September 18 marks St. Eumenius Day—traditions and folk omens
On September 18, 2026, according to the new church calendar, believers commemorate St. Eumenes, Bishop of Gortyna. He is remembered as a merciful shepherd who helped people, cared for the poor, and devoted his life to serving God. In folk tradition, this day was also associated with autumn omens and rules of conduct.
On September 18, Orthodox Christians honor Saint Eumenes, Bishop of Gortyna. He lived on the island of Crete and was known for his pious life, mercy, and help to others. Eumenes came from a wealthy family. After his parents’ death, he decided to devote his life to the Christian faith. The saint helped people, supported those in need, and spent much of his time in prayer.
Eventually, Eumenes was elected bishop of the city of Gortyna on Crete. In this role, he continued to serve the people and preach Christian teachings. In church tradition, he is remembered as a wise and kind shepherd. According to legend, the saint possessed the gift of healing. People turned to him with prayers and pleas for help. After Eumenes’ death, he came to be particularly revered, and his memory has been preserved in church tradition.
The image of Saint Eumenes is associated first and foremost with mercy. Therefore, on this day, believers are reminded of the importance of supporting their loved ones, not leaving those in need without help, and finding time for prayer.
How This Day Is Observed
On this day, believers can visit a church, pray, and ask the saint to intercede for themselves and their loved ones. They are advised to pay special attention to good deeds. This could mean helping an elderly person, supporting someone who is going through a difficult time, making a donation to charity, or simply having a heartfelt conversation with someone who needs it. It’s important not only to ask for help for yourself but also to be ready to offer it yourself.
September 18 can also be devoted to peaceful family activities. It’s best to spend the day without unnecessary arguments or conflicts, striving to maintain a friendly tone in your interactions.
Folk Traditions for September 18
In the folk calendar, this day was associated with observing nature. By observing the weather and the behavior of plants, people tried to predict what the second half of fall and the coming winter would be like. If there were many yellow leaves on the trees but they lingered for a long time, it was believed that fall would be prolonged. Such observations were part of the traditional peasant calendar, when the weather directly affected the harvest and preparations for winter.
They paid special attention to fir trees. If the cones were low on the tree, this was seen as a sign of an early and snowy winter. In folk beliefs, morning fog could be a sign of a change in the weather and an upcoming warming trend. A clear sky without many clouds, on the other hand, was associated with the expectation of a cold winter.
Another well-known sign concerns the rowan tree. If it bore an especially large number of berries in the fall, people said that a cold winter might be ahead. At the same time, such signs should be viewed precisely as part of folk culture. They are not a scientific method of weather forecasting.
What Not to Do on September 18
In folk traditions, there were several taboos associated with September 18. First and foremost, people were advised not to argue, not to gossip about others behind their backs, and not to use foul language on this day. It was also considered unwise to lie or make promises that one had no intention of keeping. It was believed that it was best to spend the day honestly and peacefully.
Another piece of folk advice was not to start major or complex projects unless absolutely necessary. Instead, people were advised to devote their time to finishing what had already been started and putting things in order. In some traditions, it was advised not to cut one’s hair on September 18. This is specifically a folk belief, not a church prohibition. It was also considered wrong to refuse to help someone who asked for assistance. St. Eumenes’ Day was associated with charity, so good deeds were considered particularly appropriate.
What You Should Actually Observe
A church holiday should not be reduced to merely a list of prohibitions. The main focus of this day is on commemorating the saint, prayer, charity, and good deeds. The Church does not establish strict, universal rules regarding hairstyles, work, or daily chores. Therefore, folk superstitions and prohibitions should be distinguished from Church teachings themselves.
You can spend September 18 in peace, spend time with your family, help those in need, and reflect on the example of Saint Eumenes. It is precisely charity and care for others that are the central themes of his veneration in the Church.
