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Church holidays in May. Name days in May, Orthodox holidays in May

Most citizens of our country consider themselves Orthodox Christians. They adhere to all traditions and celebrate all holidays.

In May, believers celebrate the two most important holidays, this is the Ascension of the Lord - May 17, and the Trinity - May 27. In addition, two days are memorial days, these are May 9 and May 26.

Ascension is a famous Orthodox holiday. It is always celebrated on Thursday as it falls on the 40th day from Holy Sunday. This year the holiday falls on May 17th.

When this day is mentioned, some moments that are associated with this celebration are immediately remembered:
- funeral loaves;
- solemn worship in temples;
- "Heavenly ladders";
- commemoration of the dead;
- funeral pancakes, etc.

This day belongs to the twelfth holidays and is celebrated not only in Russia, but also in Europe. The holiday commemorates the ascension of the Son of God into heaven.

Ascension Day is celebrated for 10 days. Wednesday is a pre-holiday day, in all churches the rite of giving of the Bright Resurrection takes place. The service runs all night. In churches, priests glorify the Ascension of the Savior to heaven. On Friday, the ceremony of giving the Ascension is performed.

From the feast of Easter until the Ascension, the priests wore white robes. On this day, it is customary to commemorate the dead.

This holiday also belongs to the twelfth. It does not have a specific date, it is celebrated on the fiftieth day from Bright Sunday. This year the holiday falls on 05/27/18, Sunday. This holiday is special in its own way, because on this day it is customary to decorate homes with branches, flowers, grass.

The Orthodox holiday is celebrated for three days. All dwellings are decorated with greenery and herbs. In churches, the clergy wear green clothes, which is the personification of life-giving, the Ros-Registr website reports. The service in the temple begins on Saturday and lasts all night. A solemn liturgy sounds at the Trinity itself. The third day is dedicated to the Holy Spirit. During the service, water is blessed.

Believers keep grass and branches for a whole year, they are a talisman of their home. On the feast of the Trinity, Christians should not only visit the temple, but also visit their loved ones and relatives at the cemetery. On the eve of the holiday, it is customary to carry out general cleaning in their homes.

An obligatory dish on the holiday is a loaf, which brings prosperity and well-being to the house. After returning from the church and the cemetery, it is time for festivities. First, all relatives gather at the same table to congratulate each other on the holiday, as well as to taste the festive dishes of the hostess.

After the meal is over, people go out into the street, dance and sing ritual songs. On this day, healers collect herbs. Even in the days of the Trinity, it is customary to guess.

On a holiday, it is forbidden to work and do household chores:
- sewing, washing and haircut;
- to swear and quarrel;
- swim in natural waters.

Church holidays

Church calendar for May 2019: Orthodox holidays

Artichoke

The 1 of May

light environment

Saint John, disciple of Saint Gregory the Decapolite (820-850)

Martyrs Victor, Zotik, Zinon, Akindin and Severian (303)

Saint Cosmas the Confessor, Bishop of Chalcedon, and Saint Auxentius (815-820)

Martyr John the New of Ioannina (1526)

Hieromartyr Vissarion Selinin Presbyter (1918)

Venerable Martyr Tamara Satsy (1942)

Maksimovskaya Icon of the Mother of God (1299)

bright week

May 2

Bright Thursday

Venerable John of the Old Cave (VIII)

Blessed Matrona of Moscow (1952)

Martyrs Theona, Christopher and Antoninus (303)

Hieromartyr Paphnutius, Bishop of Jerusalem

Saint George the Spanish, Bishop of Antioch of Pisidia (813-820)

Saint Tryphon, Patriarch of Constantinople (933)

Reverend Nicephorus hegumen

Saint Victor the Spanish, Bishop of Glazovsky (1934)

bright week

May 3

bright friday

Venerable Theodore Trichina

Reverend Alexander Oshevensky (1479)

Martyr Infant Gabriel of Bialystok (1690)

Saints Gregory (593) and Anastasius of Sinai (599), Patriarchs of Antioch

Venerable Anastasius, hegumen of Mount Sinai (685)

Saint Nicholas Velimirovic, Bishop of Ohrid and Zhich (1956) (Serb.)

St. Theodosius the Confessor, Bishop of Kolomna (1937)

Cypriot Icon of the Mother of God (392)

Signs of the day May 3:

On Fedor, the dead yearn for the earth.
On this day, they visited cemeteries: they lamented or called out to their parents at the churchyard.
On Theodorov's day, the earth opens up and the souls of those who have departed from us fly out into God's light.

bright week

May 4th

bright saturday

Hieromartyr Jannuarius the Bishop and with him the Martyrs Proculus, Sossius and Faustus the deacons, Disiderius the Reader, Eutyches and Acution (c. 305)

Martyr Theodore, like in Perga, his mother Philippi, Dioscorus, Socrates and Dionysius (II)

Uncovering the relics of St. Theodore of Sanaksar (1999)

Righteous Alexy Bortsurmansky (1848)

Martyrs Isakias, Apollos and Codrates (303)

Saint Maximian, Patriarch of Constantinople (434)

Hieromartyr John Prigorovsky presbyter (1918)

Saint Nicholas of Pisarevskogo Confessor, presbyter (1933)

Hieromartyr Alexy Protopopov Presbyter (1938)

bright week

5 May

Antipascha

Venerable Theodore of Sykeot, Bishop of Anastasiupol (613)

The Transfer of the Relics of the Blessed Prince Vsevolod, in the Holy Baptism of Gabriel, Pskov (1834)

Apostles Nathanael, Luke and Clement (I)

Saint Vitaly (609-620)

Hieromartyr Platon, Bishop of Banyaluk (1941) (Serb.)

Holy Hieromartyr Eustathius of Malakhov Presbyter (1918)

Martyr Dimitry Vlasenkov (1942)

Signs of the day May 5:

Onions are planted on Luke.
Warm May equips spring.
It will freeze at night, so forty matinees will still fall on bread, forty morning frosts for the whole summer, while the bread is in the field.

the 6th of May

Great Martyr George the Victorious (303) - spring St. George's Day

Iberian Icon of the Mother of God (second acquisition of the list of icons 2012)

Martyrs Queen Alexandra (303)

Martyrs Anatoly and Protoleon (303)

Reverend Sophia (1974)

Hieromartyr John Anserov Presbyter (1940)

Signs of the day on Yuri, May 6:

Yuri dragged spring to the threshold.
Egory unlocks the ground.
Egory came - and the spring will not go away.
Egory begins spring, Ilya (August 2) ends summer.
If spring Egory is with food (grass will appear), then winter Nikola (December 19) will be with a bridge (winter will set in, there will be a good sleigh ride).
On Yurya snow - a harvest for buckwheat, on Yurya rain - buckwheat is not harvested.
From George they begin to plant beets, sow carrots and seedlings.

May 7

Martyr Savva Stratilates and 70 soldiers with him (272)

Reverend Sava of the Caves, in the Near Caves (XIII)

Reverend Alexy, the recluse of the Caves, in the Near Caves (XIII)

Martyrs Pasicrates and Valentine (228)

Martyrs Eusebius, Neon, Leontius, Longinus and others (303) - Evseev's Day

Saint Thomas the Holy Fool (546-560)

Venerable Elizabeth the Wonderworker (V)

Hieromartyr Branko Presbyter (1941) (Serb.)

Martyr Sergius of Arkhangelsk (1938)

Icon of the Mother of God of Molchensk (1405)

Signs of the day May 7:

Yevsey came - oats otsey.
When there is dirt on the road, then oats are king.
This rye is at least an hour in the ashes, and oats even in the water, but at the right time.
Oats should be sown two days after or before the full moon and never during an eclipse.

May 8

Apostle and Evangelist Mark (63) - Day of Mark the Keymaster

Venerable Sylvester of Obnorsk (1379)

Venerable Basil of Polyanomerulsky (1767) (Romanian)

Hieromartyr Sergius Rokhletsov presbyter (1938)

Constantinople Icon of the Mother of God (1071)

Signs of the day May 8:

Mark holds the keys to the rains.
Mark unlocked the heavenly heights, convened moisture, asked her to descend to earth.
If three good rains fall after Mark, then there will be three full years of bread.

Lenten day

9th May

Commemoration of the dead warriors

Hieromartyr Basil, Bishop of Amasia (c. 322)

St. Stephen, Bishop of Great Perm (1396)

Righteous Glafira the Virgin (322) - Day of Glafira the Pot

Venerable Ioannikios Devichensky (XIII) (Serb.)

Hieromartyr John Pankov Presbyter and his sons Martyrs Nicholas and Peter (1918)

Signs of the day May 9:

Big dew or a clear day on Goroshnitsa - to the harvest of cucumbers.
If you sow peas in the north wind - it will be liquid, if in the west - it will be shallow, if in the south - it will be rotten and wormy; it is necessary to sow peas with an east wind.

May 10

Apostle and Hieromartyr Simeon, relative of the Lord (107)

St. Stephen, Abbot of the Caves, Bishop of Vladimir-Volynsk (1094)

Righteous Eulogius the Hospice (IV)

Hieromartyrs Paul Svetozarov and John the Nativity Presbyters, Martyrs Peter Yazykov, Nikolai Malkov, Auxentius Kalashnikov, Sergius Methodius and Martyr Anastasia (1922)

Martyr Maria Nosova (1938)

Hieromartyr John of the Savior Presbyter (1941)

Signs of the day May 10:

In the morning the grass is dry - by night expect rain.
The owl screams - in the cold.
Inclement weather will end if fog appears in low places towards evening.
Frost is possible if the weather is clear in the morning, and cumulus clouds appear by noon, which disappear again by evening.

Lenten day

May 11

Apostles from 70 Jason and Sosipater, the virgin Kerkyra and others who suffered with them (I)

Martyrs Dada, Maximus and Quintilian (286)

Saint Cyril, Bishop of Turov (1183)

Martyrs Satornios, Iakishol, Faustian, Jannuarius, Marsalia, Euphrasius, Mammias, Murinus, Zinon, Eusebius, Neon and Vitalius (c. 63)

Martyrs Anna Shashkina (1940)

Signs of the day May 11:

Healers on Maxim treated lingering fevers: a sunny day was considered a sure sign that illnesses would release a person.

On this day you can not:

Cut babies' nails and hair.
Piercing your ears will make you hear worse.
Plan an engagement - marriage will be short-lived.
To whitewash walls or ceiling - you can part with good luck and health.

12 May

The Nine Martyrs of Cyzic: Theognis, Rufus, Antipater, Theostichus, Artems, Magna, Theodotos, Fawmasius and Philemon (286-299)

Venerable Memnon the Wonderworker

Venerable Nektarios of Optina (1928)

Venerable Amphilochius of Pochaev (1970)

Martyrs Diodorus and Rhodopean Deacon (284-305)

St. Basil of Ostrog (1671) (Serb.)

Three hundred martyrs, in the mountains of Dudikvati and Papati (Turkey) victims (XVII-XVIII) (Georg.)

Signs of the day May 12:

On this day, the healers continued to treat the sick with a fever, petitioning the nine martyrs.

may 13

Apostle James of Zebedee (44) - James the Apostle

Uncovering the relics of St. Nikita, Bishop of Novgorod (1558)

Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov, Bishop of the Caucasus (1867)

Saint Donatus, Bishop of Euria (c. 387)

Uncovering the relics of Hieromartyr Basil, Bishop of Amasia (IV)

Martyr Maxim

Signs of the day May 13:

If the sunrise on Yakov is clear, then the whole summer will be sunny, and if it is cloudy in the yard in the morning, then rain-senognoi will torment you in the summer.
If the stars rise in the evening and a warm wind blows from the south, the summer will be warm, with abundant fertility.

May 14

Prophet Jeremiah (6th century BC)

Rev. Paphnutius of Borovsky (1477)

Hieromartyr Macarius, Metropolitan of Kyiv (1497)

Reverend Gerasim of Boldin (1554)

Venerable Martyr Vata the Persian (IV)

Blessed Tamara, Queen of Georgia (1213)

Martyrs of Athos Euphemia (1814), Ignatius (1814) and Akakios (1816)

Martyrs Nina Kuznetsova (1938)

Tsarevokokshayskaya, or Mironositskaya (1647), Andronikovskaya and called "Unexpected Joy" icons of the Mother of God

Signs of the day May 14:

If the sun has risen clearly, then the whole summer will be clear.
If it’s nicer on Yeremey, the harvesting of bread is nicer.
There is bad weather on Yeremey - you will miss the whole winter (there will be a harsh winter).
The dew fell in the evening - by a clear day.
This early spring season, when the water drains, and later - when the color of the viburnum is in a circle.
This week after Yegory (May 6), and another after Yeremey.

May 15

Saint Athanasius the Great, Archbishop of Alexandria (373)

Transfer of the relics of the noble princes of Russia Boris and Gleb, in the Holy Baptism of Roman and David (1072 and 1115)

The younger sons of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir were the first saints to be canonized by both the Russian and Constantinople Orthodox Churches. Other names for the holiday are Borisov's day (Boris-day, Boris and Gleb - sowers, profit-day, nightingale holiday, nightingale day, whistler, whistlers, whistles).

St. Athanasius, Patriarch of Tsaregradsky, Wonderworker of Lubensky (1654)

Martyrs Esper and Zoe and their children Cyriacus and Theodulus (II)

Blessed and Equal-to-the-Apostles Tsar Boris, in Holy Baptism Michael (907), who received Baptism with his people in the 9th century (Bolg.)

Putivl Icon of the Mother of God (1635)

Signs of the day May 15:

On Boris and Gleb, healers speak to people suffering from maeta - nervous disorders.
They read a conspiracy over milk, with which the patient should then wash.

Lenten day

16th of May

Martyrs Timothy and Maura (c. 286) - Day of Martha the Milkmaid

Venerable Theodosius, hegumen of the Kiev Caves (1074)

Saint Peter the Wonderworker, Bishop of Argos (X)

Venerable Juliania (1393) and Eupraxia (1394), St. Theophan of Periphery of Moscow (after 1353)

Hieromartyr Nikolai Benevolensky Presbyter (1941)

Icons of the Mother of God: Dormition of the Kiev Caves, brought from Constantinople (1073), Caves (with the upcoming Anthony and Theodosius) (1085) and Svenskaya (Pechersk) (1288)

Signs of the day May 16:

They began to plant seedlings of cabbage and sow vegetable gardens.
The nightingales sang in front of Mavra - spring blooms together.
Spruce shoots start to grow.
The color of bird cherry brings cold.

May 17

Martyrs Pelagia, Virgin of Tarsus (c. 290)

Pelageya is a crow's intercessor. Protects young crows, teaches them to reason.

Venerable Nikita, Cyril, Nicephorus, Clement and Isaac, brothers Alfanov (Sokolnitsky) in Novgorod (XIV-XV)

Hieromartyr Erasmus, Bishop of Formia (303)

Hieromartyr Alvian, Bishop of Aney, and his disciples (304)

Hieromartyr Silvanus, Bishop of Gaza, and with him 40 martyrs (311)

Hieromartyr John Vasiliev Presbyter (1942)

Hieromartyr Nicholas Tokhtuev, Deacon (1943)

Old Russian Icon of the Mother of God (1570)

Lenten day

May 18

Great Martyr Irina (I-II) - Day of Irina the Nursery

Uncovering the relics of St. Jacob Zheleznoborovsky

Reverend Varlaam of Serpukhov (1377)

Venerable Martyr Ephraim the New (1426)

Icons of the Mother of God "Inexhaustible Chalice" (1878)

Signs of the day May 18:

Cabbage was planted that day.
Early in the morning, the housewives went out into the garden and all alone, so that no one jinxed, and planted seedlings.
You can’t eat bread on Irina Rassadnitsa, otherwise the chickens will peck at the harvest.
If the seedlings drink a lot of water - to a dry mowing, and do not absorb water - the mowing will be wet.
Fields, mowing and meadows were burned on Irina.

May 19

Righteous Job the Long-suffering (c. 2000-1500 BC)

Reverend Micah of Radonezh (1385)

Venerable Job of Pochaev (XVII)

Martyrs Barbara the Warrior, Bacchus, Callimachus and Dionysius (c. 362)

Martyr Barbarus, former robber

Signs of the day May 19:

The dew falling on this day was considered healing.
Early in the morning, the peasants went out to the meadows and walked barefoot on the grass, and the children rolled on the ground, “absorbing” strength and health.
Healers on Job collected dew on towels, squeezed them out and stored healing moisture, which helped in the treatment of many diseases.
Big dew and a clear day - to a good harvest for cucumbers.
The absence of morning dew after its daily appearance is a change in the weather.

May 20

Commemoration of the appearance in heaven of the Cross of the Lord in Jerusalem (351)

Martyr Akakios centurion (303)

Reverend Nil of Sora (1508)

Reverend John of Zedazne and his disciples: Aviv, Bishop of Nekres, Anthony of Martkop, David of Gareji, Zenon of Ikaltoy, Thaddeus of Stepantsminda, Ise (Jesse), Bishop of Tsilkan, Joseph, Bishop of Alaverdi, Isidore of Samtavi, Michael of Ulumbia, Pyrrhus of Bret, Stefan of Hira and Shio Mgvimsky (VI) (Georgian)

Uncovering the relics of the Monk Nil the Myrrh-streaming, Athos (1815)

Lyubech (XI) and Zhirovitskaya (1470) icons of the Mother of God

The beginning of Vespers, Matins and the Paschal Liturgy. Completion and dismissal of the liturgy according to the Paschal rite. In the Greek Colored Triodion, a service is also given on this day, similar to the sequence of the services of the Paschal week, with the singing of the Paschal hours.

Signs of the day May 20:

The earlier the bird cherry begins to bloom, the hotter the summer will be.
Bird cherry buds burst - spring is in full force.
When the bird cherry has a lot of color, the summer will be wet.
Bird cherry blossoms - the best time for planting potatoes.
If the dew does not dry before noon, expect bad weather.
If in the evening clouds are scattered across the sky in small pieces - wait for the next day of rain.

May 21st

Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian (98-117) - Day of Ivan the Theologian

Venerable Arseny the Great (449-450) - Arseniev day

Venerable Arseniy the Hardworking (XIV) and Pimen the Faster (XII), Caves, in the Far Caves

Martyr Nikifor Zaitsev (1942)

Signs of the day May 21:

Night rains and daytime sun will fill pantries, barrels and barrels.
The red sky in the evening promises good weather, the morning redness gives water.
Clouds go up - to clear weather; go down or gather in one place - to the rain.
Day with rains - the mushroom will be shelves.

22nd of May

Prophet Isaiah (VIII century BC)

Martyr Christopher (c. 250)

Transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker from the World of Lycia to Bar (1087) - Day of St. Nicholas of the Vesny

Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of horses, the feast of grooms. The first night (forcing the horses to the meadows for the whole night).

Reverend Joseph of Optina (1911)

Venerable Shio of Mgvime (VI) (Georgian)

Hieromartyr Demetrius the Resurrection Presbyter (1938)

Hieromartyr Basil Kolosov Presbyter (1939)

Signs on Nicholas, May 22:

On the first day of the night no one worked.
Boys and children kindled fires in the meadows, sat around the fire in a circle, treated themselves to pies and baked potatoes in the ashes.
Swimming season opened on Nikola.
You should not swim before St. Nicholas of the Spring.

Lenten day

May, 23rd

Apostle Simon the Zealot (I)

Saint Simon, Bishop of Vladimir and Suzdal (1226)

Blessed Simon, Christ for the sake of the holy fool, Yurievets (XVI)

Martyrs Alfius, Philadelphus, Cyprian, Onesimus, Erasmus and others (251)

Martyr Hesychius of Antioch (IV)

Saint Isidora the Holy Fool (IV)

Blessed Taisiya (V)

Kiev-Bratsk Icon of the Mother of God (1654)

Signs of the day May 23:

Bees are flying merrily in the morning - it will be a sunny day.
If it rains on that day, it will be rainy all summer.
Strong wind during rain portends good weather.
Cold and windy May is good for the harvest.

May 24

Holy Hieromartyr Mocius (c. 295) - Mocius Day

Equal-to-the-Apostles Methodius (885) and Cyril (869), teachers of Slovenian

Equal-to-the-Apostles Rostislav, Prince of Great Moravia (870)

Venerable Sophronius, the recluse of the Caves, in the Far Caves (XIII)

Hieromartyr Joseph, Metropolitan of Astrakhan (1671)

Saint Nikodim, Archbishop of Serbia (1325)

Hieromartyr Michael Belorossov Presbyter (1920)

Hieromartyr Alexander, Archbishop of Kharkov (1940)

Signs of the day May 24:

Sunrise crimson - summer comes with thunderstorms.
If foggy and crimson sunrise, and rain during the day - the summer will be wet and formidable.

Lenten day

May 25

Hieromartyr Hermogenes, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, miracle worker (glorification 1913)

Saint Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus (403) - Epiphanes Day

Saint Germanus, Patriarch of Constantinople (740)

Venerable Dionysius of Radonezh (1633)

The Second Finding of the Relics of Righteous Simeon of Verkhoturye (1992)

Saints Savin, Archbishop of Cyprus (V) and Poluvius, Bishop of Rhinokyra (V)

Martyr John of Walach (1662) (Romanian)

Hieromartyr Peter Popov Presbyter (1937)

Martyrs Evdokia Martishkina (1938)

Signs of the day May 25:

If the morning is warm and sunny on Epifan, expect a dry summer.
In dry weather, acacia does not have insects, the same happens with currants, sweet clover and honeysuckle.
Yellow leaves of acacia open up and release a lot of nectar - by the rain.

26 of May

Martyr Glykeria the virgin and with her the martyr Laodicea, guardian of the dungeon (c. 177) - Day of Lukeria the Mosquito

Righteous Virgin Glykeria, Novgorod (1522)

Transfer of the relics of the Monk Martyr Macarius, Archimandrite of Kanevsky, hegumen of Pinsk, Wonderworker of Pereyaslavl (1688)

Martyr Alexander of Rome (284-305)

Saint Pausikakios, Bishop of Sinada (606)

Saints George isp. with wife Irina and children (IX)

Venerable Euthymius of Iberia (1028) (Georgian)

Hieromartyrs Vasily Sokolov, Alexander Zaozersky and Christopher Nadezhdin Presbyters, Rev. Martyr Macarius Telegin and Martyr Sergius Tikhomirov (1922)

Martyrs of Cherkasy (XX)

Signs of the day May 26:

If there are a lot of mosquitoes, it's raining.
From Lukerya-mosquito, wait for warming.
Mosquitoes appeared - wait for heat and rain.
Large mosquito - good year.
When the mosquito is not alive, then May is dry.
Mosquitoes curl - to a sunny day.
A lot of mosquitoes - cook a lot of boxes for berries, a lot of midges - cook baskets for mushrooms.

May 27

Martyr Isidore (251) - Day of Sidor the Borage

Blessed Isidore, Christ for the Holy Fool, Miracle Worker of Rostov (1474)

Saint Nikita, recluse of the Caves, Bishop of Novgorod (XII)

Martyr Maximus (c. 250)

Venerable Serapion Sindonita (V)

Saint Leontius, Patriarch of Jerusalem (1175)

Hieromartyr Peter the Nativity Presbyter (1939)

Terebenskaya (1654) and Yaroslavl (Pechersk) (1823) Icons of the Mother of God

Signs of the day May 27:

Plant cucumbers and this flax on Sidor.
If the whole day is clear and warm, there will be a good harvest of cucumbers.
The weather is not good - the cucumbers are bad.
There are frosts before Sidor.

May 28

Venerable Pachomius the Great (c. 348) - Day of Pachomius the Warm

Saint Isaiah, Bishop of Rostov, miracle worker (1090)

Blessed Tsarevich Dimitry of Uglich and Moscow (1591) (son of Ivan the Terrible)

Reverend Isaiah of the Caves (1115)

Venerable Pachomius of Nerekhta (1384)

Monk Euphrosynus (1481) and his disciple Serapion, Pskov

Venerable Achilles, Bishop of Larisia (c. 330)

Signs of the day May 28:

Pahom came - it smelled of warmth.
End of ground frost.
Pakhoma is warm - warm all summer.
When the aspen is covered with catkins, young leaves hatch on the birch trees, and the ferns unfurl curls of leaves - the first mushroom season begins.

May 29

Venerable Theodore the Sanctified (368) - Day of Fedor the Zhitnik

Transfer of the relics of St. Ephraim of Perekomsky, Wonderworker of Novgorod (1545) (he dug a canal from Lake Ilmen with his own hands and led it to the monastery)

Venerable Cassian (1537) and Lawrence (1548) of Komel

Hieromartyr Alexander, Bishop of Jerusalem (III)

Martyrs Vitus, Modest and Criskentia (c. 303)

Blessed Maiden Muse (V)

Venerable Fathers, in the Lavra of St. Savvas beaten (614)

Saint George II, Bishop of Mytilene (IX)

Martyr Vukashin (1943) (Serb.)

Signs of the day May 29:

They looked at the moon that day: if it is fiery red, it means that there will be a strong wind.
Don’t lend money to Fedor - crop failure both for the giver and the taker.

Lenten day

May 30

Apostle Andronicus and Saint Junia (I)

Venerable Euphrosyne, in the world of Evdokia, Grand Duchess of Moscow (1407) - Day of Evdokia the Whistler

Martyrs Solokhon, Pamfamir and Pamphalon warriors (284-305)

Saint Stephen, Patriarch of Constantinople (893)

Signs of the day May 30:

Evdokia's day when the winds whistle.
What is Evdokia, such is the summer.
The moon born on rainy Evdokia - to a wet summer, and if the north wind also blows, the summer will be cold and rainy.

May 31

Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the Seven Ecumenical Councils

Martyr Theodotos of Ancyra and the martyrs of the seven virgins: Alexandra, Tekusa, Claudia, Faina, Euphrasia, Matrona and Julia (303) - Fedot the Oatmeal Day

Martyrs Peter, Dionysius, Andrew, Paul and Christina (249-251)

Reverend Macarius of Altai (1847)

Martyrs Simeon, Isaac and Vakhtisius (IV)

Martyrs Heraclius, Peacock and Venedim

Martyrs David and Tarichan (693) (Georgian)

Saint Michael Vinogradov Confessor, Presbyter (1932)

Hieromartyr Vasily Krylov Presbyter (1942)

Signs of the day May 31:

Fedot is the helper of spring.
The red sun sets - towards the wind, into the haze (light haze) - it will rain, into the cloud - the next day will be rainy.
The wave hits against the flowing water - it will rain.
If cumulus clouds do not dissipate by evening, we expect worse weather and rain.

Lenten day

Every believing Orthodox person is obliged to know the dates of the biggest holidays. But, in addition to the big ones, there are also small ones that are often forgotten, and so those holidays that have a rolling date. Therefore, it is not so easy to calculate some of them.

In this case, the church calendar of holidays will always come to the rescue. It is he who will tell you what day this or that holiday falls on, as well as tell you how to celebrate this holiday correctly, and what is better not to do at this time. Such a calendar for May this year was presented by the clergy.

Church holidays in May 2018 calendar: Ascension of the Lord

This month, the Orthodox expect three big holidays. This is the Ascension of the Lord, the Day of the Holy Trinity and the Day of the Holy Spirit.

So, the first great feast is the Ascension of the Lord. Like the rest of the May holidays, it is a transitional one. Since it directly depends on what date Easter falls on.

This year, the celebration of this great day will fall on May 17th. Ascension of the Lord, the Orthodox celebrate on the 40th day after Easter. This number of days was not chosen by chance. Indeed, just as newborns must be brought to church on the 40th day, so Jesus Christ ascended when he entered the heavenly temple of His Father and appeared as the savior of all mankind.

The Ascension of the Lord is a special holiday when Heaven is revealed to all believers as an eternal home and a true family.

Church holidays in May 2018 calendar: Pentecost

Another movable holiday, which falls this year in May, is the Day of the Holy Trinity. In the people, he received the name Pentecost. And this is not strange, because they celebrate it, exactly on the 50th day after Easter. Therefore, this year, the Orthodox world will celebrate this great holiday on May 27th.

On this day, the Jews originally celebrated a holiday called Pentecost, which was dedicated to the Sinai Legislation, the Wordyou website informs. At this time, the Holy Spirit of the Savior descended to the believers in the form of fiery tongues. It happened at 3 o'clock in the afternoon Jewish time, and translating into Moscow, it is 9 o'clock in the morning.

This type of Savior is explained very simply. The tongues symbolize the sermons that his disciples are to give. But the fire symbolizes the cleansing of sins and the sanctification of souls. After that, the apostles left the temple and began to preach the Christian faith.

In honor of such a miracle, a tradition appeared on this day to decorate their homes with greenery. This is done so that the souls of the deceased relatives could visit their native places. It is also a symbol of Pentecost, since during the time Moses received the 10 commandments on Mount Sinai, where the ascent of the Holy Spirit soon took place, it turned green and bloomed.

Church holidays in May 2018 calendar: Day of the Holy Spirit

The day after the Holy Trinity, the Orthodox celebrate the Day of the Holy Spirit. And, despite the fact that after the celebration of the Holy Trinity, Peter's Fast begins, on this day, fasting does not apply.

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity, which is equivalent to God the Father and the Son. Therefore, like everything in the Holy Trinity, he has the same power and dignity. Yes, and it is celebrated as a single holiday along with the Holy Trinity.

There is a tradition to attend church on this day, because in the evening on the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit descends to the ground and illuminates it. After visiting the church, you should definitely visit the cemetery and commemorate the deceased relatives. At the same time, it is worth decorating their graves with greenery and flowers, and in the evening having a memorial dinner.

Many believers know that in May 2018 there will be various church holidays. Every holiday is looked forward to by believers, because they can think about the value of being, feel bright spiritual joy, and observe important traditions. In May 2018, according to the calendar, church holidays fall on several dates at once, so it is extremely important to carefully study all the relevant information about them.

In May 2018 there will be different church holidays, each of which deserves special attention.

May 17, 2018 is the Ascension of the Lord. The twelfth church holiday deserves special attention. It was on this day that Jesus Christ, after being crucified on the cross, ascended into heaven. It is important to note that the holiday is movable, since the exact number always falls on the fortieth day after Easter.
May 23, 2018 is the Day of honor and memory of Simon the Zealot (Simon Canonite), who was a follower of Jesus Christ. It is on this day that all believers remember the follower of Jesus Christ. In addition, special services are held in all churches.
May 27, 2018 is Holy Trinity Day. The holiday is also known as Pentecost. The church holiday has long been considered one of the most important, since on this day they remember how Jesus Christ ascended into heaven and a miracle happened. It is believed that on this day there was a Divine unity - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The holiday is movable, and it always falls on the 50th day from Easter.

In May 2018 there will also be two days of remembrance:

May 9 is the day of remembrance, which is dedicated to all the killed soldiers during the Patriotic War;
May 25 is a day of remembrance for those who were killed.

All church holidays and commemoration days in May 2018 deserve special attention according to the calendar, because they allow us to remember the history of religion and honor the memory of dead people.

May 17 - Ascension of the Lord

The Ascension of the Lord is one of the greatest holidays. It is believed that on this day, spring finally turns into summer. It is on this holiday that it becomes hot and the gardens begin to bloom. Taking into account the fact that in 2018 the Ascension of the Lord falls on May 17, the significance of the holiday becomes especially important.

The Ascension of the Lord is celebrated taking into account the everyday traditions of the people, as well as ancient pagan customs. For example, before people organized round dances in honor of the future harvest, walked and had fun. In 2018, the Ascension of the Lord is also considered an important bright holiday. In addition, traditional festivities are organized.

If desired, housewives can cook pies stuffed with green onions or special bread dishes in the form of “ladders”, which represent the symbol of steps to heaven.

It was this pastry that was traditionally consecrated in the church. Nowadays, many believing housewives also try to prepare special dishes.

On the feast of the Ascension of the Lord, it is very important to help strangers and the elderly, to give alms. This help is considered important for those who believe in the Lord and take care of their mental state.

May 23 - Day of honor and memory of Simon the Zealot (Simon Canonite)

May 23 is one of the most important holidays for many believers. It is on this day that one can remember Simon the Zealot, who was one of the 12 apostles and supported Jesus Christ. Simon the Zealot is also considered the half-brother of Jesus Christ.

Today, Simon the Zealot is still revered by clergy and believers. In addition, special services are always held on this religious holiday. Many believers understand the importance of believing in Jesus Christ and the Lord, as Simon did a long time ago. In addition, church holidays in May 2018, which are included in the Christian calendar, allow you to think about the value of being and the importance of life, to pay attention to your spiritual harmony.

Simon the Zealot, after the Ascension of Jesus Christ, managed to receive a unique gift of the Holy Spirit, which descended on the disciples in the form of special fiery tongues. Then Simon preached the Christian faith, which is confirmed by numerous traditions. Moreover, Simon even lived at an advanced age in a small, inaccessible cave, refusing all communication with the world and luxury, convenience. Simon the Zealot worked numerous miracles and turned people to Jesus Christ.

Despite numerous miracles and real help to believers, Simon had to be martyred. According to one version, Simon was beheaded with a sword, according to another version, he was sawn alive with a saw.

Moreover, there is a legend that Simon was crucified on the cross. Then a burial took place next to a small cave where the saint lived. Now, many believing Christians and Catholics come to the grave of Simon, who sincerely believe that the saint will help get rid of poverty and recover.

An ancient temple of white hewn limestone was built on the relics of Simon the Zealot. After a couple of centuries, the Christian faith was firmly established throughout Abkhazia, so it was this state that later played an important role in the spread of the Orthodox religion.

Today, the Day of honor and memory of Simon the Zealot (Simon Zealot) is still very important for many believers.

May 27 - Holy Trinity Day

May 27th is Holy Trinity Day. This holiday is celebrated on the 50th day after Easter, so the date is movable. In Orthodoxy, the holiday belongs to the Twelve and is associated with the Holy Trinity.

The second name of the holiday is Pentecost. This name is due to the fact that the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles, who spread the Christian religion, took place on the 50th day after Easter.

The holiday is associated with Christianity. At the same time, believers can think about the importance of the purity of spiritual thoughts and the absence of sins. At the same time, Christians even today decorate their houses with green birch branches and flowering plants, because this tradition is associated with the actions of clergy in churches.

Will there be church fasts in May 2018

There are no multi-day posts in May 2018. However, one-day posts will be on the following dates:

As you can see, one-day fasts occur on Wednesday and Friday. According to traditions, only Lenten dishes are allowed these days and trips to churches for worship are encouraged.

The calendar of church holidays in May 2018 confirms that the last month of spring will become one of the most important for many Christian believers.

Many citizens of our country consider themselves Orthodox Christians. They honor the traditions of their ancestors and celebrate Orthodox holidays. They will certainly be interested to know what the church holidays will be in May 2018.

Important church events in May

In the last month of spring, all Orthodox will celebrate two very important holidays:

05/17/18 - Ascension of the Lord;
05/27/18 - Trinity.

In addition, there will be two days of commemoration of the dead:

09.05.18	Day of Remembrance of the Dead Soldiers
26.05.18	Trinity Saturday

From 05/28/18 to 06/03/18, a continuous Trinity week will be held. It is remarkable that on Friday and Wednesday it will not be necessary to fast.

Ascension of the Lord

This holiday is widely known to all Orthodox Christians in Russia. It is always celebrated on Thursday, so it comes on the fortieth day from Bright Sunday. In 2018, the holiday falls on May 17, 2018.

In different places this celebration has different names:

Saved;
Spasov day;
Ascension day;
Ascension.
In the church calendar, it is listed as - the Ascension of the Lord.

Very often, farewell to spring is associated with him.
When this day is mentioned, some moments associated with this celebration are immediately remembered:

memorial loaves;
solemn worship in temples;
"Heavenly ladders";
commemoration of the dead;
memorial pancakes, etc.

This day belongs to the twelfth holidays and is celebrated not only in Russia, but also in Europe. This holiday reminds us of how, about two thousand years ago, the Son of God ascended to heaven. The New Testament describes this point in detail. As you know, the resurrected Jesus appeared before the eyes of his disciples more than once. When the fortieth day arrived, he asked them to gather in the ancient city of Jerusalem. In the presence of his apostles, he again ascended into heaven. True, after that, two angels descended from heaven, who were dressed in all white. They told the students that their teacher would definitely return. In fact, the Gospels of Mark and Luke tell of Jesus telling his disciples about his Ascension beforehand.

Until the end of the fourth century, the Trinity and the Ascension were one celebration. Then these holidays were divided.

How the Ascension is celebrated

The holiday is celebrated for 10 days. Wednesday is called the day of forefeast. In all churches, the rite of giving of the Holy Resurrection is performed. The service goes on all night. The clergy read the stichera of the Color Triodion. In the morning paroemias from the Gospel of Mark are heard. The following days are called the after-feast. In churches, priests glorify the Ascension of the Savior to heaven. On Friday, the ceremony of giving the Ascension is performed. From Easter until Ascension, the clergy are dressed in white robes.

Among other actions on this day, it is customary to remember the dead. In Russia, there used to be a tradition - housewives made “heavenly ladders” from dough so that deceased relatives could more easily get to paradise. It was customary to bring them to the graves of ancestors. Sometimes they were taken directly to the field. It was believed that this contributed to a good harvest. Ladders helped the grain to rise faster to the sky.

Also in Russia there was a tradition to bake "Christ's Bastards" - these are pancakes made in a special way. Ancient traditions said that Jesus in the interval between Easter and Ascension bypasses all believers. These culinary products were baked to him “on the path”.

Ascension is not allowed to work. Usually believers go to visit or invite the closest people to their home.

Even on this day, there was a tradition to help the poor. It was believed that the Savior himself could walk under the guise of such people.

It was also forbidden to spit and litter, so as not to accidentally harm Jesus, who at that time, under the guise of a beggar, walks among living people.

Signs for Ascension

Day of the Holy Trinity

Also applies to the Twelfth Feasts. It has a rolling date and is celebrated on the fiftieth day from Bright Sunday. In 2018, the holiday falls on 05/27/18, Sunday.

For this celebration, special features are inherent:

decorating dwellings with flowers, tree branches and field herbs;
special worship;
consecration of water;
baking special flour products, etc.

The name of the holiday comes from an event that happened more than two thousand years ago. It was then that the Holy Spirit appeared before the eyes of the Virgin Mary and the apostles, who proclaimed that Jesus is the Son of God. The Trinity is evidence that the Holy Spirit, God the Son, and God the Father are one.

It was established in honor of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles and the Virgin Mary on the 50th day after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The holiday symbolizes the unity of the Holy Spirit, God the Father and God the Son.

As ancient manuscripts testify, on the fiftieth day after Bright Sunday, the Holy Spirit descended on the mother of Jesus and his disciples. This happened in Jerusalem in the Upper Room of Zion. At first, all those present heard an extraordinary noise, then a blessed fire appeared. After these events, the followers of Jesus began to be able to speak different languages. By the command of God, this was done so that the apostles could carry the Christian teaching to different peoples living on Earth.

How is Trinity celebrated in Russia

This holiday is celebrated for three days. Temples, dwellings of believers are decorated with green branches of trees, meadow grasses and flowers. Priests wear green clothes, which personifies life-giving.

Church services begin on Saturday and continue throughout the night. A solemn liturgy sounds at the Trinity itself. The third day is dedicated to the Holy Spirit. During the service, water is blessed.

Parishioners, consecrated branches, flowers and herbs are dried and used as a talisman throughout the year.

On the days of the Trinity, in addition to temples, Christians must visit the graves of their ancestors in order to treat the spirits.

Before the holiday, a general cleaning is done. Housewives decorate their homes with various greenery and prepare festive dishes. Among them, there must be a loaf, which should bring prosperity and prosperity to the house.

After the church and the cemetery, it's time for festivities. First, family, relatives and friends gather at a round table to congratulate each other on the Trinity and taste the festive dishes of the hostess. After the meal, people go out into the street, into nature, where they dance and sing ritual songs. In some places it is customary to kindle a fire at the same time.

On this day, healers collect herbs. It is believed that these days they have special healing properties.

Even in the days of the Trinity, it is customary to guess. Young girls perform all sorts of rituals and guess at their future life and groom. In doing so, they use the collected herbs and tree branches.

Trinity is not allowed:

work and do household chores;
sew, wash and cut your hair;
to swear and quarrel;
swim in natural waters. They say that these days there are mermen, mermaids and other evil spirits.

Signs of the Trinity

Complete church calendar for May 2018

May 1, Tuesday
Venerable John of Thessalonica (Thessaloniki), a disciple of the Monk Gregory the Decapolite
May 2, Wednesday
Venerable John Paleolavrite the Ancient Cave, Hieromonk
Blessed Matrona of Moscow
May 3, Thursday
Venerable Theodore Trichina
Reverend Alexander Oshevensky, hegumen
Infant Martyr Gabriel of Bialystok
May 4, Friday
Uncovering the relics of St. Theodore of Sanaksar
Hieromartyr Jannuarius, Bishop of Benevent, and with him the martyrs Proculus, Sossius, Faustus, deacons, Disiderius, reader, Eutychius, Akution
May 5, Saturday
Venerable Theodore Sykeot, Bishop of Anastasiupol
Transfer of the relics of the blessed prince Vsevolod (in the Baptism of Gabriel) Novgorod, Pskov miracle worker
Apostle Bartholomew (Nathanael), apstoles from 70 Luke and Clement
Venerable Vitaly of Alexandria
May 6, Sunday
Great Martyr George the Victorious
Martyrs Empress Alexandra of Rome
Iberian Icon of the Mother of God
May 7, Monday
Martyr Savva Stratelates and 70 soldiers with him
Reverend Savva of the Caves, and Alexy, the recluse of the Caves
May 8, Tuesday
Apostle and Evangelist Mark (John)
Venerable Sylvester of Obnorsk
May 9, Wednesday
Commemoration of the dead warriors
Hieromartyr Basil, Bishop of Amasia
St. Stephen, Bishop of Perm (Great Perm)
Venerable Ioannikios of Devichensky
Righteous Virgin Glafira
May 10, Thursday
Apostle from 70 Simeon of Jerusalem, relative of the Lord
Reverend Stephen, Abbot of the Caves, Bishop of Vladimir-Volynsk
May 11, Friday
Apostles from 70 Jason, Sosipater, Martyr Kerkyra the virgin and others who suffered with them
Martyrs Dada, Maximus and Quintilian
Saint Cyril, Bishop of Turov
May 12, Saturday
Nine Martyrs of Cyzic
Venerable Memnon the Wonderworker, Hegumen of Egypt
Saint Basil of Ostrog, Metropolitan
May 13, Sunday
Apostle James Zebedee
Uncovering the relics of St. Nikita, the recluse of Caves, Bishop of Novgorod
Saint Ignatius (Bryanchaninov), Bishop of the Caucasus
Saint Donatus, Bishop of Hebrew
May 14, Monday
Prophet Jeremiah
Reverend Paphnutius of Borovsky, hegumen
Hieromartyr Macarius, Metropolitan of Kyiv
Blessed Tamara, Queen of Georgia
Martyrs of Athos Euthymius, Ignatius, Akakiy
May 15, Tuesday
Saint Athanasius the Great, Archbishop of Alexandria (373)
Transfer of the relics of the martyrs Princes Boris (in the Holy Baptism of Roman) and Gleb (in the Holy Baptism of David)
Saint Athanasius Seated, Patriarch of Tsaregradsky, Wonderworker of Lubensk
Blessed and Equal-to-the-Apostles Tsar Boris (in Holy Baptism Michael)
May 16, Wednesday
Martyr Timothy and Martyr Maura
Venerable Theodosius, hegumen of the Kiev Caves
May 17, Thursday
Ascension of the Lord
Martyr Pelagia the Virgin of Tarsus
Venerable Nikita (Nifont), Cyril, Nicephorus, Clement, Isaac, brothers Alfanov (Sokolnitsky) in Novgorod
May 18, Friday
Great Martyr Irene of Macedon
Uncovering the relics of St. Jacob Zheleznoborovsky
May 19, Saturday
Righteous Job the Long-suffering
Venerable Micah of Radonezh
Martyr Vukashin Yasenovatsky
Martyr Barbara of Lukansky, former robber
May 20, Sunday
Commemoration of the appearance in heaven of the Cross of the Lord in Jerusalem
Martyr Akakios, centurion
Reverend Nil of Sorsk
May 21, Monday
Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian
Reverend Arseny the Great
Venerable Arseniy the industrious and Pimen the Faster, Caves
May 22, Tuesday
Prophet Isaiah
Martyr Christopher of Lycia
Transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
Venerable Shio (Simeon) of Mgvima
Reverend Joseph of Optina
May 23, Wednesday
Apostle Simon the Zealot
Saint Simon of the Caves, Bishop of Vladimir and Suzdal
Blessed Simon, Christ for the sake of the holy fool, Yurievets
May 24, Thursday
Equal-to-the-Apostles Methodius and Cyril, teachers of Slovenian
Hieromartyr Mokiy
Hieromartyr Joseph, Metropolitan of Astrakhan
Saint Nicodemus, Archbishop of Serbia
Venerable Sophronius of the Caves, a recluse
May 25, Friday
Hieromartyr Hermogenes, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, miracle worker
Saint Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus
Saint Germanus, Patriarch of Constantinople
Venerable Dionysius of Radonezh, Archimandrite
May 26, Saturday
Saturday Trinity
Martyrs Glykeria the virgin and with her, Martyr Laodicea of Heracles, prison guard
Transfer of the relics of the Monk Martyr Macarius of Kanevsky, Abbot of Pinsk, Wonderworker of Pereyaslavl
Martyr Alexander of Rome
May 27, Sunday
Holy Trinity Day (Pentecost)
Martyr Isidore of Chios
Blessed Isidore, Christ for the Holy Fool, Miracle Worker of Rostov
Saint Nikita, recluse of the Caves, Bishop of Novgorod

May 28, Monday
Trinity week 1 day
Venerable Pachomius the Great
Saint Isaiah, Bishop of Rostov, miracle worker
Blessed Tsarevich Dimitry of Uglich and Moscow
Venerable Euphrosynus and his disciple Serapion of Pskov
May 29, Tuesday
Trinity week 2 day
Saint Theodore the Sanctified, hegumen
Transfer of the relics of St. Ephraim of Perekomsky, Abbot, Wonderworker of Novgorod
May 30, Wednesday
Trinity week 3 day
Apostle from 70 Andronicus and St. Junia (Junia)
Venerable Euphrosyne (in nuns Evdokia), Grand Duchess of Moscow
May 31, Thursday
Trinity week 4 day
Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the Seven Ecumenical Councils
Martyr Theodotus Korchemnik and the Seven Virgins, Martyrs Alexandra, Tecusa, Claudia, Faina, Euphrasia, Matrona and Julia
Martyrs Peter, Dionysius, Andrew, Paul and Martyr Christina