4 March: what church holiday is it and what are they advising to take out of the house
Saint Gerasimos was born in Lycia into a wealthy family. His secular name was Gregory. From his youth, he aspired to a strict spiritual life and took monastic vows, renouncing his inheritance and secular life.
He spent his first years of monasticism in the desert of Phivaida in Egypt, where he devoted himself to prayer and ascetic practices. Around 450, he travelled to the Holy Land and settled near the Jordan River, where he founded a monastery.
According to church tradition, during Lent, Gerasimos did not eat anything except Holy Communion. At first, he was influenced by the heresy of Eutyches and Dioscorus, but later renounced these views under the influence of St. Euthymius the Great and became a defender of Orthodox teaching. In 451, the Fourth Ecumenical Council was held in Chalcedon, where the doctrine of the two natures of Christ — divine and human — was confirmed.
One of the most famous stories is associated with a lion. According to legend, the saint healed the wounded animal, after which the lion came to live at the monastery. After the saint's death, the lion came to his grave and died nearby.
Folk signs for 4 March
— frost in the morning — early spring and a fruitful summer;
— strong wind — bad weather;
— sun in the morning — warm spring.
What is not recommended to do
According to folk beliefs, you should not offend birds on this day. It is also not recommended to make large purchases or go on long journeys.
What you can do
People pray to Saint Gerasim for spiritual and physical strength, healing from illness, as well as patience and prudence.
Folk tradition advises airing out your home and getting rid of old and unnecessary things on this day. It was considered symbolic to take old shoes out of the house — according to popular belief, troubles remain with them.
