Content
Nettle Fast: What Can and Cannot Be Done on This Holiday – Note for Orthodox Christians
11.07.2024 00:05
Today, Orthodox believers honor the icon of the Mother of God "Troeruchitsa".
Among the people, this celebration is called Nettle Fast.
In Rus', on this day it was customary not to weed nettles, as it was believed that they had healing properties.
People prepared various useful decoctions from this weed, including for their summer cottages.
The icon of the Mother of God "Three-handed" is famous for the fact that there have always been many incredible legends and stories about it.
One of these reports tells about John of Damascus, who was born and lived in Syria in the 9th century AD.
John served as the caliph's treasurer and guarded a large amount of treasure. One day, robbers attacked him with the aim of taking away his wealth.
The criminals came up with a cunning plan: they wrote a letter on behalf of the treasurer, forging his handwriting. The caliph later believed this lie and cut off John's hand.
The martyr came to the icon of the Mother of God, knelt down and began to pray for his wound to heal. Thanks to the miraculous actions of the icon, his arm grew back.
What you shouldn't do on Nettle Fast
On this day, many people followed certain rules:
- did not perform any actions with the money;
- did not get married or celebrate weddings;
- did not quarrel or argue with loved ones.
It was on July 11 that it was considered a grave sin to commit ungodly acts, namely, to leave children unattended. Otherwise, according to beliefs, one could suffer seriously.
What can you do on Nettle Fast
Today it is recommended to go to church and ask the Higher Powers for healing from illnesses.
According to popular belief, it is on this day that you can get rid of diseases of the arms and legs, as well as improve your eyesight.
It is also worth turning to the Lord with a request for pregnancy and a large number of offspring.
