Today, Orthodox Christians commemorate the holy martyrs Gurias, Samon, and Aviv and begin the Nativity Fast, one of the most important in the church calendar. This period will last until December 25 and involves not only dietary restrictions, but also special attention to one's spiritual state and personal behavior.
Saints Gurius, Samon, and Aviv were preachers in the 3rd–4th centuries and suffered greatly for their faith. Gurius and Samon were repeatedly imprisoned, tortured, and eventually executed for preaching Christianity. Deacon Aviv was burned alive, but he did not renounce his faith and refused to offer sacrifices to pagan gods. Their steadfastness and indomitability became a symbol of spiritual courage for many generations of Christians.
On this day, believers enter the Christmas fast, which involves abstaining from meat, dairy products, eggs, and on some days even from oil. However, the main essence of fasting is not only physical restrictions, but also working on the inner state. People try to avoid anger, envy, quarrels and negative thoughts, since it is believed that emotions and words have special power during this period.
What is forbidden on November 15:
• breaking the fast through excessive eating, alcohol, or non-compliance with restrictions;
• getting into conflicts, insulting someone, or expressing negativity;
• engaging in magical practices or fortune-telling;
• gossiping or condemning others, because what is said on this day supposedly returns to a person in an intensified form.
Saints Gurias, Samon, and Aviv are considered the patrons of family life. They are addressed with prayers for strengthening marriage, reconciliation between spouses, and finding a soul mate.
Folk omens associated with November 15 also provide clues about the weather in winter. A clear starry night portends a cold and dry winter, fast-moving clouds mean increased winds, and a red sunset is a sign of a quick thaw or snowfall.
