On August 21, Ukraine honors the Apostle Thaddeus and Saint Vassa
On Friday, August 21, 2026, according to the New Julian calendar, Orthodox Christians commemorate Saint Thaddeus, one of the Seventy Apostles, and the martyr Vassa. This day combines church commemoration with folk traditions: in the past, August 21 marked the beginning of the flax harvest, and people would already be looking for the first signs of the coming fall and winter.
Saint Thaddeus, also known as Phaddeus, was one of the Seventy Apostles. According to Christian tradition, after the Ascension of Jesus Christ, he set out to preach the Gospel. Thaddeus preached in Syria and Mesopotamia. According to legend, he converted local residents to the Christian faith, established Christian communities, and helped build the first churches.
His preaching met with resistance. The apostle did not renounce his faith and died a martyr’s death. In church tradition, Thaddeus is considered an example of a person who did not waver from his convictions even in the face of death.
Saint Vassa the Martyr
Also on August 21, the Church commemorates the Holy Martyr Vassa. She lived in the 4th century and raised three sons—Theognis, Agapius, and Pista. According to tradition, her husband was a pagan and informed the authorities of his wife’s Christian faith. Vassa’s sons were executed before her eyes in an attempt to force her to renounce Christianity.
However, she remained steadfast. After being tortured, Vassa also suffered a martyr’s death. In church tradition, her story has become an example of resilience and the strength of faith in the face of severe trials.
What traditions are associated with August 21?
In the folk calendar, this day was known as Tadeyev Day. This time of year was already felt as a transition from summer to fall. Our ancestors were finishing their seasonal work in the fields, harvesting barley, and beginning to work more actively with flax. Therefore, the day was associated with labor, the harvest, and preparations for the autumn cold.
On August 21, people also paid close attention to the weather. They used it to try to predict what the fall and winter would be like. Among the folk signs were the following:
- if the weather is clear and warm on Thaddeus Day, autumn will remain warm for a long time;
- whatever the weather is like on this day, so it is believed, the weather in January may be the same;
- plenty of berries on the rowan tree portend a cold and damp winter;
- if birch leaves begin to turn yellow at the tips, fall may come early;
- plenty of spiderwebs in the air was considered a sign of a warm fall.
At the same time, it’s important to remember that these are just folk signs and beliefs, not scientific methods of weather forecasting.
What People Were Advised Not to Do on This Day
According to folk traditions, August 21 was not considered the best day to begin major or important undertakings. People also tried not to make promises they couldn’t keep. It was advised not to quarrel with family members, use foul language, or provoke conflicts. It was believed that a quarrel on this day could ruin relationships for a long time.
There was also a belief that one should not set out on a long journey unless absolutely necessary. However, there are no church prohibitions against regular work or daily chores on this day. Believers can spend the day in prayer, visit a church, commemorate the saints, and spend time with loved ones.
What Prayers Can Be Recited on August 21
On the day commemorating the Apostle Thaddeus and the Martyr Vassa, you can pray in your own words. The main thing is to do so sincerely, asking for help, health, peace, and strength for yourself and your loved ones. You can also recite general Christian prayers, such as the “Our Father,” or turn to the saints with a request for intercession.
For example, a prayer to the Apostle Thaddeus might be worded as follows: “Holy Apostle Thaddeus, pray to God for us. Help us to keep the faith, not to lose hope in difficult times, and to find the strength to overcome life’s trials. Intercede for our family and loved ones; grant them health, peace, and God’s help. Amen.”
You can turn to Saint Vassa with a request for strength and endurance: “Holy Martyr Vassa, pray to God for us. Help us to remain strong in difficult moments, to support our loved ones, and not to lose hope. May there be peace, love, and mutual understanding in our families. Amen.”
Name Day on August 21
According to church tradition, people named Thaddeus, Phaddeus, and Vassa may celebrate their name day on this date. Name days may also be determined by an individual’s personal church calendar and the date of their baptism.
