Folk signs for November 23rd: what can and cannot be done

In Russia, omens have been given special importance since ancient times. They were used to judge the weather, when to sow and harvest, and what to expect in the future. Therefore, every day of the national calendar was full of rituals and superstitions. Izvestia tells about the popular signs of Sunday, November 23, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for November 23, 2025

In Russia, on November 23, the Rodion and Erast holiday, or Rodion the Ice Breaker, was celebrated. In the popular consciousness, this day symbolized the final transition from autumn to winter. It was believed that from Rodion, the earth began to freeze, becoming covered with the first solid ice, which opened up opportunities for winter travel and ice fishing.

In the old days, the morning began with a trip to church to consecrate bread and salt. These products carried a deep sacred meaning. At lunch, each family member ate a piece of such bread, and they were also fed to livestock. People believed that this would protect animals from death and disease during the long winter. Another custom was to help the poor. So, according to beliefs, the Lord heard prayers better.

Weather signs on this day were especially important, because plans for the coming winter depended on them. Our ancestors carefully observed natural phenomena in order to predict the coming frosts and thaws. If frost fell on Rodion and Erast, it promised severe frosts soon. A foggy morning, on the contrary, foreshadowed warm weather.

Other signs of the day:

• rain — for a dirty and snowy winter;
• The river is covered with ice — to establish a winter way;
• clear and sunny weather leads to frost;
• wind from the north — to the cold;
• anyone born on this day will be lucky and happy.

What not to do on November 23rd

There were also many prohibitions associated with Rodion and Erast Day, based on superstitions and ancestral experiences. Violating these rules could lead to troubles and misfortunes. They were especially wary of quarrels and conflicts that could have long-term consequences. It was also recommended not to leave the house after sunset unless absolutely necessary because of the risk of encountering evil forces.

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What else can not be done on November 23:

• Going on a journey across the ice can get you into trouble.;
• Starting new businesses will be unsuccessful;
• to borrow or lend leads to long—term financial problems;
• to give gifts — you can transfer your luck and prosperity to another;
• Sweeping the floor is how you can sweep the well—being out of the house.;
• to have a wedding — the marriage will be short-lived and unhappy.

What is the church holiday on November 23rd?

On November 23, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the six apostles from the seventy, who were elected at a later date to preach the gospel. Saints Erast and Rodion are among them. Each of them contributed to the spread of Christianity and ended his life as a martyr without renouncing the faith.

The Apostle Erastes, mentioned in the Acts of the Holy Apostles and the Epistles of the Apostle Paul, was a city steward in Corinth. After leaving his high position, he followed the Apostle Paul and became his faithful companion in missionary journeys. According to church tradition, Erast was appointed bishop in the Panead and served the Church until a very old age, carrying the word of God to his flock.

The Apostle Rodion, or Herodion, was a bishop in Patras and zealously converted pagans to the Christian faith. During the persecution under Emperor Nero, Saint Rodion had to share the fate of his great teachers. He was martyred along with the Apostles Peter and Paul.

Also on this day, the memory of the Great Martyr George the Victorious is celebrated. The church remembers one of his most severe torments — the wheel. Saint George was a distinguished military commander under the Emperor Diocletian. Declaring himself a Christian, he distributed his possessions to the poor and bravely endured severe tortures, including being charioted. In 303, he was executed in Nicomedia. After his death, the saint became famous for a great miracle — the appearance on a white horse and the defeat of a serpent, known as the miracle of George about the serpent.

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Prayers on November 23rd

Believers turn to the saints with a variety of requests. The Apostles Rodion and Erast, as disciples of Christ, are prayed for strengthening faith, giving strength to bear the hardships of life and for success in good endeavors. Saint George the Victorious, the patron saint of warriors and farmers, is prayed for protection from enemies and ill-wishers, for the gift of courage, the preservation of livestock and a good harvest.

Prayer to Rodion and Erast

Troparion, glas 3

"Holy apostles, pray to the Merciful God, that He may grant remission of sins to our souls."

Kontakion, glas 2

"Having enlightened the mind with divine light, you have broken the threads of wisdom, and grasped all tongues, you have glorified the apostles, O Master, and glorified the Divine Trinity in a learned way."

Prayer to St. George the Victorious

"Holy, glorious and all-laudable Great Martyr of Christ George! As we gather in your temple and worship before your holy icon, we beseech you, our intercessor, who knows our desires: pray with us and for us, we beseech God from His benevolence, that He may graciously hear us who ask His mercy, and not forsake all our petitions for salvation and a life in need, and grant our country victory in the resistance And pack up, prostrate, we pray to you, holy victorious one.: Strengthen the Orthodox army with the grace given to you in battle, destroy the forces of the rising enemies, let them be ashamed and put to shame, and let their insolence be crushed, and let them lead us away, for we have Divine help, and show your mighty intercession to all who are in distress and distress. Beseech the Lord God, the Creator of all creatures, to deliver us from eternal torment, that we may glorify the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and confess thy intercession now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told about what they pray to St. John Chrysostom.

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