The Serbian Orthodox Church and believers today celebrate the feast of Saint Stephen the Summer or as he is also called, Saint Stephen the Windy.
On this day, the Serbian Orthodox Church commemorates the translation of the relics of Saint Stephen, the First Great Martyr, to Mount Zion where he was buried. The church gives homage to Archdeacon Stephen four times a year, and 40 churches in Serbia bear his name. The feast of Saint Stephen is celebrated by the monasteries of Hopovo, Lipovac, Banjska, Koporin, Lepenac, Slanci near Belgrade, as well as the monastery in Sombor.
According to biblical testimony, Saint Archdeacon Stephen was, like the twelve great apostles, inspired by the power of the Holy Spirit. He performed many miracles, helped people, and all of his good deeds are mentioned in the New Testament. In that first year after the suffering and Ascension of Christ, Saint Stephen, by the power of his faith, words, and deeds, reminded the Jews, his compatriots, of the words of the law and the prophets of the Old Testament and proved to them that they had indeed killed the Messiah, awaited for so many centuries. As a preacher in Jerusalem, he was led out of the city and stoned to death, which is why he is also called Saint Stephen the Protomartyr.
Beliefs and Customs
Believers are afraid of Saint Stephen the Windy and respect him so that the wind does not blow away their hay, straw, and bring various diseases. The belief is that on this day, one should be careful of the wind.
Coastal dwellers consider today’s holiday a sailor’s celebration because Saint Stephen the Windy gives them wind for their sails. Sailors believe that it is Saint Stephen who provides enough wind for the sails on their ships. Millers believe the same and celebrate him in windmills.
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Source: Kurir, Foto: Wikimedia Creative Commons