The Holy Great Martyr Catherine was the daughter of Constas, ruler of Alexandria of Egypt, during the reign of Emperor Maximinus (305-313). Living in the capital - the center of Hellenic learning, Catherine, who had a rare beauty and intelligence, received an excellent education, having studied the works of the best ancient philosophers and scientists. Young men from the most eminent families of the empire sought the hand of the beautiful Catherine, but none of them became her chosen one. She announced to her parents that she agreed to marry only someone who surpassed her in nobility, wealth, beauty and wisdom.

Catherine's mother, a secret Christian, took her for advice to her spiritual father, the holy elder, who performed a deed of prayer in solitude in a cave not far from the city. After listening to Catherine, the elder said that he knows the Young Man, who surpasses her in everything, for "His beauty is brighter than the sunshine, His wisdom governs all creation, His wealth is spilled all over the world, but this does not reduce it, but multiplies it, the height of His kind - unspeakable." The image of the Heavenly Bridegroom gave birth in the soul of the holy virgin to an ardent desire to see Him. The truth, to which her soul yearned, was revealed to her. In parting, the elder handed Catherine the icon of the Mother of God with the Divine Infant Jesus in her arms and told her to pray with faith to the Queen of Heaven - the Mother of the Heavenly Bridegroom for the granting of a vision of Her Son.

Catherine prayed all night and was honored to see the Blessed Virgin, Who asked Her Divine Son to look at Catherine kneeling before Them. But the Child turned His face away from her, saying that He could not look at her, because she was ugly, thin-born, poor and insane, like any person not washed by the waters of holy Baptism and not sealed with the seal of the Holy Spirit. In deep sadness, Catherine again went to the elder. He received her with love, instructed her in the faith of Christ, commanded her to keep purity and chastity and pray unceasingly, and performed the sacrament of holy Baptism over her. And again Saint Catherine had a vision of the Most Holy Theotokos with the Child. Now the Lord tenderly looked at her and gave her a ring, betrothing her to Himself. When the vision ended and the saint woke up from her sleep, a ring shone on her hand - a wondrous gift from the Heavenly Bridegroom.

At this time, Emperor Maximin himself arrived in Alexandria for a pagan festival. On this occasion, the celebration was especially magnificent and crowded. The cries of the sacrificial animals, the smoke and stench of the altars that burned incessantly, the hubbub of the crowd on the stadiums filled Alexandria. Human sacrifices were also made - confessors of Christ who did not depart from Him under torture were doomed to death in the fire. Holy love for the Christian martyrs and a heartfelt desire to alleviate their plight prompted Catherine to go to the chief priest and ruler of the empire, the persecuting emperor Maximinus.

Having named herself, the saint confessed her faith in the One True God and wisely exposed the errors of the pagans. The beauty of the girl captivated the ruler. To convince her and show the triumph of pagan wisdom, the emperor ordered to convene 50 most learned men of the empire, but the saint took over the sages, so that they themselves believed in Christ. Saint Catherine overshadowed the martyrs with the sign of the cross, and they courageously accepted death for Christ and were burnt at the command of the emperor.

Maximinus, no longer hoping to convince the saint, tried to seduce her with the promise of wealth and fame. Having received an angry refusal, the emperor ordered that the saint be subjected to cruel tortures, and then thrown into prison. The Empress Augusta, who had heard a lot about Saint Catherine, wished to see her. Having persuaded the governor Porfiry with a detachment of soldiers to accompany her, Augusta came to the dungeon. The Empress was struck by the strength of the spirit of St. Catherine, whose face shone with Divine grace. The holy martyr revealed the Christian teaching to those who came, and having believed, they turned to Christ.

The next day, the martyr was again brought to the court, where, under the threat of being struck on the wheel, they offered her to renounce the Christian faith and offer sacrifice to the gods. The saint adamantly confessed Christ and herself approached the wheels, but the Angel crushed the instruments of execution, and they shattered into pieces, killing many pagans. Seeing this miracle, the empress Augusta and the courtier Porfiry with 200 soldiers confessed their faith in Christ in front of everyone and were beheaded. Maximin again tried to seduce the holy martyr by offering her marriage, and was again refused. Saint Catherine firmly confessed her fidelity to her Heavenly Bridegroom - Christ, and with a prayer to Him, she herself laid her head on the chopping block under the executioner's sword. The relics of St. Catherine were transferred by Angels to Mount Sinai. In the 6th century, by revelation, the honest head and left hand of the holy martyr were obtained and transferred with honors to the newly created temple of the Sinai monastery, built by the holy emperor Justinian.

December 7, 2014 according to the Orthodox calendar is celebrated Day of the Holy Great Martyr Catherine. All women bearing this name celebrate their name day on this day. However, few people know about the life of St. Catherine and its significance in the Orthodox world.

The story of the day of the angel Catherine

The name of St. Catherine is inextricably linked with Jesus Christ. She was born in the 3rd century in Alexandria to a noble family. From early childhood, she was distinguished by unearthly beauty and an extraordinary mind. After receiving an education, she began to look for a worthy groom. But none of them became her chosen one. She told her parents that she would marry someone who would surpass her in wealth, beauty, wisdom and nobility.

Then her mother, being secretly a Christian, took her to her spiritual elder. He told her about the heavenly bridegroom, whose beauty is brighter than the sun, his wisdom governs all creation, his wealth spreads throughout the world, and the height of his family is inexpressible. Catherine wanted to see the groom. The elder gave her the icons of the Mother of God with Jesus in her arms and ordered her to pray for the granting of a vision of the Son of God.

Later, Saint Catherine performed the sacrament of baptism, and only after that did Jesus appear to her in a dream. He gave her a ring, thereby betrothing her to him. When Catherine woke up, she saw this ring on her hand. After that, Catherine began to bring Christian teachings to people, for which she was executed.

The meaning and character of the name Catherine

The name Catherine comes from the Greek "katarios", which means pure and immaculate.

• Talisman named Catherine: lotus
• Catherine name color: blue
• Name stone: chrysolite
• Zodiac sign: the name Catherine is suitable for Sagittarius, Capricorn, Scorpio and Aries.

On December 7, it is customary to congratulate all Catherines on their name days. On the day of the angel, Catherine is recommended to turn to her intercessor with a prayer and words of gratitude. It is believed that on this day the guardian angel will be very close and can help in any business. Good luck and don't forget to press the buttons and

06.12.2014 09:34

The presence of severe problems suggests that a person has gone astray from the true path. Restore strength, strengthen ...

Good luck, luck, well-being are integral parts of our life, but far from everything depends on our efforts.

In the folk calendar, this date was called the day of Katerina Sannitsa. From December 7, the toboggan road was opened, the children rode sleds, and those who were older - on sledges, which were harnessed to a decorated horse. Single girls and guys looked at potential brides and grooms to get married after Christmas.

The people called this day in different ways:

• Ekaterina Sanitsa;
• Katherine's day;
• Katerina Zhenodavitsa;
• Saint Catherine.

The name of the day comes from the name of the Great Martyr Catherine of Alexandria, who is considered the patroness of the Russian city of Yekaterinburg and the Italian commune of Zluderno.

Catherine was born in 287 in Alexandria. In the world she bore the name Dorothea. The girl was educated, she studied the manuscripts of pagan writers, ancient sages, philosophers and poets. A Syrian monk converted her to Christianity and baptized her under the name Catherine. According to legend, after the rite of baptism, Jesus Christ appeared to the girl in a dream and gave her a ring, calling her his bride.

At the beginning of the 4th century, Catherine was martyred. She came to the temple to the emperor Maximin during the sacrifice to the pagan gods and tried to convince him to renounce the faith and accept Christianity. The king was struck by her beauty and invited her to his place after the holiday in order to convince her to leave the faith. Since Catherine was very smart, philosophers were invited to talk with her, whom she defeated in a dispute, for which the emperor demanded to burn them.

Then Maximin himself tried to convince the girl to bow to the pagan gods, but she refused. Then, on his orders, Catherine was beaten with ox sinews and imprisoned, where she was secretly visited by the wife of the emperor and his commander Porfiry. Their girlfriend was also able to convince her that she was right.

After this meeting, the wife decided to talk with the emperor and tried to persuade him to Christianity, for which she was executed.

Maximin offered Catherine to renounce her faith and become his wife, but seeing her steadfastness, he ordered her beheaded. According to legend, it was not blood that flowed from the wound, but milk.

After the execution, the girl's body disappeared. According to legend, he was carried away by angels to the highest mountain of the Sinai Peninsula. Three centuries later, the monks, obeying the vision, found the remains of the great martyr and identified them by the ring.

Video: Holy Great Martyr Catherine

December 7: rituals, traditions and divination

Great Martyr Catherine is considered the patroness of marriage. She is prayed for good brides and grooms, for family well-being and for difficult births.

On this day, it was customary to arrange sleigh races. All the inhabitants of the village gathered on a hillock and rode carts. Boys and young men took part in the races, and the girls cheered for them.

The sleigh served as a serious help in the peasant yard. On Ekaterina Sannitsa, it was customary to roll them down the mountain. It was also supposed to roll all the village people. The girls tried to ride in the same sleigh with their beloved. They believed that this would make their union strong.

Newlyweds on December 7 were in the spotlight. In front of their house they put a sheepskin coat turned inside out, along which they had to walk. This rite helped protect family happiness from the evil eye.

The girls baked a kolobok (round bread) and rolled it over an ubrus (an embroidered towel, which was part of a married woman's headdress). On one side of the ubrus, they put a thing of a loved one, and on the other, a rye ear. At the same time they said:

In the evening, it was customary to guess at Catherine. Girls dreaming of marriage planted young cherry branches in tubs. If the twig blooms for the New Year or Christmas, then next year her mistress will go down the aisle.

Also, the branches of the girl's cherry were placed in the water. Whose blossoms first, she will soon get married.

December 7: signs and beliefs

1. If the weather is clear on December 7, then the winter will be cold.
2. If it is warm outside, then frosts will strike in the second half of December.
3. A thaw or fog portends a severe cooling that will come after.
4. If snow has not fallen yet, then next year will be lean.
5. Cows shake their hind legs - to frost.
6. If the moon is in a circle, then there will be glaciation.
7. Small stars - snowfall is expected.

A person born on December 7, according to the horoscope Sagittarius. These people have a cheerful and easy disposition, they know how to enjoy life and find positive moments even in failures. Onyx suits them as a talisman. This stone inspires in business, gives peace of mind and self-confidence.

Video: December 7 - Ekaterina Sannitsa

On December 7, the Orthodox world honors the memory of the Holy Great Martyr Catherine, whose life story is inextricably linked with the name of Jesus Christ. The girl was very beautiful, educated and refused to marry an unequal person in these qualities. One day, the holy elder advised her to earnestly pray to the Mother of God in order to be worthy to see her Son, the Heavenly Bridegroom - the One Who surpasses all in beauty, wisdom, height and wealth. However, for the first time, the Baby did not even look in her direction. And only after Catherine knew the faith of Christ and the sacrament of Baptism performed by the elder, she had a vision that the Lord had given her a ring as a sign of betrothal. This ring ended up on Catherine's hand after waking up.

Saint Catherine carried the Christian teaching to people and refused to marry Emperor Maximin, which caused his anger and for which she was subjected to torment and torture. However, she sacredly confessed her fidelity to Jesus, her Heavenly Bridegroom, and herself, with a prayer addressed to Him, laid her head directly under the executioner's sword, revealing a symbol of bright faith and devotion.

May you Catherine
Protects from adversity
And in your affairs will help
And calm the enemies.

Happiness, good health
This life is hard!
And the intercessor is holy
May it always be with you.

Today is Saint Catherine's Day -
Katyusha has our name day.
I congratulate you, Katyushka,
I wish you happiness and great love!

Joyful, perky stay
Smile more cheerfully than life
Don't forget your family and friends
Positive thoughts, don't be bored!

Katyusha, may Saint Catherine always keep you and guide you on the right path! On this day, I wish you all the best, good health and lots and lots of happiness, so that every day is full of light, joy and warmth! Let your life consist only of colorful minutes!

Happy Saint Catherine's Day!
May she keep from troubles
Protects your loved ones
And you from all insults.

Patroness of Knowledge
Gives wisdom a reserve,
In fulfillment of desires
Let him help, give strength!

Happy Saint Catherine's Day!
Let her be invisible from heaven
Your peace is protected
And adds health
All problems will be solved
Keep happiness in the house.

Happy Saint Catherine's Day
I congratulate you
And I wish you a lot of happiness
And, of course, good
Good luck and patience
And health and luck.
Lots and lots of oranges
And a basket of tangerines
Believe in miracles and love
Be beautiful again and again!

Happy angel day, I congratulate you.
I wish you great heights.
Let good luck accompany everything.
Soon there will be a car, a dacha ...

Let success accompany everything
Happy laughter reigns in the house.
Happy angel day, Katyushenka, to you.
He will always be with you throughout your life.

Let one wing warm you
When he gets sad, the angel will regret.
He will protect you with another wing,
On the good path, the saint bless.

I wish you always be lucky
You smile at all enemies in spite.
May the sun light the way
I want to look into the eyes of happiness.

December 7 is your name day,
Today is Saint Catherine's Day.
May your saint protect you
She protects from misfortunes and troubles.

And let her go ahead
On the road of life, anything happens,
And, if necessary, takes by the hand,
Covers with a holy veil.

Let your saint show you
Which way is best for you
And if need be, the turn will show
And the best choice for you.

Today is your angel day, Katyusha,
I congratulate you with all my heart!
May the sun always shine on you
Let sorrows go away!

Great heavenly protection to you
Already from birth given: beautiful
Be wise, be faithful in friendship,
In love - happy and know no evil!

Happy Saint Catherine's Day,
Katya, happy holiday to you!
Take you on a name day,
Congratulations from me.

May it always protect
From adversity, she you.
And let them shine with happiness
Yours, Katenka, eyes.

Be loved and healthy
Never be discouraged.
Be bright and cheerful
And don't know any problems.

Feminine tenderness in this holiday.
Happy Katherine's Day, congratulations on the dawn!
And from the bottom of my heart I wish you
To drink female happiness so that there is no end.
Sweet, successful, talented to be,
And reflect the whole world in beauty.
Cherish all your subtle feelings,
To be like a peacock or a white swan.
Tremblingly protect the generosity of the soul,
Be patient with people!

Congratulations: 147 in verse, 30 in prose.

Saint Catherine was born in the capital of Egypt - Alexandria, in the family of the ruler of this city. Possessing rare beauty and intelligence, she received an excellent education, having studied the works of the best ancient scientists and philosophers.

Young men from the most eminent families were looking for her hands, but Catherine announced to her parents that she agreed to marry only someone who would surpass her not in nobility, wealth and beauty, but in wisdom.

Catherine's mother, a secret Christian, sent her daughter to her spiritual father to help her think rationally about her decision. After listening to Catherine, the elder said that he knew a young man who surpassed her in everything. The image of the Heavenly Bridegroom gave birth in the soul of a wise girl to an ardent desire to see Him. At parting, the elder handed Catherine the icon of the Mother of God with the Divine Infant Jesus in her arms and advised her to pray with faith in front of the image.

Catherine prayed all night and was honored to see the Blessed Virgin, who asked Her Divine Son to look at the kneeling Catherine, but Christ did not honor her with a look.

In deep sadness, Catherine again went to the elder. He told her about faith and performed the sacrament of Baptism over her. Again, Catherine had a vision of the Mother of God with the Child, who looked at her and gave her a ring as a sign of betrothal.

The vision ended, Catherine woke up, but a ring shone on her hand.

Soon, the Roman emperor Maximinus arrived in Alexandria for a pagan holiday. The celebration was to be performed with special pomp and with many sacrifices, including human ones. Death awaited Christians who refused to bow to pagan deities. Catherine went to the emperor Maximin himself with the intention of alleviating the fate of the Christian martyrs.

The saint gave her name, confessed her faith in the One True God before the emperor, and wisely condemned the errors of the pagans. The emperor liked the girl, so he ordered to gather fifty wise men from all over the empire in order to dissuade the girl in her faith. But the conversation with Catherine subdued them so much that they themselves believed in Christ, and then were martyred. The emperor also tried to influence her with promises of wealth and fame, but was refused, so he ordered her to be cruelly tortured and then thrown into prison.

The next day, Saint Catherine was again taken to court, where, under the threat of being struck on the wheel, they offered her to renounce the Christian faith and offer sacrifice to the gods. The saint confessed Christ, and herself approached the instruments of torture, but they all broke and did not harm her.

Seeing this miracle, the empress Augusta and the courtier Porfiry with two hundred soldiers confessed their faith in Christ in front of everyone and were beheaded.

Maximin again tried to seduce the saint and offered her marriage, but was again refused. For this, the Holy Great Martyr Catherine was beheaded.

The relics of the holy martyr were miraculously transferred to one of the peaks of Mount Sinai, which to this day bears her name.

Troparion

With virtues, like the rays of the sun, you enlightened the unfaithful sages, and, like the bright moon walking in the night, you drove away the darkness of disbelief and assured the queen, together with the tormentor, you denounced the tormentor, the god-called bride, blessed Catherine, with desire you ascended into the Heavenly chamber to the beautiful Bridegroom Christ, and from Him you were crowned with a royal crown: Him, with the angels coming, pray for us, creating your most honorable memory.