January 13: Why tomorrow you should not offend cats and what will bring good luck.

According to ТСН: Tomorrow, January 13, the Orthodox calendar commemorates the feast of the holy martyrs Yermilat and Stratonik. These sacred martyrs are ancient Christian saints who gave their lives for their faith in Jesus Christ at the beginning of the 4th century during the persecutions of Emperor Licinius (311–324 AD). Their story has become a symbol of brotherly love, devotion to Christ, and a dedication that continues to inspire believers to this day.

According to church tradition, Yermilat and Stratonik were Slavs who lived in the Roman city of Singidunum, now Belgrade. Yermilat served as a deacon in the Christian community and actively preached the faith in Christ, while Stratonik, overseeing the prison, secretly professed Christianity through his position.

During the period of religious persecutions ordered by Licinius, Christians were forced to renounce their faith and offer sacrifices to pagan gods.

Yermilat was arrested and brought before the court. He was tortured in an attempt to force him to worship the idols, but he remained steadfast. His contemptuous words directed at the pagan gods, whom he referred to as 'deaf, dumb, and blind idols', testified to his firmness in faith.

During the trial, the saint foretold Licinius that he himself would suffer for his service to the pagan gods—his words were fulfilled after Licinius was defeated by Emperor Constantine.

Initially, the saint was imprisoned, where he prayed for three days, asking the Lord for strength to endure. According to legends, it was then that he heard a voice promising him the crown of martyrdom. Stratonik, watching his friend's suffering, could not bear it and, weeping, openly confessed to being a Christian. As a result, he was also tortured and imprisoned alongside Yermilat. Both martyrs endured numerous sufferings and were sentenced to death together.

After brutal tortures, they were bound in a net and thrown into the Danube River, where they peacefully surrendered their lives for Christ.

Signs of January 13

• The weather on Yermilat determines the spring: if the day is cold and snowy, spring will be late.

• If the wind blows from the north, winter will be harsh and prolonged.

• A snowfall on January 13 indicates a good harvest of fish.

What should not be done tomorrow

On this day, according to folk beliefs, it is strictly forbidden to harm animals, especially cats. Legend has it that during the imprisonment of the great martyr Yermilat, he was comforted by a cat, which brought relief in his sufferings. Therefore, the saint is honored as a protector of cats, and those who offend them are foretold misfortunes.

What can be done tomorrow

This day is recommended to be spent with family and loved ones, giving attention and warmth to each other. According to folk beliefs, if there is a sick person in the house, on January 13, they should be seated in the place where a cat usually lies—it is believed that this contributes to a quicker recovery. It is also considered that on this day one should help those in need at least seven times—such good deeds will cause God to forgive seven sins.

Tomorrow, Orthodox Christians will commemorate the feast of the holy martyrs Yermilat and Stratonik, who became symbols of resilience and devotion to faith. Their story inspired people to confront hardships, and their examples serve as important lessons about love and support for one another in difficult times. This day is also filled with folk traditions, including warnings about animals and good deeds that create opportunities to strengthen family bonds.