8 May 2026: what holiday is it today, who is being commemorated, and what is forbidden

On 8 May according to the New Julian calendar, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian.

He was one of Christ’s twelve apostles and his closest disciple. Because of the depth of his theology and his special spiritual ministry, John is known as the Apostle of Love.

In the church calendar, this date is marked in red, indicating the special solemnity of the feast.

According to tradition, John witnessed important Gospel events: the resurrection of Jairus’s daughter, the Transfiguration of the Lord on Mount Tabor, and he stood by the Cross alongside the Mother of God.

It was to John that Christ entrusted the care of His Mother, saying: “Behold your son”.

According to church tradition, the apostle possessed the gift of miracle-working. During the reign of Nero, attempts were made to poison and execute him, but he survived. John lived for over a hundred years – longer than any of the other apostles.

Who else is honoured on 8 May

According to the new calendar, on this day we also honour the Venerable Arsenius the Great, the Venerable Arsenius the Diligent, and Pimen the Faster, of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra.

According to the old church calendar, 8 May commemorates the Apostle Mark – one of the authors of the Gospel and a disciple of the Apostle Peter.

Also on 8 May, Ukraine marks the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in the Second World War. On this day, prayers are offered in churches for the repose of the souls of soldiers and civilians whose lives were taken by the war.

What can be done on 8 May

People turn to John the Theologian with prayers for help in healing, overcoming life’s difficulties, peace in the family, and protection from quarrels.

It is believed that the saint helps those experiencing emotional difficulties, as well as supporting people in creative professions – writers, artists and craftsmen.

Fishermen have long prayed to John the Theologian for a good catch.

As 8 May is a day of remembrance, believers visit the church, light candles and pray for the deceased. It is also customary to bring food as an offering – a ‘panakhidka’ – though this is not compulsory.

In popular tradition, this day was known as St John the Theologian or St John the Wheat-Sower. At this time, important field work began, in particular the sowing of wheat.

One of the main customs was baking votive cakes. These were baked as a sign of gratitude and with a prayer for prosperity. Such baked goods were distributed to neighbours and the needy.

What not to do on 8 May

On this holiday, it is advised to avoid quarrels, foul language, gossip, deceit and envy.

Laziness, inactivity and refusing to help those in need are considered bad omens.

According to folk beliefs, on 8 May one must not lend bread, salt or money, so as not to ‘give away’ family well-being and prosperity.

It is also advised not to start important projects, plan major changes, look for a new job or set off on a long journey.

One must not play with fire to avoid fires and other misfortunes.

Furthermore, the day’s taboos include needlework, repairs, washing and ironing.

Particular attention was paid to personal hygiene: wearing dirty or untidy clothes was considered a bad omen.

Folk omens for 8 May

According to the signs on St John the Theologian’s Day, people determined the weather and the time for field work.

A red sky at dawn portends rain, while a red sunset foretells clear and warm days.

If the bird cherry is in bloom, summer may be rainy.

If larks are singing high in the sky, it bodes well for a bountiful harvest and a generous summer.

If sparrows burrow into the sand, strong winds are expected.

There is also a folk saying: if it rains on 8 May, there will be plenty of mushrooms.

Name Day on 8 May

Name days on 8 May are celebrated by Adrian, Arsenius, Ivan, Nikifor and Pimen.

It is believed that people born on this day are creative, have a friendly nature and find it easy to get on with others.

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