Pokrov day Orthodox Christians celebrate on the modern calendar on October 14. This is the date when many people pay homage to their savior and protector of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The history of the origin of the holiday
The Holy Protection of the Most Holy Lady of our Mother of God, despite the fact that it is one of the most significant holidays for Christians, is not specifically indicated on the church calendar. The exact date when the appearance of the Virgin in Constantinople was unknown is unknown, but researchers agree that it could happen in about 910 in the old style on October 1 or the 14th in a new way.
At that time, Constantinople was surrounded by enemy troops. Parishioners gathered for an all-night service in the Blachernae church, located on the outskirts of the capital of Byzantium, prayed for salvation. The appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary occurred at four in the morning. Surrounded by the apostle John the Evangelist and the prophet John the Baptist, she walked through the air. A number of sources claim that the phenomenon was all worshipers. Others are inclined to believe that only Andrei the Fool and Epiphanius, his disciple, were able to see her. That night, the Virgin took off the omophorion from her head and opened the veil over people. Since then, the veil has become a sign of the protection of Christians from enemy troops.
Celebration of the Intercession began under Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky around 1164. In memory of this saving phenomenon, the prince ordered the construction of the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl. The white stone church is still operating. The temple is located 10 km from the city of Vladimir. The Bogolyubovsky meadow that surrounds it is recognized as a regional historical and landscape complex.
Traditions and customs
In October, colds were already approaching in Russia, the first frosts were observed in the morning. According to customs, all field work was completed by that time, the owners prepared food for the coming winter, did not drive cattle into meadows and prepared the house for frost.
The veil was considered and is considered a girl's holiday, as it is associated with the scarf of the bride. During this period, hen parties were traditionally arranged and weddings were widely celebrated. The family created in Pokrov was the most durable.
