What is the church feast day on 11 July 2026: whom do the faithful honour?
This is reported by TSN.
Memorial Day for Princess Olga
Princess Olga became the first female ruler of Kievan Rus’ to convert to Christianity. After her baptism in Constantinople, she promoted the spread of the new faith in Rus’, supported Christian communities and laid the foundations for the future baptism of Rus’, which was carried out by her grandson, Prince Volodymyr the Great.
The princess devoted the final years of her life to prayer and charity. She died around 969 in Kyiv and was later canonised as a saint equal to the apostles for her contribution to the spread of Christianity.
Who else is commemorated on 11 July
On this day, the Orthodox Church also honours the Holy Great Martyr Euphemia. According to church tradition, she suffered for the Christian faith, refusing to renounce her beliefs despite torture.
Her name is inextricably linked with the Council of Chalcedon in 451. According to tradition, it was through the saint’s relics that the Orthodox confession of faith was affirmed during a theological dispute.
According to the Julian calendar, 11 July also commemorates the martyr Cyrus — a doctor who combined healing people with Christian ministry and died during the persecution of Christians.
What is not recommended on this day
In folk tradition, it was advised to refrain from heavy housework on this day. It was not recommended to do the washing, sew, carry out a thorough clean or undertake other exhausting tasks. There was also a belief that on 11 July one should not lend money, food or any other items, lest one give away one’s own well-being along with them.
Folk traditions
Among the people, Princess Olga’s Day was considered auspicious for working the land. It was on this very day that farmers would plant or transplant crops, fertilise their vegetable patches and tend to their gardens. According to popular belief, anything planted or tended on this day was bound to grow well and yield a bountiful harvest.
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