A special national holiday on October 2 is Trofim and Zosima: history, traditions, omens

Every year on October 2, Orthodox believers honor the memory of the holy Martyrs Trofim of Sinada and Zosima of Cilicia. In the national calendar, the holiday is called Trofim and Zosima. In 2025, it falls on Thursday. Read about the history of this date, its spiritual background, traditions, and signs in the Izvestia article.

What is the church holiday on October 2nd?

On October 2, the Church honors two holy martyrs at once — Trofim of Sinada and Zosima of Cilicia, each of whom has become a symbol of fortitude, faith and sacrifice.

Trofim of Sinad, a native of Antioch, lived in the third century during the reign of the Roman Emperor Probus and professed faith in Jesus. Once, during a noisy pagan festival, accompanied by ritual sacrifices and feasting, Trofim and another Christian, Savvati, painfully watched what was happening and prayed for the participants of the action to come to their senses. Their prayerful steadfastness provoked the anger of the crowd, and the men were captured and taken for questioning.

There they openly admitted that they believed in Jesus, refusing to participate in pagan rituals. After severe tortures, Savvati died, and Trofim, who was tried to be broken by threats and torture, was sent to be executed in Sinad, the center of the province of Phrygia, known for its particular cruelty against Christians. Shackled in iron boots with nails, the martyr walked for three days, accompanied by guards, but was not broken.

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In prison, a high-ranking senator named Dorimedon, who shared the Christian faith, secretly came to Trofim. He bandaged the wounds of the martyr and prayed with him. When the executioners found out about this, both men were subjected to new tortures. Wild animals were set on them, but they did not touch the sufferers. After numerous mockeries, they were sentenced to death.

Zosima of Cilicia, who is also remembered on October 2, lived in the IV century. Having gone into the desert from the world and its temptations, he chose the path of a hermit. According to church tradition, he had a special ability — wild animals and birds understood his words and lived side by side with him.

The ruler of Cilicia, Dometian, having learned that Zosima professes Christianity, ordered the arrest of the ascetic. During the interrogation, mocking, the ruler suggested to the saint to summon a beast that would confirm the power of his faith. At Zosima's prayer, a lion appeared. The ruler was shocked and released the ascetic. Soon the saint peacefully departed to the Lord.

Traditions of the national holiday Trofim and Zosima, celebrated on October 2

Folk customs closely associate the day of Trofim and Zosima with beekeeping. On October 2, Bee Week began in Russia — for nine days after the holiday, the ancestors prepared the apiaries for wintering, performed rituals and recited prayers for their preservation. There was a saying on this occasion: "Put the hives in the cellar, rule the honey festival."

The peasants considered Zosima to be the patron saint of the bee swarm and believed that honey on this day had a special healing power. In the morning, on an empty stomach, you should eat a spoonful of this sweet product and drink warm water — such a morning meal, according to beliefs, strengthened the body.

For the peasants, honey was not so much a delicacy as a universal medicine. It was used for ailments, abdominal and joint pain, colds and gastrointestinal disorders. At a time when medicine was poorly developed, it was bee products that became the main means of prevention and treatment. The people said: "If you meet the winter with honey, you will live without ailments."

On the morning of October 2, villagers went to the temples for morning worship, without fail taking with them homemade cakes (honey rolls, fragrant pies), as well as freshly pumped honey. These treats were shared with the clergy and parishioners, asking Saint Zosima for health, peace of mind and help in beekeeping.

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The housewives set the festive table, where the main course was fluffy pancakes — they were served with honey, symbolizing well-being and good health. According to custom, it was necessary to share this sweet healing product with neighbors, friends, and even strangers. The ancestors believed that such a generous gesture would bring good luck and ensure peace in the house for the whole year.

Beekeepers themselves were considered in Russia to be people with wisdom and a special spiritual connection with nature. Honey and wax were considered especially valuable — the former was used to make candles for the temple, and the latter was used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes.

On the evening of October 2, Trofimov's evenings were traditionally held, gatherings that played an important role in the destinies of young people. It was at these meetings that girls and boys looked at each other, made their first acquaintances, and determined future couples. According to legend, if the engagement took place on Trofim and Zosima, the marriage will be strong and happy.

Young girls were guessing at their betrothed, trying to see the signs of fate: "where Trofim goes, happiness follows him," people said, emphasizing the mystical power of this day in matters of love.

What not to do on the Trofim and Zosima holiday on October 2

The ancestors believed that Trofim and Zosima must strictly observe a number of prohibitions in order not to bring trouble. So, on this day, it was forbidden to spare honey — it was necessary to share it without fail. Moreover, the more generous the owners are, the more prosperous the next year will be for them. It's a very good omen to treat a beggar.

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What else you can't do on October 2nd:

• quarreling, swearing, uttering hurtful words to other people — any rude word can return to the one who said it, in the form of unhappiness.;
• approach reservoirs, go fishing — the water can grab and pull to the bottom.;
• Picking up sharp objects is a high risk of injury.;
• counting small things and groceries is such a "pettiness" that can scare away financial well—being.;
• to refuse alms to the beggar — need will come to the miser's house.

Folk signs for October 2

On October 2, the ancestors carefully observed nature in order to predict what winter would be like.:

• Rain on October 2 — frosts will hit in a week;
• bees are sealing up the flyers — the winter will be harsh;
• fog and warmth — for a mild and lingering autumn;
• the wind is blowing from the south — for the winter harvest;

Earlier, Izvestia told about the history and traditions of the Day of Faith, Hope, and Love.