Church holidays are an integral part of the life of every Orthodox person. To conduct them properly, you need to know what to refrain from on the bright days of the calendar.
One of the main twelve-year holidays is the Presentation of the Lord on February 15. It was on this day that the baby Jesus was brought into the temple. The immaculate child manifested himself in the earthly world for the salvation of sinful souls and the fulfillment of God's plan. On this great holiday, all Orthodox Christians pray to the Mother of God, glorifying the Most Holy Virgin and her son. Solemn services are held in all churches. At this time, a ban is imposed on some cases.
What cannot be done at the Presentation of the Lord
February 15 is a great day of celebration of the meeting of God in the flesh with the prophet Simeon the God-receiver, who predicted global changes in the lives of all people with the appearance of the baby Jesus. The prayers offered on this day help every believer. On the feast of the Meeting of the Lord, one should concentrate on the spiritual life, analyze one's actions, ask for forgiveness for sins and do good. There is also a list of things to do from which it is better to abstain.
Work ban. At Meeting, the church prohibits any work, except for those that serve the good of people. Making money is considered sinful on February 15th. The only exceptions are those professions that are aimed at helping others. These are medical, rescue and other services, which by their actions bring benefit to people's lives.
Prohibition of alcohol. The church does not approve of alcoholic drinks, which cloud the mind and make people addicted to their bad habits. It is believed that all harm is from the wicked one, and only salvific prayers allow Christians to fight daily devilish temptations and continue the righteous path.
Promotional video:
Prohibition on household chores. Cleaning and washing is the lot of weekdays. During the celebration, it is customary to devote time to God and prayers to purify the soul and search for a righteous path. It is also a time for communication with relatives and good deeds.
A ban on quarrels and swear words. Foul language is one of the deadly sins and turns Heaven away from the scolding person. Swearing destroys a person's connection with the Higher Powers and deprives him of his patronage and protection.
No washing. Washing in the old days was a lot of trouble. It was necessary to carry water, chop wood and heat the bath. Hard work on holidays was not welcomed, so it was customary to wash the day before, in order to meet the bright date with a clean not only soul, but also body. In the modern world, the church does not prohibit washing if necessary. Exceptions are entertainment and leisure activities in the bathhouse or sauna.
A ban on needlework. During the lesson, you can forget about going to church and communicating with God. The church allows handicraft if it does not take all the time and does not turn a person away from prayer. Naturally, it is not forbidden to mend torn clothes or sew them in order to wear them.
Fortune-telling and rituals are prohibited. Orthodox Christians who truly believe in God cannot engage in magic and deceive in every way the fate predetermined by the Higher Powers. Attempts to look to the future call into question God's purpose and are sinful.
The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is marked by solemn church services and the consecration of candles. On this day, your good mood and humility before God purifies your soul and contributes to the acquisition of happiness.