Church holiday on 18 May 2026: things you should not start on this day

On 18 May 2026, according to the New Julian calendar, the Orthodox Church commemorates the holy fathers of the seven Ecumenical Councils.

These are the bishops who, over the centuries, established the foundations of the Christian faith, shaped church dogma and resolved important issues of church life.

The Ecumenical Councils were large gatherings of church representatives. At these councils, the foundations of Christian doctrine were discussed and the main church rules were established.

The First Ecumenical Council took place in 325 in the city of Nicaea. At this council, the teachings of Arius, who believed that Jesus Christ was not God, were condemned.

The council was attended by 318 bishops. Among them were future saints – Nicholas of Myra, Athanasius the Great and Spyridon of Trimythous.

After lengthy discussions, the doctrine that Jesus Christ is the true God, equal to God the Father, was affirmed. The Nicene Creed – the foundation of Orthodox Christianity – was also formulated.

Later, Ecumenical Councils were held in Constantinople, Ephesus and Chalcedon.

At the Seventh Ecumenical Council in 787, iconoclasm was condemned and the Feast of the Triumph of Orthodoxy was established.

In total, the Church recognises seven Ecumenical Councils, the last of which took place in the 8th century.

What is the feast day according to the Old Style calendar

According to the Julian calendar, 18 May is the feast day of the martyr Irene of Macedonia.

On this day, the miraculous icon of the Mother of God, ‘The Inexhaustible Chalice’, is also venerated.

What is prayed for on 18 May

On 18 May, believers also offer prayers to Saint Theodotus of Ancyra, whose feast day falls on this date.

In folk tradition, he is considered the helper of spring and the protector of the future harvest.

People ask the saint for well-being, fertility and prosperity in the home.

In popular parlance, the day is known as Fedot the Oat-Sower. He is associated with oats and oak – symbols of strength, life and the future harvest.

In ancient times, people sowed oats and flax at this time of year, prepared medicinal infusions from oak branches and young leaves, and made porridge and baked goods.

There was also a custom for lovers: it was believed that if a couple held hands and walked around an oak tree three times, their union would be strong and happy.

What not to do on 18 May

According to church teachings and folk beliefs, this day called for restrained behaviour.

One should not quarrel, swear, use foul language, gossip, be envious or show greed.

Laziness, taking offence at others, and cruelty to animals were also frowned upon.

Refusing to give alms was considered a bad omen and, according to belief, could lead to poverty.

Traditionally, on 18 May, it was advised not to start new ventures, change jobs, launch important projects or make major purchases.

It was believed that such endeavours would not be successful and could quickly fall apart.

On this day, people showed particular respect for nature. They tried not to cut down oak trees, as they were considered sacred.

Folk omens for 18 May

In folk tradition, people would closely observe the weather and the condition of the oak tree on this day.

If the oak blossomed before the ash tree, the summer would be dry.

If the oak began to shed its green leaves, the year might be a poor harvest.

Flashes of lightning at dawn foreshadowed a change in the weather.

A sunset shrouded in mist or a dull horizon was considered a sign of a rainy summer or deteriorating weather.

If the sun set behind a cloud, bad weather was expected the following day.

The most notable sign of the day concerned the harvest: if the oak’s leaves had fully unfurled, a bountiful oat harvest was expected.

Who celebrates their name day on 18 May

Those celebrating their name day on 18 May include Oleksandr, Andriy, Bohdan, Vasyl, Denys, Makar, Mykhailo, Pavlo, Petro, Semen, Fedir and Yulia.

According to folk beliefs, people born during this period are distinguished by their reliability, kindness and desire to be of service to others.

They were also said to possess versatile talents, creative abilities and practicality.

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