What church holiday is celebrated on April 8 according to the new and old style, what not to do, who has a name day.
What church holiday is today, April 8 / pixabay.com
On April 8, according to the new church calendar, Orthodox believers remember Saint Herodion and the other 70 apostles chosen by Jesus. We talk about the traditions of the day, its signs and prohibitions, and who is revered in the church on April 8 according to the old style.
April 8, 2024 – what church holiday is today according to the new and old calendar
April 8 according to the new style (April 21 according to the old style) is the day of remembrance of the holy apostles Herodion, Agave, Asinkrit, Rufus, Phlegon, Hermas and others, chosen by the Savior and sent to preach.
Saint Herodion lived in the 1st century, was a relative of the Apostle Paul and one of the 70 apostles whom Jesus Christ chose to preach. Herodion often accompanied the Apostle Paul on his travels. When Christianity came to the Balkan Peninsula, the apostles Peter and Paul installed Herodion as bishop of the city of Patara (now the territory of Turkey).
Herodion converted many Jews and pagan Greeks to Christianity. But somehow, other Jews and pagans, dissatisfied with this, attacked the bishop, beat him and stabbed him. Miraculously, the apostle remained unharmed and continued his journey and preaching together with Peter. When the Apostle Peter was crucified, Herodion was also executed.
Saint Agave also suffered for his faith. He had the gift of prophecy, and he predicted the famine during the time of Emperor Claudius and the suffering of the Apostle Paul in Jerusalem. Agave preached in different countries and converted many to Christianity. Rufus was a bishop in the Greek city of Thebes, Asinkritus – in Hyrcania (territory of Asia Minor), Phlegon – in Marathon (Thrace), Hermas – in Dalmatia. All the apostles suffered great suffering for serving Christ and died a martyr’s death.
Holiday April 8 according to the old style – Cathedral of the Archangel Gabriel.
What do the signs say for April 8?
April 8 – signs of today / pixabay.com
In the folk calendar, April 8 is the holiday of Rodion Icebreaker. They called it that because in the old days the ice usually melted and cracked on this day.
By signs one judges the weather in summer and the harvest:
- a clear and bright day today – the summer will be hot and fruitful;
- cloudy and foggy – for the rainy season;
- rain on this day – expect a good grain harvest;
- a warm evening and a quiet night – for a hot, dry summer.
According to signs, if you wash your face with cold water today, you will stay young and beautiful longer.
What can you do on April 8
They pray to Saint Herodion and the other apostles asking for help in making the right decision, finding consolation and peace, strengthening faith and not losing heart.
The day is considered favorable for reconciliation. Today we also need to help those who are in need and give alms.
According to folk customs, spring plowing began on this day.
What not to do on April 8
Among the prohibitions, what you cannot do today are to swear, quarrel, gossip, envy, offend people or animals, and refuse help.
Lent 2024 continues – those who fast are prohibited from eating hot food with butter and are required to eat dry food.
Popular omens do not advise cleaning, going fishing or hunting, or making far-reaching plans on this day – everything will not work out.
April 8 – name day today
Name days today according to the church calendar are celebrated by Martha, Nifont, Rodion, Susanna.
Previously, we published the Orthodox calendar for April 2024 with holidays in the new and old styles.
