Today, Orthodox believers honor the memory of the icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” (with pennies).
Among the people, this celebration is called the Day of the Icon with Coins.
In Rus', on this day it was customary to work actively in the field or garden.
The icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” is known and popular primarily because of the event that happened to it in 1888.
In the summer of that year, a severe thunderstorm raged in St. Petersburg. That same night, lightning struck the chapel where the above-mentioned sacred image was kept.
The icon was once brought to the chapel by Princess Natalia Alekseevna, who was the sister of Peter the Great.
Despite the fact that the lightning strike was strong, the icon was not damaged or even charred. Moreover, it shone with pure light.
The sacred image received the prefix “with groshiki” because after a lightning strike several copper coins stuck to the frame of the icon.
This happened because the elements destroyed the begging bowls to pieces.
What you can't do with pennies on Icon Day
On this day, many people followed certain rules:
- did not cut or break tree branches;
- didn't sleep too long and didn't get lazy;
- did not go into the forest alone.
It was on August 5 that it was considered a grave sin to commit ungodly acts, namely, to show greed. Otherwise, according to beliefs, one could bring poverty upon oneself.
What can you do on Icon Day with pennies
Today it is recommended to allow yourself to have a good rest before the exhausting working days.
In addition, you should take up gardening and devote time to plants.
It is also worth inviting your loved ones to visit you and having a pleasant evening with them.
