Pimen's Day. What Orthodox Christians in Latvia can and cannot do on September 9, 2026?

This day was dedicated to the rowan tree. It was believed that it should be planted near the house to protect against fires, and also to be collected and prepared, including as a medicinal remedy. **What is remembered in the Church on September 9, 2026** 1. Pimen the Great. Pimen, who received the nickname the Great in history, lived in Egypt in the 4th-5th centuries. He was a deeply devout man and felt a pull towards solitude and seclusion from an early age. He took monastic vows at the Skete Monastery and made a vow of silence, entering the monastery along with his brothers Anuviy and Paisiy. During a raid by the Berbers, the monastery was destroyed. The brothers then settled in the ruins of the pagan temple of Terenufis. They were so strict in their faith that they even refused to meet with their own mother. Pimen's remarkable faith brought him incredible fame. Pilgrims from all over the country came to him for help and advice. He was extremely humble and very demanding of himself, but he never refused help and counsel to anyone. He lived a very long life and peacefully passed away at the age of 110. 2. Pimen of Palestine lived in the 6th century and spent almost his entire life as a hermit in a cave in the Ruwa desert. He ate only plant-based food and never wore clothes. One night, a monk named Agaphonik asked to stay overnight in his cave, and in the morning complained about the cold, which greatly surprised Pimen—he himself did not feel the cold. It turned out that a lion had slept with him, keeping him warm. At the same time, he knew in advance that his fate was to be eaten by predators, which later happened. **Folk Weather Signs** — A lot of rowan berries means a harsh winter. — Rowan leaves have already turned yellow—expect a damp autumn. — Thunder has rumbled—Indian summer is approaching. **What can be done on September 9, 2026** — It is customary to gather and prepare rowan berries. — It is good to make berry jam. — It is excellent to engage in planting bushes and trees. **What cannot be done on September 9, 2026** — One should not pick anything up off the street, especially not take it home. — It is advisable to refrain from large purchases. — One should not lend money. — It is bad to stand on the threshold for a long time and generally to keep the door open. — It is very bad to utter curse words on this day.