Church holiday on 17 July 2026: what is being celebrated, and what you can and cannot do
The Great Martyr Marina is regarded as the patron saint of the family, and in popular tradition this day has been associated with summer thunderstorms, domestic well-being and the protection of the home.
Who was the Great Martyr Marina?
According to church tradition, Marina lived in the 3rd century in Antioch of Pisidia. She was born into the family of a pagan priest, but after her mother’s death she was raised in a Christian family and was baptised at a young age.
When the city’s ruler offered her the chance to renounce her Christian faith and become his wife, Marina refused. For this, she was imprisoned and, after being tortured, executed. Christian tradition recounts that a miracle occurred whilst she was in prison, after which many witnesses came to believe in Christ.
People pray to Saint Marina for good health, peace in the family, and protection for their homes and children.
What to do on 17 July
In folk tradition, this day was considered auspicious for tidying up the home. Householders would carry out a thorough clean, get rid of unwanted items and give them away to those in need.
There was also a belief that fish dishes should be prepared on this day. Our ancestors believed that this brought prosperity and well-being to the family.
Another folk tradition is to have a haircut. According to popular belief, along with one’s hair, a person leaves behind worries, misfortunes and heavy thoughts. The Church does not associate haircuts with religious precepts, so this tradition is purely of folk origin.
What not to do on 17 July
The Church urges people on this day to refrain from quarrelling, causing offence, feeling envy, lying, gossiping and refusing to help those in need.
According to folk beliefs, on 17 July it was not recommended to embark on major undertakings, make expensive purchases, borrow money or discuss one’s plans with outsiders. Our ancestors also avoided matchmaking and weddings, considering this day inauspicious for starting a family.
During a thunderstorm, people tried not to leave the house unless absolutely necessary, closed their windows and avoided open spaces.
Folk beliefs for 17 July
If it is extremely hot on this day, folk wisdom suggests that winter will be cold.
Thunder and a thunderstorm foretell a rainy autumn and a frosty winter.
Many seagulls over the water mean there will be a few warm days ahead.
According to folk observations, the weather on 17 July was expected to be similar to that in September.
Name days on 17 July
According to the new church calendar, women named Marina celebrate their name day on 17 July.
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