2 квітня 2026 року: яке церковне свято і що дати на пожертву
On 2 April, according to the new church calendar, Orthodox Christians in Ukraine commemorate Saint Titus the Wonderworker, who lived in the 8th–9th centuries. According to the old calendar, he is commemorated on 15 April.
Titus chose the monastic path in his youth and became a monk at the Studion Monastery near Constantinople. He was hard-working, gentle and pious. For these qualities, he was ordained a presbyter, and the Lord, as church tradition holds, endowed him with the gift of miracle-working.
When the iconoclastic persecutions began, Titus fearlessly stood up in their defence. The saint lived to a ripe old age.
On this day, according to the new church calendar, we also commemorate the martyrs Amphian and Edeus, the martyr Polycarp of Alexandria, and Saint Sava, Archbishop of Suroz.
According to the old calendar, 2 April is dedicated to the memory of the martyr Photina of Samaria.
What is recommended on this day
In prayers to the Venerable Titus the Wonderworker, people ask for healing from illness and help with family needs.
The people nicknamed the saint Titus the Icebreaker, as it was at this time of year that the rivers finally broke free of the ice. According to popular belief, the day should be spent in good spirits – then problems will recede and wishes may come true.
It is also recommended to shake out pillows and blankets at home and put on fresh bed linen – for a sound sleep.
On this day, it is also recommended to donate part of your earnings to charity or take them to church. According to tradition, this promises good profits throughout the year.
On this church holiday, one must not swear, quarrel, gossip, take offence or refuse to help. The Church does not approve of laziness, lying, envy or despair.
Lent is underway, so those who are fasting avoid meat. At the same time, the text emphasises that the essence of fasting lies primarily in the purification of the soul.
Folk beliefs on Tita Liodoloma forbid one from feeling sad or crying, so as not to attract trouble, or from causing family quarrels, as conflict can ruin relationships; one should also not refuse alms, as this is considered an omen of poverty.
It is also advised not to be lazy or indulge oneself on this day, especially for traders, as this, according to belief, may lead to a loss of profit.
On 2 April, people observe nature to predict the harvest and weather for the coming days. A clear sky and fine weather foretell a warm and bountiful summer; heavy flooding – a rich harvest; the cooing of pigeons – warmth; the flight of rooks – rain; and the cries of quails – a good grain harvest and lush grass.
There is also a separate omen for fishermen: if the ice has not yet melted by St Titus’s Day, a good spring fishing season is not to be expected.
As a reminder, Russian singer Nikolai Baskov has been charged in absentia in Ukraine. He publicly supported the Kremlin, wrote on social media that ‘Russia is at war with the Western world’, and called the aggression a ‘holy war’.
