In the 70s and 80s, many boys were called Sergei. It was a fairly popular name at the time. In principle, it is understandable: Sergei is a rather harmonious name, in addition, it goes well with many middle names.
Name days - what is it?
In infancy, the sacrament of baptism is performed over many children. This means that from the moment of baptism, each person has a certain patron, or Guardian Angel. For Orthodox Christians, this is some kind of saint, whose name, in fact, is given to the child.
Basically, it doesn't matter whether a person celebrates the birthday or not. It doesn't matter how many times a year he does it. The main thing is not to forget about such days and pray sincerely, honoring the day of memory of your saint.
When is Sergey's name day?
It's hard to believe, but Sergei has his name day 61 times a year (according to the Gregorian calendar)! In general, the word "name day" means the date of commemoration of the saint, in whose honor, in fact, the child was named. Traditionally, the name day is the first day of commemoration of a saint after his birth. For example, Seryozha, born on September 7, will celebrate their name day on September 24.
On Angel Day, it is customary to give everything that connects the birthday person with God and the Church. These are icons, candles, icon lamps, the Bible, various religious literature, etc.
The birthday (or Angel Day) of Sergei is celebrated in spring and summer, and in autumn and winter. All of Sergei's name days can be easily identified by looking at the church calendar. There these days will be designated as the dates of commemoration of the saints and martyrs named by Sergei.
Sergei's birthday according to the church calendar
Since the Day of the Angel Sergei falls several times a year, it is necessary to look into the church calendar and mark the most memorable days for yourself. This is how this calendar determined the date of Sergey's name day: January 15 and 27, April 2 and 25, June 1 and 6, July 11 and 18, August 25, September 17 and 24, October 8, 11, 20 and 23, November 29 and 11 December.
Celebrating name days in Russia
It is curious that in Russia the name day was not inferior to the birthday at all! Then the day of the Angel was celebrated by a large circle of relatives and friends. The atmosphere of the holiday was restrained and sincere. Then there could be no question of some wide and noisy festivities. After all, the name day is the day on which the birthday person turns to his soul, honors his eponymous saint.
In Russia, it was important to lay out the name of the hero of the occasion with a dough on the surface of the loaf. It was a kind of symbol of honoring the birthday man.
The main difference between Angel Day in Russia was, of course, a large loaf. Usually it was baked in an unusual shape - in the form of an elongated rectangle, octagon or oval.
Angel Day in modern life
Not so long ago, name days have taken root in modern life as a holiday. True, this holiday acquired the status of a secular event. Basically, people who are not associated with church and religion think so. And gifts to such birthday people are given without adhering to traditional rules. But one thing you need to know for sure: any gifts for Angel Day should be modest and should show respect for the birthday person.
