What is the holiday today: October 25, 2026

On October 25, 2026, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the martyrs of Probus, Tarakh and Andronikos of Tarsi (304), and also celebrates the Jerusalem Icon of the Mother of God. In the national calendar, this day is known as Andron Stargazer (or Andronov Day) - a time when our ancestors closely watched the night sky, guessed about the weather and harvest.

Who are the Martyrs Probus, Tarach and Andronicus

Historical Context: The Persecution of Diocletian

Martyrs Probus, Tarah and Andronikos suffered for their Christian faith in 304 in the city of Tarsus of Cilicia, a major administrative and cultural center of Cilicia, a region in the southeast of Asia Minor (the territory of modern Turkey). This period falls during the reign of Emperor Diocletian (284-305), who went down in history as one of the most brutal persecutors of Christianity. In 303, Diocletian issued a series of edicts aimed at the destruction of Christian communities: ordered to destroy churches, burn sacred books, deprive Christians of civil rights and public offices, and those who refused to sacrifice to pagan gods, torture and execution. Persecutions were especially intensified in the eastern provinces of the empire, where Galerius was the co-ruler of Diocletian, who was extremely intransigent to the followers of Christ. It was during this period, in 304, that Probus, Tarach and Andronikos were martyred in Tarsus.

Information about the lives of these saints has been preserved in church tradition and life literature. According to hagiographic sources, Probus, Tarakh and Andronikos were Christians who firmly professed their faith during the persecutions. Their names indicate different origins: Tarah is a name of Greek origin, common in Asia Minor; Probus is a Latin name meaning “honest”, “valorous”; Andronicus is also a Greek name meaning “man”, “winner of husbands”. All three suffered in Tarsus of Cilicia, where, according to legend, they were captured by the pagan authorities and tortured for refusing to renounce Christ.

Life tradition tells that the martyrs suffered terrible tortures: they were beaten, tormented with iron, burned with fire, but they remained adamant in their faith. According to legend, during the tortures they strengthened each other and prayed, and their steadfastness impressed some pagans. In the end, all three were beheaded with the sword, taking a martyr's crown. The exact details of their suffering may vary in different editions of their lives, but church tradition invariably emphasizes their courage and fidelity to Christ to death.

Reverence in the Orthodox Church

The memory of the martyrs Probus, Tarach and Andronicus is celebrated on October 25 (October 12 according to the Julian calendar) – on the same day as the celebration of the Jerusalem Icon of the Mother of God and a number of other saints. In the Orthodox calendar, this day is marked as the day of remembrance of these three holy sufferers who suffered in 304. Their memory is included in the number of ancient festivals dating back to the early Christian tradition of venerating martyrs.

In the national calendar, the day of memory of Prov, Tarakh and Andronik was called "Andron Stargazer" (or "Andronov Day"). This is due to the fact that the end of October in peasant life was the time of observing the starry sky: the weather was determined by the stars and the harvest was predicted. The name of Andronicus (Androna) became symbolic for this day, and the saint in the popular consciousness was endowed with the features of a wise stargazer. There was even a saying: “Andron can reach the sky with the sixth, draw stars with the scoop.” Thus, the church veneration of the martyrs was combined with the folk traditions of observing nature.

The importance of martyrdom

The feat of Probus, Tarach and Andronicus, as well as other early Christian martyrs, has profound significance for the church tradition. Martyrdom in Christianity is considered as the highest testimony of faith - it is no accident that the word "martyr" (Greek "martis") means "witness". By their death, the saints testified to the truth of Christian teaching and faithfulness to Christ even in the face of death. Their example strengthened the first Christians during the years of persecution and continues to serve as a model of fortitude for believers of subsequent generations.

Church tradition emphasizes that the martyrs were not passive victims: they voluntarily went to suffering, refusing to renounce their faith, and thereby defeated their tormentors spiritually. In this sense, their death was not a defeat, but a victory—a victory of the spirit over the flesh, of faith over fear. That is why in the Orthodox tradition martyrs are revered as heroes of the spirit, and their memory is celebrated as a celebration, not as mourning.

Martyrs in the Context of the Age

The persecution of Diocletian was the last and one of the most extensive in the history of the Roman Empire. They affected almost all provinces and the number of victims was in the thousands. However, in 311, Galerius, seriously ill, issued an edict on religious tolerance, and in 313 Constantine the Great and Licinius signed the Edict of Milan, which gave Christians freedom of religion. The martyrs who suffered during these years were the last in a long line of early Christian sufferers, and their memory was especially revered as the memory of those who died on the threshold of a new era — an era when Christianity ceased to be a persecuted religion.

Probus, Tarakh and Andronikos are among those saints whose names are preserved in the church calendar, although the details of their lives are known mainly from the life tradition. Historical science does not have sources independent of church tradition about these martyrs, but their veneration goes back to ancient times, which testifies to the reality of their feat in the memory of the early Christian community. Believers will be able to believe in their faith today.

Martyrs Probus, Tarach and Andronicus are early Christian saints who suffered for their faith in 304 in Tarsus of Cilicia during the years of persecution of the emperor Diocletian. Their memory is celebrated on October 25 (October 12, old style). In folk tradition, this day was called “Andron Stargazer” and was associated with observations of the starry sky. The feat of these saints, as well as other martyrs of the era of persecution, became a testimony of loyalty to Christ and strengthened the Christian community on the threshold of a new historical era. Their example remains significant for Orthodox believers today.

Alexander, Amphilochius, Andronicus (Andronicus), Denis, Diodorus, Ivan, Kuzma (Kosma), Makar, Maximilian, Martin, Nicholas, Prov, Taras, Tarakh, Fedot, Theodosius, Jason, Anthia, Dominica (Dominica).

The people called the day Ondronik (Andron). The stars told us about the weather and the harvest

It is believed that those born on this day are given the ability to predict by the stars.

The highlights of the day:

In 1653, Alexei Mikhailovich issued the Customs Charter, which introduced a single ruble duty on the territory of Russia.

1817 – in Moscow on the Sparrow Hills in the presence of Alexander I, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior was founded according to the project of A. L. Vitberg.

1865 – serfdom in Kutaisi province is abolished.

1917 - in the old style - the date of the October Revolution in Russia.

1922 - units of the People's Revolutionary Army of the Far Eastern Republic under the command of Uborevich entered Vladivostok, completing the main theater of the Civil War.

1943 - troops of the 3rd Ukrainian Front during the Dnipropetrovsk operation liberated Dnipropetrovsk and Dniprodzerzhinsk.

1944 – During the Petsamo-Kirkenes operation, the Norwegian port of Kirkenes was liberated by a naval assault.

1977 – the title of “People’s Doctor of the USSR” was established; an act was approved based on the results of operational tests of the Tu-144 with NK-144 engines.

1989 – Soviet Foreign Ministry spokesman Gennady Gerasimov coined the term “Sinatra doctrine.”.

1990 – the USSR adopted a law on freedom of religion; the Gorno-Altai Autonomous Region proclaimed itself a republic within the RSFSR; a declaration on the state sovereignty of Kazakhstan was adopted.

1147 – capture of Lisbon by the Crusaders and Portuguese; Battle of Dorilea.

1415 Battle of Agincourt (Hundred Years' War).

1854 – Battle of Balaklava (“attack of light brigade”).

1929 – Stock market crash in the United States, the beginning of the Great Depression.

1936 – the design of the Berlin-Rome axis.

1955 – The Tappan Company introduced the first microwave oven.

In 1956, the Berchtesgaden court officially declared Adolf Hitler dead.

1962 – Cuban Missile Crisis: A United Nations demonstration of Soviet missiles in Cuba; Khrushchev agreed to withdraw the missiles.

1971 – Taiwan is expelled from the UN and replaced by China.

1983 U.S. invasion of Grenada (Operation Urgent Fury).

2001 – Microsoft Windows XP is released.

In 2020, the Azerbaijani army regained control of the city of Gubadli in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Maria Feodorovna (1759) - the second wife of Emperor Paul I, the mother of Alexander I and Nicholas I, an outstanding philanthropist and founder of many charitable institutions.

Joseph Charlemagne (1782) is a talented Russian architect, the author of projects of many St. Petersburg buildings.

Gleb Uspensky (1843) was a great Russian writer, a classic of literature, a master of essays and stories about national life.

Nikolai Samokish (1860) – an outstanding Russian and Soviet painter, master of battle scenes, teacher.

Alexander Grechaninov (1864) was a brilliant Russian composer, a student of Tchaikovsky, the author of majestic liturgies.

Alexander Egorov (1883) was one of the first five Marshals of the Soviet Union, an outstanding military commander of the Civil War.

Aliya Moldagulova (1925) - legendary sniper of the Great Patriotic War, Hero of the Soviet Union, whose feat became a symbol of courage.

Galina Vishnevskaya (1926) - great opera singer (soprano), legend of the world musical theater, teacher and public figure.

Victor Makeev (1924) - brilliant designer, academician, founder of the Soviet school of naval strategic rocket engineering.

Tamara Semina (1938) is a favorite national actress of theater and cinema.

Anton Sikharulidze (1976) is an outstanding Russian skater, Olympic champion of 2002 in pairs skating.

Mikhail Galustyan (1979) is a popular Russian showman, actor, humorist and producer.

Vanya Dmitrienko (2005) is a young and talented Russian singer and actor who won the hearts of millions of viewers.

Evgenia Mravina (1914) is a great Russian opera singer, prima donna of the Mariinsky Theatre, the owner of a unique lyrical soprano.

Sergei Volkonsky (1937) – Prince, outstanding Russian theater figure, critic and theorist of acting.

Mikhail Yangel (1971) is an outstanding Soviet designer of rocket and space complexes, twice Hero of Socialist Labor, whose developments ensured parity in the Cold War.

Ekaterina Furtseva (1974) was an influential Soviet state and party figure, “Ekaterina the Third”, who for many years held the post of Minister of Culture of the USSR.

Nikolai Volkov (1985) is a wonderful actor of theater and cinema, Honored Artist of the RSFSR.

Margarita Nazarova (2005) – legendary circus artist, unsurpassed trainer of tigers and film actress.

Muslim Magomayev (2008) is a great opera and pop singer, “Soviet Nightingale”, People’s Artist of the USSR, whose voice forever remained in the hearts of millions.

Yuri Mamleev (2015) is a Russian writer, playwright and philosopher, the creator of the unique literary direction “metaphysical realism”.

Alexey Zolotnitsky (2025) is a talented Soviet and Russian actor of theater and cinema, familiar to the audience for many memorable roles.

In the national calendar, October 25 bears the name of Andron the Stargazer (Andronov Day) - after the name of the martyr Andronikos, whose memory together with Prov and Tarakh is celebrated on this day. By the end of October, the field work was almost completed, and the night sky became the main reference point for the peasants: from noon to midnight people looked closely at the stars, trying to predict the nature of the future winter and the harvest of the next year. The bright and clear glow of the stars promised frosts, dim - thaw, abundant star placer promised a good harvest of peas and legumes, and a falling star foreshadowed windy weather. There was even a saying: “Andron can reach the sky with the sixth, draw stars with the scoop” – it reflected a special attitude to this day as a time of divination and observations of the sky.

With the day of Andron Stargazer were associated with special rituals. The birthday parties “warmed their star”: they wound the cloth on a pole, set it on fire and raised it as high as possible – it was believed that this would bring good luck in life. Girls and mistresses guessed by the stars about fate, and under the night sky for the whole night left grain intended for sowing, clothes of the patient and medicinal herbs, believing that they will be saturated with the power of higher forces: grain will give a good harvest, things will protect from the evil eye, and herbs will gain special healing power. They also held a ceremony for good luck: they collected dry twigs, went out into the field, drew a circle around themselves on the ground and lit a small fire - they believed that together with the burned fire all troubles and difficulties would go away. On the same day, the harvested grain was threshed, and porridge was cooked from fresh flour - barley, oatmeal, wheat - and bread, buns and pies were baked as a symbol of household prosperity and warmth.

Folk customs of this day contained many prohibitions, dictated by the desire to protect the house and family from troubles before the onset of winter. It was not allowed to laugh loudly and mockingly - it was believed that after a whole year you would have to cry; they avoided quarrels, gossip and profanity, so as not to cause misfortunes and not to spoil relations with loved ones and superiors. Women did not wash, did not knock out feathers and pillows, did not do cleaning and needlework - according to legend, so it was possible to "wipe out" luck and prosperity from the house. They did not open the door to strangers after knocking, for fear of letting the grief into the house, did not bring home candles for home prayer, did not count money and did not plan long trips, and tried to postpone heavy physical work so as not to incur even greater difficulties. At the same time, the day was considered a good time to complete the work started, take care of household supplies and prepare winter clothes - so in the folk tradition, observation of the starry sky, rites for good luck and a careful, measured device of home life on the threshold of winter were combined.

Rising Moon in Aries. Aries is a sign of the element of Fire, ruled by Mars, so the day carries an impulsive, energetic and enterprising atmosphere. The rising moon increases the desire for growth, action and conquest. This is a time of bold beginnings, quick decisions and increased activity – but also an increased risk of hasty actions and conflicts.

Aries

Taurus

Twins

Cancer

Lev

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Fish

The Rising Moon in Aries is a period of active growth, courage and initiative. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, the element of Fire ruled by Mars, so the energy of the day is impulsive, direct and requires an exit. Here are the key rules of conduct:

The Rising Moon in Aries is a day of "pioneers." Those who can combine courage with awareness will get the most out of this day.

On October 25, 2026, when the Growing Moon is in Aries, cutting hair and nails is an ambiguous issue: on the one hand, the growing Moon is traditionally considered favorable for haircuts, if the goal is to accelerate hair growth and increase their density, and Aries gives energy and determination for changes in appearance; on the other hand, Aries controls the head, and some astrologers advise on the days of the Moon in Aries to refrain from radical haircuts and manipulations, so as not to provoke headaches, skin irritation or an too impulsive decision about which you can regret. As for nails, it is quite possible to cut them today - the growing Moon promotes renewal and growth, but due to the Martian impulsivity of the day, you should be careful, do not rush and do not experiment with aggressive procedures to avoid injuries and inflammation. If you want to freshen your hair or trim your nails, it is better to do it calmly, without haste and without the desire to “change everything at once”, and if you plan to radically change your image – perhaps you should wait for a more neutral lunar day.

October 25, 2026 in numerology is revealed through the number 9: add the digits of the date - 2 + 5 + 1 + 0 + 2 + 2 + 6 = 18, and then 1 + 8 = 9. Nine is the number of completions, wisdom and outcomes, so this day is best suited for closing old cases, drawing a line, saying goodbye to what has exhausted itself, and making room for something new. The energy of the Nine is generous and compassionate: today forgiveness, helping others, charity and the ability to let go without regrets are especially valued. At the same time, it is important to remember that nine is the last digit of the cycle, and everything that happens on this day has a shade of “finality”: you should not start long-term projects from scratch, but you can successfully complete, pass, draw up and sum up.

Interestingly, the date of October 25, 2026 carries an additional hue: the number of day 25 is reduced to 7 (2 + 5), and the seven is the number of analysis, solitude and inner search. The combination of seven and nine creates a day of deep reflection: external activity may seem less important than internal work on meanings. This is an auspicious time to make sense of yourself, to rethink goals, to bring order to thoughts and documents, as well as spiritual practices, reading, learning and anything that requires concentration. But don’t go too far into isolation today—the Nine reminds us that wisdom is valuable when shared.

Finally, the numerology of the day advises to pay attention to personal numbers: those whose life path number coincides with 9, 7 or 18, the day can bring important awareness and completion of significant stages; people with the number 1 and 5 should be careful with impulsive decisions, and owners of 2, 4 and 6 should direct energy to care for loved ones and strengthen ties. In general, October 25, 2026 is the day of “harvest”: it is good for completing what you started, distributing debts, asking for forgiveness, restoring order in finances and relationships, but not in order to start a new one “from scratch”. Nine teaches that in order for the new to come, you must first thank and let go of the old.

A dream on the night of October 25, 2026 is formed under the influence of two powerful symbolic layers: astrologically it is the night of the Growing Moon in Aries, and numerologically it is the night leading to the number 9 (2 + 5 + 1 + 0 + 2 + 0 + 2 + 6 = 18 → 1 + 8 = 9), enhanced by the vibration of the number of day 25, which is reduced to seven. The moon in Aries makes dreams fast, bright and dynamic: they often appear chases, competitions, fighting, fire, sharp objects, roads and transport, as well as figures of leaders, warriors or aggressors. Such dreams reflect not so much the future as the accumulated Martian energy – repressed irritation, desire to act, desire for primacy or fear of conflict. The growing Moon emphasizes the theme of growth and beginnings: if you dream you plant something, build, start or go on a journey - this is a favorable sign, symbolizing the movement forward; if you dream of destruction, quarrels or fire - the psyche signals the need to "let off steam" and direct energy in a constructive direction, for example, in sports or active business.

The numerological layer gives this night a shade of completion and internal analysis: the nine turns dreams into “final” – images of the past, departed people, old houses, forgotten things and unfinished situations can come to them, as if the subconscious suggests to draw a line and let go of what has exhausted itself. The seven, hidden in the number of day 25, adds depth and symbolism to dreams: what matters is not so much literal events as sensations, numbers, signs and recurring motifs - they are the key to interpretation. If on the night of October 25 you had a dream about saying goodbye, cleaning, passing the exam, completing the path or obtaining a diploma - this is a classic plot of nine, talking about the readiness to move to a new stage; dreams of search, labyrinths, books, maps and lonely reflections reflect the seven and advise not to rush to conclusions, but to trust the inner voice. In general, the dreams of this night should be considered not as a prophecy, but as a mirror: they show what is ripe for completion in your life (nine) and where to direct the released energy (Aries). Write down what you saw in the morning, note the most vivid images and emotions - and during the week watch which of them will respond in reality: this "dialogue" with the subconscious is the main value of sleep on the night of October 25, 2026.

On October 25, Scorpions are born.

The air will warm up to 11 degrees, sunny, without rain.

The air will warm up to 10 degrees, cloudy, rain.

On Sunday, October 25, a calm geomagnetic situation is expected in most Russian cities - the level of disturbance of the magnetosphere will be about 2-3 points. Such fluctuations do not belong to strong magnetic storms and, as a rule, do not affect the well-being of most people. Even weather-sensitive citizens on this day are unlikely to feel a noticeable impact of solar activity. In general, the day has to an even mood and good health.

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