On March 23, Orthodox Christians commemorate the holy martyr Nikon of Sicily and the holy Nikon, abbot of Kiev-Pechersk. On this day, they also commemorate the martyrs Codratus, Cyprian, Anectus, and Crescentus according to the old calendar style. We tell you what traditions, prohibitions, and signs are associated with this date.
On March 23, according to the new church calendar, the memory of two Nikons is honored - the holy martyr Nikon of Sicily, bishop, and the holy Nikon, abbot of Kyiv-Pechersk. We tell you about the traditions, folk signs and prohibitions of the date, and which church holiday believers celebrate today according to the old style.
In 2023, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine switched to a new calendar style – the New Julian, so non-transitory holidays (with a fixed date) were moved 13 days earlier. However, some believers continue to adhere to the old style (Julian) – its preservation remains the right of religious communities and monasteries.
What is the church holiday in Ukraine today according to the new style?
The Orthodox holiday of March 23 (April 5 according to the old style) is the day of memory of the holy martyr Nikon of Sicily, bishop, and his 199 disciples , as well as the holy Nikon, abbot of Kiev-Pechersk .
Nikon of Sicily lived in the 3rd century. He was born in Naples, his father was a pagan, his mother was a Christian, and Nikon was also a pagan. He grew up to be a brave and strong warrior.
Once his detachment was surrounded - the danger was mortal. At that moment, Nikon remembered how his mother taught him to pray - he himself said a prayer, crossed himself and promised to be baptized if he could avoid death. The detachment was saved and Nikon went to Mount Ganos on the coast of the Sea of Marmara - there he found a priest, was baptized and took monastic vows.
Soon Nikon became an example for the entire brotherhood and was ordained a bishop. The former abbot of the monastery before his death advised the monks to move to Sicily so as not to fall under the onslaught of the barbarians. Nikon and 190 other monks arrived in Naples, where they were joined by 9 more companions. Nikon founded a monastery, and for many years the monks all lived together. But when new persecutions against Christians began, all the monks were executed.
Nikon of Kiev-Pechersk lived in the 11th century and was a follower of the founder of the monastery, Saint Anthony. Nikon of the Pechersk monastery tonsured all newcomers into the monastery, and once tonsured the court favorites of Prince Izyaslav. The prince, having learned about this, became very angry with Nikon, so much so that he was forced to leave the monastery and settle on the Tmutarakan Peninsula. There he worked and prayed, and soon followers gathered around him, all together they founded the Monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos.
After some time, Nikon managed to return to the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, where he was elected abbot. The monk died in great old age and was buried in the Near Caves.
What church holiday is March 23, old style?
Today's Orthodox holiday according to the Julian calendar is the day of remembrance of the martyrs Codratus, Cyprian, Anectus, and Crescentus . Earlier, UNIAN told what church holiday is celebrated today according to the old style and what you can't do on this date.
What do the signs say about March 23?
The people celebrate March 23 as Nikon Day. They use its signs to predict the weather and summer:
- It is hot during the day and cold at night – to good weather;
- to hear the first spring thunder - the summer will be rainy and cold;
- a clear sky full of stars - tomorrow it will be frosty;
- the birch tree has a lot of sap - to a rainy summer;
- No water is added to the river – it will be hot in the summer.
On March 23, it is customary to plant apple trees, mountain ash, currants, and other berry bushes.
What not to do today
On the church holiday of March 23, one should not slander, quarrel, boast, condemn, envy, and refuse help. The Church condemns lies, laziness, greed, and despair.
What you can't do today according to folk signs: it is forbidden to create and leave a mess in the house - the more dirt and dust, the less money there will be. You can't also keep money in plain sight - they say it leads to poverty.
On this Orthodox holiday, people turn to the saints of the day: they pray for strengthening faith and spirit, granting courage, courage and patience, and overcoming difficulties.
Nikon of Sicily left behind three parting words: listen to your parents, follow God, be an example for your neighbors in everything. Nikon of Pechersk is asked for protection from evil spirits.
Lent is in full swing: those who are fasting are allowed to eat hot dishes with oil on this day. Earlier, we told you what you can and cannot eat during Lent 2025 - a food calendar by day. It is important to remember that food restrictions are not the main thing during fasting, it is much more important to monitor your thoughts, words and actions.
According to folk signs, on this day you must do a thorough cleaning in the house, in the garden and in the vegetable garden, and also take a good bath.
Who celebrates Angel Day on March 23?
Today, according to the church calendar, the names of Alexei, Anastasia, Varvara, Vasily, Ilya, Lydia, Macarius, Nikon, Sergiy, and Stefan are celebrated.
According to the old style, Leonid, Anastasia, Nika, Vasilyna, Galina, Viktor, Mark, Denis, Ivan, Fedor have an angel's day.
