The day when all Christians celebrate the name day: useful information

The day when all Christians celebrate the name day, is usually called the day of the angel. He is associated with that saint, after whom a person is named. How to know when is your name day? What to do on this landmark date? What for in Orthodoxy church names are established? About all this - our article.

What is the name day?

The day of the angel, or the day when all Christians celebrate the name-day, is the date of the remembrance of a saint. That is, if a child is born in a believing family, the name is given to him, not simply, but on the basis of the church calendar. In it for every day are listed the names of saints, which on this date should be remembered. The chosen name is given to the child either at birth or at baptism.

The Orthodox believe that God gives each person two angels - a keeper and an applicant. The latter is the deceased saint who prays to God for us. By the way, let's say that nothing is written about the connection of the dead righteous with the angels and about the need to pray to their saint. The Orthodox rely only on the words of the elders - for example, Fedor of Edessa.

If you do not know the day of your name-day (and it happens very often, because very few of us grew up in a true believing family), it's easy to find out. Find in the church calendar a saint-namesake (he may not be the only one). If there are several days of memory for a year (for example, in John from as many as 80!), Then find the date that follows your own birthday the first. This will be your name day in the Orthodox calendar.

The saint who is honored on this day is considered your heavenly patron. But if you want, you can choose any of them - there are no strict rules here.

Such different saints

Saints have many Orthodox:

1. Prophets who gave the Lord's words to people.

2. The apostles are the founders of the church, 12 disciples of Christ.

3. Martyrs - accepted torture and death for their faith in Jesus.

4. The saints are priests who have pleased the Lord with righteousness and accomplished a great service.

5. Monks - hermits and simply surrendered from the worldly charms of life. They were chaste, fasting and praying.

6. Righteous - people who led a charitable life, but were married.

7. Uncensored - saints who healed the body and soul of people without taking any pay.

8. The holy fools for Christ's sake or the blessed ones did unusual things for people of the world, but before God they were special people.

Should I mark this date?

Why is there a day when all Christians celebrate their birthday? Of course, this is done by the church not just so, but for the edification of the flock. What do the priests advise the people to do after they have learned the day of their angel?

1. Study as best as possible the life of your saint.

2. Imitate your intercessor in character, deeds, service, life.

3. On the day of the angel, visit the temple, confess and take communion.

If your saint led a monastic life, this does not mean that you, too, need to follow his example. Your feat will be in humble service to God, in a righteous life. If your saint is a martyr, then you must fearlessly confess the faith of Christ before people, tell others about the truths recorded in the Gospel. In a word, lead a God-fearing and virtuous Christian life.

On the day when all Christians celebrate the name day, it is not forbidden to invite friends for a festive table, accept congratulations.