In the Volgograd region on October 15 celebrate church and national holidays

Church calendar

On October 15, 2026, the Orthodox Church remembers the Hieromartyr Cyprian, the Martyr Justina and the Martyr Theoktistus, who suffered for the Christian faith in the early fourth century.

The Hieromartyr Cyprian lived in Antioch in the third century. From early childhood, his parents identified him as a minister of pagan gods, and over time he became a chief priest, who was believed to have a special magical power. He studied in various pagan centers - in Sparta, in Phrygia, in Egyptian Memphis - and, according to legend, had demons in the service.

In the same city lived a young Christian Justina. She dedicated herself to the Heavenly Bridegroom and spent time in fasting and prayer, preserving virginity. When a young man Aglaid asked her to become his wife, she refused. Then Aglaid appealed to Cyprian with the help of magic to persuade Justina to marry. But no matter how hard Cyprian tried, he could not do anything – the girl by prayer and fasting protected herself from demonic forces.

Then Cyprian resented and took revenge, sending pestilence and plagues on Justina’s house and on the whole city. But through her prayer, the obsession stopped. After this change, Cyprian saw, renounced the works of the devil, confessed his sins to Bishop Anthimus, gave all his books to be burned and accepted baptism. He was later appointed bishop and led a dignified life.

During the persecutions under the emperor Diocletian, Cyprian and Justina were slandered, imprisoned, tortured, and then sentenced to beheading with the sword. Together with them, the warrior Theoctistus, who declared himself a Christian, was martyred.

People's calendar

In the national calendar, this day is known as the Kupriyan day or the day of Kupriyan and Ustiny. Saints were revered as protectors against evil spells and evil spirits – they were believed to help in the fight against temptations and dangers.

The peasants were already completing the autumn work, preparing for the winter. The day of October 15 in the national calendar was associated with the first serious cold - they said: "On Kupriyan and Ustinya - the first frosts.".

The day was considered favorable for the completion of autumn affairs and preparation for winter. You could do household chores, fix household equipment, insulate the house. Handicraft was also allowed - women spinned, weaved, sewed. It was a good thing to help someone on that day – to support their neighbor in their work, to share what they needed. People believed that kindness would come back.

Popular prohibitions concerned primarily communication with evil spirits and protection of the house. It was not recommended to start new important things – especially those related to moving, construction or large expenses. It was not necessary to quarrel, slander and wish evil to others - evil words had a special force to return to what was said. They also tried not to leave the house open unattended and not to leave the house after sunset unnecessarily.

People's signs on October 15. If it snows on Kupriyan and Ustinha, winter will be early, but not too harsh. If the day is warm and sunny - autumn will be delayed, cold will come later than usual. The morning fog sweeping across the ground promised a harvest next year. The north wind spoke of a cold winter, the south of a soft and snowy one.

Secular holidays

International Day of Rural Women was established by the UN General Assembly in 2008. In 2026, it is dedicated to the theme “Rural women farmers care about Mother Nature” and aims to recognize the crucial role of rural women in developing agriculture and rural areas, improving food security and eradicating poverty.

World Handwashing Day was established by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 2008 as part of the Year of Sanitation. This simple action is one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent infectious diseases. The theme for 2026 is “Be the hero of handwashing.”.

International White Cane Day – first celebrated in the United States in 1964, became international in 1970 at the initiative of the International Federation of the Blind. The white cane is a symbol of a blind person, and the day itself is designed to draw public attention to the problems of people with visual impairments.