On July 28, Orthodox Christians honor the apostles: what will bring happiness and what to avoid
On July 28, according to the new church calendar, Orthodox Christians commemorate the apostles from among Christ’s 70 disciples—Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and other followers of Jesus. This day is popularly known as Prokhor-Parmen.
The apostles were among the first ministers of the Christian church. They dedicated their lives to spreading the Christian faith and preaching the teachings of Christ.
Many folk traditions, superstitions, and beliefs are associated with this holiday. It was believed that eating a certain dish on this day could bring a person happiness and prosperity.
On July 28, according to the New Church Calendar, the Orthodox Church commemorates the 70 Apostles—Prochorus, Nicanor, Parmenas, Timon, and other followers of Christ. As stated in the Book of Acts, to assist the early Christian communities, the twelve apostles chose seven disciples and ordained them as deacons. They were Prochorus, Parmenas, Nicanor, Stephen, Philip, Timon, and Nicholas.
Saint Prochorus was a disciple and assistant to the Apostle Peter, who later ordained him as bishop of Nicomedia. He then accompanied the Apostle John the Theologian, was exiled with him to the island of Patmos, and upon his return preached Christianity in Antioch, where he was martyred.
Saint Nicanor was killed during the persecutions of the early Christians along with Archdeacon Stephen. Timon became a bishop in Arabia and was also executed for preaching the Gospel. Parmen preached in Macedonia and, according to various accounts, either died a natural death or also suffered a martyr’s death for his faith. Virtually all seven of the apostles among the Seventy suffered for Christ and became examples of steadfastness, courage, and faithfulness to God for believers.
On the day commemorating these saints, people pray for peace and harmony in the family, asking God for health, well-being, peace of mind, and help for their loved ones.
What is today’s church holiday according to the old calendar?
We’ve also previously discussed which church holiday is observed today according to the Old Style calendar—on this day, we honor the memory of Saint Vladimir the Great, Equal-to-the-Apostles, the baptizer of Kievan Rus’.
In the folk calendar, this holiday is called Prokhora-Parmena. This day is considered auspicious for working in the fields and gardens. At this time, people dig up early potatoes, harvest grains, cucumbers, the first tomatoes, and other vegetables from the new harvest. It is also customary to go to the forest to pick the last summer berries.
According to folk beliefs, eating a ripe pear today is said to bring good luck, and dreams experienced on the night of July 28 are considered particularly significant and are believed to be prophetic.
On this day, as always, the church calls on people to renounce malice, envy, greed, revenge, slander, gossip, and despair, and to live in peace with those around them.
On Prokhor-Parmen’s Day, one should not start a business, exchange goods, or make major purchases or sales—it is believed that such transactions may prove unsuccessful and result in losses.
Folk Signs About the Weather on July 28
Superstitions for July 28 help predict what the weather will be like in the coming days and what kind of winter is ahead:
if the stars shine brightly at night, there will be a thunderstorm during the day;
if clouds drift high in the sky, expect warm and dry weather;
if there is a lot of dew on the grass in the morning, the day will be sunny.
It’s also noted that if ants build tall anthills, winter will come early and be harsh.
Who Celebrates Their Name Day Today
Prokhor celebrates his name day today.
People born on this day are usually calm, level-headed, and reliable. They know how to take on responsibility, aren’t afraid of challenges, and strive to see things through to the end. Such people value honesty, keeping their word, and being loyal to their loved ones; and thanks to their patience and ability to get along with those around them, they often become good friends, wise advisors, and a reliable pillar of support for their families.
Orthodox Calendar for July 2026: Which Holidays to Observe and When to Attend Church.
Mushroom Hunter’s Lunar Calendar for July 2026
Monthly calendar for July 2026: when the favorable and unfavorable days will be
Lunar Planting Calendar for July 2026: Planning Work on the Plot
Secrets of Perfect Fermentation: The Lunar Calendar for Distillers and Winemakers for July 2026
