In the very near future, Orthodox Christians in Russia will begin to celebrate one of the most revered religious holidays - the day of the Holy Trinity. This event has several alternative names: the descent of the Holy Spirit, Green Sunday, Semik, Pentecost. If you are still not aware of the date of Trinity in 2017, then you should know that there is not long to wait - the Orthodox holiday falls on July 4.
The Orthodox holiday Trinity is a rolling one. In other words, its date is calculated every year, but the solemn event always falls on Sunday. Exactly one week after the celebration of Trinity, Peter's fast begins.
What is the essence of the holiday
The Holy Trinity is celebrated in honor of a significant event that happened to the apostles - disciples of Jesus Christ. They were in the Zion Upper Room with the Virgin Mary, when at three o'clock in the afternoon a loud noise was heard. After that, fluttering tongues of flame descended from heaven on the heads of the apostles. They were like the Holy Fire of Jerusalem, which shines but does not burn.
After that, the apostles felt God's grace - they were given the ability to speak in languages that were previously unknown to them. This was necessary for the disciples of Christ to be able to convey the Word of God to people living in all countries of the world. It is believed that this is why Christianity spread at a fantastic rate and quickly became one of the world's religions.
The life-giving Holy Trinity demonstrated the trinity of the Creator. The Holy Spirit, which descended on the apostles, came from God the Father. But this event took place according to the word of God the Son. Thus, at Pentecost, the Lord appeared in all three forms. Orthodox Christians, who are not indifferent to the history of the holiday and its traditions, should spend this day in prayer and in meditation on the spiritual.
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Catholic Trinity
As mentioned earlier, the Russian Christian Trinity is celebrated on the 50th day after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Catholics report this event in a different way; it is customary for them to celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit on the 57th day. Accordingly, the Catholic Trinity in 2017 will take place on June 11. This date also falls on Sunday.
Catholics believe that the Holy Spirit came not only on the disciples of Jesus Christ. According to their ideas, the particles of Divine Light merged with the soul of every person living on earth. This was part of the covenant promising the Kingdom of Heaven to everyone who wishes to follow the path of Christ in order to save an immortal soul.
Parent's Saturday
The day before Pentecost is parental Saturday. In 2017, this holiday falls on June 3rd. On this day, it is customary to visit the graves of deceased ancestors and pray for the peace of their souls. The Holy Scripture recommends postponing all worldly affairs on parental Saturday in order to get an opportunity to tune in to prayer and meditation. Panikhidas and funeral liturgies are served in all churches on this day.
In addition to commemorating the dead, one of the traditions of the parental Sabbath is helping the poor and needy. But it should be borne in mind that any charity should not be done for show, but come from a pure heart. Also, on parental Saturday, a Christian should remember those whom he could offend and ask them for forgiveness. In addition, you must forgive your offenders as well, as Jesus Christ taught.
Folk traditions
Some folk traditions on the day of the Holy Trinity are closely related to pagan customs that were common in Russia even before the advent of Christianity. For example, among the Slavs, it was customary to carry birch twigs and green plants to the graves of deceased relatives. Thus, our ancestors showed respect not only for the deceased, but also for nature.
In the old days on Trinity, the floors of the temples were lined with herbs and twigs. It was believed that a handful of these herbs, which could be taken with you after the service, has healing powers. Decoctions and infusions were prepared from them, which were then consumed by all family members. In addition, it was customary to invite a priest into the house to consecrate the well and the courtyard.
The pagans revered Pentecost as the day on which the mysterious inhabitants of lakes, rivers and other bodies of water come to earth. According to their ideas, the mermaids took the form of beautiful maidens and tried to lure the gullible young men into the depths of the waters. Mermen, kikimors and other representatives of evil spirits became very dangerous. Therefore, it was necessary to stay away from bodies of water, especially after dark.
Before going to church on the Holy Trinity, it was supposed to have breakfast with the family. Each of the household members had to eat one chicken egg, cooked in a common pot. Before the meal, Orthodox prayers were said, including Our Father. This simple ritual guaranteed health and good luck to the household.
Signs on Trinity
Do you want to receive help from the Higher Forces that will protect your family from all sorts of misfortunes, troubles and hardships? In this case, generous alms should be distributed on the Trinity! In addition, you can provide assistance to those who need it. Godly deeds will not go unnoticed.
If a light rain starts in the morning, and then the sky clears up and sunny weather sets in, then you can expect a bountiful harvest. First of all, this applies to mushrooms, berries and grain crops.
The tablecloth that was used to cover the table during a festive dinner should not be washed. It must be carefully stored in a secluded place and not shown to anyone. This is believed to help attract wealth and well-being. If there is a maiden in the house, then a wealthy groom will soon woo her.
It is forbidden to erect or repair fences on Pentecost. The sign says that such an activity can bring illness to a person or to his family members. It is better to devote the day to prayer and communication with loved ones.
On Trinity, in principle, one should not do any work, except for the preparation of a festive dinner for relatives and household members, as well as feeding the livestock. In addition, on Spirits day, it is better not to swim in water bodies and not even come close to rivers. This is due to the above-described belief about mermaids.