On Thursday, April 11, according to the new church calendar, believers honor the memory of Saint Antipas, Bishop of Pergamum. This day has long been considered special among the people for predictions about spring and the harvest. We tell you what the significance of the holiday is, what the signs say, and what it is better not to do on this date.
Who was Saint Antipas?
Antipas was a disciple of the Apostle John the Theologian and a bishop in Pergamum (the territory of modern Turkey). During the persecutions under Emperor Nero, he refused to renounce the Christian faith. For this, he was thrown into a red-hot copper cauldron, but, according to legend, he died without suffering - as if in a dream. The place of his burial became a place of pilgrimage and healing, especially from toothache.
Antipas is considered the patron saint of dentists and people with dental problems. He is the one to whom people pray for healing.
Folk omens on April 11
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Rain today - expect lots of mushrooms in the summer
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Dry weather means a grain crop failure
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Red sky at dawn - to a cold snap
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If the ice doesn't melt, the summer will be cold
Our ancestors also believed that nothing should be planted on April 11th, especially grains, because they would not sprout.
What is forbidden to do on this day?
On the day of memory of Saint Antipas, one should not:
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to swear, get angry, or quarrel;
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to refuse to help those in need;
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gossip or insult others;
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to sew, embroider or knit - "the thing will not last long";
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neglect fasting - Lent is in progress, dry food is recommended.
What can and should be done
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Pray to Saint Antipas for health, especially teeth;
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Treat your teeth - the day is considered favorable for this;
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Spend the day in restraint, silence, and good thoughts.
Name Day April 11
According to the new style, the names of the following people celebrate their name days: Antip, Ivan, Jacob.
According to the old style, Ivan, Cyril, Mark, Mikhail, Philip .
