What Orthodox holiday do Christians celebrate today – read on .

Saint Modest became famous as the abbot of the monastery of Feodosia, and then became the archbishop in Jerusalem. During his health, the Jews united with the Persians and destroyed many monasteries and temples in Jerusalem, including the Holy Sepulchre. Patriarch Zacharias was sent into captivity along with the believers. It was then that Modest was appointed archbishop, and he restored all the holy places in the city.

In honor of the memory of the saint, a national holiday is celebrated today on December 31 – Modest or Catherder.

The Orthodox holiday of December 31 is the day of commemoration of the martyr Sebastian with his wife

Sebastian lived during the reign of King Diocletian, was his favorite and professed the Christian faith. He hid it in order to visit the prisons where the Orthodox were held and ease their fate. Soon he himself wanted to accept the martyr’s crown.

According to legend, two brothers Markellin and Mark were sentenced to death for their faith. Their parents came to the prison and begged the children to deny Christ in order to avoid death. Then Sebastian addressed the people and in his sermon spoke about the true God. Many pagans were baptized after his speech, the king took it as treason and killed them all. This happened around 290.

Signs on December 31

Folk signs today / photo , Denys Pryadko

• snow falls in large flakes – it will soon warm up;
• strong frosts – there will be no blizzard in the near future;
• there is little or no snow in the fields – next year will be fruitless;
• to clear the festive table before midnight – to poverty.

What can’t be done today

Our forefathers believed that on December 31, the evil spirits roam the world, so sharp objects should not be left unattended, otherwise the demons will “cut” happiness and well-being into pieces. You also need to cover the vessels with water with something. If you don’t obey, then evil spirits can enter the water, and the person who drank it will fall ill.

On New Year’s Eve, the Orthodox Church forbids cutting hair, sewing clothes, working, or doing anything in the house. Remember that swearing and gossiping is also not allowed.

What can be done on December 31

Saint Modest was considered the patron saint of livestock, so people have long prayed to him for the protection of their animals. The festive table should be set, avoiding dishes with lobsters or crayfish, so that the person does not move backwards.

Before meeting the New Year, you must take a shower and put on clean clothes. Folk beliefs say that every family should leave a plate with food for the housekeeper in a secluded place, then he will protect the residents and help them in their affairs.