December 15: Day of Remembrance of St. Eleutherius and Folk Omens.

According to ТСН: Today in the Orthodox calendar the day of remembrance of St. Eleutherius is celebrated. Eleutherius was born in Rome to an esteemed Roman family, his father being an official at the imperial court. After his father's death, his mother, Anphia, took over his upbringing; she came to believe in Christ through the sermons of the apostles. She sent her son to study under the Bishop of Rome, Anicetus, who noticed Eleutherius' special calling to spiritual life.

The Early Work of Eleutherius

According to chronicles, at the age of 15, Eleutherius became a deacon, at 18 – a presbyter, and at 20 he took the position of bishop. He was appointed to the episcopal chair in the province of Illyria, in the city of Valona (modern Albania). The saint took care of his flock: he preached, turned pagans to Christianity, and actively supported the Church, caring for it as a good shepherd.

Persecution for Faith

During the times of persecution of Christians under Emperor Hadrian, commander Felix was ordered to arrest Eleutherius and bring him to Rome. When Felix entered the church and heard Eleutherius' sermon, his heart changed, and he decided to embrace Christianity. Eleutherius baptized him. However, in Rome, the saint was cruelly tortured: he was beaten, roasted on an iron bed, boiled in tar, and thrown into burning furnaces; nevertheless, it is reported that he miraculously survived. The governor Corib, who conducted the tortures, also converted and was executed along with Felix. Eventually, Eleutherius was beheaded, and his mother, Anphia, who came to the body of her son, was also executed. This happened around 120 A.D.

Church Holiday on December 15

On December 15, the memory of St. Paul of Thebes is also honored, who lived in Egypt, in the city of Thebaid. He lost his parents and, avoiding the persecution of Christians during the reign of Emperor Decius, went into the desert. He settled in a cave, where he lived in prayer and fasting, eating bread and dates brought to him by a raven. According to legend, after many years of hermitage, he was found by Anthony the Great, demonstrating Paul's humility. St. Paul died around 341 at the age of 113.

Omens for December 15

• Clear weather on December 15 indicates a severe and frosty winter.

• Strong wind or blizzard suggests that the frosts will be severe and the snow will lie for a long time.

• A warm day promises a cold end of the month or a frosty winter.

What Should Not Be Done Today

On this day, one should not complain about the cold, as ancient beliefs suggest that it may weaken health. It is better to maintain a cheerful mood and positive spirit to improve well-being.

What Can Be Done Today

On this day, it is beneficial to do good deeds: help the needy, donate warm clothes, and feed the birds. Generosity and care for others, according to belief, will bring good luck in the new year.