On April 1, 2024, the third week of the longest and strictest Great Lent begins. This day is dedicated to the memory of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God, known as “Tenderness.” It is also a day to remember the martyrs Chrysanth and Daria, along with Claudius, Hilary, Jason, and Mavr, Diodorus and Marian. In folklore, this day is known as “Dirty Daria” – as the snow melting under the sun’s rays turned into a muddy mess.
What is the icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness”?
The icon of the Mother of God, known as “Tenderness,” appeared in Smolensk in 1103. It played a special role during the defense of the city against Polish invaders in the early 17th century (1609-1611). The image accompanied the army and was located in the camp of the Russian troops commanded by Voivode Shein, who held the enemy at bay from ravaging the city for 18 months. On the miraculous icon, the Mother of God, with her hands raised to her chest, looks tenderly at the Divine Child lying on her mantle, holding the scepter in His right hand – a symbol of power and strength. The list of the miraculous Smolensk image “Tenderness” is currently kept in the Spaso-Okopny temple in the city of Smolensk.
Who were the martyrs Chrysanth and Daria, Claudius, Hilary, Jason and Mavr, Diodorus and Marian?
Chrysanth came from a pagan family. He received a good education and, while reading books, became interested in Christian teaching. The Holy Scripture enlightened the soul of the wise youth. He found the presbyter Carpofer, who was hiding from persecution, and asked to be baptized. After that, he openly began to preach Christianity. In an attempt to bring him back to paganism, his father arranged for him to marry the beautiful Daria, a priestess of Athena. However, Chrysanth managed to convert his wife to Christ, and the young couple mutually decided to lead a celibate life. After the death of his father, they started living in separate houses. Chrysanth gathered around him a few young men converted to Christ, while St. Daria was joined by pious women. The townspeople complained to the authorities that the holy Chrysanth and Daria preached celibacy. Chrysanth was seized, but the tortures could not shake the courage of the young martyr, as he was clearly aided by the power of God. Amazed, the tribune Claudius believed in Christ and was baptized along with his wife Hilary, their sons Jason and Mavr, all their household, and soldiers. When Emperor Numerian heard about this, he ordered Claudius and his household to be executed. Daria was handed over to the torturers in the brothel, where she was guarded by a lion sent by God. The lion knocked down everyone who tried to defile the saint but left them alive. The martyr preached Christ to them and led them to salvation. Chrysanth was thrown into a stinking pit filled with all the filth of the city. But the Heavenly Light shone on him, and instead of stench, the pit was filled with fragrance. They buried them alive after torture. In a cave near the place of execution, Christians gathered to celebrate the day of the martyrs’ heroic death. They held services and partook of communion. Learning of this, the pagan authorities ordered the entrance to the cave filled with praying Christians to be sealed. Many Christians perished in agony, two of whom are known by name: the martyrs presbyter Diodorus and deacon Marian.
What can you do on April 1, 2024?
- It is important to take care of household chores, study well, or focus on work duties.
- It’s a great day for washing and whitening clothes.
What should you not do on April 1, 2024?
- Do not give in to despondency.
- Do not be idle.
- Do not get offended.
- Do not feed strangers with bread and flour products.
- Do not speak ill of other women in front of women.