Church holiday October 27, 2026: Paraskeva Gryaznukha - signs, traditions and prohibitions

Who does the church remember

The Monk Paraskeva of Serbia lived in the XI century in the city of Epivat (on the territory of modern Turkey). After the death of her parents, she gave her inheritance to the poor, accepted monasticism and devoted her life to serving God. She later made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where she died. Her relics are located in Romania, in the city of Iasi, and are considered miraculous.

Martyrs Nazarius, Gervasius, Protasius and Celsius suffered for their faith in the first century in Milan. They preached Christianity and were martyred during the persecutions of Emperor Nero.

Folk traditions

In Russia, October 27 was called Paraskeva Mud. It was believed that from this day the autumn rains and slush begin, and the roads become dirty and impassable.

On this day, women were engaged in needlework: spinning, weaving, sewing. Paraskeva was considered the patroness of women's needlework and trade. Also on this day it was customary to pray for the welfare of the family and the health of the children.

Peasants watched the weather and made forecasts for the winter: if Paraskeva was damp and dirty, they waited for a snowy winter.

Notes as of October 27

If it rains on Paraskeva, winter will be snowy and cold.

Clear weather and frost - to a good harvest next year.

Strong wind - to frequent snowstorms in winter.

If there are many leaves on the trees, winter will be late.

Thunder to Paraskeva - for a short autumn.

Birds fly low - to the soon snow.

What can and cannot be done

You can:

Do needlework and housework.

Pray for the well-being and health of children.

Clean the house.

Help those in need and take care of loved ones.

You can't:

Laziness and postponing household chores.

Fighting and swearing - conflicts on this day can last for a long time.

To brag about your achievements is to lose luck.

Refuse to help the petitioner.

Washing and leaving dirty dishes overnight was thought to bring poverty.

Prayer to Paraskeva of Serbia

Believers appeal to Paraskeva of Serbia with requests for family well-being, children’s health, help in needlework and trade, as well as getting rid of diseases and troubles. On this day it is also customary to pray to the martyrs Nazarius, Gervasia, Protasia and Kelsia for protection from ill-wishers.