On August 24, according to the new calendar of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, the memory of the holy martyr Eutychius, bishop and disciple of the Apostle John the Theologian, is commemorated. This day is popularly known as Eutychius the Silent, when it is advised to spend time in peace and with family.
The story of the saint
Eutyches lived at the turn of the 1st–2nd centuries in Sebaste, Palestine. Having become a disciple of John the Theologian, he preached Christianity together with the Apostle Paul. For his faith he was imprisoned more than once, tortured, thrown into fire, and given to wild beasts. According to legend, the flames were extinguished by rain, and a lion even spoke to him in a human voice. In the end, the martyr was killed with a sword during a sermon.
The Church also honors the martyr Tation, the martyr Syrus, the Monk George of Limniot, and Cosmas of Aetolia. In the old calendar, the Monk Martyrs Theodore and Basil of Kiev-Pechersk, as well as Prince Theodore of Ostrog, are commemorated on this day.
Traditions and prohibitions
Saint Eutychius is asked for health, peace in the home, and the upbringing of children. People say: on this day you should not quarrel or gossip, because enmity can drag on for a long time. You should be especially careful with sharp objects - any wound will take a long time to heal. They also advise against going alone to the forest or to a body of water.
Signs of August 24
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Clear sky at night - for good weather.
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Morning rain portends a dry autumn and winter and a bountiful harvest next year.
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A large number of acorns - to a snowy and frosty winter.
This day is also called the Silent Dawn: the nights become longer, and the starry sky becomes calm and windless.
