St. Abraham of Smolensk Day: signs and traditions on September 3
Every year on September 3, Orthodox believers remember St. Abraham of Smolensk, a saint of the XII—XIII centuries, a famous strict preacher of repentance and mentor in spiritual life. It is believed that it is on this day that it is better to focus on family, refrain from spending heavily, and pay attention to home and business. The strict prohibitions of the Orthodox holiday are in the material of Izvestia.
St. Abraham of Smolensk Day: the history of the holiday
The Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Abraham of Smolensk on September 3 in the new style (August 21 in the old style). This is the date of the ecclesiastical commemoration of the holy ascetic of the XII–XIII centuries, the preacher of repentance and the Last Judgment.
Information about the life of Abraham of Smolensk is given in general church and regional church sources. He was born in Smolensk in the middle of the 12th century into a wealthy family. His parents had 12 daughters before him, and they prayed for their son.
St. Abraham of Smolensk
The boy showed an early attraction to prayer, liturgical reading and books. After the death of his parents, he distributed his inheritance to churches, monasteries, and the poor, put on sackcloth, and, praying for guidance, became a monk at the monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos near Smolensk.
The ascetic was engaged in obediences for many years, and especially in copying books, deriving from them spiritual benefits for himself and others. He also used the book collection of Prince Roman Rostislavich of Smolensk, where he studied Slavic, Greek and Latin texts.
In 1198, he was ordained a presbyter, served the liturgy and preached daily, and gained fame as a strict pastor and spiritual father.
The success of the sermon aroused the envy of some of the brethren and the city clans: the monk was denounced, accusing him of "seduction" or of reading "forbidden books." At the request of influential people, Bishop Ignatius restricted him in the priesthood and sent him to his former monastery.
Sources of the life emphasize that soon after the harsh sentence, Smolensk was struck by drought. Through the prayers of the saint and the subsequent revision of the bishop's decision, rain came, after which the attitude towards Abraham changed.
Bishop Ignatius built a new monastery in honor of the Position of the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos and entrusted its leadership to Abraham, elevating him to the rank of archimandrite. The monk strictly selected the brotherhood (there were 17 monks in the monastery), continued to preach repentance, painted icons on the themes of the Last Judgment and ordeals, and was distinguished by great asceticism and discipline in the temple.
According to church records, he died after 1224, having spent about 50 years as a monk. Already at the end of the 13th century, a service was composed for him, which means an early and steady veneration of the saint and the actual consolidation of memorial day in the church tradition.
St. Abraham Smolensky's Day on September 3: what not to do
The saint's Memorial Day is primarily an opportunity for prayerful commemoration and an appeal to the spiritual heritage of the saint: participation in divine services, reading the life, home prayer, works of mercy and moderation. St. Abraham especially insisted on a penitent attitude, attention to the soul, and prayer day and night so as not to be condemned at the judgment of God.
According to popular tradition, there are a number of prohibitions on September 3. On this day, it is not recommended to listen to outside advice and rely on other people's tips, as they can lead you astray. It is believed that it is better to listen to your own inner voice and follow it.
It is also not customary to visit or receive guests: the day is considered domestic, intended for family and household chores. It is forbidden to spend money on large purchases and make impulsive purchases. On this day, it was not recommended to get a haircut or make changes in appearance.
Folk signs of September 3
The saint's memorial Day happened to be in the same period of the autumn agricultural cycle, when flax was harvested in Russia for a long time. It was removed, dried, and laid out in meadows. Linen clothing and linen products were considered amulets and symbols of purity.
Weather observations on this day were of great importance for further forecasting: dry and clear weather foreshadowed prolonged warmth, a westerly wind — rains, a northern wind — frosts, an abundance of mountain ash — a wet autumn, a lot of acorns — a snowy Christmas, and cobwebs in the air — a long Indian summer.
The connection of the memory of St. Abraham with these signs is due to the coincidence of the church date and the agricultural cycle. His image of a strict ascetic and a preacher of repentance overlapped with peasant customs, as a result of which September 3 was perceived as a day of moderation, concentration and work.
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