October 26 is a special national holiday — Agafonov Day: history, traditions, omens

Every year on October 26, believers remember the early Christian martyrs Carp, Bishop of Thyatira, Deacon Papila, Agathodorus and Agathonika. In the folk tradition, the date is known as Agafon Banny, or Agafonov Day. In 2025, the holiday falls on a Sunday. Read about its history and traditions in the Izvestia article.

Agafonov Day – 2025: the history of the holiday

The martyrs Carp, Papila, Agathodorus and Agathonika suffered for their faith during the time of Emperor Decius in the 3rd century. The first two saints were from Pergamon and from their youth led a pious, ascetic life, both professed Christianity.

Carp was appointed bishop of Thyatira, and Papila served as deacon. Their sermons, personal example, and firmness in faith attracted numerous followers, which alarmed the authorities. They were captured by guards, but despite threats and promises of mercy, they categorically refused to worship false gods, professing loyalty to Christ.

The saints were subjected to humiliating tortures, tied to horses and dragged along the rocky road from Thyatira to Sardis. Their servant and disciple Agathodoros and Agathonika, Papila's sister, who shared her brother's faith and steadfastness, voluntarily followed the martyrs.

In Sardis, Agathodorus was beaten to death, while Karp, Papila, and Agathonika continued to be tortured, demanding that they renounce Christianity, but all three remained adamant and were eventually executed.

Saint Papila, who possessed the gift of healing during his lifetime, received special veneration in the folk tradition. It is believed that even after his death, he continues to help the suffering, granting healing to those who turn to him with sincere prayer and faith.

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Traditions of the national holiday celebrated in Russia on October 26

In Russia, Agafonov Day was considered a time when evil spirits are especially active and try to harm a person. To get rid of evil, it was necessary to purify the body and soul — to visit the temple, and then the bathhouse. Therefore, another name for the holiday is Bath Day.

It was customary to go to the bathhouse with the whole family, including the elderly and the sick, because, according to beliefs, steam had healing powers. Decoctions of medicinal herbs were specially placed in the steam room, not only for medicinal purposes, but also for "protective" purposes.

It was also customary to clean the dwelling on Agathon. The housewives cleaned the house, cleaned the stove, repaired bathroom accessories, and arranged cleaning. The day was also considered favorable for rearranging furniture and updating the space. At the same time, all windows and doors should be closed so that evil spirits would not enter the room through the cracks along with drafts.

Another rite was the "sealing of wealth." They read "Our Father" over valuable items, put them in a box and crossed them three times to preserve and increase prosperity.

What not to do on the Agafonov Day holiday

Agafonov day was considered a time of increased activity of evil spirits, so a number of strict prohibitions had to be observed. Any actions, especially those related to the sauna, were approached with caution.

It was necessary to behave calmly in the steam room, it was forbidden to drink alcohol, make noise, discuss personal matters, so as not to anger the bannik, the spirit who was credited with power over order and safety in the bathhouse.

It was also strictly forbidden to leave the steam room facing forward, turning his back to the bannister, this was considered disrespectful to the spirit. He should have left an offering— a broom, soap or a washcloth. Failure to comply with these rules, according to beliefs, threatened with misfortunes — from burns to diseases.

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What else can't be done on October 26th:

• make large purchases — everything you purchase will quickly fail;
• to lend or borrow — financial transactions on this day promise losses;
• Open the windows — evil spirits can enter the house.;
• girls go for water alone — there is a risk that the water will drag them under the water.;
• Talking about future plans in a sauna can ruin them.;
• Communicating with strangers is easy to become a victim of deception on this day.

Folk signs for October 26

On Agathon's Day, the peasants carefully observed nature. They believed that celestial signs, animal behavior, and atmospheric phenomena could tell them what to expect in the coming weeks—cold weather or thaw, clear weather, or inclement weather.

The main signs:

• the rooster sings in the morning — for warmth, in the evening — for weather changes;
• gray dawn without wind — the day will be clear;
• white frost on trees leads to precipitation;
• the sky on Agafon is dark blue - it will get warmer in the coming days;
• cold in the morning leads to early winter;
• clouds float from the south — to bad weather, if they are reddish in color — to rain.;
• the cat sleeps by the window — for good weather.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the national holiday Andron the Stargazer.