Today, the Orthodox Church commemorates the memory of the Holy Apostle Thomas, one of the closest disciples of Jesus Christ, often called “Doubting Thomas.” He is famous for doubting the Savior’s Resurrection until he saw Him with his own eyes. But after that, Thomas became one of the most devoted preachers of the Gospel, bringing Christianity even to India.
According to legend, there he founded the first Christian communities that have survived to this day, and ended his life as a martyr around the year 72. On this day, Christians turn to the apostle with prayers for sincere well-being, faith, and spiritual strength.
Ancient traditions of October 6
Among the people, this holiday is closely associated with bread - a symbol of life, abundance and God's blessing. In the morning, housewives kneaded dough, baked a fresh loaf and shared it with the needy. It was believed that whoever feeds a hungry person on this day will ensure a bountiful year and peace in the house.
The bread was blessed with a prayer to the Apostle Thomas: they asked for health, family harmony, and protection from poverty. A piece of baked bread was left on the windowsill — "for the good spirit of the house" so that it would not let trouble into the house.
Folk omens for October 6
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If the day is clear, autumn will be warm and dry.
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Fog in the morning - to early November frosts.
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It's raining - the winter will be snowy and windy.
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To deny bread to a needy person is to cause material difficulties.
What to do this day
Priests advise dedicating October 6 to prayer, good deeds, and work. On this day, you should not quarrel, count money, or lend money — so as not to "lose" your well-being. It is also advisable to gather for a joint meal with homemade bread to strengthen family peace and unity.
So the day of the Apostle Thomas reminds us: true wealth comes through faith, work, and charity.
