Kalujans told about the traditions on the “Bathing parable”

Today, Orthodox Kalugans celebrate the feast of the Iverian Icon of the Mother of God. The date was set in memory of the fact that in 1648 a copy of the miraculous image from the Iberian monastery on Athos was solemnly brought to Moscow. The procession with the icon was met by Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, Patriarch Joseph and many citizens.

The icon was written by the evangelist Luke. In the ninth century, a pious widow saved the image from the iconoclasts, dropping into the sea, and she miraculously floated along the waves and came to Athos. The icon was moved to the temple, but every morning was found above the gates of the monastery, so it was called the “Gatekeeper”.

Before her, they pray for the protection of the home and family from evil, for healing from diseases, for help in difficult life circumstances and well-being in the family.

In the folk tradition, this day was called “Bathing everyday”, as it was customary to prepare a bath for winter, cleanse the body and spirit. The hostess baked special cakes from the flour of the new crop and brought order to the house.

It was believed that if today a strong wind blows, it is for a snowy and snowy winter, and a clear sky and bright stars - for a frosty but dry winter. Also in Russia believed that today it is impossible to swear, refuse assistance, take and lend money. It is also not recommended to wear black clothes and be lazy.

Name days today mark Anton, Athanasius, Vasily, Benjamin, Dmitry, Innocent, Karp, Nikita, Nikolai, Trofim, Jacob and Zlata.

As “MK in Kaluga” reported earlier, a vicar bishop of the Kaluga diocese was elected.