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Prophet Elijah's Day: What Can and Cannot Be Done on This Holiday - Note for Orthodox Christians
02.08.2024 00:05
Today, Orthodox believers honor the memory of the holy prophet Elijah.
Among the people, this celebration is called the Day of the Prophet Elijah.
In Rus', on this day it was customary to expect the onset of a period of thunderstorms and showers.
The Prophet Elijah, whose name was pronounced Elijah in those years, lived in the 9th century before the birth of Jesus Christ.
Elijah lived in Thesbea of Gilead, which is today recognized as Jordanian territory.
As sacred legends say, immediately after Elijah's birth, his father saw a dream in which wise elders conversed with his son on equal terms.
This dream ultimately became prophetic, as Elijah chose for himself the path of Christian faith and, in particular, prophecy.
Elijah came to believe in God very early, but when it happened, he never regretted his decision for a second.
The preacher spent much time in prayer and strict fasting. Eventually, he had a vision that told him to go to Israel and find the pagan king Ahab there.
Elijah did as the dream advised him. And in the end the king himself came to believe in God along with his subjects.
What you can't do on Prophet Elijah's Day
On this day, many people followed certain rules:
- did not swim, especially in open water;
- did not work hard or physically;
- They didn't argue, didn't swear, and didn't argue.
It was on August 2 that it was considered a grave sin to commit ungodly acts, namely, to look in the mirror for a long time. Otherwise, according to beliefs, one could bring misfortune upon oneself.
What can you do on Prophet Elijah's Day
Today it is recommended to go to church and attend the service.
In addition, you should pick mushrooms and berries, which are abundant in the forest.
It is also worth giving alms to the poor to attract good luck.
