New Year is a secular holiday that is not recognized by the Orthodox Church. Moreover, the days of New Year's holidays fall on the time of Great Lent, during which the believer devotes himself entirely to the spiritual. But what if family members of an Orthodox Christian consider New Year to be the main holiday of the year? To quarrel with them, hide in a closet, so that you don't even hear the sounds of this "demonic orgy" (New Year's family feast)? In no case.
Instructions
Step 1
First of all, you need to talk to your relatives. It is necessary to explain to them that Great Lent is a spiritual feat, a deeply religious act that does not tolerate amusement, designed to cleanse the soul before the celebration of the Nativity of Christ. You should try to invite loved ones to celebrate New Year's holidays together a little later (for example, according to the old style - January 13-14). On New Year's Eve, you can limit yourself to a quiet family tea with lean pies, berry and fruit preserves, and honey.
Step 2
Some believers are lying to themselves by drinking alcohol (unfortunately, sharing alcohol during celebrations has been elevated among people to the rank of an obligatory ritual) on the days of Lent. Say, alcohol does not belong to the ambulance. However, drinking alcohol, like other amusements during Lent, is a sin.
Step 3
On New Year's holidays, the whole country in one impulse sticks to the blue screens. But Great Lent is a time of prayer, silence, purification. And watching TV is by no means conducive to purity of the soul and communication with God. This means that Orthodox Christians should not spend time watching TV at such an important time for the soul.
Step 4
As for decorating a Christmas tree, this tradition is inextricably linked with Christmas. It is worth knowing that before the Revolution, Christmas trees were placed in dwellings on the eve of Christmas (December 25 according to the old style). And this means that during the New Year celebrations (January 13-14, old style), the trees in the houses have been adorned for a whole week. In Soviet times, the authorities fought this attribute of religious life for a very long time, until, finally, in 1935, the trees began to return to their homes.
Step 5
It's a great idea to celebrate the New Year in the temple. On the night of December 31 to January 1, the Liturgy is served in many Orthodox churches. Here are the ringing of bells instead of chimes, a sermon instead of presidential congratulations and a thin scented candle instead of the stem of a glass of champagne.
Step 6
And, of course, the Orthodox should refrain from condemning those who celebrate the New Year traditionally: with alcohol, quick food and all kinds of amusements. Refrain from judgment, but not participate.
