The Virgin Mary falls every year on July 31.
They mark the beginning of the so-called Bogordian Lent, which lasts for two weeks – until August 15 (Great Mother of God). The idea of fasting is for people to purify themselves in order to open their senses and hear the messages of the Mother of God. In addition to the elimination of specific products from the weekly menu, the Virgin's fast has other prohibitions. For example, noisy gatherings, intimacy with the partner, gluttony are avoided.
The feast days of the Virgin are the last day before fasting, when it is allowed to eat “blissfully“ (meat dishes and dairy products). The whole family gathers around the rich table, where the festive cake takes center stage. The bread is broken by the oldest member of the family. Stronger believers spend the next three days on bread and water.
The Bogorod fast is more lenient compared to the other strict fasts before the big holidays, but still it also imposes a certain regime. Monday, Wednesday and Friday are called “dry” days, because then cooked food should not be consumed. Raw or dried fruits, raw vegetables, nuts, black bread are allowed. On the Transfiguration of the Lord, (August 6th) you can eat fish.
The memory of St. Eudokim. The story goes that he was a young soldier, respected by all because of the virtues with which he was distinguished. His relics were said to have healing powers, so when they moved his tomb to Constantinople, people went to worship his memory and take some from the dirt around the tomb. Legends say that miracles happened – the blind saw, and the lame walked.