On March 30, Orthodox believers in Ukraine celebrate the Day of Remembrance of Reverend John Listunik - one of the most revered saints of early Christianity. It is an intransitive holiday that falls on the same date every year. It is of particular importance in the period of Lent, because John himself was an example of true asceticism, humility and spiritual lift.
St. John was born in Constantinople and at the age of 16 he gave up a worldly life, going to Sinai, where he became a monk. Under the leadership of an experienced mentor, he spent about 20 years in his studies, and later settled in the desert, he lived there for 40 years in full loneliness, prayer and fasting. John led the life of a hermit, but rumors of his insight, the power of spirit and the ability to heal quickly spread far beyond the Sinai. People went to him for help, advice and spiritual healing.
At the age of 75, John agreed to head the Sinai Monastery, and it was during this period that he wrote his main spiritual work - "The Listwitz" or "Stair", which described 30 virtues leading man to God. This treatise has become a book for monks, priests and laymen, and the author himself has since begun to call the Listwill - those who opened the way to heaven through spiritual self -improvement. After completing his work, John left the monastery and again secluded in the desert, where he went into eternity.
On the occasion of this holiday, the believers remember the life of John as an example of sincere faith, endurance and spiritual maturity. His day is associated with special traditions and signs. In the people this day is called Ivan Listovichnik. People watched nature to predict the weather for the future. For example, if dandelions have already bloomed that day, it was believed that summer would be short. If the bees started to fly out of the hives, it indicated a warm spring. They also said: if leaves have already appeared on the shore, and on the warehouse not yet - summer promises to be dry. But long rains that day were a good sign - meant a rich crop of mushrooms in the summer.
In addition to the signs, March 30 is related to certain prohibitions. The church does not advise to quarrel, swear, insult their fellows or refuse help. People should not wear black clothes that day - they believed that it could cause trouble. It is also better to refrain from heavy physical work, sewing or knitting.
But the day is considered favorable for prayer, spiritual purification and family affairs. In the folk tradition, a special cookie in the form of steps - "ladders", which symbolized the path of the human soul from the earthly life to God's throne, was prepared for the folk tradition. The number of "steps" had to correspond to the number of family members. It was believed that if everyone eats one step - it will be healthy all year.
Lent is now underway, so even on Sunday, you can not eat meat and dairy products. However, the church allows hot food with oil, and the day of St. John the Listwill is the opportunity when you can combine restraint in food with gratitude for spiritual gifts.
On this day, they also mention the birthdays. Angel day is celebrated by Ivan and Zakhary in the new church style. And in the old style - Alexei, Paul, Victors, Alexandra and Gabriel.
March 30 is not just another date in the church calendar. It is a reminder of the power of faith, the possibility of spiritual growth and the importance of inner purity. St. John the Listunik left behind not only a book, but a whole step that everyone can climb.
