Saint Catherine the Martyr is celebrated by the Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations on November 25. She is known as a Christian martyr who lived in the 4th century and is revered for her courage and wisdom, being considered one of the most important virgin saints in the Orthodox calendar.
The Life of Saint Catherine
Saint Catherine was born in Alexandria, Egypt, in a noble and educated family. She was known for her remarkable beauty and intelligence. He studied philosophy, rhetoric and other sciences of the time. At the age of 18, after discovering the Christian faith, she was baptized and became a firm confessor of Christ.
During the time of Emperor Maximian (305-311), Christians were persecuted. Catherine confronted the emperor, criticizing the persecution against Christians and defending the Christian faith. Impressed by her wisdom and courage, Maximian summoned 50 pagan philosophers to persuade her to renounce her faith.
But he managed to convert them to Christianity, which drew the emperor’s anger. As a result, they were executed and Catherine was subjected to torture and finally martyred by beheading.
Saint Catherine is often represented in icons wearing the crown of martyrdom and holding a cross or a wheel, symbolic of her martyrdom. The wheel is associated with the instrument of torture she was supposedly condemned to endure, but which was miraculously destroyed.
What not to do on this day
In the Orthodox Christian tradition, the days marked with a black cross on the calendar are days of intense fasting and prayer, often associated with solemn or mourning events in the history of Christianity.
It is recommended to avoid hard work such as washing, sewing, chopping wood or other activities that could distract from prayer.
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In particular, women are advised not to wash clothes, sew or spin, as a sign of respect for the holy day.
Black Cross days are usually fast days. The consumption of meat, eggs, milk and other products of animal origin is avoided.
It is important to avoid conflicts, arguments or harsh words, because the day is dedicated to prayer and reconciliation with God.
It is a popular belief that beginnings made on a black cross day will not be successful. That is why it is not recommended to start big projects, to have weddings or to conclude business deals, he says spynews.ro.
Source: jurnalul.ro
