Evdokimov's day on August 13th: what is strictly forbidden to do on a holiday
On August 13, Orthodox Christians remember the righteous Evdokim of Cappadocia, who is revered as the protector of the hearth and family well-being. In folk tradition, this day was called Evdokimov's Day and was filled with a special meaning: the ancestors considered it favorable for starting a serious relationship, as well as for harvesting for the winter. In 2025, the holiday falls on Thursday. The strict prohibitions and omens of Evdokimov's day are in the material of Izvestia.
Evdokimov's day on August 13: the history of the holiday, what to pray for
Every year on August 13, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the righteous Evdokim of Cappadocia, a saint of the 9th century, who entered the church tradition as an example of selflessness, piety and family patron.
The righteous Evdokim lived in the 9th century in Cappadocia, a region located on the territory of modern Turkey. He was born into a family of high-ranking Christians known for their pious lives. In his youth, Evdokim made a conscious choice in favor of the spiritual path: he took a vow of celibacy and sought solitude, communicating mainly with his mother.
He took special care of the poor, orphans and the destitute. His service to people and incorruptibility did not go unnoticed. Emperor Theophilus appointed Evdokim as the ruler of the Kharsian region. Even while holding public office, he remained a man of deep faith and continued to help those in need, maintaining modesty and strict morals.
Evdokim died at the age of 33. Sensing the approach of death, he retired to prayer and asked to be buried in his casual clothes. After his death, healings began to occur at the burial site, which served as the basis for church veneration.
Hagia Sophia Jami (Hagia Sophia Cathedral) is a Byzantine church, originally built in 537 AD, and later converted into a mosque, Turkey, Istanbul
On the instructions of Hieromonk Joseph, the relics of the saint were transferred to the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos in Constantinople.
In the Russian Orthodox tradition, Saint Evdokim is revered as the patron saint of the home and family. Believers turn to him with prayers for harmony in family relations, health and protection of loved ones. Since the day of his memory falls on August 13, on the eve of the beginning of the Dormition Fast, in the folk tradition the date was called Evdokimov's Day, or Evdokimov's conspiracy.
Evdokimov's day on August 13: strict prohibitions
Folk traditions prescribe several strict prohibitions on this day. So, you can't brag or take on someone else's merits. It was believed that for this you can incur the evil eye. Conflicts and quarrels on this day could leave a mark for a long time, so people tried to avoid any manifestations of aggression.
You can not pick up things or money found on the street on this day — this is a precaution against bringing someone else's trouble into the house. Similarly, it is not recommended to accept gifts from strangers.
Traditionally, Evdokimov's day was reserved for the last meals before the fast. It was allowed to set a festive table with meat, dairy products, eggs, and vegetables of the new harvest. Turnips, which were considered the "second bread", also got to the feast. Alcohol consumption was not allowed on this day, as the body and soul had to be cleansed.
In addition, it was forbidden to talk about their dreams on a holiday. This was especially true of bad dreams, otherwise they could come true in real life. It is also not recommended to go on a long journey, as various troubles may happen along the way.
Cleaning, washing and repairs are also strictly prohibited on August 13: according to legend, the brownie was resting on this day, and unnecessary trouble could "wake him up", which could lead to trouble. Nevertheless, work in the garden is welcome.
The youth, knowing about the upcoming Dormition Fast, organized noisy festivities on this day: round dances, songs and feasts.
Evdokimov's day on August 13: folk signs
From the point of view of the Orthodox Church, folk signs remain an interesting cultural phenomenon, but not obligatory spiritual practices. The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) emphasizes the importance of prayer, good deeds and spiritual attitude on this day, and considers folk beliefs as part of cultural heritage, not the basis of faith.
Evdokimov's Day, or Evdokimov's prayer, is the final day before the beginning of the Dormition fast. This was a time when peasants were particularly attentive to nature: they judged the weather, the behavior of animals and plants, the harvest and the fate of the coming autumn and winter.
If a person saw a spider web fluttering in the air, it promised a prolonged summer heat. The rapidly passing morning fog foreshadowed clear and warm weather for the whole day. The abundance of bees leaving the hive early in the morning was considered a sure sign of a good harvest, thus nature "blesses" the garden and vegetable garden.
The strong wind on this day served as an indication of the future snowy and harsh winter. In the forest, if there was fog hanging over the trees, the peasants were waiting for an abundance of mushrooms.
A cat trying to rub its back right on the street promised bad weather — according to the signs, the animal senses the approach of rain and tries to warn. If he crawled out onto the road and basked in the sun, it was bound to start raining soon.
Mice and rats running around the house in larger numbers than usual were a sign of the upcoming precipitation. Chickens moving far away from the coop symbolized the worsening weather.
Turnips, ripe by Evdokimov's day, were considered an auspicious sign: they had to be boiled, baked pies and kvass, and then treated to relatives. It brought good luck to the whole family. The ritual of the "harrow plot" is very important: before removing the harrow from the fields, the peasant necessarily "worshiped" the tool, thanked him for his work and sheltered him until spring.
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