On October 3, we celebrate the memory of the holy martyr Dionysius Areopagite.
In the biblical book “Acts of the Apostles” among other things, the preaching of the holy apostle Paul in Athens is also mentioned. In this city, famous for its philosophers and pagan temples, the apostle noticed an altar on which there was an inscription: “To the unknown God.” Therefore, at an assembly of noble and learned Athenians in the Areopagus, the supreme council in Athens, the apostle announced that he had come to them to preach about the One God whom the Athenians, without knowing, worship, Who created the whole world and gives life and breath to all , everything. He explained to his listeners the difference between this omnipresent and omnipotent God and the soulless idols they worshipped. He also spoke to them about the resurrection of Christ, who preached repentance and eternal life and will come to judge the world.
Most of the Athenians were suspicious of this new teaching. But among the listeners there were also those who believed the words of the holy apostle and turned to faith in Jesus Christ. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus. After the sermon of the Apostle Paul, Dionysius’ heart was opened to accept faith in the true God. And he was baptized together with his whole household.
Later Dionysius accompanied the apostle as his disciple and companion. For three years he was inseparably with him, studying the word of God directly from him. Because from the beginning, Christ’s teaching was not written down, but was transmitted orally: from the apostles – to their successors, from them – to the next ones, etc.
Soon after, the apostle Paul sent him to preach in Athens as a bishop. He also saw the other apostles and was with them in Jerusalem at the Dormition of the Mother of God. According to tradition, Saint Dionysius also preached in Gaul (today France), where he suffered greatly during the persecution by Emperor Domitian and was finally killed with a sword in 96.
Traditions and customs for the holiday
On this day, our ancestors made predictions about the upcoming winter. If the birds gather in flocks, bad weather is expected.
If the weather is clear, it is a sign that there will be no frost for another two weeks. If you spot a field mouse in your home, the winter will be harsh.
On this day, it is forbidden to look in the mirror, otherwise you can get 40 troubles. According to folk beliefs, most of the day should be spent at home, as this is when evil forces gather to cause misfortune.
Our ancestors carried an aspen branch with them all day as a talisman, because they believed that it protected them from evil. On this day, believers pray for the protection of Saint Dionysius.
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