A special Russian holiday is Martin's Day: why you can't be lazy today, folk signs

On February 26, the Russian Orthodox Church commemorates St. Martinianus of Caesarea (Palestine). The saint is considered a tamer of carnal passions and temptations. He also received the gift of healing for his virtuous life. In the national calendar, the holiday is designated as Martin's Day. For more information about the life of the monk, what to pray for on this day, and how the holy wives Zoya and Photinia are connected with Martin, see Izvestia.

Martinianus Day on February 26: what kind of holiday is today, the acts of the saint

Martinianite Day is celebrated annually on February 26 (February 13 in the old style). In the Orthodox church calendar, this is the date of honoring the memory of St. Martinianus of Caesarea (Palestine), who is known for his hermit lifestyle and his gift of healing. In the national calendar, the holiday was called in different ways: Martin's Day, Martha's Day, Light Day, and simply Martinian.

The history of the holiday is connected with the life of Saint Martinianus, who at the age of 18 chose the path of a hermit. He settled in the desert near the city of Caesarea in Palestine and spent 25 years there in piety and virtue. For this, the Lord endowed the righteous man with the gift of healing diseases.

The fame of Martinianus spread far beyond the borders of the country, it haunted pagans and evil people. So, one day, a harlot named Zoya bet that she could seduce a monk. Dressed in poor clothes, she came at night to Martinianus' cell. The ascetic let the girl in, seeing her in such a bad condition, and prayed.

At midnight, the crafty guest dressed in the most expensive clothes and began to seduce the host. Then the saint came out of the cell, lit a bonfire and stood with his bare feet on the glowing coals. He was saying to himself: "It is difficult for you, Martinianus, to endure this temporary fire, how will you endure the eternal fire prepared for you by the devil?" When the saint could no longer stand from severe burns, he fell to the ground and began to pray.

The woman was amazed that the ascetic had subjected himself to such torments for the sake of saving his soul. She remembered her sins, repented of her plan, and tearfully begged his forgiveness. Following the instructions of the hermit, Zoya went to Bethlehem, to the monastery of St. Paul, where she lived in strict labors for 12 years until her death.

After being cured of his burns, Saint Martinianus retired to an uninhabited rocky island and lived in the open air for several years. He prayed and wove baskets. Occasionally, a shipowner passing by the island would bring him food in exchange for these baskets. One day, during a violent storm, a ship crashed, and to the island where Saint Martinianus was fleeing, the waves brought a girl named Photinia on the wreckage of the ship. The saint helped her get ashore, left some bread and water, and jumped into the sea. Two dolphins helped the hermit swim to the ground.

Since then, Blessed Martinianus began to lead the life of a wanderer. One day in Athens, the saint fell ill. Sensing the approach of death, he entered the temple, lay down on the floor and asked for his flesh to be buried.

Blessed Photinia stayed on the island, where she spent six years in seclusion, and then died. Her body was found by the same shipbuilder who brought her groceries, as he had previously brought to St. Martinianus. He brought Fotinia to Caesarea in Palestine, where the woman was buried with honors. The memory of Saints Zoya and Fotinia is also celebrated on February 26.

February 26 is a special holiday: what to pray for on Martin's Day

On Wednesday, February 26, the service of St. Martinianus takes place in the churches. It has no festive sign and is performed together with the sacraments of the Octoechos and the Triodion. At Vespers, the ninth Kathisma is read. This day was popularly called Martin's Day in the Russian manner.

According to the life of St. Martinianus, the ascetic always struggled with temptations and did not succumb to them. They pray to him with requests for the welfare of the family, so that the spouses avoid love affairs on the side. In addition, the saint is asked to save them from various diseases. Izvestia offers to get acquainted with the prayers dedicated to the saint.

The first prayer

"O Venerable and Blessed Father Martinians! Receive us now, as we fervently pray to you and prostrate ourselves at your all-honorable and multi-healing tomb, where your holy and laborious body rests. Through the Spirit who stands before the Holy Trinity in heaven, with Angels and Venerable Father faces, pray for us, thy children, Father, that we may be delivered from all sorrows, diseases, troubles and circumstances, and live piously in the present life, walking in the commandments and justifications of the Lord without blemish. Grant us forgiveness of our sins, health to our bodies, and eternal salvation to our souls, so that through your intercession we may be saved, and may we ascribe glory to the glorified God in the Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

The second prayer

"For the Blessed and Venerable Father Martiniana! Ask for our sins to be forgiven, O servant of God (names), O cloud of passion, enlighten our spiritual eyes, and correct our corrupt language, purify the meaning and sanctify the mind. Come invisibly among us, and accept the supplications of the Gods from all of us, and bring these intercessions to our Creator and Redeemer in the Holy Trinity, our True God, that through our transgression we may receive forgiveness, through the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ.: Glory to the Father, together with the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Traditions on Martiniana Day: what you can and can't do on a holiday

In Russia, Martin's Day was a working day, it was not customary to lie in bed for a long time and take time off. The day was devoted to cleaning the house. According to the legend, those who are not too lazy to Martin, will have luck and success in all their affairs.

On this day, our ancestors read spells against the evil eye and corruption at night, looking at the stars. Also, on February 26, the dead were commemorated, cemeteries were visited, candles were placed in churches for the repose, and alms were given to the poor. It was believed that if the stars were clearly visible on February 26, their deceased relatives were looking at people. Our ancestors called out to them by name and believed that in a difficult moment they could come to the rescue.

On February 26, newlyweds were watched in villages and villages. Families gathered together and shared their experiences of living together. On Martinianus Day, it was undesirable to sort things out: there was no way to come to an agreement anyway, and it was easy to quarrel. It was also advisable not to make hasty decisions. Our ancestors believed that doing needlework — sewing, knitting, embroidery — on holidays could bring misfortune to the whole family. At the same time, Martin's Day was considered favorable for planning financial issues.

In addition, it is better to refrain from drastic changes in appearance on these days. You can not get a haircut, curl, dye your hair, do your hair — otherwise, as it was believed, your hair will grow poorly. On Martin Day, it is important to help the poor, including giving alms to those in need. For showing indifference, you can seriously suffer — monetary troubles will begin.

Folk signs and superstitions on Martin's Day

People have long believed in omens, tried in various ways to explain the complex structure of the world, success or failure in business. Our ancestors attached special importance to the signs on Martin Day, most of them were related to the weather.

If there is a lot of snow outside and it does not melt, then spring will be cold. In case of a thaw, warming should be expected soon. An overcast day promised late spring, and the loud singing of the tits on Martin promised early spring. If the sun's rays were clearly visible, they said that the coming days would be clear but frosty.

A foggy circle around the sun signified the approach of heavy snowfall, reddish rings near the moon — frost, clouded clouds — warming. In the old days, it was believed that the colder the last week of February, the hotter the summer would be.

However, it should be remembered that folk signs have no scientific basis.