Saint Stephen's Day
December 26, Thursday
St. Stephen was one of the first followers of Jesus Christ and the first martyr to die for his faith. His story is described in detail in the Book of Acts of the Apostles. He was accused of blasphemy and stoned to death, which became a significant event for the Christian church.
St. Stephen's Day is celebrated as the day of remembrance of St. Stephen and serves as a reminder of the steadfastness of faith and devotion to Christian ideals. It symbolizes courage, fortitude and the willingness to sacrifice oneself for the sake of faith.
Traditions and Customs
Religious Services. On this day, services dedicated to St. Stephen are held in Orthodox churches. Believers gather for services where prayers and works related to the life and martyrdom of the saint are read.
Folk customs. In some regions, there is a tradition of having family dinners on this day, where meat dishes are served. There are also customs related to hunting, as Stepanov's Day is considered a favorable time for hunting wild animals.
Festive rituals. In some places, rituals related to predicting the weather and harvest are held. Believers can perform rituals to bless the fields and protect against natural disasters.
Stepan and Stepanida. The holiday is also associated with the names of people named after St. Stephen. On this day, people with the name Stepan and its derivatives often celebrate their name day.
Saint Stephen's Day in other years
- 2021 December 26, Sunday
- 2022 December 26, Monday
- 2023 December 26, Tuesday
- 2025 December 26, Friday
Saint Stephen's Day in other countries
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