January 20 in the church calendar marks the feast day of Saint Euphemia the Great.
January 20 (February 2 in the old style) is the feast day of Venerable Euphemia the Great.
On January 20, the church commemorates Venerable Euphemia the Confessor and Lawrence the Recluse of the Kyiv-Pechersk, as well as the martyrs Innina, Pinnia, and Rimma.
The feast on January 20 in the old style is the Assembly of John the Baptist.
On January 20, it is important to visit the church or pray at home in honor of Saint Euphemia.
People pray to the saint for healing of the soul and body from ailments, assistance in making difficult decisions, and strengthening of faith.
In ancient times, it was customary to bake bread on January 20, as it was believed to bring good luck.
If you eat a warm piece of freshly baked bread, illnesses will stay away.
What not to do on January 20:
On January 20, one should be particularly cautious with sharp objects, as it was once believed that if you cut yourself, someone close to you would fall ill.
It is also advised not to pick up coins from the ground, as it brings poverty; one should be wary of losing anything, or else financial difficulties may arise throughout the year.
Signs for January 20:
If the weather on January 20 is clear and cold, it predicts a dry summer; a southerly wind indicates a cold summer.
Snow on this day suggests it will continue until Maslenitsa, and a very bright sun on January 20 indicates an early spring.