24 July 2026: which church feast day is it, and what to do at dawn to ensure prosperity
According to the New Julian calendar, on 24 July, Orthodox Christians commemorate the righteous prince-martyrs Boris and Gleb, who were given the names Roman and David at their baptism. On this day, the Venerable Polycarp, Archimandrite of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, is also commemorated.
Boris and Gleb were the sons of Prince Vladimir the Great of Kyiv. Following their father’s death in 1015, a struggle for the Kyiv throne broke out among his heirs.
According to the chronicle tradition, the brothers refused to take part in the fratricidal war and to take up arms against their relatives. Both were killed on the orders of Sviatopolk, who sought to eliminate potential rivals.
Subsequently, Boris and Gleb came to be venerated as passion-bearers — people who accepted a violent death whilst remaining faithful to Christian principles. They became among the first saints to be canonised in Kievan Rus’.
What people pray to Boris and Gleb for
Saints Boris and Gleb are regarded as the patrons of peace, brotherly harmony and reconciliation. People turn to them with prayers for an end to hostility, protection from injustice and help in difficult life circumstances.
Believers also ask the saints to strengthen their courage, rid them of malice and envy, help them reconcile with loved ones, and restore peace to the family.
What to do at dawn to ensure prosperity
According to folk belief, at dawn on 24 July, one should gather and count all the money in the house. Our ancestors believed that this custom would help preserve the family’s prosperity throughout the coming year.
People also tried to settle any debts and sort out their financial affairs by this day. At the same time, folk tradition advised against borrowing or lending money on 24 July.
Counting one’s money is specifically a folk belief, not a church teaching. The Church does not link material well-being to the performance of such rituals.
What you can do on 24 July
The feast day of Boris and Gleb is considered auspicious for reconciliation. You can ask for forgiveness, resume communication after a quarrel, visit relatives or help someone who finds themselves in a difficult situation.
As 24 July 2026 falls on a Friday, for believers who observe church rules, it is a day of fasting.
What not to do on 24 July
As always, the Church urges people on this day to refrain from quarrelling, insults, anger, envy, rudeness and gossip. One should not refuse to help those in need.
In folk tradition, the day was known as ‘Boris and Gleb the Summer Ones’, as well as ‘Palykopna’. The name is linked to summer thunderstorms and the danger of fires caused by lightning. For this reason, people tried to avoid working in the fields during bad weather.
According to folk omens, on 24 July it was also advised not to start a thorough clean, borrow money or postpone the repayment of a debt. These prohibitions are part of folk tradition and are not church rules.
Folk omens for 24 July
If the dew did not dry by midday, a thunderstorm was expected.
If seagulls frequently land on the water and snails retreat into their shells, rain may be on the way.
A wide spider’s web indicated that the rainy weather would linger.
Pestering flies were considered a sign of warm and sunny days.
A southerly wind was associated with approaching bad weather.
A sunny and warm day heralded a dry end to August and a short winter. Rainy weather was seen as a sign of early autumn.
Which holiday is celebrated according to the old calendar
Believers who follow the Julian calendar honour Princess Olga, Equal to the Apostles, on 24 July — one of the first female rulers of Kievan Rus’ who converted to Christianity.
Who celebrates their name day on 24 July
According to the new church calendar, those celebrating their name days on this day include Boris, Gleb, Roman, David and Polycarp.
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