Church feast day on 27 July 2026: what people ask of Saint Panteleimon
According to the new church calendar, 27 July is the feast day of Saint Panteleimon the Great Martyr and Healer. The official calendar of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church also commemorates Saint Clement, Archbishop of Ohrid and Wonderworker, on this day.
Panteleimon is one of the most revered Christian saints. He is regarded as the heavenly patron of doctors, healthcare workers, the sick and wounded soldiers.
People turn to the saint with prayers for healing from serious illnesses, relief from pain, a successful operation, proper treatment and recovery from illness. They also ask him for good health for their children, parents and other loved ones.
In Ukraine, people pray to Panteleimon for wounded defenders, combat medics, doctors, nurses and all those who save lives during wartime.
According to the old church calendar, the feast day of Panteleimon falls on 9 August.
Who was Panteleimon the Healer?
The future saint was born in the 3rd century in Nicomedia. At birth, he was given the name Pantoleon. His father, Eustorgius, was a pagan, whilst his mother, Euvula, was a Christian; however, she died when her son was still a child.
His father sent Pantoleon to study medicine. His mentor was Euphrosynus, a renowned physician in Nicomedia.
At that time, the priests Hermolaus, Hermippus and Hermocrates were living in secret in the city, hiding from the persecution of Christians. Hermolaus introduced the young man to the Christian faith and became his spiritual mentor.
According to church tradition, Pantoleon once came across a child who had died after being bitten by a snake. Unable to help the child as a doctor, he prayed to Jesus Christ and promised to convert to Christianity if the child were to be brought back to life.
The tradition states that, following his prayer, the child was brought back to life, whilst the snake perished. After this, Pantoleon was baptised and given the name Panteleimon, which translates as ‘all-merciful’.
The saint devoted his life to helping people. He treated the sick free of charge, supported the poor and needy, visited imprisoned Christians and tended to their wounds.
Due to Panteleimon’s popularity, other doctors reported him to Emperor Maximian. The saint was forced to renounce the Christian faith and offer a sacrifice to the pagan gods, but he refused.
According to the Church’s hagiography, Panteleimon was tortured and then executed. Christian tradition holds that, even after his death, healings continued to take place through prayers to the saint.
What people ask of Panteleimon on 27 July
On the saint’s feast day, the faithful pray:
for their own health and that of their loved ones;
for healing from a serious or prolonged illness;
for relief from pain and suffering;
for a successful operation and appropriate treatment;
for the recovery of wounded soldiers;
for the protection of doctors, nurses and combat medics;
for strength for those caring for the sick;
for the preservation of life in dangerous circumstances.
St Panteleimon is commemorated during prayers for the sick, the blessing of water and the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
What to do on St Panteleimon’s Day for good health
On 27 July, you can visit a church, light a candle and pray before the icon of Saint Panteleimon the Healer. Anyone unable to go to church can pray to the saint at home.
On this day, people pray not only for themselves, but also for relatives, friends, wounded soldiers, doctors and anyone undergoing treatment.
It is considered a good deed to visit a sick or lonely person, help them buy medicine or food, support a family paying for medical treatment, give blood or make a donation to a hospital.
The Church calls on people to show mercy and not to refuse help to those who truly need it. Such actions are in keeping with the life of Panteleimon, who treated people free of charge.
Prayer, folk rituals and superstitions are no substitute for a doctor’s consultation, diagnosis or prescribed treatment. If you feel unwell, you must seek professional medical help.
Healthcare Workers’ Day in Ukraine
Every year on 27 July, Ukraine celebrates Healthcare Workers’ Day. This professional holiday was established by a presidential decree dated 13 June 2023.
The date of the professional holiday coincides with the day of remembrance of Panteleimon the Healer, who is regarded as the patron saint of medical professionals. However, the presidential decree itself does not cite the veneration of the saint as the official reason for choosing this date.
Panteleimon’s symbolic connection with the medical profession is explained by his service to the sick, his selfless help and his willingness to save people. The Ministry of Health also refers to the saint as the patron saint of medical professionals.
Folk traditions on St Panteleimon’s Day
In the folk calendar, 27 July is known as the day of Panteleimon the Healer. The holiday is associated with customs believed to bring health, prosperity and protection from illness to the family.
According to an ancient belief, medicinal herbs gathered on St Panteleimon’s Day possess special healing powers. This is a folk belief for which there is no scientific evidence.
By this time, the first cabbages are already ripening in some regions. From the very first head of the new harvest, housewives would bake pies and treat children, neighbours, the sick and the needy to them.
People believed that generosity and helping others would bring health, prosperity and good fortune to the home.
What not to do on 27 July
On this day, it is advised not to quarrel, use foul language, spread gossip, judge others or give in to envy.
Refusing to help a sick, elderly or needy person is considered a particularly bad deed. Panteleimon is revered precisely for his mercy and selfless service to others.
In folk tradition, people tried to avoid heavy physical labour on Panteleimon’s Day. It was not advisable to work in the fields or vegetable gardens, or to transport hay and bread.
According to popular belief, breaking this taboo could bring misfortune or harm the harvest. However, there is no church prohibition against physical labour on this day.
In ancient times, people also feared thunderstorms and lightning. It was believed that on 27 July, these could be particularly dangerous to people, crops and livestock.
Folk omens for 27 July
People tried to predict what the weather would be like in the coming days and in autumn by observing the behaviour of animals and the condition of plants.
If grasshoppers were chirping loudly and jumping about energetically, people expected dry and clear weather.
If ants sealed the entrances to their anthills, people prepared for rain.
If there were plenty of acorns on the oak tree, they hoped for a bountiful harvest.
If cabbages began to form heads early, a cold autumn was expected.
There was also a belief that anyone who ate a fresh cabbage leaf on 27 July would have good luck in new endeavours.
Folk omens have no scientific basis, so it is best to rely on up-to-date weather forecasts when planning your activities.
What holiday is celebrated according to the old calendar
Believers and church communities that follow the Julian calendar mark events on 27 July that fall on 14 July according to the new style.
The Orthodox Church of Ukraine has designated 14 July as a separate day of remembrance for Saint Oskold, the Righteous Prince – also known as Askold – the First Martyr of Kyiv, baptised as Nicholas. Therefore, according to the old church calendar, his feast day falls on 27 July according to the civil calendar.
Who celebrates their name day on 27 July
According to the official calendar of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, 27 July honours Panteleimon the Healer and Clement of Ohrid. Therefore, men named Panteleimon and Clement celebrate their name day on this date.
In popular calendars, those celebrating their name day on 27 July also include Anfisa, Naum and Sava. The list may vary depending on the church tradition and the calendar followed by the individual.
It is commonly believed that those born on 27 July have an open soul and a big heart. They are said to be kind, empathetic, persistent, responsible and able to remain calm in difficult situations.
It is also believed that these people value honesty, cherish their loved ones, are not afraid to take on responsibility and often become the ones people turn to for advice or support. Such characteristics are part of popular belief and do not define a person’s character.
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