Often, out of the simplicity of our souls, when we come to a birthday party, we call a person a birthday man. This is not quite right.
Day of finding the heavenly patron
Besides the day when our friend or acquaintance was born, he has another important holiday, the day of spiritual birth, when holy name days are celebrated, or the day of the angel. After all, it is the heavenly patron who is the representative before the Lord. He protects a person living on earth from sin, irreparable mistakes and various troubles.
Spring will come soon, and perhaps it will be interesting for someone to read about who those whose name day is in April are named after.
There are many saints commemorated in this sunny spring month. Behind every glorious name is the fate of a prophet, saint or martyr. These days, such names as Praskovya, Martha, Lukyan, Theodosius, Akulina or Miron are not very common, but fortunately, recently parents have begun to diversify their choice when deciding how to name the baby.
Since ancient times it was customary to give a name to a child,according to the church calendar. For a long time this rule was not respected, and now sometimes the question arises of when to whom to celebrate the day of the angel.
How to identify your patron saint
The rule is simple, if someone was born, say, on April 5 and his name is Basil, then of the two Saint Basils, whose name day is in April, you should choose the one who is commemorated the next after the birthday or on the same day. In this case, it will be St. Basil the New. In 944, he showed courage by pointing out the unrighteousness of the patrician Samon, for which he was tortured. They tried to hang him upside down, feed him to hungry lions and drown him, but each time he miraculously escaped. A man bearing this glorious name can choose such a brave saint as an example to follow, and his angel, St. Basil the New, will provide him with help and protection.
Feasts of holy men in April
Men's name days in April are also represented by other well-known saints. Among them are Valery, Victor, Vladimir, Alexei, Ilya, Pavel, Ivan, Nikolai, Nikita and many others. It is not at all difficult to learn about the exploits they accomplished during their lifetime; it is enough to open the Lives of the Saints and read in them about the deeds that glorified them forever. Righteousness, honesty and fearlessness are qualities that a real man develops in himself throughout his life, and those who lived in accordance with the Christian commandments and were canonized can become a model of them.
Holidaysholy women in April
But not only the representatives of the stronger sex celebrate name days in April. Girls named after the martyr Alla Gotfskaya can also choose her fate as an example. Her fortitude became a model of unshakable faith, and her lifestyle was righteous.
Women's name days in April are celebrated almost every day of this spring month. Bearers of the names of Daria, Sophia, Taisia, Vasilisa, Anastasia, Barbara, Anna, Maria, Evdokia and many others who shone on the Russian land and in other countries, the holy ascetics have the full opportunity to partake of their glory. To do this, it is enough to carry with honor the traditions laid down by Orthodox holy women.
How to celebrate name days in April
Angel's Day is an important holiday in the life of every truly believing Orthodox Christian. Unfortunately, it is not always celebrated in the right way. The indecent activities on this day can be safely attributed to the use of strong drinks, obscene conversations and dishonorable behavior. It should be especially remembered that name days in April often fall on Great Lent, during which the Orthodox Church considers all such excesses unacceptable.
This day should begin with a prayer addressed to the patron saint, visit the temple and, if circumstances permit, take part in the church service.
If there is no fasting, then to strengthen the spirit it is quite acceptable to invite guests or celebrate holy name days in the family circle, remembering that excessive zeal shown when eating food and libations,always bad for both soul and body.
God bless you!
