Tomorrow, March 17, in the Orthodox calendar,

is the day of memory of Saint Gerasim of Jordan

.

There is no exact date of birth of this saint.

However, there is evidence that he came from a rich family and lived in the Cappadocian city of Lycia (now Asia Minor).

He received a good Christian education and even in his youth chose for himself an associative life.

Gerasim made a pilgrimage to Palestine.

There he performed an ascetic feat, having lived for some time in the Jordanian desert.

There he also began to equip a monastery, where he introduced a strict monastic statute.

It is the ascetic lifestyle of Gerasim that indicates his steadfastness in the Christian faith.

He refused food, drank only water, prayed a lot, worked.

For his merits, he received from God the gift of clairvoyance.

He saw a revelation, how heavenly angels take Euthymius the Great to them, and then buried him together with Cyriacus.

He also healed a lion in the desert, whom he named Jordan.

This intelligent animal helped his savior until he was very old and ate only from his hands.

In 451, he died peacefully in his sleep.

Signs of March 17

Folk signs on March 17 / Photo: Pexels

  • Rooks are played for good weather.

  • If the crows scream, it will rain.

  • If the birds fly to their old nests after hatching, there will be a friendly spring.

What can't be done tomorrow

You should not wear new shoes on this day.

In ancient times, it was believed that whoever disobeyed would have neck pain.

You should also not refuse people who have asked you for alms.

The Church forbids cursing, conflict, and raising your voice on March 17.

Great Lent continues, so you should give up meat, dairy products, eggs, and fish.

What can be done tomorrow

The date was popularly called Gerasim Grachevnyk.

It is on this day that these birds begin to return from warmer regions.

According to folk beliefs, they are harbingers of spring.

For the peasants, rooks were also valuable helpers, because they immediately began to destroy insects that could harm the plants.

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