What religious holiday is celebrated in Ukraine on May 4?
On this day, May 4, the new church calendar commemorates the martyr Pelagia of Tarsus. Believers reflect on her life, observe folk traditions, and take note of the customs associated with this date.
In 2023, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine began following the new—New Julian—calendar. As a result, holidays with fixed dates are now celebrated 13 days earlier. At the same time, some believers continue to follow the old, Julian calendar—parishes or monasteries have the right to retain it.
On May 4 (May 17 according to the old church calendar), Orthodox Christians commemorate the martyr Pelagia.
Pelagia lived in the 3rd century in the city of Tarsus (Asia Minor). She came from a noble family and was distinguished by her extraordinary beauty. After hearing a sermon about Christ, the young woman decided to devote her life to God. Soon, the son of Emperor Diocletian proposed to her, but she refused. Pelagia replied that she was already “betrothed to the Son of God.” The young man still hoped she would change her mind, but this did not happen.
Pelagia was baptized and, according to legend, received the gift of healing—she helped her slaves, who had suddenly gone blind, regain their sight. Upon learning that the girl had been baptized, her mother became furious, and the emperor’s son, unable to bear the rejection, took his own life.
Pelagia was then brought before the ruler to be punished. Upon seeing the girl, the emperor himself wished to marry her, but she refused him as well. Pelagia was then sentenced to death by burning. According to legend, the saint’s body melted like wax, and the entire city was filled with a fragrant aroma. Pelagia was buried on a hill, and during the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great, a church was built on that site.
What church holiday is today according to the old calendar
According to the Julian (old church) calendar, May 4 commemorates Bishop Januarius, the holy martyr Proculus, and other martyrs—we have previously discussed which church holiday is celebrated today and what prohibitions are associated with it.
What is required and what is forbidden today
Saint Pelagia is considered the patroness of all who have been unjustly wronged; in prayers to the saint, people ask for protection from slander, insults, and calumny.
People turn to Saints Januarius and Proculus with prayers for health and protection from evil forces.
Traditionally, on this day, one should help those in need: give alms, feed the hungry, and care for stray animals. It is believed that any good deed done on May 4 will surely return twofold, and the year will be prosperous and successful.
Among the people, the holiday is called Pelageya the Intercessor. Many good traditions are associated with this day: for example, it is customary for loved ones to exchange gifts and treats and to speak warm words to one another. Special attention should be paid to birds—be sure to feed them, as Pelageya is considered their patroness.
Gardeners had their own customs on Pelageya’s Day: to protect plants from pests and “evil spirits,” in ancient times, people would place upside-down, cracked pots filled with nettles on their garden beds. It was believed that this would scare away all evil. Before planting, they would hang up old shoes—to protect against envy.
On this day, the church advises avoiding quarrels, rudeness, and negative thoughts—laziness, envy, revenge, and despair are not welcome.
According to folk beliefs, May 4 is considered quite dangerous in terms of injuries, so you should try to be more careful with fire, as well as sharp and cutting objects.
Other things you shouldn’t do today:
refuse to help or give alms—this could lead to financial difficulties;
quarrel, be rude, or argue with loved ones—this could lead to a prolonged “bad streak” in life;
gossip and spread rumors—this could backfire.
It is also not recommended to give certain gifts (such as sharp objects or household tools), as it is believed that such gifts can bring discord and sadness.
On this day, people pay close attention to nature—it hints at what the summer and the coming weather will be like:
hearing a cuckoo means good weather is coming;
no morning dew suggests possible rain;
a cloudy day or a pale sun foretells prolonged bad weather;
sparrows flying in flocks signal gusty winds;
a nightingale singing at night promises clear and warm weather.
The most important sign is said to be about May beetles: if there are many of them, the summer will be dry and difficult for the harvest.
Today is the name day for Ivan, Kirill, Kliment, Leontiy, Maria, Nikita, Nikifor, Nikolay, and Pelageya.
It is believed that people born on May 4 are persistent, know how to get what they want, and often strive to help others. They are valued for their reliability and energy, so they usually have a wide social circle and good relationships at work.
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