On February 9, the Orthodox Church commemorates John Chrysostom — one of the three Ecumenical Saints and teachers. In the folk calendar, this day is called Chrysostom's Day, Chrysostom's Fire. In the past, people knew that to ensure money and luck always reigned in the home, the stove needed to be lit in a special way.
On February 9, the Orthodox Church commemorates John Chrysostom. The Archbishop of Constantinople in the 4th century is considered one of the three Ecumenical Saints and teachers. Christians honor John Chrysostom alongside Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian.
John Chrysostom
John Chrysostom was born in Antioch. It is known that his father was a government official but passed away early, and all responsibilities for his upbringing fell on his mother. She invested all her love in her son. From an early age, the boy began to learn to read and write. He was taught philosophy and rhetoric by the best mentors. At the age of 20, he was baptized, and three years later, he became a lector.
After his mother's death, John took monastic vows. To write his famous works, he renounced the episcopal rank and spent four years in solitude in the desert. Health problems forced him to return to Antioch.
In Antioch, John was appointed deacon, then became a presbyter, and later the Archbishop of Constantinople. The era of his leadership of the church is referred to as a time of flourishing for the clergy. John Chrysostom became a role model. With the funds allocated to him as archbishop, he maintained several hospitals and two inns for pilgrims.
John Chrysostom composed the liturgy. He was called Chrysostom for his outstanding gift as a preacher. His life was full of trials: he faced persecution and exiles, but the spirit of the saint was not broken. John Chrysostom passed away in the settlement of Comana while in exile.
When, 31 years after his death, Emperor Theodosius II ordered the transfer of the saint's relics to Constantinople, it turned out that his remains had not decayed.
Folk Calendar: Chrysostom's Day, Chrysostom's Fire
The folk holiday known as Chrysostom's Fire is filled with deep meaning. During this time, attention should be paid to the home hearth. The stove needed to be lit not just in any way, but in a special manner.
All the logs stacked inside were to ignite simultaneously. If this was achieved, the family rejoiced, knowing that money would not run out and luck would accompany them throughout the year.
What to Do on Chrysostom's Day
In the morning, our ancestors would go to church, where they lit candles and prayed to Saint John Chrysostom. It was believed that he helps with studies, family matters, and finding one's place in life, contributing to spiritual development. John Chrysostom is considered the protector of people who find themselves in difficult life situations and despair of finding understanding.
On the day of John Chrysostom, a special incantation for toothache was recited: “Lazarus Saturday, Chrysostom's Day, for those who have toothaches, may those teeth turn to stone and never hurt again.”
On February 9, our ancestors remembered deceased relatives. Ritual dishes were brought to the church and cemetery, among which were pies called rasstegai filled with mushrooms, meat, or fish.
Chrysostom's Day: Folk Omens
Chrysostom's Fire is associated with weather omens. In ancient times, it was known: if clouds move against the wind, expect snow, and if the windows sweat, it indicates warmth.
After blizzards and snowstorms, people would go to the forest to inspect the snowdrifts. If they had rounded tops, it meant a good harvest in the summer.
Chrysostom's Fire: What Not to Do
Chrysostom's Day is considered a holiday of kindness and mutual understanding. During this time, it was strictly forbidden to offend one another and to settle disputes. Our ancestors knew: the saint is kind, but it is unwise to anger him, or he may punish with illness. On Chrysostom's Day, it was forbidden to:
Make large purchases — they will bring neither joy nor luck.
Give expensive gifts — this will ruin good relationships.
Buy shoes or clothing — along with them, one may bring misfortune into the home.
Play with a ring on your finger: turning it, rubbing the stone, if there is one — the husband or fiancé will start looking for relationships elsewhere.
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