December 27: St. Stephen's Day, Signs and Main Prohibition.

According to ТСН: Tomorrow, in the Orthodox calendar, is the day of remembrance of St. Stephen the Apostle, the first martyr, and archdeacon. St. Stephen lived in the 1st century and was one of the seven deacons chosen by the apostles to serve in the Jerusalem community (Acts 6). Traditionally, he was a Hellenistic Jew, meaning a diaspora descendant, well-educated, fluent in Greek and Scripture.

Stephen actively preached Christ as the promised Messiah, addressing, first of all, the Jews. His words were so convincing that his opponents "could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke".

Unable to defeat him in open discussion, the opponents resorted to slander. Instead of justifications, Stephen delivered a magnificent theological speech (Acts 7), which became one of the deepest presentations of the history of salvation in the New Testament. At that moment, Stephen saw a heavenly vision:

"Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God"

The enraged crowd led Stephen outside the city and stoned him. By Jewish custom, witnesses had to throw stones first — their cloaks were guarded by Saul, the future Apostle Paul. Thus, Stephen became a martyr, forgiving his enemies and witnessing love stronger than death.

Signs for December 27

• The weather on Stephen's Day is indicative of the winter as a whole.
• If it is warm and calm — there will soon be a thaw.
• If the clouds are low over the ground — windy weather is approaching.

What not to do tomorrow

According to folk beliefs, this day has a special prohibition: one must not throw away even the smallest bread crumbs. In traditional beliefs, they symbolize abundance, well-being, and God's grace, so a careless attitude towards bread can bring poverty.

What can be done tomorrow

On this day, Orthodox believers turn in prayer to St. Stephen, asking him to strengthen faith, bring inner peace, and ensure prosperity in the home. Additionally, he is honored as the patron of livestock, praying for the health and protection of animals.

The feast of St. Stephen is an important moment for Christians. It serves as a reminder of the power of faith and the readiness to forgive even in the most difficult moments. The veneration of St. Stephen on this day unites believers in their prayers and common traditions, providing confidence in the future and strengthening bonds between generations.