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- Marina Pimena's holiday on August 20th: what is celebrated on the feast of the Transfiguration
Marina Pimena's holiday on August 20th: what is celebrated on the feast of the Transfiguration
On August 20, 2025, the Orthodox Church celebrates the memorial day of St. Pimen of the Caves, the Much-ill, and Martyr Marin of Caesarea. In the national calendar, this day is known as "Marina Pimena" or "Babi Day", it symbolizes the transition from summer to autumn and is the time of summing up the summer's labors. The first day of the Feast of the Transfiguration also falls on August 20. For more information, see the Izvestia article.
St. Pimen of the Caves suffered from many diseases and his life was filled with suffering.
St. Pimen of the Caves, the Much—Afflicted, is one of the great saints of the period of the formation of Christianity in Russia, known for his unusual life full of suffering and spiritual feats. St. Pimen was born in the 11th century, at a time when Russia was undergoing profound changes, and Christianity was becoming the foundation of spiritual and cultural life.
Pimen got his nickname "Multi-painful" because of the serious illnesses that plagued him throughout his life from early childhood. Pimen took vows at the Kiev Caves Monastery, one of the most famous spiritual centers of the time, where his life and ministry became a vivid example of spiritual struggle and dedication.
Despite suffering, he continued to serve the monastery, help his brothers, and strive for inner purification. Instead of complaining about his fate, Pimen used every suffering for spiritual purification, realizing that it was through pain and trials that a person could come closer to God. For his humility in the face of circumstances, he began to be revered in the world.
Pimen was also known as a man who possessed spiritual insight. According to legend, a few days before his death, he predicted the time of his demise, as well as predicted the fate of other monks, which confirmed his holiness and close connection with God. These manifestations of spiritual power and wisdom became part of his legacy.
Saint Pimen died at a very old age, after many years of suffering and prayerful service. Saint Pimen is believed to be the patron saint of the sick and suffering, and his relics continue to serve as a consolation for people experiencing difficulties and illnesses.
Martyr Marin of Caesarea and steadfastness in faith
The Martyr Marin of Caesarea, who lived in Palestine in the third century, is also a vivid example of steadfastness in faith and courage. His life and martyrdom teach that true faith in God requires not only words, but also actions, and sometimes a willingness to sacrifice one's life for faithfulness to Christ. The Memorial Day of Marin of Caesarea also falls on August 20.
The martyr lived in Palestine during the years of persecution of Christians, but did not hide his faith. Moreover, he once challenged pagan idols by destroying an altar in one of the temples. This act was a direct challenge to the existing pagan order and a violent act of protest against idolatry. Marin was captured, brutally tortured, and eventually executed. However, his death was not the end of his feat, but became evidence of the saint's deep unity with Christ and willingness not to renounce the faith, despite the threat of torment.
The spiritual meaning of Marina Pimena's holiday
The spiritual meaning of Marina Pimena's holiday is to honor the saints, whose lives have become an example of perseverance, dedication and fidelity to Christ, as well as to realize the importance of spiritual feats and the struggle against temptations. It is assumed that even in the most difficult circumstances, a person can maintain faith and strive for holiness, despite physical suffering.
Pimen's life was filled with numerous illnesses that, it would seem, could break his spirit. The spiritual meaning of his feat lies in the fact that true service to God does not depend on physical or material conditions. Pimen taught that faith, manifested through patience in suffering, becomes the main instrument of salvation. This example reminds Christians of the importance of humility before God's will and willingness to accept any challenge with gratitude and faith.
The life and death of Marius of Caesarea reveals the deep meaning of the feat of martyrdom, where loyalty to Christ stands above all. In moments of trial and pressure, it is worth remembering this example of perseverance and a feat that was accomplished for the sake of a great goal.
In addition, the first day of the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord falls on August 20. This is the period in the church calendar following the feast of the Transfiguration, which includes seven days, from August 20 to August 26, and ends with the celebration of the feast.
Folk traditions and signs of Marina Pimena Day
In the national calendar, August 20 is known as "Marina Pimena" or "Babi Day", which is associated with its significance in the agrarian calendar. At this time, the first signs of autumn are already beginning to be felt. The peasants collect the last fruits from the garden, make preparations for the winter and prepare the farm for the cold. Women started sewing or knitting warm clothes for the whole family.
It was customary to give alms on the holiday. It was believed that the more help you gave on that day, the more prosperity the coming year would bring. The people believed that on the feast day of Saints Pimen and Marina, God especially favors those who help the suffering.
Marina Pimena Day served as an indicator of the weather for the coming autumn months. It was believed that the rain that fell on this day predicted a lot of precipitation in autumn. If the storks began to prepare for departure on this day, it means that autumn will be harsh and cold, and winter will be long.
There were some prohibitions on this day, for example, one should not start new business or change the bed linen. It was believed that any change would lead to trouble or setbacks in the future.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
