A special national holiday on November 19 — Pavel Ledostav: history, traditions, omens

Every year on November 19, Orthodox believers remember St. Paul the Confessor, Archbishop of Constantinople, who lived in the fourth century. In the national calendar, this day is called Pavel Icebreaking, since during this period rivers and lakes are finally sealed with ice. In 2025, it falls on a Wednesday. Read about the history and spiritual significance of this date, its signs and strict prohibitions in the Izvestia article.

What is the church holiday on November 19th?

St. Paul the Confessor was born in the fourth century. In 340, at a time when the Arian heresy was at its peak in the eastern part of the Roman Empire, he was elected to the patriarchal see and became Archbishop of Constantinople.

Initially, his candidacy met with serious resistance from Arius' supporters, who denied the divine nature of Jesus Christ. However, at the church Council, the majority of votes were still cast for Paul. This decision was supported by the Orthodox community of Constantinople. But Emperor Constantius II, who held heretical views, used his political resources and soon initiated the deposition of the new patriarch.

Saint Paul found himself embroiled in a difficult struggle for the faith, being repeatedly exiled. In total, he was deprived of the pulpit four times, each time returning to the flock with unwavering support from the faithful. During one of these periods of exile, he found refuge in Rome, where other Orthodox bishops who had been ousted by Arius' high-ranking followers also took refuge.

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His return to Constantinople became possible only after the intervention of Emperor Constans, the defender of Orthodoxy, and his Western co-ruler Constantius. However, the political upheaval and the death of the ruler deprived Pavel of his last support. In 350, the saint was finally exiled to Kukuz, a remote town in Armenia, where he was martyred at the hands of Arians who broke into the church during the liturgy.

Three decades later, in 381, when Orthodoxy was re-established in Byzantium, Emperor Theodosius I the Great ordered the transfer of the relics of the saint to Constantinople. This event was accompanied by solemn divine services, and the name of Paul the Confessor was finally included in the church calendar as a symbol of steadfastness in upholding the true faith.

In Russia, St. Paul is revered not only as a confessor of faith, but also as the patron saint of the Marine Corps, one of the most important educational institutions in the country, founded on November 19, 1755 by decree of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. This event was timed to coincide with the saint's memorial Day, and later St. Paul's Church began collecting relics related to the history of the Russian navy.

Traditions of the national holiday Pavel Ledostav November 19th

In Russia, St. Paul the Confessor Memorial Day was considered an important natural landmark, symbolizing the completion of autumn work and the transition to the winter rhythm of life. In the villages, all the "pre-winter" chores, warming houses and harvesting firewood, should have been completed by that day.

By November 19, the reservoirs were completely covered with ice, so the holiday got its name "Pwael Icebreaking". Frozen rivers and lakes opened up new opportunities for movement, hunting, and trade.

In addition, it was with Pavel Ledostav that the peasants began their seasonal training for ice fishing. The men disassembled gear, repaired nets and other equipment.

Before the first fishing trip, they tried to appease the merman by throwing pieces of bread, sweets or coins into the water as a guarantee of a good catch and safety.

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What not to do on the holiday Pavel Ledostav November 19th

According to popular belief, on November 19, one should carefully monitor one's behavior and appearance so as not to get into trouble. On the day of Pavel Ledostav, it was strictly forbidden to wear dirty clothes, this could attract failures and provoke monetary losses.

What else you can't do on November 19th:

• Washing and drying clothes outside can attract diseases and the evil eye.;
• to make deals and make large purchases — any undertaking risks turning into losses;
• Breaking promises and commitments will result in serious life difficulties.;
• Going on a long journey will be a difficult path.;
• Eating meat can be harmful to your health.;
• to argue and quarrel — any unkind word on this day will "come back" and turn into trouble.

Folk signs for November 19th

In Russia, Pavel Ledostava drew attention to the signs of nature, as well as to the quality of the ice. This helped the peasants to make forecasts for the winter and the next agricultural year.:

• the ice has "stood up" in piles — there will be a good harvest of bread;
• The ice is as smooth as glass — next year will be a lean year.;
• frost on trees and bushes — for severe frosts;
• snow fell on Pavel Ledostava — the winter will be snowy and long;
• windless weather — a rapid and sharp cold snap is expected;
• birds are perched on the treetops — in case of frost.

There were also "economic" signs on November 19.:

• Increased appetite in horses is a good sign, the animals will be healthy all winter.;
• cows give more milk on this day — milk yields will be plentiful until spring.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs and strict prohibitions of a special national holiday, Jonah's Day.