March 4 — Arkhipov Day: history, traditions, folk signs

Every year on March 4, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the 70 apostles Archippus and Philemon. In the national calendar, the celebration is called Arkhipov Day. In 2025, it falls on a Tuesday. Read about what saints are known for and what not to do on their holiday in the Izvestia article.

Arkhipov Day in 2025 — history

The Holy Apostle Philemon lived in the 1st century AD in the Phrygian city of Colossae (Asia Minor). He was a noble man and was respected by the citizens. After being baptized by one of Christ's closest companions, St. Paul the Apostle, Philemon and his wife, Apphia, turned their luxurious home into a place where all the Colossian believers gathered for prayer. The sick and destitute also found shelter with the righteous. Subsequently, Saint Philemon was elevated to the episcopate and traveled to many cities of Phrygia to preach.

The Apostle Archippus served as bishop of Colossae. According to one version, he was the son of Saint Philemon and conducted divine services in his parents' house church. In addition, in one of his epistles, the apostle Paul called the saint his companion.

During the time of the Roman Emperor Nero, when the first persecutions of Christians began, the apostles and equal-to-the-Apostles Apphia suffered martyrdom. One day, when a pagan holiday was taking place in Kolossy, they were holding a service in their church as usual. Upon learning of this, the pagans broke into the house to punish the Gentiles. The people fled in fear, leaving only Archippus, Philemon and his wife. They were captured and taken to the mayor's court. On the way, the crowd went berserk, and Saint Archippus was stabbed to death. The holy spouses were stoned by the verdict of the head of the city.

Traditions of Arkhipov Day in 2025

In Russia, on Arkhipov day, people sought to attract prosperity to the house. For this, the housewives started preparing treats early in the morning. It was believed that the more dishes on the table, the richer the family would be. A round loaf symbolizing the sun was also baked for the feast. He should have been eaten to the last bite, so as not to incur losses. Bread was shared with relatives, neighbors and the poor. The crumbs from it should have been fed to the birds or, sprinkled with salt, thrown over his shoulder. This simple ritual was supposed to ensure a rich harvest in the new season.

In addition, on Arkhipov Day, peasants carried sheaves of wheat and rye ears to a hill or hill. They were left there overnight, and at first light they went to check. Whichever sheaf is more covered with frost, such a crop will be born most by autumn. Also, elegant girls rose on the hills to summon the sun and bring the onset of spring closer.

If the cold weather was in no hurry to recede, the peasants asked their relatives and neighbors for something to borrow: butter, flour, milk, etc. In this way, people showed the spring that supplies were running out, which meant that it was worth rushing to come to earth.

Arkhipov Day on March 4, 2025 — what can and cannot be done

Believers are advised to attend a church service on this day and take time to pray. It is allowed to arrange a small family feast, but without too much noisy fun. There is no fasting on the holiday.

In Russia, many folk superstitions were associated with Arkhipov Day. For example, people believed that on this day one should not refuse help to those in need, otherwise one may lose one's own luck. During the celebration, it was worth going outside at least once, so as not to miss the onset of spring.

Picking up needles that had fallen to the floor with your bare hands was considered a bad omen. According to legend, a person who touches a needle will soon receive a painful "prick" from a close friend, family member or someone from his environment. In addition, it was forbidden to boast of their achievements and wealth, so as not to lose everything gained by hard work.

On Arkhipov Day, they tried not to be lazy, as useful deeds and good deeds attracted wealth and luck into a person's life. At the same time, quarrels, conflicts and swearing were avoided on the holiday, as they allegedly repelled all good things.

Omens for Arkhipov Day in 2025

Various omens were also associated with Arkhip Day. The warmth of the holiday promised changeable weather in early spring. Seagulls flying across the sky indicated an impending ice break, and flocks of rooks and jackdaws sitting on the road indicated inclement weather. A meeting with a white hare in the forest promised a cold snap, and a warming with a gray one. High snowdrifts outside the window meant that winter would linger, and the red moon spoke of a rainy beginning of spring.

Earlier, Izvestia told about the history and traditions of the holiday href="https://iz.ru/1846736/2025-03-01/2-marta-fedor-tiron-i-mariamna-kikimora-istoria-tradicii-i-primety-prazdnika " target="_blank">by Fedor Tyrone and Mariamna Kikimora.