Tomorrow, February 8, in the Orthodox calendar

, is the day of memory of Xenophon, Mary, John and Arkady

.

Xenophon and Mary lived in the 5th century and led a pious lifestyle.

They had two children, John and Arkady.

Once the sons were sailing on a ship to another city, where they were supposed to study, and got caught in a strong storm.

The children were able to save themselves, but they were thrown to different shores and everyone considered their brother dead.

She arrived separately in the monastery.

And everyone had a dream that both of them were alive.

The same dream was seen by Xenophon and Maria.

The parents then decided that their children were in Jerusalem and went there to the holy places.

The whole family finally met in Jerusalem, although at first the parents did not recognize their children, nor did the brothers recognize each other.

From such joyful news, Xenophon and Maria ordered their slaves to distribute the property of their masters, and they themselves went to the monastery.

And John and Arkady went to the desert, where they became famous for their deeds.

The church holiday of February 8 is the day of memory of Feodor the Studite

He was born in 759 in Byzantium in a wealthy and pious family of a local official.

Therefore, he received a good education and at the age of 22 decided to renounce the worldly life and, together with his parents, take the tonsure.

Then he settled in the Bithynian monastery (near Mount Olympus), where he later became abbot.

Feodor zealously revered icons, and was also a supporter of the institution of the family.

Therefore, he opposed the divorce of Emperor Constantine VI, who also advocated for iconoclasts.

For this he went to prison, from where he was released only after the death of the ruler.

Then he became the abbot of the Studio Monastery.

Feodor was imprisoned three times during his life.

All times due to exposure of the authorities.

Despite this, he was able to completely reform monastic life.

He died in the Bithynian Monastery in 826, and in 845 his relics were transferred to the Studio Monastery.

Signs of February 8

Folk signs of February 8 / Photo: Pexels

  • clear and windless day until early spring;

  • cold and dry February means August will be hot;

  • sounds can be heard more clearly around - soon the weather will deteriorate;

  • the cat often looks out the window - there will be warming.

What can't be done tomorrow

The church says that on February 8, one should not forget about their deceased relatives, because otherwise their soul will enter the house.

To prevent this from happening, you need to go to the temple and light a candle for repose.

It is not recommended to open the windows so that the soul cannot fly inside.

What can be done tomorrow

On this day, our ancestors commemorated the dead - they went to the cemetery, cleared the snow from the crosses and brought treats that were eaten by the whole family.

Read also:

  • Great Lent of 2023 is very soon: because of early Easter

  • Masnytsia 2023: when does this holiday start and how long does it last, the traditions of the Ukrainian people