The ancient and beautiful name Arina. It came to Russia from Greece, where for a long time it was distributed among the representatives of the nobility. It is derived from the name of the ancient goddess of the world, whose name was Eiren, and in translation means "calm" and "peace." Having undergone changes over many years, the name took several forms. Among them are both the familiar Irina and the rarer Arina. The names of the owners of these names are celebrated several times a year. Usually everyone chooses for themselves the day that is closest to the day of her birth on the calendar.
Common heavenly patrons of Irina and Arina
According to the church calendar, the name of Arina is celebrated on the same days as Irina's. The patron saints of them alone. If you open the church calendar and look carefully, you can see that during the year from the pulpit the holy saints of God who bore this name are repeatedly remembered. Which of them to consider as their guardian angel is a purely personal matter. The choice should be made by Arina herself. Name days are Orthodox holidays, and it is necessary that they bring joy to the hero of the occasion.
How did you choose a child’s name in the old days
Previously, there was such a tradition, today it is already forgotten, but in the old days it is generally accepted: when a child was born, parents always looked in the holy calendar, to which saint that honor was given that day. Among several names, they chose the one that was most liked, and gave it to the newborn at baptism. This saint was now considered his patron saint. Thus, the birthday and name day (that is, the day of the angel) always coincided. This custom has long been a thing of the past, but according to the tradition of all those celebrating a birthday it is customary to call birthday people. Those who would like to revive this tradition need to look into the holy calendar.
Two Arins - Great Martyr and Empress
What saints from the heights of heaven patronize our Arins and Irins? This is important to know, because Arina’s name day according to the church calendar should be celebrated precisely in the days of their memory. The host of these servants of God is large enough to make a choice between them. The most famous, perhaps, is the early Christian holy great martyr Irina of Macedon, who lived in the late I - early II centuries. Her Orthodox Church commemorates May 18 (in a new style). She earned the crown of holiness by preferring martyrdom to renunciation of the Christian faith.
The birthday of Arina (the day of the angel of Arina) can also be celebrated on the feast of another Christian saint - the blessed queen Irina. This saint of God was the Byzantine empress and was awarded the crown of holiness for the fact that in 787 at the Council of Nicaea - the Supreme Church Council - strongly advocated the veneration of icons. The fact is that in those days there were many clergymen and representatives of secular authorities who advocated the rejection of them. With her imperial authority, Saint Irina put an end to disputes, and thanks to her, icon veneration has survived to the present day. The memory of the saint is celebrated on August 22. So Arina, whose name day will be celebrated on this day, will be under her heavenly protection.
A host of saints Irin, sung by the Orthodox Church
Four days later, on August 26, the holy calendar mentions yet another holy queen Irina, who ended her days as a monk and was ordained when she was tonsured by Xenia. But since in this case the name received at baptism is important, then she can be one of the heavenly intercessors, whom Arina has the right to choose. Namedays for the clergy can also be celebrated on the day of memory of the wife of St. George the Confessor - the righteous Irina. Her holiday is May 26th.
But this is not limited to the list of dates on which Arina can celebrate the day of her angel. The name day can also be noted on August 10, when the Orthodox Church recalls the life of the Monk Irina of Cappadakia. This pious virgin, who lived at the turn of the 9th and 10th centuries in Byzantium, from a young age adopted monasticism and, with a strict monastic life, acquired the crown of holiness. She went down in the history of the church as the abbess of the Hrisovalandu monastery of Constantinople.
Christian faith drenched in the blood of the great martyrs
In addition to the listed saints of God, several more names are marked in the church calendar, whose days of remembrance can be chosen by Arina. Name days can also be celebrated on January 12 and 16, April 29, August 17 and October 1. All these dates are days of remembrance of the holy great martyrs who bore the name Irina. One should not be surprised at so many of them.
The fact is that, having appeared in the 1st century AD, Christianity met on its way fierce resistance from paganism, which at that time was the state religion of the Roman Empire and many territories subject to it. Faith in Christ grew and strengthened on the blood of those who gave their lives for it, and there were many. History has not preserved the names of most of them, but those that have come down to us are included in the holy calendar for the annual remembrance.
Traits characteristic of Arins
In conclusion, a few words about what qualities are more often inherent in those who bear this beautiful and ancient name. It is believed that the main and most pronounced of them are balance and independence. In addition, it is noted that Arins are distinguished by their peace and tranquility.
Their closest associates are mainly good and reliable friends, and the enemies on the path of life are not so numerous. Among other characteristic features, sociability and friendliness can be distinguished. As a rule, it is pleasant to communicate with them, which puts them in a favorable position.