Our ancestors did not have such a problem as choosing a name for a newborn. Today, in some families, this comes to a scandal, since dad wants to name his son Jordan, mom - Apollo, and grandparents dream of Vanechka. But in the old days everything was decided by the church orthodox book, which was called "Saints". Parents came to church, and the priest offered a choice of several names of Christian saints, whose memory was honored on the baby's birthday. And if now parents want to make a choice in this way - how to choose a name for a child according to the holy calendar?

How to choose the right name according to the holy calendar?

Birthday, Angel's Day, name day ... Many people confuse these concepts and congratulate them on their birthday on their name day. In fact, a birthday is the day on which a person was born, and name days are the day of memory of the saint in whose honor he was named. The second name of the name day is the day of the Angel or the day of the namesake. Previously, these days almost coincided for everyone, but now - almost none. Despite this, some people began to celebrate the day of the Angel on a par with the birthday.

The Saints contain about 1700 different names. Most of them are for men, moreover, they are mostly out of use. This is not surprising, because many names for modern people seem ridiculous, for example, Popius, Mnasen, Kurduva or Yazdundokta.

If you decide to name the newborn according to the calendar, remember the following:

1. It is best to choose a name for the baby of the saint who is honored on his birthday. For example, your child was born on February 1st. You are truly lucky, because according to the calendar, the newborn can be called by the following names: Arseny, Gregory, Heinrich, Louise, Euphrasia, Mark, Makar, Meletius, Savva, Theodosia, Fedor or Januarius.
2. If you have a boy, and on this day there are no names for a male representative, then modern church usually advises to look a few days ahead. You can do the same if you didn’t like the proposed name (or names) at all.
3. The name at baptism is given once in a lifetime and does not change anymore (an exception is the name changes when tonsured to monasticism and when changing faith).
4. Recently, some parents give their children double names: one is secular, and the second is church. Someone does this on purpose, but someone accidentally - just at birth, the baby is not given orthodox name, and in the church, parents learn that under the name, for example, Stella or Camilla, a child cannot be baptized. In this case, the priest invites parents to choose an Orthodox name for the baby - close or consonant with the "passport".
5. If the saint, in whose honor you named the baby, is revered several times a year, then the day of the Angel is the next name day after the day birth.

From antiquity to our times

The Orthodox book "Saints" is nothing more than a complete list of all the names of the saints whom Orthodox Church. The second name of this book is “The Book of Months”, since the whole year is painted in it, day by day, by month.

Giving a name to a child according to the holy calendar is ancient tradition many peoples. The Slavs were no exception in this. People believed that when a baby receives the name of a saint who is revered on his birthday or baptism, he will have a happy and long life. At the same time, it was not advisable to call the child the name of the great martyr - then he was destined for a hard life, full of hardships and suffering.

If several saints were commemorated on the child's birthday, then the parents could choose a name from several proposed by the priest. If the name was one, then the parents, alas, had no choice. People did not dare to argue with the church. Later, if no saint was commemorated on the birthday of the new little man, or the name really didn’t like it, then the parents began to “increase” the list of names: it was possible to consider the names of saints whose memory is celebrated on the eighth or fortieth day after the birth of the child. The fact is that our ancestors believed that the name of the newborn should be given no earlier than the eighth day, and the sacrament of Baptism had to be performed on the fortieth day.

"Monthly" was used until the revolution of 1917. With the advent of Soviet power, when churches began to be massively exterminated, and religion was prohibited, the tradition of naming children according to the holy calendar was abandoned. Nowadays, parents are much more likely to turn to Orthodox calendar to choose a name for the child. Many believe that it will make the baby happy, and the saint, after whom he was named, will become an intercessor and guardian angel for the child. And some parents just follow modern fashion, because today old or unusual name is the "last peep". So there are children in kindergartens and schools with the names Luka and Akulina, Spiridon and Evdokia, Illarion and Pelagia.

Calendar of names according to the holy calendar for each month

Name day in January

Names in February

Names in March

Names in April

Names in May

Names in June

According to the ancient calendar, on January 6, name days are celebrated by those who were given the following women's and male names: Agatha, Claudia and Nicholas. And all girls and boys born today are recommended to be named that way.

In addition, according to the calendar church holidays for 2019, the birthday people on this day are also those who are called Innokenty and Sergey, although these names are not in the old calendar, since their patrons were canonized only in the twentieth century.

Also on January 6, the name day of all Eugene is celebrated, because on this day the memory of their Guardian Angel, the holy reverend martyr Eugenia (Roman), is venerated.

Therefore, among all the female names for newborn girls, it is important to choose this one. The name Eugene will connect them with heavenly patron and become a shield against evil.

The name programs the character of a person. Evgeny will be active, courageous, persistent, tireless optimists and love of life, it is interesting to communicate with them, as they impress with their extraordinary mind.

Each person should know when his name day is celebrated, and treat this day as one of the important holidays, on which you can cleanse yourself spiritually and get a huge boost. vital energy for further accomplishments.

Eugenia lived in the 2nd century in Egypt, although she was born in the Roman Empire. Being the daughter of the Alexandrian ruler, she was well brought up and educated, besides, she was distinguished by her extraordinary beauty and kindness.

Evgenia was the most enviable bride of Alexandria, but each of the suitors who wooed her left with a refusal. Inspired by the message from the Apostle Paul, the girl decided to be baptized.

When she was sixteen years old, she, having taken the form of a young man, entered the monastery obedience. Eugenia stood out for her zeal in prayer and the strictness of fasting. Thanks to spiritual exploits, the abilities of a healer were revealed in her.

One day, after the unfair accusations of a woman healed by her, Evgenia found herself before the court of her father, and he recognized in the monk a daughter who had disappeared many years ago. At her insistence, everyone in her family was baptized.

Her father, who had abdicated, was killed by the pagans, and Eugene and his mother returned to the Roman family estate, which became a reliable stronghold for many Christians. For this they were executed by order of the Roman emperor - the persecutor of Christianity.

Agafya is an ancient Greek name. It means "honest" in translation.

Agafya, born on January 6, is a person who is able to pass through ice and fire, water and copper pipes. In spiritual terms, she is a stoic, but in material terms, problems can often arise. Agafya is passionate about lofty ideas and cannot stand idle chatter. She seeks to comprehend the secrets of the universe, is interested in the structure higher worlds Perhaps that is why it is not always easy for her to live in the sublunar world. It is difficult for Agafya to feel comfortable in the company of unfamiliar people; she prefers small companies and is wary of new acquaintances.

To get rid of tense situations, Agafye on the day of the name day needs to meditate with the help of the constellation of the Golden Fish. To get strength from meditation, you need to imagine the constellation. The constellation can be represented by anyone, as it turns out. Every constellation is a huge repository of energies.

Agafya is able to feel how the rays of the constellation destroy bad energies and give good powers. With inhalation, light rays penetrate into the soul; with exhalation, dark rays leave.

A goldfish pendant will protect you from misfortune.

Fish frolicking in a clean pond - good luck, gold fish- Luckily. Fish in an aquarium - you have to follow someone's lead.

Eugenia is an ancient Greek name, translated as "noble." As a rule, the roots of any Eugenia are associated with an aristocratic family. Evgenia herself may not be aware of this, but the breed is often visible in the walk, look and manner of holding the head of the owner of the name. Eugenes are intellectuals, they achieve everything themselves, ignoring outside help, and this is often the reason for failures. Evgenias believe that no one will do this job as well as they do, no one will pay as much attention to the child as they do. Eugenes can overestimate their strengths and because of this they quickly burn out and forget about the ringing feeling of happiness that was characteristic of them in their youth.

Meditation on a name day on the constellation of the Crane will help get rid of tense situations. To gain strength with its help, you need to imagine this constellation. (For a sample, you can take the constellation of the Crane from the atlas of Jan Hevelius.) We must try to feel ourselves inside the constellation. There, within this constellation, the star Alnair shines. Do not confuse with Altair! Eugenia can feel how the rays of this star destroy bad energies and give good powers.

After a 15-minute presentation of the constellation, you need to return from space to earth.

A beaded crane on a bracelet or a silver pendant shaped like a crane will protect you from envious people.

Cranes bring happiness and change for the better, storks promise money, profits and healing.

Only noble people could have the Latin name Claudius, in translation the name means “lame”.

"Lameness" is interpreted not as a disease of the legs, but as a special mark higher powers. It is no coincidence that the chosen ones of the gods - holy fools and saints - had some kind of physical defect.

The name of Claudius went down in history thanks to the vestal Claudia, who was accused of adultery, but proved the falsity of this accusation.

Claudia has wisdom, she is able to see, know and notice more than others. All her life she feels the need for service. Claudia can find joy in serving the cult of the family, somewhere in the depths of her soul she considers herself a saint, well, or almost a saint, this is largely true. Claudia is a righteous person, although her life is somewhat limited by narrow boundaries: either at home, or work, or the circle in which she rotates.

Because of such isolation, sometimes - extremely rarely - she wants to break free, run away ...

The amulet named after Claudius can be made by herself, using the tradition of the Vestal Virgins. They held a small stone in their mouths and said prayers or incantations. When more than a thousand such prayers were uttered, the pebble became a receptacle for the forces of protection. In order for the pebble Amulet to be named, they carry it with them in dark suede. The inconvenience of the Name Charm is that it depletes after a while and then you need to recharge it again. The stone can be an amethyst, or it can be one that suits the horoscope or just likes it.

A miniature lamp brings good luck.

A burning candle, a flame in a lantern or a fireplace on January 6 portend success. The ship predicts a round-the-world trip.

The name Nicholas is Greek and in translation means "victor of nations." This name is also popular in England, in France. It is associated with the name of St. Nicholas, who saved the daughters of a poor man from prostitution. St. Nicholas is known in the same way as Santa Claus, surprises are expected from him, especially at Christmas. Nicholas is the best Santa Claus, the winter month of December endows him with a special power of foresight, his predictions are good ... St. Nicholas patronizes children, sailors and merchants. Nikolayam can work with children, fearlessly embark on sea voyages and open his own business.

The meaning of the name Nikolai in Russia is quite consistent with the European sound: Nikolai is a cheerful person, you can expect jokes, practical jokes and surprises from him. He is brave, cheerful, romantic, able to sing serenades under the window of his beloved.

Nikolay should not forget about the power of movement, which helps the personality to realize itself as quickly as possible. Styles of "drunken cat" in martial arts or the practice of similar stances remove clamps and help self-assertion. Only it is impossible to study such racks on your own - it is necessary in groups.

The charm of the name for Nikolai is “cat grass”, it is also called “earth incense” or “meow”. The scientific name of the herb is valerian. Valerian is often perceived only as a sedative, but this is an incomplete picture of the properties of earthy incense. Its powerful energy is capable of serving as a strong attraction, and it is not for nothing that it is called "grass-myo-un." As cats meow from it, so women lose their heads if this herb is in the hands of Nikolai. Whether it is bought at a pharmacy and added to a drink, whether it flaunts in the form of a bouquet on a table - Nikolai receives a huge amount of strength being in contact with this herb. A live plant is always preferable, but dried grass is also energetically effective. It must be carried with you as a Name Talisman, wrapped in a piece of red silk.

Yellow flowers on the night of the name day for Nikolai, it is not a symbol of separation, but, on the contrary, a happy meeting.

>>January names for girls

Names for girls born in January. January names for girls by day of the month

Distinctive character traits of January girls

Girls born in January are less prone to lofty dreams than others. As a rule, they do not hit much in fantasy and do not dream of fairy-tale princes. As a rule, their desires are more mundane and material. Being materialists, such girls strive for the possession of specific material values. As a rule, this is money and valuables.

Therefore, they may have aspirations to receive and accumulate a large number clothes, accessories, shoes. Moreover, the January girls are very well versed in things and prefer their things to be expensive and of high quality.

As a rule, these girls are stubborn, persistent, like to bring the work they have started to the end. They have pronounced inclinations of leaders. As children, they may play leading roles in their campaigns, commanding other girls and boys. Girls born in January strive for leadership. But even more they strive for respect and a sense of self-worth. Therefore, they often prefer not to rush forward, but to stay where they are respected and needed. Although, of course, they can make good leaders.

From negative qualities one can single out the pride inherent in the January girls, like any born leaders. As well as excessive diligence, combined with their perseverance. They may focus too much on work, even to the detriment of the family. But, this is not always the case. In general, such girls, as a rule, become good wives and mothers. When choosing a name for such girls, it is best to choose a simple and not harsh name to soften an already complex character.

What are the names of girls born in January, according to the days of the month. Meaning of names

1. "free man")
2. Odette (1. from German "heiress, owner" 2.from Greek "fragrant")

1. Julia (1. from Greek "curly" 2.from latin "july" 3.from Hebrew "divine fire" )
2. "belonging to the Julius family" 2. Russian form of the name Julia)

1. Anastasia (from the Greek "resurrected")
2. "Gift of God")
3. Angela (from the Greek "angel")
4. Elizabeth (from the Hebrew "worshiping God")
5. Eliza, Elsa (1.from English "swan" 2.from German "noble maiden" 3. derived from Elizabeth, in Hebrew meaning "swear to God")

January 6

1. Eugene (from the ancient Greek "noble")
2. Claudia, Claudia (from Latin "limping")
3. "agate" 2.from Greek "kind, good")
4. Christina, Christina (from ancient Greek "follower of Christ")

1. Augusta (1. from Latin "sacred, majestic" 2. on behalf of the Roman Emperor Augustus)
3. Agrippina, Agrafena (1. from the Latin "sorrowful" 2. from the Latin "wild horse")
4. Anfisa (from Greek "flower")

1. Alice (from English "from a noble family")
2. 2.from latin "spacious, wide" 3.from ancient Greek "Anthony's daughter")

1. Domna (1. from Latin "mistress, mistress" 2. from Latin "mistress of the house")
2. Theophilus (from the Greek "loving God" )
3. Glyceria (from the Greek "sweet")
4. Agafya, Agatha (1. from the male Agathon, derived from the name of the stone "agate" 2.from Greek "kind, good")
5. Antonina (1. from ancient Greek "opponent", "opponent" 2.from latin "spacious, wide" 3.from ancient Greek "Anthony's daughter")

1. Barbara (1. from the ancient Slavic battle cry "in ar, in ar" which our ancestors shouted, rushing to the attack. Ar means earth. Because of this cry, the Romans called the Slavs "barbarians". So the word barbarian happened, which was used to call foreign tribes and the name Barbara appeared. 2.from latin "outlander")
2. Euphrosyne (from the ancient Greek "joyful, cheerful")
3. Matryona (1. Russian, literally: "noble woman" 2. from Latin: "venerable lady", "mother of the family")
4. Agrippina, Agrafena (1. from Latin "sorrowful" 2.from latin "wild Horse")
5. Natalia (1. from Latin "native" 2.from latin "Christmas")
6. Evdokia (from the ancient Greek "favor", "enjoying glory")
7. Anna (from Hebrew "beneficial")
8. Avdotya (a form of the name Evdokia, in ancient Greek meaning "favor")
9. Nora (1. from Latin "arrogance, honor" 2. from Old Norse "soothsayer" 3.from Scandinavian "cold" 4.from Arabic "light" 5. diminutive from Eleanor to.)

1. Anisia (from the Greek "beneficial")
2. Mary (1. variously translated from Hebrew: "unfortunate", "beloved, desired", "mistress" 2. derived from the ancient Slavic goddess of winter Mary)
3. Fedora (from the Greek "given by God")
4. "peaceful" Yarina "high", "enlightened")
5. Irina (from Greek )
6. "pearl")

1. Melania, Melanie (from the Greek "black, dark")
2. Yvette (1. from Old German "yew tree" 2.from Hebrew "pardoned by God" 3.from Old French "shamrock")

1. Emilia, Emily (1. from Latin "passionate, strong" 2.from latin "rival" 3.from Greek "affectionate")

1. Julia (1. from Greek "curly" 2.from latin "july" 3.from Hebrew "divine fire")
2. Ulyana, Juliana (1. from Latin "belonging to the Julius family" 2. Russian form of the name Julia)

1. Arina (1. derived from Irina in ancient Greek meaning "peaceful" 2. derived from Slavic Yarina, formed on behalf of the sun god Yarila 3. derived from the Hebrew Aaron, meaning "high", "enlightened")
2. Irina (from Greek "possessive, peaceful")
3. "modest")

1. Clementine (1. from Latin "merciful, condescending" 2.from Greek "vine")
2. Zinaida (1. from Greek "daughter of Zeus" 2.from latin "Thoughtful" 3.from Arabic "beautiful")
3. Olympia (from the Greek "divine")

1. Polina (this name has many variants of origin 1. from the ancient Greek "solar", "dedicated to Apollo" 2.from Greek "meaningful" 3.from latin "small" 4. from Greek "liberated" 5. from ancient Greek "strong")
2. Eugene (from the ancient Greek "noble")
   Tatyana (1. Latin, derived from the name of the king "Tatius" 2. from Greek )
3. Apolinaria (origin unknown, presumably from Greek "sunny")
4. Margarita (translated from Latin and ancient Greek "pearl")
5. Susanna, Susanna (from the Hebrew "lily")
6. Charlotte (derived from the male Charles (Karl), meaning "free man")

1. Ermina (1. from Latin "native" 2.from German "courageous")
2. Martha (1. from Aramaic "mistress, mistress" 2. from the name of the month of March, literally "March")

1. Ilona (1. from Hungarian "light" 2.from Greek "solar", "torch"

1. Julia (1. from Greek "curly" 2.from latin "july" 3.from Hebrew "divine fire")
2. Ulyana, Juliana (1. from Latin "belonging to the Julius family" 2. Russian form of the name Julia)
3. Antonina (1. from ancient Greek "opponent", "opponent" 2.from latin "spacious, wide" 3.from ancient Greek "Anthony's daughter")
4. Vasilisa (from the Greek "royal")
5. Anastasia (from the Greek "resurrected")
6. "lamb")

1. Antonina (1. from ancient Greek "opponent", "opponent" 2.from latin "spacious, wide" 3.from ancient Greek "Anthony's daughter")

1. Maryana, Marianna (1. derived from the combination of the names Maria and Anna, literally "bitter grace" 2.from Hebrew "outraged" 3.from latin "belonging to Mary" 4. Latin derivative "marine")

1. Tatyana (1. Latin, derived from the name of the king "Tatius" 2.from Greek "organizer, founder")
2. Eupraxia (1. from Greek "prosperous" 2.from Greek "virtue")
3. Agafya, Agatha (1. from the male Agathon, derived from the name of the stone "agate" 2.from Greek "kind, good")
4. Teresa (from the Greek "protector", "hunter")

1. Paul, Paula, Paulina, Peacock (from Latin "modest")

1. Nina (1. from Hebrew "great granddaughter" 2.from Assyrian "queen, mistress" 3.from Georgian "young" 4.from Arabic "useful" 5. from spanish "girl" 6.from latin "brave" 7. derivative from the names of Antonina, Ninel, etc.)
2. Agnia (1. from Latin "lamb" 2.from Greek "pure, innocent")
3. Angela (from the Greek "angel")

1. Elena (1. from Greek "fire, torch", "sunny, shining" 2.from ancient Greek "Greek" 3. derivative of Helios, ancient greek god sun)
2. Sophia, Sophia (from ancient Greek "wise")
3. Euphrosyne (from the ancient Greek "joyful, cheerful")
4. Alyona (1. Slavic, from the name of the Slavic tribes Alyonov 2. from ancient Greek "sunny", "torch" 3. derivative on behalf of Elena)
5. Ilona (1. from Hungarian "bright" 2. from Greek "solar", "torch" 3. derivative on behalf of Elena)
6. Inessa (from the ancient Greek Agnes, meaning "lamb")

1. Leonila (from Latin "Like a Lioness")

1. Antonina (1. from ancient Greek "opponent", "opponent" 2.from latin "spacious, wide" 3.from ancient Greek "Anthony's daughter")
2. Sabina (from Italian "beautiful")

1. Xenia, Xenya, Aksinya, Oksana (from the Greek "hospitable", "guest", "wanderer", "foreigner")
2. Mary (1. variously translated from Hebrew: "unfortunate", "beloved, desired", "mistress" 2. derived from the ancient Slavic goddess of winter Mary)
3. Theodosius (from ancient Greek "Gift of God")
4. Alla (1. from ancient Arabic "letter" 2.from Hebrew "goddess" 3.from Arabic "goddess" 4. from Hebrew "pistachio tree" 5. in the Gothic dialect "handyman of all trades" 6.from Greek "other" 7. from Hebrew "invincible")

Female and male names (how to name boys and girls in December)

Name days in January:

1 - Boniface, Gregory, Ilya, Timothy.

2 - Anton, Daniel, Ivan, Ignatius.

3 - Leonty, Mikhail, Nikita, Peter, Procopius, Sergei, Feofan.

4 - Anastasia, Dmitry, Fedor, Fedosya.

5 - Vasily, David, Ivan, Makar, Naum, Nifont, Pavel, Feoktist.

6 - Evgenia, Innokenty, Claudia, Nikolai, Sergey.

8 - Augusta, Agrippina, Alexander, Anfisa, Vasily, Grigory, Dmitry, Efim, Isaac, Konstantin, Leonid, Maria, Mikhail, Nicodemus, Nikolai.

9 - Antonina, Luka, Stepan, Tikhon, Fedor, Ferapont.

10 - Agafya, Alexander, Arkady, Vavila, David, Efim, Ignatius, Joseph, Leonid, Nikanor, Nicodemus, Nikolai, Peter, Simon, Feoktist, Yakov.

11 - Agrippina, Anna, Barbara, Benjamin, George, Evdokia, Euphrosinia, Ivan, Lavrenty, Mark, Markel, Matrona, Natalia, Theodosius.

12 - Anisya, Anton, Daniel, Irina, Leo, Makar, Maria, Fedora, Fedosya.

14 - Alexander, Vasily, Vyacheslav, Grigory, Ivan, Mikhail, Nikolai, Peter, Plato, Trofim, Fedot, Emilia, Yakov.

15 - Vasily, Gerasim, Kuzma, Mark, Modest, Peter, Seraphim, Sergei, Sylvester.

16 - Gordey, Irina.

17 - Alexander, Andronicus, Archippus, Athanasius, Anisim, Aristarkh, Artemy, Athanasius, Denis, Efim, Karp, Clement, Kondraty, Luke, Mark, Nikanor, Nikolai, Pavel, Prokhor, Rodion, Semyon, Siluan, Stepan, Timofey, Trofim, Thaddeus, Feoktist, Filimon, Philip, Jacob.

18 - Apollinaria, Grigory, Evgenia, Joseph, Lukyan, Matvey, Micah, Roman, Semyon, Sergey, Tatyana, Foma.

19 - Theophanes.

20 - Athanasius, Vasily, Ivan, Pafnuty.

21 - Anton, Vasilisa, Victor, Vladimir, Dmitry, Georgy, Grigory, Evgeny, Emelyan, Ilya, Mikhail, Sidor, Feoktist, Julian.

22 - Antonina, Zakhar, Nikandr, Pavel, Peter, Philip.

23 - Anatoly, Grigory, Zinovy, Makar, Pavel, Peter, Feofan.

24 - Vladimir, Mikhail, Nikolai, Stepan, Terenty, Fedor, Theodosius.

25 - Evpraksia, Makar, Peter, Savva, Tatyana.

26 - Athanasius, Maxim, Nicephorus, Nicodemus, Pakhom, Peter, Jacob.

27 - Agnia, Adam, Andrei, Aristarchus, Benjamin, David, Yeremey, Ivan, Ilya, Joseph, Isaac, Makar, Mark, Moses, Nina, Pavel, Pafnuty, Savva, Sergei, Stepan.

28 - Varlam, Gabriel, Gerasim, Elena, Ivan, Maxim, Mikhail, Pavel, Prokhor.

29 - Ivan, Maxim, Peter.

30 - Anton, Antonina, Victor, George, Ivan, Pavel, Theodosius.

31 - Alexander, Athanasius, Vladimir, Dmitry, Evgeny, Emelyan, Ephraim, Hilarion, Cyril, Xenia, Maxim, Maria, Mikhail, Nikolai, Sergey, Feodosia.

Church Orthodox holidays in January

Rev. Elijah of the Caves

On the first day of the year, the church celebrates the memory of St. Elijah of the Caves, nicknamed Chobotok. Elijah was a native of the city of Murom, folk and folk legend identified him with the famous hero Ilya Muromets, about whom Russian epics told.

The Savior was born in the reign of Emperor Augustus in the city of Bethlehem. During the census, everyone had to be in the place where his family originated. Arriving in Bethlehem, the Virgin Mary and righteous Joseph did not find free places in hotels and stopped outside the city in a cave intended for keeping livestock. At midnight, the news of the birth of the Savior from the jubilant angels came to the shepherds, who came to worship the God-man. The feast in honor of this event was established in apostolic times, but until the 4th century. it was connected with the celebration of the Epiphany.

Having learned from the Magi about the birth of a new King, Herod ordered to kill all babies under two years old, hoping that among them would be the Divine Infant, in whom he saw his rival.

On this day, according to the Old Testament law, the Lord accepted circumcision, which was established for all male babies as a sign of God's Covenant with the forefather Abraham and his descendants.

On the same day, the memory of the Archbishop of Caesarea of ​​Cappadocia is celebrated.

Basil lived in the IV century, in Constantinople and Athens, he received an excellent education. Returning to Caesarea, he taught rhetoric, then was baptized and embarked on the path of an ascetic life. Together with his friend Gregory the Theologian, he retired to the desert to devote his life to God. Subsequently, the saint was ordained a presbyter, during the reign of Emperor Valens, a supporter of the Arians, he became an archbishop and made great efforts to protect his flock from heresy. He composed the order of the Liturgy, wrote Discourses on the Six Days, on the Psalms, as well as a collection of monastic rules.

January 15 is the day of the repose (1883) and the second finding of the relics (1991) of one of the most beloved Russian saints among the people -. Having taken monastic vows at the age of 27, the monk labored until the end of his life in the Sarov monastery, or in the forest wilderness. For his prayer feat, he was honored with repeated visits to the Queen of Heaven. to the Lord Reverend Seraphim departed during prayer in front of the icon Mother of God. The monk was glorified as a saint in 1903. After the October Revolution, the relics of the saint disappeared and were discovered only in 1991, in the storerooms of the Museum of the History of Religion and Atheism, which was located in the building of the Kazan Cathedral in Leningrad.

January 17 - Council of 70 apostles of Christ, chosen by the Lord to proclaim the gospel to the whole universe.

The memory of these apostles is also celebrated separately during the year, and this holiday was established in order to show the equality of each of the seventy and thereby prevent disagreements in their veneration.

January 19 is celebrated - the twelfth holiday, established in honor of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ in the waters of the Jordan River and in honor of the appearance during this event Holy Trinity. The Father spoke from heaven about the Son, the Son was baptized by the holy Forerunner of the Lord John, and the Holy Spirit descended on the Son in the form of a dove. The next day, the Cathedral of the Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord John is celebrated - the one who served the cause of the Baptism of Christ, laying his hand on the head of the Savior.

On January 24, we commemorate the Monk Theodosius the Great, who became the founder of cenobitic monasteries. He was born at the end of the 5th century. in Cappadocia. For about 30 years the saint lived in the Palestinian desert, fasting and praying. Those who wanted to live under his leadership constantly came to him, as a result, a cenobitic monastery, or Lavra, existed according to the charter of Basil the Great.

The Holy Martyr Tatiana is commemorated on January 25. Tatiana, the daughter of a Roman consul, refused marriage, wanting to devote her life to the Lord. She was made a deaconess in one of the Roman churches and served God, caring for the sick and helping those in need. During the reign of Emperor Alexander Severus (between 222 and 235), Tatiana was martyred for Christ, refusing to sacrifice pagan gods and endured terrible tortures.

On January 27, the church remembers the Enlightener of Georgia. She was born around 280 in Cappadocia into a noble, pious family. Once Nina saw in a dream Holy Mother of God who handed her the cross from vine and sent with the apostolic ministry to Iberia (Georgia). Nina came to Georgia in 319 and made a lot of efforts to enlighten this country - five years later Christianity was established in Georgia.

January 30 is the day of memory, the famous ascetic, the founder of hermitage, called the father of monasticism. Anthony was born in Egypt in 251. After the death of his parents, who inspired him with love for God and piety, he began an ascetic life. He had to fight the hardest temptations and attacks of unclean forces, but with God's help he overcame the tricks of the devil and went into the depths of the Thebaid desert to serve the Lord all alone. The saint spent 85 years in desert solitude, his example was followed by many of those who wished to spend their lives in an ascetic feat for the sake of the Lord.