November 15: Christmas Fast and Day of Writers in Prison.

On November 15, the world celebrates International Day of Writers in Prison, as well as European Music Therapy Day. The church calendar commemorates the holy martyrs Gurias, Samon, and Avius, and the Christmas fast begins.

Glavkom shares details and traditions of the holidays celebrated on November 15, 2025.

Contents:

• International and National Holidays
• Religious Holidays and Their History
• Folk Beliefs and Signs
• Historical Events
• Name Days

International and National Holidays

International Day of Writers in Prison

This day was established by the international organization PEN International in 1981 to draw attention to persecuted writers and intellectuals fighting for freedom of speech.

European Music Therapy Day

On this day, the positive impact of music therapy on physical and mental health is emphasized, highlighting its role in treatment and rehabilitation.

Religious Holidays and Their History

Beginning of the Christmas Fast

On November 15, the 40-day Christmas fast begins, aimed at spiritual and physical purification before the celebration of the Nativity of Christ.

Day of Holy Martyrs Gurias, Samon, and Avius

Traditionally, on this day, prayers are offered in honor of the holy martyrs Gurias, Samon, and Avius for the well-being of families and protection from evil.

Folk Beliefs and Signs

November 15 is known as 'Guriev Day', when prayers are considered especially strong for protecting families.

• Snow that falls on this day promises a long winter.
• Low clouds foreshadow quick frosts.
• A strong wind is a sign of a cold winter.

Historical Events

• 1492 – Christopher Columbus mentions tobacco;
• 1837 – creation of the system of shorthand;
• 1881 – Alexander Mozhaysky receives a patent for an aircraft;
• 1884 – opening of an international conference in Berlin on African issues;
• 1887 – creation of the zinc battery;
• 1889 – Brazil, Emperor Pedro II's well;
• 1904 – patent for a razor with interchangeable blades;
• 1918 – beginning of the uprising against Hetman Skoropadsky;
• 1919 – representatives of the Directory of the Ukrainian People's Republic begin to receive diplomatic missions abroad;
• 1920 – first meeting of the League of Nations;
• 1940 – bombing of Coventry;
• 1945 – establishment of the Ukrainian Free Academy of Sciences;
• 1957 – first flight of the Tu-144 aircraft;
• 1960 – launch of the first submarine with nuclear missiles;
• 1971 – sale of the first Intel 4004 microprocessor;
• 2004 – first open debates among candidates for the presidency of Ukraine.

Name Days

Today, name days are celebrated by Grigory, Dmitry, Nikita, Nikolai, Peter, and Philip.

On November 15, Ukraine celebrates International Day of Writers in Prison and European Music Therapy Day. In addition, this day marks the beginning of the Christmas Fast and the honoring of the holy martyrs Gurias, Samon, and Avius. According to folk beliefs, November 15 is considered favorable for prayer, linking this day with weather forecasts and future events. It is particularly interesting that many significant historical events that influenced global development fall on this date.