On the very last Saturday before the strict Lent, the Orthodox Church remembers and pays tribute to all believers who have become famous for their strict abstinence. These are deserters, ascetics and just monks and inokines, for whom fasting and prayer have become the meaning of life.
The example of holy ascetics strengthens believers in spiritual quests, shows that everything is possible in Jesus Christ. Those saints whose memory the church honors on this day were ordinary people. They also fought the temptations of the flesh. Their fasting feat is called so that they could achieve success only by overcoming difficulties, bodily infirmities and direct attacks of the evil one.
On this holiday, all the monks are remembered, regardless of nationality, place of residence or gender. In our memory, all saints are worthy of reverence. As the apostle Paul wrote, all are one in Christ Jesus: Jews, Gentiles, masters, slaves, men and women. We are united by faith, service and deed. We, ascetics, righteous people and all monastics, serve as an example of fasting, which consists not only in refusing “modest” food. The monks renounce the world, its attachments, cares and aspirations. They choose to serve Christ.
It is a time when we are purified spiritually and follow the path that the righteous have pointed out when they approach the Lord.
The church service of the Council is different from the usual. It is performed on the one hand, solemnly, and on the other — according to the Lenten Triod (three-song canons). Accompanied by the execution of the great glorification. At matins perform the canon written by the great theologian and Christian poet Theodore (Theodore) Studite. The song lists women and men who have become famous for asceticism and asceticism.
On Sunday, the believers ask forgiveness for sins known and unknown. After that, having cleansed the heart and prepared the spirit, the Orthodox with spiritual uplift enter into Lent.
Charity foundHoly Land.
Soul investment!
