The Day of Zacharias and Elizabeth. What Orthodox Christians in Latvia can and cannot do on September 18, 2026?

**What is remembered in the Church on September 18, 2026** The priest of the Jerusalem temple, Zacharias, and his wife Elizabeth had long been childless. They were already advanced in age, yet the child did not appear. Elizabeth was the sister of the Mother of God, Anna. And six months before the angel appeared to the Virgin Mary to announce the immaculate conception, the archangel Gabriel appeared to Elizabeth and announced to her the imminent birth of a son, who was destined to fulfill a great mission, to prepare the people for the coming of the Savior. Gabriel arrived with the same message to Zacharias, who was sorrowfully praying in the desert. He was in such despair that he doubted the good news. For this, he was punished: he became mute and remained so until the birth of John. Only at the moment when it was time to name the infant did he regain his speech. As the angel had predicted, the boy was named John. From that moment, Zacharias began to prophesy about his son as the Forerunner. After some time, the massacre of infants began at the behest of King Herod, who learned from the Magi about the birth of Jesus, whom they directly called the King of Kings. Soldiers burst into the temple to demand the son, but he firmly refused, for which he was killed. Elizabeth had received a warning from above about the danger and managed to take the child into the desert. After 40 days, Elizabeth died, and John lived in solitude in the desert until the age of 30. **The Meaning of the Holiday** This day reminds us of the importance of the saints who were in the closest circle of Jesus. **What do we pray to Saints Zacharias and Elizabeth for?** It is customary to pray for the gift of children, and pregnant women ask them for easy childbirth and a healthy baby. **Folk Weather Signs** - The leaves on the rowan tree have already turned yellow — the earth will be early, and the autumn will be rainy. - Animals in the house are hiding — bad weather is coming soon. - A red sun in the morning — a sign of bad weather. **What can be done on September 18, 2026** - An important day to summarize the year — to reflect on one’s achievements and mistakes. - It is essential to clean the house. - It is customary to visit the bathhouse. - A great day for a wedding. **What cannot be done on September 18, 2026** - It is better not to let unfamiliar people into the house. - Dirty and torn clothes should not be worn. - It is very bad to use foul language. - One should not quarrel with one’s spouse. - It is bad to wash bed linens. - Women, especially unmarried ones, should not go outside with loose hair. **Interesting Fact** People attributed special qualities to those born on this day. It was believed that they were endowed with remarkable spiritual strength.