Volgograd residents honor the memory of the Hieromartyr Hierotheos, who suffered for his faith

Orthodox calendar

Hierotheus lived in the first century and was a member of the Athenian Areopagus. He converted to Christ under the influence of the Apostle Paul, who later ordained him the first bishop of Athens.

According to church tradition, Bishop Hierotheos, together with Dionysius the Areopagite, was present at the burial of the Most Holy Theotokos and sang divine hymns there. He ended his life with a martyr’s death – he suffered from the pagans at the end of the first century. Its head is believed to now rest in a monastery near Megara. The Church honors Hierophaeus as a faithful disciple of the Apostle Paul and the first bishop of Athens, who gave his life for the faith.

On October 17, they also remember: the acquisition of the relics of Saints Guria, Archbishop of Kazan, and Varsonofy, Bishop of Tver (1595); the Cathedral of Kazan Saints; the memory of the faithful Prince Vladimir Yaroslavich of Novgorod and the Reverends Helladius and Onesim of the Pechersks.

According to the church calendar of the name day on this day the owners of the following names: Vasily, Veronica, Vladimir, Dmitry, Jacob, Michael, Nicholas, Paul, Peter, Stepan, Tikhon, Jacob.

Secular holidays

October 17 is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the theme of which for 2026 is “Safe Home for All”.

In Russia, this day will celebrate the Day of the district therapist – an unofficial, but already widely known professional holiday.

People's calendar

A number of popular beliefs are associated with Erofeev Day. It was believed that on this day, the leopard is raging for the last time before going underground until spring, so it is better not to go into the forest - you can meet evil spirits. The wedding and wedding on this day were considered unfavorable - the union could be fragile.

According to folk traditions, on October 17, it is not recommended to invite strangers to the house - it was believed that under their guise, evil forces could hide; you can not engage in heavy physical labor - this could turn into health problems; talk and think about the bad - negative thoughts, according to legend, attracted troubles with a vengeance; make noise and arrange a large cleaning - so as not to anger the housekeeper.

According to folk signs, the red sunset - to the cold. If it snows on October 17, the real winter will come in about 40 days.