In September, the day of the Icon of the Mother of God of Pisidia is celebrated. She became famous thanks to the miracles performed in the city of Sozopol. From the hand of the Mother of God, depicted on the canvas, myrrh—blessed oil—flows. But since there is practically no information about the icon, it is also called ancient. And also on September 16, name days are celebrated by some men and women who received names in honor of saints and martyrs.
Male names
In autumn, name days are celebrated mostly by men. In September there are few days dedicated to the memory of martyrs and holy women. Angel Day on the 16th for children and adults with the following names:
- Anfim;
- Aristion;
- Vitalian;
- Gorgonium;
- Dorofei;
- Efim;
- Ivan;
- Konstantin;
- Mardonius;
- Peter;
- Feoktist;
- Theophilus;
- Khariton.
The Greek name Anthimus translates as “blooming.” This is the name of boys born on September 16, in honor of the martyr-bishop of Nicomedia. Ariston means “reward”, this is the memory of the holy martyr of Alexandria. The Latin name Vitalian is a derivative of Vitalius, which means “descendant of the Vitallians.” In this case, September 16 is the men's name day in honor of the martyr Vitalian.
Gorgonius is believed to be a Greek name meaning "belonging to the Gorgon." Dorotheus stands for “given by God.” This is also a Greek name, it was borne by another martyr of Nicomedia. Efim - “sacred” or “pious.” Ivan or John is a Hebrew name meaning "God bestowed." In September, the name day of the martyr John of Rostov the Wonderworker.
The Latin name Constantine translates as “firm” or “steadfast.” This is the memory of the pious Tsar Constantine the New. The name Mardonius has two origins - Greek and Armenian. It is translated as “Aryan man” or “man from the Marda tribe.” On this September day the martyr Mardonius is remembered. The Greek name Peter was the name of one of the martyrs - the disciples of Christ. It means "stone".
Theoktist simultaneously comes from Greek and Old Russian languages. It is translated as “created by God.” Theoktis was the name of Euthymius the Great.
Deacon Theophilus also made it possible for men with the same name to celebrate the day of the angel on September 16th. Translated from Greek, it means “God-loving.” The name Chariton was borne by the great martyr, and it means “joyful” or “gracious.”
Ozone Layer Day
Every year on September 16, the world community celebrates the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. The date was approved on September 16, 1994 according to the 1958 Ozone Layer Convention. At that time, the document was signed by representatives of 44 states.
And already on September 16, 1987, the Montreal Protocol was signed. It provided for freezing and reducing the production of chemical compounds that pose a danger to the ozone layer.
The ozone layer is considered to be part of the stratosphere, which is formed due to the effect of ultraviolet radiation from the Sun on oxygen. Scientists are constantly working on programs aimed at protecting this vital shell for the Earth. In large cities, open conferences are held on September 16, where people are introduced to the situation in the stratosphere. Younger generations will have to act to protect the ozone layer in order to protect the planet from destruction.
Record-sized ozone hole discovered over the Arctic
What is celebrated in other countries on September 16:
- HR Manager Day in the Russian Federation
- Day of the State Security Service of Kyrgyzstan
- Juliet's birthday in Verona
Modern options
Ancient Greek and Latin names are rarely used today. But on September 16 other men also celebrate the day of the angel:
- Alexei;
- Andrey;
- Basil;
- Vladimir;
- Ilya;
- Michael;
- Nikolai;
- Novel;
- Sergey;
- Philip.
Usually quiet and calm women name their sons Alexei. But as boys grow older, they try to protect their mother and anyone they consider weak. Grown men can always stand up for their women and will not let anyone offend them. Andreys have a rich imagination. Since childhood, they imagine themselves as astronauts, engineers, designers, architects. Usually in adulthood they choose a profession that requires a creative approach. But it is difficult for them to communicate with others, as they constantly think about solving important issues.
All little Vasilievs are loved by their grandparents, and the boys themselves show attention and care to them. Teenagers and adult men love to be the center of attention; communication is important to them. But at the same time they treat animals, children and weak creatures well. The Vladimirs are trying to learn as much as possible in this world. They enjoy reading, but are often exposed to risks and adventures. In every company, Vladimir wants to take the position of leader, so sometimes he gets into conflict situations.
The economical Ilya has been accustomed to helping others since childhood, which makes it easy for him to live independently. As he grows up, he acquires new skills and strives to put them into practice. Mikhails love to study, they are active in all areas - sports, art, exact sciences, entertainment. But it is difficult for them to get used to a new environment and a different team, even in adulthood. Mishas love comfort and stability in everything from work to family life.
Nikolaevs most often have good health, they rarely get sick. In childhood, boys pester their parents with their whims, and men like to be in charge of everything. They are distinguished by inner strength, courage and activity. Romans are susceptible to viral diseases, so their health needs to be monitored from an early age. Due to illness, boys often miss classes and have problems with learning.
Sergei also causes a lot of trouble for parents. But with age, they begin to play sports and become healthier, more resilient and stronger.
Philippas are used to hiding their emotions - grievances, tears, sincere feelings. Although they give them an outlet when communicating with loved ones, which is why the family suffers from constant outbursts of anger.
Tsar Constantine the New
One of the righteous people, in whose honor those born on September 16 are named, is Constantine the Great. He was the son of Helen Equal to the Apostles and Constantius Chlorus, who ruled Britain and Gaul, the western part of the Roman Empire. Emperor Diocletian took the young man to his palace when he turned 18 years old. After Constantine's patron abdicated the throne, the young man returned to Gaul and took up his position.
The new emperor's mother converted him to Christianity. Even his father, a former pagan, accepted the true faith . Constantine was remembered as generous, fair, insightful and active. It was not for nothing that he was chosen by God’s Providence to accomplish a great revolution.
In 308, the emperor defeated Maximian Herculus and presented rich sacrifices in the temple of Apollo. Although this indicates his commitment to the pagans, and here one can find a glimpse of faith in a higher power. In 312, a war began against Maximian's son, Maxentius. Constantine saw a luminous cross in the sky and the inscription “By this way conquer.” And at night the Lord appeared to him in a dream and convinced him that it was with the help of a sign that he would defeat the enemy. In the morning, the emperor ordered a cross to be depicted on all flags.
After the victory, Constantine erected his statue in Rome. The sculpture in its right hand held a cross with the inscription “With this saving banner I saved the city from the tyrant’s yoke.” Later he issued a manifesto on the free acceptance of Christianity by everyone. And in 313, the emperor signed a second document, according to which believers again found places for worship and received back the previously taken away property.
But soon a struggle began between Constantine and his son-in-law Licinius. The latter noticed that Eastern Christians had joined his father-in-law, and began to spread rot against them again. Pagan oracles foreshadowed victory for their ruler, and true believers prayed to God for Constantine. The emperor won the fight and became the sole ruler of the entire empire.
Constantine oriented military and everyday laws, rules and requirements towards Christian commandments. He did so much for the church that they began to call him Equal to the Apostles. The emperor stopped the games of the pagans, removed civil duties from the clergy, abolished executions by crucifixion, banned sacrifices, protected virgins from the lustful Romans with special laws, and allowed Christians to positions of power.
Born on this day
- 1745 - Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov, commander, student of Suvorov, hero of the Patriotic War of 1812.
- 1889 - Mercedes Jellinek, just a girl after whom a famous car was named.
- 1924 - Lauren Bacall, American film actress, is considered one of the greatest movie stars in Hollywood history.
- 1945 - Evgeny Petrosyan, humorist writer, People's Artist of Russia.
- 1952 - Mickey Rourke, famous American film actor.
- 1956 - David Copperfield, famous American magician and hypnotist.
- 1970 - Yuri Nikiforov, Soviet, Ukrainian football player and coach.
- 1979 - Ava Addams, American actress, Playboy model with the world's largest bust.
Angel Day for Women
Women's name days are also celebrated on September 16th. But on this day few martyrs and saints are remembered. The main names that girls can receive according to church canons:
- Vasilisa;
- Blast furnace;
- Thebe.
Vasilisa comes from the Greek word “Basilis”, which means “royal”. Usually the Slavs use the masculine form of the name - Vasily. But women's also remains popular. On this day they remember and pray to the martyr Vasilisa of Nicomedia.
Domna is a name of both Slavic and Latin origin. It means “lady” or “mistress” and serves as a memory of the martyr Domna. The Greek name Thebe translates as “bright.” The Cenchrean deaconess wore it, so the angel's day is celebrated in her honor on the 16th. Although these names are rare today, they were given to true Christian women who gave their lives for their faith.
HADIAC AGREEMENT
On September 16, 1658, the Hetman of Ukraine Ivan Vygovsky in the city of Gadyach concluded the Gadyach Treaty with Poland.
This agreement provided that Ukraine, under the name “Grand Duchy of Russia”, consisting of such voivodeships as Chernigov, Kiev and Bratslav, would be united in its own union with the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland as its third equal member. The chairman of the executive power of Polish-Lithuanian Ukraine was the hetman, who was elected for life and officially approved by the king.
The Grand Duchy of Russia was supposed to have its own Ukrainian office work, a 40,000-strong army, its own currency, treasury and court. Alas, the Poles promised a lot of things, but they did not give any of the above - except for the hetman appointed by the Tsar.
Vasilisa of Nicomedia
The martyr Vasilisa suffered for her faith at the age of nine. She went through terrible torture, but remained unharmed, which became evidence of her boundless love for God. The girl set an example for other Christians and proved that not only an adult is capable of self-sacrifice and deeds.
During the reign of Emperor Diocletian in Rome, 17,000 people were killed every month for their faith in Christ. And on Christmas Day, 20,000 people were burned alive right in churches. At the age of nine, Vasilisa was also put on trial. At first, the hegemon - the ruler of Nicomedia, Alexander - tried to win her over to his side with the help of affection and promises. But the girl remained true to her convictions.
Then Alexander hit her in the face, for which Vasilisa only thanked God. They tore off all her clothes and began to beat her with rods that tore the delicate skin of a child. But even then the girl prayed to Christ. After this, the emperor ordered to beat her harder, Vasilisa’s body turned into a continuous wound. And again she thanked her patron.
Then Alexander ordered a fire to be lit, and pitch, oil, tin and sulfur were thrown into it. Vasilisa was hung upside down over the fire, but she did not suffer from the stench, smoke or heat. Then the girl was thrown into a lit oven, but she came out of it unharmed. Two angry lions lay down at Vasilisa’s feet and did not harm her. During all the torment, she prayed and thanked God.
Then Alexander threw himself at her feet and began to beg for forgiveness. He asked her to pray for his soul, because he too now believed in the power of Christ. Vasilisa took the hegemon to Bishop Anthony so that he could help him be baptized. Alexander repented of all his sins, but he soon died. He was buried like a true Christian.
And a few months later Vasilisa stood by the stone and wanted to drink. She asked God in prayer to quench her thirst. At the same moment, water flowed from the stone. The girl got drunk and thanked Christ. After prayer she died. Anthony buried her body not far from that very stone.
Righteous Domna
Another holy martyr, in whose honor women's name days are celebrated on September 16, is Domna of Nicomedia. The Roman emperors Diocletian and Maximian constantly persecuted Christians. The attacks escalated after a fire broke out in the Nicomedia Palace. Christians were accused of arson and were subjected to unprecedented cruelty.
On Christmas, churches were closed and fires were set in them. The fire killed tens of thousands of Christians. But this did not frighten the righteous; they continued to profess their faith. Several martyrs died at that time:
- Dorofei;
- Mardonius;
- Mygdonius;
- Peter;
- Gorgonium;
- Indis.
Some Christians were burned, others were cut with swords, buried alive in the ground and drowned in the sea. Zinon was publicly beaten with stones, and then his head was cut off. Domna used to be a priestess, then she took care of the bodies of the dead - she washed them, dressed them and buried them properly.
The Nicomedia Church was ruled by Bishop Anthimus. He demanded from his parishioners not to give up and not betray the faith. But one day his letter to the Christians fell into the hands of Maximian. The emperor found out the whereabouts of the bishop and his supporters. He sent soldiers to the church, but Anfim came out to meet them and was invited to dinner. Over the meal he answered who he was. The soldiers wanted to lie to the emperor, but the bishop refused and appeared before him.
Maximian tried to intimidate him, Domna and Euthymius with instruments of torture. But Christians refused to abandon their faith. They endured all the torment and torture - they were cut, their joints were twisted, they were burned with fire, they were flogged with rods. In the end, everyone was killed with swords. But until the last minutes of her life, Domna and her fellow believers remained faithful to God.
Only parents decide what to name their child. But if you cannot choose a suitable name, then you can turn to the church calendar. Almost every day is dedicated to some saints or martyrs. Although some names have become obsolete, they are still used.
