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Orthodox Christians Celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary: What You Absolutely Shouldn't Do Today
21.09.2024 07:46
Today, September 21, Orthodox believers, including those in Belarus, celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
This is one of the most important holidays in the Orthodox Church calendar – it is one of the 12 main ones.
The date of the holiday remains unchanged - it is celebrated every year on September 21.
Tradition
The first written records of the official celebration of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary by the Church date back to the fifth century AD.
According to biblical tradition, the parents of the Virgin Mary were pious people, but they had no children.
Joachim and Anna often prayed for a child. One day, an angel appeared to the woman and told her that the couple's prayers had been heard - they would have a girl who would be above all earthly daughters.
The angel advised to name the child Maria. Indeed, 9 days after his words, the couple had a girl, they named her Maria.
Traditions
On this festive day, believers attend services in churches, turn to the Virgin Mary with a request to grant them children, and thank the Mother of God for a fruitful year.
Women especially pray and revere the Mother of God, since she is considered their patroness, as well as the patroness of the family hearth.
Usually after the service in the church people gather around the festive table with their loved ones.
Although there is no fast on this day, the Church recommends serving fish dishes on the table.
What not to do
On this day, it is strictly forbidden to do any work related to heavy physical labor. Including housework.
Cursing, swearing and quarreling are even more prohibited, and various provocations and, especially, conflicts are taboo.
It is not permitted to organize noisy celebrations with excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.
What is possible
It is recommended to visit churches and offer prayers to the Holy Mother of God.
Visiting is allowed. The Church welcomes assistance to those in need and almsgiving.
By the way, this day is considered to be auspicious for planning weddings, since, according to legend, marriages will be happy.
