Church holiday on August 3, 2026—believers honor Isaac, Dalmatus, and Faustus
On August 3, according to the new church calendar, Orthodox Christians in Ukraine commemorate the Venerable Isaakios the Confessor, Dalmatus, and Faustus. The saints lived in the 4th–5th centuries and are known for their ascetic lives and defense of the Orthodox faith.
According to church tradition, Saint Isaac opposed the persecution of Orthodox Christians during the reign of Emperor Valens, for which he was imprisoned. After a change in government, he was released, and the churches were returned to the Orthodox. Later, Dalmat became the abbot of the monastery founded by Isaac, which was named the Dalmat Monastery, and after his death, Faustus took over as its head.
Believers turn to the saints with prayers for God’s help, protection, strengthening of faith, and support in difficult life circumstances.
In popular tradition, August 3 is known as “Isaac the Raspberry,” since late varieties of raspberries ripen during this period. According to folk beliefs, the day is considered auspicious for new beginnings, travel, reunions with family, and working in the garden or vegetable patch.
The Church urges people on this day to avoid quarrels, envy, greed, gossip, and insults, and not to refuse help to those in need. Since the Dormition Fast is in effect, believers who observe it abstain from meat, dairy products, eggs, and fish.
At the same time, folk traditions advise against doing a thorough cleaning, sweeping the floor, or taking out the trash, as, according to belief, this could “sweep away” prosperity and well-being from the home. It is also believed that inactivity on this day can lead to financial difficulties.
According to folk omens, rain early in the morning portends prolonged bad weather; strong winds accompanied by rain—a cold and damp fall; a southerly wind—a snowy winter; and molting in poultry—the approach of frost.
According to the new church calendar, August 3 is the name day for Solomiya. According to the Julian (old) calendar, this day honors the Venerable Onuphrius and Onesimus of the Caves.
