On January 14, Christians of the Eastern Rite celebrate a holiday dedicated to the memory of St. Basil the Great, the people also call it St. Basil's Day. On the eve of the holiday, they also celebrate the holiday of Malanka (St. Melania's day) and Generous or Vasiliev evening.

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What to do on a holiday.

On this day, the liturgy written by Basil the Great is read in churches..

There was a tradition among the people " On the eve of the holiday, young men and women dressed in costumes and masks and went from house to house, amusing the hosts.. And they thanked them with goodies.

On the night of January 13-14, the Old New Year is also celebrated. On the first day of the new year, men and young men went from house to house and sowed. They sang special songs and scattered grain, wishing the owners a rich harvest and prosperity..

On the holiday, it was customary for families to gather at the table, ask for forgiveness from each other and make wishes..

Prayer to Saint Basil.

Holy Father Basil, glorious teacher of the Church of Christ, good shepherd of the native flock, founder and legislator of monastic life, bright mirror of purity and innocence, model of meekness and Christian humility, brave conqueror of fornication and ungodly science, invincible defender of the honor of the One God in the Trinity and the Most Pure Virginity of God.

It is I, a sinner, who come down in obedience before You and pray to You: teach me to walk God-fearing along the path of the commandments of the Lord and never in my life turn to impassability.. You enlighten the dark mind with your sciences to comprehend the truths of the Divine. Encourage my heart to purity and sincere repentance for all my wickedness, with which I constantly anger your Creator..

Close my hearing against all dishonorable conversations, and open it to the hearing of the sciences of the Gospel. Do not let my mouth condemn, empty lies and curses.

Hold my hands before all kinds of deeds that could defile me before the all-seeing Eye of the Lord. Turn my feet away from the paths that divert creations from the All-Merciful Creator, which can lead the soul to the edge of the eternal abyss..

Pleaser of God, don't let me down. Holy Father, intercede for me before the Throne of the Lord, by Thy prayers incline the mercy of the Lord to me, make me through Thy prayers the successor of happy eternity. Amen.