Orthodox Christians celebrate the Intercession Day according to the modern calendar on October 14. This is the date when many people pay tribute to their savior and protector, the Most Holy Theotokos.
The history of the origin of the holiday
The Holy Protection of the Most Holy Lady of our Mother of God, despite the fact that it is one of the most significant holidays for Christians, is not particularly marked in the church calendar. The exact date when the appearance of the Virgin in Constantinople took place is unknown, but researchers agree that this could have happened around 910 according to the old style on October 1 or 14 on the new one.
At that time Constantinople was surrounded by enemy troops. The parishioners gathered for the all-night vigil in the Blachernae Church, located on the outskirts of the capital of Byzantium, prayed for salvation. The apparition of the Most Holy Theotokos happened at four o'clock in the morning. Surrounded by the Apostle John the Theologian and the prophet John the Baptist, She walked through the air. A number of sources claim that the phenomenon was all praying. Others are inclined to believe that only Andrew the Fool and Epiphany, his student, had a chance to see Her. That night, the Mother of God removed the omophorion from her head and opened the veil over the people. Since then, the cover has become a sign of the protection of Christians from enemy troops.
They began to celebrate the Pokrov during the reign of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky in about 1164. In memory of this salutary phenomenon, the prince ordered the construction of the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl. The white stone church is still in operation. The temple is located 10 km from the city of Vladimir. The Bogolyubovsky meadow that surrounds it is recognized as a regional historical and landscape complex.
Traditions and customs
In October, cold weather was already approaching in Russia, the first frosts were noted in the morning. According to custom, all field work was completed by that time, the owners prepared food for future use for the coming winter, did not drive livestock to the meadows and prepared the dwelling for frost.
The veil was and is considered a maiden's holiday, as it is associated with the bride's scarf. During this period, hen parties were traditionally held and weddings were widely celebrated. The family created in Pokrov turned out to be the strongest.
Do's and Don'ts in Pokrov
- Doing housework that is considered dirty (cleaning the house, washing, sewing, embroidering, ironing, etc.) is not recommended on this day.
- If the holiday falls on Wednesday or Friday, then fish is allowed to be eaten. If October 14 is any other day, then fish dishes are prohibited.
- It is better to leave the preparation of complex and heavy dishes until evening.
- Fasting on this day can be skipped, although the hostesses used to set a rich table and invite relatives to the Pokrov. One tradition has remained unchanged - if you help those in need on this day, life will be more prosperous and happy.
