Kiev. Ukraine. Ukraine Gate – February 15, 2021 – Culture
The meeting is the meeting of humanity in the person of Elder Simeon with God.
One of the 12 most important Orthodox days is the Lord’s Supper. It is noteworthy that it simultaneously contains Christian and pagan roots (the pagans called it Gromnytsia), so it copes even with the Old Believers. It is celebrated annually on February 15.
History of events
The Gospel reports that on the 32nd day after circumcision and on the 40th day after birth, the parents and their newborn son came to the temple in Jerusalem. Believers believed that according to Jewish law, in order to purify the mother of Mary, it is necessary to give a child to the service of God, resorting to sacrificing in gratitude for the firstborn of the male sex. Unable to kill any animals, they brought two surviving chicks.
There was also Anna, the daughter of Fanuilov, who dedicated 84 years of righteous living to the Lord. Then the old woman prayed at the walls of the building, asking for the health of loved ones.
The name itself translates into modern language as “meeting”. This is justified by the real acquaintance of Simeon and Jesus Christ, the savior of the souls of living sinners.
Historical sources claim that the old man came there not by accident. He was chosen as a translator to transliterate the scriptures. In one of the books, the man saw a clear mistake and wanted to correct it. An angel who appeared to him in a vision stopped the pen that rose above the paper and convinced him of the truth of the original source, saying that he would not die until he was sure. So after a long time, the righteous man came to church, as God’s messenger insisted.
It is reported that Semyon held the baby in his arms, admiring his face and beauty, talking about his future, and the Prophetess echoed him. Almost immediately after that, the 360-year-old monk died following the order.
The Lord’s Supper is considered the most ancient celebration. The first celebrations were recorded in the 4th century as the end of the 40-day period of the Epiphany. Then the day spread to the Roman lands and Constantinople. Two centuries later, by decree of Emperor Justinian, it was approved as the twelfth holiday – a major religious date.
Traditions and rites
Many peasants, being illiterate, spent the eve as a simple day – preparing for fieldwork, caring for livestock, caring for the house. Women tidied up the cells, the closets, looking through the available things. The hostess loved to do needlework and bake pancakes, young unmarried girls – to guess at the convict. The strong half repaired the inventory, checked the farm.
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Few Christians knew that it was not really desirable to work. In the morning they consecrated the water, sprinkled their possessions outside and inside, reciting prayers, conspiracies for health and well-being. The remaining part of the holy liquid is left in the corner, used in negative moments – to heal from diseases, to drive away demons, to remove damage.