September 17, 2026, marks the Day of Remembrance for Vera, Nadezhda, Lyubov, and Sofia
On September 17, according to the New Julian calendar, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine commemorates the holy martyrs Vera, Nadezhda, Lyubov, and their mother Sofia. This day is dedicated to the memory of women who remained steadfast in their Christian faith and suffered a martyr’s death for their beliefs.
Religious Holidays and Their History
Memorial Day for the Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope, Love, and Their Mother Sophia
According to tradition, Saint Sophia arrived in Rome from Milan in the 2nd century with her three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love. She raised them in a deep Christian faith. When Emperor Hadrian began persecuting Christians, the family was arrested and brought before him. The emperor tried to force the girls to renounce Christ, but they remained steadfast.
Hadrian then ordered that the girls be subjected to brutal torture. The youngest, Love, was 9 years old; Hope was 10; and the eldest, Faith, was 12. They were tortured one by one in front of their mother, but they did not renounce their beliefs and accepted a martyr’s death. After the execution of his daughters, the emperor gave their bodies to Sophia, who buried them and, three days later, died of grief at their graveside. The Church honors her as a martyr, for she endured the same spiritual suffering as her daughters.
Prayers of the Day
O holy martyrs, the passion-bearers of Christ—Faith, Hope, and Love—and their mother Sophia! We turn to you with sincere prayer and implore you: pray to God for us, sinners. Look upon our sorrows; deliver us from our visible and invisible enemies, from every danger and illness. Strengthen us in faith; grant us strength of spirit, that we may follow your example of life and courage.
Amen
Folk Beliefs and Superstitions
This day was also called “Universal Grandmothers’ Name Day.” According to tradition, women were supposed to cry to purify their souls and prepare for future trials.
Our ancestors believed that the omens of this day could predict what the weather would be like in the future:
- If it rains on this day, spring will be rainy;
- If there are few clouds, winter will be cold;
- If the leaves on the birch trees begin to turn yellow from the tips, winter will come early;
- If there are many acorns on the oak tree, winter will be warm, and spring will be cold.
What Not to Do
- Don’t argue, don’t insult others, and don’t gossip.
- Don’t be envious or wish ill on others.
- Do not take on heavy work, especially women.
- Do not sew, embroider, or work with a needle.
- Do not hold a wedding—at the same time, the day was considered auspicious for matchmaking.
