The orthodox holiday of St. Spyridon the Miracle-Worker is celebrated from the 12th to the 25th of December. They say, from this actual day the daylight time begins to increase and night time decreases.
As during many other celebrations associated with the sun, on this day people set fire on spinning wheels lubricated with mazut and burn fires.
There are many legends associated with this holiday. Here's one of them. One day two carpenters worked on the holiday of St. Spyridon. At the end of the working day they went home to another village, and on the way they were tired and hungry, so they decided to eat in the tavern. They went into an inn, and their horses, of a black and white colour were left outside on the street. After a good meal and drink they went outside, and looked for their steeds, but the horses’ heads had changed, so the white horse is now with the black head, and the black horse is now with the white one. Carpenters suddenly realised that this was had been done for their sins; being punished in this way, as it is forbidden to work on this religious holidays.
Additionally, Spyridon the Wonderworker holiday symbolises the change of the weather.
If you want to get rid of any illnesses or diseases, take water, sanctified on this day in the church. For good reason Spyridon the Wonderworker is also the “Healer”, because he helps people to overcome all diseases.
Spyridon was born around 270 years ago in Cyprus, in Asuka . From an early age he lived a good life, he was good and modest child. Spyridon all the time was doing good deeds and helping those who were in need. For all these acts, God gave him the ability to heal many diseases.
After his wife's death he became an ascetic and bishop in Trimifuntiya fortress. For believers, he was an example model of hard work, goodness, care and love for God. He strictly condemned the priests who misinterpreted the Holy Scripture incorrectly. He himself was extremely convincing in his stories about the Holy Trinity, as evidence he took a brick, squeezed it in his hand, and out of it flowed down the water, only then came the fire and clay remaining in the hands of Spiridon. Wonderworker commented it - in the Holy Trinity are three elements, three persons, but God (who personified the brick) as one.
St. Spiridon died in his 78 year, and was buried in Trimifuntiya - the church of " St. Apostles." Then, his relics were transported to Serbia, and then to the island of Corfu, Greece - where they are up to day.
There is a belief that Spiridon comes to those who ask him for help.
Clergy declare that even the saint's relics – are miraculous. According to their words, at some time relics might leave their place, and when they return – they have well-worn boots, and themselves relics are dusty and warm, indicating that Spiridon helps people even nowadays.
Wonderworker was born with the aim to help the needy, and to heal the suffering people.
