maxim's Day in 2025
For centuries there have been certain traditions, prohibitions and recommendations that should have been observed so that the year was successful, and the house did not come to trouble and misfortune. This day was considered a time of renewal, purification and preparation for spring, so many actions had a symbolic meaning.
It was believed that on Maxim's Day it was necessary to pay special attention to your home and household. Cleaning on this day acquired not just a domestic, but a ritual character. Housekeepers tried to sweep out all the garbage, wipe the corners, sprinkle the house with holy water and light a candle to cleanse the house of all the bad things that had accumulated over the winter.
Dirty water after cleaning could not be left in the house - it was necessarily poured over the threshold, so that together with it went away diseases, troubles and bad thoughts. Also on this day often changed the straw in the bedding of pets, so that the household reigned order and prosperity.
Maxim's Day was especially important for health. People believed that washing with snow in the morning helped to cleanse not only the body, but also the soul. Those who suffered from illnesses tried to go outside, turn to the sun and say a prayer for health, exposing the face to the cold air. Also on this day it was necessary to listen carefully to your body: any ailments that appeared on February 3 were considered as harbingers of health problems in the future, so people tried to take special care of themselves, do not overwork and avoid stress.
In addition to taking care of the house and health, on Maxim's Day tried to establish relationships with others. If there were quarrels in the family or among friends, people made a step towards reconciliation, as it was believed that offenses carried into spring could prevent good luck and prosperity. That is why this day was often called the day of reconciliation. It was believed that if you ask forgiveness or forgive the offender on Maxim's Day, the soul will become lighter, and life - happier.
As for prohibitions, on February 3 it was impossible to lift lost things from the ground, especially money or jewelry. It was believed that they could be planted by ill-wishers and carry negative energy. Also this day was inappropriate for financial transactions - one could not borrow money, lend it or even count large sums, as it could lead to losses and money difficulties in the future.
Another important prohibition at all times was quarrels and conflicts. Any clarification of relationships, loud squabbles or even carelessly spoken harsh words could lead to a series of failures. It was especially strictly forbidden to quarrel with loved ones - it was believed that a quarrel on this day could lead to prolonged discord in the family.
It was forbidden to leave dirty dishes overnight. This prohibition is connected with the belief that the mess left in the house overnight attracts poverty and discord in the family. For the same reason they tried not to postpone important things for later, and to finish all the work started on the same day.
It was recommended to treat words and thoughts with special care. Especially on this day you can not wish anyone evil and complain about life, as everything said on February 3 can gain power and affect the fate. People used to avoid negative thoughts, try to focus on the good and give thanks for what they already have.
On Maxim's Day it was also not recommended to go on a long journey. It was believed that the journey, started on February 3, may turn into trouble, losses or delays.
Folk omens on February 3, Maksimov Day
In the people of Maxim's Day on February 3 was considered a special time, when it was possible not only to cleanse the house and thoughts, but also to look into the future, predict the weather for the coming months and even find out what events await in life.
On this day people listened to the world around them, watched the behavior of animals, changes in nature and even their dreams, because they believed that signs have a special power.
One of the main signs of Maxim's Day is connected with the weather. If the weather was clear and sunny on this day, it was believed that spring would be early and warm, and summer would be productive. If the sky was covered with thick clouds, it was snowing or a strong wind was blowing, the spring was expected to be prolonged and cold, with showers and night frosts. Special attention was paid to the wind: if it blew from the south, it meant that the year would be warm, if from the north - cold, and if the west wind brought snow or rain, the summer promised to be rainy.
The moon on the night of February 3 was also of great importance. If it was bright and full, it portended a good harvest in the coming year. If the moon looked pale or was hidden behind clouds, it was considered a harbinger of a bad harvest, possible epidemics among livestock and a difficult year in general.
Cats curled up in a ball and hiding their noses in their paws heralded severe frosts in the coming days. If they behaved playfully, washed themselves for a long time or tried to get outdoors, it was considered a sign of warming soon. Horses standing restless in the stable meant blizzards, and if the chickens were reluctant to leave the henhouse, it was believed that winter would linger for a long time.
Another important omen concerned snow. If there was fluffy, light snow on February 3, a good harvest of grain crops was expected. If the snow was wet and heavy, a rainy summer and problems with agriculture were expected. And if snow whirlwinds and blizzards were observed on that day, people said that spring would be unstable: frosty or warm.
People also listened to the sounds around them. If on that day the forest sounded deaf and the trees did not creak in the wind, it was considered a good sign: the year would pass quietly, without major upheavals. If the trees were noisy and bent under the wind, folk omens foretold a difficult year with unexpected difficulties.
In addition to weather-related omens, there were also omens related to people. For example, if you happen to meet a pregnant woman on this day, it is a good omen.
People also believed that on this day one should not throw away bread crumbs - it could lead to poverty. They should be carefully collected and fed to the birds, so that there would always be prosperity in the house.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
