Today, Orthodox believers honor the memory of the martyr Pancratius.
Among the people, this celebration is called Pankraty Day.
In Rus', on this day it was customary to go to the forest to pick ripe blueberries and then eat them for dessert.
In addition, it was necessary to freeze the specified berries for the winter in order to enjoy them during the cold period.
Pancratius was born in Antioch during the same period when the Savior Jesus Christ lived his earthly life.
The father of the future great martyr, having heard the good news of the birth of the Son of God, immediately went to Jerusalem to pay homage to the Messiah. He went with his son.
The boy greatly interested the apostle Peter. He said that the child was very smart, clever and pure in his thoughts, and that people would listen to him.
When the Ascension of Jesus Christ took place, one of the apostles came to Antioch and baptized the parents of Pancratius, after which he consecrated their entire house.
Pankraty himself, after the death of his parents from old age, went into the desert, where he spent half of his life in prayer.
Pancratius, eventually rising to the rank of bishop of the Sicilian city of Tauromenium, died, giving his life for the faith.
What you shouldn't do on Pankraty Day
On this day, many people followed certain rules:
- did not shout at relatives;
- did not quarrel, especially with parents;
- did not refuse to provide assistance.
It was on July 22 that it was considered a grave sin to commit ungodly acts, namely, to lie, envy or intimidate. Otherwise, according to beliefs, one could lose happiness.
What can you do on Pankraty Day?
Today it is recommended to work hard both on your summer cottage and at home.
In addition, you should go for a swim in a pond - water, according to beliefs, will help you gain health.
It is also worth picking berries in the forest and then making jam from them.
