Introduction to the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos 2024: what absolutely cannot be done today
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Today, Ukraine celebrates one of the greatest church holidays – the Introduction to the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos. This holiday, which is popularly called “The Third Prechista”, has ancient traditions.
History of the Introduction to the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos
The Feast of the Introduction was established by the church around the 9th century. However, it was only from the second half of the 15th century that the holiday spread throughout Europe.
The Third Feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Lady of Our Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary is dedicated to the early years of the Virgin Mary's life. According to the apocryphal books, Mary was born to the couple Joachim and Anna after their prayers and promise to give the child to the Jerusalem Temple to serve God.
The girl was taken to the priests at the age of three – this was an important event, because it formed the moral principles of the Mother of God. When Mary reached adolescence, she was advised to find a groom – the girl could not stay in the temple, because this was considered a desecration of the sanctuary.
However, Mary refused, deciding to preserve her virginity, devoting her entire life to faith and God. Since then, the Virgin Mary has been one of the most important figures in Christianity.
Traditions of the Third Immaculate Conception
In honor of the introduction of the Most Holy Theotokos into the temple today, at early services, The Exaltation of the Virgin Mary is celebrated, and a Liturgy is also held. The Blessed Virgin Mary is considered the patroness of women, so prayers to her are especially powerful on this day. When lighting a candle in churches, on the day of the Introduction, people pray for help, intercession, female happiness, easy childbirth or a long-awaited pregnancy. In addition, today they ask for the forgiveness of sins. Therefore, on the Third Holy Day, children are brought to church for their first confession.
In the people, the Introduction to the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos divided the autumn and winter seasons, and, accordingly, garden and garden work.
The ancestors believed that on the Introduction one could determine what the next year would be like – the one who came first to visit symbolized poverty and disaster or prosperity and health, depending on gender, financial status and the purpose of the visit.
The main signs of this day
- If the weather is good on November 21, then the winter will be with frosts
- This morning the sky is clear – it will get colder soon
- There is snow on the Third Prechista – there will be a good harvest next year
- The ancestors believed that if a man comes first on the Introduction to visit – there will be wealth, and if a woman or a man asks to borrow something – there may be financial losses
What not to do on the Third Prechista
According to ancient Ukrainian traditions and beliefs, on the Introduction you cannot:
- wash clothes – you can invite bad weather
- sew, embroider or knit – there will be a storm
- visit in the morning – you can bring misfortune
- work in the garden or in the orchard
- get married or get married
- slander or envy
However, there are no specific church prohibitions on working on the Introduction, in addition, during the Christmas Lent, which lasts during this period, it is allowed to eat fish today. However, it is better to devote the day to spirituality and prayers.
Who has an angel's day today
According to the new styleToday is the name day of Alexander.
In addition, in the old style November 21 is the day of the angel for people with the following names: Gavrilo, Mikhail, Pavlo, Marta.
What is celebrated in the world today
On November 21, different countries celebrate the following holidays and memorable dates:
- Day of Dignity and Freedom of Ukraine.The event is officially approved and is dedicated to important dates in the history and development of Ukraine – the Orange Revolution of 2004 and the Revolution of Dignity of 2013-2014.
- Day of the Airborne Assault Troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The professional holiday appeared in 2017 to honor the heroism of paratroopers in the fight for freedom, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
- Day of Social Entrepreneurship. This event is celebrated on the third Thursday of November to draw more attention to the activities of social enterprises.
- European Cystic Fibrosis Day. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of the hereditary autosomal disease of the endocrine gland.
- World Day against Pancreatic Cancer. The annual event, celebrated on the third Thursday of November, was established to unite people in the fight against this type of cancer.
- World Fisheries Day. The holiday is dedicated to fishing societies, unions and associations, to emphasize the importance of fishing as a source of food.
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