May 28: St. Nikita of Chalcedon Day: Traditions and Superstitions
On May 28, Orthodox Christians in Ukraine commemorate Saint Nikita, Bishop of Chalcedon. On this day, believers reflect on the saint’s life, offer prayers, and observe the folk traditions and customs associated with this church holiday.
Religious Holidays and Their History
The Feast of Saint Nikitas, Bishop of Chalcedon
May 28 in the church calendar marks the feast day of Saint Nikita the Confessor, Bishop of Chalcedon; and the holy martyr Eutychius, Bishop of Melitene.
Saint Nikitas the Confessor, Bishop of Chalcedon, lived in the second half of the 8th century. For his godly life, he was elevated to the rank of Bishop of Chalcedon. From 726 to 775, Saint Nikita served as Archbishop of Chalcedon and courageously condemned the iconoclastic heresy.
Saint Nikita was distinguished by his mercy; he always helped the poor, welcomed travelers into his home, cared for orphans and widows, and stood up for those who were wronged. Later, for defending the veneration of icons, he was removed from his see, defrocked, and sent into exile to one of the Palestinian monasteries, where he worked until the end of his days.
Prayer of the Day
O most wonderful and most holy intercessor of God, our holy father Nikita! You who courageously denounced heresies, defended the holy places, and stood for the truth of Christ, hear us, the sinful and unworthy (names), who pray before your holy image.
Come to our aid, our intercessor, and implore our Lord God for peace, harmony, and tranquility for our souls. Protect us from visible and invisible enemies, from misfortunes, illnesses, and all evil. Strengthen our faith and teach us to walk in the way of the Lord’s commandments, as you did in your life.
We beseech you, O holy miracle-worker, hear us and do not reject our prayers. Help us in our good endeavors, heal our spiritual and physical infirmities, and grant us the grace to complete our earthly life in peace and repentance. So that, having received the grace of your holy prayer and intercession, we may glorify the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Folk Beliefs and Omens
- A crimson sunrise—summer will be hot with many fires.
- Many spiderwebs floating in the air—expect a hot summer.
- Hearing a crow caw on this day is a good sign.
- If you hear a magpie’s cawing—it portends money, but you must recite a special incantation so that it brings good fortune to the home.
What not to do on this day
- You must not argue.
- You must not wish ill upon anyone.
- You must not think about bad things.
What holidays await Ukrainiansin May 2026.
Church holiday on May 26: traditions, prohibitions, and superstitions of Karp’s Day.
As a reminder, on May 25 according to the New Julian calendar, Orthodox believers commemorated John the Baptist, or John the Forerunner. On this day, the third discovery of his holy head is commemorated.
