Entering the name of Nin in the clergy was not accidental. They celebrate Nina's birthday on the church calendar in January, the 27th. A girl with that name was born in a small Georgian town. At the age of 12, Nina and her parents ended up in Jerusalem.
A bit of history
There, her parents engaged in divine services, and an old woman, wise in life experience, was engaged in the upbringing and education of the girl.
Showing obedience and diligence in training, the baby soon learned to read the Holy Texts of Christianity well.
Several years have passed. One day, an old woman told the girl that Christianity had not yet shed light on Georgia, and also about the legend of a warrior who, thanks to the lot, received a tunic and took him to the country of Avery (Georgia). This really touched the girl. The young saint began to pray to the Virgin to help Georgia turn to God and see the tunic of the Lord.
The Mother of God heeded Nina's prayers and appeared to her in a dream. The Blessed Virgin gave the girl a cross made of grapevines and said that he would guard her along the way. The Mother of God sent the saint to Georgia, which does not know Christianity, to preach the Gospel.
Waking up, Nina found a cross on her bed. Taking it, she turned to the patriarch of Jerusalem. After listening to the girl’s story, he gave his blessing and sent her to the apostolic ministry.
Miraculous deeds
Celebrating the day of Nina’s name day, people talk about a saint who performed miraculous acts during her journey to the country of Avery. The couple who sheltered her had no children, and thanks to the prayer of young Nina, the woman was healed of infertility. The following describes the miraculous salvation of a dying baby by applying a grape cross.
After the saint performed a miracle for someone, the beneficent walked around the village and glorified Jesus and his deeds. At the same time, they advised people in need of miraculous healing to turn to Saint Nina.
The queen, who worshiped idols, became seriously ill and, having called the girl to herself, was freed from the disease. Healed, she converted to Christianity. This is not the only miraculous phenomenon. King Merian, who wanted to exterminate all of Christianity, was blinded by lightning and healed after promising to glorify Christ, about which he informed Nina when he returned to the city.
Death of saint
The Equal-to-the-Apostles Saint carried out the baptism of people living in the mountains. Soon, Nina found out about her imminent death and informed the king about this. Merian came to say goodbye to her. Having bequeathed to bury her at the place of her tent, she died.
When trying to transfer her remains, it was not even possible to move the coffin from its place. After some time, a temple was built here. Masses of people flocked to Nina’s tomb and were surely cured of overcoming diseases.
Holy names
The tradition of giving the newborn the name of a saint comes from the advent of Orthodoxy in Russian lands. People, calling out the child, hope that the child will take a piece of his character and destiny. And the saint himself will be a guardian angel for the baby and throughout his life will protect him from troubles and hardships.
The name for the baby can be chosen on the day corresponding to the birth, dedicated to the memory of the saint. It can also be done on the 8th day and on the 40th. During baptism, the name of the saint will be given to the child.
A man named in honor of the saint celebrates Nina's name day on the day of her memory. As you know, it is the day of death. Before celebrating a name day, you should pray to your guardian angel.
Name celebration
The Orthodox tradition of celebrating Angel Day is rooted in the 17th century. For example, Nina’s name day is celebrated not only by women, but also by men with a name in which there is a part of “Nin”. Preparation for the festive feast was carried out thoroughly. On the eve of the celebration, in the evening, baked cakes, cakes and rolls.
Not only relatives were invited to the holiday. It was a universal celebration. Friends and neighbors received invitations, the more people, the more fun and noisy the holiday. On Nina’s name day, guests were invited not with postcards, but with freshly baked pies and feces. The birthday boy was supposed to visit the church and light a candle in front of the icon of his angel.
By evening, guests gathered and presented the hero of the occasion with gifts. Seating the guests at the table, the godparents were placed in places of honor. The festive mood was supported by a varied table setting.
The main thing at dinner was a pie, on which was written the name of the one whom they congratulated. Baked Easter cake on Nina's name day was necessarily filled with fish, vegetables, fruits, berries and even porridge.
Traditions and Beliefs
The main tradition was breaking the cake over the head of the birthday person. There was such a belief: the more porridge gets on him, the more happiness and good luck will be in his life. It was also necessary to break some dishes for happiness.
After the feast part of the celebration, we embarked on an entertaining moment, including dances and songs, round dances and games. In conclusion, the hero of the holiday expressed gratitude to the guests for congratulations and presented everyone with a symbolic gift.
Celebrating Nina's birthday in 2014 as in the old days, hardly anyone will. However, in modern times, the tradition lost during the revolution is beginning to revive. People who are busy with everyday activities and problems are happy to meet with relatives and have a good time at the same table, wishing everyone health and a happy life.