When we celebrate the Red Hill in 2022 and whether to go to the cemetery on this day

Red Hill is a Slavic holiday that we celebrate on the first Sunday after Easter. It's also called Anti-Easter. That doesn't mean it's a bad day. Rather, it should be seen as “instead of Easter.” Today, the editorial staff of the Site will tell you what number the Orthodox Red Hill has and how to correctly mark it. We talk about traditions and prohibitions.



Orthodox believers celebrate the Red Hill on May 1 – exactly a week after Easter. First of all, it is worth telling a little about the history of the holiday. People call it the Red Hill, but in the Gospel it is referred to as Fomino Sunday. This is connected with the story of the Apostle Thomas, who was not among the disciples of Christ when he rose. He did not believe in the miracle of resurrection. Because of this, he was called Thomas the Unbeliever.

A few days later Jesus appeared to him to convince him. After this, Thomas became one of the most famous saints, founding many temples and carrying the teachings of Christ to different parts of the world.



In ancient Russia, this holiday was associated with the arrival of spring. It was on this day that the most weddings took place, magnificent festivities and celebrations were arranged. The red slide symbolizes spring and the renewal of nature. For many centuries, this day is the most popular time for weddings. It is said that the strongest families are created on this day.



In the Orthodox tradition, the holiday has acquired a slightly different look. It is customary for us to visit the city on this day and visit the departed relatives. Church tradition does not imply this, but the popular calendar is slightly different from the Christian one. The priests say that it is possible to remember the dead on this day. Since ancient times, people brought eggs, candy and pies to the cemetery. At home there were memorial feasts.

For all the time of its existence, the holiday has acquired not only traditions, but also prohibitions. It is believed that on this day you can not clean the graves and plant flowers there. It's customary to do it beforehand. You can go to the garden and even need to. However, children under one year and pregnant women should be left at home, they have nothing to do in the cemetery.



Also, the holiday should be held in kindness and tranquility. No quarrels and swearing. Just like any other day, though. The most important thing is to pray for the dead. You can also visit the temple, but home prayer is also strong.

Ukrainians need to be careful with visiting churches during the holidays this year. More than once it was said that the Russian occupiers can arrange provocations and even shelling churches. If you live in a territory that is close to a war zone, it is better to stay in a safe place. The most important thing is to take care of your safety. And you can read the prayer at home.



St. John Chrysostom said that deceased relatives should be helped with our prayers and alms instead of bitter sobs. Prayer is the most important thing to do for those who have passed away. We are sure that this year every Ukrainian on this day will pray not only for the souls of their deceased relatives, but also for those whose priceless lives were taken by the Russian occupiers.

Mention in your prayers everyone who died in this war, pray for their souls. May they rest. Remember, home prayer is no less effective. With it, we get closer to our loved ones, no matter where we are.

“Remember, O Lord our God, in the faith and hope of the life of your eternal dead servant (your) (your name) and, as the Good and the lover of mankind, who forgives sins and iniquities, release and forgive all his free sins and involuntary sins, deliver him from eternal torments and fire of Gehenna and grant him (her) communion and enjoyment of your eternal blessings, prepared by those who love You: for he did not give the Holy Spirit from the Trinity to the Holy One and the Holy One.”



Even if you do not come to visit the parish on the Red Hill in 2022, do not worry! Even home prayer will help you to calm your soul, and the deceased will find peace in heaven. On this day you can grieve and cry, but do not forget to remember all the good things that are associated with your departed relatives. Take care, let this holiday be bright, no matter what!