One of the great Orthodox holidays is the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos. Many folk signs and customs are associated with it. Many people do not know how to celebrate the Intercession, whether it is possible to work on this day, visit the cemetery, or is it prohibited.
history of the holiday
The intercession is traditionally celebrated on October 14 every year. Its history dates back to 910 AD. At this time, the ancient city of Constantinople was under siege by the Saracens. The strength of the inhabitants was running out and the Christians, expecting their inevitable death, decided to gather in the Blachernae church and pray. It is noteworthy that it was in this temple that the veil and belt of the Virgin were kept.
People fell to their knees and began to appeal to the Almighty forces, asking for mercy and help. After some time, the parishioners saw in reality how the Mother of God, surrounded by angels, entered the church and began to pray with the people. Then she removed the veil from her head and covered all the people in the temple with it. Surprisingly, the enemy, who had besieged the city for so long, left the next day (October 14).
For a long time, the Mother of God has been considered the patroness of Russia, and in our country, Orthodox people greatly respect her. In ancient Russia, the Pokrov began to be celebrated from the XII century. This holiday was introduced by Prince Andrey Bogolyubsky. He was a true believer, and he considered blessed Andrew his patron and was interested in his life and deeds.
In honor of the appearance of the Mother of God, Andrei Bogolyubsky built the Church of the Intercession-on-Nerl in the Vladimir region. Now this church is included in the list of masterpieces of Russian architecture. By this act, the prince gave Russia under the protection of the Mother of God. Especially often mothers pray to her for the health and well-being of their children.
How to celebrate the Veil
There are many signs and customs associated with this holiday. For example, in order for the next year to be rich in harvest, the housewives on Pokrov always heated the stove with branches of fruit trees. In a modern home, you can throw a couple of apple or cherry branches into the fireplace, or just burn a small twig on a saucer.
On this day, believers go to church for a festive service and pray to the patron saint. They revere the Mother of God, whose immeasurable love covers people, as if with a protective cover and protects them from troubles and hardships. It is also customary to pray on the Pokrov for those who died in battle, fighting for the faith and the Fatherland.
For a long time, it has been customary to prepare the Pokrovsky loaf for the holiday, which was treated to all relatives and friends.
If there is an icon of the Mother of God in the house, the older woman took it in her hands, read a prayer and blessed the whole family.
Is it possible to go to the Pokrov to the cemetery
The Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos is a very big and important holiday for Christians all over the world. On the one hand, on this day, one should praise the Mother of God and attach great importance to the family, children and healthy relatives.
Initially, the Veil symbolizes a righteous life and prosperity, and not grief for the departed. But on the other hand, the official church sees nothing wrong with people commemorating their deceased relatives on Pokrov.
If a person feels a strong need to pray and light a candle for peace, no one has the right to contradict him. You need to read a special prayer, which is in the prayer book. The main condition for commemorating the dead on the Intercession is that a short trip to the cemetery, light sadness, prayer and candles are allowed, but alcohol is prohibited on this day, otherwise you can lose the intercession of the heavenly patroness.
