Church holiday on 11 June 2026: things you should avoid doing today
On 11 June, according to the new church calendar in Ukraine, the Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas are commemorated. On this day, Saint Luke, Archbishop of Simferopol and Confessor, is also honoured, as is the icon of the Mother of God ‘It is Worthy’, also known as ‘The Merciful’.
A legend dating back to the 10th century is associated with the ‘It is Worthy’ icon. According to church tradition, a monk was praying before the image of the Mother of God at the Karey Monastery when an unknown monk approached him. They began to pray together, and the visitor demonstrated a different way of honouring the Mother of God.
As there was no pen or paper, the stranger inscribed the words of the prayer on a stone. He then identified himself as the Archangel Gabriel and vanished. Afterwards, the icon was transferred to the Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God in Karye, whilst the stone slab bearing the prayer was sent to Constantinople.
People pray before the icon of the Mother of God “It is Truly Meet” for help in difficult matters, harmony in the family and forgiveness of sins. In the folk calendar, this day is known as Bartholomew’s Day or Barnabas the Strawberry-Gatherer, as strawberries ripen at this time of year.
According to folk beliefs, on 11 June one should make peace with those with whom there have been quarrels or long-standing grievances. The day was also considered auspicious for tidying up the home: it was believed that order in the house would help to put one’s affairs in order.
At the same time, a number of taboos were associated with Bartholomew’s Day. People believed that at midday in the fields, the ‘rampage of evil spirits’ – mermaids, wood spirits, witches and werewolves – supposedly began. That is why, on this day, people were advised not to mow the grass or gather medicinal plants, so as not to bring evil spirits into the home, according to popular belief.
It was also advised not to quarrel, provoke conflicts, complain about life, talk about illnesses or make large expenditures on 11 June. According to folk omens, one should not borrow or lend money on this day.
The Church, as on other days, disapproves of swearing, slander, envy, greed, despair, and refusing to help those in need.
According to the old calendar, 11 June is the feast day of Saint Theodosius of Constantinople.
Weather omens for 11 June
According to folk signs, a warm night on 11 June portends a hot summer. If clouds appeared in the morning, rain was expected after midday.
Fog over water was considered a sign of the mushroom season, and thunder on this day was a good omen for fishing. It was also said that on the night of 11 June, prophetic dreams might be had, but people were advised not to tell anyone about them.
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