October 24 – Philip’s exterminator: Church remembers Apostle Philip of Caesarea of Palestine

On October 24, 2026, the Orthodox Church remembers St. Philip, the apostle of seventy from Caesarea of Palestine. According to popular signs, this day is called the Philippovaya Kaniteli and marks the transition of autumn into the winter: “cantelya” in Russia called mud and dirt on the roads, and the weather on October 24 judged what the winter will be and what the future harvest will be.

Saint Philip was one of the seventy apostles, those disciples of Christ whom he chose after the twelve nearest apostles to preach the gospel. According to church tradition, Philip was one of the seven deacons appointed by the apostles to serve in the Jerusalem community. After the descent of the Holy Spirit, he preached in Samaria, where he baptized many believers, including Simon the Magi. Philip was later made bishop in Trallia and finished his earthly journey in old age, spending his last years in peace and teaching the faithful.

In Russia, the day of remembrance of the apostle was called “Philippian damner” or simply “Philippian day”. The word “crusher” in the folk language meant not only promiscuity, but generally a protracted, troublesome affair. By the end of October, the temperature dropped, giving way to thaws, and the roads became difficult to pass. Since that time, the peasants completed the autumn work, put the economy in order and prepared for the cold.