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Onuphrius the Silent Day: What Can and Cannot Be Done on This Holiday – Note for Orthodox Christians
03.08.2024 00:05
Today, Orthodox believers honor the memory of Saint Onuphrius the Silent of the Caves.
Among the people, this celebration is called the Day of Onuphrius the Silent.
In Rus', on this day it was customary to expect the onset of a period of thunderstorms and showers.
Saint Onuphrius the Silent of the Caves lived in the 2nd century after the birth of Christ. It is well known that he was a monk of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra.
First of all, Onufriy is known for his religious monastic exploits.
Thus, the monk took a vow of silence, which he observed throughout his monastic life. It is for this reason that he was later called the Silent or the Silent One.
From the moment he took his vows, Onufriy did not utter a single word. He could only allow himself to utter certain words during confession.
The saint also led a reclusive life. In particular, he lived in the Near Caves of the Lavra. Today, his incorruptible relics are kept there.
The Russian Orthodox Church knows a rather meager number of silent people. Accordingly, for believers these people are a model of morality and respect.
What you shouldn't do on Onuphrius the Silent Day
On this day, many people followed certain rules:
- did not chat idle and did not have fun;
- did not sing songs, especially cheerful ones;
- did not let uninvited guests into the house.
It was on August 3 that it was considered a grave sin to commit ungodly acts, namely, to quarrel for a long time. Otherwise, according to beliefs, one could bring loneliness upon oneself.
What can you do on Onuphrius the Silent Day
Today it is recommended to go to the barn or cellar and prepare supplies for the winter.
In addition, you should work in the garden, thereby providing yourself with a good harvest.
It's also worth going through your closets and throwing out unnecessary clothes.
