- Статьи
- Local news
- Grigoriev Day: why you need to watch your words, prohibitions and omens on February 7
Grigoriev Day: why you need to watch your words, prohibitions and omens on February 7
Traditionally, on February 7, Orthodox Christians remember the life of one of the Fathers of the Church, St. Gregory the Theologian. In the folk calendar, the memorable date is called Gregory's Day. It was at this time that our ancestors began to prepare for field work: they repaired agricultural tools and held rituals designed to ensure a good harvest. Read more about what is forbidden to do on Grigoryev day, as well as what to pray on this date - in the material "Izvestia".
Gregory's Day: what holiday today, February 7
The Russian Orthodox Church on February 7 (January 25, O.S.) celebrates the feast day of St. Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople. In Russia this day was called in different ways: "Gregory", "Gregory the Theologian", "Gregory the Spring-Spotter", "Zimoukazchik".
St. Gregory was born in 329 near the city of Nazianzus in Cappadocia (now the territory of Turkey) into a noble Christian family. His father was the bishop St. Gregory, and his mother was St. Nonna. The future saint received a good education, studying in the schools of Nazianzus, Caesarea of Cappadocia, and Alexandria. Afterward he went to Athens to study art, astronomy, geometry, and poetry. Here he became acquainted with the works of Aristotle and Plato.
It is believed that the teachings of ancient philosophers influenced Gregory's theology. In Greece, he also met St. Basil the Great, the future Archbishop of Caesarea of Cappadocia, one of the Fathers of the Church. Yulia Nadekhina, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Theory and Organization of Management of GUU, noted that Basil the Great belonged to the most educated contemporaries.
- He was an excellent orator and used his gift to glorify the Christian faith, which undoubtedly had a great influence on Gregory the Theologian. It is no coincidence that he compares Basil to a ship laden with scholarship. The two graduates of the Athenian Academy proved to be like-minded. Thanks to their works spread the doctrine of the Trinity, which greatly contributed to the establishment of Orthodoxy, - adds the historian.
In 358 Gregory returned home. Here, at the age of 30, he was baptized. Even then he realized that he was looking for solitude and wanted to leave the worldly life, and therefore went to a monastery. At this point, the life paths of the two great theologians again intersect. Gregory became a novice of the monastery, which Basil the Great founded in his estate, in Pontus on the river Iris. In 361, at his father's urging, Gregory returned home and was ordained.
Icon "Holy Trinity"
His first sermon was delivered at one of the most important services, the Easter service. Possessing good rhetorical skills, Gregory in his sermons, as well as in poetic and journalistic works, strove to bring the word of God to every person. Thus, he brought to the utmost perfection the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, more correctly and more fully than anyone before him, revealed the theme of the Holy Spirit.
On icons Gregory the Theologian is depicted as an old man with gray or dark hair with graying and a broad beard of medium length. He wears the clothes of a priest, and in his hands is the Holy Scripture.
Gregory's Day - February 7: traditions of the holiday, strong prayers
The day of veneration of St. Gregory the Theologian belongs to the so-called middle Orthodox holidays, which are celebrated less solemnly in comparison with the great ones. The church service on these days is shorter than on the Bicentennial feasts, but it is no less lavish.
The image of St. Gregory the Theologian is specifically asked for help in strengthening the Orthodox faith, for the granting of the ability not to be deceived by heretical and other false doctrines, for the edification and correction of those who have gone astray, as well as for deliverance from doubt and unbelief. He is prayed for to bring up children in the spirit of true faith, to strengthen the health of the old and infirm, to comfort those who mourn, and to heal the sick. It is believed that turning to the icon of the saint is able to ward off the schemes and attacks of enemies, as well as to comfort in moments of sorrow.
"Izvestia" offers to familiarize with the three most powerful prayers to Gregory the Theologian.
First prayer to Gregory the Theologian
"O great in the hierarchy of the universe teacher of the God-wisdom, Blessed Fr. Gregory! Thou hast accomplished great feats and labors for the glory of the Holy Church: thou art a firm confessor and a lamp of the faith of Christ on earth, shining the light of God's knowledge upon the faithful, putting down false doctrines, and proclaiming to the whole world the word of the saving truth. But now, having great boldness in heaven toward the Holy Trinity, grant that we, who humbly approach thee, may firmly and steadfastly preserve the holy Orthodox faith to the end of our life, and keep us from disbelief, doubt and wavering in the faith, that we may not be seduced by divinely inspired and soul-destroying teachings. Amen."
The Second Prayer to St. Gregory the Theologian
"O great holy Father Gregory, glorious teacher of the Universal Church, all-hearted champion of the glory of the Most Holy Trinity, Mother of God and of Her Immaculate virginity, pre-elected confessor, illustrious image of purity, humility and patience. I humbly beseech thee, O wise teacher of the Church of Christ, to teach me to conduct my life in such a God-fearing manner, so that I may never deviate or be led astray from the path that is contrary to God's command. Protect and deliver me by thy mighty intercession from the temptations of the world and the wiles of the devil, as thou didst deliver from them the young man who apostatized from our Most Sweet Savior and fell into the power of Satan.
Grant me strength of soul to be a diligent imitator of thy high virtues: make me firm and steadfast in the faith of righteousness, strengthen me who am weak-minded in patience and trust in the Lord, kindle in my heart the true love of Christ, that I may desire and delight in heavenly blessings above all others. Ask the Lord to grant me sincere repentance for my sins, that I may spend the rest of my life in peace, repentance, and the fulfillment of Christ's commandments.
When the hour of my end draws near, you, O good father, with the Blessed Virgin Mary, then speed me to help, protect me from the malicious accusations of enemies, and make me heir to be heir to the heavenly villages, so that together with you and with all the saints of the unapproachable Majesty of God I may stand before the Throne and glorify and sing praises to the Life-Giving, Consubstantial and Indivisible Trinity, now and forever. Amen."
The third prayer to Gregory the Theologian
"O great and glorious saint of Christ, teacher of all the Universal Church, wise teacher of God, steadfast confessor and champion of Orthodoxy, O blessed Fr. Gregory! Look down from the heights of heaven upon us, who humbly approach thee, and beseech the Lord Almighty, whose faithful servant on earth thou hast been, to grant us firm and unchanging preservation of the right faith, obedience to the Holy Church, correction of our life, and in all our needs, tribulations, and temptations, speedy help, patience, and strengthening. Grant us your holy blessing, that by it we may be sanctified this new summer, and all the days of God's goodness, in peace and repentance, live, and in the Kingdom of Heaven we may be able, together with you and with all the saints, to chant and glorify the Life-Giving Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen."
You can not do today, on Grigoryev day
According to popular tradition, on Gregory's Day it was supposed to do good deeds and thank others for their mercy. However, it is better not to spread about the good deeds done, because the Lord sees everything. Everything said on this day should be positive, because words have a special power and can come true to the detriment of the one who said them.
Writer and public figure Barbara Maguire in conversation with "Izvestia" noted that in the church it is especially important to bring a prayer for all the household and parents. It is worth trying to exclude as much as possible various conflicts and quarrels on this day, because in the future they can put on a more serious misfortune.
- The time of the holiday in the first place should be devoted to the family. So, in honor of the special day, hostesses usually prepare a festive dinner. Since the celebration falls on a fast, believers exclude from the diet products of animal origin, except for fish, as well as various alcoholic beverages, - says the expert.
In addition, on this day it is especially important to remember the deceased. Believers can visit cemeteries and pray for the repose of the souls of their friends and relatives. According to the writer, observance of these rules will set a person to the correct perception of the teachings of Gregory the Theologian.
Folk omens on February 7, Gregory's Day
In the folk calendar, Gregory's Day followed the Aksinny and was considered the moment of turning to spring. That's why our ancestors used to say: "Aksinya Grigory hurries up, so that the sun on the roofs would plant and spring would not be missed". Thus, villagers began to actively prepare for the coming planting of seeds, in order to get a fruitful harvest.
According to the weather and the behavior of animals on this day it was possible to talk not only about the coming spring, but also about the future autumn and even about the future winter. According to omens, if it snows on February 7, the next year winter will come late. At the same time, heavy snowfall speaks of an early fall and a good harvest.
It is impossible to compliment girls on their appearance on Gregory's Day, as there is a chance to jinx their beauty. However, if a girl is praised, she should keep a kukish behind her back to prevent trouble.
In the past, merchants used to carry a pre-planned piece of sugar. People believed that it promised good luck in sales. Unintentionally spilled milk also portended long joy on this day. It was believed that on February 7 it was undesirable to swear, cut hair and nails. According to the belief, who on this day will spit under his feet, will not have a successful path. It was not recommended to leave the house without need and exhaust yourself with hard work.
It was also considered a bad omen to return home without gifts. Our ancestors were convinced that such actions could bring misfortune and poverty to the house of the one who would break the tradition.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
