Church holiday on 23 June 2026: what to place on the doorstep and what restrictions apply
On 23 June according to the New Julian calendar, the Orthodox Church commemorates the martyr Agrippina of Rome, who lived in the 3rd century during the persecutions of Christians under Emperor Valerian.
According to church tradition, Agrippina was born in Rome, renounced marriage and devoted her life to God. During the persecutions, she openly professed her Christian faith, for which she was subjected to brutal torture. After her death, her body was secretly transported to Sicily, where numerous healings began to take place at her relics. Later, the relics were transferred to Constantinople.
Who is honoured
Believers pray to the martyr Agrippina for good health, spiritual strength and help in difficult life circumstances.
According to the Old Church Calendar, Saint John of Tobolsk is commemorated on this day.
What you can do
In folk tradition, the day is known as Agrafena Kupalnytsia. Our ancestors regarded it as the start of the Kupala period, which preceded the feast of St John Kupala.
Since ancient times, people have bathed in rivers, lakes and bathhouses, as they believed that water acquired a special purifying power. Housewives would also gather medicinal herbs and roots to use throughout the year.
Particular attention was paid to protecting the home. According to folk belief, it was customary to place wormwood, nettles, thistles or ferns on the threshold of the house. These plants were regarded as talismans against evil spirits and ill-wishers.
Young women traditionally wove wreaths and told fortunes about the future by floating them on the water.
What not to do
The Church urges people to avoid quarrels, insults, envy, greed and refusing to help those in need.
According to folk beliefs, on 23 June it was also advised not to:
lending money;
not to wear dirty or worn-out clothes;
refusing to give alms;
to be left alone with gloomy thoughts;
start arguments or sort out relationships.
It was believed that breaking these taboos could lead to misfortune and financial difficulties.
Folk superstitions
Our ancestors kept a close eye on the weather on this day.
If it rained on Agrafena, real summer warmth was expected only a few days later.
A rainbow after the rain was seen as a sign of prolonged bad weather.
A clear, starry sky foretold a bountiful mushroom season in autumn.
If the cuckoo sings for a long time, autumn promises to be cool and damp.
Who celebrates their name day
23 June is the name day for Agrippina and Agrafena.
It was traditionally believed that people born on this day often have a strong character, value honesty and strive for justice.
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