Sacred Observances on Mavrikiev Day
During the celebration of Mavrikiev Day on March 7, the faithful strictly adhere to a number of restrictions and traditions. In particular, the fast begins two days before the feast, accompanied by special prayers and visits to temples. In the Pokrovskaya community, special importance is placed on maintaining a fasting table, which means abstaining from meat and dairy products. Even on the day of the celebration, after the morning service, the table is set with bread and hospitality, yet meat dishes remain prohibited; moreover, special solemnity is given to the evening service on the eve of the feast, when ceremonial hymns and readings take place (see quote from file link txt, p. 37).In addition to the dietary restrictions, there is another rule: believers are forbidden from engaging in heavy physical labor on the festive day. All work must be completed in advance so that nothing distracts from prayer and spiritual focus. This requirement is especially important for rural residents, for whom field work is traditionally suspended for one day (see quote from file link txt, p. 38).