December 24 is the day of memory of Reverend Luka Stovnyk, New The saint was a soldier of the Byzantine Empire. In 917, he participated in the war with Bulgaria, after which he decided to become a monk and devote his life to serving God.

Seeking to achieve perfection in his path, Luka put on chains and stood on a pillar. After 3 years, at God’s behest, he decided to climb Mount Olympus. In order not to break his vow of silence, the monk went to the mountain with a stone in his mouth. Then the saint reached Constantinople and Chalcedon, where he also chose a pillar on which he stood for 45 long years. Saint Luke died sometime in 980.

Orthodox believers believe that on December 24 it is forbidden to do any housework, for example, sewing, cutting snowflakes, cleaning and eating fast food. This day is usually devoted to prayer, fasting and good deeds.