Today, according to the new church calendar, Orthodox believers commemorate the martyrs of Apamea - Mauritius and the 70 soldiers who suffered for the Christian faith in the 4th century. This year, this date also falls on Syropusna, or Forgiveness Sunday - a special day on the eve of Great Lent, when it is customary to ask for forgiveness and reconcile with others.
Orthodox holiday in the new style
Saint Maurice lived at the turn of the 3rd–4th centuries in the Syrian city of Apamea. He was a military commander and secretly professed Christianity. During the persecution of Christians, he and his son were summoned to court and demanded to renounce their faith. Maurice refused, as did 70 soldiers who supported their commander.
According to church tradition, the martyrs were subjected to cruel torture, and later left in a swamp, condemned to severe suffering. After death, they were buried with honors. Parts of the relics of the saints are now kept in Cyprus.
Also commemorated on this day are the Hieromartyr Papias, Bishop of Hierapolis, the Venerable Thalassios, Limnius, and Varadatus, as well as the Venerable Athanasius, the Confessor.
Forgiveness Sunday and the beginning of Lent
This year, February 22nd falls on Ash Wednesday, the last day before Lent. On this day, people remember the expulsion of Adam from Paradise and turn to each other with words of forgiveness. The tradition of reconciliation has a deep spiritual meaning: believers seek to cleanse their souls of offenses and enter Lent with a pure heart.
Lent begins the next day and will last until Easter.
Church holiday in the old style
According to the Julian calendar, this day commemorates the martyr Nicephorus of Antioch.
Traditions and prohibitions of the day
On the day of remembrance of the martyrs, believers pray for strength of spirit, patience, health and well-being of the family. Forgiveness Sunday calls for reconciliation with all those with whom there were conflicts. It is believed that forgiveness relieves the soul and contributes to spiritual renewal.
The people called February 22nd Mauritius Day. In the past, farmers would prepare for spring field work — even in winter, they would take fertilizer to the fields. The day is considered favorable for cleaning the house and putting things in order.
The Church warns against backbiting, gossip, envy, greed, and refusal to help those in need. According to popular belief, it is not recommended to sew, knit, or start important financial matters on this day.
Folk omens for February 22
The weather on this day determined what the next seasons would be:
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cold weather - to a rainy summer;
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sunny day - to a warm year;
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dry weather - to a fine autumn;
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blizzard - to a long spring;
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high cumulus clouds - to clear days in the near future.
The early arrival of rooks is considered a particularly good omen - it means that winter will soon recede.
