It is difficult to imagine any Christian church, and especially an Orthodox one, without burning candles. Publication in CHAT: RussiaThere are always many of them, and at such solemn services as Easter, everyone present holds candles in their hands. And in general, it has become a tradition to light candles in the church and pray for our loved ones, living and dead. And we are all so used to this that we practically do not think about what a burning candle symbolizes. I once tried to explain its meaning to myself, spontaneously, and immediately stumbled, I did not remember everything, after all, you can’t hold everything in your head. I had to look into church books, and somehow rediscover its meaning for myself. It turns out that in ancient times, only wax was used to make candles. And not by chance! It is this substance that is extremely rich in subtle symbolic shades. This is how the famous 15th century church writer, Blessed Simeon of Thessalonica († c. 1429), describes it: Wax, as the purest substance, signifies our purity and sincerity of sacrifice. Wax, as a substance on which objects can be imprinted, signifies the seal or sign of the cross, which is placed upon us in baptism and chrismation. Wax, as a soft and flexible substance, signifies our obedience and readiness to repent of our sinful life. Wax collected from fragrant flowers signifies the grace of the Holy Spirit. The wax, composed of many flowers, symbolizes the sacrifice that Christians offer to God. Wax, as a burnt substance, signifies our deification, for God, as it were, purifies our nature with divine fire. And finally, wax, which combines fire and light, signifies the union and strength of mutual love and peace among Christians. In church history, the use of wax and candles began very early. Many testimonies have been preserved. The third-century Carthaginian bishop Mensurius, before his torture and martyrdom, handed over various church items to the elders of the community, including two candlesticks. It is interesting that according to ancient church rules, people who stole wax and candles were punished by excommunication from the church. Blessed Jerome († 420) speaks of candles as a pious custom widely known in the 4th century. Well, in the 6th century, candles were even mentioned in state laws. In the code of Emperor Justinian († 565) there was an instruction that no one could begin building a monastery or church until he proved that he was able to allocate enough money for wax, candles, oil, worship, for the preservation of the temple, and for the food and clothing of its servants. The Seventh Ecumenical Council (787) directly determines the veneration of the cross and icons by kissing, bowing, burning incense and lighting candles, and refers to the antiquity of this custom. And in the Russian Church for a very long time, almost until recent times, only wax candles were used. In popular piety, wax from church candles was even considered a medicinal remedy for treating people and domestic animals. However, there have always been counterfeits. And in church literature there are traces of polemics with those who did not attach such exceptional importance to wax. The arguments of its defenders were as follows: With the change in composition, wax loses its symbolism. It can no longer express our humility, our obedience, our spiritual softness, because a candle made from it becomes hard, fragile and rough. And how can such wax symbolize the beneficial influence of God's Spirit on us, when the candle gives off a suffocating and unpleasant smell. And wax becomes like this from impurities that were often added to candles. But the candle also has the symbolism of light, connected with prayer. When we light a candle before an icon, it is good to pray to God that He enlightens us with His law, softens and warms our hearts with love for Him. And when we look at the flame of a candle, flickering and always flowing upward, it is worth thinking about our prayer, so that we can also reverently turn it to God. See how many meanings a small candle can have if you handle it carefully. But, unfortunately, more often than not, it happens as St. Theophan the Recluse once ironically noted: “It’s very similar to when someone runs into a church, lights a candle and runs off to do his business: let the candle pray!” Author: Archpriest Vladimir Bashkirov Original source Source link
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One Christian woman acted in an unusual way in response to an offer to deceive people. Publication in CHAT: RussiaA religious woman got a job in one of the workers' canteens. The management put her in charge of distribution and strictly punished her: "We need to short-weight the people by eighty grams, otherwise we won't earn anything." - "Okay. What problems?!" During lunch, when a crowd of workers lined up, a Christian woman said to the first person who came up: “You know, I have to short-weight you by eighty grams, the boss ordered it.” The worker looked at the woman in bewilderment, then smiled and said: “Okay, if they ordered it, then they ordered it. Listen, guys, they’re going to short-weight us by eighty grams here. Is that okay? Will we put up with it?” Everyone started murmuring in response, and then they agreed. As a result, some of the outraged people complained, and the Christian woman quit: “Sorry, God does not allow stealing, and my conscience does not allow me to do it.” Author: The story of one honest woman. Original source Source link
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Today is a national Christian holiday – Avdotya Sengoika Day. Publication in CHAT: Russia Avdotya Senogoyka is celebrated on July 20 - a day when it is important to follow folk traditions to attract good luck and health. Life.ru explains what can and cannot be done on this day to avoid problems and spend time usefully. July 20 is the folk Christian holiday of Avdotya Senogoyka. On this day, all Orthodox believers remember the Venerable Euphrosyne of Moscow. Let's find out what customs and signs are associated with this day and what prohibitions must be observed. History and traditions of Avdotya Senogoyka Venerable Euphrosyne of Moscow was born in 1353 into a princely family and from childhood was distinguished by meekness and piety. At the age of 14, she married Prince Dmitry Donskoy, and after his death, she devoted herself to serving God, taking monastic vows. Avdotya died in July, very close to the day when, according to legend, the fierce heat gives way to pouring rain. It was believed that this transition was so abrupt that a lazy farmer, simply looking in for a short time, could run out of feed for his cattle. The reason for this is the rains, because of which hay collected at the wrong time will certainly rot. Harvesting hay in the midst of the heat, in July, seemed like a real torture to the peasants, which could only be overcome by the highest humility and true Christian obedience. These are the qualities that Avdotya embodied with her entire existence. This is how the party got its curious name. Symbols and rituals of Avdotya Sengoyka Day The oak is considered the symbol of this day. Our ancestors believed that this tree has special energy and power. On Avdotya Day, it was customary to decorate houses with wreaths of oak leaves to protect the home from evil spirits and the evil eye. Oak leaves were also used to make bath brooms, which were believed to have healing properties. Also on this day, farmers tried to fumigate their homes with oak leaves, as they believed that this would protect them from fire. “The men threw the sickle over their shoulders and watched it fall: if it fell, happiness awaited the fortuneteller, and if it got stuck in the ground, death,” the expert emphasizes. On this day, it is important to follow folk traditions to attract good luck and health. Here are some basic habits: Coming to the oak. People went to oak trees to fill up with energy and strength. It was believed that time spent under an oak tree helps restore strength. Decorating the house. Dwellings were decorated with garlands of oak leaves, believing that they would protect the house from evil spirits and the evil eye. Making brooms. On this day, oak brooms were prepared for the bathhouse, which were then used to improve health. What you shouldn't do on July 20, Avdotya Day. To avoid problems, you need to follow certain prohibitions: Love affairs. Put off dates and marriage proposals. It was believed that unions concluded on this day will be unsuccessful. Laziness and sloth. You can't be lazy, inactive or sleep during the day. This can lead to failures in work and income. Black clothes. Do not wear dark or black clothes, so as not to bring on a bad streak in life. Folk omens for July 20. Our ancestors carefully observed nature and drew conclusions about the future. Here are some signs that will help you understand what to expect: Rain on this day foretells prolonged precipitation and problems with the harvest. Oak brooms made on this day have special healing powers. If the birthday boy starts harvesting, the whole year will be bountiful. Avdotya Senyogoyka is a day when it is worth remembering folk traditions and rituals and spending time usefully. By following these simple rules, you can attract luck, health and well-being into your life. Let July 20th be a day of strength and light for you and bring joy and harmony to your home! L. Lyubina Earlier we wrote that a resident of Taganrog, a graduate of the Southern Federal University, could be awarded for saving a girl from the Volga 5198 News on Bloknot-Taganrog Source link Source link