Today, according to the new calendar, the Orthodox Church commemorates the memory of the holy great martyr Nikita of Gotf. According to the old style, this holiday falls on September 28.
The life and feat of the saint
Saint Nikita lived in the 4th century among the Goths in Bessarabia. In 325, he converted to Christianity and began preaching the new faith. For this, he was persecuted by the leader Athanaric, known for his cruel attitude towards Christians. Nikita was tried to be forced to renounce his faith, but he remained adamant. He was burned at the stake, but the flames, according to legend, did not touch the saint. Nikita's burial place became a place of miracles of healing, and his relics were later transferred to Constantinople and the Serbian monastery of Vysoki Decani.
What other celebrations are there on this day?
The Orthodox Church also mentions:
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the discovery of the relics of Saint Akakis of Meletine;
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the martyrs Maximus, Theodotus and Askliades;
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Martyr Porphyry of Ephesus;
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Venerable Thelotheos, presbyter;
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Saint Joseph, Bishop of Alaverdi;
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Saint Simeon, Archbishop of Thessalonica;
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the discovery of the relics of the protomartyr Archdeacon Stephen;
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Novomykytsk Icon of the Mother of God.
According to the old calendar, this day also honors the Venerable Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves, founders of the Kyiv-Pechersk Monastery.
Traditions and prohibitions
The day was popularly called Nikita-gusyatnik . Housewives traditionally prepared dishes from poultry. It was believed that this was a good time for new beginnings, giving up bad habits, and taking care of yourself.
Saint Nikita is prayed to for protection from enemies, ill-wishers, and invisible troubles. On this day, it is important to do good deeds – help your neighbors, give alms, and take care of homeless animals.
What you shouldn't do on Nikita the Goose:
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to quarrel, to envy, to condemn;
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do a general cleaning;
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borrow things from neighbors;
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to boast of wealth or beauty;
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to play a wedding - such a marriage was considered fragile.
Signs of September 15
Our ancestors believed that on this day you could predict winter and even the next summer:
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clear weather – tomorrow it will be windy;
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rain - to a late and damp spring;
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many anthills - the winter will be harsh;
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cold wind - to a warm summer;
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Geese fly high - winter will bring floods.
The main sign: if September 15 is warm and dry, the winter will be cold and snowy.
