On January 8, Christians of the Eastern Rite celebrate the Cathedral of the Most Holy Theotokos. This holiday is dedicated to the Holy Family - the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and the named brother of Christ, James. It is no less important for believers than Christmas, because it is dedicated to the one who became the mother of the Savior.

history of the holiday.

According to biblical legend, after the birth of Christ, the Holy Family visited Solomon's temple, cleansed the baby and returned home to Nazareth.. There, Joseph received a message from an angel that King Herod wanted to kill the baby Jesus, so he ordered the destruction of all firstborn children under the age of two..

[see_also ids\u003d"

The very next day, Joseph, Mary and little Jesus left their home and went to Egypt..

St. John Chrysostom believed that the flight of the Holy Family is an example for people in how to be prudent and listen to God..

According to him, this is how the Lord teaches to beware of human rage, so sometimes it’s worth retreating and resigning yourself to circumstances, so that later you can be filled with strength and fulfill God’s will..

What not to do on a holiday.

On this day, pregnant women and their husbands are not allowed to work.. It is believed that if this prohibition is violated, then the child may be born with physical disabilities..

On a holiday, you can not do needlework and physical labor..

You can not swear, quarrel, swear and wish others harm.