12 May 2026: a church holiday, traditions and taboos for the day
On Tuesday, 12 May 2026, according to the new church calendar, Orthodox Christians commemorate Saints Epiphanius of Cyprus and Germanus of Constantinople.
Saint Epiphanius of Cyprus, also known as Epiphanius of Salamis, lived in the 4th century. He was born in Palestine, chose the monastic life at an early age, and devoted his life to prayer, asceticism, and the study of Holy Scripture.
Epiphanius later became Bishop of Salamis in Cyprus. His ministry coincided with a period of intense theological debate within the Church.
Epiphanius is remembered as one of the renowned theologians of early Christianity, a defender of Orthodox doctrine and the author of works against heresies.
Saint Germanus I of Constantinople lived in the 7th–8th centuries. He came from a noble family, received a good education and became Patriarch of Constantinople during one of the most difficult periods in church history – the time of iconoclasm.
Herman spoke out in defence of the veneration of icons when the imperial authorities attempted to ban it. Because of his stance, he was forced to leave the patriarchal throne, but his spiritual authority only grew.
Subsequently, the Church recognised Herman as one of the principal defenders of Orthodox icon veneration.
What not to do on 12 May
In folk tradition, it was advised to be particularly careful with sharp objects on 12 May.
It was believed that any blade on this day could ‘invite’ injury, so knives, needles, scissors and other sharp objects should be handled with care.
It was also advised not to handle open flames, so as not to invite misfortune.
According to superstition, one should not tell others about one’s plans on this day. It was believed that speaking of them might prevent them from coming true or cause them to go awry.
There was a specific prohibition for women: according to folk beliefs, wearing black on 12 May could ‘invite’ loneliness or symbolically ‘cut them off’ from a happy fate.
What you can do on this day
Epiphany’s Day was considered auspicious for good deeds.
According to folk beliefs, helping those in need could bring a person many times the reward.
To attract love and happy events into the home, it was advised to add at least a small red detail to one’s clothing.
Unmarried girls were said to have a special ritual on this day: to find a rowan berry and mentally ask it for a kind and happy husband.
Folk omens for 12 May
If there are many bright stars at night, the summer will be warm and bountiful.
If the oak tree is actively sprouting leaves – cold weather may still linger.
A strong wind on this day was considered a sign of rain and bad weather in the near future.
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