Memorial Day of Saint Joseph the Betrothed

On January 11, people celebrate the Day of Joseph the Betrothed, the earthly father of Jesus Christ, the husband of the Mother of God. Revered in Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant churches. On this day, more than 2 thousand years ago, King Herod, fearing for his power, ordered the extermination of all infants under 2 years old in Bethlehem. He hoped that thanks to this mass murder, little Jesus, the future Messiah, his rival, would be among those killed. According to popular belief, Joseph the Betrothed Day is considered a dangerous day. The tragedy that occurred in Bethlehem during the life of the saint is projected onto today. Knowledgeable people advise not to let their children go outside on the evening of January 11; on this day, evil spirits intensify their machinations. Joseph the Betrothed is canonized. He saved Jesus while Herod was carrying out his terrible plan. At night, angels appeared to Joseph and warned the saint about the impending bloody tragedy, about the threat to the divine child. The baby Jesus with Mother Mary and his adoptive father left dangerous Bethlehem under cover of darkness, heading to Egypt. They stayed there until the death of Herod. Joseph comes from the royal family of David, but his life was spent in poverty and labor. The Saint is often called the Worker. He was a carpenter by profession, spending all his time at work and teaching his son Jesus the craft. His noble origin did not prevent the saint from working quietly, earning money through his craft, and feeding his family. The nickname “The Betrothed” was assigned to the saint thanks to his betrothal to the Virgin Mary. This was the second marriage for Joseph; from the first he had six children: four sons, two daughters. Having married the Mother of God, the saint learns about her pregnancy, is embarrassed and plans to secretly let Mary go in peace. In a dream, Joseph was told by angels the news of the divine origin of a child in his wife’s womb. The saint submits to the will of God, becomes a protector for his family, an earthly father and educator to Jesus. The Holy Scriptures last record of Joseph during the holy family's visit to Easter in Jerusalem. At that time, Christ was 12 years old. From ancient literature we can learn that Joseph lived for more than a hundred years. He was buried together with the parents of the Mother of God in the Basilica of Gethsemane, his relics are incorruptible. In sacred literature, a parallel is drawn between the images of Joseph - Mary and Jesus Christ - the Church. Just as Joseph the Betrothed became the protector for Mary, the head of the family, so Christ became the guardian and head of the Church. Every year on January 11, our ancestors went out into the yard and burned huge bonfires. All troubles and adversities were burned in the flame along with the logs, and evil spirits were expelled.