The Serbian Orthodox Church and its faithful today celebrate the day of Saint Great Martyr Prokopije, a Christian saint from the 4th century. Although few families observe this holiday as their patron saint day (“krsna slava”), this saint has been highly revered in our regions since ancient times, and is particularly celebrated in the city of Prokuplje.
Traditions and Beliefs
Even though it’s not marked with a red letter in the church calendar, Saint Prokopije’s Day is highly respected in Serbia. This saint is among the “fiery saints,” which also include Saint Elijah and Fiery Mary (Ognjena Marija). Traditionally, it is believed that this day is not good for swimming in rivers and other flowing waters.
The saying goes, “Neither into the forest, nor into the water.” Due to the fact that his name is mentioned during the conclusion of a marriage, in some regions it is believed that this day is suitable for weddings, as Saint Prokopije visits and blesses newlyweds today.
Besides newly married couples, Saint Prokopije is also considered the protector of children, and stonemasons and well-diggers celebrate him as their patron saint.
The Life of Saint Prokopije
Saint Great Martyr Prokopije was a Christian saint from the 4th century. His original name was Neanias, and he was a military commander in the service of Emperor Diocletian. According to legend, during the persecution of Christians, Diocletian ordered Neanias to go to Alexandria with a detachment of soldiers and eradicate Christians there.
However, on that journey, God appeared to Neanias, showing him a huge cross in the air. This experience completely transformed Neanias’s life. He made the same cross he had seen in the vision, and instead of persecuting Christians, he led his army to liberate Jerusalem.
He entered the holy city as a victor but was brought before a court for confessing to being a Christian. Before the judges, he removed his belt and sword, stating that he was only a soldier of Christ. After great tortures, this former soldier was thrown into prison, where the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him again, baptized him, and gave him the name Prokopije.
One day, 12 women came to his prison window and said, “We are also servants of Christ.” Accused of this, they were thrown into the same prison, where Prokopije taught them the faith, especially how they would receive the martyr’s crown. Witnessing their suffering and courage, Prokopije’s mother also believed in Christ, so all 13 were executed.
When Saint Prokopije was led to the execution site, he raised his hands and prayed to God for all the poor and needy, orphans and widows, and especially for the church, that it might grow and spread. Legend says that at that moment, it was revealed to him from heaven that his prayer would be answered, after which this saint calmly and happily went to his execution.
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Source: RTS, Kurir; Foto: Printscreen