August 23 according to the new church calendar is the day when the celebration of one of the most important events ends, and the memory of the holy martyrs is honored. This is a time for special prayers and folk traditions associated with the gifts of nature.
The Commander tells about religious holidays, history, traditions, and signs on August 23, 2025.
Contents
- Religious Holidays and Their History
- Prayers of the Day
- Folk Beliefs and Signs
Religious Holidays and Their History
Feast of the Dormition of the Holy Mother of God
On August 23, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Feast of the Dormition of the Holy Mother of God. The history of this holiday is connected with events when the parents brought three-year-old Mary to the Jerusalem temple. At the stairs, the girl was met by the father of John the Baptist, who took her by the hand and led her up the high stairs to the most sacred place in the temple. These stairs became a symbol of her path to her calling.
Feast Day of Saint Martyr Luppus of Thessalonica
On August 23, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of Saint Martyr Luppus, who lived in the city of Thessalonica (modern Salonika, Greece). He was a servant of the holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica and shared his faith. According to legends, Luppus bravely preached Christianity, inciting the wrath of pagans. He accepted martyrdom for his faith, becoming a model of courage and devotion to Christ.
Prayers of the Day
Prayer to the Holy Mother of God
O Most Holy Sovereign Lady, Mother of God, receive our prayers that we bring to You on the day of the completion of Your Dormition. Do not turn away from us who come to You, and deliver us from all evil. Grant us, who glorify Your mercy, the Heavenly Kingdom. Amen.
Prayer to Saint Martyr Luppus of Thessalonica
O Saint Martyr Luppus, you who gave your life for the faith of Christ, we beseech you: be our intercessor and helper. Request from the Lord for us the strength to withstand temptations, strengthen us in faith and help us to walk our life path with dignity. Amen.
Folk Beliefs and Signs
In the people, August 23 was called 'Luppus of the Cranberry', as on this day they began to gather cranberries. People believed that the berries collected on Luppus have special healing properties.
Folk signs:
- If there is frost in the morning, winter will be early.
- Rain with thunder foreshadows a warm autumn, and winter - cold.
- If there are many berries on the mountain ash, winter will be severe.
The events of August 23 are associated with the celebration of the religious holidays of the Dormition of the Holy Mother of God and the memory of Saint Martyr Luppus of Thessalonica. This day is also considered a time for various folk traditions and signs.