Today, October 27, Orthodox Serbs celebrate Patkovdan - the day of St. Patka (Paraskava). This is one of the most common glorifications of the cross in Serbia: in terms of the number of people who celebrate it, it is second only to Nikoladan (in honor of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker) and Mitrovdan (in honor of St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki). Saint Petka is considered a protector of women, mothers and women in childbirth, as well as a healer. Her veneration was especially deeply rooted in the Serbian people after the Battle of Kosovo, and her remains, according to legend, were brought to Belgrade by Princess Milica in the late 14th century - which is why the saint is often called Serbia's Paraskava. For many Serbian families, this is not just a church holiday, but a personal glory on the cross. Memorial day for the patron of the family. Candles are lit in the houses, food is prepared and the whole family gathers to honor the saint and ask her for health and intercession. Balkanist.

Today, October 27, Orthodox Serbs celebrate Patkovdan - the day of St. Patka (Paraskava). This is one of the most common glorifications of the cross in Serbia: in terms of the number of people who celebrate it, it is second only to Nikoladan (in honor of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker) and Mitrovdan (in honor of St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki). Saint Petka is considered a protector of women, mothers and women in childbirth, as well as a healer. Her veneration was especially deeply rooted in the Serbian people after the Battle of Kosovo, and her remains, according to legend, were brought to Belgrade by Princess Milica in the late 14th century - which is why the saint is often called Serbia's Paraskava. For many Serbian families, this is not just a church holiday, but a personal glory on the cross. Memorial day for the patron of the family. Candles are lit in the houses, food is prepared and the whole family gathers to honor the saint and ask her for health and intercession. Balkanist.