What do church holidays mean for us?

Unfortunately, many generations of formerThe Soviet Union for many years were brought up in the spirit of atheism, and although in the hearts of most of us there is still faith, many lack even basic knowledge of spirituality. So I would like to talk about what kind of church holidays are, how to prepare for them, how to celebrate them and just a few interesting facts.

What are the Christian holidays?

Almost every day in the calendar is markedthe name of some saint. On such days someone celebrates the name-day, someone prays to this saint, asking for leniency and protection. But nine times a year, all believers celebrate twelve untiring holidays, such as Christmas, for example. The Baptism of the Lord, as well as the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, and others belong to them. These church holidays have their permanent day regardless of the year.

There are also twelve passing holidays: Palm Sunday and the Ascension of the Lord, as well as one of the most famous and all celebrated - the Day of the Holy Trinity. They change the date according to the year. More precisely, the date is usually associated with the day when the most important Christian day is celebrated - Easter.

There is also circumcision of the Lord, a great feastNativity of John the Baptist and others. These are great church holidays. In October, for example, celebrate the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary (October 14). They also have their own fixed date.

How to prepare for a Christian holiday?

First and foremost, a Christian holiday isthe triumph of spirituality, therefore, it is necessary to prepare for it a soul. In churches, the prayers begin to read ahead of the holiday, and every believer must take care of his own soul. Not all of us know and can read prayers. But even just to read a prayer book is better than nothing.

Many do not understand how to celebrate the churchholidays. Everyone knows that on such days nothing should be done. But this is not the main thing. After all, those who are at work can not rest, but this does not mean that they sin. The main thing is, on such days - not to think about the bad, to remember what Jesus Christ did for us, and to create good deeds for ourselves. To celebrate a holiday with the help of someone who needs it is the best way to cleanse the soul for the great day.

But the body should not be forgotten. About him remind us of fasting. They herald the greatest church holidays, in November (28th), for example, the Christmas fast begins, which lasts until January 6th. I would like to separately tell you about one of the common days, November 4.

Day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

It has long been one of the most revered icons in Russia. This day is celebrated since 1612. At first it was a state holiday, marking the liberation of Moscow from the Poles. It was believed that the Kazan image of the Virgin helped to get protection in troubled war times, because in the militia commanded by Kuzma Minin and Prince Dimitry Pozharsky, it was the Kazan icon. And when the Russian army liberated Moscow from the Poles, the Kazan Cathedral was built on Red Square, which, after the revolution (in 1936), unfortunately, was destroyed.

Celebration of the Nativity of Christ

About church holidays usually ask a lotissues. One of those that is heard most often: why not transfer Christmas, as Catholics do, so that the New Year is not celebrated during the Christmas fast. The Orthodox Church has a weighty argument that the Lord favors the old style. After all, the Holy Fire, the greatest miracle, descends to the earth on Great Saturday, according to the old style, just before the Orthodox Easter. And we should not think about how to celebrate the New Year. This is just the next stage in our life, bringing new challenges, joys and sorrows. And above all to put Christmas, this is a real holiday for all Christians, praising the Lord and his all-forgiving essence.