Honoring Eusebius of Nicomedia: A Day Steeped in History
Celebration of Eusebio's Day on May 7: Guidelines for Allowable and Prohibited Activities
Step into the annals of Christian history as we pay tribute to Eusebius of Nicomedia, a bishop whose impact on the early Arian controversy cannot be overstated. Orthodox Christians honor his memory on this day.
Born as the bishop of Berita, Eusebius rose through the ranks, earning the position of bishop of Nicomedia thanks to the intervention of Constantine the Great's wife [1]. At the Council of Nicaea in 325, he sided with Arius, championing his cause and becoming the leader of the Eusebians, a conciliatory party [3].
Despite the council's verdict, Eusebius refused to renounce Arianism and was exiled to Gaul. However, a few years later, he was recalled from exile by Constantine. He actively participated in the Council of Tyre in 335, opposing Athanasius the Great, and also played a role in Constantine's baptism in 337 [1]. Additionally, Eusebius presided over the Council of Gangra in 340, an assembly convened against the heresy of Eustathius [1].
In Russia, this day was known as Eusev's Day and was associated with sowing oats. Ancestors would say, "Eusebius has come - it's time to sow oats." The Russian tradition held that after May 7, frosts would begin, so all field work was done before Eusev's Day [1].
Symbolic Omens
- An abundance of mosquitoes: Indicates a fruitful fish catch.
- A yellow sunset: Predicts a dry spell.
- Dull sun rays: foreshadows an approaching storm.
- Low-hanging clouds on the horizon: Signal a storm and strong wind.
- Hot weather in May: Signals cooler temperatures in June.
Activities
- Prepare food from oats: Boosts your health.
- Clean the house: Infuses the home with positive energy.
- Host gatherings: Bolsters your strength.
- Wash bed linens: ensures restful sleep.
Avoid
- Prepare dishes from wheat or rye flour: Risks health complications.
- Indulge in jealousy: Could lead to real infidelity.
- Give gifts of wool or linen: Invites poverty.
- Be late: Invites bad luck.
- Engage in gossip: Risks becoming the subject of rumors.
Historical Context
Eusebius of Nicomedia (d. c. 341) wielded considerable influence in the early Arian controversy as a protégé of Constantine the Great’s sister and leader of the Arian party at the Council of Nicaea (325)[3]. He played a pivotal role in shaping imperial religious policy, orchestrating the exile of Athanasius, the staunch anti-Arian bishop of Alexandria, through councils like Tyre (335)[3]. Eusebius also baptized Emperor Constantine on his deathbed (337), solidifying his status as a trusted ecclesiastical authority.
Eusebius led anti-Nicene efforts post-325, collaborating with allies like Theognis of Nicaea to challenge the homoousios (consubstantiality) doctrine affirmed at Nicaea[3]. His theological network later influenced Constantius II, who promoted Semi-Arian positions[3]. This political acumen made Eusebius a central figure in the decades-long struggle over Christ’s divinity, demonstrating how imperial power and ecclesiastical authority intersected during Christianity’s ascendancy.
[1]: (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2021) [3]: (Nails, 1995)
- During the Arian controversy, Eusebius of Nicomedia, a bishop who sided with Arius at the Council of Nicaea in 325, wielded significant influence as a protégé of Constantine the Great’s sister and leader of the Arian party.
- Following his participation in the Council of Tyre in 335, Eusebius actively opposed Athanasius the Great and played a role in Constantine's baptism in 337, further solidifying his status as a trusted ecclesiastical authority.
- Despite his controversial stance on Arianism, Eusebius was associated with sowing oats in Russia, with ancestors saying, "Eusebius has come - it's time to sow oats," implying that all field work should be done before this day, as frosts would begin after May 7.
- Eusebius' influence extended beyond religious policy, shaping the early Christian era, and his political acumen made him a central figure in the decades-long struggle over Christ’s divinity, demonstrating how imperial power and ecclesiastical authority intersected during Christianity’s ascendancy.
