Orthodox rites and traditions: when the day of the angel of Olga is celebrated

As you know, a person who has received baptism marks not only the day of his birth, but also the day of that angel who is appointed to him as patrons and helpers. This is usually one of the saints, the memory of which the church honors and regularly celebrates his name-day. Among the very first women of Russia, who passed the canonization, was Princess Olga.

The day of the angel has come

The day of the angel Olga falls on several dates. The most famous is July 24, and she is associated with St. Olga, the Russian princess, who was the first to adopt Orthodoxy among the statesmen of Kievan Rus. The history of this extraordinary woman is extremely interesting and instructive. Being the wife of Igor from the glorious Rurikovich family, she did not confine herself to the role of the keeper of the home, the teacher of children or her husband's assistant in business affairs. The princess was taught literacy and, being by nature intelligent and judicious, became Igor's right hand under the government. It's no wonder that Olga's day is associated with this woman.

When the prince died in one of the military campaigns, his wife assumed all the reins of government. She delved into the subtleties of state power and coped with the burden more than successfully. And even when the son of Svyatoslav, heir of Igor, was able to enter the throne of Kiev, his mother often replaced him, while the young prince fought with the enemies. By the way, Olga herself often got up under the banner and drove the squads. And her revenge for her husband's death entered the legends for all time.

The day of the angel of Olga is a Christian holiday, and this religion condemns all bloodshed and murder, all the more so cruel, but at the time of it the princess was still a pagan, although she had heard a lot about the new religion and was keenly interested in it. And in general, than only she was not engaged! Expanded the boundaries of the principality, adding new lands; Competently conducted monetary calculations, strengthening the treasury; Wisely guided foreign affairs, bringing fame and respect to Russia among its neighbors. It was with her power in Kiev began to build the first stone buildings.

At the age of almost 60 years Olga goes to Byzantium, in order to consolidate the position of the principality in the eyes of the ruler of Constantine. Her beauty along with the mind, dignity and many other qualities so captivated and delighted the prince that he decided to marry Russian Olga. However, not wishing this marriage and not being able to refuse directly, she came up with a cunning move. Constantine was already a Christian. To combine with him a marriage, the princess should also be baptized. And Olga asked Constantine to become her godfather. A brilliant move worthy of the most sophisticated diplomat! Thus, the princess escaped unnecessary marriage, and even more tied the powerful then Byzantium with the growing and developing Old Russian princedom. She became the first Russian saint, having received baptism long before it came to Russia. By the way, it was made by Olga's grandson - Oleg Svyatoslavovich. Therefore, the day of the angel of Olga is dedicated, first of all, to her - Princess of Kiev, in Christianity - to Elena.

Glorious traditions

The events that we recalled happened very, very long ago - back in the 9th century. A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then. In the saints there were other women with the same name - new-martyrs. And now can celebrate his angel day Olga several times. The date is each related to the tragic fate of a woman, who at one time suffered for the faith. This is February, 10th number; March - 6th and 14th; In July 17th and 24th; November - the 23rd.

The last date also has an interesting fate. She is associated with Olga Maslenikova, who was born in the last thirty years of the 19th century in Kaluga. She early came to faith and all her life helped in the services of the local church. In a terrible 1937, at the height of Stalin's repression, she was arrested and demanded to renounce her convictions. For perseverance and disobedience, an elderly woman was sentenced to eight years of imprisonment. She did not survive half the time - she died from hardship, excessive physical labor and exhaustion. In 2000, it was ranked as a saint. So there was another holy Olga, the name day (the day of the angel) which is celebrated on November 23 and February 11.