3 June 2026: which church holiday is it and what should be avoided
On Wednesday, 3 June, Orthodox Christians following the New Calendar commemorate five martyrs: Lucillian, Paul, Claudius, Hypatius and Dionysius.
They lived in the 3rd century and, according to church tradition, suffered for their faith in Christ.
Lucillian had previously been a pagan priest, but after spiritual reflection he converted to Christianity and began to preach the new faith. On the orders of Emperor Aurelian, he was arrested and thrown into prison.
Four Christians were already there – Paul, Claudius, Hypatius and Dionysius.
After the trial, all five were sentenced to be burned at the stake. According to tradition, the fire was extinguished by rain and a strong wind. Despite this, the martyrs were later executed.
What holiday is celebrated according to the old calendar
According to the old church calendar, 3 June commemorates the Equal-to-the-Apostles Emperor Constantine and his mother, Saint Helena.
In folk tradition, 3 June was known as Lukian the Windmill. The main symbol of this day was the wind, which in ancient times was used to predict the weather, the harvest and life changes.
What was not recommended on 3 June
On this day, the Church urges people to avoid quarrels, insults, envy, greed, gossip and laziness.
According to folk beliefs, one should not leave the house with a large sum of money on 3 June. It was believed that strong winds could ‘take away’ one’s luck and lead to financial losses.
It was also advised not to make rash purchases or go out to buy expensive items. People believed that things bought on this day could quickly break, and the money would be wasted.
People were specifically warned not to tell others about their plans. According to the belief, “the wind will carry the words away”, and what was planned might not come to pass.
What you can do on this day
People pray to Saint Lucillian and his companions for mental fortitude, strength of spirit and help in life’s trials.
It was believed that the wind on this day could carry away illness and all that is bad. Therefore, people would wash their clothes and hang them out to dry so that “the wind might blow away the sickness”.
It was also advised to air the house thoroughly. It was believed that troubles could leave the house along with the wind.
Folk omens for 3 June
Heavy morning dew on this day foretold a good flax harvest.
If mist lay over the water, clear and calm weather was expected.
Heavy rain on 3 June was considered a sign of a bountiful mushroom harvest.
According to folk observations, a thunderstorm on this day could foreshadow a poor hay harvest.
Name days on 3 June
Name days on 3 June are celebrated by Denis, Lukian, Pavlo and Julian.
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