Holiday on September 23, 2026—Memorial Day for Peter and Antonina: What Is Known About the Saints
On September 23 according to the New Julian calendar, Christians commemorate the martyrs Andrew, John, and John’s sons—Peter and Antoninus. According to church tradition, they lived in the 9th century, were from Syracuse in Sicily, and were martyred for the Christian faith after the city was captured. According to the Julian calendar, this day falls on October 6.
The commemoration of Peter and Antoninus is observed on September 23 according to the New Julian calendar. This is the date listed in modern Orthodox calendars for the commemoration of the martyrs Andrew, John, and his sons Peter and Antoninus. In the old Julian calendar, this date corresponds to October 6. In 2026, September 23 falls on a Wednesday. On this day, the church calendar lists several commemorations, with the main event being the Conception of the Honorable and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John. Separately commemorated are the Venerable Xanthippe and Polyxenia, the Martyr Iraida, as well as the Martyrs Andrew, John, Peter, and Antoninus.
Therefore, referring to September 23 exclusively as “the Day of Peter and Antonin” is not entirely accurate. It is more correct to speak of the commemoration of the martyrs Andrew, John, and John’s sons Peter and Antonin. At the same time, in popular calendars, this date is often referred to simply as the Day of Remembrance of Peter and Antonin. It is a fixed date, so every year it falls on September 23 according to the New Style calendar. In Old Style church calendars, it is listed as October 6. It is precisely because of this difference in calendars that various sources sometimes list two dates for the same day of remembrance.
Who Were Peter and Antonin?
According to church tradition, Peter and Antonin were the sons of a Christian named John. Together with their father, they lived in Syracuse—a large city in Sicily. Their story is linked to the events of the 9th century, when Syracuse was captured and destroyed by the armies of the African ruler Ibrahim. Afterward, part of the Christian population was taken to Africa. Among the captives were John and his two sons—Peter and Antonin. Church tradition also mentions the martyr Andrew alongside them. Thus, the commemoration on this day honors not just two people, but an entire group of martyrs. However, special attention is often given specifically to Peter and Antoninus, since they were brothers and the sons of John.
According to tradition, the boys were forced to study Arabic and various sciences. They studied well and eventually won the ruler’s favor. Ibrahim even called Antonin his relative and appointed Peter as chief steward. At first glance, a completely different life lay ahead for the brothers—they could have attained high status and privileges at court. But they did not renounce their Christian faith. According to hagiographic tradition, this was precisely what led to their persecution.
How Peter and Antonin Became Martyrs
At first, Peter and Antonin tried to practice Christianity in secret. However, the ruler eventually learned of their faith. This provoked his wrath, as they were demanded to adopt another religion and renounce Christianity. According to the hagiography, the brothers were ordered to be arrested and subjected to brutal torture. After being tortured, Antonin was placed on a donkey, tied to it, and paraded through the city. He was humiliated and beaten in an attempt to force him to renounce his faith. According to tradition, the martyr endured these trials and did not renounce Christianity.
After being beaten, Peter was thrown into prison. There, he also endured severe suffering. Church tradition states that both brothers died as a result of torture. Afterward, orders were given to track down their father, John. He, too, was put to a martyr’s death. According to hagiographic tradition, the bodies of John and his sons were thrown into the fire. That is why the memory of Peter and Antoninus is inextricably linked to the memory of their father, John.
What Is Known About the Martyr Andrew
Along with Peter, Antonin, and John, Saint Andrew is commemorated on this day. He was also a Christian and suffered during the persecutions in North Africa. According to church tradition, Andrew was starved for a long time. He was then wounded with a spear. Even after that, he continued to pray, after which he was killed with a sword.
Therefore, the full name of the commemoration is: the martyrs Andrew, John, and John’s sons Peter and Antonin. In the Orthodox tradition, they are remembered as examples of people who, according to church teaching, remained faithful to their faith even during persecutions. Their story is particularly interesting because it brings together the fates of an entire family. The father and his two sons were taken captive but did not renounce Christianity. Andrew also accepted a martyr’s death alongside them.
What Happened to Syracuse
Syracuse, where Peter and Antoninus were from, is located on the island of Sicily. In ancient times, it was one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean. In the 9th century, the city was attacked and captured by Muslim forces. According to church tradition, it was after the fall of Syracuse that John and his sons found themselves among the captives. They were taken to Africa, where they spent a significant part of their lives. This detail explains why the saints are called not simply martyrs, but the Martyrs of Syracuse, who suffered in Africa.
The city’s history helps us better understand the family’s life journey. For them, everything changed after the capture of their hometown. Instead of their familiar life in Sicily, they found themselves far from home, in a completely different environment. At the same time, church tradition recounts that Peter and Antoninus were able to receive a good education and even attain prominent positions at court. That is precisely why their story is not limited to their captivity. It also tells of the choice they made—according to church tradition—in favor of their faith, despite the opportunity to live a privileged life.
Why the Church Honors Peter and Antonin
In Christian tradition, martyrs are people who died for professing their faith. This is precisely how the Church views Peter, Antonin, John, and Andrew. Their memory is not meant simply to recount a tragic story from the past, but to remind us of human resilience in the face of persecution. The family plays a special role in this story. Peter and Antonin were brothers, and John was their father. They all faced the same danger and, according to church tradition, did not renounce their faith.
For Christians, the memory of the martyrs also serves as a reminder of the price of religious freedom. People may be forced to change their beliefs, but the Church’s hagiography portrays Peter, Antonin, and other martyrs as those who refused to do so. At the same time, this day is not a holiday in the usual, everyday sense. It is, first and foremost, a day of church remembrance, prayer, and reflection on the lives of those whom the Church considers examples of faithfulness to Christ.
How This Day Is Observed
There are no special folk festivities or mandatory everyday rituals specifically associated with Peter and Antonin. This is important because one can find various lists of “traditions” and “prohibitions” online that have no direct connection to the church calendar. The primary way for believers to observe this day of remembrance is through prayer. On this day, the martyrs are commemorated during church services. People can also turn to them in personal prayer and ask for help in difficult life situations.
If possible, one can visit a church and participate in the liturgy. If this isn’t possible, the day can be spent more quietly, devoting time to prayer, reading the Holy Scriptures, or talking with loved ones about the meaning of this day. A special tradition for Christians can be helping others. Acts of mercy, supporting one’s family, and helping those who find themselves in difficult circumstances are fully in line with the general Christian understanding of the commemoration of the saints. There is no need to invent complicated rituals. The Church does not require any magical actions to “protect” oneself from misfortune on this day. The true meaning of commemorating the martyrs lies elsewhere—in prayer, faith, and reflecting on their example.
Is September 23 a day of fasting?
In 2026, September 23 falls on a Wednesday, and Wednesday is one of the regular fasting days in the Orthodox tradition. That is why the usual Wednesday fast is observed on this day. It is not a separate fast established specifically in honor of Peter and Antoninus. Fasting days in the church tradition are linked to specific events in the Gospel narrative and have a spiritual, rather than merely dietary, significance. For a believer, fasting is not only a restriction on food but also a time to pay greater attention to prayer and one’s own conduct.
At the same time, specific fasting rules may vary depending on one’s health, age, and other circumstances. Therefore, fasting should not be viewed as a uniform requirement for absolutely everyone. If a person has doubts about how to fast, it is advisable to consult a priest. The main thing is not to turn fasting into a mere formality or a competition in strictness.
What You Can and Shouldn’t Do on September 23
It’s best to spend this day without unnecessary fuss. If a person follows church tradition, they can pray, visit a church, commemorate the saints, and do a good deed. It is especially appropriate to focus on family, since the story of Peter and Antonin is specifically about a father and his two sons. You shouldn’t view this day of remembrance as a date when something bad is bound to happen. In the church tradition, there is no reason to believe that September 23 is a day to fear any particular events.
Likewise, one should not rely on fortune-telling, magical rites, or various “protective” rituals. These are not part of the Christian veneration of martyrs. If a person wishes to observe this day in accordance with church tradition, prayer, peace, and care for one’s neighbors are sufficient. Everyday tasks in and of themselves do not make the day “wrong.” If necessary, one can work, cook, clean, or go about one’s usual business. The main thing is not to lose sight of the spiritual meaning of the day amid omens and superstitions.
Interesting Facts About Peter and Antonin
Peter and Antoninus were brothers. Their father was John, who also died a martyr. That is why they are commemorated together in the church calendar.
The saints were from Syracuse. This ancient city in Sicily is today one of the island’s most famous historical centers. Their memory is therefore associated with Syracuse, even though they suffered martyrdom in Africa.
Peter and Antoninus were educated in Africa. According to hagiographic tradition, after their capture, they were forced to study the Arabic language and the sciences. Later, they won the ruler’s favor through their knowledge and conduct.
Antonin received special treatment at court. The ruler called him his kinsman, while Peter was appointed chief steward. But their high status did not cause the brothers to renounce their faith.
Saint Andrew is also commemorated alongside them. He was not a member of their family, but he too suffered during the persecutions and is therefore included in this commemoration.
Their feast day falls on September 23. According to the old Julian calendar, this date corresponds to October 6.
Name days celebrated on this day
On September 23 according to the New Julian calendar, those celebrating name days include Peter, Andrew, and John, as the Church commemorates these saints on this day. The list of names may vary across different calendars depending on which saints are being commemorated.
For people named Petro, this day holds special significance due to the commemoration of the martyr Petro. For those named Ivan, it is significant because of the commemoration of the martyr John and the separate major feast of the Conception of John the Baptist. Andriy may also celebrate his name day in honor of the martyr Andriy. A name day is not just an occasion for a festive meal. In the Christian tradition, it is first and foremost a day to honor the saint whose name a person bears. Therefore, it can be observed with prayer, a visit to church, or simply with family.
The Main Meaning of the Day
The feast day of Peter and Antoninus is, above all, the story of two brothers, their father, and the martyr Andrew, who, according to church tradition, died for their Christian faith. Their story began in Syracuse, continued in Africa after their capture, and ended with their martyrdom.
On September 23, believers commemorate them not because of folk superstitions or everyday taboos. The main significance of this day is the remembrance of people whom the Church considers examples of steadfastness and fidelity to their convictions. Therefore, the best way to spend this day is to quietly remember the saints, pray, pay attention to loved ones, and, if possible, do something kind for another person.
