With the exception of one great holiday and one day of special commemoration of the dead, October in the church calendar is not a very eventful month. Let us recall which Orthodox holidays in October 2017 in Russia are marked by the church calendar, what these holidays mean.
Calendar of Orthodox holidays for October 2017
The only great holiday in October Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos celebrated annually October 14(or October 1, according to the Julian calendar, which is used in the church).
This holiday is dedicated to an event that happened at the beginning of the 10th century (in which year - the data differ) in Constantinople, besieged by an enemy army. Residents of the city, frightened by the imminent capture of the city by the enemy, gathered for an all-night vigil in a local church. Andrew the Fool, who later began to be venerated as a saint (the day of his memory is October 15), was there and prayed with everyone for protection.
Towards the end of the service, Andrey had a vision. He saw the Mother of God in the sky, accompanied by saints and angels. The Virgin Mary took off her headscarf and covered the church and the people inside with it. The vision was considered a good sign, which indicates that everything will work out in the end.
Indeed, after some time, the enemy troops that stormed Constantinople retreated.
The veil as a church holiday has always been quite strongly revered in Russia. The word "cover" itself has a double meaning in our country. In addition to the meaning that it has on the basis of the story told above, in Russia the cover is also the first snow, which not only falls from the sky, but settles for a while in mid-October in many central regions of the country. This is how the snow cover is associated with the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos.
The intercession in our country is a celebration of the beginning of real autumn, the time for girls' evening gatherings and the opening of the autumn wedding season for our ancestors.
Special commemoration of the departed in October 2017
28 of October(or the 15th of the Julian calendar) 2017 is the day of special commemoration. named Dimitrievskaya Saturday.
Named in honor of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica, parental Saturday appeared at the end of the XIV century and was dedicated to the memory of all Russians who died in the battle on the Kulikovo field. The battle of Mamaevo, as that battle went down in history, between the troops of Dmitry Donskoy and the beklyarbek (a kind of governor in the Golden Horde) Mamai. The victory in the battle became one of the significant events that led to the weakening of the Horde and the strengthening of the Moscow principality, and the church set a special date in memory of about 20 thousand Russian soldiers who died in the battle.
Already in the next century, Dimitrievskaya Saturday, judging by the chronicles, was celebrated as a day of remembrance for all the dead.
Therefore, today it is one of the parental days when Orthodox Christians can visit the graves of deceased relatives and other close people. If the spring Radonitsa is a very massive parental day, which also has a joyful, Easter meaning, then the autumn day of remembrance is an occasion for a calmer and more meaningful reflection on the eternal.
There are many holidays in October this year, which are especially revered by Orthodox believers. This calendar presents the most important and serious ones.
Orthodox church holidays in October
2017 year
October 1, 2017, Sunday
- Icons of the Mother of God Molchenskaya ("Healer"), Old Russian.
October 3, 2017, Tuesday
- Vmch. Eustathius Placis, his wife Theopistia and their children
October 8, 2017, Sunday
- Repose of the Monk Sergius, Abbot of Radonezh
October 9, 2017, Monday
- The repose of the apostle and evangelist John the Theologian
October 13, 2017, Friday
- Schmch. Gregory Bishop, Enlightener of Great Armenia
This holiday is highly revered by Orthodox Christians. Tradition says that at the time of October 1, 910, the Robe of the Mother of God, her belt and head cover were in the Blachernae Church of Constantinople. It was then that the city was surrounded by the Saracens. The inhabitants prayed in horror for salvation.
The holy fool Andrew saw the Queen of Heaven above the crowd, surrounded by angels. The Most Holy Theotokos extended Her veil over all people in the temple and over the city. Soon the enemy retreated. The Mother of God always extends her prayer cover over all Orthodox Christians and asks Jesus Christ for the gift of eternal salvation.
On this day in Russia, families always went to churches to pray for the mercy and intercession of the Mother of God.
Venerable Roman the Sweet Songwriter
October 16, 2017, Monday
- Sshmchch. Dionysius the Areopagite, bishop Athenian, Rustic presbyter and Eleutherius the deacon
October 20, 2017, Friday
- Pskov-Pechersk Icon of the Mother of God "Tenderness"
October 22, 2017, Sunday
- Ap. Jacob Alfeev. Korsun Icon of the Mother of God
October 23, 2017, Monday
- Venerable Ambrose Optinsky. Cathedral of Volyn saints
October 24, 2017, Tuesday
- Memory of the Holy Fathers of the VII Ecumenical Council. Cathedral of the Optina Elders.
October 25, 2017, Wednesday
- Transferring from Malta to Gatchina a part of the Tree of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord, the Filerma Icon of the Mother of God and the right hand of John the Baptist.
October 26, 2017, Thursday
- Iberian Icon of the Mother of God
October 27, 2017, Friday
- Mtch. Nazaria, Gervasia, Protasia, Kelsia
October 28, 2017, Saturday
- Dimitrievskaya parental Saturday. Commemoration of the departed.
October 28, 2017, Monday
- Icons of the Mother of God "The Conqueror of the Breads"
October 29, 2017, Tuesday
- Mch. Longinus centurion, like at the Cross of the Lord
October 30, 2017, Wednesday
- Mtch. unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian of Arabia. Icons of the Mother of God "Before Christmas and after Christmas Virgin" and "Deliverer"
On this day, the Orthodox Church honors the death of Saint Sergius, Abbot of Radonezh.
Tradition and history
Sergius of Radonezh is venerated by the church as a saint (that is, glorified by his monastic deed). The saint lived for many years in abstinence and labor and performed many miraculous deeds, healing the sick. Sergius of Radonezh blessed Prince Dmitry Donskoy for the battle with Mamai, and after the victory of the Russian soldiers, they began to consider him the heavenly protector of our Fatherland.
The most important holiday in October. It is timed to the apparition of the Mother of God to Saint Andrew the Fool in the Blakherna Temple Constantinople... The people called the holiday Pokrov Day.
Tradition and history
Parishioners visit Temples, pray to the Virgin Mary in the hope of receiving healing and blessing. In ancient times, the wedding season began at this time. Girls who wanted to get married as soon as possible came to the Temple on October 14 and, lighting a candle, prayed to Paraskeva Friday, asking for help in marriage.
Orthodox Christians pray for the repose of the souls of deceased people, especially their parents.
Tradition and history
Believers go to church on this day, bring notes with the names of deceased relatives and pass them on to the priest, who will mention them during the service. Also, donations are brought to the church in the form of vegetables, bread, sweets and fruits, but meat and wine cannot be donated.
On this day, bow to the miraculous Kazan Icon of the Mother of God - one of the most revered in the Russian Orthodox Church. Believers pray for the insight of blind eyes, for deliverance from wars, bless those entering into marriage.
Tradition and history
The feast of the icon of the Kazan Mother of God is considered one of the most important women's holidays. The Kazan icon has long been considered a female patron. And they also said that whoever marries Kazanskaya will be happy in marriage.
On this day, all believers honor angels and archangels, pray for strengthening strength, help in physical healing, deliverance from sorrows and troubles.
Tradition and history
The festival was established by the Laodicean Cathedral in the 4th century. The eighth day (according to the Julian calendar) was not chosen by chance - it is an indication of the "day of the great", on which the Council of all the forces of heaven should take place during the Last Judgment.
Archangel Michael is revered as the protector of the souls of the dead, he guards the gates of paradise and leads the army of angels guarding the Law of God.
This is the last multi-day fast of the year and will end on January 6th. Its purpose is spiritual cleansing of a person and preparation for the feast of Nativity of Christ.
Tradition and history
On the days of fasting, the Orthodox Church prescribes to abstain from meat, eggs, milk and butter of animal origin. In addition, vegetable oil is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Fish is allowed only on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on great holidays, for example, on the Day of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos. From January 2 to 6, the fast becomes strict: at this time you cannot eat fish, even on Saturday and Sunday. However, for the majority of believers, the church allows indulgences.
This is one of the twelve great church holidays of the year, not counting Easter, which lasts five days. At this time, you need to constantly remember your true purpose and sincere prayer to cleanse your soul from sins.
Tradition and history
Popularly, this holiday marks the arrival of winter. The Feast of the Introduction is considered a pure and blessed day, therefore, during its entire duration, one should not swear, quarrel and consume alcoholic beverages.
On Andreev's Day, services are held in the Temples. Believers adhere to the Nativity Fast.
Tradition and history
Unmarried girls pray to the holy Apostle Andrew to give them good suitors.
On the Day of St. Nicholas, services are held in the Temples. Believers eat meatless dishes, since the holiday falls on the period of the Nativity fast.
Tradition and history
According to popular belief, on the night of December 19, Nicholas the Wonderworker descends from heaven to earth and helps everyone in need. Before the revolution, on this day, parents put gifts under the child's pillow: fruits, sweets, toys. Lonely girls prayed for a happy marriage.
AT THIS TIME
On September 27, 2017, on the feast of the Exaltation of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord, the solemn erection of the cross will take place on the main dome of the Cathedral of the Savior under construction on Kamenka (Nizhne-Kamenskaya street, 4). The prayer service for the consecration of the cross will be chaired by His Eminence Vladyka Ambrose, Archbishop of Peterhof, Rector of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy.
On the same day, Metropolitan Isaiah of Tamassos and Orinia (Cypriot Orthodox Church) will donate to the Temple the Great Shrine - a particle of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord.
The prayer service starts at 16.00.
VERBATIM
“Church holidays are established in order to get away from everyday affairs and pay more attention to the spiritual. On such days, you need to keep all external affairs to a minimum. Unless absolutely necessary, on holidays, you cannot work, as well as do household chores, it is recommended to refuse to watch entertaining TV programs, visit theater and cinema. But you can't sit back either; instead, you need to devote yourself to prayer, if possible, be present in the Temple at the divine service (it is advisable to confess and take communion). After the Temple, pray at home, read the Holy Scriptures and the works of the holy fathers, do deeds of mercy - visit the lonely, the sick, feed the poor. "
(Priest Alexander, cleric of one of the St. Petersburg Temples.)
October is not very rich in Orthodox holidays - the church calendar for this month contains one great holiday and one day of special commemoration. There is not a single feast day in October, and there are no fasts, except for the traditional one-day fasts on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year. Orthodox holidays of October 2017 - which contains the church calendar of the Orthodox Church for the second month of autumn.
Calendar of Orthodox holidays for October 2017 in Russia
So, the most important events in October according to the church calendar:
- October 14 - Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos,
- October 28, 2017 - Saturday Dimitrievskaya, one of the days of special commemoration of the dead.
We are, of course, talking about Gregorian dates. In the Julian calendar used by the Orthodox Church, these are October 1 and 15, respectively.
Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos - this holiday is dedicated to the event on October 1, 910, when the Mother of God saved Constantinople, besieged by the Saracens. She covered Christians with her veil and prayed for their salvation for her son Jesus. Two holy fools witnessed this miracle.
The memory of this event has become one of the great Orthodox holidays. Our ancestors were guided by the Feast of the Intercession as the date by which preparations for winter should be completed. Usually, by this day, they tried to completely finish the harvest and make preparations.
The Feast of the Intercession has always been considered the day that patronizes the wedding. The girls prayed for the Intercession for an early marriage.
It is curious that usually the first snow falls on Pokrov in Russia, therefore the very name of the holiday is perceived, among other things, as the time when the ground is covered with snow.
Dimitrievskaya Saturday, the day of remembrance, which in 2017 falls on October 28. Initially, it was dedicated to the memory of the soldiers who died on the Kulikovo field, but later, when a lot of time passed after that battle, the meaning of this parental Saturday changed. Already in the next century after the battle - in the 15th - the chronicles speak of Dimitrievskaya Sabbath as the day when the church commemorates all the dead in principle. Therefore, in 2017, October 28 will also be that Saturday when it is not at all a sin to go to the cemetery to visit their own graves. If there is no snow in your city that day, this is also an opportunity to put things in order after the fall of leaves, so that in the spring, on Radonitsa, there is less work.
It is important for each religion to honor its rites and customs. This makes any believer purer and closer to God. That is why it is important to know which Orthodox holidays are celebrated in October 2019, what rules must be observed, and which legend made this or that holiday so revered.
Day of Remembrance of the Icon of the Molchenskaya Mother of God
This holiday is celebrated on the first day of the month of October. This icon is located in the city of Putivl, in a nunnery and is the main local shrine. An image of the Mother of God appeared in a miraculous way in the swamp of Molche on the day when they are now celebrating the appearance of this blessing. Bortnik, who found her, heard a booming voice, which ordered to build a temple in honor of the Mother of God on this place. When people came to this place, the face of the saint shone with divine light.
This icon survived the plundering of the monastery and the move to a new church. Thanks to the careful hands of church ministers, she has survived to this day and still gives people divine grace.
Conception of the glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord John
This momentous event falls on 6 october... The Prophet Malachi predicted that before the appearance of the Savior, his Forerunner would appear to the people. As a result, the Palestinian priest Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth prayed for a long time for the child, but God still did not hear his prayer. Having lived to a rather old age, having entered the church before a blessing for the people, the face of the Archangel Gabriel appeared to him, who promised him a child. He made Zechariah, who did not believe, numb before the birth of the Forerunner. This is the history of this holiday.
Day of St. Sergius of Radonezh
This holiday is celebrated October 8... The founder of the Russian Enlightenment and Renaissance. The engine of the culture of the second half of the 14th century, the orthodox Christian - all this is a description of the Monk Sergius of Radonezh. He was noted by the Lord from the very beginning, but there was no indulgence in his upbringing. That is why he did so much for the Russian people and our culture in the aftermath of the Tatar yoke. For the sake of his spiritual deed, in the name of his memory, on October 8, a holiday in the name of St. Sergius of Radonezh was appointed.
The repose (death) of the holy apostle and evangelist John the Theologian
The date of this holiday is October 9... This day is dedicated to the death of John the Evangelist. He was the beloved Apostle of Christ, loved those around him and had a particularly sacrificial character. Accompanying Jesus everywhere, including in the days of his death, he was named by him the son of the mother of God. Caring for the latter until her death, he worried about her every second and never left Jerusalem.
After the death of the Mother of God, John went to Asia Minor, preaching Christianity. Having overcome many deadly dangers, he was able to write the Book of Revelations about the Apocalypse. He was the chosen one of the Lord and carried his faith through many difficulties. That is why the day of his death was erected on church holidays.
Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos
The main church holiday of the autumn month of October falls on 14 number... On this day, according to the information in the Great Chetyah of the Menaea of Andrew the Fool, during the night vigil, the Great Mother of God descended to the worshipers, accompanied by the forerunner John and John the Theologian, as well as many other saints. That night she gave grace to the temple, blessed people and humanity.
On this day, the visit of the Virgin Mary to a sinful earth is celebrated. The essence of this vision was as follows: the city in which the people prayed was besieged, and the appearance of the Mother of God forced the attackers to retreat. There is a lot of controversy about the creation of this holiday, and many times this issue was raised at church or scientific conferences. There is a fairly large number of versions and disagreements regarding this, but all agree on one thing - this is a holy day for every Orthodox Christian.
Memorial Day of the Holy Fathers of the VII Ecumenical Council
This significant church holiday is celebrated October 24... On this day, at the Ecumenical Council, it was decided whether it was worth venerating icons or not raising them to the level of a shrine. The holy fathers at this time decided that the painted faces of the saints are just as important for faith, and therefore sacred for everyone who believes in the Lord. In addition, on this day, many other fundamental issues of faith were resolved, which subsequently regulate the life of Orthodoxy, church activities and the daily behavior of everyone under the wing of the Most High.
Also on this day is celebrated the day of memory of the Council of the Venerable Optina elders.
The observance of Orthodox church holidays is not just archaic rituals. This is an opportunity to educate the spirit to pray to God, to become a good Christian. Remember the Most High and live godly.