On February 18, Orthodox celebrates the memory of St. Agapit the Confessor, Bishop of Sinadsky, as well as St. Leo I, Pope Roman, under the new church calendar. On this day, believers also mention the traditions and signs associated with this date.
According to the new calendar, in 2023 the Orthodox Church of Ukraine switched to the new Laple style, so fixed holidays are celebrated 13 days earlier. However, some of the believers still adhere to the old Julian calendar, preserving it in religious communities and monasteries.
Saint Agapit and Saint Leo I
St. Agapit was born in Cappadocia in the III-IV centuries. He joined the monastery at a young age, where, through prayers and fasting, he received the gift of miraculousness. During the reign of Emperor Likinia, Agapit was forced to serve in the army, but after the persecution of Christians began, he became a martyr. After his release with the new Emperor Constantine the Great, Agapit became Bishop of Sinadsky, where he proved himself as a wise and just ruler.
St. Leo I, who was born in the middle of the 5th century, chose the spiritual path and became an Archdex at the Pope Sickness III. After his death, the lion became the Pope. He was a great defender of Orthodoxy and convened the IV Ecumenical Cathedral, on which heresy was condemned. The lion also became famous for his interference with the Huns and their leader Attila, which is why Italy was rescued from destruction.
Church holiday according to the old style
According to the Julian calendar, on February 18 (March 3 in the old style) Orthodox honor St. Theodosius, Archbishop of Chernihiv, and the icon of the Mother of God Yelets-Chernihiv.
Signs on February 18
On February 18, the people celebrate the holiday of agap, oatmeal, or oatmekin day, which symbolizes the beginning of spring, when the oatmeal bird appears, which "leads spring." On this day, there are different signs related to yields: if the day is clear, there will be a good harvest, if the thunder is heard - wait for a rich harvest. The yellow oatmeal bird is considered a symbol of luck.
That cannot be done on February 18
The church condemns the wicked, gossip, lies, greed, envy and laziness. On this day, animals cannot be offended, refused to help others, as well as to be sad and despair.
What can be done on February 18
On this day, believers turn to the saints Agapit and Leo with a prayer for healing from ailments. People are also time to prepare for field work. The housewives baked oatmeal pies, as well as oatmeal and birds.
Angel Day on February 18th
On February 18, they celebrate the birthday of Agapit, Anna, Basil, Victor, Vladimir, Lev and Paul in a new style. The old style of the Angel Day is celebrated by Theodosius, Agafia, Maka, Anton, Eugene, Vasilyn.
