November 24 (old calendar) / December 7 (new) Nativity Fast Afterfeast of the Entry Into the Temple. Great Martyr Catherine of Alexandria (305-313). Great Martyr Mercurius of Cæsarea in Cappadocia (3rd c.). Martyr Merkúry of Smolensk (1238). Ven. Mercurius, Faster, of the Kiev Caves (Far Caves—14th c.). Empress Augusta, Porphyrius the General, the 50 philosophers and the 200 Soldiers martyred with the Great Martyr Catherine (305-313). Virgin Mastridia of Alexandria. Ven.