October 22 is the Memorial Day of the Apostle James Alfeyev: traditions and history

Every year on October 22, Orthodox Christians honor the memory of the Apostle James Alpheyev. The holiday occupies a special place in the church calendar. This day is celebrated with special respect and attention to the spiritual heritage of the saint. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

Memorial Day of the Apostle James Alfeyev: the history of the holiday

On October 22, Orthodox Christians remember one of the closest disciples of Jesus Christ, the Apostle James Alpheyev. This day entered the church calendar as the date of commemoration of the saint, whose name has been preserved in the Gospel and ancient traditions. The event has a deep spiritual meaning, and in popular culture it has acquired many signs, traditions and prohibitions passed down from generation to generation.

The history of the holiday dates back to the first centuries of Christianity. In the lists of the apostles given in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, James is called the son of Alphaeus and belongs to the twelve disciples chosen by Christ. In the theological literature, he is often identified with the brother of the Apostle Matthew, which reflects the family connection between the first preachers of Christianity.

According to church traditions, after the Ascension of Jesus, the apostles dispersed to different countries, spreading the faith. James Alphaeus, as noted by hagiographic sources, preached in Judea and the eastern lands, where he baptized pagans, healed the sick and strengthened the communities of the first Christians.

The exact date and circumstances of his death have not been preserved, but tradition speaks of a martyr's death. Some sources say that the saint was stoned, while others say that he was crucified for preaching the teachings of Christ. His steadfastness and willingness to die for the faith made the name of the apostle a symbol of spiritual courage and faithfulness.

Already in the early centuries, the Church established a special day of his memory to honor his feat and remind believers of the power of faith, unshakeable even in the face of death.

Memorial Day of the Apostle James Alfeyev: customs and traditions

In the folk environment, the holiday was fixed under the autumn name "Yakov Studenny" or "Yakov the Woodcutter". These names reflected the seasonal rhythm of peasant life. By this time of year, the northern and Central Russian regions usually completed harvesting and began preparing for winter. October 22 was considered an auspicious day for harvesting firewood — logs chopped for Jacob had to burn especially hot and for a long time.

In some villages there was a belief: anyone who is lazy to heat the stove on this day will freeze all winter. Therefore, they started the morning with household chores, and then had lunch with porridge and fresh pies.

On this day, the housewives prepared dishes from new grain and treated the neighbors. In the evening, we had quiet gatherings by the stove, discussing the harvest and upcoming plans. The mushroom pickers went out into the forest for the last sawdust, and the men checked the tools and stocked up on logs. Thus, the church holiday was naturally intertwined with everyday worries and signs of the autumn cycle.

On this day, the Church performs divine services in memory of the holy apostle, where prayers are sung for peace, fortitude and the preservation of faith. Believers turn to Jacob Alfeyev with requests for health, spiritual fortitude and relief from anxiety. According to legend, the saint helps those who seek inner peace and protection from temptation.

Memorial Day of the Apostle James Alfeyev: what not to do on October 22

Like many other dates on the Orthodox calendar, the day of James Alfeyev was accompanied in popular culture by many prohibitions that were perceived as warnings against failure. The main one was the strict rule not to pick up a needle and thread. It was believed that sewing on this day "would lead to tears and tearing of clothes" — symbolically indicating domestic quarrels and difficulties in the family.

Women did not do needlework and did not start new businesses: everything that was started on October 22, according to beliefs, could not be completed for a long time or turn into losses.

They also avoided noisy parties and matchmaking. Folk tradition warned that any endeavors, especially those related to personal relationships, would be unsuccessful. It was not recommended to argue, swear and recall old grievances — the domestic conflicts that began on that day were considered protracted. On the contrary, it was considered beneficial to show restraint, stay with the family, and do household chores without fuss and unnecessary words.

Special importance was attached to hospitality. Anyone who entered the house had to bring at least bread or treats. It was believed that such a custom diverts troubles and misfortunes from the dwelling. If they refused the offered treats, it was considered a bad sign, as if the person was rejecting the blessing.

For believers, this time remained an occasion not only to remember the apostle, but also to rethink the past year, thank them for their lives, and ask God for health and inner balance. The prayer address on this day reminds us of the need for spiritual fortitude, the very one that the apostle James showed by following Christ to the end.

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