An old and beautiful name Arina. It came to Russia from Greece, where it has long been distributed among representatives of the nobility. It is derived from the name of the ancient goddess of the world, whose name was Eiren, and in translation means "calm" and "peace". Having undergone changes over the years, the name has taken several forms. Among them are the well-known Irina, and the rarer Arina. Name days of the owners of these names are celebrated several times a year. Usually, each chooses for herself the day that, according to the calendar, is closest to her birthday.
Common heavenly patrons Irina and Arina
Arina's birthday according to the church calendar is celebrated on the same days as Irina's. They have only one patron saint. If you open the church calendar and look closely, you can see that during the year from the pulpit, the saints of God who bore this name are repeatedly commemorated. Which of them to consider as your guardian angel is a purely personal matter. The choice must be made by Arina herself. Name days are Orthodox holidays, and it is necessary that they bring joy to the hero of the occasion.
How a child's name was chosen in the old days
There used to be such a tradition, now forgotten, but generally accepted in the old days: when a child was born, parents always looked in the calendar, which saint was honored that day. Among several names, they chose the one that they liked best, and gave it to the newborn at baptism. This saint was henceforth considered his heavenly patron. Thus, the birthday and name day (that is, the day of the angel) always coincided. This custom is a thing of the past, but according to tradition, everyone celebrating a birthday is usually called birthday. Those who would like to revive this tradition should definitely look into the holy calendar.
Two Arinas - Great Martyr and Empress
What kind of saints from heaven patronize our Arins and Irins? This is important to know, because according to the church calendar, Arina's name day should be celebrated on the days of their memory. The host of these saints of God is large enough, which allows you to make a choice between them. The most famous, perhaps, is the early Christian holy great martyr Irina of Macedon, who lived at the end of the 1st - beginning of the 2nd centuries. Her Orthodox Church commemorates May 18 (according to the new style). She deserved the crown of holiness because she preferred martyrdom to renunciation of the faith of Christ.
Arina's name day (Arina's angel's day) can also be celebrated on the feast of another Christian saint - Blessed Empress Irina. This saint of God was a Byzantine empress and was awarded the crown of holiness because in 787 at the Council of Nicaea - the Supreme Church Council - she resolutely came out in favor of the veneration of icons. A businessin the fact that in those days there were many clergy and secular authorities who advocated the rejection of them. With her imperial authority, Saint Irina put an end to the controversy, and thanks to her, icon veneration has survived to this day. The memory of the saint is celebrated on August 22. So Arina, whose name day will be celebrated on this day, will be under her heavenly protection.
Assembly of Saints Irene, sung by the Orthodox Church
Four days later, on August 26, the calendar mentions another holy Empress Irina, who ended her days as a monk and was named Xenia during her tonsure. But since in this case the name received at baptism is important, then she can also be among the heavenly intercessors that Arina has the right to choose for herself. Name days according to the calendar can also be celebrated on the day of memory of the wife of St. George the Confessor - the righteous Irina. Her holiday is May 26.
But this is not limited to the list of dates on which Arina can celebrate the day of her angel. Name days can also be celebrated on August 10, when the Orthodox Church remembers the life of St. Irene of Cappadacia. This pious virgin, who lived at the turn of the 9th and 10th centuries in Byzantium, took monasticism from a young age and acquired the crown of holiness by a strict monastic life. She went down in the history of the church as the abbess of the Chrysovalandou monastery in Constantinople.
Christian faith watered with the blood of great martyrs
In addition to the listed God's saints, there are more in the church calendarseveral names, whose days of remembrance Arina can choose. Name days can also be celebrated on January 12 and 16, April 29, August 17 and October 1. All these dates are the days of memory of the holy great martyrs who bore the name Irina. So many should not be surprised.
The fact is that, having appeared in the 1st century AD, Christianity met fierce resistance on its way from paganism, which at that time was the state religion of the Roman Empire and many territories subject to it. Faith in Christ grew and strengthened on the blood of those who gave their lives for it, and there were a lot of those. History has not preserved the names of most of them, but those that have come down to us are included in the holy calendar for annual remembrance.
Arin traits
And in conclusion, a few words about what qualities are more often inherent in those who bear this beautiful and ancient name. It is generally accepted that the main and most pronounced of them are balance and independence. In addition, it was noted that Arins are distinguished by their peace and tranquility.
Their inner circle are mostly good and reliable friends, and the enemies on the path of life are not so numerous. Among other characteristic features, one can single out sociability and friendliness. They are generally pleasant to talk to, which puts them in an advantageous position.
