On December 10, Orthodox Christians celebrate a feast dedicated to one of the most revered icons of the Most Holy Theotokos, known as "Znamenie". This miraculous image has repeatedly saved people. In the folk calendar, this day is called Romanov Day. In ancient times, pies were baked at this time and reflections on changes in life were made.
On December 10, Orthodox churches celebrate a feast dedicated to the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Znamenie". This image of the Mother of God is renowned for numerous miracles associated with historical events and the salvation of people.
The Icon of the Most Holy Virgin Mary "Znamenie"
The icon of the Mother of God "Znamenie" depicts the Virgin Mary associated with the moment of the immaculate conception. In it, the Theotokos is shown in prayer, with her hands raised upwards, and the Infant is on her chest.
Many miracles are associated with this icon and its copies. One of them, according to historical records, occurred in the 12th century when the troops of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky surrounded Veliky Novgorod. They tightly besieged the city, leaving the residents with little chance of salvation.
When fear gripped them, and they began to realize their imminent doom, Archbishop Ilya of Novgorod heard the voice of the Mother of God. She commanded the priest to take the icon "Znamenie" and walk with it along the fortress walls. One of the arrows shot by the enemies struck the holy image, and at that moment, tears flowed from the eyes of the Virgin Mary.
The enemy army suddenly fell into confusion. The warriors dropped their weapons and fled, leaving the prince with his entourage. The townspeople held a celebration, giving thanks to the icon "Znamenie" with prayers. Since then, the anniversary of this event has been celebrated in large and small churches.
Znamenie was associated with the beginning of changes. Our ancestors sought signs indicating turns in their fates. In ancient times, it was believed that if on the day of Znamenie one stood facing the wind, all sorrows and misfortunes would disappear along with its gusts.
Folk Calendar: Romanov Day
On December 10, Orthodox Christians also celebrated Romanov Day, dedicated to the Great Martyr Roman of Antioch. This monk, who possessed the gift of miracles, saved many people from illnesses.
In ancient times, Romanov Day began with a visit to the church. People prayed to the image "Znamenie", remembering the Great Martyr Roman of Antioch. They asked the Most Holy Virgin Mary for help in overcoming life's difficulties. After this, significant changes could occur in their fate. They prayed at the icon for reconciliation of enemies, protection from betrayal and envy, as well as healing from illnesses, especially from blindness.
It was believed that near the icon of the Mother of God, one could appeal to the holy Great Martyr Roman, who helps married couples overcome infertility.
Prayer to the Mother of God before the Icon "Znamenie"
O Most Holy and Blessed Mother of our Sweet Lord Jesus Christ! We bow and worship You before Your holy miraculous icon, recalling the wondrous sign of Your intercession, revealed to Great Novgorod during the days of the military invasion of this city. We humbly pray to You, All-Powerful Protector of our kind: as You hastened to aid our forefathers in ancient times, so now grant us, the weak and sinful, Your maternal protection and care. Save and preserve, O Lady, under the cover of Your mercy, the Holy Church, Your city (Your monastery), our entire Orthodox country, and all of us who come to You with faith and love, humbly asking with tears for Your intercession. O Lady of All-Merciful! Have mercy on us, troubled by many sins, stretch forth Your welcoming hands to Christ our Lord and intercede for us before His goodness, asking for us forgiveness of our transgressions, a pious peaceful life, a good Christian end, and a favorable answer at His terrible Judgment, that, being saved by Your powerful prayers to Him, we may inherit the bliss of paradise and with all the saints sing the Most Honorable and Magnificent Name of the Venerable Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and Your great mercy towards us forever and ever. Amen.
Romanov Day: Folk Signs
Znamenie or Romanov Day can tell about the weather. In ancient times, it was known: if the stars shine brightly, it will be frosty. If the celestial bodies appear dim, it will thaw. If on Znamenie the dawn is painted in crimson, a strong wind will soon rise, sweeping everything in its path. If sparrows chirp loudly, they sense a warming.
Znamenie: What Not to Do
Znamenie is a special holiday. And the signs are also quite unusual. Elders with experience said: if the day of Znamenie turns out to be warm, it is better not to engage in handiwork, otherwise, one might accidentally "sew" in the warmth. If frosts begin after that, they can destroy winter crops. On Romanov Day, it is also prohibited to:
Let beggars into the house. Along with them, poverty and destitution may come.
Fish. It is believed that at this time dark forces inhabit the fish, which will bring many troubles.
Use sharp objects. A streak of bad luck may begin in the house.
Hold noisy events. During fasting, this is considered a sin.
Fortune-tell. The punishment may be illnesses of loved ones.
If on Romanov Day a strong wind blew outside, our ancestors did not wash their faces in the morning or comb their hair. They postponed these procedures to a later time to avoid losing their beauty.
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