Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul: different paths - common joy. Peter's Day: traditions, rituals, signs Traditions and rituals
In 2017, Peter's Day is celebrated on July 12. This holiday is dedicated to the memory of the holy apostles Peter and Paul. Christians associate a large number of traditions with it, and the holiday itself is rich in history.
Immediately, it is necessary to point out the fact that the church holiday of Peter and Paul has long been not only religious, but also fully popular, since this time after the summer solstice marks the beginning of the harvest and the approaching autumn. Along with this, today, July 12, the Petrov post ends.
Peter is one of the most revered saints in Christianity, who was appointed by Christ to become the founder of the church. It was Peter who became the first of the apostles to whom Christ appeared after his own resurrection. Here is the Apostle Paul historical figure, one of the main historians of Christianity, his works have survived to this day.
Traditions and customs on Peter's day
Once upon a time, people celebrated the Day of Peter and Paul in a special way - they laid plentiful tables and invited strangers and the needy. Parties, round dances and games were indispensable elements of the celebration of Peter's Day. Young boys and girls were guessing for a quick wedding. But if the couple wanted to arrange a wedding on July 12 on the feast of Peter and Paul, they were not advised to do this - a bad sign.
Preparing for the holiday, people put things in order in their homes and yards, made bouquets and wreaths from various wild flowers, with which they then went to church services. Also on this day, cakes were baked, which were popularly called mandariks, in honor of the travels around the world of the holy apostles Peter and Paul. It was believed that if you wash yourself from three springs on Peter's Day, the water will give strength and health.
In Ukraine, according to tradition, after the end of Petrov Lent, the wedding season begins. Also after July 12, you can plan the baby's christening.
Signs on Peter's Day
People treated the signs on the day of Peter and Paul with special attention, because after that day the time for haymaking began and it was very important to anticipate rainy or cloudy days.
Prepare sickles for Petrov's day - after this day the mowing of grasses began.
On Petrov's day, the cuckoos fall silent. If the cuckoo stops cuckooing a week before St. Peter's Day, then winter will be early, but if the cuckoo cuckoos a week or two after St. Peter's Day, then winter will come late.
If it rains on Peter's day, the hay will be tough, but the harvest will be plentiful.
If it rains on Peter and Paul, life will be born.
On Petrov's day it rains - the harvest is not thin, two rains are good, and three are rich.
They looked at the grain field that day: if the grain was born, then neither Peter nor Paul would take it away.
On Peter's day - an ear, on Ilyin - a kolob.
If millet is grated from a spoon, then it will be in a spoon.
Peter and Paul shortened the day, they said among the people, because the length of the day had noticeably decreased by this time.
Peter and Pavel added heat - the hottest summer days began.
The day is waning, the heat is coming.
When Petro comes, it will be warm.
Petrok will come - he will pluck a leaf. Leaves from the trees began to fall from Peter and Paul.
Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul - what date does it fall on in 2017? You will learn about this by reading the article on the Orthodoxy and the World portal.
Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul in 2017 - July 12
Peter is a fisherman, a man of deep faith, hot faith, maybe even too hot, about which the Lord tells him: you will deny Me, because now on an emotional wave you confess fidelity, and then on the same emotional wave you will get scared and step aside.
The Apostle Paul is a man of clear and sober mind and very great knowledge. A Pharisee, a scribe who went through a very serious theological school under the famous scribe and Pharisee Gamaliel, a teacher with a capital letter.
In the early Christian community, there was a discussion about what should be included in the proclamation of the faith of Christ, what obligations are imposed on a person in the Church, what he should do, how to live, whether he should take on all the burdens of the unbearable Old Testament law, the Jewish rite, or should they be abandoned .
This discussion is especially interesting because Peter, who represented the people, and the people were not the richest and perhaps not as educated as the apostle Paul, was in no hurry to get the gospel outside of Israel. He believed that first of all it was necessary to go to the perishing sheep of Israel - to the Jews, to those who knew the prophets, longed for salvation, dreamed of the Messiah. And that is why Peter was in no hurry to abandon the Old Testament ritual institutions, fearing that this refusal might alienate someone from the Jewish community, from those who could come to the Church, become a Christian.
The Apostle Paul, who had a colossal baggage of Old Testament knowledge, knowledge of rituals, meticulous adherence to the letter of the law, turns out to be much more radical. He refuses this baggage, proclaiming freedom in Christ and turning his word to the pagans - to people of other cultures, other traditions. In order for them to be able to come to the Church, to Christ, he clears this path from everything secondary and unprincipled.
We know that the Apostle Peter went a long way with Christ, spent three years with Him, ascended Mount Tabor, saw the Transfiguration of the Lord.
Whether the Apostle Paul saw Christ in His earthly life is unknown – this does not follow from the New Testament – but the Lord calls him outside the Church, where the calling grace operates. And it was Paul, to whom the Lord revealed Himself already Risen in glory, Paul, who for the sake of his Jewish ideas persecuted the Church of Christ, sincerely persecuted Christians, considering Christianity a heresy, believing that violence could stop this "wickedness", force people to abandon their faith in resurrected Galilean, who declared himself God, this Paul, having seen Christ in a vision, having come to the Church and received healing there, having entered the number of preachers, turned out to be a bridge thrown from Christ, the apostles, the early Church to other people, external, very far from Israel and Jewish ideas.
It seems to me very important that Luke, a disciple and associate of the Apostle Paul, in his Gospel, and then in the Acts of the Apostles, emphasizes that not only Jews came to Christ, that the love of Christ extended to everyone, that Christ is in every person, regardless of his faith or lack of faith, he saw the image of God and hoped that the human heart would respond, the soul would tremble and the person would come to God, become a son or daughter - a child of God.
It seems to me very important that, for all the difference in paths, the Church celebrates the memory of these apostles on the same day, remembering not only the importance of patristic traditions, the importance Old Testament for all Christians, but also about the fact that many layers - trifles, rituals - can become an obstacle for people, sometimes insurmountable, on the way to God.
Here we need the zeal of the Apostle Peter and the openness and wisdom of the Apostle Paul. And the most important thing is to remember that Peter and Paul laid down their lives together for the sake of the Word by which the world was created and in which it stands, they were constantly in communion with God, had the gift of inner prayer, passed on their gifts and knowledge to the disciples, and through the Church the sacrament of worship—through the experience of the saints, this knowledge and knowledge of God comes to us.
Therefore, everyone can enter into the joy of the Apostle Paul and the Apostle Peter. The Lord calls everyone to partake of the uncreated Divine light, calls to share the joy of the Pascha of Christ, to become a Christian not only by name and external paraphernalia, but also to change, be transfigured internally and enter the Kingdom of God and eternal life. Amen.
What date do we celebrate the feast of Peter and Paul in 2017, what kind of day is it, what traditions and signs have survived to our time.
Saints Peter and Paul's Day: holiday date in 2017
Feast of Peter and Paul in 2017 © Depositphotos
Today, July 12, Orthodox Church honors the memory of the holy apostles Peter and Paul. Holiday 2017 falls on a Wednesday. Saint Peter is considered the patron saint of fishermen, he is asked for a successful and large catch of fish.
Also, Peter's Day is the end of the summer fast of Peter and Paul, established in memory of these saints, which in different years can last from 8 to 42 days, depending on when it begins. The Fast of Peter and Paul 2017 started on June 12, and therefore this year it lasted exactly a month.
Day of Saints Peter and Paul: the history of the holiday
Apostle Peter and Paul feast © Depositphotos
Saint Peter - one of the 12 apostles of Christ, was the son of a fisherman. At birth, he was given the name Simon, but later he received from Jesus the nickname Cephas (stone), that is, firm in faith, which in Greek means Peter. Initially, he betrayed his teacher three times, but then he atoned for his guilt, became the founder christian church and the first Pope.
Saint Paul, unlike Peter, was not one of the 12 apostles. Initially, he was even one of the persecutors of the Jews, but later, having met Jesus and believing in Him, Paul began to preach Christian doctrine in Asia Minor and the Balkan Peninsula. His sermons are included in the New Testament.
According to church canons, the holy apostles Peter and Paul were martyred for their faith on the same day - July 12 according to the Gregorian calendar. The Apostle Peter was crucified upside down, and the Apostle Paul was beheaded.
Feast of Peter and Paul in 2017: traditions of the day
Feast Day of Peter and Paul © Depositphotos
The popular name of the holiday is Peter's Day, short for the Day of Peter and Paul. This period is considered a kind of crown of summer, after which nature begins to turn towards autumn.
Among the people, the day of Peter and Paul, together with the holidays of Agrafena Kupalnitsa and Ivan Kupala, make up the summer holiday cycle dedicated to nature, the sun, herbs, flowers, harvest and courtship.
It was believed that on the day of Peter and Paul the sun plays, i.e. shines with all the colors of the rainbow. To see this miracle, the youth gathered in the field in the morning and waited for the sunrise. The one who sees how the sun plays, happiness awaits.
Also on Peter's Day, they wove wreaths, branches of trees, danced round dances, and Peter's festivities began, which lasted until the first Savior. And on the day of Peter and Paul, young girls were guessing at their betrothed. For example, you need to collect 12 different flowers from 12 fields, guess a guy, put the flowers under your pillow and wait for a prophetic dream.
On the day of Peter and Paul, one cannot work, especially in the field, so as not to disturb the grain ears, and so that the harvest is good. After Peter's Day, the time for haymaking began.
Feast of Peter and Paul: signs of the day
Feast of Peter and Paul © Depositphotos
- The cuckoo falls silent on Peter and Paul. If the bird does not call a week before St. Peter's Day, the winter will be early, and if a week after the day of Peter and Paul, the winter will be late.
- Rain on St. Peter's Day promises a rich harvest.
- Rain on Peter and Paul - life will be born.
- If the grain is harvested, then neither Peter nor Paul will take away the harvest.
- On Peter's day - an ear, on Ilyin - a kolob.
- Peter and Paul shortened the day, because the day was already waning.
- Peter and Pavel added heat, because. the hottest days have begun.
- Petro is always warm.
Why the question often arises, Petrov's day in 2017, what date, because this holiday has a fixed date. The thing here is that for many believers, the holiday is associated with Peter's fast, which begins every year on different dates, but ends, interestingly, always on Peter's day.
Peter's day in 2017, what date is July 12, like in any other year. This holiday has no rolling date and is always in the Orthodox church tradition marked in this number. But the Petrovsky fast, which is appointed in order to cleanse the body and soul before the big holiday, begins in 2017 on June 12, and in different years the start date will also be different. Therefore, many people have a traveler in their heads: if the post begins at different days, then, perhaps, Petrov's day also falls on different dates.
Peter's Day is an important holiday in Orthodox calendar, which always falls on 12.07. Despite its name among the people, this is not only the day of St. Peter, but also St. Paul. The history of the origin of the holiday is connected with the life of the apostles, their deep faith in God, in the Word of God. For the holiday, there are a variety of folk omens and customs, as well as church rules, which should be tried to be observed by believers.
Day of the Apostles Peter and Paul
Petrov's day in 2017, what date does it begin - July 12 will be this day, but here it is better to talk about what date Petrov fasting begins before this holiday. Due to the fact that the date of the beginning of the post is directly related to Easter, it is this date that changes, while Peter's Day remains unchanged from year to year. Due to such features of the distribution of the date of this post, it can be either only 8 days or as much as five weeks. This year, Petrov fast will last 4 weeks from June 12 to July 12.
Peter's day itself is no longer a fast, it is a holiday, when in the morning you need to go to the temple, give alms to the poor, and return home, enjoy a family meal at the festive table. On this day, Petrov Lent is already over, so there can be a variety of dishes on the table, including meat and dairy dishes.
About the history of the holiday
Petrov day in 2017, what date does it begin and end. This holiday has only one permanent day, which is highlighted in the Orthodox calendar - this is July 12th. The holiday is closely connected with the history of the birth of Christianity, when the disciples of Jesus Christ after his resurrection, Peter and Paul, began to spread the word of God throughout the world. On a holiday, the post is already over, you can cook.
These were the most zealous and devoted disciples of Christ, Peter was constantly near the Savior and was the first to call him "the Son of the living God." After so many years of history, one can already say that the firmness of Peter's faith is like a stone. But Paul did not believe Jesus at first, but only after a conversation with him did he become his disciple, and it was Peter who led Paul to Christ.
After the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the descent of the Holy Spirit, which gave all the apostles the opportunity to speak in the languages of the world, they went to different parts of the world, to carry the word of God to them. Peter and Paul met for the last time in Rome, where Peter was taken for execution, and Paul for interrogation. They were martyred for the Christian faith, but not in the same year, but on the same day - precisely on July 12th.
Signs and customs on Peter's day
Now we’ve found out for sure, Peter’s day in 2017, what date is July 12, and you can safely mark this date in all calendars for any year, because it does not change from year to year and does not depend on the date of Easter and, as, say, the date of the beginning of the Apostolic or Peter's fast. The people on this day, of course, had their own signs, beliefs and traditions, customs.
For example, if it rains on July 12, there will be a big harvest, and the more it rains that day, the greater the harvest. Many folk signs on Peter's Day are connected precisely with nature, the harvest.
Important weather and not only signs on Peter's Day 2017:
1. If on the day of the holiday, July 12, sellers are doing great trading, then for the rest of the year they will definitely have a good profit.
2. Fishermen consider this day to be their day, because St. Peter is the patron saint of fishing.
3. The sun is the symbol of this day as part of folk festivals. According to customs, the first rays of the sun are met on this day in nature, so that they bring love, care and good luck to life.
4. Only the elderly, as well as married people, took part in the evening feast on the day of the holiday. The youth at that time had fun in nature, sang, danced round dances and guessed.
The beginning of the Apostolic Lent always falls on the second Monday after the Bright Christian holiday - the Day of the Holy Trinity, and the end falls strictly on July 12th. This year, June 15th is considered the beginning of Petrov Lent. The length of the fast also changes every year. It can be from 8 to 42 days.
In 2020, the Petrov fast will last 27 days and end on the eve of the Day of Paul and Peter, which is celebrated on July 12. Accordingly, the final day of Pentecost will be July 11. During the fasting period, Christians will cleanse their body, spiritually and physically prepare for the great church holiday. The Orthodox will honor the memory of the supreme apostles, paying tribute to the great deeds that they performed, as well as the qualities that they possessed. So, Peter had a strong character and unshakable fortitude, and Paul had a highly developed intellect and natural ingenuity.
How is the date of the Apostolic Lent related to the date of Easter?
The date of the Apostolic Lent is calculated taking into account the date of the Bright Day of the Resurrection of Christ. In 2020, Easter falls on April 19th. And the day when Peter's fast begins will be the ninth Sunday after Easter (or the second Monday after Trinity), that is, June 15th.
It is important to know that the feast of Peter and Paul itself, as a rule, is not listed as part of the fast. But, if it falls on Friday or Wednesday, it is also considered a fast day and implies compliance with the rules of fasting.
Why is Peter's fast called apostolic?
The ministers of the Orthodox Church call on the laity to fast, citing as an example the great deeds of the holy apostles - Peter and Paul. In the sacred writings, these apostles are called the supreme ones. During the Petrine Lent, while preparing for the worldwide sermon called the Gospel, they were able to see the Holy Spirit descend to Earth. Scripture says that the disciples of Jesus spent the preparation period in vigil, prayer and fasting. This means that they deliberately subjected themselves to thirst, hunger, exhausting labor.
The scriptures also mention that the apostles of Christ each time prepared themselves for the process of service with the help of prayers and fasting. According to St. John Chrysostom, fasting is able to strengthen human bodies against all kinds of ailments and incorporeal infirmities. Fasting makes a person an Angel, teaches generosity and wisdom. Peter and Paul were almost always on duty, thereby likening their souls to an angelic essence. Therefore, Peter's post received a second name - apostolic, that is, created in honor of these two most significant apostles in Christianity.
Fasting of Pentecost: where does this name come from?
This is how Petrov Post was called by our ancestors at the time of the emergence Orthodox faith. The name came into common use when the Great Constantine erected and consecrated churches in honor of the revered apostles, Paul and Peter, on the territory of Rome and Constantinople. The consecration of the temples took place on July 12. That is why the day was fixed as a holiday dedicated to the apostles, paramount in Orthodoxy. Previously, it was customary to call the Holy Trinity Pentecost, followed almost immediately by the beginning of Peter's Lent. From here Petrov fast borrowed the name from the Trinity.
The ancient name of the Trinity is due to the fact that the holiday falls exactly on the 50th day after Christ's Resurrection. Throughout the day, the laity praise the descent of the Holy Spirit sent by Jesus to his disciples. Moreover, the Holy Spirit descended to them in the form of fiery tongues.
Petrov post: how did it come about?
So far, scientists have not been able to determine true origin Pentecost. But many experts and simply deeply religious people stop at the two most realistic versions. In support of the first version, there is an assumption that fasting was introduced in order to imitate the Great Apostles, who spent almost their entire lives in prayer, strictly observing the fast. After Pentecost (Holy Trinity), the supreme apostles also limited themselves to food for some time, purifying themselves spiritually and physically before the worldwide preaching of the Gospel. As for the second version, it lies in the fact that the fast was founded for those who, for certain reasons, could not observe the Great and / or Christmas fast. These people seemed to make up for lost time, paying back to the Almighty. Thus, they paid tribute to the Christian faith.
What and when can you eat in Petrov post?
The Petrovsky fast is not considered strict and does not require unbearable sacrifices from the laity while observing its rules. The main feature of fasting is the possibility of eating seafood, fish and dishes prepared from them on certain days of the week. These days are Monday, Sunday, Thursday, Tuesday and Saturday. This option does not apply to Wednesdays and Fridays. The scheme for eating during Pentecost is quite simple.
Monday of Petrov Lent
It is recommended to take hot food in which there is no oil, that is, boiled in water alone. An excellent option would be cereals from millet, rice, barley, barley, oats, buckwheat. To improve the taste of cereals, it is allowed to add dried fruits to them: dried apricots, dried figs and bananas, prunes, raisins. It is also possible to add various nuts and mushrooms. It is also not forbidden to combine porridge with fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs: zucchini, cucumbers, eggplants, radishes, tomatoes; dill, lettuce, parsley; kiwi, oranges, apples, cherries, pears, strawberries.
Tuesday, Saturday, Thursday of Apostolic Lent
These days are considered essential. It is allowed to eat fish, as well as all lean and fish dishes. Vegetable oil may be added to food. It is forbidden to take meat and dishes prepared with its use. Eggs, milk and all dairy products are also prohibited.
Friday and Wednesday at Petrov Post
The indicated days of the week are considered fast, therefore, it is necessary to observe the strictest fast, in other words, only dry eating is allowed. It is strictly forbidden to take vegetable oil, fish, crustaceans, products of animal origin. Many believers eat these days exclusively on bread and water.
Sunday
The most fertile day of the week during the fasting period. It is allowed to eat products that are included in the menu of Thursday, Saturday and Tuesday. This is lean food, fish and all dishes prepared from it. Vegetable oil can be added to food. Do not eat dairy products and eggs, as well as drink milk. In addition to these products, red wine may be included in the menu. You can only drink wine in small quantities and in no case allow a state of intoxication. Such relaxation on Sundays of fasting does not mean that you can take any alcohol, for example, beer, whiskey, vodka, cognac, gin, champagne.
The use of red wine, especially Cahors, has a special sacred meaning for fasting Christians.
How to behave during Peter's Lent?
Lent is a special time period when reflections on eternal values and charity are encouraged. In Rus', during fasting, it was forbidden to arrange litigation, hold holidays, including playing weddings and getting married.
Today's attitude of people to the canons of Orthodox holidays has changed somewhat. But, despite this, the church recommends observing the following rules:
- not to work and not have fun during the Liturgy and Vespers;
- follow the 4th commandment of the Lord (rest on weekends and not be lazy on weekdays);
- get rid of stupid, worthless, low, "impure" desires and thoughts;
- do not visit entertainment establishments, refrain from dancing, games and all kinds of spectacles;
- do not have an intimate relationship;
- avoid the emergence and manifestation of such emotions as jealousy, anger, hatred, anger, resentment, enmity;
- pray regularly, both when attending church services and at home.
It is important to know! During Petrovsky Lent, it is undesirable to cut hair, do needlework, give and borrow anything. And on the contrary, it is very desirable to dedicate at least one day during the period of fasting to the Sacrament of Confession and Communion.
Wedding in Petrov post: is it possible or not
The very height of the summer season is the most favorable time for registering a marriage and celebrating a wedding. That is why many couples in love try to set a wedding date for the period of Petrovsky Lent.
The wise King Solomon said: "There must be a season for every thing under heaven." This statement can be attributed to any phenomenon and any thing that surrounds people in Everyday life. According to the scripture, the creation of a family is called upon to bring harmony and order into the existence of a person. For Orthodox people There are 4 time periods in the year when you can not get married and get married. Such periods are multi-day fasts, when not only there are food restrictions, but also a ban on intimacy between spouses. Petrov post is also among such periods.
According to one old belief, the unacceptability of a wedding celebration is due to the fact that summer is the only period when it is possible and necessary to engage in harvesting and cultivating the soil. And to have fun in this period is not accepted. At the same time, the Orthodox Church does not put forward a categorical ban on celebrating a wedding on Petrov Lent. However, some restrictions, despite the fact that young people do not fast, still exist.
Please note that among the guests invited to the holiday there may be believers who fast. Therefore, make sure that the appropriate dishes and drinks are present on the table. And from alcoholic products on the table there must be red wine (preferably Cahors). Remember that anyone who goes against the laws established by the church runs the risk of being subjected to powerful negative influences. It is precisely due to this that the Orthodox believe that a marriage entered into during Peter's fast will be subjected to various trials, especially with regard to evil magical influences (evil eye, corruption).
The Church does not oppose the manifestation of joy and holding contests on the day of the celebration of the wedding. However, it is still necessary to observe moderation regarding fun at the Petrovsky post. Contests, songs and jokes should not have vulgar overtones and contain obscene language. Guests are also required to maintain decency and consume alcoholic beverages in moderation.
As for the wedding, during the period of the Apostolic Lent, this cannot be done. It is better to postpone the date of the ceremony to the period after July 12. After all, a wedding can be celebrated regardless of whether the spouses are married or not. The ban on weddings is due to the fact that fasting is a time of deep repentance and sighing for earthly sins. And the joys of married life are hardly incompatible with these aspects. Christians call fasting “the wing of repentance,” so the Sacrament of a wedding during any fast, including Pentecost, is categorically not recommended.
Any thoughts that arose during Peter's fast, as well as actions committed during this period, should be directed exclusively to the Lord. You do not need to follow the rules of fasting for the sake of losing extra pounds and gaining a slender figure. There is a special science for this - dietology. In the process of fasting, it is important to try to get as close to faith as possible in order to merge with your inner self and gain knowledge about your true purpose in life.