Serbian Slava in February: Celebrating Faith and Identity

The Three Holy Hierarchs (February 12th)

This feast honors three great teachers of the church: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom. In Serbian tradition, they are also associated with the protection of the home and craft.

• Protectors from the Frost: Folk belief holds that these saints protect both people and animals from the frost and cold, wicked winds.

• Weather Forecasting: The weather on this day is used to predict the entire year. If the day is sunny and calm, a warm summer and a peaceful year are ahead.

• Guild Slava: Besides being a family Slava, this is the patron day for metalworkers, engineers, and media professionals.

• Gift Recommendation: This is an ideal time to grace your home with a Handcrafted Icon of the Three Holy Hierarchs.

St. Tryphon (February 14th) – Patron of Winegrowers

Saint Tryphon is one of the most beloved saints, especially among those who live from the fruits of the earth.

• Pruning the Vines: On this day, winegrowers go to the vineyards to prune the vines and sprinkle them with wine to restore the vineyard's strength after its winter sleep. In Eastern Serbia, he is known as "Orezač" (The Pruner).

• Prayer Against Pests: The Church has established a special prayer ritual performed in fields if there is damage from insects or rodents.

• Tradition for Innkeepers: St. Tryphon is the Slava of tavern owners and innkeepers. Legend says that a host must not charge a guest for wine on this day if they want their business to prosper.

• The Healer: God bestowed upon him the gift of wonderworking. He is believed to have healed the daughter of the Roman Emperor Gordian from a severe mental illness.

The Meeting of the Lord / Candlemas (February 15th)

Known as Sretenje, this feast is celebrated on the 40th day after Christmas, marking the moment Jesus Christ was brought into the Temple.

• The Meeting of Winter and Summer: Serbian folk belief says that the seasons meet on this day.

• The Bear and the Shadow: The most famous belief involves a bear—if it emerges from its cave, sees its shadow, and returns inside, the winter will last another six weeks.

• Future Husbands: Young girls pay close attention to the first person they meet in the morning, believing their future husband will resemble that person in appearance and character.

• Statehood Day: On Sretenje in 1835, Serbia’s first constitution was adopted, making this day the foundation of the modern Serbian state.

St. Simeon the God-Receiver (February 16th)

Saint Simeon was one of the "Seventy" who translated the Bible into Greek.

• The Angel's Promise: An angel revealed to him that he would not die until he saw the Messiah, which came true when he held the infant Christ in the Temple.

• Patron of Children: Today, he is considered the protector of the youngest, and it is believed that children’s wishes come true on this day.

Complete Slava Sets: Everything You Need in One Place

Preparing for a February Slava, whether for St. Tryphon or Sretenje, requires every detail on the table to be in harmony with tradition. To ensure your home is ready for guests and the Saint's blessing, Serbian Shop has prepared Complete Slava Sets.

• What’s Included?: Our carefully selected sets include a candle holder, censer, incense box and tray.

• Artisan Quality: All elements are stylistically matched and produced in workshops that cherish old crafts and church canons.

• The Perfect Gift: If you are visiting someone starting their February Slava tradition, these sets are the most precious gift you can offer.

• Worldwide Delivery: Equip your home in time for the upcoming holidays with secure worldwide shipping directly to your address

SerbianShop: Everything in one place

Serbian Shop offers everything you need to honor February Patron Saint Days. From exclusive icons to Vigil lamps and candle holders, our products are a symbol of faith and unbroken tradition. We ship from Belgrade to the whole world.