The Day of Nikita the Gooseherd. What Orthodox Christians in Latvia Can and Cannot Do on September 28, 2026?

**What is remembered in the Church on September 28, 2026** The future saint lived in the 4th century and was a representative of the Goths, who lived on the banks of the Danube. His tribesmen were pagans, but Nikita himself was baptized in 325. After that, he began to preach Christianity to his tribesmen, leading many of them to the Lord. However, after some time, the leader of the Goths, Athanaric, returned from exile. He was a fervent pagan and began to persecute his tribesmen who had accepted Christianity. Nikita was among those persecuted. He was captured and subjected to terrible torture. But he never renounced his faith. Then he was sent to Bessarabia, where he was burned at the stake in 372. Nikita perished, but the fire did not even scorch his body. Later, a friend of Nikita managed to retrieve the body and took it to the city of Mopsuestia in Cilicia (southeast Asia Minor). He buried it, and soon various miracles and healings began to occur around the grave. Later, part of the relics ended up in Serbia, where they were kept in the Visoki Dečani Monastery, while another part went to Constantinople. **The Meaning of the Holiday** On this day, the saint is remembered who could have not become a Christian by birth, but did so. **Folk Weather Signs** A cold wind on this day indicates a warm summer. A dry and warm day predicts a cold and snowy winter. Birds flying high mean we should expect thaws and high water in winter. **What Can Be Done on September 28, 2026** It is customary to prepare turnips for winter. It would be good to cook some dishes with turnips. It is customary to prepare goose, ideally roasted with apples. A great day for sewing or embroidery. A wonderful day to visit doctors for routine check-ups. A great day for relaxation. **What Cannot Be Done on September 28, 2026** Do not argue with anyone about anything; postpone disputes for another time. Do not start any new projects. Do not waste money unnecessarily. Under no circumstances pick up coins from the floor. Under no circumstances boast about anything.