Martin's Day. What Orthodox Christians in Latvia Can and Cannot Do on April 27

On April 27, 2026, the memory of Saint Martin I the Confessor, Pope of Rome, is honored. Somewhere the name turned into Martin, and he also received the nickname Fox Chaser.

It was believed that on this day foxes leave their old dens and start digging new ones — where they will raise their cubs in the summer. It was assumed that on this day foxes become blind and deaf, and therefore can be caught with bare hands. The second name is Crow Festival. It is customary to treat these birds with porridge.

What is Remembered in the Church on April 27, 2026

Martin lived in Italy in the 7th century. He had a deep and diverse education. Already in his early youth, he became a priest. In 649, he was elected to the holy see, thus becoming the seventh pope of Rome. In this position, he immediately proved to be a very active and uncompromising fighter for the purity of faith.

He actively fought against heretics, which aroused the anger of Emperor Constans. The emperor secretly sent a soldier to him with orders to kill the pope. However, as the soldier approached his potential victim, he unexpectedly went blind, and his commander, who had given the order, almost immediately died in battle. The emperor abandoned thoughts of physically eliminating Martin but managed to remove him from the political and public arena by sending him into exile.

Martin spent a year on a deserted island in the Aegean Sea. Then the emperor even attempted to execute him. Nevertheless, the death sentence was revoked, and he was sent back into exile, but even further — to Chersonesus Taurica. There, soon exhausted by persecution and illness, he died. Later, his relics were transferred to Rome.

The Meaning of the Holiday

On this day, we remember a man who preserved his faith and carries it unchanged to others. We should all act in the same way.

What Can Be Done on April 27, 2026

It is good to go for a walk in the park or the nearest forest if the ground has already dried.
One should take care of pets, as well as birds, especially crows.
A great day for courtship.

What Cannot Be Done on April 27, 2026

The main prohibition is related to foxes — they should not be caught or harmed. However, in modern conditions, it is easy to observe this.
On this day, one should not deceive or make false promises.
It is not advisable to flatter anyone — neither superiors nor relatives.
No quarrels should occur with anyone.
On this day, it is not allowed to wash the clothes of husband and wife together, but washing children's clothes with those of one of the parents is permissible.

What Can Be Done on April 27, 2026. Fasting Rules

On this day, there is no fast; everything can be eaten.