Church holiday on 1 July 2026: what not to do and whose name day it is
On 1 July 2026, according to the new church calendar, Orthodox Christians in Ukraine commemorate Saints Cosmas and Damian, the Unmercenaries — healers, miracle-workers and patrons of doctors.
According to church tradition, the brothers lived in Rome in the 3rd century. After their father’s death, they were raised by their Christian mother, who instilled the faith in her sons. As they grew up, Cosmas and Damian devoted themselves to the medical profession and received from God the gift of healing the sick.
The saints never accepted money for their treatments. They asked only that people be strengthened in the Christian faith, which is why they came to be known as the ‘Unmercenaries’.
During the persecutions of Christians, the brothers were forced to go into hiding. When they learnt that innocent people had been imprisoned in their place, they voluntarily surrendered to the authorities. According to tradition, after healing a seriously ill ruler, Cosmas and Damian were released, and many witnesses to this event converted to Christianity. Later, the brothers were killed by their former mentor, who envied their fame.
People pray to Saints Cosmas and Damian for health, recovery, family well-being and the protection of children. In folk beliefs, they are also regarded as the patron saints of domestic livestock.
In the folk calendar, this day is known as Kuzma and Demyan or Summer Kuzminki. It fell at the height of haymaking and field work. Women and girls would gather together, cook porridge, set the table, and treat their relatives, neighbours, travellers and the needy. It was believed that performing at least one selfless good deed on 1 July would bring happiness, prosperity and well-being.
What not to do on 1 July 2026
According to folk tradition, the main prohibition on this day was hard physical labour, especially for women. Despite their household chores, they were advised not to work in the fields or vegetable gardens. It was believed that breaking this tradition could lead to a difficult and troubled year.
It was also not recommended to do a thorough clean, laundry, sewing, embroidery or other types of needlework on this day.
Another superstition concerned money. Our ancestors tried to avoid making large purchases, as they believed that these items might quickly fall into disrepair or fail to bring the expected benefit.
The Church reminds us that on this day, as always, we should avoid quarrels, envy, greed, gossip and laziness, and should not refuse to help those in need.
Superstitions for 1 July
According to folk omens:
if a spider descends along its web, warm weather will set in in the coming days;
if the moon has a reddish tinge, strong winds are on the way;
bright stars at night — a thunderstorm or rain is on the way;
magpies are chattering loudly — the heatwave will linger for a long time;
if the leaves on the trees have started to turn yellow, autumn will come early.
Who has a name day on 1 July 2026
According to the new church calendar, it is the name day for Demyan, Ivan, Kuzma and Petro.
According to the old calendar, on 1 July the Orthodox Church honours the martyrs Leontius, Hypatius and Theodulus.
It is believed that people born on this day have a kind heart, are empathetic, get on well with others and are always ready to support their loved ones.
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