The Feast of the Intercession of the Mother of God, popularly referred to simply as the Intercession, has been celebrated in Russia for a long time, since the 12th century. This happened on October 1, according to the new style - October 14. The Orthodox Church called it the first throne, that is, one of the most important Christian celebrations. In a Catholic environment, the date is not considered solemn.
Female Intercessor
The Mother of God is considered the patroness of the entire human race. But the military treats her with special love and reverence. After all, the very miraculous vision and sacrament of the holy cover, with which the Mother of God covered the inhabitants of Constantinople and saved from extermination by the army of "barbarians" (remember the famous prophetic Oleg of Pushkin: he just besieged Tsargrad, then Constantinople hung his shield on its main gate), happened in times of war. And a large number of battles were won by the Russian army, blessed in this way. However, with even greater hope and hope, they turn toHoly virgin women. It is in her that they see their main intercessor before the Almighty. And in her address, the prayer of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos for marriage sounds in October. It is believed that on this holiday it is especially strong and effective. Therefore, for a long time in Russia, girls and women who dream of starting a family carry out special rituals in order to find their soul mate over the next year.
Protection traditions
Protection is a girl's holiday. Priests do not dispute this, remembering how many wedding rites and traditions are associated with it. Yes, and the Mother of God herself - a symbol of motherhood, mercy and forgiveness, patronizes weddings. After all, a new, “honest” family means the birth of children! Therefore, the prayer of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos for marriage is so strong on holidays. True, in order for it to give the desired results, you need to learn some rules:
- First of all, it's not good to sleep late on a holiday morning. You need to get up early, before the rest of the family. Light the wax candle bought in the church and tell the Most Pure One about your desire before the image. The prayer of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos for marriage should not be uttered hastily, but with the soul. After all, you are asking for the most cherished, intimate. And ask not only for a quick wedding, but also about what kind of person your chosen one should be.
- Secondly, it will be even better if your prayer to the icon of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos for marriage is heard in the very temple of God. To do this, also come to church early in the morning, put a candle in front of the image and,after praying, tell me, as our grandmothers and great-grandmothers used to say: “Cover, father-Pokrov, the earth with snow, and me as a bridegroom.”
- Thirdly, why should the prayer of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos for marriage be said at sunrise? Because there is a sign: the sooner you say the cherished word, the sooner you will get married!
Rites on the Cover
What rites did our ancestors practice on the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos? Prayer was also reinforced by special wedding conspiracies. To do this, the girl needed to get a shirt (and now a T-shirt, T-shirt) of the guy she likes in advance. In the evening, on the eve of the holiday, you should draw clean water and say conspiracy words over it. In the morning you need to wash yourself with it, and wipe yourself off with that same shirt! Then there are prayers, etc. If snow fell on the Intercession, then a ceremony can be performed to quickly attract grooms and matchmakers to the house.
This is such a wonderful feast of the Intercession!
