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Today is October 26: What is the holiday today?
All about the date and prohibitions of the day
Today, October 26, is a special day in the Orthodox Christian calendar as it marks the feast of Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki. Saint Demetrius is the patron saint of the city of Thessaloniki, Greece and is considered one of the most important saints in the Orthodox Church.
Saint Demetrius was born in Thessaloniki in the 3rd century AD and became a Christian at a young age. He was known for his piety and his service to the poor and needy. He was eventually martyred for his faith during the persecution of Christians by the Roman emperor Galerius in 306 AD.
The feast of Saint Demetrius is celebrated throughout the Orthodox Christian world on October 26th. In Thessaloniki, the day is marked by a large religious procession and a festival in the city center. In other parts of the world, the day is often celebrated with special services in Orthodox churches.
Prohibitions of the day
There are some traditional prohibitions associated with the feast of Saint Demetrius. These prohibitions include:
- Do not work on this day.
- Do not eat meat or dairy products.
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Do not swear or use foul language.
- Do not engage in any kind of gambling.
These prohibitions are based on the belief that Saint Demetrius was a strict ascetic who lived a life of poverty and holiness. By following these prohibitions, Orthodox Christians can honor the saint and seek his intercession.
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