August 31 — Frolov Day: powerful prayers on the last day of summer
On the last day of August, Orthodox Christians remember the holy Martyrs Florus and Laurus. This date is popularly known as Frolov Day or horse Day. He was once one of the most revered in the rural calendar: it was by August 31 that the peasants completed the main field work and thanked their faithful assistants, the horses. The history and traditions of the holiday are in the material of Izvestia.
Frolov Day: the history of the holiday
Flor and Laurus, stone-cutting brothers, suffered for their faith in the second century. In life, they are associated with miracles and a righteous life, but in the Slavic tradition they were especially revered as patrons of horses. In the church calendar, the saints are commemorated on August 18 according to the Julian calendar and August 31 according to the new style.
At first, the brothers worked in Byzantium, and then they were sent to Illyria, where, by order of the local ruler, they were engaged in the construction of a pagan temple. Flor and Laurus adhered to strict fasting, distributed most of their earnings to those in need, and openly spoke about the Christian faith.
A miracle is mentioned in their lives: through the prayer of the brothers, the eye of the son of a priest named Mamertin was healed. This event shocked the priest's family so much that they were all baptized.
When the temple was completed, the martyrs, along with other Christians, destroyed the idols and erected a cross instead. For this, they were captured and thrown alive into an empty well, covered with earth from above. After a while, the relics of the saints were found and transferred to Constantinople for veneration.
For the peasant, the horse was not just a draft force, but almost a member of the family. Therefore, on August 31, the horses were fed the best oats, decorated with colored patches and brought to the temple. After the service, the priest went outside the fence and sprinkled the animals with holy water, asking Flora and Lavra for protection from diseases and death.
It was forbidden to work on horses on this day: they were protected, given rest and a hearty meal. In some provinces, horse races were held between villages or curly biscuits in the form of horses and horseshoes were baked. Children were taught to stroke manes and handle animals gently.
The Orthodox holiday of Frolov Day
On August 31, Orthodox churches hold regular services corresponding to the week. In 2025, this is Sunday, the 12th week after Pentecost, without fasting, Glas 3, the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin, with the reading of established evangelical and apostolic texts.
Despite the fact that the saint's name was Flor, the name Frolov Day became firmly established among the people. The fact is that the name "Frol" appeared in Russia as a colloquial version of the Latin name "Flor".
A prayer service may be performed to the holy Martyrs Florus and Laurus, especially in churches dedicated to them. Thus, the schedule of divine services in the church of the Holy Martyrs Florus and Laurus includes liturgies and a prayer service. Icons of Saints Florus and Laurus, which depict the brothers with horses, have been preserved in many churches and museums in Russia.
Prayer for Frolov Day on August 31:
"Praiseworthy Martyrs Flora and Lavra, you are not hidden by the earth, but you are received by Heaven, so that you may have prayer books and intercessors for those who honor your honorable memory with love. Let us pray for us, gentle laborers, that the Lord may move us also, in our labors and hardships, to do His commandments, so that we may take care not only of food and drink, but also of how we please the Lord; be filled with our sorrow and sighing, and may our souls not be embittered to the end, but may they be kindled Through love for each other, may we live in peace and like-mindedness, just as you do, in self-brotherhood and bliss. Above all, establish us in the most holy and right faith that exists in our hearts, let us not be afraid of reproach and humiliation and all the circumstances that we are possessed by, but, as we accept this test of the power of our faith with thanksgiving, let us keep a good confession, in which we will pass from this vale into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord, which Glory and power forever and ever. Amen to that."
Folk signs and prohibitions
The main taboo is no work with horses: no plowing, no cargo transportation. It was believed that work on this day "takes away the horse's health." It was also not allowed to trample grass, burn vegetation, start quarrels or lawsuits. Gossip and swearing on Frolov's day "will bring trouble to the whole autumn."
Customs also taught peacefulness: sharing oats with neighbors, helping others in everything. The peasants believed that together with peace and generosity they would keep their luck for the coming year.
At evening gatherings, the girls were guessing at fate, looking at the behavior of the horse. If the animal was calm and affectionate, they waited for a peaceful and fruitful year, but if it showed concern, they prepared for the trials.
The holiday had its own shades in different provinces. In some places, peasants staged horse races between villages, in other places they made a procession with prayers through the surrounding fields, asking for the preservation of crops and fertility. Horses were decorated not only with colored patches, but also with special charms — a red woolen thread in the mane or a ribbon tied in a knot "for strength." It was believed that this way the animal would be protected from the evil eye.
In modern times, this day has retained its connection with the theme of caring for animals. Since 2011, the Russian Orthodox Church has been celebrating the memory of Flora and Laurus as a veterinarian's holiday, and in 2014, the Ministry of Agriculture established the official Veterinarian's Day on this date.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
