A special national holiday on November 20 is Fedotov's Day: history, customs, omens

On November 20, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Holy Martyr Theodotus of Ancyra. In the national calendar, the holiday is known as Fedotov Day, or Fedot Ledostav. This date marked the final transition from autumn to winter and was filled with important household chores. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Thursday. Izvestia tells about the customs, signs and prohibitions of this day.

What is the church holiday on November 20th?

Saint Theodotus lived in the 3rd century in the city of Ankir in modern Turkey. He was known for his deep faith and piety. During the period of severe persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, Theodotus not only courageously preached, but also supported his co-religionists: he visited them in prisons, bought them out of debt slavery, provided shelter and honorably buried the bodies of executed martyrs.

One day, he buried the bodies of seven Christian martyrs, among whom was his relative Tecusa. The saint's activities attracted the attention of the authorities. But even before the court, Theodotus fearlessly and openly glorified the Lord. Despite the cruel tortures, he did not renounce Christ and, with God's help, withstood all the trials.

Realizing that the will of the righteous cannot be broken, sentence him to execution by beheading with a sword. The body of the martyr was handed over to the priest Fronton, who buried the saint at a pre-designated place. Later, a church was erected on this site.

For believers, the life of Theodotus of Ancyra has become a symbol of perseverance, mercy and unshakeable faith in the most severe trials.

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Traditions of the national holiday Fedotov Day

In the folk tradition, St. Theodotus Memorial Day was named Fedotov Day. This date was considered a milestone marking the arrival of winter. The main economic activities during this period were focused on preparing for the long cold weather. The families carried out an audit of winter supplies: they checked whether they had harvested enough grain, pickles, vegetables and firewood to heat the house in the cold.

Special attention was paid to putting tools, equipment, and clothing in order. The men were preparing the sleigh for future trips and repairing fishing gear for winter fishing. The women devoted their time to needlework and tried to wash as much linen as possible. It was believed that Saint Theodotus was particularly pleased with such pious and peaceful pursuits, which, according to beliefs, attracted prosperity and well-being to the house for the coming winter.

The celebration had another name — Ice-breaking. It is related to the weather conditions at the end of November. In some areas, ice sheets were already appearing on rivers at that time and winter roads were opening, which was reflected in the popular saying: "Rivers are covered with ice — winter roads have opened."

What not to do on November 20 on Fedotov day

There were a number of strict prohibitions against Fedot, based both on the church's veneration of the martyr and on popular superstitions. They were especially afraid of quarrels and conflicts, believing that such behavior would not please a virtuous saint. Cowardice and indecision were also condemned. Our ancestors believed that anyone who cowards on Fedotov's day would lose their luck for a long time.

Orthodox holidays in December 2025: the full Church calendar

What else can't be done on November 20th:

• starting new businesses and going on long—distance trips was not a good day for major endeavors, and traveling, especially on the fragile first ice, could be dangerous.;
• to make noise and fuss unnecessarily — increased activity promised setbacks in household matters;
• refusing to give alms and help those in need could lead to hardships and difficulties in the future.;
• Scaring and scattering birds is a sure way to attract misfortunes and troubles into life.

Folk signs for November 20th

On Fedotov's day, they carefully observed nature, according to the signs of which they predicted the weather for the coming winter and the future harvest. Particular importance was attached to the condition of the first ice, as well as the behavior of birds. So, the loud and restless cry of jackdaws and crow flocks foreshadowed heavy snowfall. And if the ice on the rivers stood up unevenly, "humps", it promised a rich harvest of grain next year.

Other signs of the day:

• fog in the morning leads to warming;
• The wind blows from the north — towards the cold;
• It was a clear and frosty day, towards early spring;
• snow has fallen on the frozen ground — there will be a lot of bread in summer.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the national holiday of Jonah's Day, which was associated with marriage rites and rituals.

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