On February 23, all citizens of Russia, young and old, celebrate one of their favorite holidays of military glory - Defender of the Fatherland Day. The history of this remarkable date goes back to the beginnings of 1918, when our army snatched victory from the Kaiser’s Germany near Narva and Pskov. These were the greatest pages in the history of our Motherland, later inscribed as the Birthday of the Red Army. However, there have been many disagreements on this score; some scientists defend the opinion that February 23 was not involved in these events, because official confirmation has not yet been found. And since this date was declared Red Army Day only in 1922, some historians are convinced that it was not for nothing that this event was not celebrated in the previous four years. There is a hypothesis according to which the appearance of the men's holiday is due to the change in the Gregorian and Julian calendars, due to which the traditional women's revolutionary day shifted from February 23 to March 8. And since the tradition of celebration has remained, the holiday has not gone away, the days of female and male leadership have simply been equalized. Since then they have existed together. According to the third version, some historians are inclined to the version of the date set in 1919 for Red Army Day on January 28, but shifted due to some delays. Then the date was combined with Gift Day - a day of raising funds to help regular troops. Since the date fell on Monday, it was decided to move both holidays to the nearest Sunday and celebrate both dates at once. That is February 23rd. In the meantime, scientists argue and find out the truth, people are waiting for the approach of their favorite holiday, preparing to have fun to the fullest. Indeed, in Russia, February 23 is a day off and is one of the officially included state holidays. In the USSR, February 23 was celebrated as Navy and Soviet Army Day, and after the collapse of the state, the holiday was renamed, according to the decree of B.N. Yeltsin. Although this day is considered Defender of the Fatherland Day, that is, the day of those who guarded state order, February 23 is usually celebrated as All Men's Day. Each family has its own defenders, who receive a large number of congratulations, gifts and attention from loving women during the holiday. On February 23, it is customary for government departments to lay flowers and wreaths at memorials, paying tribute to those who died for the Motherland. Special evenings are held for veterans. Songs from past wars and current years are heard in concert halls. The media actively participates in the life of the people, covering all events in the country on television, radio and on the Internet. Not a single corner will escape the attention of journalists. In many cities, the holiday lasts from morning to evening and ends with a large fireworks display in honor of the living and in memory of the fallen.

February is significant not only as Defender of the Fatherland Day; it is on this date that Pillow Fight Day is celebrated all over the world. This funny celebration was invented not so long ago. The main goal is to maintain a person’s normal psychological state, reduce stress, and have a cheerful mood. For a long time, students had pillow fights twice a year to relieve stress before taking exams. In 2005, in the USA, at one of the universities, students decided to stage the largest pillow fight in order to immortalize themselves in the book of records. Then everything turned into a flash mob on a global scale. Fans of fighting agreed to gather on one day at a specified time and fight on pillows in different parts of the planet. Since then, on February 23, residents of many countries have fun, organizing harmless fights in the streets. The main task of the organizers is to create free entertainment around the world for people of any age and nationality. This is a vacation that helps relieve stress, lift your mood, improve your general condition, removing fatigue and accumulated negative emotions. To participate, be sure to follow several nuances. First of all, the pillow should be soft, light, and not contain foreign objects inside. You cannot hit those around you who do not have pillows or those who are already tired or refuse to continue taking part in the battle. Special attention to people with a camera or camera - it is prohibited to touch them. If a man decides to beat a woman, then he must do it with half his strength. Be sure to remove all jewelry, glasses, contacts, etc. before starting. Everyone who wants to fool around, just relax, gathers in squares or pre-agreed places, brings with them a weapon of battle - a pillow and, on command, begins to beat each other until their arms get tired. A huge wave of white feathers and padding flies around the area, creating a large cloud. Many participants wear funny costumes, funny masks, and makeup to cheer up those around them. The assembled guests decide for themselves how they will fight - “one on one” or “wall to wall”. After the fun fight is over, all participants go to the nearest parks or clubs to continue resting and relaxing, but this time over a conversation along with a delicious lunch.

On February 23, German engineer-inventor Rudolf Diesel received a patent for the creation of a piston engine. This happened in 1893. Since then, this type of internal combustion engine has been called diesel in honor of its creator. The invention was a real breakthrough in mechanical engineering. Rudolf Diesel decided to become an engineer at the age of fourteen. From Paris he left to study in Munich and successfully graduated from the technical university there. The future inventor was very interested in thermodynamics, and especially the work of Carl von Linde. Already at that time, Diesel was thinking about creating an engine with increased efficiency, but did not yet know how to implement it. Therefore, after graduating, he went to work at the factory founded by Karl von Linde to gain experience. Less than 10 years remained before the ingenious invention. In 1890, development of a new concept began. Three years later, Diesel was able to patent his idea and began constructing it. However, the first working model was released only in 1897. The device works like this: air enters the cylinder, which becomes very hot when moving. The temperature can reach very high values. This effect instantly ignites the fuel, causing the engine to start working. At first the invention was used in shipbuilding, but gradually the scope of its application expanded. Nowadays, diesel engines can be found in some passenger cars. It is especially popular in Europe. 1. Savings. Before Rudolf Diesel, the world knew only about gasoline engines, which consumed too much fuel. It was not economically viable. Until now, the cost of gasoline exceeds the price of diesel fuel, and the consumption of the latter is less. 2. Caring for the environment. Diesel fuel is much safer for the environment than gasoline. When running such an engine, less carbon monoxide is released. 3. Efficiency. The diesel engine performs well off-road and is not afraid of water and dirt. 4. Practicality. Diesel fuel is used not only as fuel. It is capable of perfectly lubricating the components of the car.

In the culture of the Slavs and Aryans, like other peoples, there was a cult of veneration of ancestors. Men, the successors of the Family, turned to them for protection and help in difficult moments. There were special dates in the year when the souls of grandfathers and deceased relatives responded to the prayers of their descendants from the world of Reveal. On February 23, the oldest holiday is celebrated - Dida Day, which unites all the ancestors of the Family in the male line. The commemoration, accompanied by visits to mounds, graves and churchyards, was a clear example of the connection between generations. In honor of the day of remembrance of dead men, the Slavs performed rituals at the burial places of their grandfathers - sacrificial rituals with offerings of food (often porridge) and various objects. They were thrown into the fire with a pure heart and good intentions. The Slavs and Aryans believed that the fire would convey the needs of the gods and relatives who had passed on to another world. Thus, a ritual agreement was concluded between the inhabitants of Yavi and the inhabitants of Prav. It was believed that grateful descendants brought a piece of themselves as a gift in honor of the holiday along with the requirements, receiving the support of the dids for this and connecting with the power of the gods. Because nothing can be received without giving something in return. The Slavs were sure that the souls of their ancestors were present at weddings and other special events in the family. Therefore, the didams were symbolically presented with a wedding loaf and sweets. Honoring the forefathers was a guarantee that in difficult times of life they would come to the defense of their living relatives. Our ancestors were strong in the continuity of generations - the older men in the family passed on everyday skills and spiritual values ​​to the younger ones, and shared knowledge and wisdom. The ancestral memory, the energetic connection with the dids, persists even after their departure to the world of Rule. Dida Day was called upon to strengthen unity with male relatives and strengthen their divine protection. The entire Slavic world celebrated it on the 33rd day of the month of blizzards and cold of Gaylet (today it is February 22-23). Now, when the continuity of generations is broken, and the connection with ancestors in many Clans has been lost, such a holiday is especially necessary. The terrible Great Patriotic War and other cataclysms led to the death of a huge number of men who did not have time to continue the Family or pass on its memory to their sons. Dida Day helps restore broken but indestructible connections or strengthen the already achieved spiritual unity with ancestors. Belonging to the Family and awareness of this fact provides the man, who is the head and support of the family, with the protection of invisible higher powers. Restoring the spiritual connection with the didi is a lot of internal and energy-consuming work. But this is exactly what needs to be done in honor of the holiday celebrated on February 22-23. And then, in difficult moments of life, powerful, wise and fair ancestors - the souls of male relatives - will come to the rescue.

Every year on February 23 we celebrate “Defender of the Fatherland Day,” which today is considered “Men’s Day.” In fact, it’s an analogue of March 8, only adapted for the stronger sex. Unofficially, this holiday remained in every post-Soviet country. But only some consider it an official holiday and a day off. For example, in the Russian Federation, Belarus. Where did it originate and how is it usually celebrated? The appearance of this holiday has several working versions. By the way, not a single one is clearly accepted as official. Therefore, the historical past of the celebration can be considered quite vague. They are all connected by one thing - the Red Army. Her strength, power and courage of the soldiers who served in her ranks at different times. The creation of this organization was a necessary measure, against the backdrop of the raging First World War, which was strangling Europe. In early 1918, the Decree on the creation of the army was adopted, and exactly a year later it was decided to celebrate the event with a holiday. The belated proposal, which arrived at the All-Russian Central Executive Committee much later than the most significant date, was accepted. But it was decided to postpone the celebration to a later date. Due to political turmoil, in fact, the anniversary of its creation was celebrated only on February 23, 1922. The second variation appeared in the late 30s of the last century. Then the origin of this significant date was tied to the work “A Short Course in the History of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks),” which talked about the battle in the area of ​​Narva and Pskov. At that time, the troops of the nascent Country of Soviets managed to repel the German military onslaught, precisely on February 23. This day became the date of the birth of the Red Army and the first steps towards the February holiday of modernity. Another variation is the “youngest”. It dates back to the early 50s, when in the book “History of the Civil War in the USSR”, the author made a reference to February 1919. According to his information, it was on this day that the mobilization of the forces of workers who voluntarily joined the Soviet army took place. Until 1995, the holiday had a long name, which was shortened to the modern version “Day of Defenders of the Fatherland.” In 2002, for the first time, Russians did not go to work due to the celebration. In 2006, the word “defenders” began to be used in the name, only in the singular “defender”. In Soviet times, February 23 was considered a holiday for serving or active military personnel. Today this day honors all men. It is customary to give them small gifts as a sign of friendship, respect and love. The circle of recipients does not end with the family. Congratulations are widespread among children's and youth groups. And also in corporate formats. At the state level, the celebration is always timed to coincide with the laying of flowers on the graves and monuments of the military. So in Moscow there is always a procession to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, accompanied by high-ranking political officials. But in the Republic of Belarus, February 23 is still a holiday, primarily for the military. All special events are dedicated to them. Among which there are many that are held with the participation of top officials of the Republic of Belarus. In addition, they do not forget about the soldiers who died in battle. They remember veterans of the Second World War and other international conflicts, where military personnel from the territory of the present Republic took part.

Defender of the Fatherland Day is celebrated in Kyrgyzstan, as elsewhere in the post-Soviet space, on February 23. Since 2003, it has been a public holiday and an official day off. Its stated goals are: • military-patriotic education of new generations; • creation of conditions for widespread respect for military veterans, as well as the Armed Forces available in the republic. The history of the holiday begins in the revolutionary past of Russia. It is believed that it was on February 23, 1918 that several units of the Red Guard won the first important victories over the troops of the Kaiser’s Germany near Narva and Pskov. This is the official version, although a number of historians claim that no serious military events took place on this day. According to a less common version, the date is related to the fact that it marks the beginning of the mass formation of Red Army detachments in Petrograd. It is believed that it was a response to Vladimir Lenin’s famous call to defend the fatherland. The new holiday quickly acquired a large scale; it was originally called “Red Army Day.” In the USSR, already in 1922, it became popular, comparable in popularity to the most famous holidays. Various ceremonial events were dedicated to it. At the same time, the army and navy were honored. In 1949, the name of the holiday was changed to “Day of the Soviet Army and Navy.” This name remained until the collapse of the USSR, and after that it was changed to “Defender of the Fatherland Day”. The celebration is traditionally accompanied by various militaristic events in the post-Soviet republics. In Kyrgyzstan, most of them take place in the capital. In Bishkek on this day, a ceremonial formation of the Bishkek garrison takes place on the square in front of the city hall. Then the parade begins. Military personnel, accompanied by an orchestra, advance from the construction site to the main capital square "Ala-Too". The event traditionally attracts many spectators from among the townspeople and is broadcast on television. On Defender of the Fatherland Day in Kyrgyzstan, it is customary to congratulate everyone who is directly related to military service. The celebration is not limited to the official part; tables are set in many houses. People come to visit and receive guests in large numbers. Ceremonial events are also held in educational institutions, starting with kindergartens. The boys are congratulated as future defenders of their country in possible conflicts.

In 1905, on February 23, four residents of Chicago, at a friendly meeting, decided to create an international club for friendship and cooperation of business people. So, with the light hand of lawyer Paul Harris and his friends, an entrepreneur, mining engineer and owner of a coal business, Rotary International was organized. His main goal was to achieve mutual understanding between the inhabitants of the Earth, regardless of their race, nation, religion and political views. Today there are about 33 thousand branches of Rotary International around the world, more than 90 of them are located in Russia. And on February 23, the World Day of Understanding and Peace is celebrated annually in honor of the founding of the club. The World Understanding and Peace Day holiday is a celebration of humanism, high ethics and philanthropy. The main mottos of the brainchild of Paul Harris, who in 1910 was elected president of the organization, his friends and associates were and remain two: “Service above self” and “Those who serve best receive the most.” The main idea of ​​the club was to develop friendship and solidarity among business representatives from big cities. Following the Chicago branch, branches opened in San Francisco, Oakland, Washington, Seattle, New York and Los Angeles. Later, Rotary clubs appeared in Canada, and during World War II - in Germany, Austria, Spain, Italy and Japan. In Russia, the first branches were opened in 1990 in Irkutsk, Moscow and St. Petersburg. Today Rotary International has more than 1.2 million members. They are engaged in humanitarian projects and promoting high ethical standards in business. In their activities, members of the organization, headed by the President and Council of the club, are guided by the Constitution of Rotary International. Rotarians and their associates annually celebrate World Day of Understanding and Peace on February 23rd. It is not surprising that the initiative of Paul Harris and his friends back in 1905 found support all over the world, and a century later the ranks of the organization are constantly replenished with new members. After all, in what Rotarians think, say and do, according to the current code, they are based on truth, honesty, good intentions and an assessment of actions from the standpoint of the common good. The Rotary International Foundation implements several educational and humanitarian programs. These include PolioPlus (the polio initiative), which has been in place since 1985, scholarships for university students and faculty, funding to fight hunger, sponsoring international exchanges for aspiring businessmen, and other initiatives. In honor of the World Day of Understanding and Peace, this charitable organization holds conferences, meetings and other events at which it promotes the ideas of Rotarian brotherhood.

No one knows for sure the origins of this fun holiday, but we all know that dogs love these treats. Created in the mid-19th century by American James Spratt, the pie-like biscuit consisting of meat, grains and vegetables has evolved over time but remains a favorite reward for dogs. So let's make some treats in honor of International Dog Biscuit Day on February 23rd and our friends who love them. Dog biscuits come in different sizes, shapes and flavors. They serve to reward man's best friend for good behavior as part of their training. Dog owners can also give cookies to show their four-legged friends how much they love them. Sometimes dog biscuits serve as a source of vitamins and medications that would otherwise be difficult to get our dogs to take. These dog treats provide a daily dose of protein and multivitamins to help your dog maintain a healthy diet throughout his life. Even dogs on a strict diet won't have a hard time finding dog biscuits that are gentle on their tummy. There are hundreds of dog biscuits available today, many of which claim that they can help maintain your dog's oral health by acting like a "toothbrush" to clean your dog's teeth. What better reward could you ask for? Dog biscuits are one of puppies' favorite treats. They are filled with real meat, vegetables and savory flavor. Dogs love them and will love you for giving them them. Did you know...?...dogs can express about 100 types of emotions, mainly using their ears?

The monarchy in Japan was destroyed and recreated during the US occupation as a result of World War II. The country's surrender in September 1945 and the truce with America, signed by Emperor Hirohito, was a collapse for the citizens of the Land of the Rising Sun. A radical transformation took place in Japanese society - the head of state renounced claims to divinity, losing nominal power. The later restored monarchy, considered the world's oldest and continuously hereditary, is very different from the pre-war one. The influence of the emperor, who, like his ancestors, is considered a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu, on the people decreased. So, if before the truce with the United States the monarch had ordered his subjects to rip open their bellies, they would have done it without hesitation. However, the cult of the Shinto high priest remained. Today, Japan is ruled by Naruhito, who took over from his father Akihito in April 2019. The 126th Emperor was born in Tokyo on February 23, 1960. The motto of his reign, which marked the beginning of the Reiwa era, is the hieroglyphs denoting good luck, prosperity and peace. Residents of the Land of the Rising Sun treat the head of state with love and respect. Therefore, February 23 is celebrated as the Birthday of the Emperor of Japan (Tanjobi). In honor of the holiday, crowds of citizens and tourists flock to Tokyo's Chieda district. There, on the balcony of the palace, the ancient Edo Castle, they are met by the emperor and members of his family. Within a few minutes they greet their arriving subjects. In response, the Japanese wave national flags, which are distributed at the entrance to the square. Naruhito, like his predecessors, is a symbol of the state and the unity of the nation, and therefore is deeply revered by the people. In addition, February 23 is an official holiday and a day off, which is very popular among working Japanese. After the end of the audience, people leave the palace square, which is open to access twice a year on special occasions. They are the Emperor's Birthday and January 2 - the beginning of the New Year. The representative of the Japanese monarchy has power in the country only nominally, since political decisions are made by parliament and the prime minister. But the emperor is the spiritual leader of the nation and its cultural symbol. He often travels abroad to establish diplomatic and friendly relations with other states, thus working to create a favorable image for the country. Paying tribute to his activities for the benefit of the state and people, Japan annually celebrates the Emperor's Birthday.

According to the folk calendar, February 23 (February 10, old style) is the day of Prokhor Vesnovey. Its name is associated with the Christian date of memory of St. Prokhor the Lebednik. The day is also dedicated to Saint Harlampius. In the 11th century, Prokhor came to the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery with the desire to serve the Almighty. After becoming a monk, he led a modest life, drinking ordinary water and eating quinoa. The monk learned to make bread from this plant, and when famine came, the Lord sent a large harvest of quinoa. Prokhor, with God’s blessing, baked quinoa bread and distributed it to the hungry. Therefore, the monk was nicknamed the Swan. Harlampius of Magnesia lived in the 2nd century and converted pagans to Christianity. For this they subjected him to terrible torture and tried to force him to sacrifice to the pagan gods. However, the martyr only glorified the Lord. By order of the Emperor, he was killed, but the soul of Kharlampy went to God a couple of moments before the execution. People asked Saint Harlampius to save them from involuntary death, such as murder or accident. They prayed to the saint for safety from evil spirits wandering in the forest and near ponds that day. The peasants believed that evil spirits came out and played cruel jokes on people. In order to avoid trouble, not to get lost or fall into the river, residents tried not to go far beyond the village. The evil spirits especially mocked apostates or those who had sinned. On Prokhor, the election of a people's elder took place in the villages. Traditionally, he was elected once every three years, but sometimes the headman had to be re-elected for misconduct. The candidates were all the men of the village. Along with the headman, his assistants were also elected. Prokhor Vesnovey named the day for the turn to the beginning of spring. The air became noticeably warmer, the frosts subsided, and drops often occurred. The daylight hours increased and the dark night decreased. If a thin bright moon was noticed on Prokhor Vesnovey, thunderstorms were expected. Frost for a week foreshadowed a warm March.

In school, student or work communities, there are often “scapegoats” - victims of public persecution and bullying. People who are very different from those around them externally or internally and have a gentle and gentle character are subject to bullying. Moral humiliation is considered the same form of violence as physical coercion. As a sign of support for victims who are regularly subjected to verbal abuse and emotional pressure, International STAND UP to Bullying Day was established. Twice a year, every third Friday in November and last February, International Anti-Bullying Day is observed. Traditionally, millions of people wear pink or "Pledge" T-shirts during this time to show solidarity with those who are being bullied. The first official celebration of Anti-Bullying Day took place in 2008. The year before, an unpleasant incident occurred at Central Kings Rural High School in Cambridge, located in Nova Scotia. Senior students at this Canadian school launched a campaign against a 9th grade student who wore a pink polo shirt to class. At first glance, ridicule and mockery are quite harmless. But in the long term, bullying leads to post-traumatic anxiety disorder and other psychological pathologies. Victims of years of bullying commit suicide, unable to cope with social pressure. Children who are bullied by their classmates may become bullies and criminals in the future due to their desire for revenge. Therefore, counteracting bullying has important social significance. Students Travis Price and David Shepherd witnessed bullying at a Canadian school in 2007. As a show of support for the victim, they purchased 50 pink T-shirts from a stock store and distributed them to the children the next day, offering to wear them as a sign of solidarity. Thanks to two teenagers, a pink T-shirt has become a symbol of anti-bullying activities. The action makes it clear to victims of moral bullying and humiliation that they are not alone and can always count on understanding and support from others. Travis Price is also sure of this, who in one of his interviews said: “There is always someone who can help.” In honor of International Anti-Bullying Day, educational institutions and company offices are displaying stands with a list of initiatives and events conducted by the Canadian organization Bully Help Initiatives. In addition to using pink T-shirts and shirts, on the last Friday of February and every third of November, people post anti-bullying posts on social media with calls to support victims of bullying. Educational events carried out these days make it possible to prevent the serious consequences of bullying, ranging from psychological disorders and depression of victims to suicide.

There is no other people on the planet so closely associated with religion as the Jews. The faith, traditions and history of this people make them unique and different from others. Purim is a great holiday, named from the word "pur", which means "lot". It was established in memory of the incredible salvation of the Jews over 2400 years ago during the Persian reign, during the reign of Ahasuerus. The history of the creation of the holiday is described in great detail in one of the Old Testament writings. Events began when the ruler Achashverosh appointed Haman and Mordechai as his advisors. The first was one of the wealthiest people in the world, and his new position obliged everyone to idolize him like an idol, since in those days in Persia all people, besides Jews, were pagans. Mordechai, in turn, received the king's favor for informing on two guards who wanted to poison the ruler. From the very beginning, Haman hated Mordechai because he did not want to idolize him and taught the rest of the people not to do so. In addition, some time ago the army of Mordechai and Haman were sent to battle an Indian city that did not want to obey the ruler. Food was prepared for several years, but by the end of the first year Haman had used up all his supplies. Mordecai agreed to help him if he would become his slave. And since there was no paper at hand, he wrote his positive answer right on his savior’s leg. Therefore, an idea appeared in Haman’s thoughts on how to exterminate forever the Jews living in Persia. To realize his idea, he cast lots to determine the appropriate month. And it seemed to him that Adar was most suitable. And since Achashverosh was not particularly intelligent, he easily signed a decree for the extermination of the Jewish people, without knowing anything about them. It is worth saying that the ruler’s wife Esther was a Jew, so she stood up to protect her people. Esther knew how much her husband enjoyed feasts. Then she prepared a luxurious celebration for him, for which he promised to fulfill any of her wishes. At the same moment, she fell at her husband’s feet and told him that Haman wanted to destroy the Jews. The king was very angry, but the decisive moment was another misdeed of the adviser: he made his way to Esther’s pastel and began to ask her to intercede for him. After this, Achashverosh ordered Haman to be executed and he was hanged on the branch that he had previously prepared for Mordechai. In addition, the king allowed the Jews to stand up for their own lives, and, having defeated their opponent, to take all the enemy’s property. For this reason, the 12th and 13th Adar are called “bloody” Purim, because on these days the Jewish people fought off their enemies. There is a legend that in one of the battles the sons of Haman were killed, and with them over 50,000 people. And the next two days, which became deliverance, are called today Purim. The celebration begins on the evening of the 13th of Adar, with Esther serving as protector, since she and Mordechai refused water and food. On this day, people pray and analyze their lives, think about how much horror the people experienced in the first days of the proclamation of the decree. In addition, they read the writings of Esther, which describes the story of Purim. And the celebration ends in the same way as it began - with the reading of the scrolls of Esther. This process takes place within the walls of synagogues. At one time, only handwritten scrolls were allowed to be used. However, today you can also use printed literature. The main thing is that everything happens with deep respect. Before reading the morning and evening prayers, blessings are said. After pronouncing the name Aman, all participants in the action stomp their feet, whistle, clap and crack graggers - special rattles. With the help of loud sounds, anger, hatred and contempt for the cruel adviser are conveyed.

Orthodox holidays on February 23:

The Orthodox Church honors the memory of Saint Prokhor of the Pechersk Lebednik every year on February 23. His life and deeds are an example of selfless service to God and his people. He died in 1107, his relics rest in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, but the Orthodox people even today know that Saint Prokhor the Lebednik intercedes for them, protects them from hunger, disasters and deprivation. In their prayers to the miracle worker, people ask to protect their families from adversity and evil intent. A simple layman traveled a long way from Smolensk to Kyiv to become a monk and give his life to God and prayers. In the monastery, he subjected himself to such asceticism that instead of bread he ate only quinoa, for which they nicknamed him the Lebednik. He sincerely believed that God is merciful, and if he sends suffering, then he will certainly show his mercy and give healing. And so it happened: seeing the monk’s patience, the Lord transformed for him the bitter taste of quinoa into honey and gave him the ability to experience only joy from life. During these times in Rus', the people were languishing from continuous civil strife, heavy taxes and raids by the Polovtsians. When famine came, the monk distributed quinoa bread to all the hungry, and after Prokhor’s blessing, this bread became tasty and sweet. When salt disappeared from the city, Prokhor learned to turn ordinary ash into salt through holy prayers and gave it to the people. The salt merchants reported him to Prince Svyatopolk, and he ordered all the supplies to be taken away from the monk. But when the salt was brought to the prince's court, it again turned into ash. Svyatopolk wished to personally meet with the elder, and after the conversation he was imbued with true respect for him and gave his word not to create any more violence. After this meeting, Prokhor lived many more years in righteousness and worship. Before his death, the elder spoke for a long time with the prince about mercy, eternal life, and God's judgment. He forgave Svyatopolk his sins and blessed him for great deeds. After the death of the blessed monk, Svyatopolk won a final victory over the Polovtsians. This victory was granted to the Russian people thanks to the intercession and prayers of Saint Prokhor the Lebednik.

Memorial Day of Righteous Galina

Feast of the Icon of the Mother of God “Fire-shaped”

Cathedral of Saints of Novgorod

Memorial Day of the Hieromartyr Charalampios of Magnesia