A special holiday on April 23rd is Terenty Marevny: history, traditions, omens

Every year on April 23, Orthodox believers honor the memory of the holy Martyr Terenty, who suffered for his faith in Christ in the third century. In the national calendar, it is called Terenty Marevny, or Terentyev day. In 2026, the holiday falls on a Thursday. Read about its history, traditions, signs and strict prohibitions in the Izvestia article.

What is the church holiday on April 23rd?

Terenty was a military commander and a Christian, like the rest of the soldiers in his squad. He lived in Carthage in the third century during the reign of the Roman emperor Decius, known for severe persecution of believers in Jesus. By decree of the ruler, all subjects were required to sacrifice to pagan idols, and refusal was considered a crime and punishable by torture and execution.

When the ruler of Africa, Fortunatian, received this decree, he ordered the people to gather in the square and announced that everyone, without exception, was obliged to perform the ceremony. Some of the people, fearing torture, obeyed. However, forty Christians, led by Terenty, openly declared their loyalty to Jesus and refused to participate in the sacrifice.

According to church tradition, Fortunatian realized that it was Terenty who supported and strengthened the faith of the others, so the saint and his three closest companions — Africanus, Maximus and Pompius — were imprisoned. The remaining 36 confessors were subjected to severe torture. But neither pain nor threats made them give up their faith.

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Then they were taken to a pagan temple and again demanded to sacrifice. Instead, the martyrs turned to God with a prayer, after which the idols collapsed and the building itself collapsed. Enraged, Fortunatian ordered the execution of Christians.

After this massacre, the ruler called Terentius, Maximus, Africanus and Pompey, showed the bodies of the dead and once again offered to worship the idols. Having been refused, he ordered them to be put in heavy fetters and starved in prison. But, as the life says, at night the angel of the Lord took off their chains and strengthened their strength.

When Fortunatian saw that the prisoners remained cheerful, he ordered venomous snakes to be thrown into the cell. But the martyrs continued to pray, and the bastards did not harm them. After that, the ruler gave the last order to execute Terenty and his associates.

Traditions of the national holiday Terentyev day on April 23

In Russia, the saint's memorial day received several names at once — "Terenty Marevny", "Terentyev Day", "Terenty's Day" or "Solstice Day". The nickname Marevny was associated with the word "haze" among the peasants, since on April 23 the sun often rose in a misty haze at sunrise.

St. Terentius Memorial Day fell on a difficult time of spring off-road, winter had finally receded, but the spring order was still getting better. Streams washed away the roads, and the soil was heavy with moisture. "The road to Terenty is collapsing," "Dirt is everywhere — neither pass nor pass," the ancestors said.

Believers began the morning with a visit to the church. Among the people, Saint Terenty was considered the intercessor of those who endure illness, mental hardships and protracted trials of life. They prayed to him for patience, perseverance and help in difficult circumstances.

On April 23, the housewives cleaned the house especially carefully, mopped the floors, washed clothes, linens and bedding, and ventilated the rooms. According to beliefs, such work not only refreshed the home, but also literally "opened the doors" for kind guests, harmony and home comfort.

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In the old days, it was believed that a woman who hid infidelity should confess to her husband on Terentyev Day in order not to drag sin into further family life. Before that, it was necessary to observe a strict fast for three days, and after the morning service, give alms to the poor.

Another well—known village custom was associated with the birch tree - a young tree was asked for a good change or a happy outcome. To do this, they whispered a wish, tied a ribbon or a piece of cloth on a branch and left an offering — bread or a coin.

What not to do on the holiday of Terenty Marevny

In Russia, since April 23, there have been a number of prohibitions related to behavior, daily activities, and the general mood of the day. According to beliefs, on the holiday of Terenty Marevny, noisy gatherings, name days and feasts should not be arranged, since excessive fun could later turn into tears.

What else you can't do on April 23rd:

• throwing away leftovers — with food you can "throw away" prosperity and good luck in business;
• alcohol abuse — drinking on this day "muddies the mind" and provokes quarrels;
• swearing and swearing can attract hostility into the house.;
• to make a marriage proposal, to appoint a matchmaking — such an alliance will turn out to be fragile and short-lived.;
• to work in the garden and orchard — the plants will get sick and bear fruit poorly;
• picking up sharp objects, scissors, axes, large knives — there is a risk of attracting trouble to the house.;
• to refuse to help those in need — avarice will turn into need.

Folk signs for April 23rd

On Terenty, the peasants carefully observed nature, trying to determine what the upcoming summer would be like, whether it was worth waiting for a good harvest.

• the sun rose in a haze, a misty haze — for a good year, a rich harvest of grain;
• the sky is clear and clear at dawn — the sowing campaign will be difficult, the field, according to legend, will have to be plowed and sown again;
• There are a lot of birds in the trees — the summer will be hot and sunny.;
• small spiders have appeared in the house — to a rapid and steady warming;
• strong wind on April 23 leads to crop failure.

Also, the ancestors believed that if a deceased relative dreamed on the night of April 23, it promises recovery from ailments or the onset of a bright, successful streak in business.

Going out the door in the morning, the peasants noticed which foot got stuck in the mud first. If the right one, according to the signs, it promises good luck in business, if the left one, peace and quiet will remain in the house.

Previously, he was a religious scholar, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor at the Russian University of Economics. Natalia Fominykh Plekhanova told Izvestia about the main prohibitions on Radonitsa.