December 4: The Day of Saint Barbara and the Prohibition for Men That Cannot Be Violated.

According to ТСН: Tomorrow, December 4, in the Orthodox calendar, we commemorate the memory of Saint Barbara the Great Martyr. Barbara lived approximately in the 3rd-4th centuries in Nicomedia (modern-day Turkey). Her father, Dioscorus, was a wealthy pagan who tried to isolate his daughter from the world by building her a high tower so that she would not contact strangers and fall under the influence of foreign religious teachings.

However, Barbara, hearing the calling to Christ, secretly accepted baptism and dedicated her life to serving God. When her father learned about her faith, he became enraged. According to various legends, Dioscorus handed Barbara over to the Roman governor or brought her to trial. Despite all the threats and tortures, she remained faithful and strengthened her tormentors with prayer.

The saint suffered brutal tortures, but endured them with courage and grace. Ultimately, she was executed by her own father, and, according to legend, he died from a lightning strike afterward, symbolizing God's punishment for his cruelty.

Saint Barbara became a great martyr not only because of her death but also because of the strength of her spiritual will, unwavering faith, and readiness for self-sacrifice for Christ. She is venerated as the patroness of those who work with fire, builders, artillerymen, miners, and all who face sudden dangers, as, according to legends, she saved people from lightning and fires.

The Church Holiday on December 4 – the Day of Commemoration of Saint John of Damascus

John of Damascus was born around 675-680 in the city of Damascus (modern-day Syria) into a respectable Christian family. His father, Sergius Mansur, was a respected official at the court of the Muslim caliphate and held significant influence.

The education of John and his brother Cosmas, who was left an orphan, was entrusted to an experienced scholarly monk from Calabria – Cosmas of Calabria. Under his guidance, John received a comprehensive education, mastering philosophy, rhetoric, sciences, and theology.

After his father's death, John inherited his father's duties, remaining in the laity while holding positions as a civil servant and city prefect. Feeling a calling to spiritual life, around the year 700, he left secular affairs and entered the Monastery of Mar Saba (near Jerusalem), dedicating himself to prayer, theology, writing, and spiritual work.

In the monastery, he received the rank of presbyter and lived in a monastic order, writing many theological treatises, hymns, and sermons, which made him one of the most prolific authors of the early Christian Church.

His theological legacy played an important role in the disputes over icons. After his death at the council of the iconoclast heresy (in 754), he was condemned, but at the Second Nicene Council (in 787), his position was rehabilitated, recognizing the legitimacy of honoring icons, which became a great achievement for Orthodoxy. Saint John of Damascus departed to eternity around 749-754.

Signs of December 4

• Clear skies on December 4 – forecast for a frosty and snowy winter.

• Snow or hoarfrost on the trees – promises an early, severe winter.

• Fog on December 4 – indicates possible thaws or a rainy winter.

What Not to Do Tomorrow

On this day, there are certain prohibitions. Women are advised to avoid arguments with their mothers-in-law and postpone handicrafts, as there is a risk of injury. The greatest prohibition concerns men: they should not argue with their wives, as, according to belief, their bodies will respond with pain – discomfort in the abdomen or joint pain may arise.

What to Do Tomorrow

Saint Barbara of Heliopolis is venerated as a patroness of women. On this day, Orthodox Christians turn to the saint in prayers for granting childbirth and protection of children from diseases. Saint Barbara protects from sudden and violent death, helps resolve family disputes, and brings harmony, peace, and prosperity to the home.

The Day of Commemoration of Saint Barbara is a special moment for many believers who unite in prayers and turn to her for intercession. Each year this day reminds us of the importance of faith, self-sacrifice, and spiritual resilience. Many traditions and rituals associated with the calendar of saints are passed down from generation to generation, giving this date special significance.