September 29: What Church Holiday Is It, and What Should You Avoid Doing?

On September 29, according to the new church calendar, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine honors the Venerable Theophanes the Merciful and Cyriacus the Hermit. Among the people, this day is known as Theophanes the Merciful.

Theophanes the Merciful became famous for his generosity and for helping those in need. According to legend, he welcomed travelers free of charge, gave his savings to the poor, and even after he himself fell into poverty, he never stopped helping others. Cyriacus the Hermit devoted his life to prayer and solitude, spending his final years in the desert.

On this day, believers are encouraged to be merciful: to help those in need, give alms, offer someone a meal, or offer words of encouragement. It is also customary to visit a church and pray for health, healing, and protection.

The Church urges people to avoid quarrels, rudeness, gossip, envy, greed, and despair on September 29. The day is considered auspicious for forgiving offenses and letting go of long-standing conflicts.

According to folk beliefs, on this day one should not walk past a person asking for help. It is also not advisable to pick up money that does not belong to you, spend money thoughtlessly, or lend it out—such prohibitions stem precisely from folk superstitions.

According to the old calendar, September 29 honors the martyr Euphemia the All-Praised.

Name days on September 29: Ivan, Theophanes.