Name Day of Larissa - April 8

Every year on April 8, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Great Martyr Larisa Gotfskaya. This young virgin with her courage and boundless faith in Christ acquired the crown of holiness and, along with other saints of God, was awarded eternal life. On this day, congratulations are received by all women bearing the name of Larissa - the name day of the Orthodox is celebrated on the day of the memory of their heavenly patroness.

Young Christian woman from the land of the Gentiles

In the IV century in the territory of modern Romania lived Germanic tribes are ready, and their entire country was called Gothia. They were under the rule of the Roman Empire, in which Christianity had already won. Despite the fact that most were prepared to be pagans, the Christians living among them enjoyed sufficient freedom to build churches and perform services in them.

However, the hidden hatred of pagan fanatics occasionally burst out. Hard times for Christians began with the coming to power of the Gothic king Athanarch. He hated all who believed in Christ, and subjected them to all kinds of persecutions. At this time, lived in Gothia, a young beautiful Christian girl, named Larissa. Namedays on October 8 are celebrated on the day of her memory.

The Threat of the Life of Christians

Larissa's parents were Christians, and since childhood she has instilled in her love for the true God and the thought that for Him it is possible to sacrifice everything in the world, even life itself. When, in 375, the persecution of Christians took a particularly severe form, it was dangerous to attend divine services. However, Larissa, having abandoned her fear, continued to go to church regularly.

And then one day, when she came to the temple and stood at the very entrance, gave herself to prayer, the door suddenly opened. Turning, Larisa saw the warrior standing on the threshold. Behind him was a wagon in which the figure of the heathen idol Wotan rose. The warrior shouted to the whole church that everyone who went out to bow to the idol would remain alive, and all those who refused would immediately perish.

Death in the Name of God

After seeing Larissa and marveling at her beauty, he offered her freedom to leave the church without any conditions. However, the courageous Christian, seeing that none of those present in the temple had moved, preferred to die together with all for the glory of the name of Jesus Christ. The furious warrior slammed the door, after which the church was set on fire. In the fire, three hundred Christians died inside, and Larissa herself.

The Holy Orthodox Church honors the memory of all who gave their lives to the glory of Christianity. Name day of Larisa - April 8. This is one of the days in which their blessed names are commemorated at the service. The Holy Great Martyr, having obtained eternal life at the Throne of God, became an angel-keeper for those who received her name in holy baptism. Therefore, the name day of Larisa (the day of the angel) is celebrated on the day of her memory. This is a tradition, fanned by centuries.

Noting the birthday of Larissa, it is impossible not to turn to the heavenly patron with prayer, and not to ask her blessings and help in everyday affairs. It is commonly believed that St. Larissa protects from performing rash acts, and thus relieves many disappointments in life. In addition, as a servant of God standing at the Holy See, she can pray to the Lord for sending down everything that will benefit the people.

History of Larissa

On the origin of the name itself, it is known that it was formed from the name of the city of Larissa, once located on the territory of Greece. From mythology it is known that this was the name of one of the nymphs - the granddaughter of the god of the seas of Poseidon. There is a legend that one day she played ball and, stumbling, fell into the river Peny. At the place where this happened, and a city was built, named in her honor.

This name in Greek means "swallow". It is known that in Russia their namesakes Larissa as, indeed, the owners of all other names, began to mark only in the XVII century. Statistics for the last two centuries show that in Moscow at birth, so called about three girls from every thousand newborns, in other cities a little more - about seven, and in rural areas their number increased to ten.

The qualities inherent in Larissa

Speaking about what qualities are most characteristic of Larissa, it should be noted that the owners of this name, as a rule, are characterized by a submissive character. Often it helps to avoid conflicts in family life and in the production team, but at the same time it often becomes the cause of actions, which later it is necessary to regret, which could be avoided by showing hardness. First of all, this refers to the issues of personal life.

Women with the name Larissa are often accompanied by success in such fields of activity as philology, linguistics and programming. This is explained by their extraordinary creative talent. Another characteristic feature is their love for children, to whom they are able to devote their whole lives. In this case, it is important to note that it's not just about your own children, but about other people's.

Due to this quality, women with this name often become good teachers and educators. And although Larissa's birthday parties are celebrated only once a year, their heavenly patron abundantly sends them love and patience, so necessary for working with children and for personal happiness.