Thaddeus the Preacher. What Orthodox Christians in Latvia can and cannot do on September 3, 2026?

**What is remembered in the Church on September 3, 2026** Thaddeus was born in the Syrian city of Edessa in the 1st century and was a contemporary of Christ. He went to Jerusalem to understand what Christianity was, and there he believed after hearing the preaching of John the Baptist. One encounter completely changed his life; he abandoned everything he had done before and followed John, who baptized him in the Jordan. Then he met Jesus himself and from that time on followed him. He was chosen as one of the apostles from the 70. After the death and resurrection of Christ, he preached in Syria and Mesopotamia. Thus, he returned to his homeland and was able to establish two churches there: one in Edessa and the other in Virita. He tirelessly traveled, preached, and performed miracles, converting not only ordinary people but also pagan priests and even a prince named Abgar. On his journey, he reached the Phoenician city of Virita (modern-day Beirut), where he either peacefully passed away in 44 AD or, according to other sources, met a martyr's death in 50 AD. **The Meaning of the Holiday** This day commemorates one of the many, but nonetheless important, disciples of Jesus who devoted their lives to spreading knowledge of faith among people. **Folk Weather Signs** — If it is clear on this day, it will be warm and sunny for another 4 weeks. — The tops of the birches have turned yellow — an early autumn is coming. — A lot of rowan berries — autumn will be rainy. **What can be done on September 3, 2026** — A great day to order a custom-made item or simply buy clothes in a store. — It’s time to gather apples. — An excellent day for making any apple preserves — compotes, jams. You can dry apple slices and make pastila. — It is customary to sow sorrel. — It’s time to start fermenting cabbage. — It is very important today to take care of your hair. **What cannot be done on September 3, 2026** — One should not listen to others' advice. — It is very bad to send children out to play alone. — Do not let strangers into the house. — It is not advisable to visit today.