Today, Orthodox believers honor the memory of Bishop Athenogenes of Sebaste.
Among the people, this celebration is called Athenogenov Day.
In Rus', on this day it was customary to expect that the heat would subside and a more balanced temperature would set in.
In addition, on this day, peasants actively began harvesting and were generally engaged in harvesting.
Bishop of Sebaste Athenogenes lived at the turn of the 2nd–3rd centuries AD. He was born and carried out his Christian activities in Lesser Armenia.
Athenogenes was a good preacher, a large number of Christians followed him. He converted many pagans to the Orthodox faith.
One day, the head of the city of Sebaste, Philomarchus, organized a large pagan celebration. By his order, every inhabitant of the city was obliged to make a sacrifice.
Athenogenes refused to participate in the idolatrous celebrations. His associates followed him in this matter.
The Philomarch was furious at this decision of a huge number of citizens. He ordered his guards to seize all the traitors and execute them in a cruel manner.
Not fearing death, the believers, led by Athenogenes, accepted it humbly and perished.
What you shouldn't do on Athenogen's Day
On this day, many people followed certain rules:
- did not feel sad or complain about being in a bad mood;
- did not gossip or keep secrets;
- did not sweep the floor or do any cleaning.
It was on July 29 that it was considered a grave sin to commit ungodly acts, namely, to collect mushrooms. Otherwise, according to beliefs, one could come across a toadstool.
What can you do on Athenogenes Day?
Today it is recommended to spend more time in good and positive thoughts.
In addition, it is recommended to smile more often at the people around you, joke and wish them well.
It is also worth going to visit to have a good time.
