Church Holidays on August 7: Traditions, Folk Beliefs, and a Prayer for Healing
On August 7 according to the New Julian calendar, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine celebrates the Afterfeast of the Transfiguration of the Lord and commemorates the Venerable Pimen the Long-Suffering and Pimen the Hymnographer, as well as the Venerable Martyr Dometius of Persia.
On this day, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord continues, during which believers commemorate the manifestation of the Savior’s divine glory to the apostles on Mount Tabor.
The Venerable Martyr Dometius of Persia lived in the 4th century. Having renounced paganism and his noble lineage, he became a hermit monk. For his devotion to the faith and his refusal to return to paganism under Emperor Julian the Apostate, the saint, along with his disciples, suffered a martyr’s death.
Pimen the Much-Afflicted holds a special place—an ascetic of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra in the 11th–12th centuries, who patiently endured a severe illness for 20 years and was miraculously healed three days before his death. Along with him, Pimen the Singer (13th–14th centuries) is commemorated; he became famous for his rigorous asceticism and fasting, eating only once a week.
According to folk beliefs, this day marks the transition from summer to fall; in particular, storks begin to gather in warmer regions. Housewives traditionally baked raspberry pies, which they shared with family, neighbors, and the needy as a symbol of family well-being. Folk observations suggest that an early departure of storks or rain portends an early, cool fall and a cold winter. At the same time, clear weather indicates a warm fall, and thick morning fog promises several warm days.
During the Dormition Fast, believers observe dietary restrictions, abstaining from meat, dairy products, and eggs. The Church and folk customs urge people to avoid quarrels, envy, refusing to help others, heavy physical labor for women, and cruelty to animals.
It is traditional to pray to the Venerable Pimen for healing from ailments and for strength:
“O Venerable Father Pimen, servant of God! Intercede with the Lord for us to grant us health of soul and body, patience in trials, strength in faith, and assistance in all good deeds. May the Lord, through your prayers, grant us peace, mercy, and salvation. Amen.”
Source: Glavkom.
On August 6 according to the New Julian calendar (or August 19 according to the Julian calendar), Christians celebrate the Transfiguration of the Lord. This is one of the twelve greatest church feasts, symbolizing the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ and giving thanks to God for the ripe fruits of the new harvest.
