- Статьи
- Local news
- St. Basil of Moscow Memorial Day on August 15: strict prohibitions and strong prayers
St. Basil of Moscow Memorial Day on August 15: strict prohibitions and strong prayers
On August 15, Orthodox believers celebrate the Memorial Day of Blessed Basil of Moscow, the holy fool, whose life was devoted to humility, prayer and prophecies. He became famous as the owner of the gift of foresight, which helped him save the inhabitants of Moscow from many troubles, and the city itself from a terrible fire. On this day, believers pray to the intercessor for protection and healing, attend divine services and help all those in need, as the saint once did. For more information about the history and traditions of the Orthodox celebration, see the Izvestia article.
The Life of St. Basil of Moscow
St. Basil of Moscow, holy fool for Christ's sake, was born in December 1468 right on the porch of the Elokhovsky church near Moscow. His parents were simple people. At the age of 16, the young man moved to Moscow, where he began the path of foolishness, a special feat in which he walked the streets barefoot and almost naked, despite the scorching heat and bitter cold.
Epiphany Cathedral in Elokhovo (Elokhovsky Cathedral)
At first, his behavior seemed strange: he often knocked over trays of rolls and spilled pitchers of kvass. But it soon became clear that this was how he warned customers about the unsuitability of the goods, thereby protecting them. People soon recognized him as a man of God, able to see the hidden truth and expose sins.
The chronicles mention that in 1521 Vasily of Moscow received a "fiery vision" in the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, foreshadowing the wrath of God on the townspeople and the invasion of the Crimean Khan Mahmet Giray. In 1547, Vasily predicted the Great Moscow fire, which began in the area where he tearfully prayed near the Vozdvizhensky Monastery. His prayers also helped to calm the fire in Novgorod, which made the saint a revered defender of the city from troubles.
The saint was not afraid to rebuke the powerful of this world. So, legend has it that one day he directly pointed out to Tsar Ivan the Terrible the impropriety of engaging in worldly affairs during worship, calling for spiritual concentration and humility.
There are numerous miracles attributed to Basil both during his lifetime and after his death. He was considered the patron saint of sea travelers: according to hagiographic legend, the saint managed to calm the storm on the Caspian Sea by saving merchant ships. One of the famous miracles is the "Miracle of the Fur Coat": when the thieves fraudulently asked him for a fur coat, the saint predicted an early death for the deceivers, and so it happened. This miracle has become a symbol of righteousness and divine retribution for deceit.
Vasily of Moscow lived in a feat of foolishness for about 70 years and died on August 2, 1552 (according to other sources — 1557). The saint was canonized in 1588 at a Council headed by His Holiness Patriarch Job. This year, his relics were transferred from the cemetery at the Trinity Church to the Pokrovsky Cathedral, which was popularly called St. Basil's Cathedral.
What not to do on St. Basil of Moscow Memorial Day
St. Basil of Moscow Memorial Day traditionally coincides with the period of the Dormition Fast and is accompanied by popular prohibitions and precautions. On August 15, Orthodox tradition advises to avoid plentiful food, especially animal products. Instead of meat and dairy dishes, it is recommended to serve lean pastries, nuts, dried fruits and honey on the festive table.
On an Orthodox holiday, it is undesirable to participate in noisy entertainment. Instead, it is better to spend the day in silence, solitude and prayer, strengthening faith and inner peace. It was believed that during this period it was forbidden to engage in heavy physical labor — cleaning, laundry, agricultural and construction work. It was also forbidden to swear and quarrel with loved ones.
In the old days, on St. Basil of Moscow, people decorated houses with wreaths of meadow flowers, which served as amulets, and collected medicinal herbs — oregano, St. John's wort, calendula, and others, which were considered the most powerful on this particular day. Special attention was paid to showing mercy — it was impossible to refuse help to those in need.
What do they pray to Saint Basil of Moscow for?
They pray to St. Basil the Blessed, a fool for Christ's sake, for help in resolving difficult life situations, finding the truth, healing the body and soul, and strengthening love for others. He is revered as the patron saint of those who seek truth and spiritual insight, as well as a protector in severe illnesses and mental suffering.
The clergy advise to turn to him with prayers for deliverance from passions, adversities, sorrows and diseases. Many believe in his miraculous ability to ease mental anguish and bring comfort during difficult periods of life. St. Basil also helps those who strive for humility, mercy and a righteous life, strengthening faith in God and spiritual powers.
Prayers to Blessed Basil of Moscow, a fool for Christ's sake
On St. Basil of Moscow Memorial Day, solemn divine services dedicated to the saint are held in Orthodox churches throughout Russia and especially in Moscow. In the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, as well as in St. Basil's Cathedral on Red Square, Vespers, all-night vigil, matins, liturgy and Holy Water prayer services are held. Special hymns are sung at the services — the troparion and kontakion of Blessed Basil, which glorify the feat of foolishness, purity of heart and miracles of the saint.
Among the common prayer appeals to St. Basil are petitions for health, protection and spiritual strengthening.
Prayer for help and healing
"O great servant of Christ, true friend and faithful servant of the Creator of the Lord God, Blessed Basil! Hear us, O sinners of many sins, who now cry out to you and invoke your holy name: have mercy on us who today fall down before the shrine of your relics; accept our little and unworthy supplication, have mercy on our wretchedness, and through your prayers heal every ailment and disease of our sinful soul and body, and vouchsafe us the course of this life unharmed by visible and to pass away the invisible enemy sinlessly, and to receive a Christian demise shameless, peaceful, and serene, and to inherit the heavenly Kingdom with all the saints forever and ever. Amen to that."
Troparion to Blessed Basil (glas 8)
"Your life, Vasily, is not religious, and purity is not unclean.,
For Christ's sake, you have exhausted your body with fasting and vigil,
and frost, and the warmth of the sun,
both bad weather and rain,
And your face brightened up like the sun.,
And now the Russian peoples and all people are coming to you, glorifying your holy Dormition.
In this way, pray to Christ God to deliver us from barbaric captivity and internecine warfare.,
and He will give peace to the world, and great mercy to our souls."
Kontakion to Blessed Basil (glas 4)
"We are led by the Spirit of God, Most Blessed Basil,
You have shaken off the worldly rebellion,
And thou didst abhor the life of anxiety,
And he stripped off his corruptible garments and clothed himself in the robe of passionlessness.,
You escaped from the trap of the flattering ruler of the world,
And you were strange in your paganism,
and, above earthly riches, choosing heavenly riches,
You have become a crown of patience.
And now, Blessed Basil, pray to Christ God.,
O those who keep your holy memory, may we call you:
Hail, Blessed Basil."
Among the people and the church, the memory of St. Basil the Blessed is revered with deep reverence, considering him an example of extreme spiritual purity, humility and unity with God. His feat of foolishness and miracle-working remain a source of inspiration and consolation for many generations of believers.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
