On March 22, Orthodox believers celebrate the day of memory of the holy martyr Basil of Ancyra, who lived in the 4th century and suffered persecution for his faith. He was a doctor, but later became a priest and bishop of the city of Ancyra. At that time, Emperor Julian the Apostate supported the Arian heresy, which denied the divine nature of Christ. Basil openly denounced heretics and called on Christians to remain faithful to Orthodoxy, for which he was tortured and died a martyr's death.
This day also falls on the Saturday of the third week of Great Lent. The Church calls on believers to remember the deceased in prayers, not to fall into deep sadness, but instead to do good deeds in their memory. People go to churches, giving notes for repose, and also at home turn to God with requests for the eternal peace of the souls of deceased parents.
According to the old Julian calendar, this day commemorates the forty martyrs of Sebaste, warriors who died for refusing to renounce the Christian faith. They were forced to stand in an icy lake, and only one did not withstand the test, but another warrior, impressed by their resilience, took his place. This holiday was associated with the arrival of spring. Housewives traditionally baked forty larks - ceremonial buns in a group of birds, symbolizing the awakening of nature.
March 22 is known by the folk name Vasyl Teply. It was believed that on this day nature finally wakes up from winter sleep, and the weather can tell what the harvest will be. The sun in red circles at dawn promises a good harvest year. Crows bought from the driver portend warming, and if small clouds appear in the sky, then you should wait for a change in the weather. The people believed that if a flower blooms in the house on March 22, this is a good sign for the residents.
On this day, the Church reminds us of the need for spiritual purity. Believers are advised to avoid quarrels, slander, gossip, and envy. It is forbidden to refuse help to those who need it. On Father's Sabbath, one cannot remember the deceased with alcohol or classic loud feasts. There are also certain prohibitions in folk signs: one should not sweep, take out the garbage, wash, or do needlework, so as not to "sweep away" well-being with the house.
In Orthodox churches, on March 22, people turn to Saint Basil with prayers for healing, peace of mind, and strengthening of faith. Lent continues, so this day allows you to eat hot dishes with oil. However, the main thing in fasting is not only restrictions in food, but also spiritual purification, so the church emphasizes the importance of controlling thoughts, words, and actions.
Today, Vasyl, Daria, and Taisiya celebrate their name day. According to the old calendar, Alexander, Alexey, Dmitry, Ivan, Kirill, Mikhail, Natalia, Nikolay, Peter, Sergey, Taras and Valery also celebrate the day of the angel.
