On March 3, according to the new Julian calendar, the Orthodox commemorate the three holy martyrs of Amasia — Eutropius of Amasia , Cleonicus of Amasia , and Basiliscus of Amasia , who suffered for their faith at the beginning of the 4th century. According to the old style, their feast day falls on March 16.
The saints lived in the city of Amasya (now in Turkey) and were devout Christians. Eutropius and Cleonicus were brothers, and Basiliscus was their close friend. They became followers of the martyr Theodore Tyrone , who had previously been executed for refusing to renounce his faith.
According to legend, the friends were arrested and imprisoned. Even in prison, they continued to preach Christianity. When they were brought to trial and forced to sacrifice to the pagan gods, Eutropius began to pray. Legend has it that at that moment an earthquake occurred, which destroyed the pagan temple. Despite this, the martyrs were executed. Later, a Christian church was built on the site of the destroyed temple.
In addition, according to the new calendar, today the memory of the Venerable Piama and the Saints Zenon and Zoilus is also honored.
According to the Julian calendar, on March 3, the Orthodox commemorate Saint Agapit of Synady , Bishop of Synady, known for his pious life and spiritual ministry.
On this day, believers turn to the saints with requests for strengthening faith, patience, and help in difficult circumstances. It is considered important to show mercy - to give alms or support those in need.
In folk tradition, the day was called Eutropius. There was a rite "to the sun": the owners walked around the garden or yard crosswise, asking the sun to melt the snow and protect the crops from frost and bad weather. There was also a custom to preserve youth - the night before, they put a silver object in water, and in the morning they washed themselves with it.
Since Great Lent is in progress, on this day it is advised to be especially careful with words and actions, to avoid quarrels, insults, and bad language. Those who fast should abstain from meat, dairy products, and eggs (except on permitted days).
There were also warnings among the people: after sunset, they did not take out the garbage and did not borrow bread or money, so as not to "take away" wealth from the house. They also advised against going to the forest - according to legend, the bear wakes up at this time.
Weather signs were used to determine what spring would be like:
If tits chirp loudly, it will soon get warmer;
birds fly low - to shallow water;
wild geese have flown - expect floods;
starlings have returned - there will be a grain harvest;
loud thunder portends clear days, dull - bad weather.
Special beliefs were also associated with the first spring thunder: if you lean your back against a tree, your back will not hurt throughout the year, and if you run outside during a thunderclap, the year will be profitable.
