The Day of Apostle Thomas. What Orthodox Christians in Latvia can and cannot do on October 19, 2026?

He entered history as Thomas the Doubter, because he showed us that we must believe in the Lord without having proof. He was considered the patron of abundance by the people and was thanked for the opportunity to stock up. **What is remembered in the Church on October 19, 2026** Thomas was a contemporary of Jesus and lived in the Galilean city of Paneas; he was a simple fisherman. His name means twin, but there is no information in history about whether Thomas had a brother. Therefore, another version of the origin of the name is that the future apostle was born with his index and middle fingers fused together (which he later used to touch the wounds of the resurrected Jesus). He lived very quietly, but one day he witnessed Christ's preaching, after which he left his home and trade to follow Him. From that time on, he followed Jesus along with 11 other chosen disciples. This apostle entered history as Thomas the Doubter; he is one of the most unusual disciples of Jesus. He received this nickname due to an amazing incident that happened to him. As the Gospel of John states, Thomas was absent when the resurrected Jesus appeared to the disciples. Upon returning and hearing about the miracle from them, he refused to believe their words — his deep sorrow and love for Christ did not allow him to take their word for it about what had long been foretold. After this, the apostles all gathered in Thomas's house, and then the Lord appeared to them again, offering Thomas to touch His wounds with his hand. And then Thomas believed in the miracle. As John Chrysostom described, after this event, Thomas became stronger than all in faith; he preached almost all over the earth. Therefore, it seems he was also not present at the Dormition of the Mother of God. Upon returning after her burial, he asked to open her tomb to say goodbye. Thus, it became clear that there was no body in the burial cave — it had been taken to heaven in its bodily form. He founded churches in Palestine, Mesopotamia, Parthia, Ethiopia, and India. It was in the latter state that he met a martyr's end. He was imprisoned for converting the son of the ruler of the city of Meliapor to his faith. Fragments of his relics are kept in India, Italy, Hungary, and Mount Athos. **The Meaning of the Holiday** After Thomas touched His wounds and believed in the resurrection of Jesus, He said to him: "You have believed because you have seen Me; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Thus, we too should believe. **Folk Weather Signs** No wind — it will soon get colder. Smoke and fog are spreading — bad weather is approaching. Birds have arrived from the north — early cold is coming. The ground is dusted with snow; winter will settle on Matrona of Moscow by November 22. **What can be done on October 19, 2026** It is time to take stock for winter. It is very important to show thrift on this day. A great day to start attending any courses to learn something new. **What cannot be done on October 19, 2026** One should not sleep in and lie in bed for long. Laziness is not allowed. It is forbidden to chatter aimlessly. One should not overeat.