Folk signs for November 24: what can and cannot be done
In Russia, signs and beliefs were given special importance. They were used to determine what the upcoming winter would be like, when to go on the road and woo. The national calendar contained many rituals and traditions. Izvestia tells about the signs for November 24 and the church holidays that fall on this date.
Folk signs for November 24, 2025
In Russia, the day of Fyodor the Studite, or Fyodor Frost, was celebrated on November 24. It was believed that at this time winter finally comes into its own, and the earth is firmly frozen. "Fyodor is studying the earth," the ancestors remarked, preparing for a long period of cold weather.
The weather on Fyodor Studit was usually harsh, so the peasants tried not to leave the house unless absolutely necessary, spending the day in the warmth doing household chores. The traditional treat was hot, warming cabbage soup. There was also a special ceremony to attract prosperity: on this day it was supposed to sort out all the dishes and without regret throw away those that have cracks or chips. It was believed that in this way poverty could be banished from the house.
On the feast of Fyodor the Studite, villagers paid attention to various weather signs. If it was wet on November 24, it was understood that the slush and rain would linger until the Entry of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the temple (December 4).
Other signs of the day:
- lots of stars in the sky — for the harvest of berries and mushrooms in summer;
- A cold day leads to a frosty winter;
- strong wind — winter will be harsh;
- A warm day — spring will come early;
- snow falls evenly, leading to a good harvest.;
- birds are active — by warm and sunny December.
What not to do on November 24th
In order not to bring poverty, illness and discord on the family, on Fyodor Studit's day, the ancestors observed a number of strict prohibitions. For example, towels were not given on a holiday — it was believed that after that a person could become seriously ill.
What else can't be done on November 24th:
- Messing with fire — to the fire;
- being lazy leads to financial losses and failures;
- leaving a mess in the house leads to quarrels and discord in the family;
- to woo and have a wedding — a marriage concluded on that day was considered unlucky and short-lived;
- Swearing and talking nonsense can lead to a long series of failures.;
- Borrowing money can lead to debts and losses.
What is the church holiday on November 24th?
On November 24, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Theodore the Studite, who lived in the VIII–IX centuries. He was born in Constantinople in 758, received a brilliant education, and devoted himself to serving God from a young age. The saint took monastic vows at the Sakudion monastery, founded by his uncle Pavel. Subsequently, he became the abbot of the Studi monastery, where up to a thousand monks gathered. To manage the monastery, the Monk Theodore drew up a strict cenobitic charter, called the Studium. This charter was borrowed by St. Theodosius of Pechersk in the 11th century and formed the basis of monastic life in Russia.
Saint Theodore was a fearless defender of icon worship, for which he was repeatedly persecuted, tortured and exiled by the heretical emperors Constantine V Copronymos (741-775), Nikephoros I (802-811) and Leo the Armenian (813-820). Despite severe trials, he remained faithful to the Orthodox faith until the end of his days, leaving behind many theological works and teachings.
Also on November 24, believers remember Blessed Maxim of Moscow, who lived in the 15th century. In summer and winter, he walked the streets of Moscow almost naked, enduring both heat and cold. His teachings, full of spiritual wisdom, were listened to by everyone — from ordinary citizens to noble princes. During the difficult times of Tatar raids, epidemics and civil strife in Russia, he was a comforter of the dispossessed and a formidable denouncer of those in power. The saint died in 1434, and in 1547 his incorruptible relics were found, which became famous for many miracles.
Prayers for November 24th
Orthodox believers pray to St. Theodore the Studite on November 24. He is revered as an assistant in the fight against harmful passions, as well as a defender of the Christian faith. Blessed Maxim of Moscow is also worshipped on this day. He is asked to heal various ailments, guide the lost, support and comfort in a difficult situation.
Prayer to St. Theodore the Studite
"O holy head, Venerable Father, Most Blessed Abba Theodora! Do not forget your poor ones to the end, but always remember us in your holy and auspicious prayers to God! Remember thy flock, which thou hast saved, and do not forget to visit thy children. Pray for us, holy Father, for your spiritual children, for you have boldness towards the Heavenly King; do not be silent for us to the Lord, and do not despise us, who honor you with faith and love. Remember us who are unworthy at the Throne of the Almighty, and do not stop praying for us to Christ God, for you have been given the grace to pray for us. We don't think you're dead.: For though you have passed away from us in body, you are still alive after death. Do not depart from us in spirit, keeping us from the arrows of the enemy and all the charms of demons and the machinations of the devil, our good shepherd. Even though your relics are always visible before our eyes, your holy soul, with Angelic armies, Disembodied faces, and Heavenly powers, stands at the Throne of the Almighty, rejoicing worthily. Because we truly live after death, we fall down to you and pray to you: pray to Almighty God for us, for the benefit of our souls, and grant us time to repent, so that we may pass from earth to heaven unhindered, from bitter ordeals, demons, aerial princes, and from eternal torment, so that we may be delivered from heavenly May we inherit the kingdom with all the righteous, who have always pleased our God Jesus Christ; to whom all glory, honor and worship belong, with His Beginningless Father and with His All-holy, Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Prayer to Blessed Maxim of Moscow
"Oh, God's servant, blessed Maxim! Pray to the Lord God for us, the servants of God (names), who are committed to the earth, may the Lord turn our thoughts and desires to Heaven and strengthen the future incorruptible treasures of desire, may He give us the strength to overcome passions, thoughts and desires of sin, may he captivate our minds in obedience to faith, may He deliver us from arrogance, superstition and grant us spiritual wisdom: may our hearts, which are petrified with tears of tenderness for sins of contrition, dissolve and warm us to our Creator with love and brotherly love for our neighbors. Blessed Maxime, bring a prayer to the Lord for us, so that He may not reward us according to our sin, but punish us according to our iniquity, but may He show His mercy upon us, delivering us from all needs, troubles, misfortunes, sorrows and diseases, and may the message of your destinies guide us on the path of salvation, and yes May He grant us a Christian death that is not painful, shameless, and peaceful, and may we inherit the heavenly kingdom with all the saints forever and ever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs and traditions of St. Michael's Day.
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