The Day of the Myrrh-Bearing Women. What Orthodox Christians in Latvia Can and Cannot Do on April 26

On April 26, 2026, the Church honors the memory of Saint Thomasina of Alexandria (Egypt).

On this day, the holy myrrh-bearing women are also honored. This is a movable feast, always occurring on the second Sunday after Easter. This day is considered Orthodox Women's Day.

What the Church Remembers on April 26, 2026

Thomasina. The future saint was born in the 5th century in the city of Alexandria. She was born into a Christian family and was raised in piety from childhood, constantly praying and reading Scripture. At the age of 15, she was married to a fisherman and began living in her husband's family. One night, when her young husband went out fishing, her father-in-law began to harass Thomasina.

She tried to persuade the man to back off, reminding him of the sinfulness of his desires, but this only angered the madman, and he grabbed a sword and cut the girl in two. The girl perished, but her father-in-law immediately received punishment from the Lord. He went blind and could not even leave the scene of the crime. The body of the unfortunate was buried in the Octodecad Monastery. Many miracles began to occur at her grave. Also, through prayer, the saint helped monks rid themselves of carnal desires and passions. Later, her relics were transferred to Constantinople.

The Myrrh-Bearing Women. This feast is dedicated to the women who followed Christ, cared for Him during His life and after His crucifixion, and were the first to learn of His resurrection. In the Russian Orthodox Church, this day is considered the feast of all Christian women.

The Meaning of the Feast

On this day, one of the purest saints is remembered, who suffered for the lust and sins of others. Along with her, the women who were close to Jesus during His earthly life and after His death are also remembered.

Traditions of the Service

In the temple, the service for the holy myrrh-bearing women (small and great vespers, matins, and the Liturgy) is similar to the service of the great martyr George, only during vespers, the readings are from the Sunday of All Saints, and during matins, the hymn is sung: "We magnify you, holy myrrh-bearers, and honor your holy memory, for you pray for us to Christ our God."

What Can Be Done on April 26, 2026

— Give something to your wife.

— Actively engage in household chores.

— It’s time to work in the garden — dig, plant, take care of the plants. Vegetables planted on this day will yield an excellent harvest.

— You can gather medicinal plants.

What Cannot Be Done on April 26, 2026

— Large purchases should not be made.

— Do not start journeys.

— Do not plan new endeavors.

— Do not wear dark clothing.

— Avoid dirt.

— Do not argue with your spouse.