On May 26, Ukraine commemorates the Holy Apostles: traditions and customs
On May 26, Orthodox Christians in Ukraine commemorate the Holy Apostles of the Seventy, Carpus and Alpheus.
Religious holidays and their history
Feast Day of the Holy Apostles of the Seventy, Carpus and Alpheus
May 26 in the church calendar is the feast day of the Seventy Apostles Carpus and Alpheus. The Apostle Carpus was a disciple and companion of the Apostle Paul. He accompanied Paul and delivered his letters and epistles. Carpus is mentioned in the Second Epistle to Timothy, where the Apostle Paul notes that he left his books and cloak with him during his arrest in Troas. Later, Carpus became a bishop in the city of Berea on the Balkan Peninsula and preached on the island of Crete, where he converted many pagans to Christianity.
The Apostle Alpheus was the father of the apostles James and Levi (Matthew), the author of one of the Gospels. He was from the city of Capernaum in Galilee. Little is known about where he preached, but there is a church tradition that he was the father of the martyrs Avercius and Helena.
Prayer of the Day
O holy Apostles of Christ, Carpus and Alpheus! You who zealously served the Lord and carried the light of the Gospel throughout the world, hear our sincere prayers. Have mercy on us sinners and strengthen our faith, that we may worthily overcome all the temptations and difficulties of life.
Intercede with the Merciful God for the forgiveness of our sins, enlighten our hearts and minds, and help us to live according to God’s commandments. Protect us from all evil, from enemies both visible and invisible. Establish peace, harmony, and love in our families.
Do not forsake us in your prayers before the Throne of the Most High, so that we too, by imitating your righteousness, may be made worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven, glorifying the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Folk Beliefs and Omens
- If there is a frost at night, the mornings will remain cold for another 40 days.
- Frogs croak loudly before rainy days in the near future.
- If there are many mosquitoes flying around, the weather will be warm.
What not to do on this day
- You shouldn’t clean the house after sunset.
- You shouldn’t argue or use foul language.
- It’s best not to go on long trips.
What holidays await Ukrainiansin May 2026.
Vyshyvanka Day 2026: the history of the holiday, traditions, and interesting facts about the celebration.
In 2026, World Vyshyvanka Day celebrates its 20th anniversary. The holiday, which began as a student initiative, has now become a large-scale international movement uniting Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine around the world. This year’s theme is dedicated to supporting the cultural heritage of Ukraine’s occupied regions.
In 2026, Vyshyvanka Day falls on May 21. The date is flexible, as the holiday is celebrated annually on the third Thursday of May.
