Pimen the Great: biography of the saint, when is Memorial Day

Every year on September 9, Orthodox believers honor the memory of St. Pimen the Great. His life, full of asceticism, guidance and spiritual teachings, had a significant impact on the development of Byzantine and Slavic monasticism. On this day, believers remember the biography of the saint and observe certain traditions and restrictions.

St. Pimen the Great: biography and feat

Pimen the Great is one of the most famous ascetics of early Christianity, who lived at the turn of the IV–V centuries. He was born around the 340s in Egypt. In his youth, together with his brothers Anuvius and Paisius, he chose the monastic path, settling in a Hermitage monastery. There he became famous for his strict lifestyle and ascetic feat.

The ascetics' day was clearly scheduled: work and reading during the day, prayer and rest at night. According to the biographies, Pimen reached a high level of spiritual perfection and instructed other monks. His short teachings were passed down from generation to generation by his students.

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In 407, the monks were forced to leave their cells due to Berber attacks and found refuge in the ruins of an ancient temple in Terenufis. In these conditions, their strictness increased: they rarely accepted relatives and friends, believing that renouncing worldly ties helps the soul to find salvation.

Pimen the Great is known not only as an ascetic, but also as a mentor. His spiritual depth earned him the honorary name "the great", reflecting experience and wisdom, rather than age or rank. He became a representative of the Egyptian "ascetic fathers", whose teachings and practice formed the basis of Eastern and Slavic monasticism.

After his death around 450, Pimen was canonized and revered in church calendars. Believers turn to him for humility, strength to resist passions, and deliverance from pride and enmity. In his lives, he is described as "the image of monks," "a desert dweller," "a giver of healings," and "an extirpator of passions." His prayers help to develop spiritual fortitude, prudence, solace in sorrow, and the ability to reconcile people.

Memorial Day on September 9th: rituals and traditions

The celebration of Pimen's memory falls on September 9 (August 27, Old style). Divine services are held on this day, troparia and kontakion are read, and prayer services for spiritual enlightenment are performed. Monasteries also remember other Egyptian ascetics associated with the history of the Hermitage.

Over time, the holiday became intertwined with folk customs. In the villages, September 9 was considered rowan Day: berries were picked, jam was prepared, and rituals were performed to protect the home and family. It was believed that a rich harvest portends a cold winter, and the berries left for the birds symbolize gratitude. Today, these traditions continue to be observed in family and parish practice along with church attendance.

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Popular beliefs associated September 9 with a number of prohibitions: they did not lend money, did not start important business, did not arrange weddings and did not break the branches of the mountain ash. It was also not recommended to stand on the threshold for a long time and pick up things at the intersection. These restrictions were perceived as precautionary measures before the beginning of autumn.

From the point of view of the Church, there are no special strict prohibitions. The main focus is on participation in worship, prayer, and observance of parish traditions.