10 July 2026: Today is a church feast day – why is it called ‘punitive’ and what should you avoid doing?

On 10 July 2026, according to the new calendar, the Church commemorates the Venerable Anthony of the Caves.

The future saint was born in 983 in Lyubech, not far from Chernihiv. At birth, he was named Antip. Even in his youth, he decided to devote his life to serving God, set off for Mount Athos and took monastic vows.

Later, with the abbot’s blessing, Anthony returned to his homeland to strengthen the Christian faith. He settled in a cave on Berestova Mountain near Kyiv and began to lead a strict ascetic life.

Disciples began to flock to the monk. Over time, a monastery sprang up near his cell, which later became the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

According to tradition, Anthony wore a hair shirt, ate only plant-based food, and possessed the gifts of clairvoyance and healing. During difficult times for the state, he provided spiritual support to Prince Sviatoslav Yaroslavich.

The Venerable One spent the final years of his life at the Pechersk Monastery, where he initiated the construction of the Cathedral of the Dormition. The saint died at the age of about 90. According to church tradition, his relics rest in the Near Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

What do people pray to Saint Anthony of the Caves for?

On the feast day of the Venerable Anthony of the Caves, the faithful pray for peace, health, healing from illness and help in life’s difficulties.

People also turn to the saint with requests for the strengthening of faith, peace in the family, support in times of grief and protection from misfortune.

According to the old church calendar, 10 July is the feast day of the Venerable Samson the Hospitable.

Why is the feast day called Anthony the Thunderer?

In the folk calendar, 10 July has several names — Anthony, Anthony the Thunderer and Anthony the Ryasochnik.

The name ‘Thunderer’ is linked to the July thunderstorms, which often occurred during this very period. Thunder on this day was considered particularly significant, as it was used to predict the weather, the harvest and good fortune in one’s affairs.

Another name — Ryasochnyk — derives from duckweed. At this time of year, it covers the surface of many bodies of water. In ancient times, duckweed was used as feed for poultry and livestock, added to fertilisers, and also employed in folk medicine as a sedative.

There was a belief that when gathering duckweed, one must always leave part of the plant in the water. It was thought that this would prevent people from angering the water nymphs, who, according to legend, weave lace from duckweed.

Why 10 July is called a ‘punishing’ day

In popular belief, the feast day of Saint Anthony the Thunderer was regarded as a ‘punishing’ day. According to folklore, the saint could punish those who broke the taboos of this day with fire, illness or other misfortunes.

People were particularly afraid of thunderstorms, lightning and fires. For this reason, they tried not to quarrel, not to get angry, not to make a noise near the water, and not to do anything that might invite misfortune.

If 10 July falls on a Wednesday or Friday and there is a thunderstorm on that day, this was considered a good omen for fishermen. In 2026, the feast day falls on a Friday.

What you can do on 10 July

The Church advises spending this day in prayer, attending church services, showing compassion and helping those in need.

According to folk tradition, people would wash their faces with clean water before praying. It was believed that on this day, water possessed special powers and could aid healing.

On St Anthony the Thunderer’s Day, people were also advised to have a bath and put on clean clothes. It was widely believed that this ritual helped to maintain good health throughout the year.

The day was considered auspicious for travel and weddings. It was also customary to speak of one’s worries, either silently or aloud, by a body of water — according to popular belief, problems would then gradually resolve themselves.

What not to do on 10 July

On 10 July, one must not quarrel, use foul language, feel envy, get angry, insult others, show greed or refuse to help those in need.

In folk tradition, most of the taboos on this day are linked to water. You must not swear, make a racket or throw rubbish near rivers, lakes and ponds. It was believed that this could cause illness and deprive a person of good fortune.

It was also advised not to swim in open bodies of water, practise divination or perform any rituals involving water.

According to folk omens, on this day one should not tidy up, sweep, mop the floor, put the house in order, have a haircut, make large purchases or tell others about one’s plans. It was believed that doing so could scare away good luck.

Folk omens for 10 July

If there is no dew in the morning, it may rain in the evening.

A clear, sharp and short clap of thunder foretells a heavy but short-lived downpour. A muffled and rumbling clap of thunder heralds a quiet and prolonged rain.

If crows are circling in the sky, bad weather is on the way.

A rainbow before midday heralds a strong wind.

If frogs come out of the water onto the bank, the day will be clear and warm.

If the upper leaves on the birch trees have turned yellow, autumn will come early. If the lower leaves turn yellow, autumn and winter will be late.

Name days on 10 July

According to the new church calendar, 10 July is the name day for Oleksandr, Anton and Danylo.

It is believed that people born on this day have a strong character. They are self-assured, know how to achieve their goals, cherish their family, value friendship, are reliable and strive to create a stable life for their loved ones.

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