In the fast-paced modern world, believers do not always find enough time to deal with all the intricacies of the Orthodox tradition. We go to the temple on weekends, we pray at home, but what else do we know about the rules of conduct and special days? You, for example, can explain: a spell - what is it about? People tend to remember that the term is associated with fasting. Let's take a look at everything in detail, learn what "zagovenie" means, when it happens and how to spend this day.
Let's turn to dictionaries
Pundits have written a bunch of reference books especially for us, containing the interpretation of any term. According to the dictionary of D. N. Ushakov, the conspiracy is the last day before the Orthodox fast. The word consists of a root and a prefix. So it should be taken apart. “Govet” means “to fast”, that is, to observe certain restrictions associated with eating. The prefix for- in our case speaks of the period preceding the one onwhich specifies the root. We put it together and get the day before fasting. In fact, it is perceived by believers as a kind of holiday. People are preparing spiritually and physically for the coming trials. Do not think that fasting is something ordinary. By restricting themselves in eating and entertainment, believers strengthen their spirit, correct the mistakes of the past, and acquire the grace of the Lord. This is a serious test for a real person, because the skill during fasting will be everywhere.
Why did you decide to highlight this day?
Conspiracy is the forerunner of hardships. However, a believer is not afraid, on the contrary, he welcomes with all his heart. Fasting helps to prove to oneself that the soul is striving for the Lord, which means that it will gain the Kingdom of Heaven. In fact, believers, with humility and gratitude, commit themselves four times a year to limiting their natural needs. There is nothing sad or negative in this. Fasting is a common tradition for educating the spirit. And it must be met with joy, without displeasure or despondency. Therefore, it is customary for the Orthodox to celebrate the conspiracy. This is the day when the hostess can show off her talents, set the table and invite guests. Meat dishes are being prepared, from which believers voluntarily refuse for the subsequent period for the glory of the Lord. You can eat with pleasure, so to speak, in reserve. Only one thing is undesirable at such a festive feast - alcohol. From a spiritual point of view, this is bad, and it is harmful to the body. It is better to talk with friends about the upcoming work, prepare for fasting, remind each other of itsstrict rules.
What does it mean "a fasting spell"
Let's approach our idiom from the other side. Conspiracy is getting joy before restriction. The Lord created everything on our earth for His children. He does not force believers to refuse gifts. They themselves fast to show gratitude to the Lord, to show devotion to Him. This is not quite a lesson, as is often written about fasting. In fact, people take on restrictions voluntarily, experiencing a different joy from the fact that they are able to be with the Lord constantly, regardless of external circumstances. The believer is more interested in the immortal soul than in the pleasures of the body. This he proves to himself and to the Lord by the fact that he adheres to the strict rules of fasting, such this period matters. The conspiracy still carries a different inner meaning in this regard. Let's take a closer look at it.
Our relationship with the Lord
We decided that the world was created for all the inhabitants who inhabit it. The Lord did this for us to give happiness to people. But, by limiting ourselves, are we doing the right thing? By refusing gifts, do we offend the Creator? Of course it isn't. The Lord teaches that the soul is more important than the body, it is its purity that should be taken care of in the first place. This is what the world was created for. It has everything for the acquisition of grace, that is, the performance of good, bright, good deeds. The prayer for fasting arose as a tribute to the Lord for the gifts. We enjoy food, fellowship, showing Him how much we appreciate everythingsurrounding. And the next day we take on the test of limitation, continuing to thank the Creator. In the spiritual sense, everything happens logically, there is no abrupt transition from one state to another. The body feels different.
About devilish temptations
Sometimes people who do not quite understand Orthodox traditions think that the spell is from the unclean. After all, on this day people enjoy food, rejoice that it is and is allowed. How is this different from the devil's temptation? In fact, everything is not at all like that, these are wrong thoughts. Temptation is the desire for something that is contrary to conscience. For example, you watch TV during fasting, and there they advertise a beautiful boiled pork. A person who has not eaten meat for a long time wants to taste a piece. But he took upon himself the obligation to fast! It turns out that his desire is contrary to conscience. Of course, you can secretly eat meat, no one will see. Only the conscience will already be unclean. It turns out that this unstable person betrays himself, no one else. No one controls the observance of the fast, in any case, it is not obliged. This is a voluntary commitment for the glory of the Lord.
Some medical restrictions
When you figure out what it means to fast for the purpose of observing traditions, do not forget about the needs of the body. It happens that people start to be too zealous about religion, they try to do everything exactly as it should be. And of course, here you can overdo it. On a conspiracy, you should not throw everything into your mouth. Remember that fooddigest, not "break" the stomach. When fasting, there is a rule: the sick and the small do not join it because of the lack of strength for such a serious test. Conspiracy should also be carried out, remembering your body and its capabilities. After all, the essence of the tradition is in the spiritual sphere, and not in the very enjoyment of the products that you part with during fasting.
Some features of the tradition
Churched people allocate two days a week: Wednesday and Friday, when it is desirable not to overload the body, to eat less. If the spell falls on such periods, it is celebrated ahead of time. For example, the day before fasting falls on Wednesday, then it is better to move it to Tuesday. The rule is not required. Should they be guided, consult your conscience. Orthodox traditions arouse great interest and respect in society. Someone believes that he can clear his conscience by performing all the rites. Others are confident in the obligatory nature of their implementation. All this is not entirely true. Traditions and rules were created by our ancestors. They have withstood the test of time, survived various political systems, and no atheist could save the people from them. And all because these traditions help the soul to strive for the Lord. Try to follow the advice of the priest yourself, thinking about the acquisition of grace.
