Yalpuh Lake, Ukraine
It is the day of memory of Saint Nicetas, the Patrick, the Confessor. Religious celebration has popular and peculiar beliefs.
Today, April 3, is the day of memory of Saint Nikita the Confessor. Or Saint Niketas the Patrick. It is not a national holiday in Ukraine – it is a religious celebration of the Orthodox calendar.
Saint Nicetas was a abbot from Medikion Monastery – a spiritual center of monastic virtue, known for its rigorous asceticism and spiritual depth.
He is one of the holy confessors who became an example of firmness and piety for countless generations.
He lived between the 7th and 8th centuries, in the Byzantine iconoclastic controversy, a time of persecution of Christians; Being faithful to Christ was synonymous with many dangers, obstacles, countless trials.
Chose the path of rigorous monasticism, dedicating himself to prayer, fasting and the spiritual guidance of the brothers of the monastery.
As a monastic leader, he stood out for his wisdom and deep spiritual perception: he organized the life of the monastery, helping the spiritual growth of all who sought refuge and guidance there.
Saint Nicetas won the title of confessor; He courageously endured persecution and harassment for his faith.
He highlights that there is an ancient – and peculiar – popular belief that warns that today, the day of Saint Nicetas, the Patrick, one should not make noise on the banks of a river or lake: they say this can irritate the water spirit.
Popular belief also indicates that, whoever goes fishing, Before going fishing, it is “good manners” to leave an offering to the fisherman: some bread, or chicken giblets, for example… in water. It is seen as a sign of respect for the water element; and a guarantee of good fishing.
Nuno Teixeira da Silva, ZAP //
