Church holiday on 28 July 2026: what will bring happiness on this day
The Church calendar commemorates the holy apostles and deacons Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon and Parmenas on 28 July. They were all among the first ministers of the Christian community.
The Book of Acts recounts that the twelve apostles chose seven men to assist the needy and distribute alms. These were Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicholas. Church tradition regards them as the first deacons.
Their role was to look after the material needs of the community, in particular to help widows, the poor and those unable to provide for themselves. Later, four of the saints devoted their lives to preaching Christianity.
Who were Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon and Parmen?
According to church tradition, Prochorus initially accompanied the Apostle Peter, who ordained him as Bishop of Nicomedia. Later, he became a disciple and assistant to John the Theologian and was exiled with him to the island of Patmos.
Upon his return, Prochorus preached Christianity. One ecclesiastical tradition holds that he suffered a martyr’s death in Antioch.
Nicanor was killed during the persecutions of the early Christians. According to tradition, this took place on the very same day that the archdeacon Stephen and many other believers were stoned to death.
Timon became Bishop of Bostra in Arabia and preached the Gospel to the local people. Church sources give different accounts of his death: according to one, he was thrown into a fire; according to another, he was crucified.
Parmen preached in Macedonia. According to one account, he died after an illness; according to another, he suffered a martyr’s death during the reign of the Roman Emperor Trajan.
What to pray for on 28 July
On the day commemorating the Apostles Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon and Parmen, the faithful may pray for peace and mutual understanding within the family, the health of loved ones, peace of mind and the strength to overcome difficulties.
The saints are remembered as examples of service to others, steadfastness and fidelity to their convictions. On this day, it is fitting to help an elderly, sick or needy person, to support relatives and to make amends after a quarrel.
What to eat on 28 July for good luck
In the folk calendar, the day is known as Prokhora-Parmena. According to an ancient belief, on 28 July one should eat a ripe pear – people believed that this would bring happiness and good fortune.
This custom is part of folk tradition and has no religious or scientific basis. The Church does not link a person’s well-being to any particular food or ritual.
What tasks are traditionally carried out on this day
Prokhory-Parmeny was considered a favourable day for working in the fields and vegetable gardens. At the end of July, people would start digging up early potatoes and harvesting grain, cucumbers, the first tomatoes and other vegetables from the new harvest.
People also went into the woods to gather the last of the summer berries. Dreams experienced on the night before 28 July were considered particularly significant by the people and were regarded as prophetic.
What not to do on 28 July
The Church urges people to avoid anger, envy, greed, revenge, foul language, gossip and despair. One should not provoke quarrels, humiliate others or refuse to offer help when able.
Traditionally, on the feast days of Prokhor and Parmen, people were advised not to start trading, exchange goods, conclude major deals, make expensive purchases or sell property. There was a belief that such activities could lead to financial loss.
This is a folk warning, not a church prohibition. The church imposes no restrictions on work, shopping or financial transactions on this day.
Folk omens for 28 July
If the stars shone brightly at night, thunderstorms were expected during the day.
High clouds were considered a sign of warm and dry weather.
If there was a lot of dew on the grass in the morning, the day was expected to be sunny.
Tall anthills were seen as a harbinger of an early and harsh winter.
Folk observations are no substitute for a weather forecast and are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Which holiday is celebrated according to the old calendar
Church communities that follow the Julian calendar honour Saint Vladimir the Great, Prince of Kyiv and Equal-to-the-Apostles, baptised as Basil, on 28 July.
According to the new calendar, the day commemorating him falls on 15 July. In 2026, the OCU also marked the anniversary of the Baptism of Ukraine-Rus on this day.
Who celebrates their name day on 28 July
According to the church calendar, Prokhor, Nikanor, Timon and Parmen may celebrate their name day. In popular calendars, Prokhor is most commonly listed among those celebrating their name day on this date.
Those born on 28 July are said to have a calm temperament, to be level-headed, reliable and responsible. It is believed that such people value honesty, keep their word, are not afraid of difficulties and strive to see things through to the end.
They are also described as patient conversationalists, good friends and a reliable pillar of support for their family. Such characteristics are based on popular beliefs and do not define a person’s character.
