On December 27, 2023, the Church commemorates the holy martyrs Filimon, Apollonius, Arian, and Theotychus, as well as Saint Hilarion. Metropolitan Hilarion of Suzdal and Yurev led the diocese for 25 years, building several new churches. This day is also known as "Filimon" or "master Filimon." It was considered one of the most dangerous days of the year due to evil spirits.
Who are the holy martyrs Filimon, Apollonius, Arian, and Theotychus?
Filimon, Apollonius, Arian, and Theotychus became martyrs for their faith in the 3rd century during the persecutions orchestrated by Emperor Diocletian. Apollonius was the first to believe in God; however, fearing suffering, he sought help from the pagan Filimon, asking him to offer a sacrifice to the idols instead of himself. When Filimon donned the clothes of Apollonius and was about to perform the ritual, grace descended upon him, and he declared himself a Christian. Seeing his friend's courage, Apollonius followed his example. They were captured, tortured for a long time, and then executed. The main executioner was Arian. After the execution, he felt a severe pain in his eye and, receiving a revelation, applied dust from Filimon's grave to the afflicted area. Miraculously, his eye was healed. Arian and his bodyguard Theotychus also believed, but soon fell victim to the hands of pagans.
Who was Saint Hilarion?
The future Saint Hilarion was born on November 13, 1631, to a priest named Anania in Nizhny Novgorod. After the death of the priest's wife, he went to a monastery with his father. In the silence of the monastery, during church services, prayers, and fasting, his childhood passed. As he grew older, Hilarion succumbed to the persuasion of his older brothers and married Ksenia, the daughter of a priest. The marriage was happy, but after a year and a half, his wife died, prompting Hilarion to return to monasticism. He vowed to settle in the Florishcheva Desert, where only four people lived at that time.
His relatives tried to dissuade him from monasticism, and Hilarion hesitated, almost agreeing to remarry, but unexpectedly went blind. This happened three times: each time he was about to break his vow, the Lord punished him with blindness. He exhausted himself with hard work to improve the desert, while short breaks were devoted to reading holy books. During the plague of 1654, all the monks of the Florishcheva Desert died, except for Hilarion. For some time, he lived in solitude, but soon up to fifteen people joined him. The monastery began to grow, and Hilarion was elevated to the rank of metropolitan. With his funds, five churches were built in Suzdal, and an ancient cathedral was rebuilt. After his death, he was buried in the Suzdal Cathedral dedicated to the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, and miracles and healings occurred at his tomb.
What is allowed on December 27, 2023?
— On this day, folk signs advise washing your face more often. One should not leave the house without washing.
— If success is needed in any endeavor, one should sprinkle a few drops of water on themselves — even ordinary water, not holy water.
— This is a day when one should thoroughly clean the apartment or house.
What is prohibited on December 27, 2023?
— The consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited.
— It is not recommended to engage in important matters or start new projects.
— One should not go on a journey.
— It is forbidden to make large financial deals.
— One should not pick up, pet, or feed stray animals and birds on the street.
— It is advised not to leave the house in dirty clothes.
